2009 Spring - To Dragma

I /l of Alpha Omicron Pi

V O L . 73 No.2 •Sl'RiNG 200C)

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Contents

• Features

• 10 A Woman's Place i n History

Departments A brief history of the women s suffrage movement.

7 Viewpoint 16 A O I I O n the Move
8 Fraternity News
20 Member Profile A history of the places AOII has called home.

Margaret Bourke-White 26 A N e w Chapter in A O I I History
Omicron Pi (U of Michigan)
A look at how a new chapter begins at Washington U.
30 Life Loyal A O I I
32 Collegiate Chapter Profile 34 Sharing the Legacy of A O I I

Beta Tau (U ofToronto) AOII sisterhood is woven through this family's history.

46 From the A O I I Archives 36 History i n the Making
52 Foundation Focus
Highlighting a few ways to preserve your own history.
What Can the Foundation Do For You?
Strike Out Arthritis with Love and Laughter 42 Saluting Epsilon's Centennial
Scholarship Fund Raiser Honors Sister
A historic century of sisterhood celebrated at Cornell.
56 Alumnae Chapter News
66 Alumnae Chapter Profile 45 Style Setting C h i Psi Sisters

Southern Orange County Chapter named best dressed by Seventeen Magazine.

68 Things We Love 48 Finding Your Way to Financial Freedom

Spend. Share and Save your way to freedom.

70 N P C Report

A recap of the work of the 2008 NPC Interim Session.

On the Cover:
Photographer Margaret Bourke-White, Omicron Pi (U of Michigan)
perches on an eagle head gargoyle at the top of the Chrysler
Building, New York, New York, 1935. (Photo by Oscar Graubner/
Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)

ISSUE N O . 2 • SPRINC 2009 To D M G M A • 3

\I \ f A\ O F A L P H A O M I C R O N Pi

To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron Pi f r o m t h e Qd
Fraternity, and has been published since 1905. The mission
of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to inform, educate and You w i l l notice as you read through these pages the reoccurring
inspire our readers on subjects relevant to our Fraternity, our theme of history. In some issues o f To Dragma we are more
chapters, our members, or Greek life; to encourage lifetime intentional with a theme than in others. To Dragma has a lot o f
AOII involvement; to salute excellence; and to serve as a stores to tell and a theme sometimes hinders our options. However,
permanent record of our Fraternity's history. in this issue, it is fair to say that our theme was intentional and has
been quite inspirational.
How to Contact To Dragma:
To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027 March is Women's History Month and the feature article reflects
(615) 370-0920, fax: (615) 371-9736, www.alphaomicronpi.org, the history of women's suffrage. It's a humbling thought to realize
[email protected] that for the first 20 years of AOII's existence, our members did not
have the right to vote. O u r political spark plug of a Founder, Jessie
How to Update Your Name or Address: Wallace Hughan, was nearly 40-years-old before she was given the
Go to Update Profile on the private side of the AOII website right to vote in national elections. I imagine she fought for that
(www.alphaomicronpi.org), email your new address to privilege then took her new right very seriously. While writing
[email protected], or call (615) 370-0920. the article, I remembered the story of an A O I I member who was
actually present for the historical vote to ratify the 19th Amendment.
How to Subscribe to To Dragma: Lucy Howorth was quite a history maker herself, so it was fitting to
Beginning June 1, 2008, subscriptions are $25.00 annually. weave our A O I I connection into "A Woman's Place i n History."
Subscriptions are by check or credit card. Checks, made
payable to AOII, should be mailed to 5390 Virginia Way, No A O I I historical perspective would be complete without a
Brentwood, TN 37027, Attn: Accounting. Credit card salute to one of our most famous members - Margaret Bourke-
subscribers (Visa, Master Card or Discover only) should email White. Many AOIIs today might not recognize her name or her
[email protected]. accomplishments, so we hope this story enlightens many. Margaret
captured history i n her o w n unique way and is certainly an A O I I
A Note to Parents of Collegians: to be proud of. We also thought you would find it interesting to
Your daughter's magazine is being mailed t o her home read the history of where A O I I has put down roots for headquarters
address while she is in college. If your daughter is no longer through the years. You might be surprised, as I originally was, to
in college or living at home, please send us her updated learn that we were quite nomadic in the early years.
address, as indicated above.
In the article "History i n the Making," we share ideas on different
Managing Editor ways you can make history. Get a little crafty or creative and
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) preserve part of your family's history for yourself and future
generations. Even taking one baby step w i l l leave your mark.
Assistant Editor There are other historical minded stories, too, like a profile o f our
Erin Burcham, Zeta (U of Nebraska - Lincoln) first Canadian collegiate chapter. Beta Tau (U of Toronto) and a
look at how a new chapter history begins w i t h an explanation o f
Creative Director our current extension process.
Rebecca Brown Davis, Delta Delta (Auburn U)
To Dragma makes a little history w i t h this issue, too. This is the
Graphic Designer first issue which is not being mailed to all initiated members. I f
Whitney Frazier, Rho Omicron (Middle TN State U) you are a Life Loyal A O I I member, a dues paying alumnae chapter
member, an annual subscriber or a current collegian, you w i l l
W o m e n Enriched through Lifelong Friendship. continue to receive all issues. I f you are not in one o f those groups
and you received this issue, you w i l l not receive the Summer 2009
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College in New issue. Your next issue w i l l be Fall 2009. Those who did not receive
York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen this issue w i l l receive both the summer and fall issues this year. I f
St. Clair Mullan, Stella George Stern Perry & Elizabeth you wish for your magazine to continue uninterrupted, then you
Heywood Wyman.
I S S U E N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2009
International President
Susan Danko, Phi Upsilon (Purdue U)

Executive Director
Melanie Nixon Lampertz, Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)

Alpha Omicron Pi is a member of the National Panhellenic
Conference and the Fraternity Communications Association.

FRATERNITY
COMMUNICATIONS
ASSOCIATION

4 • To D R A G M A

may j o i n Life Loyal A O I I ($299 one time membership fee), j o i n
your local alumnae chapter (dues vary by chapter) or purchase an
annual subscription ($25 per year). We hope you w i l l want to be
a permanent part o f our future. Visit the A O I I web siteformore
detailed information.

So, w i t h i n these pages we hope you learn something new about the
A O I I of yesterday, today and tomorrow, and about the history we all
share as women.

Regards,
Marieilen Perkinson Sasscen
Manning Editor
Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)

Online Extras
How do you join an alumnae chapter? How do you join Life Loyal AOII?
How do you become a To Dragma Annual Subscriber?
G o t o "To Dragma" atwww.alphaomicronpi.org.

To D r a g m a D i s t r i b u t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n

If y o u are: 1) an AO I I collegian, 2) a Life Loyal AOII member, 3) an alumnae chapter dues paying member,
or 4) an annual To Dragma subscriber, you will continue t o receive all three issues of To Dragma. If you are
not a member of one of those four groups, you will begin noticing a reduction in the number of magazine
issues you receive each year based on the following schedule:

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• All members will receive 2 issues. • All members will receive 1 issue. • Only Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs,
• Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs, • Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs, Alumnae Chapter dues paying
members and annual subscribers
Alumnae Chapter dues paying Alumnae Chapter dues paying will receive the magazine.
members and annual subscribers members and annual subscribers
will receive all 3 issues. will receive all 3 issues.

1916: Vira Georgeson, Sigma (U of California - Berkeley)
captures the attention of the senior class on the steps
of the campus library.

IEWPOIKT

When I think of Women's History Month, I am reminded of generations of women
throughout time, whose leadership helped to give women a purpose and a place in society.
The phrase "women's history" is a broad term that encompasses much more than the
milestones generally highlighted in textbooks. As I think about Alpha Omicron Pi, I think of
the impact that the Fraternity's story, our story, has had on history.

From the very beginning, Alpha Omicron Pi has been composed of exceptional women.
Founded in 1897, our fraternity was established by women who whether they intended it
or not, were a large part of history. During the decade when our first four, Helen, Stella,
Jesse, and Bess attended Barnard, very few students enrolled in college were women. Would
our founders be surprised to learn that today, women are more likely than men to attend
college, receive honors, and to graduate? I not only credit our founders for giving me the
experience of AOII, but for giving me the opportunity to receive my college education, and
for making it possible for women everywhere to become whomever and whatever it is they
choose. Would ourfoundersbe surprised to learn our members have found success as the
ambassadors of foreign countries and television stars, work as world famous photographers and
are accomplished marathon runners? No, I believe that's what our founders would expect,
that AOII women today are still making history. The positive influence AOII
has on each member gives her the confidence and support to be the best that she
can be in all aspects of her life. We are better friends, sisters, daughters, mothers,
grandmothers and wives because of our involvement in Alpha Omicron Pi.

To Dragma is one of the best ways our fraternity keeps record of our history.
Every Convention, each chapter installation, and every achievement can be found
throughout the many volumes of the magazine. As you read this issue, Volume
73, No. 2, know that you hold a part of AOII's history. I encourage you to look
to those sisters and friends who have made a difference in your life. How has
she helped to write your story? Each of you, are to be credited as the authors of
AOII's story, and it's only just begun.

fk i 7-: :

ith Fraternal Love.

Susan Danko, International President

I S S U E N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2009 To D R A G M A • 7

RATERNITY A/EWS

CFEA becomes FCA

FRATERNITY
COMMUNICATIONS
ASSOCIATION

Alumnae Chapter Installation Alpha Omicron Pi has been a proud member
of the College Fraternity Editors Association,
Alpha Omicron Pi is excited to announce the commonly known throughout the intertraternal
installation of the Central Iowa Alumnae Chapter. world as CFEA. At its 2008 annual conference,
Installed by AOII Vice President of Collegiate the Association's members unanimously voted to
Chapters, Linda Grandolfo, on January 31, 2009, change its name to the Fraternity Communications
Central Iowa becomes AOII's first alumnae chapter Association (FCA), and a new brand identify has
in the state. Kris Peters was elected the Alumnae recently been unveiled. In the beginning, the
Chapter President. Association was comprised primarily of editors;
however, as the communications industry has
evolved, so has the membership of the association,
which now includes directors of communication,
executive directors, graphic designers,
photographers and writers. The change more
accurately reflects the makeup of the Association's
membership and promotes interfraternalism. The
revised logo pays homage to the organization's
history through the continued use of a quill, the
historic symbol ot an editor.

Scholarship Application Deadline FCA Scholarships Available to

Scholarship applications are now available for the Communications Majors
2009-2010 academic year. Deadline for receipt of
the completed application is March 1, 2009. An FCA Scholarship Program is available to
For information, contact Sharon Blaze at undergraduate members of Greek organizations
[email protected]. who are pursuing degrees in communications-
related fields (journalism, graphic design, public
Jenkins to Speak at Convention relations, broadcasting, etc.) Juniors beginning their
senior year in the fall of 2009 or seniors who will
After all of the positive feedback from the profile complete their senior year in the fall of2009 are
article on Missy Jenkins, To Dragma. Fall 2008, eligible to apply. Applications must be received by
we have invited Missy to speak at AOII's 2009 April I , 2009. Late or incomplete applications will
International Convention in Tampa, Florida. not be considered. The number of recipients will
Missy, who was one of the students injured in the vary based on qualification and available resources.
1997 Paducah, Kentucky high school shooting, Successful applicants will be notified by the
will be sharing more of her message of hope and Scholarship Committee by June 15, 2009 and will
forgiveness with the Convention attendees. be awarded a minimum amount of $500. Funds
will be distributed directly to scholarship recipients
prior to the start ot the fall 2009 quarter/semester,
based on validation of enrollment. Questions
should be directed to FCA Scholarship Committee
Chairman Ruth Goodman at rsoodmanfectu.net.

8 • To D R A G M A I S S U E N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2009

AOII Properties AOII Foundation Launches
New Website
Launches
The AOII Foundation has also launched an exciting
New Website new website at www.aoiifoundation.org. Informative
and eye-catching, you can learn more about what
AOII Properties is pleased to the site and the AOII Foundation can do for you
announce the development beginning on page 52 of this issue.
of its first website at www.aoiiproperties.org.
AOII Properties was established in 1997 in order
to provide quality housing facilities for all owned
properties and to continually establish safe and
competitive chapter housing. The organization
was incorporated in 2001 and was established as
a separate entity in July 2005 in order to provide
more effective property management. The newly-
created site features a list of properties owned
by AOII Properties, links for outside resources,
a directory of staff and volunteer support and a
special section for parents.

Important Issues for AOII Council members to understand:

Proposed XB Role Changes Continued Beta Testing

During the 2009 Convention, members of AOII of District Structure
Council will consider bylaws changes that would
shift the focus of the X B and the role of each board For quite a while, AOII has been positioning
member. Currently the executive board positions itself to embark on a journey of organizational
are pre-defined by position in an operational change. Initial exploration and beta testing of a
style board. While all board members participate district style fraternity structure is underway. In
in long-term planning and goal setting for the a separate vote from that of the Executive Board
entire organization, each board member also has responsibilities and governance design, AOII
additional responsibilities in the specific operational Council will be asked to consider amendments
areas of operations, development, finance, alumnae, relating to those persons who work with the beta
education, and collegians. This summer, Council test chapters. These two bylaws amendments,
will be asked to consider changing the bylaws to one for the collegiate network and one for the
a governance style board. The make-up of this alumnae network, will basically give the criteria
board would include an International President, and duties of the Alumnae Network Specialists/
Vice President of Finance, and six additional Collegiate Network Specialists and Alumnae
Vice Presidents. Specific operations of each Network Directors/Collegiate Network Directors
board member would be eliminated, ultimately to the Alumnae District Administrator/Collegiate
allowing all board members to participate in District Administrator for these chapters. The
long-term planning and goal setting for the entire proposed district structure will continue to be
organization. The Executive Board will define evaluated throughout the 2009-2011 biennium.
"what" the organizational goals and outcomes and a potential vote on overall fraternity structure
should be, but delegate to professional staff, who would not occur until later. More information
work with trained volunteers, to implement "how" on the proposed changes can be found on the My
these goals should be accomplished. AOII side of the AOII website under AOII Today,
then organizational restructuring.

I S S U E N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2009 To D R A G M A

PLACE

Since the century in which AOII was founded, the world has
changed and a woman's place in that world is drastically different.
Thousands of women have dreamed and worked for the freedoms
we know today - many freedoms we often take for granted. The
roads they travelled were rocky and long, but our treasured AOII
sisterhood is one of the many fruits of their labors. This month,
Women's History Month, it is fitting to look back at the journey.

BY M A R I E L L E N I ' E R K I N S O N S A S S E E N , A L P H A D E L T A (U O F A L A B A M A )

10 • To D R A G M A 2 • 2009I S S U E N O .
SPRING

•{WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH}*

In the early nineteenth century, women were considered second-class citizens.
Women were defined by a different set of standards that were mostly limited to the
daily life inside the home and raising children. Husbands were undeniably the head
of the households and a woman's place was in the home. After marriage, women did
not have the right to own property, maintain their wages, sign a contract, or vote.
Women were expected to be obedient wives and to claim the same thoughts and
opinions of their husbands. Men believed that intense physical activity would put
strain on the inferior and delicate female body, most importantly the reproductive
system, so women were expected to be statuesque objects of beauty. Likewise, they
were deemed intellectually inferior and they were encouraged from pursuing any
serious education.

In 1840, a World Anti-Slavery Convention was held in London and was attended
by an American delegation comprised of a number of women. Two women with
progressive minds, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, were outraged

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FEMINIST SUFFRAGE PARADE IN NEW YORK CITY, 1912.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 T o DRAGMA • 11

Dates Women Were Granted when they were forced to sit in galleries just because they were women.
THE RIGHT TO VOTE On their return to the US, they organized their own convention to
discuss the social, civil and religious rights of women. Soon afterward,
Pitcairn Islands 1838 Stanton stood in her hometown church and presented her Declaration of
Principles, modeled after the Declaration of Independence, which outlined
Isle of Man 1881 the inequalities for women. Her Resolution 9 boldly requested the right
to vote for women and this topic would become the centerpiece of the
Cook Islands 1893 women's rights movement in the United States. Officially, the women's
suffrage movement was set into motion a short time later in 1848 with the
New Zealand 1893 first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York.

Australia 1902 The process had begun but it would soon be eclipsed by the Civil War and
another important movement - the abolition of slavery. Annual women's
Finland 1906 suffrage conventions continued, but little progress was made. Women such
as slave-born Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony
Norway 1913 worked tirelessly for the emancipation of slaves with the belief that both
women and slaves would be granted the same rights as white males once the
Denmark 1915 war ended. The government saw it differently. President Lincoln declared,
"One war at a time, so I say, one question at a time. This hour belongs to the
Iceland 1915 Negro." Upon learning Lincoln's stance, Susan B. Anthony questioned "May
I ask just one question based on the apparent opposition in which you place
Canada 1918 the Negro and the woman? Do you believe the African race is composed
entirely of males?" In the end, the government did evaluate the suffrage of
Estonia 1918 women and that of the African American male as two separate issues and
decided that the African American vote could produce a more important
Georgia 1918 immediate political gain, particularly in the South, that the women's vote
could not.
Germany 1918
JLii- • ;
Ireland 1918
SUFFRAGISTS PARADE DOWN FIFTH AVENUE IN NEW YORK CITY, 1917.
Austria 1918
ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2009
Hungary 1918

Kyrgyzstan 1918

Latvia 1918

Lithuania 1918

Poland 1918

Russia 1918

United Kingdom 1918

Belarus 1919

Belgium 1919

Luxembourg 1919

Sweden 1919

Ukraine 1919

Albania 1920

Czech Republic 1920

Slovakia 1920

United States 1920

To DRAGMA • 1 2

SUFFRAGETTES R E P R E S E N T I N G N E A R L Y EVERY STATE I N T H E U N I T E D STATES OF A M E R I C A A S C E N D I N G T H E STEPS O F T H E SENATE
IN WASHINGTON, T O PRESENT PETITIONS D E M A N D I N G EQUAL RIGHTS FOR W O M E N . (PHOTO BY H U L T O N ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES)

Women activists became enraged and the American Equal Rights Association was established in 1866 by Stanton and
her colleagues to better organize in the fight for women's rights. In 1868, the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment
fueled the fire, as it defined "citizenship" and "voters" as "male," and raised the question as to whether women were
considered citizens of the United States at all. Further exclusion came in 1870 when the Fifteenth Amendment, granting
the right to vote to African American men, was ratified. Susan B. Anthony was famously arrested for attempting to
vote for Ulysses S. Grant in the 1872 presidential election. For the next two decades, disagreement over these two
Amendments split the women's movement into two factions. Stanton and Anthony established the radical National
Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) in New York. Lucy Stone, Julia Ward Howe, and Henry Blackwell organized
the more conservative American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA) in Boston. In 1890, these two groups merged
to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) under the leadership of Elizabeth Stanton.

Joining the NAWSA in the fight were several newly formed groups such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union
(WCTU), the National Council ofjewish Women (NCJW), the National Association of Colored Women (NACW),
and the Women's Trade Union League (WTUL). The women's movement was beginning to progress dramatically
during the 1890s and early 1900s until once again, a war slowed the progress. When the U.S. entered World War I in
1918, women's efforts turned to support the cause.

In May, 1919, the necessary two-thirds vote in favor of the women suffrage amendment was finally passed in Congress,
and the proposed amendment was sent to the states for ratification. By August, 35 states had passed it of the thirty-six

2 • 2009I S S U E N O .
SPRING To D R A G M A • 13

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AS W O M E N S T A N D A N D C H E E R , A M E R I C A N S U F F R A G I S T A L I C E P A U L (I885 - I<»77) S T A N D S O N A B A L C O N Y A T T H E N A T I O N A L W O M E N S

P A R T Y H E A D Q U A R T E R S A N D U N F U R L S A B A N N E R I N C E L E B R A T I O N O F T H E S T A T E O F T E N N E S S E E ' S R A T I F I C A T I O N O F T H E 191 H A M E N D M E N T ,
W H I C H G U A R A N T E E D W O M E N T H E R I G H T T O V O T E , W A S H I N G T O N D C , A U G U S T 13, UJ20. ( P l l O T O B Y S T O C K M O N T A G E / C I E T T Y I M A G I . S )

that were needed to ratify. Almost all of the remaining states, primarily southern, remained adamantly opposed to the
amendment. All hope rested on Tennessee. After three hotly debated weeks, it appeared that the amendment might
fail by one vote in the Tennessee house, but the youngest member of the legislature, Harry Burn, surprised observers
by casting the deciding vote for ratification to break a tie on the third roll call. Exiting through a third story Capitol
building window to escape the bedlam, and hiding in the Capitol attic until tempers cooled, he later explained his last
minute change of heart. Tucked inside his breast pocket was a telegram he had received from his mother urging him
to "be a good boy and do the right thing - vote for suffrage."

Women had finally won the vote. Ratified nationally by Woodrow Wilson on August 26, 1920 the 19th Amendment
guarantees "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by
any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

Across the border in Canada, women such as Dr. Emily Stowe led a similar campaign of petitions, lectures and
demonstrations that spanned over four decades. Undeterred by public opinion and hostile politicians these women
overcame enormous obstacles. Manitoba was the first province to allow women to vote. While it took several more
decades before all provinces joined Manitoba, the Canada Elections Act enfranchised all Canadian women 21 years of
age and over for federal elections on May 24, 1918.

To D R A G M A • 14 2 • 2009I S S U E N O .
SPRING

A O I I MEMBER. JUDGE LUCY SOMERVILLE A W O R D O N SUFFRAGE
HOWORTH, KAPPA (RANDOLPH-MACON WOMEN'S By Jessie Wallace Hughan, Alpha (Barnard College)
COLLEGE) TOOK GREAT INSPIRATION FROM THIS
MOMENT I N HISTORY. BEFORE HER DEATH I N 1997, [Excerpt from To Dragma, November 1919, and written during the summer
LUCY REMINISCED ABOUT DRIVING WITH HER MOM months as the US state ratification process was playing out on the American stage.]
FROM MISSISSIPPI TO TENNESSEE ON AUGUST 26,
1920 TO PERSONALLY WITNESS THE MONUMENTAL Woman Suffrage is such a foregone conclusion in this year 1919 that it is
VOTE WHEN TENNESSEE BECOME THE FINAL not worth while for us to urge upon our sisters its advantages to the world.
STATE NEEDED TO RATIFY THE NINETEENTH What we may remind ourselves, however, is that the battle is not yet won,
AMENDMENT GRANTING WOMEN THE RIGHT TO that in the very states where the discriminations against women are the
VOTE. A PASSIONATE A O I I , LUCY WAS SERVING ON most serious, where the dangers to little children are the greatest, and
A O I I ' s EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NOW EXECUTIVE where the influence of the mothers of men is most needed for humanity
BOARD) I N THE 1920s AND WOULD GO ON TO LEAVE and purity, there the ballot will probably be withheld from us until a
HER OWN MARK ON THE WORLD. SHE WAS KNOWN federal amendment is put through.
AS THE FIRST WOMAN TO SERVE AS TOP LEGAL
COUNSEL TO ANY EXECUTIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE We who have been given the right to vote, who are reaping the harvest
AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE sown by the pioneers of our mothers' time, must work both to extend the
FIRST WOMAN TO CHAIR THE MISSISSIPPI STATE right to the women of other states, and to learn how to use the ballot wisely
BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS. SHE ALSO SERVED AS for ourselves. A danger we are likely to fall into is that of supporting good
A MEMBER OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE LEGISLATURE, men rather than good platforms, for women are brought up to judge things
FOLLOWING I N THE NOTABLE FOOTSTEPS OF HER personally, and many of us are tempted to vote for a respectable gentleman
MOTHER WHO WAS THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO without first asking his attitude upon the big problems before us. We must
THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FOR remember, however, that Charles the First was a good man but a bad king...
THESE AND MANY OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS, A O I I What we women can bring to the service of our country is not a higher
HONORED LUCY SOMERVILLE HOWORTH WITH THE wisdom or a higher morality than our brothers, but a deeper conception of
1985 W Y M A N AWARD FOR A LIFE THAT LEFT A MARK the importance of human personality in men, women and children.
ON THE WORLD AROUND HER.
To DRAGMA • 15
ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

AOII On The Move

Until 1925, Founder Stella George Stern Perry stored AOII's most treasured possessions in
a black t i n box with A O I I lettering. The growing collection included such items as AOII's
original book of Bylaws, Council Minutes, Roll Book and Alpha Chapter's gavel. Those early
years were a time of rapid growth, and it eventually became obvious that A O I I needed to
establish a place to call home and tap a person to supervise it. Founder Elizabeth Heywood
Wyman accepted AOII's first salaried position in 1925, as Registrar, and officially set up the
first Central Office, as it was then called. AOII's first home was exactly that - a home, as Bess
operated out of her bedroom in her family's home at 456 Broad Street i n Bloomfield, NJ,
before moving the "office" into the family parlor. Sara Alice Cullnane was hired as Assistant
Registrar. When the Wyman house was sold some time later, Central Office was moved to a
more spacious setting i n an office building at 50 Broad Street in Bloomfield.

Grand Secretary Edith Huntington Anderson moved Central
Office to State College, Pennsylvania, on September 1, 1930.
Sara Alice Cullnane replaced Bess as Registrar and Jamie
Nichols became Assistant Registrar. These two, along with
Edith, operated out of an office in the Masonic Building, Box
262, for more than 10 years.

On August 1, 1940 Central Office was on the move once
again, this time to a larger and more accessible location at 6 8
Washington Square South, New York, NY. Relocating to a
third state, Sara Alice Cullnane became AOII's first
Executive Secretary.

When World War II broke out, many of
the men's groups downsized due to the
decrease in men's collegiate enrollment.
From 1943 to 1946, AOII shared Central
Office space at Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity
Headquarters, at 15 North Campus
Avenue in Oxford, Ohio, near Miami
University. In that facility, AOII used
two offices and shared the boardroom
with the fraternity. When the Phi Kappa
Taus returned from war, AOII moved to
an apartment uptown in Oxford, Ohio.
The new office, located at 1 0 1/2 East
High Street, had two large rooms and a
small three room apartment in the back
that was often rented to AOIIs.

1930- 1940

16 • To DRAGMA I S S U E NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Phi Kappa T a u Central Office <m%JBt
Oxford, Ohio

In 1948 Central Office moved to a I
third Oxford location, the historic
home of David Swing, on 112 South 1943 - 1946
Campus Avenue. Swing was an orator,
preacher, and leader in the anti-slavery 1946-1948
movement. Built in 1857, the house
provided larger space for the 1976-1981
growing fraternity. To DRAGMA • 17

Central Office moved to the first of two Cincinnati
locations at 1 1 0 9 - 1 1 1 8 East Fourth Street in 1953.
The move to a larger city gave the Central O f f i c e
better mail and parcel post service, better office
facilities, and more accessibility. A few years later,
in 1 9 5 6 , space was leased in Suite 6 0 1 - 4 , Six East
Fourth Street in Cincinnati. At that time, the
fraternity had a staff of four.

Central Office moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to
Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1 9 6 7 because A O I I was
preparing for its January 1968 incorporation and had
elected to do so in the state o f Indiana. At that time,
Indianapolis was home to central offices o f 1 0 men's
and women's fraternities. A O I I set up operations
at 3 0 0 0 Meadows Parkway, Suite 1 0 9 and called
Indianapolis home until 1976.

One o f the first decisions the new Executive Board
made in 1975 was to expand the role o f Central
Office. Prior to then, the small staff had
maintained membership, financial, and other
fraternity records, handled printing and distribution
o f materials, and compiled and sent mailings to
council. The new responsibilities placed on stall
would relieve volunteers o f routine functions. In an
effort to emphasize the new role, Central Office was
renamed Headquarters and the chief staff member's
title was changed f r o m Executive Secretary to
Administrative Director. In 1976, the Executive
Board member, Adele K u f i e w s k i H i n t o n , was asked
to become Administrative Director and agreed to
do so i f Headquarters moved to her hometown
in Nashville, Tennessee. Adele resigned f r o m the
Executive Board and A O I I moved from Indianapolis
to rented office space at 2 4 0 1 Hillsboro Road in
Nashville. N e w operating methods were established
and more training for volunteers was developed.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

1981 -1989 A major step for the fraternity was the
purchase of the first Headquarters building.
1989-2001 Back i n 1969 C o u n c i l had passed a resolution
18 • To DRAGMA to establish the Central O f f i c e Acquisition
Fund, which was designed to help that dream
become a reality. This fund grew through the
years until six f u l l - t i m e and three part-time
members moved into a home of our own in
November 1981. This renovated building,
located at 3821 Cleghorn Avenue, allowed for
more adequate storage and a display area for the
fraternity archives.

Equity earned on this building over the next
8 years enabled the fraternity to build our first
International Headquarters and Conference
Center, located at 9025 Overlook Boulevard,
just south o f Nashville in Brentwood,
Tennessee. Dedicated on October 7, 1989, the
first floor housed the administrative offices and
archives and the second floor housed the Conference Training
Center and nine bedrooms for overnight training of volunteers.
The facility was r u n by 14 f u l l time and t w o part time
staff members.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

nI l l

Over the next ten years, the fraternity membership grew by 2001 - present
25,000 members, the archives multiplied as the fraternity made Foyer
concerted efforts to collect and preserve our past, and the A O I I
Emporium grew in volume by over 600%. By 2001 the A O l l Archives Museum
Fraternity and Foundation staffs numbered 25 combined.
Having vastly outgrown our Overlook Boulevard location, a l o DRAGMA • 1 9
feasibility study was conduced which determined that moving
to a new location w o u l d be more cost effective than adding on
or renovating the current building.

A O I I made its last move on January 30, 2001 to 5390 Virginia
Way i n Brentwood's scenic Maryland Farms Office Park. The
magnificent facility features an archival library and museum, a
conference r o o m that can accommodate trainings for up to 120
members, expanded space for the Emporium, the Foundation,
collegiate and alumnae services, computer services, and
publications. The exterior combines elements o f classic Greek
architecture w i t h the appeal o f a colonial home. Flexibility has
been built into the overall design to assure that the building
w i l l adapt to the changing needs o f our organization long into
the future.

For more than 8 decades, A O I I has been on the move
keeping pace w i t h the fraternity's g r o w t h and the changing
world. Today, a little black tin box with AOII lettering
is predominately displayed in the archival museum at
International Headquarter's. T i m e has added a few dents and
scratches for character, but the small box that once held our
fraternity' treasures has now become one o f our most
priceless possessions.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

a woman who
captured history

By Erin Burcham, Zeta (U of Nebraska-Lincoln), Assistant Editor

3 111

American photographer 7:9
Margaret Bourke-White (1904 -
1971) stands on the scaffolding ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

enclosing the then-under-
construction Chrysler Building

and looks out across New
York, New York, 1931. She
wears a leather jacket and
holds a Graflex 3-1/4 x 4-1/4
RB Auto camera. The building
visible at the lower left is the
Helmsley Building (also known

as the New York Central
Building and the New York
General Building). (Photo by
Time Inc./Time & Life Pictures/

Getty Images)

20 • To DRAG MA

Margaret Bourke-White, Omicron Pi (U of Michigan), is
considered by many to be one of the most influential women
of the twentieth century. She is most famous for telling the
world's stories by capturing the hollow expressions of the poor
and working class, opening our eyes to concentration camps
and Soviet Russia, and giving us a visual picture book when
words were not enough.

Pursuing a degree in herpetology, or the study of reptiles, Margaret's educational career
took her to many different undergraduate institutions before entering Cornell University
in 1926. W h e n she arrived i n Ithaca for her senior year, she was coming out o f a failed
marriage and looking to finish her degree and start a new life. After Margaret searched
in vain for a waitress j o b to earn extra income, she turned to her old camera to revisit
a hobby, and spent the fall snapping shots of the city's famous waterfalls and gorges.
By Christmas, she had put together a small portfolio and set up a stand outside o f her
dorm and sold a small collection o f her prints to students looking for quick holiday gifts.
Margaret was surprised to find her pictures sold very quickly. She sold many ot her
remaining prints for five dollars a piece to Cornell, who featured them i n the school's
alumni news publication. When Margaret's prints no longer cluttered her dorm room,
she felt accomplished. Her hobby had paid off.

It wasn't until Margaret began to receive inquiries from alumni about her future
photography plans that she thought to turn her hobby into a career. She had all but accepted
a position as a curator at the Museum o f Natural History in N e w York, when her heart
turned to photography. "To be a professional photographer-what a tantalizing possibility!"
she would later recall. Wondering i f she could really have a future in photography, Margaret
paid a cold visit to an architectural firm in New York City to get an "unbiased opinion"
on her portfolio. After all, the "Cornellians,"or the university alumni, may not be the most
objective critics, she thought. Apparently they had known what they were talking about,
because Margaret left N e w York with the promise she could "walk into any architect's office
in the country and get work."

After graduation, Margaret moved to Cleveland, Ohio and opened Bourke-White Studio.
From inside her home, she processed film in her kitchen, rinsed in the bathtub, and used
her living room as a reception area. Within two years Margaret was named associate editor

and photographer for a brand new magazine, Fortune (under floor window and perch on one o f Chrysler's stainless
the same publisher as Time), an opportunity she almost steel gargoyles that overhung Manhattan. 800 feet above
overlooked, agreeing to interview at the last minute for the city streets, never afraid to compromise her safety for
the free trip to N e w York. As good fortune would have it, the perfect shot. She craved adventure, never fearing- but
Fortune's publisher, Henry Luce was looking for someone instead wanting to capture the unknown. " N o t h i n g attracts
who could capture every aspect o f business and industry, me like a closed door," she once said. Adding, " I cannot let
meshing images and words as two equal parts of a puzzle. my camera rest until I have pried it open, and I want to be
It was to be a new concept for the magazine world, and first." The daring young journalist set out to Moscow to
Margaret was up for the challenge. She played a large role photograph the newly industrialized Russia, the first foreign
in Fortune's initial start up. photographer with this privilege. In 1931, she published her
photos in her first book, Eyes on Russia.
Working from atop the 61st floor o f the Chrysler Building,
Margaret's studio brought to life photos of coal rigs, paper Her second book. You Have Seen Their Faces, was a
mills, skyscrapers, and city bridges. She recalled having collaboration with author Erskine Caldwell, and captured
to fight hard for her precious studio space: "Because I was images of poverty in the American South. The writer and
female, young, and not too plain, the Chrysler people the photographer traveled throughout the deep south,
thought I would surely get married before much time interviewing farmers and w o r k i n g class citizens w h o ,
went by, putting an end to all this photography business." tired and poor, had learned not to expect much from
Fortunately, Margaret's business was booming, and she life, a sentiment evident in their expressions. Erskine,
was consumed with her work on the magazine and or "Skinny," as friends called h i m would eventually
several advertising accounts she had picked up to afford become more than a business partner, and the t w o began a
her penthouse studio. She would often crawl out her 61st romantic relationship.

Margaret's talent continued to open the doors of
the world, and i n 1936 she began working for Life
magazine, Henry Luce's newest publication, and was an
instrumental part o f its creation. When the first issue o f
Life magazine hit newsstands, it was Margaret's photo of
Fort Peck on the cover.

Life happened tor Margaret as she jumped head first into Opposite Page: LIFE magazine photographer Margaret Bourke-
adventure, taking on assignments that took her across the White wearing SAC helmet while holding her camera as she
globe. She climbed aboard the opportunity to travel by sits strapped in bombardier's seat in a B-47 bomber just before
ship throughout the Arctic w i t h the Governor-General take-off on training mission shoot, at Carswell AF Base. (Photo by
of Canada. The voyage took the crew across thousands o f Margaret Bourke-White/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)
miles o f Arctic terrain, a journey Margaret described in This Page: LIFE Photographer Margaret Bourke-White sitting
the same category as "an assignment to the moon is today, amidst contents of her opened suitcase. 1942. (Photo by Alfred
definitely not viewed as impossible, but rather as something Eisenstaedt/Pix Inc./Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)
on the difficult list."
\
In 1939, Margaret married Erskine, after years of avoiding
proposals from the man she said had "a kind of jealousy, not \
toward any man, but concentrated on Life magazine." The
couple's first trip after their honeymoon was to Russia in
the midst o f World War I I . A t the time there was a non-
aggression pact between Russia and Germany, and Margaret
was sent on assignment in the anticipation the agreement
would soon collapse. One month into the newlywed's trip,
war broke out in Russia, and the two were rushed to the
American Embassy in Moscow. Though Margaret was
encouraged to return to the U.S., American Ambassador,
Laurence Steinhardt agreed to let her stay at the Embassy.
She spent her nights photographing air raids, many times
on open rooftops, taking shelter when German bombers
flew overhead. The end o f Margaret's trip gave her a much
anticipated opportunity to photograph Joseph Stalin, a
subject she had requested on many previous occasions.
N o w that Russia had entered the war, they needed
American "good w i l l , " and granted Margaret permission.
K n o w i n g that Russians liked red, she wore red shoes and
a matching bow i n her hair to meet the General Secretary
of the Communist Party.

W h e n Pearl Harbor was attacked and America joined
the war, Margaret knew the only place for her was i n the
middle o f the action. W i t h their lives headed in different
directions, Margaret and Erskine's marriage came to an
end. Life arranged for Margaret to be a war correspondent
w i t h the U.S. A i r Force. I n her time as a correspondent,
she survived a ship sinking, when her vessel carrying 6,000
people was hit w i t h a torpedo in route to North Africa.
Not long after her life boat had been rescued, Margaret

r/5
i

LIFE photographer Margaret
Bourke-White with American
soldiers while on assignment
during WWII. (Photo by Time

Life Pictures/Time & Life
Pictures/Getty Images)

dried o f f a n d eagerly flew with a bombing mission inside a B-17 bomber, snapping photos
of the explosions and rising smoke from the targets below. N o w that Margaret had
captured the war f r o m the air, she switched her angle to the ground. She spent the next
years photographing battlefields i n Italy and exposing the horror of concentration camps in
Germany.

When the war was over, Margaret was happy to leave Europe and travel to India where she
captured images during the Indian Independence Movement, a time o f clashing religions
and powers. I n the midst of the chaos, Margaret befriended Mahatma Gandhi, spiritual
leader and advocate for peace. She met with h i m just hours before he was assassinated.

In later years, Life would take Margaret around the globe to South Africa, Korea, and
everywhere else w i t h a story to be told. Eventually Margaret's real life got in the way o f
Life, and a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease forced her to slow down. Rather than retire,
she launched into writing her autobiography, telling the stories o f her stories, describing
the emotion, work, and red tape behind each shot. Portrait of Myself, was published in 1963
and became a best seller.

The last years o f Margaret's life were spent in her home in Connecticut. Margaret
Bourke-White died in 1971, she was 67. Margaret's legacy lives through her prints, black
and white masterpieces that document and preserve history. Each photo has a story
behind it, and when you stop to look closely you w i l l recognize that the story is about a
woman who believed in her abilities enough to pursue a passion f r o m w i t h i n ; a story o f
courage, confidence, and developing success.

Museums and Public Art Galleries 1965: American photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White
with Margaret Bourke-White works: (1904 -1971) showing a print of the photograph she took for
the first cover of Life magazine. (Photo by Walter Daran/
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
San Francisco Museum o f Modern A r t N
The Phillips Collection, Washington D.C.
Addison Gallery of American Art, \
Andover, Massachusetts
Cincinnati Art Museum, Ohio \
Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio
Currier Gallery of Art, New Hampshire 1•mil • r
Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, South Carolina
Harvard University A r t Museums, Massachusetts
Los Angeles County Museum o f A r t Database
Museum o f Fine Arts, Santa Fe, N e w Mexico
Spencer Museum o f A r t at the University of Kansas
source: artcydopedia.com

Sixteen of Margaret Bourke-White's original i/
silver prints belong to the AOII archives r ir
(two of which are shown on page 46-47).
Many of the prints can be found on display
at AOII International Headquarters.

A N E W CHAPTER
IN A O I I HisTORY

O n January 29, 2009 A O I I welcomed its newest Julie Anne Walter, Extension and Colonization
colony at Washington U in St. Louis. Bid Day Manager at A O I I Headquarters began w o r k i n g
included the usual get to know you activities, with Allison Allgier, Vice President o f
T-shirts, cake, and 66 brand new AOIIs. The Development and the A O I I Public Relations
difference between these women and other new Committee to examine many factors in order to
member classes, is that they are charter members, determine i f A O I I would be a good match for the
the very first members o f A O I I on their campus. campus. These factors included the number o f
Colony members have the opportunity and noble local alumnae in the area, the campus's timeline
responsibility to define to their community what it for colonization, and ensuring the fraternity
means to be an A O I I . W i t h a new group in place could meet the current needs o f the university.
it seems as i f it is the first page of a story, w i t h many Though A O I I would like to take every extension
blank pages just waiting to be filled w i t h narratives opportunity, the fraternity only pursues those i n
about attending date parties, pulling all night study which A O I I can commit 100% to the needs and
sessions, and creating new traditions. requests o f the campus. This means A O I I puts
plans for a successful colonization i n place before
However, to start from the beginning of this story, ever submitting information to the university.
we must examine how a new A O I I chapter forms. It wasn't hard to determine that Washington
In the case o f Wash U , let's flashback to last spring... U and A O I I were a good match. Additional
insight provided by Judy Flessner, PR Committee
The arrival o f the N P C bulletin sparked Alpha Chairman and mother of a recent Washington U
Omicron Pi's excitement. The monthly bulletin, graduate, helped to seal AOII's commitment to
which serves to update the conference about the university.
campuses across N o r t h America announced
Washington U was looking to add an N P C group In May, with the university's permission, A O I I
to their list of six sororities. The university had traveled to St. Louis for an exploratory visit. Julie
been high on the fraternity's target list, essentially Anne Walter and Judy Flessner toured the campus
a "wish list," o f schools where A O I I would and met with university administrators about
like a chapter i f given the opportunity. The expectations for a new sorority. They both agreed
school requested all interested groups submit an that the only thing the university needed were
informational packet by June 1, 2008. some AOIIs!

W i t h high hopes for a future at Washington
U , A O I I submitted an informational packet for
consideration. The fraternity would later learn ten
additional N P C groups had also applied for the
opportunity. Due to the summer months, A O I I
would have to wait until the fall to learn o f the
university's next step.

When fall arrived, A O I I received big news.
The fraternity had been selected as one o f three
NPC groups to make a formal presentation to
the university's extension committee. A O I I
had essentially made the first cut! I n October,
a team of A O I I volunteers and staff members

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

I

traveled to Washington U and presented fraternity campus as the newest group, formal recruitment
information to Panhellenic women, IFC members, without established active members would seem
and university administrators. The team had to be a challenge. Instead of participating in the
the support o f collegiate members from Iota ( U entire recruitment process, A O I I typically only
of Illinois), N u Omicron (Vanderbilt U ) , and participates in the first round. When potential new
local alumnae i n the audience. Extension is a members attended AOII's recruitment party, they
competitive process w i t h details unique to each heard a presentation about the fraternity and were
N P C group, meaning we can't fully describe the informed o f AOII's colonization process that would
presentation in the magazine, but for the purpose take place in the next few weeks.
of the article, the presentation went well- we'll
just assume it included roses, dancing pandas, and Next, AOII's mission was to make Alpha O m i c r o n
intense applause f r o m the crowd. Though A O I I Pi visible on campus. A O I I public relations were
did not yet have a chapter, or even an invitation to in full swing and AOII's letters were everywhere!
colonize, the fraterntiy had the core o f the colony's W i t h the help o f collegiate members from Iota
future alumnae advisory committee in place prior Chapter ( U o f Illinois), A O I I staff and volunteers
to the presentation. chalked campus sidewalks, hung banners and
posters, and passed out hot chocolate to students
In November, Julie Anne Walter received a phone as they walked to class. Jenna Gregory, resident
call: " W o u l d A O I I like to colonize at Washington consultant, even painted a campus bridge in red
U ? " The answer was a much anticipated "yes," or and white w i t h the help of members f r o m the
rather, more o f a "YES!!!" university's Panhellenic community. A Washington
University tradition for making announcements,
W i t h the final invitation i n place, all A O I I needed Jenna braved the ten degree temperature to put the
now was to hire a Resident Consultant, a fraternity fraternity's name in fresh paint.
staff member to live on campus. Resident
Consultants serve as liaisons to the university, Following the A O I I public relations blitz. Alpha
assist w i t h public relations, help colonization Omicron Pi hosted colonization parties on
efforts, and ultimately serve to advise and guide the campus. Over 400 women were interested in
newly formed colony as they complete their new hearing more about A O I I . Similar to recruitment
member process and requirements for installation. parties, colonization week consisted o f several
A O I I was excited to hire Jenna Gregory, X i ( U o f evenings o f fun activities to help potential new
Oklahoma) as Resident Consultant w h o moved members (PNMs) learn more about A O I I and
f r o m Piano, Texas to St. Louis for the position. get to know each other, women who could soon
be their sisters. I n order to learn about each
Washington U participates in deferred recruitment, individual P N M , every woman interested i n
meaning the campus holds their formal recruitment j o i n i n g the charter class had the chance to meet
during the second semester. W i t h A O I I joining one-on-one w i t h an A O I I representative.

SUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2009 To DRAG MA • 2 7

. . . T H E N came Bid Day!

The week ended with the fraternity's official
Colonization Service. Open to the public, parents,
friends, Washington U Greeks, administrators,
and faculty showed their strong support by
witnessing the colonization. The newly formed
colony was also supported by their Alumnae
Advisory Committee, local alumnae, international
volunteers, and A O I I Headquarters Staff.

W i t h a chapter name and sub-motto to select
and the creation of new traditions and lasting
friendships to form, the new members have an
exciting time ahead.

What's next? N o w that Washington U has their
A O ! Is, Alpha O m i c r o n Pi Fraternity looks to the
future. Extension is an ongoing process, and we
w i l l go back to the beginning. There is a new
N F C bulletin to read, filled w i t h campuses that
might need some AOIIs!

2 8 • To DRAGMA I.N.M i NO, 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Hame the AOII LIFE LOYAL
Nail Polish Contest!
5* REASONS
AOII and Be! Products hove partnered to create tuuo nail polish TO BECOME
collections exclusively for AOII. The best part is our members A MEMBER
get to name the colors!
Cute and clever is the name of the gome. Submit your best L A O I I FOR LIFE:
AOII-inspired polish name to aoiionlined.alphaomicronpi.org.
'"Winning submissions uuill receive one AOII signature collection FREE! A f f i r m your pride and commitment
to A O I I and her success.
AD
2. L E A D E R S H I P :
B
Set an example for other members
All entries must be received by Wednesday, April 15,2009. and lay the groundwork for a bigger,
brighter AOII.
Products mill be available for purchase at the 2009 AOII Convention in Tampa
and through the AOII Emporium. 3. L O Y A L T Y :

1 Express your loyalty and dedication
to A O I I by giving back to the
organization that's given so much
to you.

4. S I S T E R H O O D :

A daily reminder of the unique
b o n d we share as sisters and our
love for A O I I .

5. T O D R A G M A :

Ensure you receive our
award-winning magazine
without interruption.

"For Women on Top of Their Game!"® IT'S NEVER BEEN EASIER
TO BECOME A
www.BeProducts.com LIFE LOYAL MEMBER.

SPRING 2 0 0 9 • ISSUE NO. 2 Visit www.alphaomicronpi.org
or call 615.370.9020.

To DRAG MA • 29

n ?

^^T^ ^0^^/ithgrateful appreciation, A O I I recognizes the following 2.04

Alpha C h i Chi Delta Delta Gamma Sigma Lambda Sigma

Jerric Camey Bradshaw Aniclita Colangclo Lynn Murray Habcock Julia Eskew Tate Pat Davis Rickcrt-Joncs
Anita "Annie" Adams lintt Caroline J. Adams Nicole Bell Ann-Katherine Hailey
Dana Troup Meeks Chi Alpha Lindsey Burcliam Carolyn Sector
Amy Capps Herbert Emclinc Thrash Iota Rebecca Murrain Lovelace
Marsha Bird Bordas [Catherine White Donna Gcrcghty Holder
Brooke Marshal! Yvonne Currau Delta Epsilon Alicia Oliver Casey Macke
1 Vanna 1 )e( Christopher Kim Crosland Vaughn
Alpha Delta Chi Delta Lindsev Brown Callaher Shari Corrigan Hanncman
Lambda Upsilon
Laura JonL'S Mary Rose White Ddlia Pi Iota Alpha
Lyndscy Haupt Pamela Jones Sondra Wolfe Elias
Patricia Porraro Pugh Jana Serwat (Cading Kristal Perrine Watson v Irinda McKeuney
Cara Mahon M u Lambda
Alpha Kappa Chi Epsilon Beth Gaines Braden Iota Sigma
I )orie Nelson
Linda Hyde Kelly McCormick Delta Psi Gina Potnitz Kaufman
C'atie C o o k Lindsey Scheibe N u Beta
Alpha Lambda Michele Weider C Candacc C h a r i t y
Chi Lambda Sandra Robinson
Suzanne Martin Ratliff Delta R h o Kappa Alpha Laura M Justice
Krishna Medina Hurst Annie Weber Amanda Sapera
Lindsey Buis Eileen Prose Deborah Nader McManus
Alpha Omicron Chi Omicron Kathy Kaysen-Murzyn Monica Conrad Laura Arnold Ford
Jaci Moore Mize
Kathy Bjj^DuIhe Gloria Lambert C'harroin Epsilon Alpha Kappa Delta Monica Daniel
Coco Grantham Pittman Lyn Hallaron
Amy Kumpcl Kristin Harty Laura Thompson Poling
Alpha Phi Cary Scherer Joan Williams Powell N u Iota
Kappa Gamma
Callie Anderson Paul Delta Alpha Epsilon Chi Holly Maloney Marok
Andrea Bjerke MeKeever Maria Sincavage Borsch Susan Poczekaj Trump
Sally Hietpas Legjeiter Morgan Morris Marci Weiss
Alpha Psi Kappa Kappa Jennifer Obirek 1 )egler
Delta Beta Gamma
Jackie Clark Barbara Griffiths Erickson N u Lambda
Joy Monter Mcany Nanette Cuchereau Pirie 1 )ottie Brewer Erikson Jen O'Danicl
Meredith Sayre Candice Dazet Anne Hatterv Stevens
Gamma Alpha Kappa Omicron
Alpha Sigma Nu Omicron
Kathleen Hoil Casey )ulia McLaughlin Lawson
Rac Hinchey Kozlowski Kiley Coleman Larkin Michelle Courtney Taylor
Susan Walters Carlini Melissa Scandlyn Smith Susan P. Denccke
Gamma Beta Emilv Whitaker
Alpha Tau Kappa R h o
Pamela Weidman Begert Omega
Virginia Carnhani Detzel Sally Smith Heston Josie Berridge
Carla Schneek White Stephanie Meyer C'arolyn Schroer
Leighton Fain
Beta Chi Gamma Chi Kappa Tau Cheri Huntsbcrger Stewart
Carol Naughtrip Richards
Virginia Tyirin Kleine Laura McFadden Kelly Contort Boras
Alavne Crawford Jenilee Brand Domingue Omega Omicron
Beta Gamma
Gamma Delta Kappa Theta Dr. Linda Wible
Jeanne Wolfe Bishop AmyTacker EickhofT
Jacqueline Tripi Rita Clump Langan Sandra Lee Labrow Shorn Hart Beutelschies
Alicia Wendling Simms
Beta Phi Kathleen Bryant Sharp Lambda Beta Omega Upsilon
(-helsy Weinzierl
Keitha Pransky Wesner Malisa Word Rader Joy Hoshino Heather Wakefield Cohen
Sandra Hurd Sova Valerie Hillow
Joyce Early Isler Gamma Omicron Alejandra Peralta
Sharon Lull Windhorst Omicron
Deborah Mitchell j Lois Page
Brenda Dennison Hutcherson Lambda Chi Nancy Dickson Christmas
Sharon Brown Osterman 1 Betty Gordy Schulz Ean Dixon Collcy
()arla Wagner (Campbell Treva Moeller Chester Kristi Bobo
Beta Pi Voncile Marshal] Smith Ann Hall
Jill A. Camera Lambda Eta
Jo Anne McCardeU I w a n f l Evelyn Shifflett Bearden
Audrey Goldman Sharon Gruner
Beta Tau

Susan Corben Byram

members who joined between September 12, 200cS - January c), 2,000,.

Phi Sigma Phi it v? " «•.-

Ruth Osborn (Izariaaa t 'omtanrino 1 ouie I AM LIFE LOYAL
I ori-Lee Fleteher Maeeherola
Phi Delta Sandra C o o k Ostrovv Sherry l ord, Ph.D. Life Loyal Member
Mielielle I'antaleo
Lindy Mod Legeaet l)i i i.\ HINION. JACKSQNVMJ I. Si \ I I. U
Sigma Tau
Phi Lambda A.SS1SIANT PROI I S.SOROI C O M M U N I C A T I O N A l U S
K . u liel Glasser UNIVI.RSI n 0 1 Mux 11 V A I I i >
Koscmary Walton
Tau
Phi Omicron
Carol Oberbillig Stephens
Karen Parson
Tau Delta
Phi Sigma
C Ihrisrinc Wenning Bvrnni
Kerry Fleming
Tau Gamma
Phi Upsilon
lennille Scrub
Taryn M. Dwyer Niehole Barnes
Celeste Bottorrt'
Sue Dirks Hosteller Theta
Janet Scheibeltatt Cither
Margery Graham rrcshlcv

Sandy I )c.u mas Lloyd Theta Omega
Karen Peeler
Winifred Defery I fills Sue C'law ford
Amber MeM.ihon

Pi Alpha Theta Pi Why become a Life Loyal A O I I 7 That's probably a
question you've pondered just as I have. I first heard the
Laura Wright Carol Hicronynuis Chapman tale of Stella. 1 telen, Bess, and Jessie in iqSq. I w as struck,
Dianne Kesner Baldwin by the promise those young women made to one another
Pi Delta Vyeki Rowley Pratt on that cold January day in uS()^ and w as convinced I
Kristy Piekholitz H A D to be a part of something so visionary. While our
Emily Hamner Founders' legacy is a worth)' enough reason, other special
Karen Mov Theta Psi individuals have impacted my life beyond measure. 1 also
happen to hold a fundamental philosophical belief that
Pi Kappa Cindy Staunton Ken- Greek organizations have great potential for positively
Deb Arthurs Rathke impacting collegians' lives. As a college professor, I've seen
Michael Covey Kittredge many lives enhanced because of involvement in a Greek
Sandra Matins Snyder Upsilon Alpha organization. After almost twenty years oi membership,
w hat better w ay is there for me to honor the tour founders,
Pi Theta Lisa TTewksbury Hauser to repay the numerous individuals who've believed in me,
and to uphold the high ideals of our organization than by
Jessica Loiacono demonstrating lifelong commitment through Life Loyal?

Rho ! aura I line Ultimately, there's really only one reason I

Trudy Porter Schafer Xi Omicron need to j u s t i f y my choice to be a Life I .ova I ^ ^ ^ ^
Lesley R u t h Ewald
Sidney Bennett A O I I - it's because I promised I would. *r JJ$HL
R h o Beta
Zeta Two decades ago I vowed to cherish g ?£j^^
Susie Martin
Hlanna Edwards Becky Hyde Cruise all AOIIs and to forever support the I ^ _ ^/^T
Kelly Moore
Rho Omicron Cindy Wasker Zitterkopt' organization. That pledge is all the IO^/'/sy
1 )orothv Harris Santi
Heather Melntosh St.ihlcckcr reason I need to know in my heart ^
Zeta Kappa
Sigma that being Life Loyal is the way I can • ^Ol/^
Amanda Sanders
Lauren GuBv Kimbra C Mules live out my A O I I promise. Today. A

Sigma C h i Zeta Psi

Katie Winner Russlyn Slaughter Smith
lessica Johnson
Sigma Iota
Tomorrow. Forever. \
Debra Cecil Jacobs
Marv Hciheru Hammer

PROFILE

BETAT A U

University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario
Installed: September 27, 1930
Sub-motto: "Let us strive for the highest"

It was the Beta Tau Chapter at the U o f Toronto that school. Their good grades may explain why they
took Alpha Omicron Pi from a national organization list the school library as one of the places you're most
to an international fraternity. Perhaps it is the "new likely to spot an A O I I !
girl in t o w n " attitude that has kept the chapter
"striving for the highest," since their installation i n When Beta Taus are not studying, they are working
1930. Though many A O I I chapters now call Canada together for the good of their community. Currently,
home, our first Canadian chapter is still proudly the chapter is working w i t h two other women's
making headlines on their campus and w i t h i n A O I I . fraternities to plan a self-defense workshop that w i l l
be open to all women on the U of Toronto's campus.
"Just like our sub-motto, we take pride in our A O I I sisters are k n o w n for having fun, as well as for
commitment to strive for the best in everything that finding new ways to help out their university.
we do," shares Maria Coliviras, current Chapter
Chocoholics beware, because the chapter's signature
President. One philanthropy event is "Death by Chocolate." Guests
sister who recently are invited to sample and purchase a variety o f
demonstrated the chocolates and baked goods. The chocolate fountain
chapter's mantra is is always a favorite treat for the sisters and their
McKenna Wild, guests. Surely chocolate can't be bad for you i f you
recipient of the are eating it for charity!
2 0 0 8 Stella George
Stern Perry A O I I sisters love to get together for dinner outings
Award for most and to entertain each other by playing the game
outstanding AOII "Rock Band." Some of Beta Tau's favorite places to
chapter president. eat include Spring Rolls, a Thai-Asian restaurant,
McKenna is and a frozen yogurt store that allows customers to
not alone in her add their o w n toppings.
success, as she adds
to the list of honors Like many AOIIs, Beta Tau sisters enjoy getting
collected by her together to shop. W i t h their chapter house located
Beta Tau sisters. just down the street f r o m Toronto's best shopping
The chapter area, sisters love to spend time on the weekends
was awarded checking out the latest fashion trends. We can only
"Best Chapter" imagine the fashionistas at their end-of-the-year
and "Highest formal, which Maria shares is "Beta Tau's favorite
G.P.A" on their event because it is our way o f celebrating our
campus and is excited to report that many individual sisterhood and achievements for the year."
members have already been accepted into graduate

32 • To DRAG MA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

PROFILE

Beta Tan Chapter recognizes that they overcome anything through team work. Maria
are a strong chapter, but understands that describes how the chapter dealt w i t h a challenging
success doesn't come without hard work and period: "We sat down in an informal meeting and
dedication. "We have come to realize that in discussed what we wanted to change and how we
order for us to have a strong chapter we have were going to change things. We created an action
to have good communication f r o m w i t h i n to plan that helped boost our morale and get us working
help keep everyone involved. It is important to together again."
get involved in the community and have good
relations w i t h all the fraternities, not just a select In working together, Beta Tau strives for the highest.
few. Always remember that charity is the most The chapter understands that in order to be successful
important and that we can make a difference i f they must rely on one another and find strength as a
we work together!" group. "It's like our sheaf o f wheat," Maria says. " A l l
together we are strong and cannot be broken!"
The chapter expects that f r o m time to time there
w i l l be difficulties, but believes that they can

Beta Tau sisters congratulate McKenna Wild, recipient of the Perry Award at Leadership Institute To DRAQMA • 33
ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Zeta (U of Nebraska-Lincoln) members Sherri Steffen Jensen, Judy Lutz Steffen and Ashley Jensen

SHARING THE LEGACY OF A O I I

AOII FOUNDER, STELLA GEORGE to Zeta Chapter. Chartered i n 1903, the chapter
was the second A O I I chapter to celebrate their
STERN PERRY ONCE CALLED T H E centennial anniversary. W i t h over 105 years o f
sisterhood, it's not hard to understand that Zeta has
FRATERNITY, "ONE BIG FAMILY their fair share o f legacies go through recruitment.

OF SISTERS." Judy pledged Alpha O m i c r o n Pi in 1957, and like-
many A O I I mothers, shared stories of her college
A O I I is a family. We are all sisters; but sometimes days w i t h her only daughter Sherri. Photographs,
sisterhood has a added meaning. In the case o f football games, and Christmas cards f r o m sorority
legacies, sisters, moms and grandmoms become sisters always warranted an opportunity to account
sisters - again. When sisterhood spans multiple another AOII memory or two.
generations, A O I I becomes timeless.
When it came time for Sherri to attend college, she
"That's my house, the one w i t h the rose window," chose the University o f Nebraska-Lincoln, like her
Judy Lutz Steffen would say to her young daughter mother, but initially didn't k n o w how she felt about
Sherri as she pointed to the A O I I house on the U sorority "rush."
of Nebraska-Lincoln's campus. Located o f f campus,
UNL's "Greek R o w " o f fraternity houses is very " I was shy and didn't think it was for me," she
visible when taking a driving tour of the city, and admits. Without pressure, but support from her
the house w i t h the stain glass window belongs

34 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

m o m , Sherri decided to rush and found her place in the house. The interior of the house has changed
A O I I . The once shy girl credits A O I I as the place many times since her grandmother's collegiate
where she found confidence and growth, along years, but the feeling o f comfort and warmth still
w i t h many o f her best friends. remains within the walls of the A O I I house at 1541
S Street. Over f i f t y years after Judy's first experience
G r o w i n g up, Ashley Jensen knew the sorority house with A O I I , the same songs, chants, and spirit
w i t h the rose in the w i n d o w as her mother's- and rings through the chapter house. It is a spirit that
her grandmother's. Her mom, Sherri, had lived lasts much longer than the four years a sister may
there for three years and f r o m time to time would spend i n college. Passed down f r o m generation to
point out the house. Ashley was used to hearing generation, A O I I is a legacy.
stories about evening curfew, roommates, and
sharing a house w i t h 50 plus girls. That may have THREE WOMEN,
been her mom's idea ot tun, but Ashley knew f r o m
watching movies that sororities were way too girly, THREE GENERATIONS,
and she preferred sports. Weren't sorority girls
afraid o f breaking a nail? Her grandmother, too, THREE DIFFERENT
had talked about her college days and had described
how she and her friends dressed i n suits, gloves, and STORIES, B U T ONE
hats for sorority rush.

Despite her doubts. Ashley signed up for formal COMMON THEME. Judy and her husband, Duane, at an AOII
recruitment w i t h an open m i n d . W h e n she met ALPHA OMICRON dinner and dance in 1957. They recently
the women o f A O I I she was excited to learn about P I IS TIMELESS. A celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
the chapter's philanthropy basketball tournament FAMILY OF SISTERS,
Hoop-It, a five-on-five men's tournament open to JUDY, SHERRI, A N D
the entire community that raised money for arthritis ASHLEY ARE A TRUE
research. As she heard them talk about intramurals, TESTAMENT
tormals, and their commitment to scholarship, OF T R A D I T I O N .
Ashley felt home w i t h i n the A O I I house. Maybe
she was more like her mother than she thought!

Now, Ashley is the third member and third
generation to call the house w i t h the stain glass rose
w i n d o w "home." The sophomore speech-language
pathology and audiology major, loves living in

Ashley (far left) holds a rose resembling the stained glass window in the ALPHA OMICRON PI
AOII house that her mother, grandmother and now she call home. Rush Week

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 August 22, 1982

Sherri (middle row, far right) poses with
sisters during Rush Week.

To DRAGMA • 35

HISTORY

m TH 9

MAKlN

By Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)

For most women, there is a longing to creatively preserve life's
milestones and everyday moments. Whether we want to craft
an elaborate scrapbook of vacation photos or journal monthly
accomplishments in our daughter's baby book, inspiration is often
overcome by frustration. Perfectionism is sometimes the enemy,
or sometimes it is a lack of time, money or motivation.

The challenge before us is to find our own way to pass along
our personal history or our family's history to future generations.
Fortunately, there are many great options and one person should
never feel obligated to conquer them all. In fact, the process of
making our history should to be as much fun as living it.

36 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Photography To DRAGMA •

Most of the crafty methods of recording a
personal history start w i t h a photo or a video.
Any good photographer knows that one o f the
best ways to guarantee that you get a great shot is
to take a lot o f photos.

W i t h digital photography, you can snap a photo
and know immediately i f it's worth saving. Digital
photos are easy to store on discs or a computer,
and can be shared online or via email with family
and friends. Just bringing your photo images out
o f chaos and into order is a major step in leaving an
important legacy for your family. Many computer
software packages make this easy i f time is taken
to keep them managed. In the event of a computer
crash, are your photos backed up? They should be
and online services are good back-up options, or
photos can be copied to CDs or an external hard
drive for back up purposes.

You might be more comfortable w i t h a traditional
f i l m camera or prefer the convenience o f a
disposable camera, especially i n situations where
an expensive camera could get lost or stolen. I f you
wish, during f i l m developing you can still have a
digital photo disc made for storage on a computer,
but the primary hurdle to tackle here is to maintain
organized storage o f the developed prints. Archival
storage boxes are handy and good to keep on
hand before processed f i l m envelopes pile too
high. Determine the best organization method for
storage for your family and stick to it. It might be
chronological or by subject. I f the day comes to
start scrapbooking, you have already conquered
one o f the most frustrating hurdles.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Oral Histories Video/Audio Tapes

Oral history interviewing is the process of gathering Videos are probably the best way to capture the
stories and preserving them. Obviously, video and look, sound and feel o f a moment. Video cameras,
audio recorders are the primary methods of doing digital cameras and even some telephones are
this. Even with raw footage, creating and copying equipped to record moving images. Turning
DVDs for family members is a fairly easy way to these video images into a D V D movie used to be
make your family history come alive. Many people for professionals only — and costly, but thanks to
are amazed at the never-before heard stories that great consumer products that are now available,
emerge f r o m a great interview session. Remember almost anyone can do it. Rarely are you going to
to ask open-ended questions and don't worry about sit through hours o f original footage, but plowing
conducting a perfect interview. through the process once to create a highlight reel
w i l l be a treasure for years to come.
To get them talking, make the I f you don't have a video camera, you might still
setting comfortable and be be surprised at how meaningful it w i l l be to have
prepared to provide good captured the voices of your loved ones on audio
conversation starters like: tape. Record dad reading "Twas the Night Before
Christmas" or your ten-year-old reading "Goodnight
Can you describe your childhood home? M o o n " to her interrupting five-year-old sister.
Capture, on tape, their laughter while watching a
What did you see out your favorite cartoon or their squeals and splashes in the
childhood bedroom window? neighborhood pool. Audio recorders are also great
for preserving priceless storytelling moments w i t h
Wliat do you remember most a video camera-shy grandparent.
about elementary school?
ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2009
Who was your best childhood friend?

Did you have a favorite pet?

What were your favorite childhood foods?

What was dinner time like?

Did you have a teenage hangout?

Where did you usually go on a date?

What national or world news stories
scared or excited you?

3 8 • To DRAGMA

Scrapbooking •

W e l l - k n o w n and popular, scrapping is a great way Wk.
to preserve photos and memorabilia. In addition
to creating an important final product, millions -*4
o f people w i l l swear that the creation process is
a fabulous source o f fun and stress-relief. A fair 0*
number o f others w i l l say it can be overwhelming.
The secret is keeping it simple, staying organized \
and taking pride i n what you are able to accomplish
instead of what you have not completed. •

You don't have to scrapbook every moment o f !•
your or your child's life. I f you are realistically not
able to complete a book of your child's school year, 1%
consider taking 3 - 4 photos and a couple pieces o f m•
memorabilia and make one creative page. Frame
it, hang it and be proud o f the accomplishment. O r To PRAGMA • 39
pick one topic, such as birthdays and make a book
on just that topic. W h e n your 18-year-old heads
o f f to college, you'll have a visual reminder o f
treasured memories o f superheroes or princesses i n
a single book that was not overwhelming to create.

Digital scrapbooking is more popular than
ever. U t i l i z i n g software or online resources, the
digital process can be faster, easier and usually
less expensive than the paper and scissors version,
which solves some o f scrapbook ing's biggest
drawbacks. Traditionalists who love hands-on
crafting are going to say the experience is different,
but i f this option produces results that others don't,
then it is the best way for you.

Photo or Memory Books m -"

Everyone understands the value o f organizing i
photos i n archival safe albums. It's a pretty r
simple process and can be especially valuable
i f you select one w i t h room to journal.
Thanks to companies like Kodak Gallery,
Shutterfly and i Photo, it is also easy to have
photos professionally bound into a memory
book. In the last couple years, the process has
become very easy and amazingly inexpensive
when you consider the costs involved i n other
options. Online services offer many creative
design options f r o m f u n and frivolous to classy
and their drag and drop feature is simple to use.
You can create a memory book in just a couple
hours or less. Once you have one created, a simple
keystroke allows you to order multiple books for
family members, a major plus over most of the
other crafty options.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Family Recipes

Some o f the most common and overlooked
heirlooms i n our families are recipes. O u r sense ot
taste and smell are powerful memory triggers and
family dishes are often central to favorite childhood
memories. Take a family poll o f favorite dishes and
gather the recipes. I f the cook is still able, ask them
to prepare the dish and photograph the process or
final dish. Where did this recipe come from or how
did it become so special? Bind the collected recipes,
stories and photos into a family cookbook. Online
services are available today to make this project
easier than it has ever been. The cookbook can be
as elaborate or simple as you like, but is certain to
be a treasure. This option has long been a popular
option for A O I I collegiate and alumnae chapter
fund raising.

Journaling ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2009

Journaling is like telling a story; often it's the words
that accompany photos in a scrapbook. O f course
journaling doesn't have to accompany pictures or
documents. You could keep your own journal o f
your daily life. T h i n k about this as an ongoing
series of writings that reflect your thoughts and
experiences — sort of like a diary, except you
are preserving memories that are intended to be
shared. Journal your feelings at the end o f the day
o f family vacations, for example. You'll be able to
add details that you never would have shared any
other way, like how the sand felt between your toes
or a funny incident at Walt Disney World. Good
journaling goes beyond just facts by using the
senses. The smells, textures, and colors o f your life
w i l l keep your memories more vivid.

40 • To DRAGMA

Quilts

Sarah Baker, Alpha C h i (Western Kentucky U ) , has a beautiful creation
o f A O I I memories to treasure forever. Stitched by a loving aunt, she has a
patchwork quilt crafted f r o m pieces o f more than 25 A O I I T-shirts and even
her ritual dress. Everything f r o m event tees to Homecoming shirts, she has
both a memory maker and a priceless conversation starter. Backed by navy
blue fleece it makes a terrific stadium blanket that prompts friends to say,
" O h , I remember that!" Sarah says, "It's like my o w n A O I I scrapbook." N o t
everyone has a quilt maker i n the family, so fortunately, there are numerous
companies who specialize in making quilts from fabric memories. Other quilt
ideas might be saving jerseys f r o m youth sports teams or scraps o f favorite
children's pajamas to make a priceless memory of your own.

hey. foot;
M)

ISSUE N O . 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 "When we go, the stories go too,

unless weVe passed them OH"

says author Brian Byrne.

So this year, make a little history

for you and your family, and try to

enjoy the journey

To DRAGMA • 4 1

Saluting Epsilon s Centennial

Cornell U O n April 23, 1908, Epsilon Chapter at Cornell University became the 12th collegiate
chapter installed by Alpha Omicron PL O n September 16, 2008, alumnae and friends
A p r i l 23, 1908 of Epsilon Chapter traveled from as far as California, Alabama, Chicago, Florida and
Washington D.C. to celebrate those 100 years o f sisterhood. The festivities began at
11 40 Ridgewood Road, Epsilon's beautiful new home since 2006. Collegians warmly
r! led alumnae, friends, and community members through the newly renovated 22
bedroom facility.
42 • To DKAGMA
Following the tour, many alumnae and friends embarked on a scenic wine tour
near Seneca Lake. At each o f the five wineries we visited there was time for some
tasting, laughing and snapping pictures with old friends. We were even caught i n a
rain storm as we posed for a group shot with the beautiful vineyards behind us! Later
in the evening, initiated AOIIs gathered for an inspirational Centennial Ritual led by
our International President, Susan Danko. Ms. Danko also installed the Ithaca, N Y
Alumnae Chapter with Michelle Segalini, (Epsilon '04) and Alana Milder (Epsilon
'07) serving as Alumnae Chapter Co-Presidents.

Following Ritual was the most anticipated event o f the day — the Rose Banquet!
Festive red balloons and long stemmed red roses filled the room at the Statler Hotel,
which drew over 70 guests dressed in red and black cocktail attire. I n addition to Ms.
Danko, other special guests included Linda Grandolfo, A O I I Executive Board Vice
President o f Collegians; Mr. and Mrs. Charles M u n d (Epsilon '49), sponsors o f the
Alpha Omicron Pi Carol Winter and Charles M u n d Sorority Scholarship at Cornell
University; Barbara Christensen (Epsilon '50); and Jane Hardy (Epsilon '52). We
were also grateful to celebrate the day w i t h our former house parents, Darrell and
A m y Sonntag and their baby Elisa; current house parents, Robert and Tiffany Booth;
and Chef Dicky Dolker and her family, who has been w i t h our chapter for more than
six years. We were also ecstatic to have seven past Chapter Presidents in attendance.

After some mixing and mingling, attendees dined on a delicious buffet dinner while
enjoying entertainment from The Touchtones. Chapter President Alana Mildner.
introduced our guest speaker, Ms. Danko. As Ms. Danko spoke we were reminded of
our Founders and the days in which Stella George Stern Perry, herself, spent on the
Cornell University campus i n the years after our installation. The night concluded
when everyone joined hands making a circle to sing the song named for our chapter,
The Epsilon Chapter Song, which we sang w i t h an upbeat tempo, as only Epsilon
does! We're so grateful to Jasmine Chiang (Epsilon '06), who planned such an
amazing event to commemorate this occasion.

We would like to thank everyone who made a donation to our Centennial Campaign,
especially A m y Wefer Faucher (Epsilon '89), those gifts made in memory o f Caroline
Kramer Neu from Bob Neu and A O I I alumnae f r o m Southern Connecticut, and
those in memory ot Naomi Kalos f r o m her former roommates. We salute all the
alumnae and friends who have given their time, energy and financial support to
Epsilon over the years. While we are sad to share that Epsilon Chapter was closed on
October 1, 2008, we are thankful for the memories that bond our sisterhood. "From
strangers, to sisters to lifelong friends" ~ Epsilon exists forever i n our hearts.

By N i k k i D. D'Amato, Epsilon (Cornell U)
Stephanie R . Romano. Epsilon (Cornell U)

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

A?plux OwLcfiovv *R/ 2 0 0 9 Ii^Gh-iAottovicA Covu/Gnttovv

YOUR FIVE DAY FORECAST FOR FUN:

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Thursday, June 25, 2009 Friday, June 26, 2009

Abundant Sunshine as attendees Forecast calls for letting Light Shine Conditions are Unpredictable as
arrive in Tampa. Mix of mingling and all day as AOII experiences Ritual, attendees have free time in Tampa.
new friends with 100% chance of fun business sessions, educational tracks, Expect Aquariums, Busch Gardens,
during the Welcome Reception and exciting speakers, and Awards Night. Amusement Parks, and Shopping
Candle Lighting Service. Malls filled with AOIIs.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 Sunday, June 28, 2009

Times of sisterhood and celebration All Conditions Perfect for a Bright A O T T IlA^G^^M^jIo^uJl CovvvG^itto-iA 2 0 0 9
expected with a high visibility of stars. Future, as attendees depart
Evening calls for a strong probability Convention and travel home to We can't always guarantee the
of cute shoes and dresses at AOII share the adventures they had weather, but we can guarantee
Rose Banquet. at Convention. that you won't forget AOII
International Convention.

Convention registration available
March 3rd - May 1st. For more
details visit www.alphaomicronpi.org
and select "Events" or email Abby
Mason at [email protected].

NEW! . j 68 J08 Vintage Rose Pendant with cubic zirconia
SS $60
. t/z-Aomy & /
J11 Vintage Rose Earrings with cubic zirconia
vmm SS $40

J36T VJ/7A/M

'• . J16 Vintage Rose
Bracelet
s•ooldld separately.) SS

$70

J36 Solid Alumnae Badge Charm (Not shown.)

GP $75

10K, 10KW $350

J36P Pierced Chased Alumnae Badge Charm

(Not shown.)

GP $75

10K, 10KW $200

J36T Pierced Plain Alumnae Badge Charm

GP $75

10K, 10KW $200

J48 Open Heart Ring $50
SS

J52 Faith, Hope, and Charity Ring

SS $140

10K, 10KW $450

J58 Vintage Rose Ring (Whole sizes only.)
SS $35

J61 Jeweled Oval Trinket Box
SP $35

J63 Rose Bangle Bracelet
SS $60

J68 Signature Necklace
SS $55

J70 Pearl and Garnet Bracelet with rose enhancer
SS $45

J85 Black Onyx Ring with rose mounting

SS $115

10K, 10KW $225

B : t: www.aoiiemporium.com 9The Greek Division of
HERFF JONE:
1.800.746.7264 An employee owned compan

KW-white gold, SS-sterling silver, GP-gold-plated, SP-silver-plated

Style Setting Sisters

Congratulations to Alpha Omicron Pi's C h i Psi Chapter members (California Polytechnic State U ) who
were recently voted the "Best Dressed Sorority" i n America through a national competition promoted
through Seventeen magazine. N o t only do the C h i Psi sisters share sorority pride, but the women also
share their wardrobes, as well. Whether it's dressing for a first date, a job interview, or simply for a class,
there is also a sister nearby to lend a hand - or maybe a sweater.
As part o f their prize package f r o m Seventeen, all 140 members o f the chapter received an outfit f r o m
the Victoria's Secret P I N K collegiate line and w i l l be featured i n an upcoming issue o f Seventeen. They
were also awarded $1700 from Victoria's Secret to donate to the charity o f their choice. C h i Psi is the most
recent winner o f one of AOII's most prestigious awards, the Jessie Wallace Hughan Award (JWH). The
J W H Cup is presented biennially to the AOII's most outstanding collegiate chapter.
Alpha O m i c r o n Pi was well represented during the on-line voting competition for Best Dressed Sorority
m America. Along w i t h numerous other N P C Greek chapters f r o m all over, 11 A O I I chapters voluntarily
competed. Congrats to all o f our participating chapters: Alpha Gamma (Washington State U ) , C h i
Psi (California Polytechnic State U), Delta Beta ( U o f Louisiana at Lafayette), Delta X i (Rose-Hulman
Institute of Technology), Epsilon Chi (Elon U), Gamma Theta ( U of South Florida), Iota ( U of Illinois),
Omega O m i c r o n (Lambuth U ) , Pi Alpha ( U o f Louisville), Sigma Phi (California State U Northridge),
and Theta Pi (Wagner College).

f7

5

ROM THE A O I I ARCHIVES

\

"

ft

r

The A O I I archives is pleased to have, in our collection, sixteen of renowned photographer Margaret
Bourke-White's original photographs. AOII's Margaret Bourke-White, Omicron Pi ( U of Michigan)
was an expert at capturing the faces and the places o f the world as she saw it. Whether teetering atop
a gargoyle on the 61st floor of the Chrysler Building, or stationed aboard an active military war ship,
her work revealed a reality in life that won her praise throughout the world. Several o f the prints
in our collection are signed along with handwritten descriptions of the subjects. Read more about
this amazing A O I I in "A Woman who Captured History" beginning on page 2 0 . The photo above
depicts an Orthodox Hebrew School i n Carpatho-Ukraine, Czechoslovakia. A t right, the photo
captures a palace guard in Budapest, Hungary.

46 • To DKAGMA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

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By Barbara Zipperian, Kappa Kappa (Ball State U)
AOII Vice President of Finance

As intelligent and savvy women of the want to ensure that those we love can
21st Century, there is no better time than enjoy the rewards of that success.
now to get our financial house in order.
The media headlines report that our When our children were young, my
economy is in crisis. People are losing husband and I gave them each a bank
theirjobs, their homes and their financial to put their money. There were three
freedom. But most people don't want different slots in the bank, a place each
to think about money and many would for "Saving," "Spending," and "Sharing."
rather endure physical pain than discuss These same three "S" words can be
their financial situation. As women, it's used for us as adult women to take
important that we take responsibility for charge of our finances. Money molds
our own financial future because as we people in the process of getting it, saving
move through life's transitions, chances it, spending it and sharing it. Being
are good that at some point we will be informed about how to handle money
solely responsible for our own financial empowers us, helps us make better
security. If we are lucky enough to decisions, and prepares us for challenges
already enjoy financial security, we will and opportunities in our lives.

Historically speaking:

• Women leave the work force for an average of 11.5 years, compared to
16 months for men

• A woman who leaves the work force for only seven years early in her career
may receive half the retirement benefits of her male counterpart

• Women live longer than men do—an average of seven years
• 50% of women over age 65 outlive their husbands by 15 years
• Three in four women are single (divorced or widowed) when they die
• 75% of caretakers for elderly parents are women
• W o m e n are awarded child custody in 86% of divorces, and 50% of

child-support payments due are received only in part or not at all

www.Wachovia.com/personal

48 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 20(19

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Spend Your Way to Freedom Use cash i n envelopes for entertainment,
recreation, clothing, and miscellaneous. Once the
I k n o w that most o f us are doing fine when it envelope is empty, those budget categories have
comes to the "Spending" word! That's where we been spent for that month.
as women usually shine. But along w i t h spending
I also need to mention the words "budget" and Add up your non-monthly expenses and
"debt." We spend our money on the things that calculate the annual amounts needed to cover those
are important to us and step one is to figure out expenses. Divide by 1 2 and put that much away i n
h o w we spend our money. There are many tools a savings account each month. W h e n those bills
available to record money earned and spent. I are due, pay them f r o m the savings account. This
found several worksheets at http://www.womens- works well for car maintenance, non-monthly
finance.com/. Quicken is also a great tool. After insurance payments, Christmas and birthday gifts,
recording a month of spending, prepare some vacation and other seasonal expenses.
realistic financial goals. Remember: it's better to
accomplish three goals than to become frustrated I f your income fluctuates or is not predictable,
w i t h 1 0 unattainable ones. such as that o f a self-employed person or a
commissioned sales person, make a conservative
T h i n k o f a budget as "planned" spending. A estimate o f what you anticipate as your yearly
budget is telling your money where you want it income and divide by 1 2 to determine your average
to go, rather than wondering where it went! For monthly income.
many o f us, setting up a monthly budget is easy
compared to actually being able to stay w i t h i n the I f you do receive a larger sum of money f r o m
budgeted amounts. Here are a few ideas that I've a bonus or inheritance, place some or all o f it i n
used to help i n this area: a Money Market Account and borrow f r o m it as
you would a credit card, paying yourself back each
month until you repay the amount you borrowed.
Your money is earning interest and you aren't
paying interest to the credit card companies.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 T o DRAG MA • 4 9

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For many of you, debt may be something that you want Many people don't know exactly what they
to reduce or get under control. The amount of debt in owe. List your debts and set up a repayment
our nation has exploded, and the average US household plan; this will help you be systematic i n your
spends $ 4 0 0 more than it earns each year. Personal effort to get out of debt.
consumer debt increases at the rate of $ 1 , 0 0 0 a second!
We are drowning i n a sea of debt.

And with all this credit floating around, there are Consider using debt Also, here are some
serious financial casualties. In a recent year more than only if: helpful hints to
get out of debt:
1 , 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 individuals filed bankruptcy, and 2 0 0 9 is The debt is an appreciating
Establish a budget and a
projected to set new records. A n d most sobering, a asset or produces debt repayment plan
Gallop Poll found that 5 6 % of all divorces are a result o f an income
financial tension in the home. The debt has a value that is Consider earning
equal to the amount owed additional income, even
We need to understand the cost of debt. Assume you The debt does not put temporarily
have $ 5 , 5 6 0 in credit card debt at an 18% interest rate. undue strain on your
Paying the m i n i m u m each month, this would cost you budget Control or eliminate the
$1,000 in interest annually. use o f credit cards

Be more content w i t h
what you have

Save Your Way to Freedom Share Your Way to Freedom

N o w is a great time to start Saving. In these times Sharing is the best benefit o f financial freedom.
of uncertainty, experts recommend you establish a Being able to share and give to others gives us j o y
goal of saving the equivalent o f three to six months and satisfaction and that highest sense o f charity.
of your income i n an emergency fund. N o amount Your ability to share should be periodic, personal,
is too small to begin saving regularly and don't priority and planned. Sharing begins w i t h an
forget to add your savings goals into your budget. attitude o f submission and this is truly when
Establishing a regular transfer from your checking many givers begin to realize the joy o f giving.
account to a savings account at your bank is free Begin modestly and start supporting a particular
and easy! organization or ministry that touches your heart.
When you realize that money given wisely is not
Long- term savings should be intended to f u n d missed, special giving can become more consistent.
long-term needs and goals such as retirement Many people realize that wise charitable giving,
income and inheritances. Pensions and retirement rather than being a financial burden, can actually
accounts fall into this category; except for extreme be financially liberating. Sharing is one o f the most
financial emergencies, these savings should not satisfying ways of demonstrating personal g r o w t h
be used for any purposes other than the needs for and love o f others over possessions.
which they were established.

Suggested Resources: ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9
The Women's Institute for Financial Education www.WIFE.org
Women's Finance http://www.womens-finance.com/
Women's Personal Finance.net http://www.womenspersonalfinance.net/

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