2015 Spring - To Dragma

To Dragma
Vol. 79 No. 2
of Alpha Omicron Pi
Spring 2015
Spring Breaks of Service • Alumnae Chapter News • Collegiate Chapter Installations


New Members from Rho Omicron Chapter (Middle Tennessee State U) during a tour of AOII Headquarters.
On the cover:
One of several group photos Chi Epsilon
(The Ohio State U) posted during their AOPride Week to promote their chapter on social media.
Taylor Douglas, Sigma Gamma (Appalachian State U) enjoys a sunny day on Lake James in North Carolina.


38
56
30
contents
7 Viewpoint
10 Spring Breaks of Service
14 Why I Volunteer
16 Reinstallation - Phi Delta 18 Reinstallation - Pi Omicron 20 Installation - Alpha Epsilon 22 Reinstallation - Kappa Delta 24 6 Tips to Update Your Plate 26 Things We Love
On the cover: Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U) sisters enjoy a beautiful spring afternoon together.
28 NPC 2014 Annual Meeting 30 Leadership Academy 2015 36 Submit a MIF
38 Alumnae Chapter News 56 From the Archives
58 AOII Foundation Update 60 Life Loyal AOIIs
62 AOII Emporium
66 For Further Discussion
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
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From the Editor
I want to tip my hat to our alumnae chapters. This issue carries the chapter news reports from more alumnae chapters than ever before.
Our updated AlphaLink reporting system must have worked, because the number of chapters reporting nearly tripled over last year. I am
fully aware that regardless of the worthwhile or trending topics that To Dragma covers, members always want to read news on their collegiate and alumnae chapters. With 135 active collegiate chapters and 160 active alumnae chapters, that can be a big challenge. So it is with pleasure
that this issue of To Dragma brings you the latest news from 90 of our alumnae chapters.
Collegiate chapters are not being overlooked in this issue either.
After the brutal winter most of us experienced, it seemed fitting to acknowledge the chapters and members who gave up personal time during spring break to do something especially meaningful. Alternative Spring Break trips have been popular for years with countless AOIIs contributing. We take an inside look at some of the opportunities that occurred this spring and the rewards that were reaped.
The Fraternity has been busy too! Four new collegiate chapters have been installed since To Dragma last went to print. Three were the long awaited reinstallations for Phi Delta (U of Wisconsin - Milwaukee), Kappa Delta (Wright State U), and Pi Omicron (Austin Peay State U); and one was a brand new installations for Alpha Epsilon (Wingate U). Growth keeps coming as we colonized at U of Nevada, Reno this spring and have more new colonies coming next fall.
For Leadership Academy 2015 in February, the Fraternity brought in our Collegiate CPs, VPs of Standards and the Standards Advisers. Because AOII is committed to both the safety of our members and to providing valuable membership experiences, the training of these important officers and advisors was a priority. Programming was designed to help leaders make wise decisions for themselves and their chapters, and how to teach others to make positive choices. The event was extremely well attended and successful.
Excitement is building for Convention this summer in Los Angeles! We hope you will be joining us in person, but if not, you can rest assured that To Dragma will be bringing you the highlights in our next issue.
Regards,
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
To Dragma
of Alpha Omicron Pi
To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, and has been published since 1905. The mission of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to inform, educate and inspire our readers on subjects relevant to our Fraternity, our chapters, our members, or Greek life; to encourage lifetime AOII involvement; to salute excellence; and to serve as a permanent record of our Fraternity’s history.
Director of To Dragma and Archives
MariellenPerkinsonSasseen, AlphaDelta(UofAlabama)
How to Contact To Dragma:
To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027 (615)370-0920, fax:(615)371-9736,www.alphaomicronpi.org, or [email protected].
How to Update Your Name or Address:
Go to Update Info tab on the AOII website (www.alphaomicronpi.org), email your new address to [email protected], or call (615) 370-0920.
How to Subscribe to To Dragma:
Subscriptions are $25.00 annually and can be paid by check or credit card. Checks, made payable to AOII, should be mailedto5390VirginiaWay,Brentwood,TN 37027,
Attn: Accounting. Creditcardsubscribers(Visa,MasterCard or Discover only) should email [email protected].
How to Join Life Loyal AOII:
Visit the AOII website (www.alphaomicronpi.org), or contact [email protected].
How to Join an AOII Alumnae Chapter:
Visit the AOII website for contact information on an alumnae chapter near you.
Women Enriched through Lifelong Friendship.
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College in New York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Stella George Stern Perry & Elizabeth Heywood Wyman.
International President
Allison Allgier, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)
Executive Director
Troylyn LeForge, Beta Phi (Indiana U)
Alpha Omicron Pi is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference and the Fraternity Communications Association.
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Alpha Omicron Pi
StrikeOut ! Arthritis
2015 FRATERNITY EVENTS
Get ready for a great season of Strike Out Arthritis! fundraising with Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity! In 2010, AOII began planning community events with professional baseball teams to further the reach of our Strike Out Arthritis! campaign. Money raised through these events goes directly to the AOII Foundation’s Arthritis Fund for arthritis research, awareness, educational programming and resources. This is in addition to money raised by many outstanding collegiate and alumnae chapter SOA! events each year. Here you will find events that are scheduled so far for 2015. Other dates
will be announced soon - use our social media info below to stay updated! If you would like to plan an event with a team that is not listed here, contact Rachel Boison at rboison@alphaomicronpi. org. Visit the AOII website at www.alphaomicronpi.org/strike-out- arthritis for more info.
facebook.com/AOIIFraternity
@alphaomicronpi
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
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Reno Aces - April 21
New york yankees - sept 5 arizona diamondbacks - sept 12 tampa bay rays - sept 19
san diego padres - sept 26 boston red sox - sept 26 oakland athletics - sept 27 charlotte knights - aug 22
To Be Announced
los angeles dodgers philadelphia phillies indianapolis indians cincinnati reds lexington legends nashville sounds
birmingham barons memphis redbirds colorado rockies pittsburgh pirates atlanta braves chicago cubs
chicago white sox texas rangers seattle mariners houston astros


Epsilon Alpha (Pennsylvania State U) members give a shout out to the Four Diamonds Foundation, the benefit- ting organization of Penn State’s Dance Marathon. The Foundation provides assistance to families with children battling pediatric cancer.


Viewpoint
It has been an honor to serve AOII and its members during such an exceptional time in our Fraternity’s history. The strength of our organization is at an unparalleled level due to each member’s effort to “Exceed The Expectations” of our 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. Its key initiatives of Member Experience, Membership Growth, Financial Management, and Positioning AOII as an Inter-Fraternal Leader provided a strong guide for our collective efforts over the past four years and the outcomes have
been phenomenal! I look forward to sharing this good news in detail at Convention.
While Convention is always very special, one of my favorite events during my time as International President has been attending our annual Leadership Academy. It consistently provided an avenue for targeted programming as well as best practice sharing. I feel blessed to have had many meaningful conversations with chapter representatives during this
event which aren’t always possible during quick visits and/
or other larger occasions. You’ll read about this year’s “To Protect and To Serve” academy which focused on thoughtful programming to assist our members in taking care of one another. At a time of unprecedented consideration given to campus sexual assault and bystander behavior issues, the need for strong resources related to these topics was extremely relevant. As sisters, we must consistently take action to
assist our sisters and not be bystanders. As a fellow National president stated, “It isn’t always easy, but is always necessary.” Ensuring the safety and well-being of our sisters must be our highest priority as we exercise vigilant awareness of situations
in our environment. We must support our sisters who have been victims of assault as we promise one another to be that friend upon whom there is no fear to call. This is a complex issue and one that is not confined to times as a collegian; it is one that may impact alumnae for the rest of their lives.
Thankfully, AOII’s connectivity does not occur just during our college years. AOII is a lifetime journey filled with personal enrichment and friendship. In this issue, you will find many examples of the fun and sisterhood associated with joining an AOII Alumnae Chapter. When visiting with alumnae, I am always struck by the longevity and strength of relationships built beyond collegiate chapter boundaries. Whether it is as a bridesmaid, Godmother, career mentor, or simply a wonderful friend, the support of our sisters is what makes AOII so special. I imagine our Founders would be thrilled to see the significant impact of their beloved organization on its members.
AOII is an extraordinary and dynamic organization. I encourage all members to consider expanding their level of engagement to courageously strengthen our Fraternity. It takes each one of us to continue our efforts in advancing AOII to its fullest potential. To the thousands of collegians and volunteers who work tirelessly on behalf of this organization, I offer heart-felt gratitude for your dedicated service. It has been such a privilege to serve our beloved AOII and look forward to celebrating together at Convention!
Allison Allgier International President
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FraternityNews
Spring 2015 Colonization
University of Nevada, Reno Delta Nu Chapter
• Colonization Date: March 1, 2015
• Colonizing Officer: Rebecca Herman
• Colonization Team: Rebecca Herman, Sarah Blank, Haley Mruz, Emily
Murray, Mary Kate Sweeney, Heather Hays, Troy LeForge, Whitney Frazier,
Debbie Tam, Liz Pietsch
• Collegiate Chapter Assistance: Delta Sigma, Sigma, Xi Rho, Zeta Theta
Fall 2015 Colonizations
Recruitment Ambassador Program
We are excited to announce the launch of a new program that will provide additional training and support to our collegiate chapter members and alumnae advisers. This new program will educate and prepare a select group of volunteers, known as Recruitment Ambassadors, and deploy them to provide recruitment trainings and workshops to our collegiate chapters. The purpose of the Recruitment Ambassador program is to provide education that focuses on skills that assist with cultivating relationships and communicating our values.
For more information about the Recruitment Ambassador program please contact Amy Jo Gabel, Director of Membership Experiences, at [email protected].
AOII Founders’ Storytelling Session Available on CD
The only recorded audio of the AOII Founders in the archives is of a storytelling session during the 1951 Convention in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The words and elegant voices of three living founders, Stella, Bess and Jessie, were featured during educational sessions for LI 2012 and Convention 2013. CDs of the entire recording are now available for purchase by AOII chapters and members for $12 each. To acquire a copy, contact [email protected], or chapter officers may complete a supply order form in Fulfilling the Promise.
Two fall colonizations are already set with the possibility of others falling into place over the next few weeks. Contact Kara Mantooth at [email protected] if you are interested in working with either of these two new chapter opportunities or want to learn more about their colonization plans.
Illinois State University
Illinois State U is a public institution located 130 miles southwest of Chicago in the town of Normal. Founded
in 1857, the university currently has an undergraduate enrollment of almost 18,000. Late September/early October is the anticipated timeframe for colonization. AOII is pleased to be joining Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Phi Sigma Sigma, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Zeta Tau Alpha as the 11th chapter on campus.
Gettysburg College
Located on a beautiful campus in historic Gettysburg, PA, this liberal arts college is home to just over 2,600 students. AOII is pleased to be joining this active Greek community as the 6th NPC member in late September/early October. Chapters already established on campus include: Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta and Sigma Sigma Sigma.
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015


Retained & Engaged
AOII Partners with Phired Up Productions
The Fraternity has an exciting partnership with our Interfraternal “Phriends” at Phired Up Productions, a company dedicated to growing fraternities and sororities. AOII and Phired Up have developed a custom curriculum for our chapters called Retained
& Engaged. Several chapters were part of a pilot program last fall, and this semester every chapter has been granted access. Retained & Engaged is based on our own membership retention research and greatly supports chapters by not letting issues of disengagement or dissatisfaction with AOII turn into suspended memberships.
We’ve made accessing the entire program easy! Go to our Fulfilling the Promise website at edu.alphaomiconpi.org to discover application activities that chapters can utilize as an LC, in small groups or committees, or as a full chapter. Each lesson module gives specific and easy instructions for how to facilitate discussions, what to ask, fun videos to watch and ideas for activities depending on the needs of individual chapters. There’s literally a resource map to point you in any direction you need to go! It’s an amazing way to retain and engage our entire sisterhood.
Five Reasons to Celebrate!
Congratulations to Alpha Chi on their 50th Anniversary!
On the weekend of April 10th–12th, the sisters of Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U) celebrated their 50th anniversary. Alpha Chi Chapter was installed on May 8, 1965. Grace Houston, Executive Board Vice President, was in attendance for a presentation to recognize the chapter’s special anniversary. An engraved crystal bowl was purchased for the chapter by AOII Fraternity to honor this event.
Congratulations to Upsilon on their 100th Anniversary!
The sisters of the Upsilon Chapter (U of Washington) celebrated their 100th anniversary on April 10th –12th, 2015. The chapter was installed on September 18, 1915. Amber Countis, Executive Board Vice President, attended their celebration and AOII Fraternity purchased new ritual robes for the chapter to honor the centennial celebration.
Congratulations to Indianapolis Alumnae on their 100th Anniversary!
The sisters of the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter in Indiana celebrated their 100th anniversary on April 18th. The chapter was installed on May 1, 1915. Ann Gilchrist, AOII Past International President, was in attendance to recognize the chapter’s centennial celebration. AOII Fraternity purchased a special engraved double brick that will be installed in the Brick Walkway at AOII International Headquarters to honor the occasion.
Congratulations to Chicago West Suburban Alumnae on their 75th Anniversary!
The sisters of Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter in Illinois celebrated their 75th anniversary on April 26th. The chapter was installed on April 14, 1940. Gayle Fitzpatrick, Executive Board Vice President, was in attendance to honor the chapter’s special anniversary. AOII Fraternity has purchased a special engraved double brick that will be installed in the Brick Walkway at AOII International Headquarters to honor the occasion.
Congratulations to Monroe Alumnae on their 50th Anniversary!
On May 2nd, the sisters of Monroe Alumnae Chapter celebrated their 50th anniversary. The chapter was installed on May 20th, 1965. Krista Whipple, Executive Board Vice President of Finance, was in attendance to celebrate this chapter’s special milestone. AOII Fraternity has purchased a gift to honor the chapter for this occasion.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015 To Dragma • 9


Spring Breaks of Service
Since students started organizing and participating in alternative break trips in the early 1980s, millions of hours of community service have benefitted the students volunteering and those they help. With the values of service and leadership emphasized in our Fraternity, it is no wonder that many AOIIs forgo vacations for their spring breaks to spend time helping others. The featured women here who discuss their individual experiences were moved by the impact they made, and hope that you can find inspiration in their trips as well. As does a week on the beach with friends creates lasting memories for college spring breakers, a week dedicated to selfless service also creates lasting memories for those whom they have helped.
Two AOIIs from different collegiate chapters were united by their desire to help others on a trip providing dental and optometry care to children in rural Panama. Morgan McDowell, Alpha Pi (Florida State U) and Natalie Nuckolls, Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia), both pre-dental students, learned more about their future careers while also learning about a new culture.
Morgan said, ”Coming back to FSU with memories like the ones we made in Panama changes the way other students see spring break. It opens the eyes of college students to the opportunities that are out there for our generation to change the world. While I can use the knowledge I gained in the dental clinics as I matriculate into dental school, the picture is bigger than that. It’s not just about dentistry, it’s about growing as an individual and helping those in need.
“One day, a little girl around five years old was diagnosed as needing several extractions. To treat her, we needed a parent to come. She promised us the next
day she would bring her father back, even though he had work and her mother abandonedtheirfamilyofninechildren.” Morgancontinued,“Wealsodiagnosed several of her siblings, and she made sure we knew her dad would be there for all of their treatments as well. The family showed up first thing the next morning. This five- year-old girl was able to coordinate her entire family getting treatment! When the time came for her extractions, she panicked like any little girl would, and I watched her go from a seemingly responsible adolescent to the child she actually is.
“Serving others brings me the most joy out of any of my endeavors in life. It is so rewarding to give to others, especially when you combine it with something you’re passionate about. I joined a sorority to meet women who felt the same way. The planning and execution of our trip wouldn’t have been possible for me without the opportunities AOII gave me through our philanthropies first.
“Natalie and I ended up being incredibly similar people. We divided into two teams, and she was a leader for her group, holding everyone together with her sweet and genuine personality. It’s incredible that two individuals from two different schools could end up in a rural town in Panama together, and immediately form a bond based on the Ritual that we share and consider a foundation in our lives.”
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Laura Johnson, an Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U) alumna, gained hands-on experience for her position as a Graduate Assistant in Student Affairs by coordinating an alternative spring break trip to Tuscaloosa, AlabamainMarch. EmilyPride,KelliFleming,andHannahReed,alsoof Alpha Chi, were among the eight students putting up drywall, installing plumbing, and sodding yards for homes damaged by a tornado that ravaged through the college town three years ago.
In addition to the experience these women gained in home repairs
and carpentry, they also gained an appreciation for their ability to serve others. Laura explained, “Ironically, many students set a goal for the week to appreciate the roof over their head that they have at home and many other blessings, and then throughout the week, we find ourselves actually working on shingling and repairing a roof. Throughout all my experiences, serving others may not sound like the most desirable, but it is the most rewarding. Sometimes I feel selfish about the warmth I get in my heart after a day of serving others. I not only know I am helping others, but it also helps put my life into a better perspective. “
Emily also found a significant personal impact from the trip. “From hearing the stories of people we worked with, I realized that we have been given a set number of days here on the earth, and in an instant all of that can change. Therefore, we need to make the most out of every moment we have been given. I will take back from the trip the power of service. I have been so fortunate and others might have not been as fortunate; it is my duty to them to serve.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
Kayla Spodek, Omega Upsilon (Ohio U) took her passion of helping others overseas as she traveled to Israel to help develop the Negev desert area. “I went with a group of 15 young adults age 18-30 and volunteered at different service sites to help with the rebuild. The goal of the trip
was to give back to the land of Israel in the area that the original prime minister of Israel, David Ben Gurion, had dreams of building up and having people build their families and work in the Negev.”
Kayla continued, “I think the biggest highlight of the trip was seeing the reactions on the children’s faces after we completed a lot of the projects. One of the best memories is when we were building a room and creating some fake grass for the children to have shade under when it became extremely hot during the summer months. They were so excited when it was all finally built that they had such big smiles on their faces and immediately got into the hammock that was attached underneath the roof and started rolling around in the grass.” Kayla and her group also prepared a garden for economically-disadvantaged residents, built benches for children at a kindergarten, made candy baskets to deliver to visitors of a soup kitchen, painted a fence around a farm, and cleared an urban green space.
“Between being an AOII and being on this trip, I have learned a lot about giving back to others. I have learned that it is a huge part of life, and it’s a way of life that should be followed by everyone. By giving back to others, you are able to make a difference in their lives that they might not be able to accomplish if they did not have help from others like myself. By giving back, you are able to really impact someone’s life forever. You are able to get so much out of giving back to others. For me personally, I get a warm feeling in my heart seeing the smiles on people’s faces for the small or big task that was done for them.”
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Katie Alcox of Omega Chapter (Miami U) traveled to New Orleans with a group of students to combine volunteering with fun as they completed several service projects each day of the trip. Two of her highlights include canoeing along a river to pick up trash and preparing 12,250 pounds of turnips for food banks!
“Something I have learned while serving others is that you aren’t always going to see the immediate effects of your work. I say this because a
lot of the service that we did would be considered ‘behind the scenes’ work. For example, we spent a great deal of time working in a food bank preparing and sorting items for them. I think a lot of times when I think of service, I think of helping someone directly, like serving them food, or helping them with their yard work. However, this trip really showed me that there are many way to serve that others don’t usually see that are equally important.”
Rochelle Toth, Alpha Psi (Bowling Green State U), had the opportunity
as a Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Ohio State University
to be the advisor for a service trip to build habitats for bears at Forest Animal Rescue, a lifetime care sanctuary for non-releasable wild animals in Florida. Among the nine students joining her on the trip was Rochelle’s student employee, Veronica Havran-Vena, Chi Epsilon (Ohio State U). Veronica explained, “The work our very diverse group of students was able to complete in just four days was inspiring. We worked harder each day with the progress from the day before being our competition. One of my favorite parts was being able to share the experience with our advisor and AOII alumna Rochelle.”
Despite the intense Florida heat and long days, the team persevered and found their efforts to be beneficial not only to themselves, but those at Forest Animal Rescue. Rochelle recognized how easily she could apply AOII’s values during the trip. “This was definitely a week were I lived our Ritual every day. I was able to take a step back from my daily routine
and really focus on others. I was able to let my light shine by doing hard physical work that I didn’t think I was capable of and push through to better someone else’s life. “
Rochelle added, “Through this trip I was also able to live AOII’s values ofserviceandleadership. Iwasabletoperformserviceeveryday,and not just passive service, but service that I was able to learn from and to directly interact with the people (and animals) that we were serving. I was also able to demonstrate leadership through advising this group of students throughout the trip, not just telling them what to do, but by assistingthemindevelopingsolutionsontheirown.“ Shecontinued, “Not only does it feel good personally to serve others, but to see a difference and the impact that you make on others really is what the experience is about. AOII, as well as this service opportunity, has shown me the impact of the power of one and being the person you choose tobe. Ihavethepowertochoosetobegivingandserving,andtolive congruently with my values, as well as individually impacting others. “
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Haley Cooper and Marisa Turner of Alpha Lambda Chapter (Georgia Southern U) participated in separate volunteer spring break trips working with people with disabilities, but both discovered much about themselves, those they served, and exemplifying AOII’s values.
Haley worked with Community Upliftment for the Mentally Ill (CUMI) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a group that provides a home for the homeless and opportunities to learn life skills. A highlight of her trip was making bracelets and necklaces with an elderly woman who had been going
to CUMI for over 14 years. The woman was so proud of Haley for her handiwork, and that bonding moment was one of the most touching of Haley’s life.
“I learned that the majority of homeless people suffer from mental
illness. Adultswhosufferfrommentalillnessareverymisunderstoodand treatedpoorly. Thosesufferingfrommentalissuesarestillpeople,they justhappentobedifferent. Itwaslifechangingtobeabletointeractand hear the trials and tribulations of these amazing people. Although my trip was in another country, I experienced many of the problems that we have here in the United States. I can bring back to my campus the value of respecting others, especially anyone with a mental illness. I hope to break that negative stereotype on campus, to combat such negativities about people who cannot help how they were born.”
Of the significance AOII has on her willingness to serve others, Haley said, “AOII was founded on a promise to serve the community, not justeachother. Byvolunteering,Iwasabletoreachoutandservein another country. It was amazing to be able to reach out and learn about a whole new culture and be able to help people within this culture. AOII has amazing values that I always try to live out. However, being able to spread them around the world was a feeling that is indescribable.”
Marisa stayed closer to home by assisting at a camp for disabled people of all ages with the help of students from all over the country. Just as Haley connected with the elderly woman in Jamaica, Marisa made a lasting bond with one of her campers. “One camper in particular touched my heart. She was 23 and had cerebral palsy, and I loved talking with her and helping her throughout the day. Toward the end of the break, she told me at dinner, ‘I want to see you after camp.’ Even though it was a small statement, it meant a lot that she enjoyed spending time with me as much as I did with her.”
“I learned to appreciate even the smallest things in life, such as being able to get out of bed in the morning on my own and even just getting a hair out of my face. Some of my campers couldn’t do those things. I now feel more comfortable around people with disabilities, and I can encourage others to do the same.”
by Kimberly Sons, Beta Phi (Indiana U),
Assistant Director of Education and Resource Development
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
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Why I Volunteer
It’s no secret that volunteers are an indispensable part of our organization. At every level, volunteers are dedicating their time and resources into bettering AOII in one way or another. We reached out to a few sisters who put into their own words why giving back to our Fraternity means so much to them.
Marianne Stern
Chapter Adviser, Epsilon Chi Chapter
By volunteering for AOII, I get to make good on the promise I made all those years ago - to further the interests of our Fraternity and to try to be a credit to both the Faternity and my university. I have the opportunity to have a closer relationship with the future of our Fraternity.
I give back because it has given so much to me since I accepted a bid in 1998. It has given me my sisters. It has helped to shape me into the woman I am today. It has fulfilled its promises to me, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to fulfill my promise of Fraternity and love. My AOII sisters were beside me on my wedding day. When my children were born, AOII sisters were the first to hold them after me and my husband. They are the ones I call when I need a shoulder to cry on or to celebrate good news.
Janet Evers
Network Specialist-Recruitment, Network 2
Clara Tomsula
Network Specialist-Alumnae, Network 8
AOII has given me so much. I would not be the leader that I am today without the mentoring I have received as a collegian and alumna. I want to give back and give other women the oppor- tunity to grow. I learn from the collegians, alumnae younger than me, and alumnae older than me. Also, there is a lot of satisfaction in seeing a fellow sister grow.
The lifelong friendships that I have developed over the years are invaluable to me. Most of my AOII friendships are with women not from my collegiate chapter. I love seeing the com- mon bond we all share as AOIIs.
Rene Fitzgerald
Network Specialist-Alumnae, Network 6
To volunteer for our AOII lets me be an example for our younger sisters as well as for alumnae that AOII is indeed a lifetime journey. I have many ‘favorite parts’ of volunteering. I love the personal contacts I have with my alumnae chapters. It is so gratifying to guide them to having successful chapters and to foster the sisterhoods that result.
I keep coming back to guiding alumnae chapters for the sat- isfaction of seeing our sisters continue their dedication to the Fraternity, seeing them living our Ritual and watching their commitment to volunteering in their communities.
I had an amazing collegiate experience. I really developed a love and respect for this organization and what it does for its members. I learned what I was capable of as a leader. This was largely due to the dedicated advisors that worked with my chapter. I give back because I want women to walk away from their collegiate experience having gained from AOII as much as I did.
My favorite part of advising/volunteering has to be the friendships that I have made with women throughout this organization. When I started serving as a Network Specialist, I knew that I would enjoy getting to know the collegians and working with the chapters on Re- cruitment Plans, Bid Day, and PR plans. What I did not realize is that I would develop amazing friendships with the advisors, network team, HQ Staff and other volunteers. AOII continues to provide me with friendships for a lifetime.
It has been so rewarding watching each chapter that I work with continue to grow, knowing that I have played a small part in that growth. I truly receive more than I give, and I am always grateful for the role that AOII has played in my life.
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Melissa Schoenfeld
Network Director, Network 1
Volunteering for AOII has provided me with many opportunities for personal development, including improving my leadership and networking skills, and the enjoyment of working closely with my network team members. I give back to the Fraternity because I have benefited in many ways from my membership with AOII and I want the same social, educational, and philanthropic experiences to be available for all members.
I am proud of what we can accomplish as an organization. From our collegiate chapters, alumnae community, the AOII Foundation programs, and everything in between, there are many things that keep me involved with AOII.
Brandi Nunnery
Alumnae Chapter President, Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter
The huge return on investment for volunteering for our Fraternity impacts many aspects of my life, and has so for years. I view the aspects of my life such as church leader, professional leader, and AOII leader as contributory to and influential on each other. I take lessons learned from training, workshops, sisterhood events, fundraisers, and service projects and apply them to other endeav- ors in the big picture of "my world" as a servant leader.
I was never an accomplished athlete or musician. I don't have
one huge, stand-out talent. And this may sound funny, but I'm "GOOD" at AOII. I'm a good sister. I'm devoted to our Ritual and our Founders. I'm a good sorority leader. I believe in the true purpose of our organization. I give back because I know what I contribute to our organization is valuable and worthy.
Megan Morris
Network Specialist-Leadership, Network 7
I love volunteering for AOII! I keep coming back because I like being a part of something bigger! I get so much satisfac- tion from partnering with chapters, brainstorming ideas and seeing them accomplish their goals. I feel a sense of pride belonging to such an amazing organization. I truly enjoy helping officers and advisers work through problems, brain- storm ideas and ultimately accomplish their goals.
I believe that AOII definitely helped mold me into who I am today. I greatly appreciated the advisers who helped me as a collegian, and I know how important it is to have someone there to answer questions, be a sounding board, and to help empower the chapter and AAC. I give back because women before me were my mentors, friends and voice of reason in hard times, and I hope to be the same to the collegians and advisers now.
The sisters I have met near and far keep me coming back. Our love for our Fraternity binds us, and our mutual respect for each other help us flourish in our own lives. I'm inspired by our his- tory, encouraged by our successes, and profoundly thankful for our Fraternity.
Christian Smith
Standards Adviser, Lambda Sigma Chapter
My favorite thing about advising is meeting all the wonder- ful young women that come through AOII’s doors. The amazing women make me proud to be their sister and to see how they are evolving to become great members of society after they graduate.
I think what keeps me coming back to AOII is knowing that without the wonderful advisors I had during college, my experience as an AOII might not have been as wonderful as it was. So, I hope to be able to be that wonderful advisor for many women and that maybe one day they will give back as an adviser also.
Shari Kagan
Network Director, Network 3
When volunteering for AOII, I feel a sense of purpose greater than myself and my world. My favorite part is when I get to help other sisters. This could be supporting a fellow volunteer as they learn a new role, helping one of my collegiate chapters sort out a problem, helping another sister understand our ritual, or helping a sister make it through a difficult time.
I give my time to AOII because AOII has given so much to me. When I graduated, I joined an alumnae chapter, and the women I met have become some of my dearest friends. I began volunteering for them to support our chapter and to show my appreciation for
all they have done for me in the good times and in the not so good times. Through the offices I held in my alumnae chapter, I began to meet more AOIIs, and I began to serve on a larger scale, giving back to the many women who have become such an important part of my personal support network.
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Chapter Reinstallation 76th
Phi Delta - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
On December 7, 2014, Alpha Omicron Pi happily welcomed our 76th chartered collegiate chapter back in to our order
as the Phi Delta Chapter at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee was reinstalled. The weekend’s events included a Ceremony of Transition and Rose Reception in addition to the Initiation and Installation Rituals. Presiding over the weekend as the installing officer was Allison Allgier, International President. The newly installed chapter enjoyed celebrating this accomplishment at their Rose Reception with members of
the UWM community, family, and friends, as well as many alumnae members of Phi Delta Chapter, AOII alumnae, and collegiate members.
The chapter is represented by the phrase “Friendship – Dignity” as their submotto, and following 10 weeks of bonding and laying the groundwork for their new chapter, 54 women were initiated into Phi Delta.
In their time as a colony, the women were able to experience AOII sisterhood events, campus and community events, and AOII events with collegiate women and alumnae. Their first Chapter President, Jes Cattle, summed up her experience thus far at the chapter’s Rose Reception. Guests were able to hear about the Phi Delta journey, and Jes wrapped up her time by stating, “When I first joined AOII I searched through various quotes, and one will forever stick out to me, ‘looking in you cannot understand it, and looking out you cannot explain it.’ Hearing
it a short two months later I still cannot explain it, and I think that is kind of the point. AOII has become something that none of us had but now cannot seem to live without. To top off the incredible bond we share, I have the great honor of being Phi Delta’s first Chapter President and I feel like the luckiest person in the world because I have the pleasure of leading this group of talented, beautiful and driven young women.”
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Issue No. 2 • Spring 2015


Submotto:
Friendship - Dignity
Campus & Community Involvement:
• Participated in Polar Plunge supporting the Special Olympics of Wisconsin.
• Participated in AOII’s Delta Rho Chapter Spike Out Arthritis! Event.
• Attended Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter’s 2015 Founders’ Day.
• Volunteered for Relay for Life at UWM.
• Supported Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Pie a philanthropy event.
• Enjoyed supporting UWM Greek Week.
• Participated in Kappa Tau Sorority fundraising events.
• Members were WiGreek Leadership Conference attendees.
• Supported Toy for Tots drive.
Charter Members
Allegra Anastasi Cassidy Arnould Janelle Barcellano Bailey Belanger Chelsey Bermudez Makenzie Bishop Michelle Bollin Annie Brent Destany Cancel Jessica Cattle Megan Connaghan Stacy Cussen Danielle Dillman Lexis Dovichi
Cayla Eckert Angela Garimella Lillian Garimella Mackenzie Garrett Rebecca Geier Bailey Geurts
Rika Hagen
Erika Hahn Tanesha Hansen Katie Harn
Emily Head Rachel Huff
Paige Iturbide Victoria Karll Emily Keehan Taylor Koehling Rebecca Korn Dina Laguna Taylor Larsen Brianna Lee Rachel Lindgren Melissa Lopez Emily Moss
Allie Mucks Logan Ormeroid Ogimaa Padron Aesha Patel Keara Prasse Elisia Radecki Carey Rigden Rhea Riley Valerie Roessler Jorie Shannon Taylor Smith Kaitlin Speaker
Alumna Initiate Jennee Schansberg
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147
Pi Omicron - Austin Peay State University
th
Chapter Reinstallation
Alpha Omicron Pi excitedly reinstalled our 147th collegiate chapter on November 23, 2014. Allison Allgier, AOII’s International President, was the installing officer for Pi Omicron Chapter at Austin Peay State University. This was a momentous celebration for our colony women and the many Pi Omicron alumnae who have been looking forward to the reactivation of their collegiate chapter.
The colony members immediately hit the ground running. The women wasted no time getting involved on campus and in the Clarkesville community. The chapter participated in Austin Peay’s homecoming festivities in the fall semester, in which they came in first place in the float competition, and consistently came together to plan sisterhood events to cultivate the chapter’s bond.
Laken Bowling, Pi Omicron’s Chapter President, said it best during her speech at the chapter’s Rose Banquet, “As a colony member of Pi Omicron, it is important to realize how critical it is for us to keep [our] bond close. We are now the foundation of the Pi Omicron Chapter that will be built on for years to come. As our dear founding sister Stella said, ‘Yours is a noble
task: To feed your own life, Alpha Omicron Pi’s life, the life of the hungry world, from the good seed just placed within your hands.”
Laken continued “As founding members we promise to feed our own lives with the values of AOII in order to create the best version of ourselves that we can be. We will be there
for each of our sisters as they build themselves up and will allow no sister to be broken down. It is our job to give back
to Alpha Omicron Pi in all that we do. In bringing new members in so our chapter thrives, in creating an image worthy of our letters, and in our choices that we make throughout
our lives. We will give back to our community and all who cross our paths by being philanthropic. We will always have our sisters who come before us to offer support, advice, and wisdom for all of our obstacles we face. We have our sisters who come after us to hold us accountable for all that we
do. We are no longer alone, and it is no longer just about us. We are a part of something much bigger than ourselves and this chapter; we are a part of a lifelong sisterhood.”
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Campus and
Community Involvement
• The colony placed first in their first Homecoming float competition. For the week they partnered with the men of Alpha Tau Omega.
• Volunteered to help at Moore Magnet for their Open House night.
• “Sponsored” a little league team to help support them during their games. This included making posters, cheering them on, and standing on the sidelines during their games. The coach said
it was amazing to see Greek life support the community, and, even though it may seem small to us, the kids were absolutely in awe from the chapter’s outreach.
• Participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days.
• Participated in Kappa Alpha’s Philanthropic events
throughout their Gentlemen’s Week.
• Participated in Alpha Delta Pi’s Run for Ronald.
• Participated in Austin Peay’s annual Dance
Marathon philanthropy.
Submotto:
Progressing Onward
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Charter Members
Taylor Alink
Erin Allen
Becky Bagley Nyesha Ballard Alyssa Bannister Cicily Barnes Rebecca Blackwell Laken Bowlin Lindsay Brown Heather Burkeen Brooke Chappell Emily Clinard Michela Colter Mallory Covington Brooke Diggs Kaleigh Downs Sarah Elliott Mariah Gillis Marriah Gonzalez Peyton Goodner Alana Gorham
Mae Hatfield Tristien Haynes Amara Henley Jessi Holland Abby Huckaba Lakyn Hyatt Megan Jennings Abby Kepley Laura Kullman Rebekah Langley Kathy Le
Kayla Leavitt
Emily Lester Mykayla Long Taylor MacLeod Moran Mears
Toni Menna
Kacie Miller
Molly Miller Nicole Minster Tabitha Montague
Jessica Parker Brandy Putman Morgan Reed Ashley Rhodes Erica Rosignol Heather Satterfield Samantha Schramm Ashlen Slate
Kadi Smith Mackenzie Spivey Taylor Springer Shelley Starkey Morgan Stone Morgan Talley Jessica Trafelet Diana Trinh Christa Watson Katelyn Wolfe KynDee Young


205th
Chapter Installation
Alpha Epsilon - Wingate University
Alpha Omicron Pi is excited to announce the installation of our 205th chapter, Alpha Epsilon at Wingate University. On January 25, 2015, 29 collegiate members and one alumna member were initiated into AOII. Allison Allgier, International President, served as the installing officer during the Initiation and Installation Ceremonies.
The chapter kicked off the weekend’s festivities on January 24 with their Ceremony of Transition where Alpha Epsilon’s charter members gathered to celebrate and reflect on their journey from colonization to initiation
and installation. Emily DeHaven, Alpha Epsilon’s Network Specialist- Development, led the transition alongside several of the chapter’s advisers. The following day began
with the installation of the chapter along with the initiation of members and installation of chapter officers. That evening a Rose Reception was held to recognize the chapter. AOII collegiate and alumnae members, along with family, friends, and the Wingate community gathered for the celebration and to welcome AOII into the Greek community.
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Submotto: Always Encouraging
Charter Members
Haley Back Samantha Brandt Catherine Brown Taylor Chandler Rebekah Coppedge Dottie Eddings Marian Foster Nikisha Francis Amanda Gains
Kari Griggs
Alexus Hess
Katlyn Hinton Taylor Hopkins Kathryne Lavender Olivia Lee
Emily Maher Shelby Martin Katrena O’Connor Hannah Patterson Melissa Patton Robyn Perscatire Meghan Philmon
Allie Reitzell Rebecca Shaw Kelton Stone Stephanie Trouy Melanie Turner April Wells Tiffany Williams
Alumna Initiate
Erin Godly Reynolds
The charter members of Alpha Epsilon chose the submotto “Always Encouraging” because of the basic ideals they want to keep as a chapter. The chapter sees this
as a reminder to always be uplifting, encouraging, and kind to one another. They feel it is important for their chapter to have these ideals long after the colony class has completed their collegiate journey.
During their time as a colony, Alpha Epsilon was able to experience the many wonderful aspects of being Greek at Wingate and what it means to be a member of AOII. The members participated in sisterhood bonding activities, colony meetings and many University and
Greek wide-events during their colony period. Rebecca Shaw, Alpha Epsilon charter member and current Chapter President, commented on her life-changing experience as a charter member. She said, “My experience within Alpha Epsilon has been phenomenal. There have been many times where we had to come together as a chapter and think about the future of Alpha Epsilon in creative and intentional manners. Being a colony member and being a part of the process and foundation of our chapter was incredible and once in a lifetime. Getting to see the different aspects of our chapter that we customized has been very exciting and rewarding.”
Campus & Community Involvement:
• Participated in Phi Beta Sigma CPC Stroll Off.
• Participated in a walk to benefit a local nursing home during the Holidays .
• Implemented Panhellenic Buddies on Wingate’s campus.
• Katrena O’Connon, Alexus Hess and Rebecca Shaw each received the “Panhellenic Sister of the
Week” award.
• Three charter members are Wingate collegiate athletes: Samantha Brandt (Lacrosse), Allie
Reitzell (Cheerleader) and Tiffany Williams (Tennis).
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131
Kappa Delta - Wright State University
Reinstalling Chapter
On January 24, 2015, Alpha Omicron Pi was pleased to welcome the 131st chartered collegiate chapter back in to our order as the Kappa Delta Chapter at Wright State University was reinstalled with the submotto of “Noble Service.”
The weekend began with a Ceremony of Transition where the colony reflected on their 14-week journey to become an installed chapter of AOII. The following morning, Allison Allgier,
the installing officer and International President, performed
Ritual where 49 women were initiated and the chapter was reinstalled. The Rose Reception that afternoon recognized the chapter for their accomplishments thus far and was attended by Wright State campus and community members, friends, family, AOII alumnae, as well as collegiate members from nearby chapters.
During the colonization period it was clear to see how much the four Founders meant to the development of Kappa Delta. These women were not similar in personality or interests but of the same mind when
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Submotto: Noble Service
Issue No. 2 • Spring 2015


Campus & Community Involvement
• Participated in Veteran’s Day service at the US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
• Volunteered during WSU’s Raiderthon.
• Held a Sisters for Soldiers event.
• Hosted a Panda Drive on campus.
• Hosted a philanthropy event held at the Dayton Dragons stadium.
it came to lifelong friendship, continuing their education and their heartfelt pursuit to serve their community. At the Rose Reception, the first Chapter President, Alexandra Hamilton, announced the first winners of four awards named in honor of AOII’s four founders.
Stellar Stella - Taylor Fanta
Awarded to a sister who best represents a positive AOII image.
Brilliant Bess - Courtnie Fields
Awarded to a sister who consistently demonstrates to all members the importance of education.
Humble Helen - Kristy Epperson Awarded to a sister who demonstrates sisterhood with humility and without judgement.
Jubilant Jessie - Lauren Silcox Awarded to a sister who best represents the joy of being an AOII.
Charter Members
Cindy Atkinson Ashly Avery Lyndsey Briley Stephanie Carson Allison Cole
Megan Cooper Bekkah Dee
Carissa DelRaso Courtney Denney Dana Dixon
Noelle Dreizin Megan Dreyer Hallie Duncan Kristy Epperson Taylor Fanta Courtnie Fields Shannon Foley Chelsea Ford Natalia González Alexandra Hamilton Mikaela Hess Jennifer Humston Destinee Jones Madelyn Jones
Alli Leslie
Megan Loose
Jessica Maxwell-Certain
Victoria McCoy Caitlin McIntosh Taylor Miles Rebecca Miller Ciara Mowrey Morgan Oldham Megan Oxner Maggie Penick Morgan Potts Cathryn Roberts Courtney Robinson Deanna Schober Lauren Silcox Madison Smith Haley Surber Samantha TenEyck Courtney Thomp- son
Kelsey Tingler Katie Tucker Marissa Warren Amanda Weikert Taylor Welch
Alumna Initiate Alicia Hendricks
Issue No. 2 • Spring 2015
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6 Tips to Update Your Plate
Do you find yourself eating for comfort or making the same staple dishes over and over again? If TLC and Food Network ever had a sitcom-child, it would be “What Not to Eat.” Imagine pantry clean-out scenes with minute rice and ranch dressing flying into the trashcan. The food victim would then be educated by natural food chefs, taken on a tour of Whole Foods, and given boku bucks to blow on quinoa and goji berries. But since I have yet to be recruited to start this show, let me give you six simple steps to update your plate.
1. Update Your Wardrobe - Clean Out Your Pantry Throw away the food that is not flattering for any human such as: processed grains, packaged snacks, sugary treats, etc., and replace with healthy alternatives! Food staples like whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, spices, and wholesome condiments will make curating a healthy plate a snap.
2. Accessorize - Try Some New Tools
Jazz up your meal by using fun tools like a spiralizer for zucchini pasta, a peeler for carrot ribbons, a grater for lemon zest on salmon, or a mandolin slicer for baking sweet potato
chips! A dish with fun textures is more visually appealing which makes eating it much more satisfying. Even functional pieces like a salad spinner, food processor, and an immersion blender can make smart cooking look and feel effortless.
3. Experiment With Color & Patterns - Make Colorful
Food Choices
Get adventurous by trying vegetables and fruits as they come into season. More colors on your plate means you’re getting a wider spectrum of nutrients (i.e. orange foods have high beta carotene). This helps avoid the monochromatic white meal - definitely a healthy “don’t.” As a rule of thumb, include two to three veggies per meal and get creative with your combos!
4. Switch Up Your Style - Vary Your Cooking Methods Try to use more than one cooking method per meal to keep it fresh and widen your options. Select from steaming, sautéing, baking, broiling, grilling, boiling, roasting, raw, frozen, or chilled depending on the season or the “it” method of the moment. Roasted veggies are killing it on menus this season.
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015


5. Spice it Up - Use Seasonings Creatively
There’s nothing like the perfect herb or spice to turn a drab dish into a fierce crowd pleaser. Spices also come in handy post-cooking allowing you to style a classic dish many ways throughout the week. My favorite way to do this is by making a pot of plain brown rice and pairing it with combos like cinnamon and almond milk for breakfast, shoyu and an egg for fried rice, or cumin with black beans for a side dish.
6. Pick Out Your Outfit The Night Before - Keep
Food Prepped and Ready to Eat
Having healthy foods prepped for the week is a fool-proof
way to stay nourished despite a hectic schedule. By having
big batches of soups, whole grains, and beans already made in addition to prepped salad greens, vegetables, and fruit, you have no excuse for resorting to take-out. Make this tip even easier by stocking up on high quality tools like a good knife, cutting boards, and glass containers that keep food fresher, longer.
That’s a wrap - all you need to know to revamp your meals into a healthier, flawless version of your daily dining experience. Because, yes darling, saying “I just threw this together” never could be so true. Now get into that kitchen and MAKE IT WORK!
By: Elanna Edwards, Rho Beta (Virginia Commonwealth U)
Elanna Edwards is a Certified Health Coach and creator of www. ThatLushLife.com, a healthy lifestyle blog. She supports women who are looking to exit the diet shame cycle by empowering them to make small shifts that lead to big change. She believes that nourishing food, luxurious self-care, fun movement, and tons of self-love is the way to shed physical and emotional layers to reveal the best version of you.
Elanna is an alumna of Rho Beta (Virginia Commonwealth U) and a Life Loyal AOII member. She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY where she is a member of the New York Alumnae Chapter.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
To Dragma • 25


Things
We Love
Kendra Scott Jewelry
Lip Exfoliator
You’ve heard of body and face exfoliation, but have you heard of lip scrub and lip exfoliation? That’s right! Lip exfoliation is one of the hottest buzz words in the health and beauty industry.
Just like our skin, we should scrub the exterior layer of our lips to keep
them smooth and kissable.
Brunch
Brunch is a weekend activity that has become a favorite pastime for many of us. It’s an excuse to sleep in and eat breakfast food way later than usual, and the perfect way to sit back with friends and/ or family to enjoy time together. Whether you are in a small town or a big city, brunch is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Dressed up or casual, we always love a great brunch!
Whether you’re looking for a pair of classic, everyday earrings or a statement piece to wow
the crowd, Kendra Scott Jewelry has got you covered! Kendra Scott items can be found in major
department stores, local boutiques and online at www.kendrascott.com.
Dry Shampoo
No doubt, you probably know that washing your hair every single day is less than ideal. Rinsing away dirt and grime also results in rinsing away beneficial oils that keep hair supple and healthy. Besides being undesirable from a hair-health standpoint, washing every time your hair feels a bit gnarly is just plain inconvenient. For those in-between times, learning how to use dry shampoo may be the answer! We love it!
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Issue no. 2 Spring 2014


ClassPass
A great workout has the power to make you feel like your best self! We love ClassPass, a new kind of fitness membership that can make working out less of a chore and more of an adventure.
We have all experienced that ahhh-mazing feeling after a good hard sweat. ClassPass is designed to help make that feeling a regular reality as you explore tons of amazing
studios and classes, challenge yourself with different ways to work out, and get into the kind of fitness you enjoy. Explore
the ClassPass options near you at www.classpass.com.
Fresh Flowers
There is just something about fresh flowers that we love! They bring a
smile to our faces and can add a
bit of cheerfulness to an otherwise ordinary day. Whether you like a fancy arrangement in your dining room or a freestyle bouquet in a mason jar on your coffee table, fresh flowers can breathe new life into your space, too!
OntheWeb
Stitch Fix
Stitch Fix is an affordable and accessible personal styling service that helps you look and feel your best every day! A personal style quiz helps the stylists identify what looks work best for you. From there, your Stitch Fix personal shopper sends five personalized pieces to your doorstep, you decide what you like and send the rest back. It’s that easy! And the best part - all items are priced within your budget. We know you will also love this fun and easy way to update your wardrobe!
Espadrille Wedges
Trend Alert! Espadrille wedges are back this year and hotter than ever! This wedge works wonders with all your warm-weather essentials and is a
style any woman will love to wear. With a variety of heights and price points, we guarantee
that the espadrille wedge will be seen far and wide this spring!


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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
2014
Annual Meeting Report
by Cynthia Weston, Kappa Delta, NPC Third Alternate Delegate
National Panhellenic Conference delegations and staff, joined by the inter/national presidents and executive directors of NPC’s member organizations, gathered Oct. 24-26 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport hotel for the 2014 annual meeting. AOII was represented at the meeting by Carole Jones, NPC Delegate; Mary Ann Stark, 1st Alternate Delegate; Kerry Soller, 2nd Alternate Delegate; Lisa Moore, 3rd Alternate Delegate; Allison Allgier, AOII International President; and Troy LeForge, AOII Executive Director. Participants reflected on the accomplishments of the previous year and made decisions to advance the sorority experience. They also enjoyed seeing longtime Panhellenic friends and making new ones — and were inspired and educated by guest speakers.
Registration opened Oct. 24. In keeping with NPC’s history of empowering women and to observe
USA Weekend Make A Difference Day, registrants contributed professional apparel and monetary support to Dress for Success Midwest, a program of St. Louis-based nonprofit organization Connections to Success. Additionally, the NPC Foundation hosted the traditional sale of sunflower nametag stickers to benefit the foundation. Attendees bought the stickers throughout the weekend to honor sorority and Panhellenic sisters.
The annual meeting started with an afternoon town hall session dedicated to trends in higher education and a preview of proposed NPC legislation. The trends segment was presented by Dawn Watkins, Ph.D., a partner and vice president of Plaid, an organizational management firm that focuses on
higher education and related organizations. A Delta Delta Delta delegation member, she spent 20 years in university administration before joining Plaid. Watkins offered the assembly an engaging and informative overview of developments in and outside the classroom. Legislative Committee Chairman Dana Katz, Alpha Epsilon Phi, led the legislation preview. Bylaws Review Task Force Chairman Corre Stegall, Kappa Delta, reviewed proposed changes to the bylaws.
Dinner allowed time for attendees to meet by delegation. Afterward, 2013-15 NPC Chairman
Jean M. Mrasek, Chi Omega, opened the meeting officially at the first business session. Vice Chairman Donna King, Sigma Kappa, presented retiring delegation members with the NPC Certificate of Service. Mrasek then gave the state of NPC address, which highlighted the initiatives and achievements of the past year and plans for the year ahead. The evening continued with voting on legislation and ended with
a newcomers’ reception and a reception for sponsors, executive directors and inter/national presidents.
Saturday, Oct. 25, began with breakfast meetings for committees, presidents and executive directors. Throughout the day, while delegation members participated in Panhellenics training and discussion, the presidents and executive directors met in their respective tracks — including time allotted to
visit the 35 vendor exhibits. Lunch was devoted
to recognizing the exhibitors and thanking the eight meeting sponsors. NPC Finance Committee Chairman Lynnda Hoefler, Delta Zeta, gave special acknowledgement to the three diamond-level


sponsors: Billhighway, Herff Jones ~ Greek Division and MJ Insurance Inc. Guest Alesha Barber, Dress for Success Midwest coordinator, presented a snapshot of the significance of her organization’s work.
The second business session was the last event of the afternoon. Attendees observed a moment of silence
for NPC sisters who had passed away during the year. Chairman Mrasek introduced guests Buddy Coté,
Phi Gamma Delta, chairman of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, and attorney Tim Burke of Manley Burke. Delegates voted on the remaining legislative proposals, and eight organizations made special presentations, several in honor or memory of women who have given notable service to the fraternal world. Zeta Tau Alpha recognized the late Deb Ensor, alternate delegate and longtime executive director, who was known for her singing voice, among other talents. Each NPC delegation member received a CD featuring Deb singing. Gamma Phi Beta honored alternate delegate and former NPC Chairman Betty Quick, the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Jack L. Anson Award given by the Association of Fraternity/ Sorority Advisors.
NPC hosted its first chapter management summit in conjunction with the annual meeting. More than 60 professionals and volunteers who serve the collegiate sector for the 26 inter/national organizations attended. Although most of the summit’s program took place on Sunday, participants were invited to attend Saturday’s closing business session, and by dinner they had arrived in force to connect with their sisters and Panhellenic counterparts.
All present had the treat of hearing dinner speaker Patti Johnson, whose message “What’s your wave?” captured the common characteristics of those
who effect change and challenged the audience to conquer personal fears in the interest of positive action. Johnson, a member of Pi Beta Phi, credited
her life trajectory in part to a sorority sister who encouraged her as a college freshman to run for chapter recruitment chairman. A career and workplace expert, she is CEO and founder of PeopleResults, a change and organizational development consulting firm whose clients have included PepsiCo, Microsoft, 7-Eleven and Frito-Lay. Each attendee received her book “Make Waves: Be the One to Start Change at Work and in Life,” which she autographed later during a reception.
An evening town hall meeting started with a brief report from NPC Foundation Chairman Janet Dodson, Alpha Sigma Tau. The rest of the session focused on two recent research projects that point empirically to the value of sorority membership. Although the speakers commented humorously about scheduling two statisticians after dinner, their presentations were lively.
First, Brandon Busteed, executive director of Gallup Education, discussed the 2014 Gallup-Purdue Index study of almost 30,000 college graduates, which showed a correlation between sorority and fraternity affiliation and subsequent workplace engagement, sense of purpose, loyalty to one’s alma mater, attachment to one’s community, and physical and financial well-being. Busteed, a nationally known speaker and author on education policy and public health, writes frequently for The Chronicle of
Higher Education, Trusteeship Magazine and other publications. He is founder and former CEO of Outside the Classroom, a company that pioneered adaptive online education in alcohol-abuse prevention. He also serves on the national board of directors for Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
Next, Patrick Biddix, Ph.D., spoke about “Sorority Membership and Educational Outcomes: Results of a National Study,” which positively correlates sorority membership to several measures of college/university student retention. Dr. Biddix, who conducted the study, is associate professor of higher education and coordinator of the College Student Personnel Program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He previously worked as a fraternity/sorority professional at Washington University in St. Louis as well as for his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, as an educational consultant.
Inter/national presidents and the NPC board of directors met on Sunday morning, but for most participants the meeting ended with Saturday’s dessert reception. The gathering was literally and figuratively bittersweet, as Panhellenic friends from across North America enjoyed a final time together, prepared to part and looked forward to working in concert to advance the sorority experience in the year to come.
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National Panhellenic Conference Recap


30 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015


Leadership Academy
Alpha Omicron Pi • February 6-8, 2015
During Leadership Academy 2015 in Brentwood, Tenn., Chapter Presidents, Vice Presidents of Standards and Standards Advisers learned about the many ways the values of Alpha Omicron Pi impact chapter operations and AOII members. The theme of the event, To Protect and To Serve, illustrated the characteristics of the officer and advisory roles of attendees and set the tone of the weekend’s focus.
The training weekend was opened with Ritual just before welcoming officers and advisers to the educational event. After dinner, keynote speaker Dr. Will Keim shared his keys to success in life based on values our members share. He spoke on pushing ourselves and our sisters to be better citizens while challenging us all to live our lives to the fullest. Next, the facilitation team presented the values and promises that the Fraternity shares with the universities that host AOII’s installed chapters and new colonies. Before the evening was over, attendees participated in a few activities that helped to discover ways to articulate these values to new audiences such as potential new members, administration and parents.
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On Saturday morning, Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents of Standards split up for specific training for their respective roles
in the Fraternity, while the advisers headed to AOII International Headquarters for educational sessions. In one presentation, The Big Three: Booze, Books, and Bills, advisers explored how violations of the alcohol, academic and finance policies may be resolved. These three violations are
the most common reasons that members
are brought to standards meetings. In their second rotation, Coaching versus Managing, advisers spent time discussing the different characteristics of coaching and managing and what situations might call for each approach. A third rotation included time for a guided tour of AOII Headquarters as well as Emporium shopping.
After lunch, advisers returned to the
hotel for an afternoon learning block that included topics such as characteristics of
a good Alumnae Advisory Council, the role of the standards adviser, resources, risk management, the Standards of Excellence, and evaluating the importance and urgency of a situation.
During that time, collegiate officers broke up into groups for five rotations at AOII International Headquarters. In addition to the rotations of The Big Three, HQ Tours and shopping shared by the advisers, officers enjoyed three additional rotations. In the presentation Social Media and Standards, officers discussed how standards protect our members, how viral media can affect the chapter and members,
and tips for preventing social media crises. They learned conversation skills and how to better manage emotions during Difficult Conversations and Discretion. Finally, officers talked through different elements of AOII Ritual to evaluate the values of the Fraternity and how they relate to standards policies in a session called Ritual and Standards.
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
After officers completed all five rotations and ate dinner, they returned to the hotel for evening training that began with a session on bystander behavior. This was followed by a time for each VP of Standards to meet with her Chapter President and Standards Adviser to talk through what each learned throughout their day of training and what steps they would take when they returned home to their chapter.
Saturday evening concluded with a series of skits representing several possible scenarios in standards meetings. These scenarios illustrated the steps of standards from the invitation to a standards meeting, handling the situation fairly and thoroughly, and with the minutes that would be distributed following the meeting. Following these dramatic interpretations, attendees were given a chance to ask questions about the process and about situations that might arise within their chapter. There was such great discussion that many stayed after the evening concluded to continue to meet with their chapter or with facilitators.
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Sunday morning was a bittersweet ending as everyone prepared to depart for home. Despite the many bags that were packed for the journey home, the energy was high as members prepared to share all that they learned with their chapter. The morning began with breakfast and an update on the Retained and Engaged program that all chapters are participating in. Then, Executive Director Troy LeForge spoke on making the experience of membership in AOII exceptional by celebrating new members and their initiation, living up to the standards set forth by our founders, and following through with the mutual promises made by the Fraternity and its members.
Leadership Academy 2015 concluded with closing the meeting in Ritual. Then, as customary for the ending of international AOII events, everyone gathered in the friendship circle and sang the Epsilon Chapter Song.
Though Leadership Academy 2015 was focused on protecting and serving the Fraternity and the members of AOII through our shared values, attendees seemed to share much more. Attendees created new bonds of friendship with sisters from other chapters, gained support from those who have shared experiences, and learned that sisterhood reaches much farther than just within their own chapter.
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015


Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
31 collegiate chapters were able to receive scholarships from the AOII Foundation’s Grant Program in order to attend Leadership Academy 2015!
A recorded webinar was sent out to all attendees as a follow up to the education shared during the event. It outlines next steps for success in standards and leadership strategies as well as recapping presentations and learning objectives from the weekend.
Leadership Academy 2015: To Protect and To Serve was partially funded through education grants from the AOII Foundation. In addition to the appreciation to
the AOII Foundation, AOII also wants to thank all who contributed to Leadership Academy in making it a successful learning experience for AOII’s members, especially
“to stand at all times for character, dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty” The Object of The Fraternity
those who facilitated the event:
Allison Allgier, Rachel Boison, Paula Daigle, Meredith Dunn, Amy Jo Gabel,
Lori Goede, Jodie Hassall, Heather Hays, Melissa Healy, Ally Howard, Alex LeForge, Troy LeForge, Kara Mantooth, Abby Mason, Kaya Miller, Nevena Pehar, Kimberly Sons, Lauren Stern, Hillary Stewart, Sandy Stewart, Lindsay Stoltz, Mary Kate Sweeney, Andrea Theobald and Courtney West.
To Dragma • 41


Submit a MIF Online
As members of AOII, we all play a crucial role in year-round recruitment, and there are many ways that alumna and collegiate members can help chapters reach their full potential. With fall formal recruitment right around the corner, one important way to help is to begin submitting Membership Information Forms (MIFs) for upcoming Potential New Members (PNMs). By taking part in this process, we can help a chapter see the AOII values in certain PNMs who could be outstanding members in the future.
MIFs are recommendations for PNMs that you may know or know of from a trusted friend. They are also for any PNMs who are legacies in order for the chapter to confirm that the PNM is a legacy before recruitment starts. These provide background into
the PNMs activities and accomplishments. It is crucial for the PNMs and the chapters because of the important role they play in helping support the collegiate chapters. Any alumnae of Alpha Omicron Pi currently in good standing, can submit a MIF for a PNM. Collegiate members may also submit MIFs for any university other than their own. All MIFs should be submitted before formal recruitments, and the earlier the better. This is an easy and important way that everyone can play a role in the recruitment process.
MIFs are fundamental to the formal recruitment process because they help to select exceptional women who will thrive in AOII. With the size of formal recruitment continuing to grow and quotas continuing to rise each year, these forms help PNMs stand
out among the rest and help them have a positive recruitment process. Each year, university Greek systems are growing, and it is getting harder and harder for PNMs to stand out. This is an excellent way to help chapters see the PNMs who have the potential to be the next leaders of the chapters.
This is an important role for alumnae to provide support in recruitment. While only collegiate members can choose the next members of Alpha Omicron Pi and MIFs do not ensure membership, they help our chapter quickly see the qualities we look for in AOII and these PNMs. The more information a chapter can know about a PNM, the better the process will be when making hard decisions after a recruitment round.
As we know, recruitment can be stressful for collegiate members and PNMs alike because of the uncertainties of the process. By providing a MIF for a PNM, we can give her a better understanding of the NPC membership process and the benefits before recruitment even begins. The more a PNM understands about recruitment and the more a chapter knows about a PNM, the smoother their recruitment process will be in general.
AOII is made up of exceptional women who are alike in our values but different in many aspects. We pride ourselves on coming together as one and taking pride in all of our different strengths and weaknesses. PNMs are the same - there will be quiet personalities, outgoing personalities, and everything in between. If you know someone who is shy but is an exceptional woman, a MIF can help to express her potential and make her feel more comfortable during recruitment. If you know of a strong leader who is outstanding, help the chapter to know those qualities beforehand so they can be prepared to have meaningful conversations that lead to strong relationships. These forms can help a chapter be prepared for their conversations that make lasting impressions and help PNMs have an all-around better quality recruitment.
36 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015


Updated MIF PRocess
We have updated the online MIF process this year to streamline the MIF directly to the chapter. Here is how to get started - visit www.alphaomicronpi.org and locate the Membership Information Form under the “Alumnae” tab in
the toolbar. Access the MIF by clicking the link called “Submit A MIF Here.” The next step will include a chapter locator that allows you to choose the state or provence in which the chapter is located and then choose the chapter you are looking for. When you click on the specific chapter, you will fill out the MIF for the specific PNM, and it will be routed directly to the chapter. You can also find the forms under the “Collegiate Chapter Locator” under the “Collegians” tab in the toolbar. Then, click on the chapter you are looking for, and it will direct you to each chapter’s individual page. The link will be located at the bottom of the page under “Click here to submit your Membership Information Form.”
Another update to this process is for PNMs. Because many of our PNMs do not know an AOII but they are interested in being considered for AOII, they will ask for recommendations from our alumnae. They can visit our website and find an alumnae chapter in their area by using the “Alumnae Chapter Locator” under the “Alumnae” tab in the toolbar. This will allow them to choose by state or provence and then choose the alumnae chapter that is closest to their home town. They will be able to email the alumnae chapter president and ask for a MIF from someone in the alumnae chapter. This was created to help the process run smoothly and easily for PNMs, collegiate chapters, and alumnae alike.
For questions, email [email protected] or call AOII International Headquarters at (615) 370-0920.
Frequently ASked questions
What materials do I need to write an
AOII MIF?
You will need to ask the PNM to provide you with her contact information, high school/previous college name and GPA, as well as her high school/college activities and honors. A current photograph is also strongly recommended. If the PNM provides you with a resume, there is a place to attach it electronically, but you should still complete the form by filling in the blanks.
The PNM gave me a resume and photo. How
do I submit them electronically?
The PNM lives in a digital world and she, most certainly, has an electronic copy of the resume and photo she provided. Call or email her to get a digital copy of each so you can easily attach them to the form. Please complete the boxes on the form whether the resume is attached or not.
Can I write a MIF on someone
I do not know?
Yes! Our collegiate chapters always welcome the information through a MIF whether
you know the PNM or not. Gather all the information and submit it to the chapter, just as you would for someone you know. There is an appropriate place on the MIF to indicate whether you know the PNM personally, know her based on a reliable source, or are just providing information as a courtesy.
Locate the MIF in the alumnae area of the AOII website: alphaomicronpi.org


AlumnaeNews
Indianapolis Alumnae 100th Anniversary
Acadiana Alumnae
Our chapter kicked off the fall semester by providing meals for Delta Beta’s recruitment. We continued our “15th of the month” events where we meet at a restaurant, local festival, a sister’s house, etc.. on the 15th of each month to mingle and welcome
all alumnae in the area. Our chapter also organized the Finals Kits Fundraiser for Delta Beta where letters were sent to parents asking them to purchase a finals survival kit for their daughters. Around the holidays, alumnae volunteered their time at Barnes & Noble to gift-wrap for donations to the AOII Foundation. We also held our annual Cookie and Ornament Exchange when we collected toiletries for Faith House and children’s toys for Toys for Tots.
Ann Arbor Alumnae
The sisters of the Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter had a fun and active 2014. The various activities and events included getting pedicures, sharing meals at local restaurants, and supporting a local family during the holidays through the adopt-a-family program. We
once again gathered to make and sign cards to send to soldiers stationed overseas, and we had participants in both the Jingle Bell Run and the Walk to Cure Arthritis at the Detroit Zoo. It was a great year that saw an increase in participation and beautiful new faces.
Atlanta Alumnae
Our chapter offers a variety of monthly sisterhood events and meetings to encourage alumnae to develop friendships and
network with sisters. Our chapter consists of a variety of sisters from all over the country, in all life stages, and in all walks of life. Overall, 2014 was a great year for the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter! In March, we celebrated 80 years with a beautiful luncheon and had a team at the local Walk to Cure Arthritis in May. In August, we brought along our significant others for our annual IIOA event. We had
an awesome time in September at the Atlanta Braves game for Strike Out Arthritis! where we connected with at least eight other collegiate and alumnae chapters for one enormous group picture! We wrapped up the year in December with our Jingle Bell Run team and a fun holiday/Founders’ Day luncheon.
Austin Alumnae
The Austin Alumnae Chapter had a busy fall 2014! We kicked off the season with a ladies pampering night by getting our nails done at a salon owned by an AOII and holding elections for new officers. We also held a couple of happy hours in different parts of the city to try to include as many sisters as possible. December was a busy month for the Austin Alumnae, as we participated in the Jingle Bell Run in San Antonio, hosted a holiday party while putting together care packages for Sisters for Soldiers, explored the local holiday tradition “Trail of Lights”, and participated in a gingerbread house building competition for charity! We enjoyed hosting Founders’ Day in January and participating in Texas AOII Day with the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter in February!
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Bozeman Alumnae
Baltimore Alumnae
The Baltimore Alumnae Chapter started our new
year with a dinner meeting and a question: What does itmeantoyoutobean alumna, and what keeps you coming back? For most of us,
it was the excitement of that original bond of sisterhood and a strong belief in the
ideals presented to us as AOII collegians. Our philanthropic projects in 2014 were the Jingle Bell Run and painting “believe” mugs for cancer patients. Our business meetings are kept short with plenty of time
to socialize. The Baltimore
Alumnae also enjoy working
with AOII at Towson U. We are advisors to the chapter, run
alongside them in the Jingle
Bell Run, hand out goody bags during finals, and in the spring, participate in the ceremony welcoming seniors to alumnae status.
Baton Rouge Alumnae
This year, the Baton Rouge Alumnae Chapter decided to “geaux RED” for each monthly event. Our meetings are themed around
a word that ends in RED. Events this fall included: centeRED (relaxed ritual), pampeRED (happy hour), savoRED (cooking demo), volunteeRED (arthritis event), and treasuRED (gift exchange). Spring 2015 will bring more RED-themed events: glitteRED (beauty bar), remembeRED (Founders’ Day), gatheRED (girls night), inspiRED (book and wine swap), and empoweRED (Strike Out Arthritis! event). Additionally, we are really happy to be up in membership by 20 percent over last year’s numbers. A couple of new things that we are trying are cross-chapter events and partnering with the Hammond Area Alumnae for our April event. We also now include a small local philanthropic event for each meeting that provides an immediate impact in our community.
Bozeman Alumnae
In 2014, the Bozeman Alumnae Chapter encompassed a diverse membership, with members from the local area, as well as other areas of Montana & the U.S. Alpha Phi’s Founders’ Day Celebration provided an opportunity for alumnae to join with collegiate members in celebration. Social activities included a gathering with Mandy Hedstrom, Alpha Phi alumna, alumnae chapter member and 2013-14 AOII Educational Leadership Consultant. In May, ten Alpha Phi alumnae returned to Bozeman to celebrate 50, 60, and 70-year reunions, and the chapter welcomed them back with rose and wheat corsages. Graduating collegiate members were hosted at a dinner welcoming them to alumna status with an invitation to join the alumnae chapter. At the end of 2014, the chapter hosted a
social, Creativity & Canvas, where we shared laughs and made our own pieces of art. Through donations, we presented the collegiate chapter with a new projector and funding for a self-defense class!
Bucks County Alumnae
Bucks County AOIIs had a busy year. We met often for luncheons at members’ homes and also in local restaurants. One of our
best activities was going into Philadelphia for the annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas market. It is like the European Christmas markets in that the vendors are in small outdoor covered booths, selling Christmas goodies and other items. Naturally this was followed by lunch, and a tour of a Christmas Dicken’s Village in one of the department stores. Interesting and fun!
Buffalo Alumnae
This fall the co-presidents of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, Gretchen Zollendeck and Wendy Evenden, along with Kay Welch, a Network 1 Network Specialist - Alumnae, road-tripped from New York to Milwaukee to attend the Bid Day and Colonization
of Phi Delta Chapter at U of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. It was truly a weekend filled with sisterhood adventures. The BAC adopted Phi Delta, and in December sent handwritten congratulatory notes for each sister being initiated along with a large bag of Hershey kisses for their first official chapter meeting. Fall BAC events included a Strike Out Arthritis! family event and a lively Pokeno Card Party night. Founders’ Day was celebrated with sisters and legacies with a gourmet brunch at the historic Roycroft Inn in East Aurora, NY.
Calgary Alumnae
The Calgary Alumnae Chapter has made a focus in 2014 of reaching out to all AOIIs, regardless of chapter membership and affiliation. We have held events targeted to different interest
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AlumnaeNews
groups, and have seen a great increase of interest. From doing joint events with Kappa Lambda Chapter (hosting a Bid Day Cookout, Strike Out Arthritis! minigolf, Founders’ Day, the Walk to Fight Arthritis, a Senior Class Welcome Social, and a summer appreciation barbecue) to alumnae events (including our annual Wine Tour and elections, and Christmas Card making), we try to engage as many sisters as possible. AOII is a lifetime commitment, and we try to showcase our dedication to our Fraternity.
Central Connecticut Alumnae
We had lots of fun in 2014! Social events included pizza/movie night, a wine tasting, indulging in ice cream, pumpkin/apple picking, and a holiday dinner/gift exchange with Ritual. In the spring, we put Easter baskets together for Life Haven, a temporary shelter for homeless mothers and their young children. In the fall, we participated in the Walk to Cure Arthritis.
Central Kentucky Bluegrass Alumnae
Whether it is supplying a Final Exam Treat Box for Epsilon Omega, or baking cookies for recruitment, the Central Kentucky Bluegrass Alumnae are always willing to serve. We enjoy our time together
at dinners out, taking a painting class at “Artfully Yours”, and donating our time and funds for the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving Family Food Drive. In the spring, we will participate in a Strike Out Arthritis! Bowl-A-Thon and begin fundraising efforts toward a local scholarship for a deserving member of Epsilon Omega.
Central New Jersey Alumnae
Everything is coming up roses in the Garden State, and the Central New Jersey Alumnae Chapter is proud to be part of it! Several members joined the Alumnae Advisory Committee for the newly- installed Gamma Phi Chapter at Seton Hall, and we continue to support Iota Theta at Monmouth and Alpha Nu at Ramapo. We recently enjoyed the Jingle Bell Run, NJ/NYC area Founders’ Day, and Winter Wine Wonderland with the NY/NJ Chapter. The chapter sends bi-monthly electronic newsletters to keep more than 300 area alumnae engaged. We hope to meet more Jersey sisters soon!
Central New Mexico Alumnae
During the 2014 calendar year, the sisters of the Central New Mexico Alumnae Chapter saw many changes. This year, we had two new sisters join the group after moving from Arizona. The group also helped celebrate a sister’s upcoming wedding!
Charlotte Alumnae
In 2014, we gathered regularly for fun sisterhood activities, including dinners, lunches and pottery painting. We raised money for the Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation, and members supported the colonization at nearby Wingate U.
Chattanooga Area Alumnae
This year, has certainly been a whirlwind because, even during our own activities of panda-painting parties and Lookouts’ baseball
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Denver Alumnae Founders’ Day
games, we have had the joy in helping establish the Lambda Delta Chapter at Dalton State College. Many of our members are on the AAC and love sharing lifelong fellowship in AOII with new members. We participated in a local Ronald McDonald Bowl-A- Rama fundraiser and learned that while bowling my not be our forte, we still had plenty of laughs! Our annual BYOP (Bring-Your- Own-Panda) Christmas Dinner was a success again this year.
Chicago City Alumnae
The Chicago City AC had an exciting and eventful 2014. We raised $2,000 for the Walk to Cure Arthritis, and one of our members achieved the title of Top Fundraiser! Team AOII of Greater Chicago raised over $1,700 for the Chicago Jingle Bell Run. The CCAC not only supports AOII and the Arthritis Foundation, but also partners with local organizations like Connections for Abused Women
and Children (CAWC). As done in prior years, we collected back- to-school items for CAWC at our Fall Kick-Off BBQ. Many of our sisters attended a cupcake decorating class, which turned into a gender reveal party for one of our expecting sisters! Just before the holidays, we sampled cookies and appetizers at our annual cookie and appetizer exchange. Our calendar is full of events for 2015 that include the Walk to Cure Arthritis, Books and Bottles Speed Dating (idea credit to the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter), and more!
Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae
Chicago Northwest began the year purchasing and distributing school supplies to needy children at the Apple Tree Campaign sponsored by Palatine Township. Goodie bags were sent to the members of Epsilon Sigma, our adopted chapter, and we helped raise money for scholarships at the Panhellenic Stylin’ For Scholars Fashion Show and Luncheon. Feed My Starving Children is the next event with our Panhellenic sisters to pack food for families overseas. Our meetings this year will include a trip to Sur la Table for cooking demonstrations and a wine tasting party. We always look forward to our Murder Mystery and our annual pot luck in May, when we will also celebrate five members who have reached membership milestones.
Chicago South Suburban Alumnae
This year we focused on juvenile arthritis and spent a productive evening making rice pandas with Cat Smith. Our group was also well represented at the Walk to Cure Arthritis in Midlothian in May. Every year, we have a Christmas auction where we bid on gently used items to support our philanthropies. We truly enjoy meeting, laughing and spending time together as we serve the ideals of Alpha Omicron Pi.
Chicago West Suburban Alumnae
We offer our members a variety of events which include monthly meetings, social events, book club, philanthropic projects, and
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AlumnaeNews
fundraisers. Sisterhood events are on a day other than the meeting and have included a movie night, build a panda at Build-A-Bear, and volunteering at a homeless shelter. Our garage sale and nut sale were very successful. At each meeting, we try to include an activity that focuses on doing something kind for others. This
has included making key chains for collegiate new members and collecting non-perishable items for a community food pantry. We are thrilled to celebrate our 75th anniversary this April.
Dayton Alumnae
The Dayton Alumnae Chapter has enjoyed getting to know our local collegiate sisters by holding two combined events per year. Over winter break, we invite the women and their mothers to a tea hosted in the beautiful home of one of our sisters. In the summer, we have fun cooking out with our families at a local park.
Dearborn Alumnae
This is a great time to reconnect with AOII and be part of the freshening of this inspiring 62-year-old alumnae chapter! You won’t want to miss meeting the cheerful and feisty “Mrs. Clara Ford” and learning fun things supporting AOII’s “The Green Expectation” on how to reduce, reuse, re-purpose, and recycle everyday things!
These fun things ahead support our recent activities including sisters coming together last December sharing our annual salad potluck lunch as we stuffed over 50 holiday stockings for Turning Point Women’s Shelter.
Delaware Alumnae
In 2014, the sisters in the Delaware Alumnae Chapter supported the Walk to Cure Arthritis in May and with our chapter event, Strike Out Arthritis! with a Tea, raised close to $1,000. We also collected canned goods for the Newark Food Bank and donated over 50 dozen cookies for our soldiers serving overseas. We shared our sisterly love on Founders’ Day with Sigma Tau Chapter and again later as their seniors became new alumnae. A few of our members also won first place running honors while supporting Sigma Tau’s 5K fundraiser for the Jasmine Queen Scholarship. As always, there was time for sisterhood sharing at our Shop ‘Til You Drop luncheon and Post-Holiday Holiday Party.
Denver Alumnae
As many locals would agree, Denver is the unofficial transplant capital. This year we have welcomed sisters from Philadelphia, Alabama, and California, to name a few. Colorado’s landscape
Hammond Area Alumnae


offers many outdoor activities which we have taken advantage of to celebrate sisterhood. From fitness on the legendary Red Rocks, to hiking local trails, or walking through Denver’s beautiful Wash Park during the Walk to Cure Arthritis and
Jingle Bell Run‚ there is always a sister to explore the outdoors with. Most important, we have been pleased to support our
local collegiate chapter‚ Epsilon Gamma. Working with their outstanding collegiate women to organize the program each year continues to grow our relations while promoting the ideal of life-long sisterhood.
Detroit North Suburban Alumnae
The sisters of Detroit North Suburban
have continued to meet for lunch once a
month among other activities. We joined
other metro groups for the traditional
fall pot luck, participated in the Jingle Bell Run, and were happy
to welcome two sisters new to our area as members. A highlight of our fall was the meeting at the Cranbrook Institute of Science
to see the first midwest stop of “Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment” exhibit. In the
last decade, some of the most powerful and important stories published by National Geographic featured the photographic work of a trailblazing new generation of women. As AOII alumnae, we are so proud of the opportunities afforded our sisters of
the 21st Century as reflected in this exhibit. After viewing, we discussed over lunch the work, vision and encounters behind
the photographs that revealed the excitement and challenges of photo documentation. As we begin 2015, we look forward to more opportunities to share with our sisters and wish everyone the best in the New Year.
East Bay Alumnae
East Bay combined philanthropy with chapter support by creating finals goodie bags for Sigma chapter. We had a great time and
the fun treats are always welcomed by the busy collegians during finals. Additionally, each spring we take the seniors from Sigma on a fun outing to encourage their participation in Alpha Omicron Pi as alumnae after college. We also award an outstanding senior with
a Life Loyal membership. Over the holidays we were able to get together for a cocktail party and ornament exchange. This spring, we are planning a day of wine tasting and sisterly bonding in one of our local wine regions.
El Paso Alumnae
January 2014 began with our El Paso Alumnae Chapter Installation. Finally after 30 years, the El Paso AOIIs have an alumnae chapter. In August, we invited a local collegian from TCU to our meeting to update us on their recruitment activities. Our fall gathering was a picnic at a local farm with our families, then we enjoyed a magical Christmas social. Member Ellen Eastman invited us to her beautiful home for a traditional candle lighting of their Christmas tree. We helped light the candles and enjoyed the candlelit ambience. Ellen
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
served a wonderful cold buffet dinner, which we enjoyed around the tree. Our chapter began the New Year with Founders’ Day and Ritual at the El Paso Country Club.
Evansville Tri-State Alumnae
Evansville Tri-State has become increasingly active over the past few years. We have kept old traditions and implemented new ones as we continue to grow as a chapter. This year, we have been able to spend time together socially for coffee dates, dinner, and our long-standing Third Thursday Lunches. We volunteer not only in the preparatory stages for the Jingle Bell Run in Evansville, but also on the day of the race as many sisters participated. Additionally, we hosted our very first style night, which we hope to expand this coming spring! We have been able to support both Chi Lambda and Beta Chi. One of our most exciting experiences in 2014 was celebrating Bid Day with Chi Lambda!
Fort Lauderdale Alumnae
In 2014, we attended the Palm Beach Walk to Cure Arthritis and Diabetes Walk, as we do every year. We also had several sisterhoods consisting of a wine tasting and a jewelry and flip flop party. The year ended with our annual Founders’ Day luncheon and auction.
Grand Rapids Alumnae
We had an excellent year getting reestablished and more than quadrupling our previous membership numbers! Our chapter helped the community by collecting food items at our annual Thanksgiving potluck to donate to our local food bank, and by making Valentine’s Day cards that were distributed to the elderly
at a local hospital. We also had fun celebrating our sisterhood by hosting an event to honor Lambda Eta’s 25th anniversary, as well as painting together at an art studio.
Greater Gadsden Alumnae
The Greater Gadsden Alumnae Chapter is well into our second year as a fully established chapter. Though still small, our members have a wonderful commitment to their pledge as AOII sisters.
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Houston Alumnae


Kearney Alumnae
Las Vegas Alumnae
AlumnaeNews
in terms of money raised. We’ve also continued to strengthen ties with our closest collegiate chapter at U of Central Missouri and their efforts in Homecoming activities. New activities planned for 2015 will bring us all even closer together!
Greater Los Angeles Alumnae
The Greater LA Chapter has had a packed year of sisterhood and service. We have been lucky enough to be in a city where we have an MLB partnership with Strike Out Arthritis! and were able to attend a Dodgers game with local collegians. We also took part in our local Jingle Bell Run this December and raised $2,730. The year has been filled with monthly sisterhood meetings highlighted by a wine tasting event and our holiday party and gift exchange. We are looking forward to sharing our city with all of AOII this summer
at International Convention and hope you’ll see why we love LA!
Greater Miami Alumnae
What a truly magnificent
year 2014 was
for GMAC! Engagements, weddings,
new jobs and internships, baby showers, graduate school beginnings, and much more! We were blessed enough to share in all these wonderful moments in our sisters’ lives. With our local collegiate chapter, Pi Theta,
we collaborated during recruitment days and came together
to welcome our new members. What an exciting time for our collegiate sisters! We also witnessed our sisters traveling around the country and the world, while showing their AOPride! To close out the year, we headed to a local winery for a fun-filled sisterhood night! We also look forward to 2015 and wish many blessings to all our sisters.
Greater Portland Alumnae
The Greater Portland (Maine) Alumnae Chapter has had a lot to celebrate this year. Most of all we celebrated a 75-year member of Alpha Omicron Pi, Marion Libby Broaddus, Gamma. Marion was a founding member of the Greater Portland Alumnae Chapter and served as secretary of her class from U Maine since graduating. Marion was recognized at our Founders’ Day/Yankee Swap meeting, one of our most attended meetings. Another successful event is our February Phantom Red Rose Tea when members are mailed a tea bag invitation to attend. This is a Valentine’s event with
Our favorite event is our “Wine and Recs” party each June where our sisters discuss MIFs for the high school seniors in our area. We usually have ritual, then dinner, and then lots of fun while sorting and looking through resumes. It’s a great chance to get in touch with old friends while looking forward to our Fraternity’s future.
Greater Greenville Alumnae
Our emphasis falls firmly under the categories of fun and fellowship accomplished by planning service projects that end in celebrations - usually involving food and beverages. One service project that doubles as our fundraising event has us preparing exam boxes.
We offer parents this service for a small fee. Three of our meetings are dedicated to stuffing these boxes with snacks, study helpers, and a little AOII related “bling”. We also decided to trade in our traditional Christmas present exchange in order to prepare over 20 boxes donated to Christmas Child. We traveled to Raleigh, NC to participate in the Jingle Bell Run with sisters from across the state. We are busy planning outings like a dinner at the Chef and Farmer, the basis for a television show, or a family friendly cookout to start our year off.
Greater Kansas City Alumnae
Philanthropy is a central core of our group’s activities. We were one of the top teams nationwide to participate in the Jingle Bell Run
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015


members reflecting on friendship over a warm cup of tea in their homes during a traditional bad weather month in Maine. We live in several different towns in the bottom one-third of the state and meet throughout the area four to five times a year.
Greater Sacramento Valley Alumnae
Another busy year in California’s capital! Our ranks have grown with the addition of recent graduates and other alumnae through effective outreach. The chapter’s monthly activities included a Dining Divas Night, volunteering at the Sacramento Children’s Home, and staffing tents at our local Jingle Bell Run benefiting arthritis research. In 2015, we will enjoy a nature walk in the
Sierra Nevada mountains with the Reno-Tahoe Alumnae and continue our successful finals basket fundraiser, with the proceeds benefitting our local collegiate chapters Xi Rho (Sonoma State) and Zeta Theta (Chico State). We’re also looking forward to the colonization of AOII at University of Nevada, Reno.
Hammond Area Alumnae
Our chapter is excited about several new activities this year, including a wreath-making class and murder mystery dinner! With these new events, we are hoping to increase our membership by five percent. This fall, we have
enjoyed mingling with new
alumnae while supporting our
SELU Lions football team. We
are also thankful for celebrating
enduring sisterhood, as
witnessed during our annual
Alumnae Appreciation Dinner,
sponsored by our local
collegiate chapter, Kappa
Tau. We also attended the
annual SELU Alumni Awards
Ceremony, hosted the night
before Homecoming. The
HAAC is looking forward to
what 2015 has in store for our
alumnae chapter!
Houston Alumnae
Houston Alumnae attended
Houston Panhellenic’s annual
Scholarship Luncheon, then
officially began our new
chapter year with a sizzling
Summer Social in the home
of incoming chapter president
Susan Fruit Draughon. Old
friends reconnected and new acquaintances were made while we planned activities and events for our 2014-2015 chapter year. Our Fall Kick Off dinner meeting at Season’s 52 Restaurant was a stellar success. We also collected toy pandas to give away to children
in crisis situations, one of our newest philanthropic endeavors. In December, we celebrated with our annual Christmas party and gift exchange in the home of our program chairman Jennifer Mountjoy. We walked/ran in the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run, breaking records for fundraising and number of participants.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
Huntsville Alumnae
Huntsville Alumnae had a busy 2014! We shared Founders’ Day with Delta Tau in February where guest speaker Leigh Perry delighted one and all. We sold Pandagrams (Final Exam Survival Kits) for Samford, UAH, Auburn, and Alabama, our major fund raiser each semester. In June, we completed MIFs for local high school seniors. We also supported Delta Tau’s recruitment and manned the rehydration table at their first Run for the Roses. We welcomed four Delta Tau members to alumnae status and hosted our annual Holiday Mother-Daughter Tea for the collegians of Northern Alabama. We added 11 new members, a 44 percent increase in chapter membership!
Indianapolis Alumnae
Even though we are busy planning our 100th anniversary in 2015, that doesn’t mean we have stopped enjoying our sisterhood. Every May the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter has a girls’ night out at a local restaurant. This year, we went to Flatwater along the canal in Broad Ripple. Taking an idea from another alumnae chapter, we had a murder mystery party in October. It was a hit and we look forward to doing it again. We also had a great turn out of collegians and alumnae at the Jingle Bell Run in December.
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Inland Empire Alumnae
The Inland Empire Alumnae Chapter celebrated the holidays together with a potluck and charades. Everyone shared New Year’s resolutions and enjoyed catching up with each other. Sisters gathered to plan the 2015 calendar, which included a painting class, St. Patrick’s Day happy hour, more potlucks, and participating in the Los Angeles Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in March. The chapter walked in honor of our sister Knewenle who was
Kentucky Lakes Alumnae


AlumnaeNews
Madison Area Alumnae
diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2014 at the age of 28. Sisters brainstormed ideas for a team name and decided on “Team Flawless”. We are excited to have local collegians and alumnae join us for this event.
Jersey Shore Alumnae
As a new chapter, the Jersey Shore Alumnae Chapter continues to focus on building membership. Our members remain committed to our bonds of friendship and sisterhood by serving as officers and advisers to collegiate chapters, and by participating in social and philanthropic events. Our Pre-Theatre event and the fabulous performance of Camelot was a hit this fall. Strike Out Arthritis! with the Yankees and Phillies and two NJ Jingle Bell Runs were enjoyed by those who could attend. With the tradition of sharing a state-wide Founders’ Day, we laughed, dined and enjoyed the Founders’ Day ceremony with sisters from four collegiate chapters and five alumnae chapters. We thank the sisters of Iota Theta for their beautiful Alumna Initiation of our new sister Jill Merriman.
Kearney Alumnae
In October 2014, the Kearney Alumnae Chapter celebrated the 45th anniversary of Phi Sigma Chapter at U of Nebraska at Kearney. Over 250 sisters attended a welcome reception, campus tours, and
the banquet. A special video about Phi Sigma Chapter’s founding was produced and presented by alumna Kelly Rush. The video
is available on Kelly’s YouTube channel, KrushArt_Productions. A great time was had by all, and we are looking forward to the next reunion in 2019.
Kentuckiana Alumnae
Kick it with AOII was one of Kentuckiana Alumnae Chapter’s most fun and creative events this year! Our local collegiate chapter, Pi Alpha at U of Louisville, hosted their annual Fall Kickball Game cookout. They invited local alumnae and their families to attend, and the collegiate chapter members played against the alumnae for the victory! For just $10, you could participate in the kickball game, enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch, and have lots of fun! Pi Alpha is currently exploring the possibility of building a house on U of L’s campus in the next five years, and this event served as a fundraiser for housing. Sisters of all ages came out to play, support, and enjoy the game.
Kentucky Lakes Alumnae
KLAC had a wonderful fall! We increased our membership to 23 and hope to continue to grow. Each month, we had an AOII Lunch Bunch at local eateries. It was a great way to spend our lunch
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015


hour. During the fall semester, we tried to have one evening/ weekend gathering for the group. We invite alumnae who are not yet members of the chapter to attend our events
to get a taste of
what fun we have in
KLAC. We partnered
with Delta Omega
for Turkey Dinner in
November. A KLAC
member’s husband
provided the turkey
and ham and it was a lot of fun being around the collegiate members. In December, we had 18 together for a Christmas party and ornament exchange. We hope to make both of these events annual gatherings. As the year begins, we will continue to host AOII Lunch Bunch and monthly events.
Knoxville Alumnae
The talk of the year for AOIIs in Knoxville was the long-awaited opening of the Omicron Chapter house. Hundreds of AOII alumnae, family and friends gathered to celebrate the dedication. Alumnae from near and far were present. Many stayed for hours to catch up and enjoy each other’s company!
Las Vegas Alumnae
In 2014 we held events ranging from Founders’ Day, sisterhood happy hour, Strike Out Arthritis!, murder mystery party, community service, and participated in the first Las Vegas Jingle Bell Run!
Lexington Alumnae
The Lexington Alumnae Chapter members represent 10 different collegiate chapters. Our regular monthly events include a networking happy hour that takes place every 2nd Tuesday, and
the Third Thursday Lunch. One of our favorite service projects has been a volunteer night at Sweet Blessings, a non-profit started by Kappa Omega alumna Ashley Boyd-Gann that provides birthday cakes for children who wouldn’t otherwise get to have a cake. It’s a fun evening of cake baking, decorating and packaging. We enjoyed getting together for Founders’ Day hosted by Kappa Omega, a dinner and a movie night, horse racing at Keeneland, and a fun tour of our state’s capital in Frankfort. We supported Kappa Omega (UK) and Tau Omega (Transylvania U) by assisting with recruitment efforts, welcoming their seniors into alumnae status, and preparing finals survival kits ordered by parents. Finally, we participated as part of Team AOII in the Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation in Cincinnati.
Lincoln Alumnae
Lincoln Alumnae Chapter is just revving up! Last year’s events were a wind up for a new year - NU football tailgating party, wine tasting, potluck parties, helping Zeta Chapter with recruitment, holiday shopping for needy families, and a Christmas production fundraiser. We look forward to a great year ahead.
Little Rock Area Alumnae
The ladies of the Little Rock Area Alumnae Chapter have had many opportunities to create new memories this year, all of which are notable. One exciting adventure was participating in the local
San Jose Alumnae
Top: Memphis Area Alumnae, Right: Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae


AlumnaeNews
NY/NJ Metro ANluYm/NnJaMeetro Alumnae
Jingle Bell Run. We had a great turnout of AOII walkers, runners and supporters. Our very own sister, Jane Prather, took first place in her age group! We also joined in celebrating 118 years of sisterhood in January. The sisters enjoyed brunch, pinning a 50-year member, and a silent auction. There were many laughs, hugs, friendships made and friendships renewed. The chapter meets throughout the year for lunches, Rose Hour, the Jingle Bell Run, family picnics, date night, spa days, and making cards for the Ronald McDonald House.
Long Beach/South Bay Alumnae
We have had a great time supporting our local collegiate chapter, Lambda Beta, and hosting sisterhood events. Our Strike Out Arthritis! event was bunco night with prizes and delightful desserts. We gathered this fall to make 90 sack lunches for recruitment and included handwritten tags with inspirational phrases for the collegians. Alumnae attendance at initiation and other collegiate events is growing. Several of us participated in the Jingle Bell Run and had a craft event where we made gift tags for the holidays. We look forward to seeing our sisters at International Convention 2015 here in Los Angeles!
Long Island Alumnae
We had a very busy last few months. Our calendar started off with a visit to Scrubz, where we made our own sugar scrubs. We also had a chapter fundraiser featuring Arbonne products. The weekend of December 6 and 7, we went to two events. The first was the Jingle Bell Run in which we raised over $700 as a chapter. We ended the weekend with our Founders’ Day luncheon, where 16 sisters were able to join us. We had a great time reconnecting and honoring our Founders.
Macomb County Alumnae
Macomb County was delighted to hold a ceremony for
a great sister who transferred to a school without an AOII chapter over the summer. It is incredible that she is keeping her lifetime engagement promise and staying involved
in AOII. Our chapter has a creative calendar ahead and all are welcome to be part of it. Facebook has been a GREAT tool to locate lost sisters. In 2014, we were successful in
contacting many sisters and several women have been coming to our activities and reconnecting with our sisterhood. We look forward to meeting even more sisters throughout 2015!
Madison Area Alumnae
Our chapter plans a calendar filled with variety, such as our flower arranging activity led by member and flower shop owner Kathy Bruechels in her home. One way the alumnae have supported AOII collegians was to become “Aunt Stella” to young ladies in Phi Delta. Alumnae traveled to Milwaukee several times to attend ceremonies and meet their “nieces” to have lunch, and communicated through emails, Facebook, etc. AOII collegians at UW-River Falls got an
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Central Kentucky Bluegrass Alumnae


Montreal Alumnae at Kappa Phi’s 75th
extra boost to help study for semester finals with goodie bags filled with a variety of treats. For another popular meeting, AOIIs each bring a pie of some kind for the dessert, and we play a game to help us learn more about AOII and each other.
Mahoning Valley Alumnae
The past year was an exciting and memorable
one for our chapter. We kicked the year off by
participating in the Walk to Cure Arthritis with
Team AOII at the Cleveland Zoo. We let our
creative juices flow when we designed adorable “It’s Not Just Four Years, It’s For Life” t-shirts and “AOII Alumna” car decals. During the summer, MVAC met for a delicious brunch and had a BBQ Potluck. MVAC members toured a local winery and enjoyed a morning
of crafting, and finished the year strong by throwing a surprise baby shower for one of our sisters. In addition, we supported Phi Lambda in a number of ways. Here’s to a great 2015!
Memphis Area Alumnae
The Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter had a busy 2014. Membership numbers are steadily rising! Our women especially enjoy our monthly book club. We heartily recommend Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. Our annual holiday dinner, girls’ nights out, happy hours, and painting parties are just a few more ways our sisters come together. The women of MAAC participated in the local Jingle Bell Run as well as Strike Out Arthritis! with the Memphis Redbirds. Not forgetting our local collegiate chapter, Kappa Omicron, MAAC has continued its tradition of providing quarterly class dinners. Sophomore Spaghetti Dinner and Junior Junk Food Dinner were terrific successes!
Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae
The year 2014 was full of fun, philanthropy and sisterhood for the alumnae in the MSP area. We connected with each other over
a Wine & Canvas event, supported our sisters of Tau and Kappa Sigma through AOII Days, Run for the Roses and Founders’ Day events, and brightened the lives of over 50 children with arthritis who received pandas we stuffed and sent with love to a local camp for children with arthritis. A new mentoring program has
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015
also been a hit! Through one-on-one mentoring, large group activities and educational speakers, alumnae are paired up with collegiate members based on career path and interests. We help them reach their career goals by sharing helpful advice for success and encouragement to continue pursuing their dreams. We were excited to transition 12 beautiful sisters into alumnae status in the spring and helped with the recruitment of many more in the fall.
Monroe Alumnae
Founders’ Day begins our year as a joint celebration with Lambda Tau. They were installed in March of 1958, so each March we
invite the chapter to a birthday dinner. Everyone brings single-size toiletry items to be donated to a local women’s charity, and we also sell tickets to raise money to add to the chapter’s Strike Out for Arthritis! donation. In April, we hold a tea for our graduating seniors and welcome them to alumnae status. Recruitment is always an exciting time, and we help our members by providing time and meals. Welcoming new members on Bid Day at an alumna’s home is definitely a highlight. After initiation, we hold a mother/daughter event at the Beidenharn home and gardens. This beautiful place was owned by an AOII sister and holds a very special place in our hearts. This year, the Monroe Alumnae also put together two tailgate events that were well attended by AOIIs of all ages.
Montreal Alumnae
The Montreal Alumnae Chapter has had a fantastic 2014-2015 calendar year. We kicked off the fall with a Wine & Cheese event, followed by AOII Day with Kappa Phi at Mount Royal Park. Then came intense planning for Kappa Phi’s 75th anniversary! On this
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North Texas Alumnae


Top: Ventura Alumnae,
AlumnaeNews
Nashville Area Alumnae
The NAAC had a great 2014! We got off to a quick start with both a Barre Class and a Wine and Mozzarella social in January. We celebrated Founders’ Day with over 200 sisters from the NAAC, all three local collegiate chapters, as well as AOII’s Foundation Board members and Ambassadors who were in town that weekend. NAAC members participated in the 3rd annual Read Me Week volunteering to read aloud at a Nashville elementary school. We also attended the Nashville Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship Luncheon and participated in the Walk to Cure Arthritis. At Leadership Institute last June, we were proud to win Excellence in Membership Recruitment and an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Communication. Last fall, we held our annual Pool Party, attended Strike Out Arthritis! with the Nashville Sounds, and enjoyed an outing to a local pumpkin farm. We were proud to exceed our goals at the Jingle Bell Run and celebrated at our annual Christmas party - 2015 looks to be just as exciting!
North Texas Alumnae
We had a great turn out for the Strike Out Arthritis! event with the Texas Rangers. Sisters from NTAC, Delta Theta, and Lambda
Rho chapters had a great time cheering for our team despite the drizzling rain. Giving back to North Texas, the ladies of the NTAC and their families volunteered to work the afternoon shift at the Tarrant Area Food Bank. We sorted through boxes of donations to separate items into categories and met some great people at the food bank! Our members were involved at every level of planning and participation in the Fort Worth Jingle Bell Run. With members on the committee and runners in the race, we managed to raise over $2,800 for the Arthritis Foundation.
Northern Virginia Alumnae
The chapter participated in several philanthropic events in 2014, including the Walk to Cure Arthritis in June 2014 and Jingle Bell Run in December 2014. We provide extensive support to Gamma Alpha
Chapter (George Mason U) with 15 AAC members. This year we have increased our membership, in particular with recent graduates, by offering more social/networking events with sisters.
Northwest Georgia Alumnae
The Northwest Georgia Alumnae Chapter was installed
in April of 2014, which obviously was the highlight of our year. We participated in Strike Out Arthritis! with the Atlanta Braves where we promoted a unique t-shirt sold as a fundraiser and then invited the Georgia and South Carolina collegiate chapters to join us at the game; a fun night for all. We reached out to every Georgia chapter during recruitment, catering meals for those who needed the support. We kicked off our year with a potluck and a NCAA football bracket where each dressed to support our favorite team. We ate funnel cakes with sisters at Burt’s Pumpkin Patch, celebrated Ritual during our first chapter meeting, and will be hosting a Bunco Night to raise money for the AOII Foundation. It’s been a wonderful first year with many more to come!
Bottom: Southern Orange County Alumnae
special occasion, we welcomed over 100 AOIIs from across Canada, the U.S., and we even had sisters fly in from England and Turkey! The event was an incredible success; new members and collegians discovered what AOII for a lifetime truly means, while alumnae who had not seen each other in decades got to reconnect. Members from Ottawa’s Gamma Chi Chapter joined us for Ritual and brunch, where we were all captivated by PIP Joan MacCallum’s speech on why she is so proud to be an AOII. We capped off 2014 with a fun and tasty Epicure spices fundraiser, and hosted our annual Strike Out Arthritis! Bingo & Brunch to begin the new year.
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Issue no. 2 • Spring 2015