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Contents ( g\ OF ALPHA OJVUCRON P i

Pragma

Departments Features

7 Viewpoint 10 Becoming Greek
8 Fraternity News
50 Foundation Focus A guide to better understanding recruitment

What Volunteering Offers 18 Being A Legacy
Foundation Ambassador Program
Organizations That Give Back R e c r u i t m e n t f r o m the legacy's perspective
Foundation Scholarship Winners
22 MIFs Matter
54 Things We Love
56 Collegiate News A l u m n a e are encouraged to support the process
68 Life Loyal AOIIs
70 From the A O I I Archives 26 Talk Less, Say More

O n the cover: Recruitment photos from Delta Learn the art o f listening
O m e g a (Murray State U), O m i c r o n (U of Tennessee)
a n d Sigma (U of California - Berkeley). 29 Remember Me

A t left: C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o Pi T h e t a (Florida Improve your ability to remember names and faces
I n t e r n a t i o n a l U) f o r r e c e i v i n g 10 o f t h e 13 G r e e k
Awards presented on their campus this spring, 32 Sigma Gamma Installation
including the Overall Fraternal Excellence Award.
A n d kudos for their creative photo composition W e l c o m e to o u r 186th chapter at Appalachian State U
meriting them the full page photo at right.
33 Q & A with an M R C

A n interview w i t h an A O I I recruitment consultant

35 Delta Kappa Installation

A n n o u n c i n g A O I I s 187th chapter at Washington U

36 Twelve Zeta Psi Moms Become Sisters

A l u m n a Initiate P r o g r a m i n action at East Carolina U

38 Creative Summertime Fun

Tips for alumnae chapter summer recruitment

40 The Importance of Scholarship

O u r continuing commitment to excellence

44 A Leadership Challenge

W h a t characteristics i n a leader do you value most?

48 Saluting Melanie N i x o n Lampertz

A O I I s longtime Executive Director retires

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 To DRAGMA • 3

l o Pragma] | I( g\
OFALPHA OMICRON Pi From the /° ditor

To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron Pi Parvati Shallow, Lambda Sigma ( U o f Georgia) took home 1 million dollars
after w i n n i n g Survivor Micronesia: Fans vs. Favorites i n M a y 2 0 0 8 . S h e ' l l
Fraternity, and has been published since 1905. The mission be s h a r i n g her experiences w i t h o t h e r A O I I s i n T a m p a this s u m m e r as a
keynote speaker d u r i n g C o n v e n t i o n 2009. Parvati is one o f several A O I I s
of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to inform, educate and w h o have recently m a d e headlines i n t h e w o r l d o f r e a l i t y T V . To Dragma
even featured a story o n a f e w o f o u r most successful reality stars i n last
inspire our readers on subjects relevant to our Fraternity, our summer's issue. I have to bashfully a d m i t to e n j o y i n g m a n y o f these reality
shows. I especially love Survivor, American Idol a n d t h e Amazing Race, as w e l l
chapters, our members, or Greek life; to encourage lifetime as shows l i k e Extreme Home Makeover, Dancing with The Stars a n d , yes, e v e n
The Bachelor. T h e y are j u s t e n t e r t a i n i n g . I can a c t u a l l y w a t c h a f e w w i t h
AOII involvement; to salute excellence; and to serve as a my whole family, something almost impossible to do with most scripted
network shows these days. M y t w o teenage boys are S u r v i v o r fans and I
permanent record of our Fraternity's history. wouldn't trade that shared experience f o r the w o r l d . Each o f us pick o u r
favorites and cheer them on together. W e have come to learn that feeling
How to Contact To Dragma: connected to a contestant is w h a t makes these show's c o m e t o l i f e f o r us.
To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, T N 37027
(615) 370-0920, f a x : (615) 371-9736, w w w . a l p h a o m i c r o n p i . o r g , Last February 16, I was f o r w a r d e d an e m a i l about a contestant set to
[email protected] appear o n American Idol, w h i c h recently concluded. T h e email f r o m
one excited A O I I exclaimed the husband o f another A O I I had made it
How to Update Your Name or Address: through the elimination rounds to become a Top 36 Finalist. W h o was
Go to Update Profile on the private side of the AOII website this g u y t o watch? K r i s A l l e n . T h e first t i m e I h e a r d h i m sing, I t h o u g h t
(www.alphaomicronpi.org), email your new address to this fellow m i g h t be around for awhile. As the weeks passed, the cameras
u p d a t e @ a l p h a o m i c r o n p i . o r g , o r call (615) 370-0920. eventually f o u n d his b e a u t i f u l y o u n g w i f e , K a t y , w h o l o o k e d so p r o u d
watching her husband sing. T h o u g h I had never met her, I felt connected
How to Subscribe to To Dragma: t h i n k i n g this y o u n g charter m e m b e r o f o u r X i O m i c r o n C h a p t e r at the
B e g i n n i n g J u n e 1, 2008, s u b s c r i p t i o n s are $25.00 annually. University o f Arkansas was m y sister. Emails seeking A O I I support kept
Subscriptions are by check or credit card. Checks, made c o i n i n g i n t o Headquarters f r o m Katy's friends and A O I I sisters, and K r i s
payable to AOII, should be mailed to 5390 Virginia Way, kept advancing. A O I I Colony Development N e t w o r k Director Brandi
Brentwood, T N 37027, Attn: A c c o u n t i n g . Credit card Nunnery eventually wrote, " I f he makes Top 3 he w i l l get to go back to
subscribers (Visa, Master Card or Discover only) should email Conway, A R to do a hometown profile. This w o u l d just be a dream come
[email protected]. true for Kris." Brandi added, " M a k i n g it through this week would mean
almost as m u c h as w i n n i n g the w h o l e c o m p e t i t i o n . "
A Note to Parents of Collegians:
Your d a u g h t e r ' s m a g a z i n e is b e i n g m a i l e d t o her h o m e I f you watch American Idol, y o u k n o w h o w this ends. Kris and another
a d d r e s s w h i l e s h e is in c o l l e g e . If y o u r d a u g h t e r is n o l o n g e r extremely talented finalist competed i n a star studded finale. Despite being
in college or living at h o m e , please send us her u p d a t e d a fan o f the show I rarely vote, b u t that n i g h t I d i d a n d so d i d m a n y o f y o u .
address, as indicated above. Kris received a m a j o r i t y o f the nearly 100 m i l l i o n votes cast that e v e n i n g
and was declared the 2009 A m e r i c a n Idol winner. As the show signed off,
Managing Editor the last image was o f Kris and K a t y e m b r a c i n g each other i n a t o u c h i n g
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, A l p h a Delta (U o f Alabama) personal celebration.

Graphic Designers T h e state o f Arkansas was his biggest supporter, b u t I have n o d o u b t
Rebecca B r o w n Davis, Delta Delta ( A u b u r n U) thousands o f votes came f r o m his A O I I connections, too. K r i s ' story speaks
Whitney Frazier, Rho O m i c r o n (Middle T N State U) to our fraternity's ability to be connected and to the powerful impact we
have w h e n w e j o i n together. A O I I offers m a n y ways t o stay connected.
Women Enriched through Lifelong Friendship. Check out our website (www.alphaomicronpi.org), and our newest entries
on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alpha-Omicron-Pi-
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College in New Fraternity/33044472652), Twitter (http://twitter.com/alphaomicronpi)
and our blog (http://aoiinews.blogspot.com).
York City, January 2, 7897, fay Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen
I encourage y o u to use whatever means y o u choose to stay connected t o
St. Clair Mullan, Stella George Stern Perry & Elizabeth y o u r sisters and the f r a t e r n i t y y o u pledged allegiance t o so m a n y years ago.

Heywood Wyman. ISSUE N O . 3 • SPRING 2009

International President
Susan Danko, Phi Upsilon (Purdue U)

Executive Director
Melanie N i x o n Lampertz, L a m b d a Sigma (U o f Georgia)

A l p h a O m i c r o n Pi is a m e m b e r o f t h e N a t i o n a l P a n h e l l e n i c
Conference and the Fraternity Communications Association.

Li FRATERNITY
COMMUNICATIONS
ASSOCIATION

4 • To DRAGMA

W e h o p e y o u ' l l stay c o n n e c t e d w i t h To Dragma, t o o . Y o u are Ski?
h o l d i n g i n y o u r hands the second issue w h i c h was not mailed
to all initiated members. I f you are a Life Loyal A O I I member,
a dues paying alumnae chapter member, an annual subscriber
o r a c u r r e n t collegian, y o u w i l l c o n t i n u e to receive all issues. I f
y o u are n o t i n one o f those groups and y o u received this issue,
t h e n y o u missed o u t o n o u r S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 issue. Y o u r n e x t issue
w i l l be Fall 2009. I f you wish for your magazine to continue
uninterrupted, then I encourage you to join 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). Visit the A O I I w e b site f o r more detailed information
o n h o w to stay connected.

s%Online Extras Kris Allen/American Idol/Getty Images 2009

Regards, How d o you join an alumnae chapter? H o w d o you join Life Loyal AOII?
M a r i e l l e n P e r k i n s o n Sasseen
Alpha Delta ( U o f Alabama) How do you become a To Dragma Annual Subscriber?
Managing Editor
Go to "To Dragma" at www.alphaomicronpi.org.

To Dragma Distribution Information

If you are: 1) an AOII collegian, 2) a Life Loyal AOII member, 3) an alumnae chapter dues paying member,
or 4) an annual To Dragma subscriber, you will continue to 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:

To^ragma To(Z5ragma

EMPYOoWursEelRt

Fall 2008 - Summer 2010 Fall 2010 - Summer 2012 •Flip

• All members will receive 2 issues. All members will receive 1 issue. Fall 2012 and Forward
• Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs, Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs,
Alumnae Chapter dues paying Only Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs,
Alumnae Chapter dues paying members and annual subscribers Alumnae Chapter dues paying
members and annual subscribers will receive all 3 issues. members and annual subscribers
will receive all 3 issues. will receive the magazine.

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As a n A O I I , o n e o f the situations that brings m e the m o s t j o y is t o hear an a l u m n a say, " I A M an
A O I I ! " M e m b e r s h i p w i t h i n o u r organization is a l i f e l o n g c o m m i t m e n t , and h e a r i n g this reiterated
f r o m o u r a l u m n a e m e m b e r s makes m e smile. T h i s statement alone s h o u l d be o u r m o t t o as w e
m o v e i n t o a t i m e that is t y p i c a l l y k n o w n as r e c r u i t m e n t i n the f r a t e r n a l w o r l d . W e are A O I I s . W e
w i l l always be A O I I s . O f course, we always want to f i n d other A O I I s to j o i n our family—it's what
solidifies our future.

D u r i n g r e c r u i t m e n t ( m y favorite t i m e o f year), m a n y o f you are l o o k i n g f o r sisters w i t h w h i c h y o u
can share y o u r collegiate years—an ear to listen, a f r i e n d to celebrate w i t h , or a sister w i t h w h o m y o u
make memories. As you know, your relationship doesn't end w i t h graduation. The most wonderful
aspect o f A O I I is that those sisters w i t h w h o m y o u start and f i n i s h college are the same sisters
t h r o u g h o u t y o u r life w i t h w h o m y o u share news f r o m a first j o b , a n e w date, y o u r n e w a d d i t i o n , sad
news, joyous news, and news that sometimes b r i n g uncertainty. B o u n d by ties o f friendship, these
times are what makes A O I I .

T h e r e is n o q u e s t i o n that, as m a n y o f us go t h r o u g h the d i f f e r e n t phases o f o u r lives, o u r role w i t h i n
A O I I changes. I started m y A O I I career as the Assistant H o u s e M a n a g e r at the P h i U p s i l o n C h a p t e r
at P u r d u e University. O v e r the years, m y roles and responsibilities w i t h i n this great organization
have obviously changed tremendously. Y o u never k n o w where your talents and interests may lead
y o u t o serve w i t h i n A O I I . I k n o w that m y A O I I service has led m e i n a variety o f d i r e c t i o n s — m o s t
of w h i c h I didn't anticipate.

As t h e f o u r t h year o f m y t e r m as I n t e r n a t i o n a l President draws t o a close, the
i n s i g h t that I've g a i n e d over m y t e n u r e assures m e that t h r o u g h o u r l i f e l o n g
c o m m i t m e n t , there is a place f o r everyone. T a k e y o u r passion, find y o u r niche,
a n d use i t t o f o l l o w t h r o u g h w i t h w h a t y o u love! W h e t h e r this is a role as
an i n t e r n a t i o n a l v o l u n t e e r or as a l o c a l a l u m n a w h o remains w h o l e h e a r t e d l y
committed to a collegiate or alumna chapter—we need you all to j o i n our one
red team!

T h a n k y o u t o each o f y o u f o r a l l o w i n g m e the h o n o r and p r i v i l e g e o f s e r v i n g as
y o u r International President over the last f o u r years. M y experiences have been
precious. I have made memories that w i l l last a l i f e t i m e , and I anxiously anticipate
finding m y n e w role w i t h i n A l p h a O m i c r o n P i .

W i t h Fraternal Love,

Susan Danko, International President

ISSUE N O . 3 • SUMMER. 2009 To DRAG MA • 7

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NEW ALUMNAE CHAPTER INSTALLED

Alpha O m i c r o n Pi is t h r i l l e d to announce the recent
installation o f the Reno-Tahoe Alumnae Chapter on May
3, 2009. T h e installing officer was K a t h y Jensen, A O I I
Vice President o f Alumnae and the newly installed chapter
president is D a n a M o r e l a n d .

N A I L POLISH NAMES ANNOUNCED

T h i s spring, A O I I l a u n c h e d a new first f o r the o r g a n i z a t i o n
and our members - w e partnered w i t h Be! Products to create
our o w n signature line o f nail polish. The collection features
t w o sets o f t h r e e v i b r a n t colors n a m e d d i s t i n c t l y f o r A O I I .
Selecting six colorful names for our A O I I nail polish was an
adventure in itself - w i t h hundreds o f creative names submitted
by our members i n response to the contest promoted i n the
S p r i n g issue o f lb. Dragma.

Visit the AOII Emporium to order:

Spicy Set Sassy Set

• Thank Heaven for 1897 • Flamin' Alpha Red
• Jacque-mi-No You Didn't • Black Tie AOII Affair
• Panda Bear-ly There • Hot Pink Stella-toes

EMPORIUM HAS A NEW WEBSITE

T h e E m p o r i u m is A O I I ' s f urrr* 'kr r wrr
official merchandise
program, which offers over MM
500 A O I I items to sisters
throughout the United
States and Canada. By
shopping the E m p o r i u m ,
y o u are helping to support
our sisterhood. I f you
would like to view more
merchandise, check out
our new website at w w w .
aoiiemporium.com or
request a F R E E catalog by
calling 1-800-746-7264!

8 • T o DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009

ARE YOU A PUBLISHED A O I I AUTHOR?

To Dragma w i l l c a r r y a story i n the Fall 2 0 0 9 issue o n A O I I
authors. I f you are a published A O I I author and w o u l d like
to submit information for possible inclusion i n the article,
please email the f o l l o w i n g i n f o r m a t i o n to T o D r a g m a @
alphaomicronpi.org by August 15, 2009. Include y o u r name,
telephone number, email address, a b r i e f description o f the
published work, date o f publication and publisher. I f selected,
w e w i l l contact y o u f o r a short i n t e r v i e w a n d ask y o u t o
p r o v i d e us w i t h a complete copy o f the published piece. D u e
to space limitations, n o t all submissions can be included. W e
look forward to sharing the published works o f our A O I I
authors w i t h our readers.

A O I I HONORED WITH THREE
PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

D u r i n g the 2009 Fraternity Communications Association's
A n n u a l C o n f e r e n c e , held i n Denver, C o l o r a d o this past M a y ,
Alpha O m i c r o n P i was pleased to receive several honors during
the organization's annual awards banquet.

1st P l a c e : C r i t i c s C h o i c e A w a r d - B e s t C o v e r : f o r our Spring

2008 cover, Empower Yourself.

2 n d P l a c e : B e s t M a n u a l o r H a n d b o o k : f o r o u r The Green

Expectation - PR in a Box m a n u a l .

2nd Place: Publication I m p r o v e m e n t : I n this "Awards o f X
Distinction" category, A O I I was honored for our newly edited
and redesigned A O I I Informational Brochure. EMPOWER

In each o f the above categories, A O I I competed against all ^urself
N P C , N I F , PFA and N P H C organizations. W e are honored Defend Yourve t
to be p r o d u c i n g w o r k w o r t h y o f distinction among o u r peers. Conquer Your Clutter
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Help Us Ftind A Cuw

ISSUF.NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 To DRAGMA •

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10 • T o DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

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Rush is the often used but out-of -date word for the process we now call recruitment.
Although it is an accurate term to describe how the process feels, the word lacks
the essential meaning in what we want to accomplish. During late spring and early
summer, incoming freshman women and their moms are scurrying about securing
forms and recommendations for those universities utilizing fall recruitment. Whether
there are 3 or 18 chapters on campus, this can be a daunting and confusing task.

Maybe you have a daughter heading off to college for the first time this fall or you have
been approached by someone seeking help on how to navigate the process. Either way,
it is important that you understand the Greek World of today - a world that might be
very different from the one you first entered. The following information should help
you become a calm, knowledgeable and active voice in the recruitment process.

ISSUE N O . 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 T o D R A G M A • 11

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Every sorority has a lot to offer, and w h e n y o u break us d o w n to o u r core values - w e are all quite similar.
A O I I is a p r o u d m e m b e r o f the National Panhellenic C o n f e r e n c e ( N P C ) so r e m e m b e r to p r o m o t e the
best o f what our collective Greek heritages can offer. Be w i l l i n g to encourage your daughter or her
friends to look around w i t h an open m i n d and an open heart. Becoming a member o f a sorority w i l l have
a profound effect on your daughter's or a friend's life. According to the Research Initiative conducted
by T h e Center for Advanced Social Research at the U n i v e r s i t y o f M i s s o u r i - C o l u m b i a , m e m b e r s h i p i n
a fraternity or sorority had a tremendous positive impact. Fraternity or sorority membership increased
student retention approximately 28% more than non-Greek students. Greek a l u m n i also tend to be m o r e
successful financially than other graduates. T h e study also f o u n d that Greeks are m o r e involved i n campus
a n d c o m m u n i t y activities b o t h as students and as graduates.

Did you know?

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) includes 26 m e m b e r women's fraternities.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) includes nine historically African American groups.
The North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) includes 72 m e m b e r men's fraternities.
T h e National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations ( N A L F O ) includes 21 m e m b e r g r o u p s .

Fraternities and sororities can claim a membership o f more than 9 million members (750,000 current
undergraduate) i n 12,000 chapters o n more than 800 campuses across the U n i t e d States and Canada.
Together w e l o g m o r e t h a n 10 m i l l i o n volunteer service h o u r s every year! Despite w h a t the p u b l i c is led
to believe by the newspaper headlines, members of fraternal organizations make great citizens.

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12 • T o D R A G M A Sorority w o m e n at the University of Tennessee prepare to welcome each of their new m e m b e r s into Greek life.
ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

What is a Sorority?

F o r m a n y w o m e n c o n s i d e r i n g r e c r u i t m e n t , the first question is, " w h a t is a s o r o r i t y ? " T h e y m i g h t also ask,
" W h y w o u l d I w a n t to be Greek?" or "What's i n it for me?" These are all questions that each member
s h o u l d be prepared t o answer f r o m o u r o w n personal experience. A O I I collegiate m e m b e r s h i p is m u c h
m o r e t h a n f o r m a l dances, date parties a n d f u n social events. I t is a f e e l i n g o f b e l o n g i n g t o a g r o u p o f
w o m e n w h o accept y o u f o r w h o you are and encourage y o u to develop into w h o y o u want to become.
It's a place where w o m e n learn to be leaders, value philanthropy and witness the impact that their service
brings to their college and c o m m u n i t y . A O I I is a place where we hope y o u feel at home. Y o u can count
o n y o u r sisters i n g o o d t i m e s a n d i n bad, strive f o r y o u r goals as a chapter, a n d d r a w sisters t o g e t h e r i n one,
strong b o n d . T h r o u g h it all, y o u w i l l make friendships that w i l l last a lifetime.

Getting Ready for Recruitment

Every College Panhellenic Association should provide information on their website about the recruitment
process specific t o t h e i r c a m p u s . T h i s s h o u l d be the v e r y first step i n the process. Y o u can find o u t w h i c h
N P C organizations have chapters on that campus and h o w the recruitment process works. Y o u w i l l learn
later i n this article about the f o u r different campus recruitment styles that N P C supports and y o u m i g h t be
surprised to learn h o w recruitment experiences can vary f r o m school to school. Y o u w i l l want to rely on
the information provided f r o m your College Panhellenic Association or Greek Affairs Office, more than on
w o r d o f m o u t h f r o m friends. R e m e m b e r their Greek experience m i g h t have been at a different school or
f r o m a different decade, not to mention potentially biased.

Learn the Recruitment Lingo . . .

• MIF - Membership Information Form, formerly known as a
recommendation letter or rec.

• PNM - Potential New Members, formerly known as rushees.

• Quota - the number of P N M s each chapter may offer a bid to during

the formal recruitment process.

• Total - the allowable number of total chapter members, as determined

by the local College Panhellenic.

• " N o Frills" Recruitment - an effort to eliminate high cost and

time demands for decorating and entertainmet. Recruitment focuses
on quality communication with PNMs.
• CR - Continuous Recruitment, an opportunity for those chapters that
do not reach Quota or Total during a formal recruitment process to bid
to Quota and/or Total anytime during the regular school year.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 T o DRAGMA ' 1 3

Commonly Q• Can I write a MIF on someone I do
Asked. • not know?
Questions:
A: O u r collegiate chapters always w e l c o m e the
information you can offer i n the M I F whether you k n o w the

P N M or not. Gather all the information and submit it to the

chapter, j u s t as y o u w o u l d f o r s o m e o n e y o u k n o w . T h e r e

is an appropriate place o n the M I F to indicate w h e t h e r y o u

k n o w the P N M or are just p r o v i d i n g information.

Q What is a MIF? Q What materials should I provide to
someone who is writing an AOII MIF
on my daughter?

A M I F is the M e m b e r s h i p I n f o r m a t i o n F o r m A ! You should prepare a resume that includes personal
that A O I I requests for all new members before they can be
offered a b i d . M I F s are most helpful w h e n they arrive to the i n f o r m a t i o n such as G P A , class r a n k i n g , h i g h s c h o o l activities,
chapter prior to the start o f the formal recruitment period c o m m u n i t y activities, honors, leadership roles and all Greek
to give the chapter members the opportunity to learn about relatives. A c u r r e n t p h o t o g r a p h is also s t r o n g l y r e c o m m e n d e d .
each Potential N e w M e m b e r ( P N M ) before recruitment Etiquette suggests y o u provide a stamped envelope addressed
begins. T h i s issue o f To Dragma lists the dates M I F s s h o u l d be to the chapter at the u n i v e r s i t y y o u r d a u g h t e r is a t t e n d i n g as
received by chapters on page 2 4 - 2 5 . I f the chapter meets an w e l l as an enclosed t h a n k y o u n o t e t o t h e p e r s o n w r i t i n g the
exceptional w o m a n d u r i n g recruitment w h o does not have a MIF. W h e n done well, MIFs can be time consuming and a
M I F , a local alumnae assisting w i t h the chapter is a l l o w e d to letter o f thanks, i n advance, is appropriate.
complete this f o r m on her behalf. Submitting more than one
M I F to a chapter might be advantageous, depending on h o w Q• How do I secure MIFs or letters of
c o m p e t i t i v e the r e c r u i t m e n t process is o n a specific campus, • recommendation from other N P C
but is n o t r e q u i r e d b y A O I I . A O I I does a l l o w collegiate organizations?
members to submit MIFs for women attending another
school, but not for P N M s on their o w n campus. You can contact your local A l u m n a e Panliellenic
Chapter and ask f o r a local contact. A d d i t i o n a l l y , m o s t
A O I I MIFs can be downloaded f r o m the A O I I website N P C organizations list their alumnae chapter locations on
( w w w . a l p h a o m i c r o n p i . o r g ) . T h e A O I I M I F is located i n t h e i r websites a n d m a y have c o n t a c t i n f o r m a t i o n t h e r e , as
the member's o n l y " M y A O I I " area o f the website. T h i s is well. Prepare the same i n f o r m a t i o n that y o u w o u l d for
intentional to help protect the M I F f r o m being completed by someone writing an A O I I M I F and include stamped envelope
someone other than an A O I I . Y o u need a member number addressed to the chapter and a thank y o u note to the person
to access the site. I f y o u d o n o t k n o w y o u r m e m b e r n u m b e r , w h o is o f f e r i n g to complete the f o r m .
y o u can f i n d a 7 - d i g i t n u m b e r o n y o u r To Dragma m a i l i n g
label or you can email ([email protected]) or call Q• What do I wear during recruitment?
( 6 1 5 - 3 7 0 - 0 9 2 0 ) A O I I H Q and ask f o r it. W h e n d o w n l o a d i n g A
the A O I I M I F , we hope you w i l l take a few minutes and Every campus will differ and you should rely
navigate the website to learn more about A O I I today.
on the College Panliellenic Association on your campus
T h e address i n f o r m a t i o n needed to m a i l these M I F s can be
found on the A O I I website under Directory, or on university to guide you accurately on this. Friends and family f r o m
websites. Y o u can also contact A O I I H Q . I f y o u need to f i n d
address i n f o r m a t i o n for other N P C organizations, refer to the
university's or national organization's website.

d i f f e r e n t schools or d i f f e r e n t eras can steer y o u w r o n g because

recruitment varies widely f r o m school to school. Be tasteful

and comfortable when choosing your wardrobe, and do not

forget to consider the weather.

14 • T o DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

Recruitment
Styles

N P C supports four recruitment styles on campuses all across the US and Canada. The recruitment
experience w i l l vary greatly between the different styles, so relying on advice from someone who
personally experienced one style does not always translate well to the others. Let your most important
guide be the local College Panhellenic Association and your own intuition during the process.

Continuous Recruitment (CR)

- There are likely 1 to 3 N P C chapters on this campus.
- Q u o t a is usually b e t w e e n t w o and n i n e n e w members.
- C h a p t e r s r e c r u i t almost as m a n y o r m o r e w o m e n t h r o u g h C R as d u r i n g r e c r u i t m e n t .
- C o n t i n u o u s R e c r u i t m e n t has t r a d i t i o n a l l y been the preferred style o f r e c r u i t m e n t .
- G r e e k interest o n campus a m o n g w o m e n is n o t h i g h and P o t e n t i a l N e w M e m b e r s w o u l d prefer not t o

participate in a centrally planned recruitment process.
- T y p i c a l l y , there is n o structured r e c r u i t m e n t schedule. Panhellenic does n o t set dates f o r r e c r u i t m e n t o r

offering bids. Chapters may incorporate recruitment events i n their established chapter programs. N o formal
B i d D a y is held, b u t some social event may be planned to h o n o r n e w members.
- Q u o t a is n o t used and chapters m a y r e c r u i t t o T o t a l .

Examples o f campuses where we have an A O I I chapter that falls into this category include Cumberland U i n
M o u n t Juliet, Tennessee and University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.

Minimally Structured Recruitment (MSR)

- There are likely 2 to 5 N P C chapters on this campus.
- Q u o t a is usually n o m o r e than 10-12 n e w members.
- Chapters need to engage in C R to build their chapters and communities.
- T h e p o o l o f interested P o t e n t i a l N e w M e m b e r s is q u i t e small, b u t Panhellenic m a r k e t i n g is h e l p f u l i n

stimulating interest.
- Chapters collaborate t h r o u g h Panhellenic to set schedules w i t h their p l a n n e d events. P N M s are free to

e x p l o r e the available options at t h e i r discretion a n d are n o t r e q u i r e d t o visit a l l chapters. T h e r e is n o f o r m a l
Bid Day, but some social event may be planned by Panhellenic to welcome all new members.
- Q u o t a is n o t used and chapters m a y recruit t o T o t a l .

A g o o d e x a m p l e o f an A O I I campus that falls i n t o this category is D e P a u l U i n C h i c a g o , I l l i n o i s . W o m e n are
only required to attend each sorority once over a t w o week recruitment period.

ISSUE N O . 3 • S U M M E R 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA • 15

Recruitment
w3tyles ontinued)

Partially Structured Recruitment (PSR)

- There are likely 3 - 9 N P C chapters o n this campus.
- Q u o t a is usually b e t w e e n 15-20 n e w members.
- T h e Panhellenic C o m m u n i t y is n o t e x t r e m e l y stable and i t m a y be l o s i n g chapters o r have r e c e n t l y

lost one.
- Pool o f P N M s i n i t i a l l y interested i n sorority life is large e n o u g h f o r a central p l a n n i n g process.
- T h e r e c r u i t m e n t schedule is set by Panhellenic. Events are p l a n n e d w i t h f l e x i b i l i t y i n m i n d so that

P N M s do not w i t h d r a w because o f scheduling. Initial events are sometimes held i n neutral on-campus
locations w i t h representatives f r o m all N P C groups, i f possible. P N M s are required t o attend at least
o n e event f o r each s o r o r i t y . Panhellenic also sets the date f o r t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n o f bids a n d a n event t o
welcome new members.
- Panhellenic is responsible f o r setting a Q u o t a a n d a T o t a l

T h e O h i o State U , Virginia C o m m o n w e a l t h U and Northwestern State U i n Louisiana are all g o o d
examples o f Panhellenic systems that feature the Partially Structured R e c r u i t m e n t style, and include
A O I I chapters.

Fully Structured Recruitment (FSR)

- There are likely between 4 to 26 N P C chapters on this campus.
- Q u o t a is usually 20 or m o r e n e w members.
- M o r e than 10% o f the female student body usually affiliates.
- T h e n u m b e r o f P N M s is relatively large and registration n u m b e r s r e m a i n h i g h .
- Panhellenic determines the time and schedule o f all events and rounds and emphasizes a " N o Frills"

recruitment along w i t h meaningful values-based themes.
- N P C uses the Release F i g u r e M e t h o d o l o g y t o set quota, the P r e f e r e n t i a l B i d d i n g system t o m a t c h bids a n d

a M e m b e r s h i p R e c r u i t m e n t Acceptance A g r e e m e n t is always signed.
- Panhellenic issues bids a n d provides a short w e l c o m e event f o r n e w m e m b e r s . Chapters are e n c o u r a g e d t o

C R to reach Quota/Total, i f needed.

N u m e r o u s A O I I chapters are o n campuses that fall into this category. M o s t o f the large state universities such
as the U n i v e r s i t i e s o f G e o r g i a , Tennessee, A l a b a m a , O k l a h o m a , a n d N e b r a s k a . A f e w o f t h e m a n y o t h e r
universities i n this group w i t h A O I I chapters include M i a m i U , A u b u r n U , Vanderbilt U , Indiana U , U o f
C a l i f o r n i a - Berkeley, and East Carolina U .

Source: Some of the information contained in this article was compiled from information

in the NPC Membership Recruitment Handbook.

16 • T o DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

What every Potential New Member Needs
to know about Recruitment

• The College Panhellenic Association will advise you about what
to wear to each round of events throughout the process.

• Recruitment Counselors are available to PNMs for guidance and
direction. Do not hesitate to ask questions.

• Being a legacy of any NPC sorority does not ensure membership
in that group.

• Being a legacy of any NPC sorority does not prevent you from
joining any other NPC group.

• Good scholarship is important to all Panhellenic organizations.
• All NPC sororities have policies against hazing.
• No chapter member may promise or imply the promise of a bid.

Some things remain
the same, regardless
of recruitment style!

• Be yourself. Be genuine. Be honest.
• Keep an open mind.
• Look for the chapter where YOU feel most comfortable.
• Trust the process.

• Have Fun!

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA • 17

f

J 1I.

•

1

18 • To DRAGMA A legacy means something handed down f r o m the past - a heritage. I n A O I I ,
we have strong traditions and pass them to our new sisters every year. A n d every
year A O I I has the privilege of bringing new legacies into our fraternity. A O I I
defines a legacy as a sister, daughter, or granddaughter; or adopted sister, daughter
or granddaughter of an initiated member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Being an A O I I
legacy is something very special and unique to each individual. Every summer
i n To Dragma, we discuss A O I I legacies and this year I decided to ask some o f
my Delta Delta (Auburn U ) sisters, w h o happen to be legacies, to give me
some insight into what it means to be a legacy.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

Clockwise from t o p left: Kay Clendenin and Annie Ortkiese; Karen Pope Hart and daughter Lori Hart Ebert; Kate Livingston and Liza
Livingston; Kelly Bowman King, Deann Dennis Hebert and Donita Bowman Dennis; and Casey Lynn Daniels Shivers and Caliie Daniels.

Collegian Annie Ortkiese expressed her legacy When K i m Roberts was growing up she also heard
experience this way, " I am a third generation her m o m talk about A O I I and sorority sisters. " I
legacy of A O I I . M y mother Kay Clendenin, Alpha never knew exactly what she was talking about
Chi (Western Kentucky U ) , grandmother June until college was in sight. Leaving home is a huge
Ortkiese, Alpha O m i c r o n (Louisiana State U ) and step in life - without even considering the emotions
aunt Betsy Morris, N u Beta ( U o f Mississippi) are recruitment would cause. I remember walking into
all AOIIs. The day 1 received my bid, the stories I A O I I as a legacy and even though m o m was not
grew up hearing suddenly became m y reality. I have there physically, there was a comforting feeling o f
enjoyed every minute of sharing this experience home! M y mom, Belinda Byrd Roberts, came to
with my mother, grandmother, and aunt whom I initiate me and reunited w i t h many of her o w n
now have the privilege of calling my sisters." pledge sisters who had daughters in my pledge class.
When I was a senior, my younger sister, Kellie
For many legacies, childhood memories of an A O I I Roberts Alvis, came through recruitment. It was
in the family make a big impression. A O I I N P C such an honor to be her 'pref day' hostess. M o m
2nd Alternate Delegate Lori Hart Ebert says "As a was there to help and was watching from behind
child, I remember several specific things about A O I I a screen as I choked up the entire chapter room
and m y m o m , such as a white sweatshirt w i t h red trying to say, ' I am your sister and I w i l l love you
A O I I letters which she wore frequently. I remember forever.' M y mom and I both initiated my sister later
she wrote a check to the A O I I Foundation on an that year. M y sister and I are complete opposites,
annual basis and they sent her gold stickers w i t h like many A O I I sisters, but we share a common
a red rose as a thank you gift. M y m o m had an bond. Following i n our mother's footsteps, we all
A O I I thimble, charm bracelet and brandy glass had the unique experience of belonging to A O I I .
(she was i n college in the 60s) that I remember I would love for our A O I I legacy to continue!"
seeing growing up. When I went to college, 1
had every intention o f not j o i n i n g A O I I - I was so Having a legacy brings a pride that is hard to
independent. However, A O I I worked for me. M y describe. Donita Bowman Dennis shared her legacy
mom had a "lady" write an A O I I recommendation experience this way, "When I started attending
for me. She was the pledge class president (as it was Auburn back in the 70s I knew right away that I
called then) when my m o m was pledge trainer at wanted to participate in rush, as we called it back
Lambda Sigma. It turns out the "lady" was Melanie then. I was not a legacy to any particular sorority,
N i x o n Lampertz who would one day become but I knew some girls w h o were. They seemed to
Executive Director of A O I I ! Melanie's daughter, know a little bit more about the process, a little bit
also named L o r i , affiliated w i t h m y chapter and more about what to do. Some even had their mind
we became big friends. Two legacies, same name made up as to what sorority that they would pledge.
- small A O I I world!" Lori also elaborated on how I certainly knew I would have to make my o w n
strong the legacy bond is. "There was a legacy way. Having no pressure to pledge any particular
connection there that 1 really didn't fully understand sorority did give me a sense of freedom and rush
until years later. I remember when I was Chapter was a wonderful and crazy time! I remember how
President and my m o m came down for initiation to hot it was that September. I remember the 'ice
watch me initiate more than 60 women. She stood water teas' and how nice and cool those chapter
the whole time and cried for a good bit of it. As rooms were! Most of all, I remember the girls
an A O I I volunteer, one of my best A O I I moments themselves. After the first day, I couldn't believe
was re-connecting my m o m w i t h some of her best how different each sorority was. Alpha Omicron
friends from her collegiate chapter. I remember Pi was one of my favorites. I w i l l never, never, ever
talking to a woman named Shirley Lee at an A O I I forget a charming and sweet young woman that I
event and she said she was a Lambda Sigma. I told felt an immediate connection to. She was an A O I I .
her that my m o m was also and when I said her She was waiting on me after the beginning of each
name, Shirley said, 'Karen Pope was one of my party and seemed to make a point to introduce me
best friends.' A month later my m o m and dad were to as many sisters as possible. Her name was Pam
already down to spend the night w i t h Shirley and and she spoke honestly w i t h me about A O I I . She
her husband. A t Shirley's funeral, m y m o m cried as explained that each girl was encouraged to be an
i f she had lost her real sister. I have learned so much individual and not just a 'cookie-cutter' copy of
about A O I I by watching my mom." the other girls.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 To DRAGMA • 1 9

Being an A O I I legacy allows me to connect :
to A O I I in such a meaningful way. As my
sister's legacy during recruitment, incredible rr
emotions fell over me knowing that 1
was experiencing everything that she had left to right: Susan Kern Williams with Barry Kern Brewer;
experienced in A O I I . Recruiting my little Kellie Roberts Alvis, Belinda Byrd Roberts and Kim Roberts.
sister as a legacy allowed my love for A O I I
to grow and gave me the opportunity to " I found this to be true and I loved the idea o f a sorority, that
show her what A O I I means to me and what while we were all i n the same group, we were individuals. W o w !
I hope it brings to her. We have all three After a whirlwind rush, I did pledge A O I I . I picked up my
held executive positions in our chapter. A l l invitation to pledge and started running. We called it 'Squeal Day'
three of us are very different - yet we have and that is exactly what we did! Pam and some o f the other sisters
all found a place in A O I I . I met were waiting on me. We hugged and cried. H o w could I
ever have k n o w n what this single day would come to mean to
Mary Elise Carter, legacy to Kathleen both my sister and m y future daughter?"
Carter and Emily Carter.
Donita continued, " M y sister, Kelly Bowman King, later attended
I am a legacy through my sister. She came Auburn i n the 80s and pledged A O I I . I was so happy that she liked
down to surprise me after I told her I had the same group that I had liked so many years before. I surprised
picked A O I I as my first choice on my bid her when I attended her initiation and pinned the A O I I badge on
card. O n "Squeal Day" when I got my bid, her. I was so proud of my little sis! Kelly was extremely active i n
I ran up to greet my new sisters, and she the sorority and has her o w n memories o f her days in A O I I . It was
was waiting there for me w i t h flowers. It the 80s and very different f r o m my time there. It was the era o f Bo
was such a special moment. Jackson, big hair and happy times. Then in the 90s my daughter,
Deann Dennis Hebert, followed the family tradition. I wanted her
Susan Kern Williams, legacy to to also find her individuality but have the support o f the group as
Barry Kern Brewer. I had done so many years before. I also told her that whatever she
decided would be fine w i t h me. I was, however, secretly hoping
Being an A O I I Legacy has a been a special that she would choose A O I I , and that they would choose her. She
experience because I furthered my bond called me and said ' M o m , they want me, for me, just w h o I am
with my biological sister. I found it amazing not just because you were an A O I I . ' I already knew they would
that we could share the same information like her for who she is, and I was sure glad that she knew it, too.
about A O I I with one another even though M y daughter, beautiful and talented could pledge any sorority. She
she was an A O I I at a different university. chose A O I I ! M y A O I I legacy was fulfilled."
M y sister initiated me into A O I I . Having
her at my initiation was an amazing "Yes, things have changed f r o m the 70s until now," acknowledges
experience and I will cherish it forever! Donita. " I can remember discussing whether or not we could
smoke during chapter meetings. Whether or not we could drink
Callie Daniels, legacy to beer i n a can (we were o f legal drinking age back then). O h , and
Casey Lynn Daniels Shivers, what the punishment would be i f you were seen streaking on
Lambda Sigma ( U o f Georgia). campus. It was the era o f bell bottom jeans, hard rock music and
Vietnam War protests. It was a fabulous time and it was a scary
20 • To DRAGMA time. Each A O I I has her o w n memories o f her years in college.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009

4 M y sister is two years older and graduated
this year. Being i n A O I I together was
AOII sisters Kathleen, Emily and Mary Elise Carter the most amazing experience. We joke
about being sisters 3 ways - through
Through the 70s, 80s and 90s we lived the A O I I tradition at Christ, through A O I I , and through birth,
Auburn. I am so happy to have passed on this legacy of sisterhood, of course. Through A O I I we bonded
individuality, love and support to both my sister and daughter." closer than we thought possible. It was
f u n sharing our experiences like socials,
From Kelly's perspective, she add, " I felt very independent going formals, and especially philanthropy
through rush, even though I knew that my sister, Donita, was an events. M y sister was involved on campus
A O I I . In fact, I almost made it a point to seek out another sorority, and in A O I I which made me want to
just knowing how different I felt my sister and I were. As I went give back, too. I am currently the VP
through rush, every time I visited A O I I , I felt at home, all the girls ot Administration and love serving our
were unique but similar. I knew I had found my sorority and that sorority. A O I I has truly shaped both o f
maybe, just maybe, my sister and I weren't all that different after our collegiate lives and shaped her into
all! I remember my initiation day very well. M y sister surprised me an amazing woman who is starting a new
with a visit and my eyes were f u l l o f tears when she appeared! Being chapter in her life. I know A O I I will do
AOIIs together made us sisters twice! A l l during my collegiate the same for me! We have loved sharing
years, I enjoyed seeing my sister's picture on the composites in the every minute as AOIIs and treasure every
hall (and o f course making f u n o f the hairdos!), and telling her of all memory. It's hard for me to put into words
o f our activities. W h e n my niece, Deann, went to Auburn, it made how special it has been to be a legacy and
it all the more special to know that she pledged A O I I , too!" to share this w i t h my sister. To me, being a
legacy made my experience in A O I I even
Deann said about her A O I I experience, "Being an A O I I Legacy more special and close to my heart.
was very special to me. While I went into rush with an open-mind,
I knew there was something special about A O I I the moment I Kate Livingston, legacy to
entered the chapter room doors. I felt at home there. While the Liza Livingston.
sisters were all very different, there seemed to be a common thread,
and that was diversity! It was so special to me to know that my Being an A O I I legacy evokes a degree of
mom and aunt had been through those same doors. The truth devotion that I don't think I would feel i f I
was that I truly felt at home there, legacies aside. Now, we are all were not a legacy. It is very special because
connected through the special bond of A O I I . " of AOII's strong foundation in our ritual.
Being able to share something with my
Being a legacy definitely is something special. As a collegian, I didn't mom that is special and secret is very cool.
understand what it would mean to be a legacy. I have witnessed M y Aunt, Pam Hawkins Carr, is also an
through the years that it is such a special bond. When my daughters A O I I and does not have any daughters.
were born, my A O I I friends instantly welcomed my new legacies. As When I pledged A O I I she gave me her
their mother, the idea of A O I I legacies has taken on a new meaning. lavaliere and jersey. It is really cool to be
I hope that one day my girls w i l l have an opportunity to go through able to have A O I I items from my own
sorority recruitment and become my sisters in A O I I . family heritage. M y aunt says she would
love for me to pass them down to her
by Rebecca Brown Davis, Delta Delta, Auburn U granddaughters.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 Abby Northcutt, legacy to
Patti Hawkins Northcutt.

To DRAGMA • 21

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NFORMAIION FORMS

MIFs M A T T E R 3
To DRAGMA • 23
The end o f another academic year marks a time o f reflection, as well as l o o k i n g ahead to
recruitment for many o f our chapters. Recruitment inspires a new beginning as we welcome
new sisters to our Fraternity. We all have a role to play in the process.

Alpha O m i c r o n Pi encourages all alumnae members in good standing to support our collegiate
chapters i n some way d u r i n g Formal Recruitment. A n easy way to do this is by completing a
Membership Information Form (MIF) for a potential new member you may know participating
i n recruitment. M I F s are an essential way for chapters to identify outstanding young women
w h o w o u l d be valuable assets to A O I I . These forms provide important background information
and ensure that a Potential N e w Member ( P N M ) is given careful consideration d u r i n g the
recruitment process.

W h i l e only collegiate members have the privilege of membership selection (and providing a M I F
does not guarantee an invitation for membership), an alumna's role is increasingly significant
i n ensuring stable membership for a collegiate chapter. Your recognition o f our values i n a
potential new member and identifying them is an essential part o f a chapter's success.

The Greek C o m m u n i t y is continually growing, and interest in N P C organizations is increasing.
R e c r u i t m e n t enrollment is on the rise at most college campuses. W o m e n need a way to set
themselves apart and securing these forms is a great way to do that. The more information a
chapter has about a potential new member beforehand - the better! I n addition, sharing the
benefits o f Greek membership w i t h these potential new members makes the recruitment process
smoother for everyone. T h e A O I I Membership Information F o r m is available for download on
the A O I I website (www.alphaomicronpi.org).

To access the f o r m , login to the " M y A O I I " private area o f the website using your member
number and password. Click on " M I F " at the top o f the page. Links are provided for both
Word Document and PDF formats. In addition to the Membership Information Form, a Legacy
I n f o r m a t i o n F o r m is also included. A O I I encourages the pledging o f qualified legacies whenever
possible, and therefore completion o f this f o r m i n addition to the M I F is crucial.

Should you have any questions pertaining to the M I F program, Legacy information, or where
M I F ' s should be sent, please contact A O I I International Headquarters at (615) 370-0920.

We hope you are as excited as we are to help our chapters exceed the expectation and welcome
our newest A O I I sisters!

by Brooke Marshall, Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U), Assistant Director of Chapter Services

For more information, you can contact Brooke at [email protected].

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009

T H E FOLLOWING LIST REPRESENTS CAMPUSES WHERE WE CURRENTLY HAV

ALPHA CHI DELTA BETA EPSILON SIGMA KAPPA OMEGA
Western Kentucky U U of Louisiana at Lafayette Quincy U U of Kentucky
MIF due: 8/1/09 MIF due: 8/4/09 MIF due: Mid Sept M I F due: 8/1/09

ALPHA DELTA DELTA DELTA GAMMA KAPPA O M I C R O N
U of Alabama Auburn U U of Maine Rhodes College
MIF due: 8/3/09 MIF due: 8/1/09 MIF due: Early Aug M I F due: 8/26/09

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA EPSILON GAMMA ALPHA KAPPA PHI
Washington State U Jacksonville State U George Mason U McGill U
MIF due: 8/1/09 MIF due: 8/1/09 MIF due: 9/1/09 MIF due: Late Aug

ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA KAPPA GAMMA CHI KAPPA R H O
Georgia Southern U Washington U in St. Louis Carleton U Western Michigan U
MIF due: 8/1/09 MIF due: 10/1/09 MIF due: 8/1/09 MIF due: 8/24/09

ALPHA PHI DELTA LAMBDA GAMMA DELTA KAPPA SIGMA
Montana State U Columbus State U U of South Alabama U of Wisconsin River Falls
MIF due: 9/7/09 M I F due: 9/10/09 MIF due: 7/25/09 M I F due: 8/1/09

ALPHA PSI DELTA OMEGA GAMMA OMICRON KAPPA TAU
Bowling Green State U Murray State U U of Florida Southeastern Louisiana U
MIF due: 8/1/09 M I F due: 8/7/09 M I F due: 8/4/09 M I F due: 7/31/09

ALPHA THETA DELTA PI GAMMA SIGMA LAMBDA ALPHA
Coe College U of Central Missouri Georgia State U U of La Verne
MIF due: 9/16/09 MIF due: 8/1/09 M I F due: 9/21/09 MIF due: Early Aug

BETA GAMMA D E L T A PSI GAMMA THETA LAMBDA BETA
Michigan State U State U of N Y Albany U of South Florida California State U Long Beach
MIF due: 9/6/09 MIF due: 9/1/09 MIF due: 8/1/09 MIF due: Mid Aug

BETA PHI DELTA RHO IOTA LAMBDA CHI
Indiana U DePaul U U of Illinois LaGrangc College
MIF due: 10/19/09 MIF due: Early Sept MIF due: 8/17/09 MIF due: 9/16/09

BETA TAU DELTA SIGMA IOTA CHI LAMBDA EPSILON
U of Toronto San Jose State U U of Western Ontario U of Waterloo
MIF due: Late Aug MIF due: Mid Aug MIF due: 10/17/09 MIF due: 9/17/09

CHI EPSILON DELTA THETA IOTA SIGMA LAMBDA ETA
Ohio State U Texas Woman's U Iowa State U Grand Valley State U
MIF due: 12/31/09 MIF due: Early Aug MIF due: 8/5/09 MIF due: 9/1/09

CHI LAMBDA DELTA XI KAPPA ALPHA LAMBDA OMICRON
U of Evansville Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech. Indiana State U Cumberland U
MIF due: 9/8/09 MIF due: Early Aug MIF due: 8/1/09 M I F due: 8/1/09

CHI PHI EPSILON ALPHA KAPPA CHI LAMBDA SIGMA
U of South Carolina Aiken Penn State U Northwestern State U U of Georgia
MIF due: Early Aug MIF due: 9/1/09 MIF due: Early Aug MIF due: 8/7/09

C H I PSI EPSILON CHI KAPPA GAMMA LAMBDA TAU
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ElonU Florida Southern College U of Louisiana Monroe
M I F due: 9/1/09 MIF due: 1/10/10 MIF due: Early Jan M I F due: 8/22/09

CHI THETA EPSILON GAMMA KAPPA KAPPA LAMBDA UPSILON
Northeastern State U U of Northern Colorado Ball State U Lehigh U
M1F due: Early Aug MIF due: Early Aug MIF due: 9/5/09 MIF due: 12/30/09

DELTA EPSILON OMEGA KAPPA LAMBDA MU LAMBDA
Tufts U Eastern Kentucky U U of Calgary Rollins College
MIF due: Early Jan M I F due: 8/15/09 MIF due: 9/6/09 MIF due: 12/1/09

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

24 • To DRAGMA ISSUF. NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009

^.OII CHAPTERS. M I F s ARE DUE PRIOR.TO THE DATES INDICATED.

NU BETA SIGMA ALPHA TH ETA CHI
U of Mississippi West Virginia U Morningside College
MIFdue: 8/25/09 MIFdue: 9/7/09 MIF due: Early Aug

NUOMICRON SIGMA BETA THETA OMEGA
Vanderbilt U St John's U Northern Arizona U
MIFdue: 1/9/10 MIFdue: 9/11/09 MIFdue: 8/1/09

OMEGA SIGMA CHI T H E T A PI
Miami U (Ohio) Hartwick College Wagner College
MIFdue: 10/1/09 MIF due: Early Jan MIF due: Late Aug and Jan

OMEGA OMICRON SIGMA DELTA T H E T A PS1
Lambuth U Huntingdon College U of Toledo
MIF due: Late Aug MIFdue: 9/7/09 MIFdue: 9/1/09

OMEGA UI'SILON SIGMA GAMMA UPSILON LAMBDA
Ohio U Appalachian State U U T San Antonio
MIFdue: 9/7/09 MIFdue: 9/1/09 MIFdue: 8/1/09

OMICRON SIGMA OMICRON XI
U of Tennesse Arkansas State U U of Oklahoma
MIFdue: 8/1/09 MIFdue: 8/1/09 MIFdue: 8/7/09

PHI BETA SIGMA PHI XI OMICRON
East Stroundshurg U Cal State U Northridgc U of Arkansas
MIFdue: 8/31/09 MIFdue: 9/8/09 MIFdue: 8/14/09

PHI CHI SIGMA R H O ZETA
U of Chicago Slippery Rock U U of Nebraska Lincoln
MIF due: Early Sept MIFdue: 8/1/09 MIFdue: 8/7/09

PHI SIGMA SIGMA TAU Z E T A PI
U of Nebraska Kearney Washington College U of Alabama Birmingham
MIFdue: 8/7/09 MIFdue: 9/11/09 MIFdue: 8/1/09

PI ALPHA TAU Z E T A PSI
U of Louisville U of Minnesota East Carolina U
MIF due: Early Aug MIFdue: 8/14/09 MIFdue: 8/8/09

PI D E L T A TAU DELTA
U of Maryland Birmingham Southern U
MIFdue: 8/1/09 MIFdue: 9/4/09

PI T H E T A TAU GAMMA
Florida International U Eastern Washington U
MIFdue: 8/23/09 MIFdue: 8/1/09

RHO BETA TAU LAMBDA
Virginia Commonwealth U Shippensburg U
MIFdue: 9/4/09 MIFdue: 9/15/09

RHO DELTA TAU OMEGA
Samford U Transylvania U
MIFdue: 8/24/09 MIF due: Early Sept

RHO OMICRON TAU OMICRON
Middle Tennessee State U U of Tennessee Martin
MIF due: 8/31/09 MIF due: Early Aug

SIGMA THETA BETA
U of California Berkeley Towson U
MIF due: 8/26/09 MIFdue: 9/1/09

^ORMS To DRAGMA • 25

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2(109

A n old Swedish Proverb says, "Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine
less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things w i l l be
yours" Whether we are elequent speakers or chatty Cathys', we are all well advised
to talk less and say more. Webster actually defines a conversation as "an oral
exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas," so having a conversation
is much more than an exchange of words between two individuals.

Have you ever received a last minute party invitation from a co-worker for a
Saturday night get-together with "a few friends?" In arriving, you quickly learned
that a few friends was more like a small neighborhood, and you are the only one
there who doesn't seem to have a childhood experience with anyone in the house.
A l l of the sudden, you haveflashbacksto your experience as a potential new
member in the recruitment process i n a house where you knew no one.

Whether the atmosphere is at a friends' party, a job interview or during
recruitment, the good news is that we have been there before and already been
trained what to do. By using good conversation skills learned from recruitment,
the most awkward of situations can result in the most enjoyable experiences!

26 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009

by Courtney Dillard, Tau Omicron (U of Tennessee Martin) Director of Public Relations

Iw

Some o f us may feel that we have been blessed w i t h you love to snow ski, you have just found your area
the loquacious w i t that allows us to communicate of common interest.
w i t h just about anyone. I f this happens to be you,
take a second to ask yourself, "am I the only one Being a good listener means actually paying
talking?" This highlights the most important aspect attention to what the other person is saying. W h e n
of conversing w i t h someone—listening! We all someone else is talking, make sure to show them
k n o w the Talkative Tracy that seems to answer that you are interested i n what they are saying.
every question before she asks it. A few nods o f the Make comments in relation to the conversation.
head coupled w i t h several "uh-huh's" and " u h - Make eye contact, nod, and o f course - smile! This
oh's" do not equal a conversation. is key to making a positive first impression.

You want to avoid sounding like an interrogator, • Be selfless! People love to talk about themselves,
but you do want to learn about this person. and what better way to make your partner feel
Sharpen those recruitment skills again. You can engaged than by making them the focus of your
easily transfer your recruitment skills into any attention. Dale Carnegie said, "It's much easier to
conversation you encounter today. Keep a few become interested in others than it is to convince
questions tucked away i n your m i n d that you can them to be interested in you."
rely on to help you out o f a tight spot during stalled
conversations. Those comfortable questions would • Silence is not the enemy. There is no need to
be different for everyone. W h a t are their hobbies? panic if the conversation comes to a pause. You
W h a t do they do professionally? Where are they can use this time to interject your o w n thoughts or
from? Where did they attend school? Once you bridge the conversation into a new topic.
cover these basic questions, y o u can f i n d things that
interest you. I f your party is f r o m Colorado and

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA • 2 7

is over, make sure to politely excuse yourself.
The skill of politely easing i n and out o f
conversations is something that we all should
be able to recite due to recruitment. Whether
you moved about the room meeting multiple
women or guided one potential new member
through the room making introductions, you,
no doubt, learned this skill. Don't forget to
use it still today. Slide out o f a conversation
by saying, " I am going to leave the t w o o f you

to finish this discussion while I check on
dinner, welcome our new guest, etc." W h e n a
new person approaches your conversation, make
sure to pause i n order to make introductions.
That makes everyone feel more at ease.

Recruitment teaches everyone a variety o f social
skills that are applicable in everyday situations
after college. Take these tips to sharpen your
communication skills and enjoy comfortable and
interesting conversations w i t h new acquaintances
wherever you go. So, talk less, say more; Love
more, and all good things w i l l be yours.

Fight the urge to cross your legs or your arms
Make eye contact without staring
Respond while others are talking
Practice good posture
Recognize personal space
Relax and be yourself
Smile when you speak
Slow down and enjoy yourself

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 O u r ability to remember a name is just as important i n business or social
settings as it is during recruitment. Whether you are a collegian preparing for
fall recruitment or an alumna introducing yourself to a r o o m f u l l o f strangers,
there are numerous techniques i n order to eliminate all those "whats-her-
name" panic-stricken moments from your life.

1. Make a conscious decision to improve. Often, the problem w i t h name
retention lies i n your o w n head. I f you have ever insisted, " I am terrible at
names," you have already convinced yourself that you are. Put your brain to
the test. Conquer your o w n self doubt and tell yourself that you can do this.
You might not have a bad memory afterall, just a bad attitude.

2 . Pay more attention during the first introduction. This may sound obvious,
but the truth is most o f us are more focused on what we are going to say
next, rather than listening to the introduction. Don't assume this attention
shortcoming is a memory deficiency. You might be amazed at the level o f
name recognition improvement by consciously focusing your attention on the
other person rather than on yourself during introductions.

3. Repeat her name several times. Most importantly, i f you didn't catch her
name when it was originally given, politely ask for it again w i t h something
like, " I ' m sorry I did not catch your name. W h a t was it again?" Offer your

To DRAOMA • 2 9

name back to her. She is likely to appreciate that, 5. Imagine w r i t i n g her name. Mentally write
too. Once you have the name, casually use it three her name i n your m i n d , mentally watching each
or four times during your first conversation. For stroke. Or, take it a step further by actually
example, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jennifer," moving your finger i n micro-muscle movements
and w o r k it into the conversation as easily as as you are visualizing the name and saying it to
possible, "Jennifer, w i l l you be staying i n town yourself. M e m o r y experts suggest that getting a
long?" O f course, it is easy to slip it i n again i n "feel" for what it w o u l d be like to write the name
as you part, " I t was nice to meet you, Jennifer." will help with memory retention.
The repetition, as well as the cognitive effort it
took to work the name into conversation, w i l l 6. Associate the name w i t h someone or something
help imprint it on to your brain. Besides building else. Were you just introduced to a M e r y l w h o was
future recall, your repetitive use of her name w i l l tall? Associate her name w i t h M e r y l Streep. Is
prove you are interested i n her. the Jennifer you just met adorable? Tie her name
to Jennifer Anniston and you have a memory
4. Visualize her name written on her forehead. prompt. Is your son's new playmate an Andrew?
This is a tip used successfully by President Franklin Remember h i m as a real "prince" o f a little guy.
Roosevelt. He continually amazed his staff by You can use the same trick w i t h items rather than
remembering the names o f nearly everyone he people. The name Barbara could make you think
met by visualizing a person's name written on his of a barbed wire fence or Tammy Carden could
or her forehead. I f you are a very visual person, make you visualize a deck o f cards. Get creative
you could actually color code the names i n your w i t h names. Karen Johnson could make you think,
imagination by category, such as all co-workers' "Karen is John's daughter, but I w i l l call her John's
names appear in blue, church friends in green, son instead." The association tricks don't need to
sorority sisters i n red, and so forth. Have you ever be true - just memorable.
run into an acquaintance out o f context, such as
seeing a coworker at your son's high school football Using these f u n techniques w i l l surely increase your
game, and drawn an embarrassing blank w i t h the ability to recall names, but i t is inevitable that y o u
name? This color coding system just might help i f w i l l still slip up w i t h a name, so keep practicing.
you are visually gifted. Now, h o w are you w i t h remembering faces?

• 1

30 • To DRAGMA 1

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

Most people are much and slanted forehead; 5. The Eyes - mm
better at remembering or face angled with Some people notice this
faces than names, receding chin and trait immediately, but people the following long, short, pointed,
but this can still be a prominent forehead. everyone should learn three cheekbone square, round, double,
weakness for many. to notice eye color. characteristics are cleft, or dimpled.
Experts suggest that 2. The Hair - Then, learn to notice very obvious: high, W h e n seen f r o m
you make a mental note Understanding that whether eyes are large, prominent, or the side, it might be:
of a distinctive feature hair styles and color can small, protruding, obscured. jutting, straight, double,
o f a person's appearance change overnight, it is deep-set, close together, or receding.
- a feature that is still helpful to file away spaced apart, slanted 10. The Lips -
unusual, extraordinary certain characteristics o f outward, slanted Many people watch Other characteristics
or unique. People who a person's hair in your inward, colored, entire the lips when a person o f faces could include
are not accustomed memory. Note the iris circle seen, or iris is speaking. N e x t skin types, skin
to studying faces may color: brunette, blond, circle covered partly by time, make a mental irregularities, ears,
find it difficult to find auburn/red grey, upper and/or lower lid. note of whether that or even men's facial
something distinctive white, or other. The The eyelid and the bag person's lips are: small, hair, realizing the
about every person's texture: thick, thin, below the eye, can be: thick, wide, thin, long latter could change
face, but realizing large, small, smooth, upper lip, short upper overnight. Mentally
that there are dozens or fine; and the length: wrinkled, puffy, or lip, upturned, down- reconstruct the person's
of traits to look for short, medium, or f i r m . Eyelashes could turned, well-shaped, or face, using your
should help you make long. Men's hair styles be: thick, thin, long, ill-defined. imagination in the
distinctions. The list of are less likely to change short, curled, or way that a cartoonist
possible variables below quickly. You might straight. 11. The C h m does to exaggerate any
is not even complete consider thinking W h e n seen straight-on, noteworthy features.
but gives you an idea o f in terms of: thick, 6. The Nose - the chin may appear:
the types of differences fine, wavy, straight, This prominent feature
to consciously look for parted, receding, is defmately w o r t h b y Marjellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta
in a face. bald, buzzed, short, noting. When seen (U of Alabama), Managing Editor
medium, or long. from the front it might
1. The Head - be: large, small, narrow, /
Usually, you first meet 3. The Forehead - medium, wide, or
a person face-to-face. Foreheads can generally crooked.
Look at the general be described as: high, When seen f r o m the
shape o f the head wide, narrow between side: straight, flat,
and mentally note i f hairline and eyebrows, pointed, blunt, snub
it is: large, medium, narrow between temple or upturned, hooked/
or small. Is the shape and temple, smooth, curved, Greek, forming
of the head: square, lined horizontally, or straight line with
rectangular, round, lined vertically. forehead, or concave
oval, triangular, broad, (caved in).
or narrow? 4. The Eyebrows -
From the side, the Often overlooked 7. The Cheekbones -
head shape may be at first, but very
very different. Besides expressive, eyebrows Cheekbones are often
its shape, it might be: are usually: thick, thin,
flat at the front, top, long, short, meet at the linked very closely
or back; domed at middle, spaced apart, with the general
the back; face angled flat, arched, winged, characteristics o f
with a jutting chin bushy, or tapered. the face when seen
front-on, but in some

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 To D RAG MA • 31

AOn WELCOMESOUR 4 8 6 T H
COLLEGIATE CHAPTER
SIGMA GAMMA
Sigma Gamma, Appalachian State University CHARTER MEMBERS

Alpha Omicron Pi is pleased to announce Marshall, Collegiate Services Administrator Erica Acquarulo, Katie
the installation o f its 186th chartered chapter. and Kristan Barleen, Resident Consultant. Anderson, Katelyn Anderson,
Sigma Gamma Chapter o f Alpha Omicron Pi at Hayley Arning, Ashley Baez,
Appalachian State U was installed on April 4, 2 0 0 9 . "Sisterhood o f Elegance and Grace" is the Lauren Boop, Erin Brawley,
Susan Danko, A O I I International President, served submotto Sigma Gamma chose to exemplify Christy Bullins, Laura Byrd,
as the installing officer. Collegiate members f r o m their purpose. This academic year they spent Elizabeth Campanello, Katie
the Alpha Lambda Chapter (Georgia Southern U), time with one another building their bonds Casella, Molly Caudill,
Epsilon C h i Chapter (Elon U), Zeta Psi Chapter of friendship in unique ways such as creating Carlee Cook, Brittany
(Eastern Carolina U) and Chi Phi Chapter ( U o f a keepsake quilt, including the patches o f each Crawford, Brandie Curnutte,
South Carolina, Aiken), as well as area alumnae, of their chosen "family" patterns. Over this Kathleen Dahl, Ashley Davis,
traveled to welcome our newest members to school year they have participated i n numerous Hiley Davis, Taylor Davis,
our sisterhood and witness the installation of the philanthropic endeavors, including "Kisses from Erica Davis, Gabriela Dickey,
new chapter. Saturday's initiation and installation an A O I I " where they sold Hershey kisses to Sara Fogarty, Alex Foutz,
activities concluded with the traditional Rose raise money to make a child's holidays a little Katie Frederick, Kelly Frost,
Reception later in the evening at the Holiday Inn brighter with presents and some time w i t h the Sara Fuller, Aimee Gable,
in Wilkesboro, N C to honor the seventy-eight A O I I sisters. The women also organized and Kate Garnet, Lauren Gams,
members of the new chapter. hosted the first 'Mr. A S U ' Pageant, where they Erin Gibbens, Haley Glenn,
raised money to support arthritis research and Jordan Griffin, Jennifer
Guests at the celebration o f their installation education. They have made their presence Heiss, Stephanie Herndon,
included members of the ASU Fraternity and known on campus in many ways including their Laura Holland, Jay Jordan,
Sorority C o m m u n i t y as well as family and participation i n Greek Week and tailgating to Kaitlyn Lackey, Megan
friends. Other special guests included Susan show their Mountaineer pride. Locke, Laura Love, Annie
Danko, A O I I International President; Brandi Machamer, Tracy Martin,
Nunnery, Colony Development Network We are excited to see what our chapter w i l l A l i Martin, Stephanie
Director; Sigma Gamma's Alumnae Advisory continue to accomplish around their campus Mendez-Rodriguez, Ashley
Committee and Corporation Board; Julie Anne as well as for the Boone, N C c o m m u n i t y Moore, Laura Muse, Megan
Walter, Extension and Colonization Manager; and beyond! Newlin, Stephanie Nyman,
Whitney Frazier, Graphic Designer; Brooke Sarah O'Leary, Amanda
Kay Pardue, Cecily Parrott,
Christie Pavelock, Jamie
Plummer, Kazie Poole,
Meredith Poole, Chelsea
Pope, Jaime Rau, (Stephanie)
Danielle Robinson, Alison
Shaw, Dee Skerry, Cassandra
Snyder, Lisa Sourisack,
Ashley Spencer, Hillary
Stewart, Shelton Stone,
Megan Surber, Jessica
Thivierge, Melissa Thomas,
Ashley Thompson, Lindsay
Tigar, April Torres, Nicole
Vibbert, Emily Vidovich,
Heather Wagner, Kathryn
Waitt, Carson Whitehead,
Ashley Wiles, Kathryn
Wright, Christine Zanowicz

3 2 • To DRAGMA by Julie Anne Walter, Omega (Miami
Assistant Director of Chapter Servic

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

Membership Recruitment Consultant Tracy Elleard (second from right, front row)
participates in an event with Rho Beta (Virginia Commonwealth U) members.

Q8cA W I T H AN MRC

AOII's Human Resource for Recruitment

E v e r y t h i n g is set for the b i g day. R e d roses a d o r n the venue, and there is a h u s h o f
anticipation i n the air. A smiling, confident w o m a n moves s w i f d y t h r o u g h the c r o w d ,
f i x i n g a centerpiece a n d r e t u r n i n g a missing e a r r i n g as she makes her w a y t o the back
o f the r o o m . T h e f r o n t doors o p e n , guests arrive and the event is o f f t o a s m o o t h start.

N o , you aren't watching a re-make o f The Wedding Planner and the elusive woman i n a sharp suit is
not J - L o but an A O I I M R C (Membership Recruitment Consultant), there to make sure this " b i g day"
o f recruitment is successful. Part cheerleader, part party-planner, part therapist: let's sit d o w n w i t h Tracy
Elleard, M R C to find out more about A O I I ' s front line human resource when it comes to recruitment.

Question: What does the M R C program strive to accomplish?

Tracy: To empower our chapters to strengthen their overall recruitment technique in areas unique to each chapter.
The MRC is a guide and expert in all areas of recruitment. Recruitment encompasses much more then another event
on the calendar... It is a showcase for what you do as a chapter year round. Whether it is the community service you
perform or how you behave on a Friday night, recruitment encompasses all of AOII presently and who we will become.

Question: What is your role in working with your MRC chapters?

Tracy: I have weekly contact with my Vice Presidents of Membership Recruitment (VPMRs) and Recruitment Advisers
providing them with tidbits or recruitment helpful tips of the week. I visit 20 - 25 AOII chapters a year to help with
formal recruitment, chapter workshops, and recruitment planning. While on a visit, I also meet with individual officers
and Campus Life professionals.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA • 3 3

Mr < t mmmmm

XL

15

Tracy Elleard joins Rho Beta (Virginia Commonwealth U) members for a sisterhood outing and a colony party.

Question: What does a typical day look like on one of your trips?

Tracy: Let's see, officer meetings, a campus tour, Panhellenic meetings, chapter events or programs. I also attend
different events particular to that campus, such as Greek Sing, Relay for Life, Philanthropy events, or campus wide
speakers and such. During my down time I enjoy spending time with AOII's around the house or town, getting to
know chapter members, and exploring the campus on a long run. All this helps to understand campus culture.

Question: If you could give an AOII collegian one piece of advice on how
to best support AOII recruitment, what would you share with her?

Tracy: Think of recruitment as your opportunity to choose your legacy. The women you recruit now will be there long
after you are gone and will soon shape the future of your chapter. Take time to remember what you love about AOII,
because if you are confident in yourself, you will be able to convince others why AOII is a great choice for them as well.

Question: How are AOII alumnae involved in recruitment?
What is the best way for them to support our chapters?

Tracy: Recruitment is the time of year when our chapters need the most support from alumnae. They can volunteer
to help behind the scenes during parties, to provide encouragement and storytelling for the women to boost morale,
and also to make monetary donations to the chapter to provide meals, or help cut recruitment costs.

Question: Describe one unique recruitment situation you have experienced.

Tracy: A noteworthy experience for me was my first visit to a chapter who recruits during the winter. They initially
greet the women and lead them directly to their coat room to hang up their coats. Summer-recruiting chapters
certainly don't have to factor in this timing or consider how their coat rooms are decorated and organized!

Question: What new trends do you see emerging among the AOII chapters
you have visited?

Tracy: Our women are much more technologically savvy. Facebook and Twitter have become big PR tools for our
chapters. More students are joining sororities than ever before, because they see the benefit of Greek life. Numbers
seem to be on the rise, even outgrowing our current economy.

Question: What is most rewarding about being an MRC?

Tracy: Seeing direct impact within my chapters and making a difference in the lives of so many AOIIs; being able to
travel all over the country and having sisters there to greet you wherever you go.

Question: What do you think our Founders' would think about recruitment today?

Tracy: The most notable difference they might see is how visible AOII is when our members are all wearing our
letters proudly, attire that is much different from their era. I believe they would be impressed by how well organized
recruitment parties are today. They would be happy to know that we are still recruiting like-minded, high-minded
women.. .who exemplify our values.

by Julie Anne Walter, Omega (Miami U), Assistant Director of Chapter Services

3 4 • To DRAG MA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

AOn WELCOMES OUR 8 7 T H
COLLEGIATE CHAPTER

Delta Kappa, Washington University

Delta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Omicron Fi During the beautiful sunny morning initiation, DELTA KAPPA
became Alpha Omicron Pi's 187th chapter A O I I collegiate members f r o m Iota ( U o f CHARTER MEMBERS
on April 26, 2009. Sixty-eight women were Illinois), Kappa Omicron (Rhodes College), and
initiated into the newly installed chapter at Delta Pi ( U o f Central Missouri), as well as area Cristina Aguayo, Caitlin Paige
Washington U i n St. Louis by installing officer alumnae, traveled to witness their installation. Anderson, Ariel Elyse Baugh,
Susan Danko, A O I I International President. Sunday's initiation and installation activities MaryJulia Bressman, Kelly Nicole
concluded with the traditional Rose Reception Bunch, Signe Hamilton Chambers,
Linking the past to the present, they became our at the Crowne Plaza in Clayton, M O to honor Sandy Chen, Andong Cheng, Eun
first chapter i n 85 years to choose a Greek sub the sixty-eight members of the new chapter. Jung Cho, Alexandra Huzzan Choi,
motto. "Kalokagathia" was selected from options Anna Marie Constantino, Stephanie
their two Greek-speaking members presented The guests included members of the fraternity and Maeve Coughlan, Brittney Leigh
to them, and it encompasses being "Excellent/ sorority community as well as family and Dalton, Laura Margaret Edison,
Beautiful and Good." friends. Other special guests included Ryan Alexandra Nicole Fernandez,
Jasen-Henne, Director of Greek Life; Lucy Samantha Fleisher, Elizabeth Sarah
Colonized onJanuary 29, 2009 they swiftly Morlan, Coordinator for Chapter Development, Freeman, Jenna Lauren Freling, Yun
completed their installation requirements and were David Wallace, Coordinator for Greek Housing Gao, Lisa Marturano Gemborys,
installed as a chapter on the last day of permitted Programs; Susan Danko, A O I I International Loren Kathleen Godchaux,
campus programming during the school year. President; Brand] Nunnery, Colony Development Allison Brooke Gorman, Erika
Over the semester they have shown strong Network Director; Colleen McCanless, Sydney Gould, Ashli Alexis Hessel,
support o f fraternity and sororities on campus by Colony Development Network Specialist, Delta Samantha B. Higer, Lindsay
participating in their philanthropy events, even Kappa's Alumnae Advisory Cominittee and Michele Hipp, Whitney Clifton
taking first place in the Kappa Karaoke dance Corporation Board; Julie Anne Walter, Extension Howland, Rebecca Antoinette
competition. They participated in Thurtene and Colonization Manager; Stacey Lawrence, Hunter, Andrea Rubinstein Hutner,
Carnival and also hosted a booth at Relay for Alumnae District Administrator; Tabitha Wiley, Alyssa Eve Kaitz, Carolyn Rachel
Life. Their sisterhood grew w i t h the time spent Leadership Consultant andjenna Gregory, Kanter, Christina Lee Kelley, Lauren
together this semester whether they were having Resident Consultant. Elizabeth Krone, Brenda Lagunas,
a "Letter Day Lunch" on campus, building panda Natacha Lam, Meredith Hope
bears orjust enjoying one another's company. This newest chapter accomplished a great Lanzen, Jessica Michelle Lewis, Lily
When they return to campus i n the fall they plan deal in a short amount of time and have been Kay Louie, Andrea Gayle Lubinsky,
to host the first annual "Strike Out! Arthritis Rose dubbed "a firecracker of a sorority" by their Victoria Louise Lucas, Brenna
Bowl," a flag football tournament to raise money campus newspaper. We look forward w i t h great Suzanne Meagher, Meghan Renee
for arthritis research and education. anticipation to all they w i l l achieve in the future! Meyer, Elizabeth Cornell Miller,
Laura Elizabeth Miller, Courtney
Lyn Millian, Kellie Lynn Moore,
Tijana Orescanin, Tian Qiu, Lauren
Nicole Rotkis, Diana Daryuan
Shen, Miryan Siguenza, Jillian Mary
Smith, Nadia Giselle Sobehart,
Kathryn Becker Southworth, Jessica
Lynn Spencer, Stephanie Anne
Spera, Rachel Sperry, Lian Renee
States, Stephanie Sugg, Hannah
Trembath, Lauren Prange Van
Dyke, Anna Elisabeth White, Kana
Yokota, Jia Yu, Nicole Zee, Kathryn
Anne Zekus, and Dana Danfeng
Zhao. Alumna Initiate:
Cecily Stewart

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER. 2009 by Julie Anne Walter, Omega (Miami U)
Assistant Director of Chapter Services

To DRAG MA • 35

Twelve Zeta Psi Moms become Sisters

i1

•""'

> •
•

i

u

36 • To DRAGMA A special bond exists when a mother and daughter are A O I I sisters. For most
mother/daughter AOIIs, traditional legacy status is achieved when the daughter
follows i n mom's footsteps and pledged A O I I . But, for 12 mothers and their
daughters at Zeta Psi Chapter (East Carolina U ) , it was a totally different experience.
The daughters joined first and the moms followed after the chapter extended
membership invitations as outlined in AOII's Alumna Initiate Program.

The Alumna Initiate Program enables A O I I chapters to extend membership to
women w h o are a part o f our lives and who exemplify what A O I I is. This is a
great way to make a family relationship grow even stronger through the bond o f
sisterhood that so many have already experienced. Alpha O m i c r o n Pi has extended
alumnae membership to outstanding women for years and has allowed many
women (mothers, sisters, aunts, close friends) who have never been part o f an N P C
organization to j o i n A O I I . Alumnae Initiates (AIs) have often loyally supported
alumnae and collegiate chapters by becoming advisors and volunteers.

For Zeta Psi, the idea came about f r o m a conversation w i t h Beverly Hatcher,
their Collegiate N e t w o r k Specialist. D u r i n g one o f her chapter visits, she casually
mentioned how her mother was an Alumna Initiate and what an amazing experience
it had been. "We thought it would be fantastic to do the same thing," shares Monika
A n n Gerrity, To Dragma Reporter. "After securing the necessary approvals, we
extended an invitation to join to all our mothers with the conditions they had
attended college and had not previously joined another sorority," Twelve moms o f
chapter members accepted their invitation and the process was underway.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER2009

Their new member education was led by their Chapter President, Corissa Allison, If your chapter is interested in
and each o f the daughters took ownership by helping guide her m o m through her sponsoring an Alumnae Initiate,
education. "This made the new member education period f u n and more sentimental contact the Director of Chapter
for everyone," said Monika. " I n the beginning, the mothers were nervous, not Services at AOII Headquarters
k n o w i n g what to expect. Afterward they felt a sense o f closeness w i t h us, and a (615-370-0920) or email
better understanding o f what being i n an organization like A O I I is all about. N o w [email protected] to
there is a definite bond between each mother that is hard to describe, just like the request an official application.
bonds we share w i t h our other sorority sisters."
Qualification requires the
The chapter held a separate initiation ceremony and each daughter was able to following: Candidates must have
participate making the occasion extremely special. The Alumna Initiate program is completed one academic year at
a w i n - w i n scenario for everyone involved. The mothers and daughters share a new an accredited college or university.
bond that often brings them closer to each other than ever before, and the chapter (This requirement can be waived
benefits f r o m a larger base o f alumnae invested i n their future. by unanimous vote of the
International Executive Board, upon
Of course, the Alumna Initiate Program does not have to recommendation of a Network
be limited to initiating mothers only. Chapters can consider Director.) Payment of one-time fees
women who are: covering initiation and badge costs.
All Alumna Initiate candidates must
- Female friends and relatives of an AOII, have a sponsor who they know
- Women who have given their time and talents to an AOII personally and who lives locally.
Candidates may not be members
collegiate chapter, of another National Panhellenic
- Former colony members and other past collegians who pledged into Conference Organization, nor
eligible to be a collegiate member.
an AOII collegiate Chapter, but were not initiated,
- Women who are interested in mentoring and working with To DRAGMA • 37

young women,
- Campus leaders and mentors,
- Collegiate graduates who show outstanding volunteer involvement,
- Notable women from the local community

Zeta Psi New Members
and their daughters

Kathleen Gerrity and daughter Monika Gerrity
Linda Holloway and daughter Brittany Holloway
Sharon Whitley and daughter Blythe Noelle H i l l
Dale E. Gordon and daughter Ashley Gordon
Margaret Allison and daughter Corissa Allison
Karen Kimrey and daughter Tracy McLendon
Jeanie Abegast and daughter M a r y Abegast Phillips
Cheryl Cacciotti and daughter Stacey Ligon
Connie Jones Wakefield and daughter Elizabeth Wakefield
Pat Penny and daughter Keri Penny
Kimberley Grieco and daughter Brittney Grieco
Jeanette Nicholson and daughter Jessica Nicholson

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

CREATIVE SUMMERTIME FUN

Tips for Alumnae Chapter Recruitment

by Stacey Lawrence, Beta Phi (Indiana U), Alumnae District Administrator; and
Sherry Haman, Sigma Omicron (Arkansas State U), Director of Chapter Services

Summer has arrived. Pools are re-opening, temperatures are rising,
and grills are firing up once again. While the summer months are
usually spent with family and friends, they can also be the perfect
time to work on alumnae chapter recruitment. Bountiful outdoor
opportunities, long days, and less hectic schedules set the stage for
perfect sisterhood opportunities. Here are some tips on how to
make the most of your summer for alumnae recruitment:

~ i i-f Members Officers/Officer Corner Membership Philanthropy Events

Updates Photo Gallery Pi Picks/ Links

A O I I Chicago City Utilize creative technology:

J, Work with the tech-savvy members of your chapter to
create a website, Facebook page, or blog. One o f the
Calling All Welcome to A O I I Chicago City first things an A O I I m o v i n g to a new city might do is
Google the closest A O I I alumnae chapter or visit the
We are coito AOII Chicago City ts an alumnae chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi Women's A O I I website to find a link. Provide a warm welcome
hiaterrury for sisters in the Chicago area looking to hang out in the Second Qty by having your chapter's information readily available
d treats from past Of course, for member*. Chicago .s second to none. through one o f these mediums. A n y good website,
tradition*, Please Facebook page, or blog w i l l have contact information,
• Mifccl for more a calendar or schedule, and lots of pictures. Summer
is an excellent time to focus on electronic marketing.
I f your chapter is lacking members w i t h technical
experience, turn to family and friends and trade them
an ice cream sundae for their efforts.

Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women's fraternity promoting fnendshrp for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong
learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the fraternity and community

The Chicago City Alumnae Chapter was insulted on June 2. 1946 Wc join rhc other 319 alumnae and 17N collegiate chapters that AOII
has chartered in the US and Canada over rhc past 100 yean The Qty Alumnae Chapter hat been strong uncc if* inception earning
performance certificate! from Ixtteniational Headquarter] in 1997. l « B . 1909. 2000. 2001. and 2002. Wc were awarded with a
Distinguished Service award i t Convention in 2001. At AOII's Convention June 23th 2003 wc were •warded with the Ruby Award for
Distinguished Chapters (at least I I of 35 standards of excellence) the highest award (or an alumnae chanter

What Wc Do
We imvc to live up to AOII's mission statement, focutaing on fnendshtp. life learning, leadership, and service

AOII's Chicago City Alumnae Chapter website does a great job
showcasing upcoming events and keeping members informed.

38 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

Measejoin us for an evening
of fun and fellowship at the
Bring a Mister for gour Sister"
progressive dinner event!

Friday, August 25, 2008
712 West Maple Street
Dallas, TX
Six o'crloocnkdinmrihngBlienvgeneigng

Please rsvp by Sat 2008
^ugustr 13, 2008 ° y ,u r c , Jut
•o °°»°lUmsaolphoom,c,o,,pLor9 y 78-

f 5,.v<*,r>ndou/g0 OE

n<ng

etujnt
•JOp

Utilize creative locations:

Summer is a great time to involve the whole family
in alumnae chapter events. Some alumnae may be
reluctant to participate i n A O I I - o n l y events during the
summer due to hectic schedules and a desire to spend
time w i t h their families. Instead o f hosting an A O I I -
only event, try organizing a family outing for free
concerts in a local park, outdoor movies, pool parties,
lake days, barbecues, or baseball games. These are all
events central to summertime family f u n . W h y not
turn them into A O I I events as well?

W h e t h e r y o u are t r y i n g out new technology, planning a new
event or hosting a f a m i l y p o o l party, summer is the perfect t i m e
to recruit n e w alumnae chapter members. As summer fades and
the leaves b e g i n to change, y o u w i l l be ready to welcome all those
new members w i t h a fantastic calendar and a creative outlook.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA •

The Importance of

Scholarship

40 • To DRAGMA How important is scholarship to members of Alpha Omicron Pi?
Beginning in 1897, the importance of scholarship was evident
as the four founders of Alpha Omicron Pi were women devoted
to the pursuit of the highest academic achievement during their
years at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York.
After completing her undergraduate degree from Barnard with
Phi Beta Kappa honors, Helen St. Clair Mullan went on to
graduate first in her class of300 from New York University Law
School. Jessie Wallace Hughan, also Phi Beta Kappa, entered a
long and exemplary career in teaching and school administration.
For 17 years after graduation Elizabeth Heywood Wyman taught
German and English at the Bloomfield (N.J.) High School, and
after graduation, Stella George Stern Perry did editorial work and
writing for periodicals which led to eventually having 17 books
published. In addition, Stella started her own advertising agency,
handling both local and national accounts. AOII can proudly claim
a history grounded in a commitment to academic excellence,
and these women modeled a commitment to continued learning
throughout their lives.

by Lee Boone, Omega Omicron (Lambuth U), Director of Communications

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

W i t h these deep roots o f scholarship anchoring multiple levels w i t h the highest award being the
our organization for over 1 0 0 years, A O I I seeks to McCausland Cup, established in honor of Lillian
instill the ideals o f scholarship in every collegiate MacQuillan McCausland, AOII's eighth National
chapter that is chartered. D u r i n g recruitment, as President. This award is presented biennially
collegiate members seek to gain a brief glimpse during International Convention to the chapter
into the personalities, talents, and abilities o f maintaining the highest CPA during a t w o year
each Potential N e w Member ( P N M ) , an area o f period (biennium). Through promotion of learning
significant strength that is always emphasized is and memory skills, test taking strategies, time
scholarship. Through the mutual selection process, management, and goal setting techniques, A O I I
potential new members learn h o w A O I I was members support one another in the attainment o f
founded on a commitment to scholarship and how high academic standards.
this emphasis continues today. Similarly, A O I I
considers the way that a P N M has approached O f course, learning is a lifelong pursuit, and the
her previous academic endeavors as this history skills acquired during collegiate years carry forth
may offer insight into her self discipline and time to empower women at every stage in life. The joy
management abilities which can forecast her future o f learning is doubled when shared w i t h sisters
academic success. at A O I I events that bring members together
from all across the United States and Canada.
I n every collegiate chapter, members are expected Leadership Academies, Leadership Institute, and
to achieve and maintain notable scholastic Learning Paths at International Convention offer
success, and collegiate chapters implement a opportunities to broaden our knowledge, deepen
variety of tools to support the attainment of our understanding, and renew our commitment to
high academic achievement among its members. serve the ideals o f Alpha O m i c r o n Pi.
Recognition o f chapter achievement occurs at

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 To DRAGMA •

Making the Grade

Whether you are a collegiate woman preparing tor exams or an alumna
member considering taking an entrance exam to graduate school, confidence
in test taking is a great beginning to success. Even the most confident scholars
often experience a degree of test anxiety so it is important to understand that
test anxiety is a natural response that helps to maintain mental and physical
alertness. I f you feel you suffer f r o m anxiety that hampers your testing
performance, understand that test anxiety has physical, behavioral, and
psychological components. Recognizing each o f these aspects makes it easier to
address them and move beyond the anxiety.

Physical anxiety may manifest itself i n muscle tension, queasiness, perspiration,
and even rapid heartbeat. Closing your eyes and breathing deeply for just
one minute as you visualize airflow i n and out of your lungs can slow your
heart rate and restore calm. I f you find yourself going blank on answers, this
behavioral response may be a response to your anxiety and not the result o f
poor preparation. Move on to the next question and allow yourself to build
confidence i n answering other questions. Most likely when you return to the
question that you left blank, the answer w i l l be recalled right away. Preparing
yourself psychologically w i t h strong, positive self-talk w i l l guard against
allowing thoughts of self doubt and negativity to creep i n and escalate anxiety
just prior to or during any test.

How can you reduce test anxiety?

While Studying: Allow yourself plenty of time to accomplish all the

tasks you have to do before the test. Build up confidence by reviewing the
material frequently. Set up your study goals and take one step at a time to
not overwhelm yourself. I f you are feeling anxiety building, there are several
exercises which can help you get through this period.

1. Engage i n deep breathing f o r 2-5 minutes. Close y o u r eyes and
concentrate on the air going i n and out o f your lungs. Take long, deep
breaths, f i l l your lungs and abdomen, hold your breath, and then exhale.

2 . Tense and relax different muscle groups. For example, i f your
shoulders are tense p u l l them back and hold t h e m for a f e w seconds,
then relax. This w i l l help you to be aware o f the relaxation o f muscles
and help you to relax more.

3 . Engage i n g u i d e d i m a g e r y for a few minutes. Pick a scene that y o u
f i n d peaceful, b e a u t i f u l , and natural. T h i n k about w h a t y o u see, w h a t
you hear, what y o u feel and what y o u smell w h i l e i n this scene.

42 • To DRAGMA

Q. T r y to describe the anxiety. Focus y o u r attention
o n y o u r a n x i e t y and t h i n k about the feelings it causes.
H o w large is it? W h e r e is it located i n y o u r body?
W h a t is its color, its shape, and its texture? I f y o u can
completely experience a physical sensation it w i l l often
disappear.

5 . Aerobic exercise w i l l help y o u to release anxiety and
excess energy and, as a result, reduce b o d y tension.

6 . Engage i n positive self-talk. First, think about
rational responses to counter negative thoughts.
Instead o f saying " I ' m g o i n g to f a i l this test," say, " I
have the ability to do this, I just need to get some help."
Secondly, think about what w i l l help you cope w i t h
stress, such as " A little anxiety is h e l p f u l . I w i l l just t r y
m y best." A n d thirdly, think i n a way that w i l l keep
you on task. " I can w r i t e this paper i f I break it into
smaller steps."

Prior t o the test: A r r i v e early so y o u can sit where

you are most comfortable and avoid people w h o
are anxious and m i g h t cause y o u to doubt y o u r
knowledge. W h e n y o u receive the test l o o k it over,
read the directions twice, and then organize you time
efficiently. D o n ' t rush t h r o u g h the test, but w o r k at a
comfortable pace and don't w o r r y about h o w far along
classmates are o n the test.

According to the George Washington University website:
http://gwired.gwu.edu/counsel/index.gw/Site_ID/5l76/Page_ID/14095/

To DRAGMA • 43

T H E LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

At Leadership Academy i n Ask yourself the question, "What characteristics do
February, we chose to use The I value most in a leader?" Take a moment to think of
Leadership Challenge by Kouzes four or five traits you would associate with a leader you
and Posner as the basis for the would choose to follow. In the book The Leadership
principles discussed throughout Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, the authors asked
the weekend. Each section this question and compiled their answers into a list of
and workshop was meant top twenty responses. They took this list and surveyed
to illuminate and challenge respondents over a 10-year period asking them to
the participants to not only prioritize the list of 20 characteristics. Over 70,000
understand themselves better but people of different ages throughout the world ranked
to give them the tools to succeed the attributes that they valued the most in people they
in leading others. Overall, the would willingly follow. The results were unequivocal.
weekend was a noted success i n These four characteristics have remained at the top of
energizing our collegiate base the list every year, except one:
i n a way not seen before. T h e y
walked away w i t h clear cut Honest Inspiring
visions o f what they would like Forward-looking Competent
to see done i n their o w n chapters
as w e l l as tools to get t h e m started So how can you become the leader w h o embodies these qualities? Are great
immediately towards those goals. leaders made or are they born? Researchers have studied leadership and
developed countless theories on the essence o f strong leadership development.
4 4 • To DRAGMA Some believe that leaders can be evaluated based upon the traits that they hold.
The charismatic speaker or the brilliant strategist are leaders that proponents
of these traits-based leadership model w o u l d study. Other researchers look
at the behaviors that leaders exhibit and hope to grasp which o f these define
leadership. Still others suggest that leaders are determined by situations and can
only be evaluated and studied through this experiential lens. One additional
model suggests that leaders inspire others to action. W h i c h philosophy
resonates w i t h your perspective on leadership?

According to researchers Kouzes and Posner, leadership is not about inherent
traits or a prescribed set o f behaviors or experiences. Learning to be a leader is
a possibility for everyone and, i n fact, according to their research, "leadership is
everyone's business." A t its essence leadership is about relationships and people
making a difference.

IIIIM'I'I

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

H O W D O Y O U MEASURE UP?

Leadership Development If leadership is everyone's

business, then it stands to reason that each o f us needs to develop her o w n
personal definition o f leadership. It serves to frame how we relate and interact
w i t h others i n our organization. The process o f understanding your o w n
personal definition o f leadership causes you to clarify the values you hold
most dear. Finally, having this understanding influences the vision that you
w i l l develop i n every role you undertake in the future. It impacts the way you
guide, support, coach, and inspire those w h o choose to follow you.
Three phases o f leadership development were identified by Kouzes and Posner.

Phases o f Leadership Development

-Phase 1: Observe leadership i n others and copy traits, styles, etc. you admire
—Phase 2: Realize the need to explore you o w n values and to ground

leaciership i n these principles
—Phase 3: Speak w i t h your o w n true voice "so begin to lead f r o m a place o f

personal authenticity and integrity"

The pathway for this development can be found in five practices that are
available to anyone w h o chooses to accept the leadership challenge.

Model the Way
Inspire a Shared Vision
Challenge the Process
Enable Others to Act
Encourage the Heart

The first basic principle, Model the Way, is defined
in t w o ways: find your voice and set the example. As a leader, we must begin
first w i t h understanding ourselves. You must look inward and explore what you
treasure most. For example, what values define who I am and what I do? These
are the first o f many questions to ask, but the bottom line is that before you
lead others, you must k n o w yourself. Once the path o f self discovery has been
embarked upon, the second point to note is how we choose to lead others. A n
often quoted personal philosophy o f leaders is to "lead by example." You cannot
hold others accountable to a standard i f you do not also do it. Many business
leaders choose to make this paramount in their offices because o f the greater
respect it commands than any other. You can direct through your words, but
it is your actions that inspire. I f you are to truly take the steps necessary to
command a room as a leader, both your actions and words must be aligned.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 To DRAG MA • 45

Inspire a Shared Vision The second principle, Inspire a Shared Vision,

includes t w o components: envision the future and enlists others. A vision is often
mistaken as a simple mission statement or a list o f goals, but a vision is a creative and
energizing picture of what the organization could achieve. Kouzes and Posner point
out that human beings are the only creatures capable o f envisioning the future, and
utilizing this ability to "imagine the possibilities" is a critical part o f success. W h i l e the
process o f aligning others to your shared vision is by no means an easy or basic practice,
the use o f words and emotions in communicating it w i l l help to b r i n g the vision to life.
Animating the vision brings people together to move forward in accomplishing goals.

Challenge the Process The third principle, Challenge the Process,

is identified by t w o main factors: searching for opportunities and experimenting
and taking risks. Once you have clearly defined your vision and have achieved
organizational buy-in, you must bring that vision down to the basic level w i t h goal
setting. It is easy to fall back upon what "works" i n any organization. Just because
a process has been fine i n the past, does that mean we cannot do it better or more
efficiently? A willingness to take risks is a necessary part o f innovation, but awareness
that risk can incite fear is important. We must consider that i f we choose not to take any
risks, we are failing to serve others i n the capacity that they have asked. N o position
we hold can remain stagnant, otherwise, we are merely checking o f f a "to do" list
rather than treating each task as something new and potentially changing. Risks and
experiences can be as exhilarating as they are daunting and no vision can come w i t h o u t
taking a leap of faith. Lead by example and face those fears. Yes, you may fail, but when
you succeed, the rewards are much greater.

The fourth principle, Enable Others to Act, is
met by fostering collaboration and strengthening others. Collaboration is built upon
trust and respect. I n the survey that Kouzes and Posner conducted, the characteristic
o f honesty was consistently valued across demographics, organizations, or cultural
differences, and over time. A shared vision cannot be achieved w i t h o u t this crucial
element. I n fact, you can know that the vision has truly taken root i n your organization
once you see collaboration begin. To strengthen members o f a team, you must
encourage competence and confidence. Offering opportunities for growth combined
w i t h accountability empowers others to act. Kouzes and Posner relate that effective
leaders who enable others to act know "you become more powerful when you give
your o w n power away."

Encourage the Heart The final principle, Encourage the Heart, is

promoted through recognizing contributions and celebrating values and victories.
In any role that we play w i t h an organization, recognition o f efforts made is always
appreciated. However, there are many means to do so w h i c h create a more successful
show or support than the normal "thank you." I n some organizations, leaders paint a
picture for the group o f the individual's efforts by reading an explanation o f the results

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

because of her contribution or by introducing a " f u n " element to the award through
prizes or games. Sometimes a mere thank you w i l l suffice, but as leaders we should
t h i n k outside the box on occasion and perhaps do a bit more. The celebration o f
values and victories is one w h i c h should be a constant in any project or organizational
leadership. Celebrate these and you w i l l continue to motivate yourself and others
towards achieving your vision. The process is just as important as the ultimate goal, and
you w i l l have greater satisfaction when you take note o f each step along the way.

The best news for each of us is that there is a leader
w i t h i n us all, and the ability to make a difference is not reserved for just a few. W h a t is
your passion? W h a t values resonate w i t h you? Where w i l l you make your mark? The
b o t t o m line is to lead w i t h integrity. Without the credibility inherent i n your leadership,
the above model w i l l fail i n both theory and practice. You must have your actions
reinforce your words so that the values you espouse take root i n others. O n l y then w i l l
you look i n the mirror and see the leader you are meant to be.

Kouzes and Posner's statements on Leadership:

"If you don't believe in the messenger, you won't
believe the message."

"You can't believe the messenger if you don't
know what the messenger believes."

"You can't be the messenger until you're clear
about what you believe."

Reference: Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2007). The Leadership
Challenge (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9 by Jane McKee, Nu Omicron (Vanderbilt U), Collegiate District Administrator; and
Lee Boone, Omega Omicron (Lambuth U), Director of Communications

T© DRAGMA • 47

AOII Executive Director Retires

Saluting: Melanie

After 18 years o f serving as the Executive Director of Alpha Melanie's retirement will en,lble hei to Iwvel cind spend more
Omicron Pi, Melanie N i x o n Lampertz w i l l officially retire at the timawith her children, grandchildren and husband, Walter.
end of AOII's biennium on June 3 0 , 2 0 0 9 . " I t has not been an
easy decision to retire f r o m something which has encompassed
much o f my life's professional work," says Melanie, "but I leave
my tenure w i t h i n A O I I w i t h confidence in the state o f our
organization."

Melanie came into the Executive Director position w i t h a wealth
of A O I I volunteer experience, not the least o f which was a
term on the A O I I Executive Board as Director followed by a
second term as Vice President o f Development. Additionally,
she has served in significant regional positions, chapter advisory
positions, as an alumnae chapter president and even as a local
alumnae Panhellenic president.

" I will remain wholeheartedly committed to this
organization, its standards of excellence, its legacy,
and the women who define our purpose."

Joining A O I I Headquarters Staff 2 2 years ago as Public organizations that guide us including the Executive Directors
Relations Coordinator, Melanie spent the last 18 years as Association, FIPG, Fraternity Communications Association,
Executive Director. She has lovingly guided A O I I through National Panhellenic Conference and Fraternity Executives
several Headquarters relocations, t w o major fraternity structure Association, just to name a few. She has served as President
realignments, staffing realignments and enormous growth. Her of both the Executive Directors Association and FIPG, and
voice has always been one o f continuity for A O I I , a voice of currently serves on the Board of Directors o f the Fraternity
reason, a voice o f negotiation, a voice o f compassion. Her own Executives Association. Countless lifelong friendships have come
interests have never guided her, but rather the common interests f r o m these associations, and she treasures each and every one.
o f Alpha O m i c r o n Pi and every principle that unites us. Her
volunteer and professional fraternal experience has given Melanie A O I I International President Susan Danko states, "Over the
a compassionate understanding o f the role of both fraternity years, Alpha O m i c r o n Pi has enjoyed so many accomplishments,
volunteer and fraternity staff and how each has a vital role in the and we are very grateful o f the dedication and hard w o r k that
success o f any organization. Melanie brought to the organization to advance our mission."
She adds, "We w i l l miss her, and wish her much happiness as she
However, it is not only to A O I I that Melanie has been begins an exciting new phase o f her life."
committed. She has a great love for many o f the Greek

48 • To DRACMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2 0 0 9

bur O W N W O R D S

This fall, To Dragma w i l l begin running a new feature i n each issue which
highlights the w r i t t e n work o f at least one o f our members on a selected topic.
Each topic w i l l be announced in the magazine and on the A O I I website, and
the w i n n i n g entry w i l l appear i n the following issue. Additional qualified
entries w i l l be posted on the A O I I website. Winners w i l l be selected by
members o f the A O I I Communications Department. In Your Own Words is
your chance to share your thoughts and opinions w i t h other AOIIs, as well as
an opportunity to be a published author. We encourage anyone to participate.

For the Fall 2009 issue the following topic has been selected:

Stella Perry published many works, often elaborating on the hot topics o f her
day. W e are seeking an i n s i g h t f u l essay o n a current campus hot topic - one that
Stella w o u l d be p r o u d f o r To Dragma to publish. I n 1000 words or less, present
your passionate opinion on a hot topic pertaining to college student life or the
fraternity system. Articles can be f r o m a collegiate or alumnae perspective on
subjects such as: social n e t w o r k i n g , alcohol age l i m i t s , alcohol use, campus
safety, online safety, suicide, or many others.

Submit articles by email to ToDragma©
alphaomicronpi.org by August 15, 2009. They
may be created in Microsoft Word or Adobe
InDesign. Include your full name, chapter,
telephone number and email address in your
email submission. The winner(s) will be notified
by September 1, 2009. Articles longer than
1000 words will be disqualified.

ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009

'OUNDATION r O C U S

Is I T TRULY ONLY BETTER TO
GIVE, THAN TO RECEIVE?

In a time when we would not be able to give as much as we
would hope monetarily, choosing to volunteer may be the next
best way to give. Volunteering isn't all about giving to a cause
or an organization, though. Have you ever thought about what
volunteering gives YOU?

Creativity. M a n y o f us have talents that eveenr ft|s| .. Y o u never k n o w w h a t y o u
w e aren't able to showcase on a daily basilj might find i n common with another
O u r occupations do not have to define volunteer at a fundraiser. W h e t h e r i t be
w h o we are as individuals. Volunteering w i t h one person or the entire group, it's
can provide an outlet for you to share your hard not to feel a connection w i t h others
hidden talents. Y o u never k n o w where w h o share the same passion.
they might fit in.
Inspiration. Most of the time volunteering
Achievement. Often times our everyday comes f r o m the heart. Inspiration, like
activities don't provide feelings o f most things, can be contagious. Seeing the
achievement. W h e n given an opportunity, results o f volunteering can inspire you to
w h y not r u n w i t h it? Gathering the most do more i n the world and quite possibly,
items for a yard sale to benefit your favorite inspire others to j o i n you!
cause may not w i n y o u an award, but the
personal reward can be far better. T h e old adage saying that " y o u get back
w h a t y o u put i n " is brought to life w h e n
B e l o n g i n g . A n eagerness to f i n d your concerning that o f a volunteer. So, w h e n
niche i n society can be fulfilled simply you stop to t h i n k about all that you can
through volunteer efforts. Can you think give as a volunteer, does y o u r m i n d ever
o f a better way to find an instant l i n k w i t h wander to consider all that you'll gain f r o m
your community? the experience? So, is i t t r u l y o n l y better
to give than to receive?
Friendship. Regular gatherings and
committee meetings serve as unofficial by Whitney Frazier, Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee
State U), Graphic Designer

50 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009