2013 Fall/Winter - To Dragma

Ruby Fund Recipient Helps Give Others a Chance

Debbie Koenig pledged AOII’s Beta Lambda at Illinois Wesleyan paid our rent for three months, gave me a chance to get on
U in the fall of 1969. At 17, she didn’t know much about my feet and probably, honestly, saved my life.” The Ruby Fund
sororities at all but chose AOII because the girls felt warm, gave her a chance, and she knew from the start that if the
welcoming and genuine. She explains, “They seemed like real, day came that she could repay it, she would - in order to give
unpretentious, authentic women, and I wanted to be a part another sister that same chance.
of that. And, even the house did not put on airs - it was solid,
comfortable---homey.” For the last 42 years, AOII and her Beta Deb’s dream of repaying those Ruby Fund dollars came to
Lambda sisters have often proven to be her rock through good reality this past summer during the Chicago 2013 Convention
times and bad. Deb is a grateful past recipient of the Ruby with several dearly beloved sisters present. Further self-
Fund. Her gratitude has recently led her to give back - both in satisfaction was being asked to join the Ruby Fund Committee.
the gift of dollars to repay the Ruby Fund and in the gift of time As she explains, “It truly is the best role I could ever have in
as a new member of the Ruby Fund Committee. this sisterhood. I feel so humbled by the stories, and in a very
personal way, I feel a common bond for all those sisters who
As a collegian, Deb recalls many hilarious times like selecting nd themselves in a desperate nancial situation. To every AOII
the material for their polyester red and white oral rush dresses sister everywhere - thank you for giving me a chance to get
which she remembers as being awful, but probably not as bad back on my feet, thank you for believing in me - just as AOII did
then as it seems now, and trying to teach her chapter the AOII 44 years ago in the fall of 1969.”
Clap Song she had learned at Convention. She was part of a
tight knit new member
class that continues to keep
the Beta Lambda spirit alive
even though their chapter
closed in the 1980s.
They’ve supported each
other and held reunions in
summer homes in Indiana,
Maryland, Cape Cod,
Colorado and many others.

Deb received her Ruby
Fund assistance when
she was in the midst of a
very painful and nancially
devastating divorce. Deb
shares, “Those sisters who
saw me through that time
could vouch for the fact
that I was despondent and
desperate. The Ruby Fund

Deb is the proud mother of 2 sons, Cameron (l) and Christopher (r), who know their mom is also a proud AOII.

Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013 To Dragma • 51

WTheinLogvse Aztec Print Sweaters

Barely There These trendy tribal print
Eye Shadow sweaters are often oversized
and very warm. They are
Velvety smooth and unbelievably blendable, popping up in the o ce - and
these vibrant, stay-true natural shades can be everywhere - and de nitely
applied dry for rich color or wet for a high- worthy of a shout out on our
sheen“foiled”e ect. Experiment, mix, and list of things we love!
match...it’s just the beginning.
Favorite Family Recipes
52 • To Dragma
Whether it’s your mom’s chicken casserole, your Aunt’s
homemade barbecue sauce, or your sister-in-law’s potato
salad, there is more to a favorite family recipe than just great

taste. Every bite invokes memories of childhood,
family togetherness, favorite
occasions and more.
If there is a family recipe
you love but don’t have -
ask for it! Keep
the family tradition
going by passing it on!

Pure Barre Workout Classes

This sporty workout trend is really kickin’ butts around
here. Those who have tried it agree that it is the fastest
and most e cient way to change your body. In classes,
you use the ballet barre to perform small isometric
movements set to music. Pure Barre is a total body
workout that lifts your butt; tones your thighs, abs, and
arms; and burns fat in record-breaking time. We love it,
or to be really honest, we love to hate it!

Issue no. 3 Fall/Winter 2013

Popcorn Tazo Tea

We love, love, love popcorn! Do you prefer Tazo claims that each cup of tea is a story,
your popcorn from a theater or made at home - unfolding with every sip. There is a world of
microwaved, air-popped, stove-top popped, avored, options and each of us has a favorite avor
dipped or even plain? Seriously, what’s better on a cold night than - or two - that we love. Hot, iced or organic -
a warm re, a great movie and a bowl of hot buttered popcorn? morning, afternoon or night, sometimes tea
is just tops!
Warm Socks
On the Web
Strange but true fact: In the 8th
century, Greeks wore socks made theSkimm.com
from matted animal hair! There was
nothing much to love about socks theSkimm is actually a
back then, but in the 21st century - daily e-mail newsletter
we think socks are pretty awesome! that keeps us up to
date on the trending
But we’re sticking with cotton, news stories being
nylon or wool! discussed around
the office. Read this
Dark Chocolate Acai brief newsletter every
morning and next time
If you haven’t tried this dark chocolate someone says, “Did
treat from Brookside, then you are you hear...?” you’ll
missing out. They combine blended already be in the know.
blueberry fruit juices with acai theSkimm breaks down
berries from acai palm trees, the news we need into
then dip them in luscious dark chocolate. The short bits to get our
combo makes a delicious snack that we just love! day off to a smart start!

Food Scales

Raise your hand if you are trying to start the year
o by loosing weight? One handy helper that
we love is a food scale. By retraining our brains
on appropriate portion sizes we’ve been able
to watch our waistlines shrink. Beyond portion
control, the great kitchen gadgets are endlessly
helpful with all cooking
and baking needs!

AOII Executive Board Past International Presidents

Allison Allgier, International President, Epsilon Omega Joan MacCallum, Kappa Phi, 1979-1981
Krista Whipple, Vice President of Finance, Omega Ginger Banks, Pi Kappa, 1981-1985
Amber Countis, Vice President, Pi Peg Crawford, Iota, 1985-1989
Susan Danko, Vice President, Phi Upsilon Barbara Hunt, Phi Delta, 1989-1993
Gayle Fitzpatrick, Vice President, Alpha Rho Mary Williams, Phi, 1993-1995
Karen Galehan, Vice President, Phi Lambda Ann Gilchrist, Theta, 1995-1997
Rebecca Herman, Vice President, Chi Lambda Linda Collier, Chi Omicron, 1997-1999
Grace Houston, Vice President, Lambda Tau Carole Jones, Alpha Delta, 1999-2003
Sally Wagaman, Sigma Tau, 2003-2005
AOII Foundation Board Susan Danko, Phi Upsilon, 2005-2009
Barb Zipperian, Kappa Kappa, 2009-2011
Crystal Grafton Combs, Foundation Board President, Nu Beta
Koren Phillips, Foundation Board Treasurer, Phi Chi Committee Chairmen and
Jessie Wang-Grimm, Foundation Board Secretary, Phi Chi Appointments
Phyllis Austin, Foundation Board Director, Nu Lambda
Kathleen Donohue, Foundation Board Director, Epsilon Chi Ginger Banks, Rituals, Traditions, & Jewelry, Pi Kappa
Judy Flessner, Foundation Board Director, Iota Julie Brining, CIRC, Gamma Delta
Linda Grandolfo, Foundation Board Director, Nu Iota Barbara Hunt, Perry Award, Phi Delta
Allison Allgier, International President, Epsilon Omega Carole Jones, NPC Delegate, Alpha Delta
Joan MacCallum, Historian, Kappa Phi
AOII Properties Board Sandy Stewart, Education, Alpha Chi
Sally Wagaman, Parliamentarian, Sigma Tau
Jane Tessmer, Properties Board President, Gamma Theta Anne Wilmes, Human Resources, Chi Lambda
Lisa Hauser, Properties Board Vice President, Upsilon Alpha
Krista Whipple, Properties Board Treasurer, Omega
Julie Bishop, Properties Board Director, Gamma Theta
Linda Collier, Properties Board Director, Chi Omicron
Gayle Fitzpatrick, Properties Board Director, Alpha Rho

54 • To Dragma Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013

2013-2014 staff and volunteer directory

International Headquarters Sta

Troy LeForge, Executive Director, Beta Phi
Helen Block, Educational Leadership Consultant, Zeta Pi
Rachel Boison, Assistant Director of Public Relations, Kappa Kappa
Don Brown, O ce Administrator
Morgan Butler, Educational Leadership Consultant, Alpha Delta
Lynn Cain, Foundation Administrative Coordinator
Barbie Chadwick, Foundation Executive Director, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
Natalie Cherry, Collegiate Finance Administrator/Accounting Assistant, Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity
Leslie Davidson, Foundation Database Administrator
Mandy Doyle, Corporation Relations Manager, Omicron
Blair Dudley, Assistant Director of Chapter Services, Rho Omicron
Meredith Dunn, Assistant Director of Chapter Services, Tau Omicron
Sherry Dutton, Director of Lifetime Engagement, Sigma Omicron
Whitney Frazier, Creative Director, Rho Omicron
Amy Jo Gabel, Director of Membership Experiences, Epsilon Omega
Roger Gallivan, Director of Finance
Amanda Gilpin, Educational Leadership Consultant, Iota
Kandyce Harber, General Counsel, Omicron
Jodie Hassall, Events and Public Relations Manager, Alpha Chi
Heather Hays, Assistant Director of Extension, Chi Psi
Mandy Hedstrom, Educational Leadership Consultant, Alpha Phi
Jackie Heintz, Corporation Relations Manager, Chi Lambda
Tim Humphries, Information Systems Manager
Laura Johnson, Educational Leadership Consultant, Alpha Chi
Veronica Kentish, Director of Housing Initiatives, Lambda Beta
Ti any Kirkland, Educational Leadership Consultant, Sigma
Jackie Lynch, Accounting Administrator, Rho Omicron
Kara Mantooth, Director of Extension, Delta Omega
Abby Mason, Director of Events and Public Relations, Rho Omicron
Angela Matula, Administrative Assistant
Kaya Miller, Assistant Executive Director, Gamma Theta
Nevena Pehar, Educational Leadership Consultant, Gamma Theta
Jackie Rae Petta, Educational Leadership Consultant, Theta Omega
Kristen Phelps, Educational Leadership Consultant, Kappa Tau
Amy Poklinkoski, Corporation Relations Manager, Chi Delta
Woody Ratterman, Director of Properties and Corporation Services
Mariellen Sasseen, Director of To Dragma and Archives, Alpha Delta
Amanda Smith, Director of Administration, Omega Omicron
Kimberly Sons, Assistant Director of Education & Resource Development, Beta Phi
Courtney Sta ord, Foundation Director of Advancement, Chi Omega Fraternity
Lauren Stern, Educational Leadership Consultant, Pi Alpha
Hillary Stewart, Assistant Director of New Chapter Development, Sigma Gamma
Mary Catherine Stewart, Assistant Director of Extension, Delta Delta
Lindsay Stoltz, Assistant Director of New Chapter Development, Alpha Chi
Mary Kate Sweeney, Assistant Director of Chapter Services, Omega
Andrea Theobald, Director of Chapter Services, Epsilon Omega
Laura Ward, Foundation Controller
Whitney Waters, Corporation Relations Manager, Nu Beta
Jana West, Foundation Campaign Director, Rho Omicron

Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013 To Dragma • 55

Network
Teams

Network 1

Network Director, Melissa Schoenfeld, Delta
ADCS, Blair Dudley, Rho Omicron
NS-Alumnae, Bridget Scanlon, Theta Pi
NS-Alumnae, Kay Welch, Theta Pi
NS-Finance, Heidi Butler, Nu Delta
NS-Finance, Caroline Lazzara, Lambda Beta
NS-Leadership, Kelly O’Dwyer-Manuel, Gamma Chi
NS-Leadership, Leslie Sponder-Seagram, Kappa Phi
NS-Recruitment, Amy Kumpel, Delta
NS-Recruitment, Mallory Stratton, Gamma

Network 2

Network Director, Susan Bonifield, Nu Beta
ADCS, Meredith Dunn, Tau Omicron
NS-Alumnae, Jeannie Arbegast, Zeta Psi
NS-Alumnae, Heidi Snow, Kappa Pi
NS-Finance, Carey Unger, Nu Omicron
NS-Leadership, Jenny Meade, Omega Upsilon
NS-Leadership, Brooke Wesley Shivers, Kappa Omega
NS-Recruitment, Janet Evers, Theta Psi
NS-Recruitment, Tracy Lyons, Delta Delta

Network 3

Network Director, Shari Kagan, Nu Iota
ADCS, Mary Kate Sweeney, Omega
NS-Alumnae, Sharon Boison, Kappa Kappa
NS-Alumnae, Stephanie Mete, Delta Rho
NS-Finance, Allison Marshall, Iota
NS-Leadership, Christine Brown, Lambda Eta
NS-Leadership, Nicole George, Iota Sigma
NS-Leadership, Liz Pelletier, Iota
NS-Recruitment, Mikaela Crosby, Beta Gamma
NS-Recruitment, Cat Aiple Smith, Alpha Psi

Network 4

Network Director, Becky Rogers, Epsilon Omega
ADCS, Mary Kate Sweeney, Omega
NS-Alumnae, Melissa Underwood, Tau Omega
NS-Finance, Sandi Chadwick, Pi Alpha
NS-Leadership, Ashley Dumat, Rho Omicron
NS-Leadership, Amy Pike, Alpha Chi
NS-Recruitment, Katherine Thornton, Nu Beta
NS-Recruitment, Amanda Story, Delta Omega

Network 5

Network Director, Kathy Andrews, Gamma Theta
ADCS, Blair Dudley, Rho Omicron
NS-Alumnae, Kaelin Moore, Gamma Theta
NS-Alumnae, Marty Harrison, Lambda Sigma
NS-Finance, Jill Forehand, Alpha Lambda
NS-Leadership, Kirsten Schwarz, Gamma Omicron
NS-Leadership, Cayla Lanier, Gamma Theta
NS-Recruitment, Becky Gamble, Gamma Sigma
NS-Recruitment, Karey Windham, Delta Delta

2013-2014 staff and volunteer directory

2 Network 6

Network 1 Network 5 Network Director, Jen Hiebner, Zeta
Network 2 Network 6 ADCS, Mary Kate Sweeney, Omega
Network 3 Network 7 NS-Alumnae, Rene Fitzgerald, Pi Kappa
Network 4 Network 8 NS-Alumnae, Ally McArdle, Iota Tau
NS-Finance, TBD
NS-Leadership, Jodi Stiles, Kappa Sigma
NS-Leadership, Meagan Smejdir, Phi Sigma
NS-Recruitment, Megan Ehrisman, Iota
NS-Recruitment, Jill Subera, Tau

Network 7

Network Director, Kimberly McCollom, Delta Alpha
ADCS, Blair Dudley, Rho Omicron
NS-Alumnae, Dolores Rhodes, Alpha Delta
NS-Alumnae, Patti Dowie, Kappa Tau
NS-Finance, Jennifer Moore, Gamma Delta
NS-Leadership, Joelle McWilliams, Kappa Tau
NS-Leadership, Megan Morris, Sigma Omicron
NS-Recruitment, Hannah Beth Cobb, Zeta Pi
NS-Recruitment, Anna Davis, Alpha Kappa

Network 8

Network Director, Debbie Tam, Beta Phi
ADCS, Meredith Dunn, Tau Omicron
NS-Alumnae, Boualoy Dayton, Lambda Beta
NS-Alumnae, Liz Pietsch, Beta Phi
NS-Alumnae, Clara Tomsula, Alpha Omicron
NS-Finance, Shala Sweet, Kappa Lambda
NS-Leadership, Christina Kraft-Andersen, Kappa Lambda
NS-Leadership, Theresa Ludvigson, Chi Psi
NS-Recruitment, Kera Bjornerud, Delta Sigma
NS-Recruitment, Meghan Granito, Tau Gamma

New Chapter Development

NS-Development, Amy Simonini, Beta Phi
NS-Development, Laurel Zeidman, Delta
NS-Development, Renée Hebert, Lambda Tau
NS-Development, Nicole Claudon, Alpha Gamma
NS-Development, Rachel Higdon, Tau Omega
NS-Development, Agatha Starczyk, Kappa Lambda
NS-Development, Melissa Healy, Omega
NS-Development, Jamie Beck, Sigma Omicron
NS-Development, Melanie Blackwell, Delta Sigma
NS-Development, Lori Miller, Lambda Tau
NS-Development, Jaynellen Jenkins, Phi Beta
NS-Development, Jennifer Martinkovich, Epsilon Omega
NS-Development, Laura Dunlap, Kappa Tau
NS-Development, Clarke Erickson, Xi
NS-Development, Rochelle Toth, Alpha Psi
NS-Development, Jenny Lavers, Chi Psi
NS-Development, Angela Harper-Pedersen, Delta Sigma
NS-Development, Taryn Hinderland, Xi

From the Archives Upsilon, U of Washington
Located in Seattle, Washington,
AOII is Re-Installing Great Traditions! Upsilon was originally chartered in
In the past several months, AOII has 1915. This photo from June 1963 was
had the good fortune of welcoming taken at a tea honoring the chapter’s
back several wonderful chapters. graduating seniors.
These archival chapter photos
highlight fun or historic moments
from the past that set the stage for the
future of these “new” chapters.

Beta Chi, Kentucky Wesleyan College
It was April 25, 1959 when AOII
first installed Beta Chi Chapter in
Owensboro, Kentucky. This photo
captures members at a campus
reception held the
day after their installation.

Alpha Pi, Florida State U
In this 1933 photo, members are proudly
standing in front of their house which was then
located on Park Avenue in Tallahassee, Florida.
Past International President Mary Louise Filer
Roller, who is now deceased, is pictured at the
far right during her collegiate years.

58• To Dragma Issue no.1 • Fall/Winter 2013

Alpha Rho, Oregon State U
Located in Corvallis, Oregon,
Alpha Rho was first installed
in June 1926. This fun photo
from 1985-86 shows the
Alpha Rhos showing off their
athletic spirit.

Issue no.1 • Fall/Winter 2013 Phi Upsilon, Purdue U
AOII is proud to have returned to this
great university in West Lafayette,
Indiana. This photo features the
original Charter Members of Phi
Upsilon in 1963.

Alpha, Barnard College of Columbia U
Unless you have been completely out
of touch with the Fraternity for the past
year, you know Alpha Chapter was
re-installed with great excitement last
Spring at Columbia U in New York City.
We run this classic Alpha photo once
again of the Class of 1898 on graduation
day. All four AOII Founders and the first
initiate were in this processional.

To Dragma • 59

With grateful appreciation, AOII recognizes the following new
members who joined between July 24 & Nov. 15, 2013.

Alpha Beta Phi Epsilon Chi Nu Beta

Josephine Wei Jenna Hess Rory E. Richardson Susan Ramey Crabtree
Marilyn Rutherford Jones Lacey Orr
Alpha Chi Pat Hargus Williams Epsilon Omega Avery Pierron
Katie Zachary
Kayla Woosley Evans Chi Epsilon Hannah Peterson Schklar
Sandy Alford Stewart Nu Iota
Amy Gehring Gamma Delta
Alpha Delta Kay Olson Shannon
Chi Lambda Mandy Davis
Laura Cross Hannah Fabbro Nu Omicron
Kaleigh Kessler Lois Ryon Schmidt
Gamma Omicron Erin Baldwin
Alpha Gamma Chi Omicron Kimberlee Smith Swindler
Tamara Yang Demko
Sharon Hart Cavanagh Lynda Sue Smith Maier Virginia Otts Scigliano Omega
Stephanie Washburn
Delta Gamma Sigma Wendy Sherman Fortunato
Alpha Kappa
Anna Manzi Pesce Angelica New Omega Omicron
Linda Wise Tucker Cindy Young Spence
Delta Delta Camille Horton Gamble
Alpha Omicron Iota
Emily E. Gaines Omega Sigma
Mary Myers Tessier Tracy Cochran Lambert Christine Conry
Leah Vaughan Bette Busch Maniscalco Shannon Davis
Alpha Phi Christine Rovani
Delta Pi Omega Upsilon
Jennifer Breeden Kayser Iota Theta
Karen Payne Sarah Clark Samantha Matthews
Stephanie Dos Santos
Beta Chi Delta Sigma Phi
Kappa Alpha
Kimberly Holt Bridget Lapin Kari Auston Quinn
Danita Dellera Sorenson Pat Uhde Spencer
Beta Gamma Phi Alpha
Epsilon
Megan Merony Jeanne Jones
Eva Stern Steadman Kappa Kappa Shirley Patton Richards

Epsilon Alpha Judith Clark Theobald Phi Kappa

Elizabeth Brackbill Houser Kappa Omega Kay Maynard Teufel
Anna Lorence
Kelly Price Phi Upsilon

Kappa Omicron Linda Amos Cole-McBroom

Annelise Blair Pi Alpha
Georgianna Bowersox Lissauer
Nikki Adams
Kappa Sigma
Sigma
Aspen Casperson
Jan Marie Mitchell
Kappa Tau
Sigma Delta
Kristen Phelps
Mary Gasson
Lambda Alpha Leanne Mallory

Dia Romero Sigma Gamma
Noelle Soto
Christie Pavelock
Lambda Chi
Sigma Lambda
Jordin Dombrosky
Sandra Sleek Castek

Sigma Omicron Anne Marie Toy Hall

Carolyn Swindle Wyatt Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee State U)

Sigma Tau Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter, Rho Omicron AAC Member,
AOII Human Resources Committee, Life Loyal AOII Member
Becca Hoffman
I am immensely grateful to be a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity.
Tau My positive experiences extend far beyond those wonderful collegiate years.
The relationships I have developed with women of all ages and from all
Fe Felmlee different walks of life are as irreplaceable as they are meaningful.

Tau Delta As a collegian and as an alumna, I have had many opportunities to attend
trainings where we learned how to be effective leaders and volunteers.
Helen Roberts McAleer Those same skills have been invaluable while running my own business as a
Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice.
Tau Omicron
I became Life Loyal because it is a simple way to help fund future
Celeste Johnson educational and leadership programs in AOII - as well as endowing the
future of To Dragma. It is a worthy cause and just one more way to give
Theta Beta back to a sisterhood that has given me so much.

Diana De Fabio
Brittany Sullivan

Theta Iota

Amanda Nealand

Theta Omega

Ashely Fagnani

Theta Pi

Jo Ann Matthews Hooper

Theta Psi

Melissa Wisniewski

Upsilon

Mary Grondahl Beiningen

Upsilon Alpha

Mary Hysong McElvain

Upsilon Lambda

Sandra Ayers Barnes
Kristy Pacheco

Xi

Courtney Boyle
Tierra Jones

Xi Omicron

Brianna Maldonado
Emily Murray
Taylor Stevens

Xi Rho

Kat Chilidonia
Sophie Origel

Fall Photo Gallery

Sigma Omicron (Arkansas State U)

Gamma Theta (U of South Florida) Pi Alpha (U of Louisville)

62 • To Dragma Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013

Epsilon Chi (Elon U)

Kappa Omega (U of Kentucky)

Lambda Beta (U of California, Long Beach)

Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013 Alpha Nu (Ramapo College)
To Dragma • 63

Mu Lambda (Rollins College) Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)
Sigma Delta (Huntingdon College)

Lambda Upsilon (Lehigh U)
Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)

64 • To Dragma Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013

Omega Sigma (Oklahoma State U) Xi Omicron (U of Arkansas)
Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013 Delta Sigma (San Jose State U)
Pi Theta (Florida International U)

To Dragma • 65

EF xec’Dutive Board RF ub’yD Fund
Message Message

Greetings from the AOII Executive Board: During this time of year when we celebrate the founding of AOII,
it is tting that we also focus on those who are in a less fortunate
It is certainly tting on Founders’ Day to re ect back on our Fraternity’s position than we. As we have all bloomed together as AOIIs in
rich history. We humbly walk in the footsteps of thousands of the good times, we must stand together in dire times as well.
exceptional women who have let their light shine so brightly for our The Ruby Fund allows us to help our sisters in the direst of
fraternity for more than 117 years. While the four young college juniors situations and circumstances. We have the opportunity as sisters
who founded Alpha Omicron Pi began the journey alone, they were to give those women a chance to bloom again.
not alone long. Since our rst initiate, Ann Richardson Hall, AOII has
welcomed more than 155,000 women into our lifelong sisterhood. Since its inception in 1946, the Ruby Fund has assisted more
than 300 sisters who nd themselves in life’s most di cult
Looking back, we remain impressed by our Founders’ courage and the circumstances. Whether it is a weather-related disaster, loss of
profound love they shared when meeting to formally organize Alpha income due to job loss, or being physically unable to work, the
Omicron Pi on January 2, 1897. Almost a half century later in 1942, Stella Ruby Fund has been there. Whether it is a situation where a sister
Perry wrote, “We were just girls like you. But we did have faith and love nds herself, or even her child, a victim of domestic abuse, an
and vision. But greater vision we have now for you, dear pledges. For illness so devastating it’s hard to imagine, or a divorce in what was
you are the Founders of AOII as clearly as were we; and we set in your once a happy home, the Ruby Fund has been there. The Ruby
hands, with con dence, a great destiny and great service and a great Fund has helped these sisters bloom again because their sisters
joy.” All members have been entrusted with a great responsibility - the have cared and illustrated that caring by donating to the Ruby
future of our fraternity. That is a responsibility to be embraced and Fund. This is your opportunity. This is your chance to make yet
advanced with honor. another di erence in the life of an AOII sister.

Our Founders spoke often regarding their desire that Founders’ Day not Please give generously to the Ruby Fund this year - and every year.
be a time to pay tribute to them, but rather be a time to look inward in When you support the Ruby Fund, it is directly supporting a sister
hopes that we might individually rededicate ourselves to the promises in need. A need so very few of us can even imagine. And it will
we made at our initiation. This year we challenge every member to change her life for the better. She will have the opportunity to
join us in re ecting on your personal journey with AOII. Let us each bloom again.
ask if we are ful lling the oath we voluntarily took upon ourselves at
initiation. Are we living the values of our sisterhood? Stella Perry once Roses,
described Alpha Omicron Pi as a laboratory of love. In it, she compared AOII Ruby Fund Committee
our individual good works to an atom always expanding until good Tracy Herand McCarty, Chairman, Upsilon Alpha
helps overcome all the evil and hatred on the earth. Our Founders truly Debbie Welsh Koenig, Beta Lambda
believed the world will always need the good works of each Alpha Antonia (Toni) Flowers Morgan, Alpha Chi
Omicron Pi member.

May the love and inspiration of those who have walked before us serve
as a guide throughout the coming year.

Fraternally,
2013-2015 AOII Executive Board

Allison Allgier, International President, Epsilon Omega
Krista Whipple, Vice President of Finance, Omega
Amber Countis, Vice President, Pi
Susan Danko, Vice President, Phi Upsilon
Gayle Fitzpatrick, Vice President, Alpha Rho
Karen Galehan, Vice President, Phi Lambda
Rebecca Herman, Vice President, Chi Lambda
Grace Houston, Vice President, Lambda Tau

66 • To Dragma Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013

For Further Discussion

An article in this issue, “A Stitch in Time,” shares the stories of three
members who preserved some of their most treasured AOII and
collegiate memories by creating quilts using their favorite tee shirts.
We know that dozens of you have created similar quilts of your
own. We also know that hundreds, if not thousands, of you may
not have made the quilt, but you still own the tee!

Do you still have your classic AOII jersey, a favorite Homecoming
shirt, or your Rose Ball souvenir tee? Behind every shirt is a great
story so we invite you to share a short version of your story on the
AOII Facebook page on Tuesday, January 21. Watch for a post that
morning from the Fraternity getting the discussion started. Tell us
what memory that shirt evokes or why you have kept it. We’ll
be following the Facebook discussion and will select a few of our
favorites to run on this page in the Spring To Dragma. We’ll also
present you with another topic for further discussion.

Issue no. 1 • Fall/Winter 2013 We hope you will enjoy this new
regular feature in To Dragma. We
think there’s always something fun
up for discussion among sisters!

To Dragma • 67

Alpha Omicron Pi Nonprofit Organization
Fraternity U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
International Headquarters Bolingbrook, IL
5390 Virginia Way Permit No. 374

Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Anne Marie Toy Hall, Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee State U)

Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter, Rho Omicron AAC Member,
AOII Human Resources Committee Member
Life Loyal AOII Member

LIFELOYAgLr.oO.RlaGyolefil