Summer 2019 - To Dragma

Summer 2019

In this issue... 2019 International Collegiate
Convention Recap Chapter News
AOII Steps Boldly into
Policy Governance

2 | Summer 2019 Lambda Tau (U of Louisiana at Monroe)

Contents

14 32

46 52

4 Editor’s Letter 38 Foundation Focus on Scholarships

7 Viewpoint 42 The ABCs of Women’s Health

8 Fraternity News 46 Inspire Ambition Series
10 AOII Steps Boldly into Policy Salutes AOII Sisters
Governance 50 Things We Love: Retro Edition

12 NPC News 52 Collegiate Chapter News

14 2019 International Convention 67 Life Loyal AOIIs
Recap 68 Shop the AOII Emporium
32 Meet the 2019-2020 ELCs 70 Sisterhood Shines in a Time of Need
36 Entering the Red Zone 71 Panda Bear Clinics Teach Love at the
JA Conferences

On the cover: Eva Byrum, Tau Delta (Birmingham-Southern College) Chapter President and her mom, 3
Chris Lambert, Tau Delta aluma and adviser enjoy the Welcome to Orlando Gathering at Convention.

About Alpha Omicron Pi: from the editor
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College
in New York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie This has been a magical summer. Convention years always are
Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Stella special, but this year held a little extra magic as we headed to
George Stern Perry & Elizabeth Heywood Wyman. Orlando, Florida - the land of sunshine and dream vacations. AOII
The Object of the Fraternity: Convention 2019 was a fun week filled with sisterhood. We also
The object of the Fraternity shall be to encourage elected new leadership, participated in Rituals and celebrated
a spirit of Fraternity and love among its members; award winners. I hope you will take a few minutes to read the
to stand at all times for character, dignity, scholar- Convention recap article, as well as the first Viewpoint from our
ship, and college loyalty; to strive for and support new International President Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of
the best interest of the colleges and universities Mississippi).
in which chapters are installed, and in no way to This issue, which is being distributed to all our members, is jam-
disregard, injure, or sacrifice those interests for the packed with news. Interestingly, this Summer 2019 edition is being
sake of prestige or advancement of the Fraternity mailed to the largest circulation of any To Dragma ever.
or any of its chapters. If you are reading To Dragma for the first time in a long time,
Culture Principles: welcome back! I encourage you to get involved! Join your local
A look at “how” we do things: Accountability alumnae chapter, pay alumnae dues (see back cover), assist a local
& Ownership, Collaboration, Engagement, collegiate chapter, or at the very least call an AOII sister!
Innovation, Open & Honest Communication I hope every reader will take the time to catch-up on the latest Fra-
How to Join Life Loyal AOII: ternity news, review AOII’s progress with Policy Governance, and
Visit the AOII website (alphaomicronpi.org) or learn more exciting updates for AOII within NPC. Teaser - Carole
contact [email protected]. Jurenko Jones, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) was re-elected NPC
How to Join an AOII Alumnae Chapter: Chairman, the first time in conference history!
Visit the Chapter Locator page on the AOII website The always popular collegiate chapter news reports are included
for contact information on an alumnae chapter along with informative topics on women’s health and the critical
near you. 8-week time period on a college campus known as The Red Zone.
International President For a quick read, enjoy one of several inspiring member profiles
Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi) and be sure to check out the QR codes with the profiles to view
Executive Director accompanying videos from our Inspire Ambition video series.
Troylyn J. LeForge, Beta Phi (Indiana U) More inspiration comes from this year’s listing of the AOII Founda-
Alpha Omicron Pi is a member of the National tion Scholarship winners. We proudly salute the winners and the
Panhellenic Conference and the Fraternity donors who make it all possible.
Communications Association. As I write this, school is starting and fall recruitment season is well
underway. For collegiate chapters, an AOII Educational Leader-
4 | Summer 2019 ship Consultant (ELC) is already on the road with plans to visit you
sometime during the calendar year. Get to know this year’s great
team beginning on page 32. And if you don’t do anything else after
reading this page, take one second to flip to the inside back cover.
I promise it will make your day!
Here’s to a great year!

Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Director of Communications/Editor

We want to feature

your photos!

Tag @alphaomicronpi in your Instagram photos or email your photos to
[email protected] to be featured.* Don’t forget to follow
AOII to stay in the know!

About To Dragma:
To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron
Pi Fraternity and has been published since 1905.
The mission of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to
inform, educate and inspire our readers on subjects
relevant to our Fraternity, our chapters, our members
or Greek life; to encourage lifetime AOII involvement;
to salute excellence; and to serve as a permanent
record of our Fraternity’s history.

Director of Communications/Editor
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta
(U of Alabama)

Graphic Designer
Hillary Brewer, Sigma Gamma (Appalachian State U)

View To Dragma Online:
alphaomicronpi.org/news-events/to-dragma/

How to Contact To Dragma:
Mail: To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN
37027; phone: (615) 370-0920, fax: (615) 371-9736; or
email: [email protected].

How to Update Your Name or Address:
Go to the For Members page on the AOII website
(alphaomicronpi.org), email your new information to
[email protected], or call (615) 370-0920.

How to Subscribe to To Dragma:*
Subscriptions are $25 annually and can be paid by
check or credit card. Checks, made payable to AOII,
should be mailed to:

Alpha Omicron Pi
5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
Attn: Accounting

Credit card subscribers (Visa, Master Card or Discover
only) should email [email protected].
Stay Connected:
facebook.com/aoiifraternity
twitter.com/alphaomicronpi
Instagram: @alphaomicronpi

*To be featured in To Dragma, photos must *Collegiate members receive every copy of
be emailed and at least 1 MB. To Dragma, as well as dues-paying alumnae
chapter members and Life Loyal members. All
other members receive the summer issue only.

5

6 | Summer 2019 Omicron (U of Tennessee)

Viewpoint

Convention 2019 Second, dream (and dream big)! Big dreams
was a time of mean that your goals will not be easy to ac-
creating connec- complish; but that is what makes them worthy of
tions, celebrating your time, your talent, and your effort. The ulti-
sisterhood, and mate goal of our Fraternity is that AOII members
yes, inspiring ambi- are enriched through lifelong friendships and
tion! Amid business an exceptional membership experience rooted
sessions, brunches, in our Rituals and Culture Principles, and that
and awards, I found these benefits are achieved with good steward-
myself thinking ship of resources. These are big dreams!
about what it means Third, believe. If you want to accomplish the
to inspire ambition. goals before you, you must believe in yourself,
As I shared at Rose in your chapter and in our Fraternity. You must
Banquet, I believe also surround yourself with people who support
the answer to this you, inspire you, and believe in you. It is what
question is unique my AOII sisters do for me, and I believe it is
to each of us. As what our Founders did for one another.
individuals, we have Finally, dare. Dare to do it! Take action. While
the opportunity to decide how we will inspire we must be thoughtful in our actions, we must
ambition and how we will be a part of the future take action. Even if we fail, we will have learned
success of our Fraternity. something from the experience. So have cour-
So how do we find our place in that success? I age, take action, and inspire others to do the
believe Walt Disney created that framework for same. I believe that, together, we can achieve
us. When asked about his own success, he was our goals of lifelong friendship and an excep-
quoted as saying, “First, think. Second, dream. tional membership experience.
Third, believe. And finally, dare.” As we begin this new biennium, I want to thank
First, think. Before you can do anything else, you for the opportunity to serve as your Interna-
you must first decide where you are and where tional President, and I challenge each of you to
you are going. As a Fraternity, we are working think, to dream, to believe, and to dare; to dis-
to define our path to success within a new cover your place in the future of our Fraternity;
policy governance model. As individuals, and to make a commitment to inspire ambition!
as chapters, I encourage you to set your goals,
discover your place in our future, and determine
how you will achieve success.

Fraternally,

Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi)
AOII International President

Fraternity News

AOII Wins Arthritis Foundation's New and Improved AlphaLInk
2019 Corporate Impact Award & Fulfilling the Promise Launched

The relationship between AOII and the Arthritis Founda- AlphaLink, your portal to all things AOII online, and
tion (AF) continues to grow at an impressive pace. So Fulfilling the Promise, AOII’s online home for all things
much so that the AF has awarded AOII with their 2019 resources and education, have recently received face-
Corporate Impact Award. This is the highest recogni- lifts! AlphaLink now features a personal portal where all
tion they offer and goes to an organization dedicated to members can update their profile, fill out a Membership
making a lasting impact in the fight to conquer arthritis. Information Form, access their chapter AlphaLink page,
and more. Fulfilling the Promise will now be accessed
AF President and CEO Ann Palmer shares, "Since 1967, exclusively through AlphaLink, with resources and
AOII has been a steadfast partner in our journey to educational programs organized by role, making your
a cure. From your passionate involvement in Walk to resources more easily accessible. All members will
Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run… to the distribution of need to create new login information to take advan-
pandas that comfort kids with arthritis… to your gener- tage of the new features, which can be done by visiting
ous support of youth at juvenile arthritis camps and the alphalink.alphaomicronpi.org and clicking “claim your
annual JA Conference, AOII brings light and hope to ev- account.”
eryone battling this disease. The donations and aware-
ness you raise have fueled our fight for the 54 million
Americans who battle the pain of arthritis every day. Al-
pha Omicron Pi has made a tremendous impact on the
arthritis community — and we want to recognize your
life-changing contributions." The award was presented
on Friday, September 13 during the AF Conference of
Champions Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

Founders' Day Planning Tips

If you are looking for a new idea to launch or improve
your Founders' Day event, check out the Founders' Day
In A Box planning toolkit on Fulfilling the Promise. This
resource walks you through five different event op-
tions to plan an event perfect for your chapter size and
budget.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for these important upcoming dates:
Leadership Academy 2020
February 7-9, Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, Tennessee
Leadership Institute 2020
June 19-21, Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, Tennessee

8 | Summer 2019

Milestone Anniversaries Carole with Julie Johnson Carole with Shari Malone

Congratulations to the following chapters celebrating Impressive Awards of Distinction
milestone anniversaries during the upcoming school year: Recognize Carole Jones

25th Anniversary The hard work of the NPC Conference, led by NPC Chair-
• Rho Delta, Samford U, installed May 7, 1995 man Carole Jones, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama), has been
recognized in recent months by a series of impressive
50th Anniversary awards. Congratulations on the following honors:
• Charleston Alumnae Chapter, installed Sept. 10, 1969
• Mobile Alumnae Chapter, installed Sept. 10, 1969 FCA Varner Award
• Palouse Alumnae Chapter, installed Sept. 10, 1969 Named in honor of Alpha Sigma Phi’s Evin Varner and
• Greater Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter, installed presented by the Fraternity Communications Association
Sept. 10, 1969 (FCA), this award recognizes an exceptional communica-
• Phi Beta, East Stroudsburg U, installed Oct. 4, 1969 tor who demonstrates sincere and credible leadership
• Macomb County Alumnae Chapter, installed and interfraternal cooperation. Carole received the Varner
Nov. 18, 1969 Award during the May FCA annual meeting.
• Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter, installed Dec. 13, 1969
• Central New Mexico Alumnae Chapter, installed Delta Gamma Compass Award
Dec. 31, 1969 Delta Gamma’s Compass Award is given to non-Delta
• Tucson Alumnae Chapter, installed Dec. 31, 1969 Gammas who, through their extraordinary leadership and
• Palm Beach County Alumnae Chapter, installed service, have made a lasting and deeply significant con-
Apr. 18, 1970 tribution to the Fraternity and/or interfraternal movement.
DG Past International President Shari Malone surprised
75th Anniversary Carole with the award during AOII’s 2019 Convention in
• Greater Vancouver Region Alumnae Chapter, June.
installed Dec. 7, 1945

100th Anniversary
• Omega, Miami U, installed Jan. 4, 1919, photos below
• Omaha Alumnae Chapter, installed Jan. 1, 1920

Kappa Delta Order of the Diamond
Longtime Kappa Delta NPC Delegate Julie Johnson also
surprised Carole with KD’s Order of the Diamond during
AOII’s Convention in Orlando. This honor is given to a
select group of individuals who have made extraordinary
contributions to the women’s fraternal movement and
have demonstrated the true spirit of Panhellenism.

Tri Sigma Founders Award
Laura Sweet, (Past) Sigma Sigma Sigma NPC Delegate,
presented Carole with the Tri Sigma Founders Award
during an NPC Board Meeting in May. The award honors
women who carry Sigma founders’ vision of high ideals
and lasting sisterhood into the future. Carole is the first
non-Sigma woman to be bestowed this honor.

Pi Beta Phi Women of Distinction Award
This award was presented to the entire 2017-2019 NPC
Executive Committee for outstanding leadership and
interfraternal service by Pi Beta Phi. Carole accepted the
award on behalf of the NPC Leadership during Pi Phi’s
Convention this summer.

Get the latest Fraternity News by visiting 9
alphaomicronpi.org/news-events/fraternity-news/

Fraternity News

STEPS BOLDLY

INTO POLICY GOVERNANCE
In August 2018, the AOII Executive Board formally adopted the Carver Policy Governance Model as
AOII’s model of governance. Policy Governance, simply put, “enables boards to provide strategic
leadership in creating the future for their organizations.”

HOW WILL THE EXECUTIVE BOARD FUNCTION IN POLICY GOVERNANCE?

The Executive Board is the body that provides and volunteers, who will all play a significant
strategic leadership to the Fraternity, creating role in providing input and feedback throughout
written governing policies that address all lev- this process through a Membership Connection
els of decisions and situations. They will ensure Committee. Policy Governance is a journey that
organizational performance, including monitor- we are excited to take with all of AOII. The focus
ing the Executive Director (ED). They are also on strategic direction coupled with the ongoing
charged with creating a supportive environment monitoring and connection with our membership,
for the success of Properties and the Foundation.
Most importantly, they are charged with main- will truly allow the Fraternity to Inspire Ambition
taining the connection with AOIIs as members
for generations to come.

POLICY GOVERNANCE CATEGORIES

ENDS – the benefits EXECUTIVE BOARD-MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE
the organization is to LIMITATIONS – the DELEGATION – the PROCESS – the man-
produce, for which boundaries of prudence manner in which the ner in which the Board
people, at what cost or and ethics within which Board delegates author- itself operates, including
worth. Ends are de- the Board allows staff to ity to staff through the its philosophy, account-
veloped based on the make further decisions ED and measures staff ability, discipline, and its
Board's knowledge of about means, the way performance through own job.
and interaction with the things are done. evaluation of the ED.
owners—those to whom
the Board is morally ac-
countable.

The above four categories comprise AOII's over- AOII ENDS
all Policy Set. A complete copy of the Policy Set
is available for members to view through Fulfill- The Executive Board has developed the following
ing the Promise located on AlphaLink (alphalink. “ends” for the Fraternity based on their knowl-
alphaomicronpi.org). With these policies in place, edge and interactions with members, to whom
the Board can delegate the achievement of the they are accountable.
Ends to the ED, be assured that they are in fact
being achieved, and that the manner in which this
occurs does not exceed the Board's boundaries
of prudence and ethics. This assurance is based
not simply on trust, but on a carefully structured
monitoring process.

10 | Summer 2019

AOII members are enriched through lifelong friendships and an exceptional
membership experience rooted in our Rituals and Culture Principles. These
benefits are achieved with good stewardship of resources.
AOII members are confident, ambitious, and high performing.

AOII members have a strong sense of belonging through
friendships and a genuine connection to the Fraternity.

AOII members have relevant leadership and life skills The object of the Fraternity
that yield impactful results. shall be to encourage a spirit of
AOII members have values driven character, honoring Fraternity and love among its
the Object of the Fraternity. members; to stand at all times
AOII members have a commitment to meaningful service for character, dignity, scholar-
to the Fraternity, campus communities, and the world. ship, and college loyalty; to
strive for and support the best
interests of the colleges and
universities in which chapters
are installed, and in no way to
disregard, injure, or sacrifice
those interests for the sake of
prestige or advancement of the
Fraternity or any of its chapters.

11















ALPHA CHI CHAPTER
WESTERN KENTUCKY U

Honoring AOII Founder Jessie Wallace Hughan, the JWH competition was held on campus last fall and surpassed
Cup is one of the Fraternity’s most prestigious awards all expectations raising almost $12,000 for the Arthritis
and recognizes the collegiate chapter determined to be Foundation. Along with several other successful fundrais-
the most outstanding for the biennium. The recipient of ing events, Alpha Chi is a strong contributor to all things
the 2019 JWH Cup is Alpha Chi Chapter, Western Ken- philanthropic.
tucky University. Alpha Chi is a chapter filled with a sense Campus involvement is viewed as one of the strengths
of love and pride that is unparalleled. Chapter morale of the chapter. Members are incredibly involved, and the
during the past biennium was exceptional. Sisterhood chapter is always acknowledged as supportive mem-
continues to be the cornerstone of every aspect of chap- bers of their campus community. Their Coordinator of
ter operations, woven purposefully into each chapter Greek Affairs praises AOII, calling them an elite chapter
meeting and countless sisterhood activities. on their campus and declaring they are deserving of all
Alpha Chi has long been one of AOIIs strongest recruit- the recognition that AOII has to offer. Likewise, their new
ing chapters and this biennium has been no exception. member program is strong and intentional. New mem-
Preparations are polished, conversations are genuine, bers pledging this chapter have a place they love to call
transitions are smooth, but most importantly, sisterhood home from day one.
remains the heart of recruitment. The love the women The chapter has chosen to especially emphasize aca-
have for one another is clearly exhibited and evident to demics during the past biennium. The chapter’s lead-
potential new members. Additionally, the chapter has ers recognized that they had been under-performing in
incorporated a unique way to demonstrate AOII’s values academics, so they developed a plan designed to help
during recruitment: each member wears an engraved women excel individually and as a chapter. The chapter
necklace during recruitment that bears the word of the members embraced the plan whole-heartedly, allowing
AOII value that is most important to her. Some of these the chapter to make a huge leap in a relatively short time.
selections include ambition, faith, hope, love or others. And 41 out of 144 women earned a 4.0 during the most
They found this to not only be an outward show of how recent reporting grade period.
important AOII values are to their members, but a won- The fraternity is proud to recognize Alpha Chi Chapter at
derful conversation starter during recruitment. Western Kentucky University as the worthy recipient of
Year in and year out, philanthropy events are always the 2019 JWH Cup.
fun and successful. This biennium proved to be a great
success. Their inaugural Stomp Out Arthritis step show

Gayle Fitzpatrick presents Alpha Chi Chapter President Alpha Chi 2018 Step Show Team
Grace Johnson with the JWH Cup at Rose Banquet
19

Event Recap

Mary Ann Rice Caldwell Award

RENO-TAHOE ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Named in honor of Mary Ann Rice Caldwell, a long- Gayle Fitzpatrick presents Reno-Tahoe Alumnae Chapter
time AOII volunteer and Headquarters Staff Member, member Birdie Hanson with the MARC Award at Rose Banquet
the MARC award recognizes the most outstanding
Alumnae Chapter of the biennium. This year's recipi- Reno-Tahoe believes in sustained communication that
ent was chartered in 2009, and since that time has lets area alumnae know the chapter is available to them
established loving bonds that contribute to outstand- whenever and however their lives permit participation.
ing membership recruitment and retention. There And - they believe that they LIVE Ritual through sustained
are only 132 alumnae in their recruitment area, yet sisterhood. Congratulations to Reno-Tahoe Alumnae
60 Sisters are members - an incredible 45% of area Chapter for providing an exceptional membership experi-
alumnae. Their membership growth is strengthened ence to alumnae and the collegians they support.
through purposeful recognition, quality program-
ming, and meaningful sisterhood. Communication is
excellent, emphasizing personal connections with
long-time and new members alike. Their relationship
with two local collegiate chapters is strong and their
philanthropic efforts are extensive. Two members
stepped up to serve as the inaugural Walk to Cure
Arthritis Walk chairs this past year and the chapter
successfully hosted a Strike Out Arthritis! event with
an area professional soccer team. This award-winning
chapter actively serves their community and supports all
area Panhellenic activities all while having a great time
enjoying each other’s company.
Impressively, 100% of their chartering members are still
members today, the chapter has grown 500% in their
first ten years of existence and 58% in the past four. And
this year, they retained 100% of their First Year On Us
sisters living in the area and 91% of other primary chapter
members.

Welcome to Orlando Gathering Rose Banquet

20 | Summer 2019

Stella Gerge Stern Perry Award

JULIANNA SHAMEL, KAPPA KAPPA (BALL STATE U)

Honoring Founder Stella George Stern Perry, the Perry Our recipient has truly embraced AOII’s tagline, Inspir-
Award is the highest distinction given to a collegiate ing Ambition. After attending Leadership Institute last
member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Stella Perry was the first summer, Julianna was so inspired by our Sunday morning
President of the Alpha Chapter at Barnard College and keynote speaker, Erin Fischer, that she took the initia-
the first President of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity. This an- tive to make a cold call that very next week to invite Erin
nual award is presented to the one collegiate president to speak to the women on her campus. She knew Erin’s
who, by outstanding service to her chapter, exceptional “Radically Unfinished” message would resonate well
inspiration to its members, and recognition by administra- there as well. Just a few short months later, Julianna was
tion and/or fellow students of her college or university, on stage introducing Erin to her campus community. Erin
typifies the Alpha Omicron Pi so beloved by Stella. was impressed. Since then, Julianna has been job shad-
This year’s Perry Award recipient, Julianna Shamel, Kap- owing Erin and even received an open invitation to work
pa Kappa (Ball State U) is a phenomenal young woman. with her in the future.
Her own Leaders Council described her as a president Her Director of Greek Life praised our winner’s efforts
who put her heart fully into AOII, dedicating countless on their Greek Life Risk Management Task Force and
hours and tears to the well-being of the chapter. Her emphasized her forward-thinking and strategic skills. She
efforts are noticed and appreciated. Her entire chapter added, “Julianna has the special ability to build strong,
recognizes her as empathetic and understanding, which welcoming relationships with anyone she encounters.
they say gives her the ability to have dozens and dozens She brings a positive, can-do attitude to any team. And
of members feel comfortable and connected to her. her leadership style can be described as gracious and
Her Chapter Adviser explains she has a unique leader- thoughtful.”
ship style that is a balance of managing operational Julianna also excels in academics in her chosen field of
excellence with awareness, compassion and care. Voice Performance and Music Media Production. She
Julianna's Leaders Council focus as President was on was selected as a member of the 2018 Homecoming
communications and her thoughtful approach to conflict Court and a deserving recipient of the Ball State Univer-
resolution continues to shape the dynamic of both LC sity Office of Greek Life Outstanding Chapter Presidents
and the chapter. Because she is also invested in provid- Award for 2018. It is with great pleasure, on behalf of the
ing every member with a great AOII experience; in fall Fraternity and the Perry Award Committee, that we pres-
2018, she met with new members individually after Bid ent the 2019 Perry Award to Julianna Shamel.
Day to welcome them and ensure they felt comfortable in
what she calls “her home.”

Julianna Shamel received the Perry Award during Rose Banquet Kappa Kappa collegiate members at Convention 2019

21

Event Recap

Helen St. Clair MullanAward

SALLY WAGAMAN, SIGMA TAU (WASHINGTON COLLEGE), PHILADELPHIA ALUMNAE CHAPTER

This biennial award is named in honor of AOII Found- Gayle Fitzpatrick presents the Mullan Award to Sally Wagaman
er Helen St. Clair Mullan. The award recognizes one
alumna member who has continually served AOII for realize the important role she would play as the NPC
many years, exemplifying loyalty, faithfulness and Executive Committee voted to pursue a structure change
devotion to the Fraternity. The Fraternity is pleased and guide the conference into a Governance Model – all
to honor Sally Wagaman, Sigma Tau (Washington while AOII was embarking on the same journey.
College) as this year's recipient. Her nominator de- Her love for AOII is truly evident in all that she has done
scribed Sally as that person upon whom you should and continues to do for our Fraternity. From the day of
have no fear to call. In her service to the Fraternity her initiation, she has never stopped giving back to AOII.
she is always one to offer support without judgement The Mullan Award honors a member for loyal, faithful and
or reproach. She flawlessly guides sisters through devoted service to the Fraternity. Congratulations to a
discussions and decisions in graceful and knowl- very worthy recipient.
edgeable ways. And she is calm, fair, forward think-
ing and concise in all dealings.
Sally loves Robert’s Rules of Order and even belongs
to Robert’s Rules of Order Blogs! Her love for those
well-known rules are, no doubt, admirable quali-
ties for AOII’s Parliamentarian, a role she absolutely
shines in. She has also served the Fraternity as an
adviser, a chapter Corporation Board member, a regional
team member, International Standing Committee Chair, a
Past International President and she remains a dedicated
member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter.
Sally fell in love with the work of NPC while serving as
International President in 2003. She continued that work,
first as a valued NPC Consulting Team Leader and now
as Parliamentarian for the National Panhellenic Confer-
ence. When she accepted that position, little did anyone

Awards Banquet Inspiring Ambition Luncheon

22 | Summer 2019

Mary Louise Rller Award

KELSEY SAPP, CHI LAMBDA (U OF EVANSVILLE)

Mary Louise Roller was an AOII Past International Presi- policy, both excellent
dent and Chairman of the National Panhellenic Confer- experiences for this
ence from 1967-1969. The award that honors Mary Louise criminal justice and
recognizes one of our collegiate members for outstand- sociology major.
ing service and leadership to her Panhellenic, campus She is currently
and/or community. This year's deserving recipient, Kelsey AOII’s Keeper of
Sapp, Chi Lambda (U of Evansville) has been a leader the Ritual and
within AOII and the university since her freshman year we are very
at the University of Evansville. As a freshman, Kelsey proud of her
was elected to serve as the Panhellenic delegate on her contributions to
campus, a role in which she embraced and proved to be her Panhellenic
outstanding. and campus
She attended the 2017 NPC meeting in Denver when communities.
Carole Jones was installed as NPC Chairman. Her chap- AOII is pleased to
ter shared that she was inspired by the Panhellenic spirit recognize Kelsey
she experienced there and returned determined to make Sapp as the 2019
a difference on her campus. She found that opportunity recipient of the Mary
as Panhellenic President as she found herself handling Louise Roller Award.
more duties than expected due to the unexpected
absence of a Greek Advisor. Kelsey was the one manag-
ing meetings, overseeing recruitment planning, updating
documents, contacting her Area NPC Advisor and much
more. When the new Greek Advisor was hired, it was
Kelsey who was tapped to help orient him into his new
role.
Beyond her Panhellenic position, she also served on the
university committee to revise their Title IX Policy and
a separate committee to revise the university alcohol

Awards Banquet Rose Banquet

23

Event Recap

Adele K. Hinton Award

SHARON BOISON, KAPPA KAPPA (BALL STATE U), INDIANAPOLIS ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Named in honor of Past International President Adele Gayle Fitzpatrick presents Sharon Boison
K. Hinton, the Hinton Award recognizes an alumna with the Hinton Award at Awards Banquet
who has set an outstanding personal example for
others in the Fraternity. Our recipient is an inspira-
tion to every sister she meets to give back to AOII
in any way they can. Sharon Boison, Kappa Kappa
(Ball State U) has modeled service to the Fraternity
through her work on an Alumnae Advisory Commit-
tee, more than 20 years of membership and leader-
ship in her beloved Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter,
becoming an international volunteer, or simply
pitching in when any sister calls on her for help. She
is generous with her time and affection, passionate
in her pursuit of AOII’s growth and development,
and ready and willing to give to the advancement
of our Fraternity. She is both an AOII legacy and the
proud mother of another AOII legacy. The Fraternity
is proud to present the Adele K. Hinton Award to a
worthy recipient. Congratulations to Sharon Boison.

Muriel T. McKinney Award

PATRICIA ANTOLOSKY, EPSILON ALPHA (PENNSYLVANIA STATE U)

Muriel T. McKinney served as AOII’s International Pat Antolosky receives the McKinney Award from Gayle Fitzpatrick
President from 1946-1949 and the award in her name
was first created in 1975 to honor a chapter adviser
for outstanding guidance and length of service to
a collegiate chapter. Pat Antolosky, Epsilon Alpha
(Pennsylvania State U) has served as the Chapter
Adviser of her own chapter since they were rein-
stalled in 1982 – a total of 27 years! As a caring,
genuine and passionate mentor, she has confidently
guided the women of Epsilon Alpha Chapter to be
the best they can be. Her humble approach is relat-
able and she treats each and every chapter member
like her own. One example of her dedication is her
attendance at each and every Leaders Council and
chapter meeting every week. One of her nominators
wrote, “I could not imagine my sorority experience
without her. She is the glue that holds our chapter
together.” Epsilon Alpha’s beloved Chapter Adviser,
Patricia Antolosky, is a deserving recipient.

24 | Summer 2019

Barbara Daugs Hunt Award

LISA NIEDENTHAL, BETA PHI (INDIANA U)

The Barbara Daugs Hunt Award is presented by the Barbara Hunt presents Lisa Niedenthal
AOII Foundation to a member of our Fraternity who with the Hunt Award during Rose Banquet
has shown outstanding service to our Foundation.
Honoring Barbara Daugs Hunt, past International Lisa is recognized as a mentor and friend by members
President and Past Foundation Board President, this of her teams. She is a member of Life Loyal, the Second
award is one reserved for a sister who has exempli- Century Society, the 1897 Society and a generous Alpha
fied a lifetime commitment to the ideals, vision and Circle lifetime donor. In 1983, she was initiated into Beta
mission of the AOII Foundation. This year's recipient Phi Chapter and was elected as a Vice President on
is Lisa Niedenthal, Beta Phi (Indiana U). the Executive Board during this year's Convention. The
Lisa's devotion to our Foundation is evidenced AOII Foundation is honored to present the 2019 Barbara
by her generosity of service and giving. She was Daugs Hunt Award to Lisa Niedenthal.
elected to the Foundation Board and served for six
years as a director and as President during her last
term. During that time, she chaired the Board De-
velopment and Governance Committee, Major Gifts
Committee, and Loyalty Fund Committee. Along with
her extensive work on the AOII Foundation Board,
she has served the Fraternity in a number of roles
as well, from membership in her local alumnae chapter,
to serving on the AACs of two collegiate chapters and as
a Network Director, just to name a few. Additionally, she
chose to pursue a career in a male-dominated field and
is someone we can certainly say is successfully inspiring
ambition as a creative visionary.

Attendees arrive at Convention Awards Banquet

25

Event Recap

Rse Award Winners

One of the most prestigious AOII awards is a Rose Award, which recognizes alumnae who serve AOII solely because of
their devotion to the Fraternity and its ideals. A Rose Award is our Fraternity’s way of saying "Thank You" to loyal alum-
nae for their lifetime commitment of continuing interest, assistance, and dedication to AOII. This year, twelve exceptional
women were recipients.

Becky Tyson Gamble, Gamma Sigma (Georgia State U) Diane Johnson Killingback, Kappa Alpha (Indiana
State U) and Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Brittany Fallon Carter, Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana
U) and Hammond Area, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans Rissa Welcker Reddan, Omega (Miami U) and
Alumnae Chapters Chicago City and Denver Alumnae Chapters

Debra Cecil Jacobs, Sigma Iota (Western Illinois U) and Pamela Webb Mearsheimer, Phi Chi (U of Chicago) and
Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter Chicago City Alumnae Chapter

Carly Petersen Loth, Sigma Phi (California State U, Amanda Killingsworth, Kappa Chi (Northwestern
Northridge) Greater Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley State U of Louisiana)
Alumnae Chapters
Kelly Abbott, Sigma Phi (California State U, Northridge)
Birdie Hanson, Omicron Pi (U of Michigan) and Reno- and San Fernando Valley and San Jose Alumnae Chapters
Tahoe Alumnae Chapter
Barbara Hiss Bruning, Theta Psi (U of Toledo)
Sue Schaffer Ballinger, Beta Lambda (Illinois Wesleyan U) and Rochester Alumnae Chapter
and Lake County of Illinois Alumnae Chapter

Wman of Leadership Award Winners

ALUMNAE RECIPIENTS

Nancy Bendinger, Rho Delta (Samford U)

Ashley Barnes Dumat, Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee State U)

Jennifer Grizzle, Gamma Sigma (Georgia State U)

Brandi Nunnery, Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee State U)

COLLEGIATE RECIPIENTS Mikaela Padgen, Lambda Eta (Grand Valley State U)
Rebekah Pettine, Gamma Alpha (George Mason U)
Alyssa Brown, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) Alexis Vance, Omega Sigma (Oklahoma State U)
Marissa Combs, Phi Chi (U of Chicago) Alexis Watson, Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)
Rachel Knoebel, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U) Erica Wiebe, Omega Sigma (Oklahoma State U)
Lauren Graham, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi) Tiffany Yeung, Chi Psi (California Polytechnic State U)
Kathryn Kennedy, Delta Delta (Auburn U)
Katee Orr, Alpha Phi (Montana State U)

26 | Summer 2019

Cllegiate Chapter Awards

CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARD EXCELLENCE IN CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

This award honors the collegiate chapters recognized to Alpha Pi, Florida State U
be AOII’s most outstanding in overall chapter excellence. Beta Eta, Gettysburg College
Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky U Beta Phi, Indiana U
Alpha Phi, Montana State U Beta Upsilon, Bryant U
Beta Phi, Indiana U Delta Delta, Auburn U
Delta Delta, Auburn U Gamma Alpha, George Mason U
Delta Omega, Murray State U Gamma Phi, Seton Hall U
Epsilon Omega, Eastern Kentucky U Kappa Tau, Southeastern Louisiana U
Kappa Kappa, Ball State U Lambda Chi, LaGrange College
Kappa Tau, Southeastern Louisiana U Lambda Tau, U of Louisiana at Monroe
Omicron, U of Tennessee Mu Lambda, Rollins College
Pi Delta, U of Maryland Nu Beta, U of Mississippi
Rho Omicron, Middle Tennessee State U Omicron, U of Tennessee
Tau Omicron, U of Tennessee Martin Pi Delta, U of Maryland
Zeta Pi, U of Alabama at Birmingham
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATIONS
EXCELLENCE IN ALUMNAE RELATIONS
Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky U
Alpha Phi, Montana State U Alpha Mu, Duquesne U
Alpha Pi, Florida State U Alpha Rho, Oregon State U
Beta Zeta, Kennesaw State U Iota, U of Illinois
Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State U Lambda Eta, Grand Valley State U
Kappa Tau, Southeastern LouisianaU Nu Omega, Northern Kentucky U
Lambda Eta, Grand Valley State U Omega Sigma, Oklahoma State U
Lambda Sigma, U of Georgia Omicron, U of Tennessee
Lambda Tau, U of Louisiana at Monroe Rho Omicron, Middle Tennessee State U
Pi Delta, U of Maryland Sigma Omicron, Arkansas State U
Sigma Delta, Huntingdon College Theta Iota, California State U, San Marcos
Theta Psi, U of Toledo
Xi, U of Oklahoma

Red, Pink & Coral Day Awards Banquet

27

Event Recap Tau Omicron, U of Tennessee Martin
Xi, U of Oklahoma
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE
EXCELLENCE IN MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky U
Alpha Delta, U of Alabama Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky U
Chi Lambda, U of Evansville Alpha Phi, Montana State U
Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State U Beta Upsilon, Bryant U
Epsilon Omega, Eastern KentuckyU Chi Lambda, U of Evansville
Kappa Alpha, Indiana State U Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State U
Kappa Kappa, Ball State U Epsilon Omega, Eastern Kentucky U
Kappa Lambda, U of Calgary Gamma Alpha, George Mason U
Lambda Tau, U of Louisiana at Monroe Kappa Tau, Southeastern Louisiana U
Nu Beta, U of Mississippi Omicron, U of Tennessee
Pi Delta, U of Maryland
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCE Rho Omicron, Middle Tennessee State U
Sigma Delta, Huntingdon College
Alpha Phi, Montana State U Sigma Omicron, Arkansas State U
Alpha Pi, Florida State U Tau Delta, Birmingham Southern College
Beta Upsilon, Bryant U Tau Omicron, U of Tennessee Martin
Beta Zeta, Kennesaw State U Theta Iota, California State U, San Marcos
Chi Lambda, U of Evansville
Delta Delta, Auburn U EXCELLENCE IN MEMBERSHIP RETENTION
Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State U
Delta Omega, Murray State U Alpha Phi, Montana State U
Delta Rho, DePaul U Beta Zeta, Kennesaw State U
Iota, U of Illinois Delta Delta, Auburn U
Kappa Chi, Northwestern State U Delta Omega, Murray State U
Kappa Kappa, Ball State U Kappa Kappa, Ball State U
Kappa Omicron, Rhodes College Pi Delta, U of Maryland
Rho Omicron, Middle Tennessee State U
EXCELLENCE IN FRATERNITY & SORORITY RELATIONS Sigma Omicron, Arkansas State U
Xi, U of Oklahoma
Alpha Pi, Florida State U
Alpha Psi, Bowling Green State U EXCELLENCE IN NEW MEMBER EDUCATION
Delta Delta, Auburn U
Delta Nu, U of Nevada Alpha, Columbia U
Kappa Kappa, Ball State U Alpha Phi, Montana State U
Lambda Sigma, U of Georgia Beta Zeta, Kennesaw State U
Lambda Tau, U of Louisiana at Monroe Delta Delta, Auburn U
Pi Delta, U of Maryland Delta Omega, Murray State U
Rho Omicron, Middle Tennessee State U

Awards Banquet Rose Banquet

28 | Summer 2019

















These conversations build protective 4. RESPECT AND LISTEN TO VICTIMS WHILE
networks to fight gender-based violence.
It is more important to have your friends ALSO TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF.
safe than have them upset with you for
intervening in a potentially harmful situa- There is no perfect survivor, every survivor
tion. When it comes to preventing a sister handles their situation in their own way.
from driving drunk, you intervene, so why You don’t always know someone’s past
aren’t you doing this in other situations experiences and how those experiences
that could be harmful to them? can trigger different
responses. If a survi-
2. HAVE OPEN AND HONEST CONVERSATIONS vor does not want to
AS A COLLEGIATE CHAPTER. come forward that is her THE RED ZONE
choice and it should be
Each chapter should be having conver- respected. Survivors can The first eight weeks of each
sations, education and trainings around feel self-doubt, blame semester on a college campus.
bystander and upstander behavior, along
with how to safely step into a potentially and fear of coming for- GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
harmful situation and prevent or reduce ward for many reasons.
the risk of sexual assault. Now is the time In Greek life there can An umbrella term that encompasses
to plan chapter wide trainings where be an added level of not all forms of violence and harass-
members act out potential situations and wanting to get another ment committed against an individual
actually practice what to do and not just organization in trouble or because of and/or based on their
listen to statistics. A great way to do this is feelings that people will biological sex, gender identity and/or
to invite professionals from your campus not believe them. Soller sexual orientation. The term includes
or community to lead trainings and spark shared, “The power and sexual assault, rape, sexual harass-
healthy conversations with each other. control has been taken ment, all forms of intimate partner
away and telling them violence and stalking.
3. KNOW YOUR RESOURCES.
what to do with their DID YOU KNOW?
Each student, adviser and parent should own situation continues
know the campus and community poli- to take the power away
cies and resources available to students. from them.” The best 20-25% of college women are raped
Every campus is different when it comes thing you can do for a during their time in college and 50%
to policies, resources and support. Reach survivor is to listen and of sexual assault cases take place
out to your campus Title IX Coordinator support their feelings. during the Red Zone.
or similar campus administrator to learn
of the resources available to your chapter It is also important to
and all students. take care of yourself when supporting sis-
ters, friends or family members who have
Other Available Resources: been affected by sexual assault or rape.
• One Student: onestudent.org Secondary survivorship is also real and
• RAINN 24/7 hotline: (800)-656-4673 can lead to depression and many other
• Know your IX: knowyourix.org negative side effects.
• NPC toolkit for campus Panhellenics
Now is the time to take action against
gender-based violence on our campuses,
in our communities and in the world.

IF YOU ARE A SURVIVOR OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

seeking assistance, please contact your Campus or Community Rape Crisis Center,
Campus Advocate or Counseling Center or contact one of these national resources:

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): 1-877-739-3895

37

AOII Foundation Focus

AOII FOUNDATION 2019-2020 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Named Scholarship Recipients

Undergraduate Recipients Carli E. Sears Memorial Ginger Banks Scholarship
Scholarship Addison Webster, Delta
Alpha Tau Chapter Legacy Gabrielle Brown, Nu Beta Lambda
Scholarship
Kelly Sasseen, Omicron

Amy Ziegler Bettencourt Carole Jurenko Jones Hailee Jean Conrad
Scholarship - Alpha Delta Scholarship Scholarship
Amy Symmonds, Delta Tau Hope Henson, Alpha Delta Christina Binkowski, Kappa
Angels of Kappa Theta Caroline Craig Lazzara Omega
Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Iota Chapter Scholarship
Audrey Dykzeul, Chi Psi Sophia Colon, Lambda Psi Anna Steinbrenner, Iota

Barbara Hiss Bruning Carolyn Huey Harris Iota Sigma Endowed
Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship
Kristen Shawgo, Theta Psi Mary Klein, Lambda Sigma Rylee Bowman, Iota Sigma

Barbara Kohler - Tau Charlene M. Favre Scholarship Iota Sigma Endowed
Chapter Scholarship Hannah Boquet, Kappa Chi Scholarship
Emily Riner, Tau Rachel Lininger, Iota Sigma

Beta Phi Centennial Claranne Marchese Jasmine Queen - Sigma Tau
Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Scholarship
Jillian Jerndt, Beta Phi Mary Fitch, Phi Lambda Nicole Certesio, Sigma Tau

Betty Duke Scholarship Delta Rho Scholarship Jennifer Combs - Chi Lambda
Delaney Jacobson, Delta Nu Mairead De Witt, Delta Rho Scholarship
Minka Gill, Chi Lambda

Beverly Landes Townsend - Dina D’Gerolamo - Kappa Jo Ann Gibbons Memorial
Alpha Phi Scholarship Tau Scholarship - Kappa Alpha Chapter
Haley Dabbs, Alpha Phi Kelsey Lavigne, Kappa Tau Scholarship
Birdie Hanson Nursing Dolores Rhodes Scholarship Emily Dircks, Kappa Alpha
Scholarship Erin Delamer, Alpha Delta Joleen Heibert Fields - Delta
Marly Gingras, Omicron Pi Omega Chapter Scholarship
Molly Logsdon, Delta Omega

Candy Carlisle Derivaux Dottie Leek - Nu Omicron Julie A. Brining Memorial
Memorial Scholarship Chapter Scholarship Scholarship
Amy Bracken, Nu Beta Clare Broderick, Nu Omicron Lauryn (Maisie) Miller, Gamma
Carey Griner Memorial - Gayle Fitzpatrick Scholarship Delta
Kappa Kappa Scholarship Caprial Farrington, Alpha Rho Kappa Gamma Chapter
Julianna Shamel, Kappa Kappa Scholarship
Miranda Taylor, Alpha Pi

38 | Summer 2019

Karen Fried Kelone “Healing Omega Chapter Scholarship Terry Mize Palmer Lambda
Hand” Scholarship Cassidy Hemm, Omega Omicron Scholarship
Whitney Say, Delta Delta Pat (Hayes) Cutlip & Dotti Ryah Al-Amin, Lambda
Karen Tucker Centennial (Hayes) Cutlip Scholarship Omicron
Scholarship Rachel Martin, Omega Sigma
Stephanie Souza, Beta Upsilon Terry Mize Palmer - Phi
Kerri Keith Memorial - Gamma Alpha Scholarship
Sigma Chapter Scholarship Erica Stout, Phi Alpha
Migle Miseviciute, Gamma
Sigma Paula Jones Salter Memorial - Xi Chapter Scholarship
Langston/Purdy - Lambda Nu Beta Chapter Scholarship Emily Black, Xi
Sigma/Alpha Delta Scholarship Kathryn Shetley, Nu Beta
Katie Irwin, Lambda Sigma
Lauren Weiss Memorial - Gamma Peg Crawford - Phi Chi Graduate Recipients
Omicron Chapter Scholarship Scholarship
Nicole De Brigard, Gamma Vanessa Cai, Phi Chi Alumnae Chapter Honor
Omicron Phyllis Casteel Gilson Scholarship
Legacy of Loyalty to Lambda Scholarship Kelly Loewen, Kappa Omega
Tau Scholarship Amy Schraeder, Iota Sigma
Victoria Gomez, Lambda Tau Phyllis R. Austin Bonifield Family Women in
Lou Meginness Couch - Sigma Scholarship STEM Graduate Scholarship
Omicron Scholarship Kendall Block, Zeta Theta Katie Kelly (Clennan), Alpha Phi
Macey Rogers, Sigma Omicron Rachel Allen - Alpha Chi
Martha McKinney Wilhoite - Chapter Scholarship Edith Huntington Anderson
Theta Chapter Scholarship Kenzie Moore, Alpha Chi Scholarship
Josie Marcum, Kappa Kappa Rho Omicron Chapter Mahgol Hamidi, Beta Kappa
Mary McCammon Williams Scholarship
& Robert E. Williams Abigail Coco, Rho Omicron Helen Haller Outstanding
Ashley McFarquhar, Kappa Phi Robert and Eleanor Graduate Scholarship
Maureen C. Tokar MacCurdy Scholarship Cathy Naylor, Sigma Omicron
Scholarship Danica McGrevey, Xi Omicron
Natalie Schultz, Gamma Alpha Ruth E. Thompson Memorial Ruth M. Johnson Memorial
Michaella Walsh-Libby Scholarship Scholarship
Scholarship Lexi Haskell, Beta Phi Alexis Vella, Theta Psi
Marguerite Gelinas, Pi Delta Sabrina Keene Scholarship
Muriel T. McKinney Jessica Shelton, Beta Chi Returning Alumnae Recipients
Outstanding Undergraduate
Scholarship Nancy McCain Memorial
Cassidy Russell, Delta Epsilon Scholarship
Nu Iota Chapter Scholarship Sarah Brooks, Chi Lambda
- In Memory of Julia V. Nelson
& In Honor of Elaine Nelson Pi Kappa Chapter Scholarship
Mackenzie Kennedy Williams, Sigma
Mariah Carter, Omega Sigma Theta

Shirley A. Lee Memorial - San Diego Alumnae Chapter
Lambda Sigma Scholarship Honor Scholarship
Emily Bauer, Lambda Sigma Connie Marie Calimbas,
Lambda Beta

Susan Danko Scholarship
Kendall Cuddy, Phi Upsilon

39

2019-2020 Academic Diamond Jubilee Scholarhip Recipients

Ghada Abouhaidar Samantha (Sammy) Clark Bethany Hall
Zeta Pi Alpha Phi Epsilon Omega

Dana Allan Katelyn Crowder Annie Harris
Kappa Lambda Sigma Alpha Tau Omicron

Allie (Alyssa) Aranda Hannah DeFord Kyra Helming
Alpha Pi Chi Theta Kappa Alpha

Audrey Barrera Courtney Eckerle Katharine Henn
Phi Sigma Nu Omega Phi Chi

Georgia Blackwell Kasey Ellrich Taylor Hovey
Omega Sigma Omega Sigma Zeta Theta

Elizabeth Bolt Avery Estes Kaitlin Jones
Tau Delta Gamma Delta Tau Delta

Madeline Bookout Leah Etheridge Rebekah Juergens
Tau Mu Rho Delta Rho Omicron

Kaitlyn Callahan Allison Gallagher Grace Kelley
Lambda Alpha Sigma Tau Gamma

Lynae Carlson Katherine Gamel Karsyn King
Xi Omicron Lambda Sigma Nu Beta

Marissa Cartwright Vanessa Geitz Kylie Koogler
Alpha Theta Lambda Epsilon Kappa Delta

Zoe Cascadden Lilli Gordon Allyson Kramer
Kappa Lambda Nu Beta Alpha Mu

Hannah Chalfant Diana Haber Emma Kwapnioski
Alpha Chi Alpha Pi Zeta

40 | Summer 2019

Caitlyn Latiolais Emily Pride Raeanne Suchcicki
Gamma Delta Alpha Chi Gamma Phi

Megan Leith Rachel Ramsey Autumn Svoboda-Lessard
Lambda Sigma Delta Lamda Phi Delta

Tiana Lohmiller Valerie Rewa Kailea Swartz
Gamma Phi Nu Beta Gamma Alpha

Miriam Maloney Emma Sauser Sara Taylor
Kappa Omicron Xi Omicron Kappa Omicron

Elizabeth Medley Lexie Sebghati Alana Wade
Alpha Chi Xi Omicron Theta Omega

McKenna Nielsen Sierra Smith Lindsay Walter
Theta Chi Omega Sigma Gamma Alpha

Caroline Odom Victoria Starks Julia Webb
Lambda Sigma Nu Beta Delta Epsilon

Raveena Patel Kelsie Steber Kiera Welch
Delta Delta Alpha Chi Zeta

Kerigan Pickett Sunila Steephen Samantha Williams
Sigma Delta Phi Chi Omega Sigma

Ann Pogrebitskiy Maggie Stephens Jessica Zhang
Zeta Delta Xi Delta Kappa

Emma Powers Lia Stiles 41
Alpha Psi Iota Theta

Maddison (Maddi) Powers Reagan Stone
Theta Omega Nu Beta

Feature

The ABCs
of Women's Health

by Haley Cahill-Teubert, Sigma Gamma (Appalachian State U)

To promote Women’s Health Week this past May, we rounded up a list of 26 important points for
every woman to outline the ABCs of women’s health. There’s a short statement below pertaining to
women’s health for every letter of the alphabet. Join us in celebrating women’s health all year long so
we can live our best, healthiest lives today and years to come!

A - ARTHRITIS C - CALCIUM

Arthritis should be a well-known term to every We’ve all been told calcium contributes to strong
member of AOII, but especially because arthritis bones, but how much do we need and why does
occurs more frequently in women than men. Ac- that matter? The Food and Nutrition Board at the
cording to arthritis.org, an estimated 54 million Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
adults have arthritis, with 25.9 percent of women has a recommended dietary allowance (an aver-
having arthritis, compared to 18.3 percent of men age daily level of intake sufficient to meet nutrient
with the disease. Currently, there is no cure for requirements for nearly all healthy individuals)
arthritis, but AOII members work diligently to raise of 1,000 mg daily for women between 19 and
funds that support arthritis research in hopes 50 years of age and 1,200 mg daily for women
of finding a cure. Head over to arthritis.org for over the age of 50. Why does calcium matter so
information, resources and opportunities to get much? Calcium has many functions, in particular
involved! is its contribution to bone health. According to
the Cleveland Clinic, “Bones are constantly being
B - BREAST EXAMS remodeled every day, and calcium is moving in
and out of them. In children and adolescents,
According to the World Cancer Research Fund the body builds new bone faster than it breaks
International, breast cancer is the most common down old bone so total bone mass increases. This
cancer among women, with more than two million continues until about age 30, when new bone for-
cases diagnosed in 2018. Breast self-exams are mation and old bone breakdown start occurring
an important component to identifying breast can- at about the same rate. In older adults, especially
cer early, and early detection is key to successful in post-menopausal women, bone is broken down
treatment. The American Cancer Society recom- at a faster rate than it is built. If calcium intake is
mends women begin receiving mammograms too low, this can contribute to osteoporosis.” And
(x-rays of the breasts) between ages 40 and 44 if osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million
they choose. Between the ages of 45 and 54, it women worldwide. (See “O” for Osteoporosis for
is recommended women have an annual mam- more info.)
mogram. After the age of 55, women may switch
to mammograms every other year or continue D - DENTAL HEALTH
annual screenings. Screenings should continue
as long as a woman is healthy. Did you know you should have a dental checkup
every six months to ensure good oral health?
When was your last check up?

42 | Summer 2019

E - EYE HEALTH your cholesterol, be aware of your family history,
stay active by engaging in regular physical activ-
Did you know women are at a higher risk than ity, maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy and
men for vision loss from diseases such as cata- avoid smoking.
racts, glaucoma and macular degeneration?
Additionally, did you know pregnancy can cause I - IRON
vision changes, and dry eye is more common
after menopause? Regular eye exams should be Iron is an essential mineral in the body. It trans-
part of your annual health screenings! ports oxygen throughout the body. Without
enough iron, your body cannot produce enough
F - FOLIC ACID red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Iron defi-
ciency can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness,
Folic acid is an essential nutrient for all women, shortness of breath and more. Iron is especially
especially women who are pregnant or plan to important for women, as we lose iron in blood
become pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent each month because of menstruation. Do you
neural tube defects, which are birth defects of know if you have enough iron in your diet? Ex-
the spinal cord and brain. It is recommended for amples of iron-rich foods include spinach, beef,
women to begin taking folic acid supplements a shellfish, legumes, quinoa, broccoli and even dark
full year prior to conception to reduce the risks. chocolate! So go ahead and reach for that (dark)
chocolate during that time of the month… And
G - GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTH other iron-rich foods!

The American College of Obstetricians and Gy- J - JOINTS
necologists recommends girls have their first OB/
GYN appointment between the ages of 13 and A joint is a connection between two bones. They
15, with annual wellness appointments each year allow you to bend your elbows, turn your head,
after. At age 21, it is recommended for women to move your shoulders and so on. According to
have a pelvic exam to check the health of a wom- WebMD, Smooth tissue called cartilage and
an’s reproductive organs and a Pap test or Pap synovium and a lubricant called synovial fluid
smear to check for any abnormalities of cervical cushion the joints, so bones do not rub together.
cells, such as cervical cancer. At an annual exam, But increasing age, injury, or carrying too much
the OB/GYN may also perform a breast exam and weight can wear and tear your cartilage. This can
demonstrate how to perform a self-exam at home. lead to a reaction that can damage your joints
Your OB/GYN can also discuss things with you and lead to arthritis. Keep your joints healthy by
including menstrual cycle, birth control methods, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular
sexually transmitted diseases and infections, vac- physical activity, increasing muscular strength,
cines that protect again certain types of cancers improving your posture and consuming plenty of
and more. calcium.

H - HEART HEALTH K - KNOW YOUR BODY 43

Did you know heart disease and stroke cause As simple as it may sound, it is so important to
one in three deaths among women each year? know your body. Being in tune with your body
Furthermore, one woman dies about every 80 can help you identify when something is not quite
seconds as a result of cardiovascular disease. right. For example, regular self-breast exams or
The good news is that 80 percent of cardiovas- skin exams can make it easier to spot an unusual
cular diseases may be prevented according to lump or mole that you may need to get checked
the American Heart Association. Studies show out by a physician. Knowing the difference be-
living a healthy lifestyle has resulted in 330 fewer tween 3 p.m. fatigue from a lack of sleep or heavy
women dying as a result of heart disease per day. lunch and daily fatigue without obvious cause
To lower your risk, you should manage your blood might help you identify something more serious
sugar, maintain a healthy blood pressure, lower such as iron deficiency.

L - LAUGHTER You should have a diet rich in calcium and vitamin
D, avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, and
Laughter sure is good for the soul, but did you participate in regular physical exercise, especially
know there are some actual health benefits as- weight-bearing exercise. (See W for Weightlifting
sociated with laughter? Laughter has been shown for more info.)
to lower blood pressure, engage your abdominal
muscles, reduce stress levels and trigger the P - PRENATAL & POSTNATAL HEALTH
release of endorphins, which are the “feel-good”
chemicals in the body which act as a mood One of the most obvious differences between
booster and a natural pain reliever. men and women is the ability for women to carry
and birth children. Like nutrition, pregnancy is a
M - MENOPAUSE vast (and personal) topic. Your annual female well-
ness exam at your OB/GYN is a great time to ask
Menopause is the natural decline in reproductive questions related to pregnancy and post-natal
hormones that occurs during a woman’s 40s or health.
50s until the ovaries eventually stop producing
eggs and menstrual cycles end. Symptoms Q - QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES
include irregular periods, hot flashes, night
sweats, mood changes, slowed metabolism, Social interaction with people you love may help
thinning hair and more. Symptoms will vary you cope with stress and improve your overall
by woman, but most will experience irregular psychological well-being. If things are hectic at
periods before they eventually end. Menopause school or work, schedule some time with loved
symptoms may be reduced by eating a healthy ones to help you relax and unwind a bit!
diet, especially foods rich in calcium, protein,
phytoestrogens and vitamin D, maintaining a R - RELATIONSHIPS
healthy weight, exercising regularly, drinking
plenty of water and reducing consumption of Speaking of loved ones, how are your relation-
refined sugar and processed foods. ships? Women’s health encompasses a variety of
things including relationships. Are relationships
N - NUTRITION with friends, family, co-workers, peers and your
significant other helping or harming your health?
Because nutrition is such a vast topic, and Toxic relationships can take a toll on your mental,
nutrition needs vary by woman, it is difficult to emotional and physical health. Understanding
minimize women’s nutrition needs to one simple signs of an unhealthy relationship can help you
paragraph. Consider meeting with a registered know when to leave. There are many resources
dietitian throughout your life to help ensure you available in your community, college campus and
are properly fueling your body. Your nutrition online to help you if you need it.
needs as a 30-year-old expecting mother may
look different from your needs as a 50-year-old S - SKIN EXAM
woman experiencing symptoms of menopause.
Check out the Nutrition Through The Ages article According to the National Institute of Health,
that appeared in To Dragma in 2017 for more on estimates show two to three million new cases
this topic! of non-melanoma skin cancer each year, and
among women, it is those under 45 who are dis-
O - OSTEOPOROSIS proportionately affected. Additionally, there are
increasing rates of melanoma (the most serious
As mentioned earlier, osteoporosis is estimated to type of skin cancer) in women before the age of
affect 200 million women worldwide. When you 45. While there are many factors that contribute
have osteoporosis, bone fractures are a major to your likelihood of getting skin cancer, you can
risk. While there is no cure for osteoporosis, there help prevent your risk by using a broad spectrum
are many things you can do to help prevent it. sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day,
reducing your exposure to UV rays (see “U” for
UV Rays) and completely avoiding tanning beds.

44 | Summer 2019

T - TOBACCO of your regular exercise program, add it in! There
are dozens of reasons it is important for women
You likely know smoking contributes to a variety to lift to weights. Despite the common thought,
of health problems, including lung cancer. women will not get “bulky” as a result of weight-
Annually, cigarette smoking kills an estimated lifting, simply because women lack the amount of
202,000 women in the U.S. In Canada, 14,200 testosterone needed to “bulk up” that men have.
women were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, So go ahead and hit the weights! As a result, you
and 10,000 died as a result. Cigarettes are the will see a reduced risk of heart disease, injury,
most well-known product, but there are many back pain, arthritis, diabetes, body fat percent
forms of tobacco on the market. It is important to and osteoporosis. Weightlifting can increase
know, there is no safe form of tobacco. spinal bone mineral density, which, coupled with
adequate calcium and vitamin D, is a great line of
U - UV RAYS defense against osteoporosis.

As mentioned in the Skin Exam section, UV rays X - EXERCISE
should be avoided, as they are a major risk factor
for most skin cancers. UV stands for ultraviolet We all know exercise is an important component
radiation, and sunlight is the main source of UV to a healthy lifestyle. The benefits are countless,
rays. There are three types of rays, according to and it can help prevent so many diseases, condi-
the American Cancer Society. UVA rays will age tions and illnesses. Current guidelines suggest
your skin cells and damage DNA. These rays at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity
are linked to wrinkles and play a role in some or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, or a
cancers. Tanning beds tend to give off significant combination of moderate and vigorous activity.
amounts of UVA rays. UVB rays are the main There is a method of exercise for every interest:
cause of sunburn. They also directly damage swimming, boxing, tennis, volleyball, dance, pi-
skin cells’ DNA, and they are the rays that cause lates, cycling… The list goes on and on. Find what
most skin cancers. Finally, UVC rays have more you like and get your exercise in!
energy than the two other types, but they do not
penetrate through our atmosphere or sunlight. Y - YOGA
They are not typically a cause of skin cancer. It
is important to note there are no safe UV rays. We bet you’ve heard of yoga, but have you ever
The strength of rays depends on many factors tried it? Yoga has tons of mental and physical
including time of day, season, altitude, distance benefits including increased flexibility and muscle
from equator and more. Wearing UV-protective tone, improved energy, mental well-being,
clothing and sunscreen can help reduce your risk respiration, athletic performance and metabolism,
of skin cancer and other effects. weight reduction, injury protection and stress
management. Check out yoga studios on your
V - VITAMINS campus, in your community or even online videos!

Have you visited the vitamin aisle in your grocery Z - ZZZZs
or drugstore recently? It seems like there are a
million vitamin varieties on the market today. With Women need more sleep than men, according
so many choices, it’s hard to know what your to Dr. Jim Horne, Britain leading sleep science
body truly needs or how each product will impact expert. Pregnancy and menopause are two things
your health. A daily multi-vitamin is probably that obviously impact only women’s sleep, but
the most common vitamin in every woman’s women tend to also be more prone to losing
bathroom cabinet, but before you start a vitamin sleep as a result of worrying or being disturbed
regimen, be sure to meet with your physician to by a partner’s tossing and turning. In addition to
discuss your individual needs. eating well and participating in regular exercise,
having a healthy, regular bedtime routine can
W - WEIGHTLIFTING BENEFITS help you catch a few more zzzs. Limiting caffeine
and exposure to screens such as cell phones,
We know we need to exercise (see the next main laptops or TVs are a few good components to a
point), but when you wander into your local gym healthy bedtime routine.
do you head straight for the stair climber or do
you hit the weights? If strength training is not part

45