Fall 2022 - To Dragma

Fall 2022

tahembition generation
ONLINE Feature article on pages 12-16

ACTIVISTS SOCIAL MEDIA

GEN ZANXIOUSSPONTANEOUS
CURIOUS SHMEECANRLTTAEHLENS

LOYAL
TEXTINGCUETLHTNUIRCAELCLYRDEIAVETROSRES

AMBITIOUSOPEN-MINDED

SOCIALTHOUGHTFUL
lso in his issue...
17 The Landscape of Recruitment 28 Profile - Susan Wiant Brooks 52 Alpha Pi Reunion

Contents

CONTENTS 12
4 Editor’s Letter 30 AOII's Ambitious Beginnings

7 Viewpoint 32 Meet the ELCs

8 Fraternity News 35 AOII Foundation Scholarship GEN Ztgaheemnberiatitoionn
10 Founders' Day Messages Recipients
12 Gen Z - The Ambition Generation
17 The Landscape of Recruitment 40 Things We Love
22 Profile - Lambda Sigma's 42 2022-2023 AOII

Heather Dixon Adams Volunteer Directory
25 The Legacy of Sisterhood 50 Join Us For Convention 2023
28 Profile - Omega's 52 Back Together Again -

Susan Wiant Brooks An Alpha Pi Reunion Story
1 | Summer 2022 56 Fall Photos
66 Shop the AOII Emporium

Contents
Sigma Alpha (West Virginia U)

17 28 52

THE 2

LANDSCAPE

RecruOiFtment
in 2022

About Alpha Omicron Pi: r m he e i
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College
in New York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie I hope you will enjoy our third issue in a five-part series
Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Stella focusing on the Fraternity Ends (aka goals). This issue
George Stern Perry & Elizabeth Heywood Wyman. highlights our Ambition End which states AOII members
The Object of the Fraternity: are confident, ambitious, and engaged. Ambition is also a
The object of the Fraternity shall be to encourage a significant word in AOII's tagline, Inspire Ambition. What a
spirit of Fraternity and love among its members; to powerful word this is, implying a strong desire for success
stand at all times for character, dignity, scholarship, through hard work and determination. Motivation, dream,
and college loyalty; to strive for and support the enthusiasm, and sense of purpose, are fitting synonyms
best interest of the colleges and universities in that describe the driving force behind AOII and add depth
which chapters are installed, and in no way to to this important End statement.
disregard, injure, or sacrifice those interests for the
sake of prestige or advancement of the Fraternity I am confident that the members we selected to profile in
or any of its chapters. this issue will inspire you. A sense of purpose describes
Culture Principles: these impressive women to a tee. Certainly, four other
A look at “how” we do things: Accountability ambitious members were our founders. We are proud to
& Ownership, Collaboration, Engagement, share a reminder of ambitions and dreams behind the
Innovation, Open & Honest Communication. establishment of Alpha Omicron Pi.
How to Join Life Loyal AOII:
Visit the Life Loyal page on the AOII website or Our feature story is both inspiring and educational. In Gen
contact [email protected]. Z: The Ambition Generation, you can learn more about
How to Join an AOII Alumnae Chapter: how the current collegiate generation, dubbed Gen Z,
Visit the Chapter Locator page on the AOII website is driven by ambition and many other defining factors.
for contact information on an alumnae chapter Our Executive Director Kaya Miller shares how YPULSE
near you. research data has given us great insight into our current
International President and future collegians. Creating programs that Inspire
Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi) Ambition is key to meeting the needs of our members
Executive Director today and for AOII's future.
Kaya Miller, Gamma Theta (U of South Florida)
Alpha Omicron Pi is a member of the National Of course, there are other ambition-themed stories
Panhellenic Conference and the Fraternity within these pages – scan the impressive sisters who
Communications Association. received AOII Foundation Scholarships, flip through the
directory of our AOII leaders, enjoy highlights of the
4 | Fall 2022 fall recruitment season, meet this year's Educational
Leadership Consultants, read our teaser on next year's
International Convention, and get excited about our new
wine club. Each and every story speaks to our ambition or
sense of purpose. I hope you enjoy this issue and you find
something within these pages that inspires you.

Fraternally,

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

Want to be featured in our
print or digital media?

We love to showcase photos and videos of our members and About To Dragma:
sisterhood. If accepted, your submission could appear in the next To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron
issue of To Dragma, on our website, or featured across all Pi Fraternity and has been published since 1905. The
of AOII’s social media! mission of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to inform,
educate, and inspire our readers on subjects relevant
Three ways to submit your photos and videos: to our Fraternity, our chapters, our members, or Greek
life; to encourage lifetime AOII involvement; to salute
1 Visit our Photo and Video Submission page on the AOII excellence; and to serve as a permanent record of our
website, via the For Members page. Fraternity’s history.

2 Email your submissions to [email protected]. Director of Strategic Partnerships/Editor
3 Tag @alphaomicronpi in your photos. Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)

Follow Don’t forget to follow AOII to stay in the know! Graphic Designer/Webmaster
Julianna Johnson, Beta Phi (Indiana U)
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uabaoii Stay Connected:
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alphaomicronpi As we begin a new week, remember that alphaomicronpi Our #MotivationMonday comes from our
you are always so loved here at AOII. AMAZING Chapter Presidents!
#inspireambition #alphaomicronpi #inspireambition #alphaomicronpi

6 | Fall 2022 Alpha Lambda (Georgia Southern U)

Viewpoint

CVryIstEalWGrPaftOonICNomTbs

In AOII, we seek to Inspire Ambition, and this edition of Ambition is often thought of like dessert, with there being
our magazine features stories about ambitious women. only so much to go around. Take my favorite holiday
One of the several definitions of ambition, as defined by Cherry Cream pie, for instance. Our family never misses
Merriam-Webster, is a “desire to achieve a particular end.” the chance to gather for that first slice because one never
What I love about this is the use of the word “end.” This is knows how much will be left over! In reality, ambition is not
especially true because Ambition is one of our Fraternity’s at all a piece of the pie that cannot be shared for fear of
five Ends, and yet it is not the end of our story. It is there being nothing left. I believe it is quite the opposite.
something we hope to achieve as part of our sisterhood Ambition is taking a moment to maximize the potential of
experience. And it begins with you. other women in the room. It is collaboration on a project
I believe that ambition is unique to each of us. It is not with the outcome being greater than would otherwise
something that can be captured in one statement or be possible. It is connecting people within your network
definition. It is more powerful than that. It is what we to open the door of possibility for others, as well as for
make of it. For each of us, ambition can look and feel yourself. It is indeed saying a friend’s name in a room full
di erent. It can be the desire to climb the next rung on the of opportunities. It is knowing that someone else’s success
proverbial corporate ladder, to be the first woman in your does not diminish your own.
field of study to accomplish a specific goal, to start a new When was the last time you opened the door for someone
business, or to raise a family of your own. Ambition is what else, creating connections that could yield potential
we make of it. success for a friend or a sister? As you read the pages of
I also believe that ambition can take the form of how we this magazine, I challenge you to think about what ambition
treat one another. Although I do not know the author, I means to you and how you can use that knowledge to
am often reminded of the meme that reads something to positively impact the life of someone else. It will very likely
the e ect of, “Surround yourself with women who would also positively impact your own. The same has been true
mention your name in a room full of opportunities.” To me, for me.
this is the highest form of ambition – having the confidence Fraternally,
and courage to say someone else’s name in a room full
of opportunities, all while knowing that it will not diminish
your own.

Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi) 7
AOII International President

Inulliquam, sim qui

FRATERNITY NEWS

Support one of the Arthritis Foundation’s Signature Events

AOII is a proud partner of the Arthritis Foundation and a major
participant in both of their annual signature events, Jingle Bell Run
(JBR) and Walk to Cure Arthritis (WTCA). These events raise funds for
research to find a cure. All AOII collegiate and alumnae chapters are
encouraged to form teams in a city near you, using “AOII” in your team
name so we can track participation and e orts. You can learn more
about both events by visiting arthritis.org/events.

JBR events are held November through the end of December in cities
across the US. Registration is open now!

WTCA Events are held during the months of April and May in cities
across the US. Register to walk in the spring of 2023!

ALUMNAE LEADERSHIP Coming Spring 2023
CONFERENCE
Virtual Alumnae Leadership Conference

Virtual ALC is AOII’s signature alumnae-centered event that
enables members to connect with sisters from across North
America. This two-day virtual gathering will include educational
and engaging programming along with plenty of sisterhood
moments. Watch for dates to be announced in the coming months.
Ask a sister to join you online! You won’t want to miss it!

8 | Fall 2022

Mark Your Calendars Fraternity News

NOV November 29, 2022 - Giving Tuesday
JAN #GivingTuesday is a global movement that unleashes the power of
people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
JAN Join us November 29 to support the Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation on
FEB this worldwide day of giving.
MAR
JUNE Fou ndaers'yDay January 2, 2023 - Celebrate Founders' Day
AOII’s o cial Founders’ Day observance date can be confusing. In
LEADERSHIP AOII’s early years, it was celebrated on January 2 each year, but
ACADEM Y was considered by many to be very inconvenient. For decades, AOII
celebrated Founders’ Day on Stella Perry’s birthday, December 8. AOII
3.14 history reminds us that December 23, 1896, is the date the Founders
pledged one another in the old Columbia College Library, and January
JUNE 21-25, 2023 2, 1897, is the date the Fraternity was formally organized in the home
of Helen St. Clair Mullan. In 2020, the AOII Executive Board voted to
n erna i na reduce the confusion by amending AOII’s Standing Rules, o cially
making January 2 AOII’s Founders’ Day.
CONVENTION
January 7-8, 2023 - Virtual Leadership Academy
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity is excited to host o cer onboarding and
training opportunities at Leadership Academy 2023, which will be held
as a virtual experience for all AOII collegiate chapters. All collegiate
Executive Team members as well as Chapter Advisors and Membership
Recruitment Advisors should be in attendance to participate in training
specific to their role while connecting with sisters from across North
America. Virtual LA 2023 will take place Saturday and Sunday, January
7-8. We look forward to sharing more information with our attendees
soon!

February 1, 2023 - AOII Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline
AOII Foundation Scholarship applications are open now for eligible
collegiate and alumnae members on the Programs page of the AOII
Foundation website. Visit alphaomicronpi.org/foundation to get
started!

March 14, 2023 - Pi Day
Pi Day is Tuesday, March 14, and to honor the date, the AOII Foundation
is asking sisters to donate $3.14 multiplied by the number of years they
have been initiated. Visit alphaomicronpi.org/foundation/donate to
join in this fun way to celebrate Alpha Omicron Pi.

June 21-25, 2023 - International Convention
Convention 2023 will be held in-person once again and we could not
be more excited. Join us next June at the Gaylord Texan Resort and
Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. Flip to page 50 to learn more
about what we have in store for our biennial celebration of sisterhood.

9

2023 FOUNDERS' DAY MESSAGE

This year marks the end of a milestone celebration honoring 125 years of sisterhood
in Alpha Omicron Pi. In the 25 years since our last milestone anniversary, we have
welcomed thousands of new sisters, said goodbye to many others whose legacies
will long be remembered, sustained our sisterhood in times of economic prosperity
and hardship, and persevered amid a global pandemic. Still, here we are, carrying
on in the footsteps of our founders, who experienced equally challenging times in
their own lives and emerged with renewed strength and commitment to our values,
offering guidance and inspiration to our members.
A 1949 Founders’ Day greeting penned by Jessie Wallace Hughan shared, “May our
candle burn bright and steady through the coming AOII year. May we not forget that
in our candle we carry a sacred flame – a flame to light the way of love, which the
world must find or perish.”
Throughout their lives, our founders remained steadfast in their dedication to the
character, dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty. Their love for one another, and
for all whose paths they crossed, encouraged us to remain true to the keystone
of our Fraternity. It is this spirit of love that continues to guide us each year as we
seek to inspire a new generation of women who will lead us into our future. Just
as our past now includes another milestone on our timeline in history, our future
now includes the opportunity for us to gather together in person at a Convention
next summer for the first time in four years. As we prepare for this celebration of
our sisterhood and for all that will follow, may we always remember, in the words of
Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, that “love admits of no boundaries.”
Fraternally,
2021-2023 Executive Board
Crystal Grafton Combs, International President
Lacey Bowman, International Vice President of Finance
Susan Bonifield, International Vice President
Ashley Dumat, International Vice President
Jaynellen Behre Jenkins, International Vice President
Koren Phillips, International Vice President
Chantel Schieffer, International Vice President
Carey Unger, International Vice President

10 | Fall 2022

2023 RUBY FUND MESSAGE

Our world is evolving at a rapid pace – weather emergencies such as tornadoes,
flooding, and wildfires are more prevalent; prices for necessities are increasing
faster than salaries; and crime rates are rising, including gun and domestic
violence. One thing, however, is a constant in Alpha Omicron Pi: our sisters are
always there when the times are tough, guided by our Ritual and Alpha Love.
For more than 75 years, the Ruby Fund has provided sisters in need with grants
to assist them in getting back on their feet. From our first grant recipient, founder
Stella George Stern Perry, to those of today and tomorrow, sisters have received
hundreds of thousands of dollars to help them through their tough times. Those
grants, totaling more than $750,000, have helped sisters through natural
disasters, illnesses and injuries, bad home situations, and so much more.
We anticipate the need for the Ruby Fund to grow this year. We hope that you
tell your sisters who confide in you about their struggles about this assistance
available to them, thus sharing Alpha Love. We also ask you on this Founders’
Day to make your donation to aid those sisters who are going through their
toughest times. By doing so, you will be showing the spirit of our Ritual to our
sisters in need.
Thank you for sharing your Alpha Love with your sisters through your support of
the Ruby Fund.
Sincerely,
2021-2023 Ruby Fund Committee
Laura Plummer, Alpha Delta
Samantha Buente, Chi Lambda
Vicki Menna, Theta Pi
Beth Anne Merida, Kappa Chi
Barbori Streibl, Kappa Lambda
Susan Jane Story, Omega Xi

11

GENLOYSAPLOTNHTOAUNGEHOTUFUSL
ETHNICALLY DIVERSE
ACUMLTUBREITCRIOEATUORSS
TEXTING

CURIOUS

gtaheemnberiatitoionn It’s hard to imagine that there is anyone reading this
article who hasn’t heard at least a little bit about
By Kaya Miller, Gen Z. If you engage in pop culture or in any social
Gamma Theta (U of South Florida), AOII Executive Director media at all, whether you realize it or not, you’ve
likely been shaped and inspired by members of this
12 | Fall 2022 motivated and ambitious generation, who were born
between approximately 1998-2016. Their attitudes,
world outlook, spending power, and consumer habits
continue to drive trends and impact our world. The
next subset of this generation, who are the last of Gen
Z and the start of Gen Alpha, are approximately 13-
20 years old and are either in or preparing to attend
college. They are the next group whose ambitions will
collectively influence our organization, and who will
leave their legacy in AOII.

DCOIGMPITAASSSLIOOANCCATTIVIEAISTLS

MENTAL

ZOASCPRNEENEXN-HMSIEOINADULTEHDS
GLOBAL

ONLINE

SOCIAL MEDIA

The individuals who are or will be our next Gen Z members most often describe themselves
collegiate members are part of a generation that has as diverse, social, anxious about the future, and
experienced multiple world crises at a young age, ambitious, especially with regards to breaking
and they have been shaped and influenced by these traditional stereotypes and casting o limiting
world events. The COVID pandemic, the climate crisis, gender norms. Gen Z is the most diverse
and attention on social injustice and inequity has generation in the world to date, with over 50% of
prompted this generation to view their role in the world young people self-identifying as Black, Indigenous,
ambitiously and to seek and live out their dreams with or People of Color (BIPOC). Gen Z is choosing to
zeal. Like Millennials before them, social media has associate themselves with causes, organizations,
always been at the center of their entertainment, but and brands that they feel are most inclusive,
it also now commands a central role in their social looking for the experiences that make them feel
lives and experiences, which is all making an impact represented and which reflect their values.
on their choices as young adults, including whether to
join a sorority when they attend college, and what to 13
expect from the experience if they do.

The Ambition Generation GEN Z PROFILE
Gen Z’s social connectedness fuels their ambition
to make a di erence in the world. They were STATUS
raised on YouTube, where they have found and
watched creators that look like them and their The new culture creators
friends - often in sharp contrast to what they’ve
found in traditional media. Entertaining content is BIRTH YEARS
the top reason young people are on social media.
For this generation, keeping up with friends 1998 - 2016
and family is a secondary motivation for visiting
platforms, which helps to explain which apps AGES IN 2022
and sites they’re using most. TikTok has become
an addicting source of entertainment, thanks 6 to 24 years old
to endless videos of dancing and viral trends
(RushTok, anyone?!). Keeping up with loved ones POPULATION SIZE
is not a focus of this app.
Gen Z members also have almost unparalleled 77.9 Million | U.S.
openness about mental health challenges, and 2-2.3 Billion | Global
they acknowledge a reliance on social media that
is also contributing to mental health concerns. SPENDING POWER
Young adults in North America have a heightened
sense of social and cultural anxiety that previous $10.7 Billion/Year U.S.
generations did not experience. COVID has
had a significant impact on the mental health of DIFFERENTIATORS
Gen Z, who has been more likely to be feeling
the emotional strain of the pandemic, and more Diversity
than half of Gen Z teens say their mental health Digitally-driven lives
has been negatively impacted by COVID, as Grew up in times of crisis
compared to 48% of Millennials. For Gen Z,
mental health issues are not a taboo topic. More SOURCES: ESTIMATES BASED ON
than any of their older peers, they are driven to YPULSE, PEW, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU,
bring conversations about mental health into the AND UN DATA.
open. As a result of this widespread anxiety, Gen
Z are planners; many have a clearly articulated
vision for their desired career path, they are
thoughtful about their spending, and they are
debt-averse.
Gen Z expresses their ambition perhaps most
directly, however, such in the ways in which
they wish to change the world. While Millennials
ushered in a new era of activism by rallying
behind social causes and using their digital
connections to make change, Gen Z is not only
following in their footsteps, but already showing
signs of being an even more ambitious group.
They value representation and want to speak up
to create change and correct broken systems,
and they want their contributions to make a big
impact on the world.

14 | Fall 2022

GLOBAL END The Ambition Generation

Alpha Omicron Pi exists to enrich Gen Z’s characteristics may have you asking
members’ lives through lifelong how a 125-year old organization can possibly
friendships and the ideals of character, adapt to meet the changing demographics of
dignity, scholarship and college today’s college women. Alpha Omicron Pi, at
loyalty, which is achieved through the its heart, has always had the elasticity to both
responsible stewardship of resources. shape generations of members and also be
shaped by those members. Our Founders had
AMBITION this foresight, and our current leaders have put
in place a governance structure that enables us
AOII members are confident, to respond to changing member demographics
ambitious, and engaged. and remain relevant in our changing world.
AOII has five main Ends, or goals, written by our
DIVERSITY, EQUITY Executive Board. These guide our programs,
& INCLUSION procedures, and experiences, and help us stay
relevant. Everything we do in AOII connects
AOII members are culturally back to one of these major Ends that we aspire
competent global citizens committed for our Fraternity to achieve.
to a sisterhood grounded in unique Ambition is one of our five Ends and is the
perspectives and experiences. perfect example of how these goals help us
remain relevant and important in the lives of our
LEADERSHIP members, even as new generations bring so
much cultural change to the world. There are so
AOII members develop and many ways that we incorporate our Ends into the
demonstrate impactful leadership work that each alumnae or collegiate chapter
and valuable life skills. conducts and into the exceptional experience
we hope and envision every member of AOII
SENSE OF BELONGING has. While our Executive Board developed our
ambition goal; that AOII members are confident,
AOII members have a strong sense of ambitious, and engaged, it is the responsibility of
belonging through friendships and a all of AOII’s leaders to work together to execute
personal connection to the Fraternity. strategies to meet that goal. Our professional
sta is responsible for creating the programs,
SERVICE events, policies, and procedures that frame the
goal, and our International and local alumnae
AOII members are committed to volunteers, as well as each individual member of
meaningful service to the Fraternity a chapter, works to be part of that execution.
and their communities. Our Gen Z data tells us that Ambition is a
positive force in their world and gives us a
glimpse as to how today’s young people frame
their own aspirations and goals. When asked,
more than 70% of Gen Z members surveyed
responded positively that in their lifetime,
they want to break down traditional gender
stereotypes and norms. This is a huge indicator
that we can expect their ambition to reach new
heights with regards to career paths and how
they raise their future families.

15

The Ambition Generation Gender equity is important to them, and this has long been a
cause championed and modeled by AOII and our Founders.
GENERATIONS Within every chapter or community, there are examples of
incredibly ambitious AOIIs who are pioneers in traditionally
ALPHA male-dominated fields or who overcome adversity to reach
their goals.
Born after 2016
Internationally, AOII’s programs also seek to Inspire Ambition
GEN Z for all of our members. Mentor Power Hours provide an
opportunity for collegians and young alumnae to learn from
Born 1998 - 2016 the incredible examples that those members set. Participation
in educational programming at Leadership Academy, our
MILLENNIALS Alumnae Leadership Conference, International Convention,
our Advising with Ambition workshops, and service to the
Born 1981 - 1997 Fraternity as a Collegiate O cer, an International Volunteer
or as a CCAB member who are mentors and guides to our
GENERATION X students are all also key indicators to the Fraternity making
progress towards this objective.
Born 1965 - 1980
On a collegiate level, our restructured collegiate o cer
BABY BOOMERS models o er members a chance to develop and practice
leadership skills that are based on the workplace
Born 1946 - 1964 environments that they will soon enter. Team-based work,
peer supervision, holding others accountable, and e ectively
SILENT GENERATION delegating tasks to reach common goals are now the basis
for collegiate o cer roles and responsibilities. AOII has
Born 1925 - 1945 worked to give members experiences that are “resume
ready” for this generation of ambitious planners. In addition,
16 | Fall 2022 our new Inspire Chapter Performance Program now o ers
chapters the opportunity to create a set of goals that are
connected to the Fraternity’s Ends. The Inspire Program
allows chapters to articulate what is important to them,
which we know is highly valued by Gen Z, and then strive to
improve year after year.

AOII today is focused on the future while we also remain
rooted to our founding values and principles. As a Fraternity,
we believe that we must continue to position ourselves
as an organization that welcomes Gen Z new members,
creates an encouraging environment where they can be their
authentic selves while we teach relevant life skills, o er them
mature mentor relationships with alumnae members, act on
DEI initiatives, and provide a place to belong, learn, grow,
and make an impact. Our authentic friendships, personal
empowerment and encouragement towards organizational
goals, plus the goal to always Inspire Ambition can keep AOII
relevant in the lives of all of our members for another 125
years and beyond!

Authors note: In 2020, AOII’s professional sta engaged with YPULSE, a
research company that is the leading authority on Gen Z and Millennials;
today’s tweens, teens, college students, young adults, and young parents,
in order to gain strategic insight into the next generation of our members
and to measure our growth towards the Fraternity’s Ends. YPULSE’s Gen
Z 101:Gen Z vs. Millennials report is the source of the information in this
article. That work and much more can be found at www.ypulse.com.

THE Recruitment in 2022

LANDSCAPE
RecruOiFtment
in 2022
By Susanne Smith, Associate Director of Communications,
Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee State U) In order to excel in a brand new format of virtual
recruitment, collegiate chapter o cers needed
Navigating through the past two years of a to re-route their plans of how they were going
pandemic has been challenging and has brought to prepare their chapter to execute recruitment.
forth a “new normal” - the sorority formal This included Work Week schedules, recruitment
recruitment process is no exception. In order to workshops, plans for each recruitment round,
provide an accurate depiction of the landscape scripts and speeches, and overall logistics - just to
of recruitment in 2022, we must first re-visit the name a few.
recruitment process during 2020. AOII Headquarters Sta Members, Network
During March 2020, our collegiate chapters across Volunteers, Educational Leadership Consultants
North America began virtual learning as universities (ELCs) and advisors joined together to determine
sent campuses home one by one. Shortly after, how to best support collegiate chapters through
everything turned virtual - not just classes - but this new format of recruitment that no one had
overall life including all aspects of the sorority ever done before. We worked together to create
experience. Our collegiate chapters learned how resources and increased our Zoom account
to fulfill their academic responsibilities online and capabilities to virtually connect with collegiate
how to operate Greek life online which allowed for chapter o cers, advisors and volunteers to provide
business to be conducted and most importantly for continuous support as they prepared for their very
sisters to connect and lean on each other during a first virtual recruitment season in the fall.
season of unknowns.

Recruitment in 2022 Depending on the chapter’s plans, a “bump” might
take place at this time which involved an AOII
You may be wondering what a virtual recruitment joining a breakout room where another AOII was
round would even look like via Zoom. Picture this: connecting with a PNM to take over for conversation
an entire collegiate chapter would join a Zoom #2. Eventually, the Virtual Administrator would close
meeting and each member would confirm that the breakout rooms and all PNMs would come back
their name was appropriately labeled on their to the Main Room with the full chapter where they
Zoom box. Many chapters would design a graphic may hear a speech or watch a themed video on
to display to welcome the PNMs into the round or sisterhood or philanthropy, for instance. Once time
a virtual backdrop for each recruiting member to was up, AOIIs would say their good byes and the
upload as their background. Some chapters would PNMs would exit the Zoom meeting.
play music as the PNMs were entering the Zoom The lead up to that 2020 recruitment season
meeting. One o cer who served as the Virtual required all hands-on deck from sta and
Administrator would release the PNMs from the volunteers. Current and past ELCs and Recruitment
Zoom Waiting Room where they would join the Ambassadors were asked to serve as Recruitment
full chapter in the Main Room. Panhellenic would Coaches - a new program developed to provide an
begin the timer as the round would o cially begin! additional level of support.
Typically, the Chapter President and Vice President Past ELC and Senior Recruitment Ambassador India
of Membership Recruitment would o er a welcome Bounds Munroe, Gamma Sigma (Georgia State U)
as the Virtual Administrator worked behind the stepped up to serve as one of our first Recruitment
scenes to assign each PNM to a breakout room with Coaches. India shared, “Obviously, everything
an AOII. The PNMs would join a breakout room and changed in 2020. The way we’d been doing
conversation #1 would begin! recruitment for literal decades was completely out
the window and we had to not only figure out this
"When you take away new approach, but make it work for as many of our
the socials, in-person chapters as possible.
meetings, living together
type experiences, what Above: Xi Omicron (U of Arkansas)
are you left with? Getting Right: Kappa Omicron (Rhodes College)
to the real core of our Far Right: Pi Delta (U of Maryland)
sisterhood and what
keeps our hearts close
no matter the distance
between us was the
most incredible and
rewarding part..."

India Bounds Munroe,
Gamma Sigma (Georgia State U)

18 | Fall 2022

When you take away the socials, in-person Recruitment in 2022
meetings, living together type experiences, what Chapters like Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee
are you left with? Getting to the real core of our State U) and Delta Epsilon (Jacksonville State U)
sisterhood and what keeps our hearts close no connected for the first time virtually during 2020
matter the distance between us was the most for a mock recruitment practice to prepare for fall
incredible and rewarding part of my experience as a 2020 virtual recruitment. Since the pandemic,
coach.” the two chapters have connected multiple times
In order to allow the chapter members to practice for conversation practice and mock recruitment
all virtual recruitment logistics including the flow practices even when recruitment shifted back to
of a virtual recruitment round and how to have a in-person due to the connections they established
natural conversation virtually, sta and volunteers during 2020!
worked to pair chapters together for virtual mock NPC was also busy during this time determining
recruitment practices via Zoom. This allowed how best to support their organizations which
chapters to practice a full recruitment round and resulted in several updates to their policies. In June
have the opportunity to test their WiFi strength and 2020, NPC released “Resolved to Educate, Positive
any media they were planning to use during the Panhellenic Contact and Promoting the Sorority
round. Everyone learned if they planned to play a Experience.” This change allowed collegiate chapter
video, it had to be downloaded to their device as members to conduct outreach to anyone who could
streaming from a website such as YouTube caused be considered a PNM to encourage recruitment
major glitches, and Ethernet cords and hotspots registration and begin building Panhellenic
were a must to have on hand in case of emergency. relationships.
Lighting (shoutout to ring lights) and complimentary
angles were also of utmost importance! umdaoii
Not only did we see chapters gain confidence as Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity
they learned from each other during virtual mock
recruitment practices, but we also saw countless
new friendships made within chapters across North
America, not just in their neck of the woods. Two
years later, we have still seen the result of these
virtual connections when sisters from two di erent
collegiate chapters comment love and support to
one another on their individual social media posts.

315 likes
#suihmnasdrpianirogeiaiomVuirbeviwtaisolunfero#smawlpiothhuaryobomrueicathrkoiosnuwptieroeokemn!dW! e loved

19

Recruitment in 2022 Virtual recruitment forced us, both NPC and AOII,
As you can imagine, this was a major change to look at procedures & tradition and consider if
for chapters and required lots of adjusting and what we were doing was truly e ective. Above all,
creativity. Many chapters excelled in this area, such the emphasis was and still should be on having a
as Theta Delta (Troy U) who utilized an Outreach strong, genuine conversation with a PNM that created
Workgroup to send postcards and found PNMs a connection. We have always known that people
eager to register for recruitment and connect with join people and PNMs seek connections during
sisters during recruitment rounds. recruitment rounds to find the place they can call
PNM outreach generated overall excitement for home. Virtual recruitment removed every frill - there
Greek life and gave reassurance to those who were no decorations, no chants or door stacks, no
may have been hesitant to try virtual recruitment, live singing, your shoes don’t show on screen, etc. –
as some PNMs wished to wait to go through the the list goes on. When all the flu and frills are taken
recruitment process whenever it was going to be away from recruitment, all that is left is conversations,
“normal” again, but who knew when - or if - that speeches, and time spent with the chapter.
day would come? We saw that those who took How we made a PNM feel and if she connected with
the chance on virtual recruitment may have had us was our primary goal as it was all we had! And we
a di erent experience than those who previously saw chapters shine! However, we would be remiss if
recruited in person, but they were able to find a we did not mention the continuous challenges that
community during a heavy season of life which our collegiate chapters are experiencing, and how
was so needed. They were able to begin forming they are adapting to those challenges.
lifelong bonds sooner rather than later. They did not Per the National Student Clearinghouse Research
have to wait to experience sisterhood and begin Center, enrollment declines have continued to worsen
doing life with one another even if life was virtual. through the spring 2022 term and “as a result, the
undergraduate student body is now 9.4 percent or
AOIIVPMR nearly 1.4 million students smaller than before the
pandemic.” A decrease of enrollment results in a
Alpha Omicron Pi - VPMR smaller Open House Pool (OHP) of students who
HffetmrteIcyoyixeehty!eoooycsxoahbIlmuuiiphtuafetnnreemIsmmmogepadratsiabloua?ieiamrhgcneerbnnnImeheesfoicanitdtnnoyaueyatihnvoutbtanoaohoaguroyunncgyavlouvorhedeeatceutnauamyfaradrivnoreotrmb!efieeiricuovnoIrgrpycaresauauiGohunratsltrissuastryetnstmeieonhtesaaqaerygmewewinsunk.nendeesHaeIglritinsronsjofItupf’tecratotdwoioesreoonoorfirrtdlmnyaoi?ncrnctsertveyqiAdoeoc,ncesumrIagrmys’seetudmoo.hpsiyyuAtlalpttoomeierruovuteeleesnel dn.st? register for recruitment. A smaller pool results in
a smaller quota – the number of PNMs that each
chapter can o er bids during primary recruitment
as quota is determined with a formula involving
the number of chapters and the number of women
who participate in bid matching at the end of the
recruitment process.

Hengleoxeiex!vcrtpTevitiehonetrauovdienoshtn.klovecIseaeswdsrthaao,mabsrmtsuotstrhubecIicen’hmahekobnifononollguoirksttraeoeswb!oauohncrua,ehbttiinuhfygotoI uawworluislItloc.fioItauinmld. I’d

12 | Fall 2022

However, lower enrollment and lower recruitment Recruitment in 2022
registration pools have not been a challenge on
every campus as some state flagship schools have Chapters such as Phi Gamma (Georgia College and
not been as a ected as regional schools. We have State U) saw a decrease in university enrollment
seen flagship schools remain steady or even have an and recruitment registration and took action. Led
increase in enrollment and recruitment registration. by their Vice President of Membership Recruitment
In fact, universities like the University of Tennessee Cassie Parris, the chapter conducted outreach
Knoxville have seen an increase in the open house to young women who were registered for GCSU
pool and subsequently in quota over the last 4 years. during the summer via social media. To encourage
In fall 2019, quota was 69 at UT. This year during the chapter participation, they turned it into a friendly
fall of 2022, quota was 133 and our Omicron Chapter competition between recruitment bump groups and
welcomed home 143 new members. gave prizes to the groups who reached out to the
For the campuses who are learning to navigate most PNMs. Chapter President Megan Aivalotis said,
the decrease in both enrollment and open house “We would send them a message asking if they were
pools, NPC has launched a Recruitment Marketing interested in Greek life and encouraging them to
Campaign where coaches are working with College register for recruitment. We answered any questions
Panhellenic Councils on NPC’s targeted campuses they may have regarding the process. The key was
to o er PR support through social media advertising. to encourage PanLove and get our chapter on their
We have also seen collegiate chapters step up to radar!”
better promote the recruitment process on campus. The process of Continuous Open Bidding (COB)
NPC’s Positive Panhellenic Contact and Promotion of has also evolved since the pandemic and been
the Sorority Experience polices have supported this a challenging area. COB gives an opportunity for
initiative in conjunction with an increase in external chapters that are not at campus total to extend bids
PR campaigns both online and in-person. to PNMs after formal recruitment in order to reach
campus total. Due to the decrease in enrollment and
registration, more collegiate chapters than ever are
participating in COB. While this has helped to remove
some stigmas from the overall process, it has also
become much more competitive. Collegiate chapters
have had to learn how to have a stronger sense of
urgency to secure the PNMs they want and have also
had to brainstorm unique ways to share sisterhood.
Beta Kappa (U of British Columbia), Omega Sigma
(Oklahoma State U), and Phi Alpha (East Tennessee
State U) all recently experienced COB success by
creating names lists, building relationships, and
making personal connections.
Although the recruitment experience may look
di erent today, the need for community, connection,
and sisterhood is greater than ever. While the
challenges described are not unique to AOII, we are
so proud of how our sisters across North America
bravely adapted and confidently paved the way for
the new landscape of recruitment. There is one thing
that we know has never changed during AOII’s 125
years of existence - we continue to inspire ambition
and build lifelong friendships year after year.

Omicron (U of Tennessee, Knoxville) 21

Ambitious Alumna AOII’s Heather Dixon Adams, Lambda
Sigma (U of Georgia) is a self-proclaimed
aAlMuBmITInO US pop-culture junkie. She is also the founder
Heather Dixon Adams Proves Being and CEO of Choice Media, an all-female
Allies, Not Competitors, Earns More team of communication experts in the
Seats for Women at the Table publishing, lifestyle, entertainment,
By Mariellen Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama), business, and faith-based arenas. Choice
Director of Strategic Partnerships/Editor is known for working with high-profile
clients that are both soulful and interesting.
This ambitious and inspirational sister is
blazing a trail for the women who come
behind her.
While attending Georgia’s Journalism
School, she interned for the Georgia
Secretary of State in their Press O ce. It
was there that Heather discovered that
her passion was to serve as the bu er
between the client and the media. As she
puts it, “I wanted to be Olivia Pope before
Olivia Pope existed.” After graduation, she
worked as the Public Information O cer
for the Cobb County Government near
Atlanta followed by a position with an
Atlanta area non-profit that ended when
funding dried up after 9/11. During that
challenging job market, she worked as a
substitute teacher until landing a position
in publicity at the world’s largest Christian
book publishing house in Nashville two
weeks before her wedding. This position
opened her up to the world of major
national media, big name authors, and in a
wide variety of book categories. Heather
was thriving there for nearly a decade
until it all came to a surprising end thanks
to an ongoing recession. She explains,
“I came back from a media pitching
trip to New York City where I landed a
People magazine cover package for one
author and a 6-week appearance on the
Today Show for another. I got home on
a Thursday and on Friday when I walked
into the o ce, I was laid o . I went through
every stage of grief. But this is where I
learned the value of the expertise and
competency that I brought to the table.”
By Sunday of that same week, the CEO
of her former company’s number one
competitor called. She had learned of
Heather’s situation and wanted to fly her
to Michigan for an interview, confident she
was the perfect candidate to overhaul their
publicity department.

Ambitious Alumna
Photo left: Heather with husband Matt Adams, and their
two sons, Dixon and Thackston.

"What I learned through the years, though, is that if
we’re allies, not competitors, if we link arms with each
other, help each other, champion each other, then we
can occupy all the seats.”

For this inspiring sister, AOII has and always will be
a significant part of her life. She shares, “In 1994,
when I pledged AOII, I imagined four fun years with
great girlfriends, socials and date parties and living
in the AOII house. Never in my wildest dreams did
I understand the lifelong commitment I was making
While evaluating her next career move, Heather as I accepted that bid. AOII is where I developed
received career-changing advice from her husband, my leadership skills. AOII is where I learned what a
Matt. He said, “Don’t take your next step out of fear. mentor looked like.”
Fear we can’t pay our mortgage. Fear we can’t feed
our children (who were three and one at the time). A year after graduation, Heather returned to Lambda
You’ve worked so hard to get to where you are. Go Sigma and o ered to advise recruitment, then took
build the dream job that you want for yourself.” on the same role at Rho Omicron (Middle Tennessee
State U) after moving to the Nashville area. Twenty-
Those words gave her confidence to negotiate for this three years later, she is still advising and loving every
new job opportunity and position herself to do those minute.
things she loved most. She convinced them she was
up to the task of building them a world class publicity Her AOII journey has been filled with countless
team while remaining in Nashville and only working lifelong friends. Heather names her Lambda Sigma
part-time. Heather explains, “That is when I learned Chapter Advisor, Maeneen Klein, as her AOII role
the power in advocating for yourself and your worth.” model, sharing, “She did life with us. She stayed on
What she discovered over the next four and a half top of how we were doing mentally and emotionally.
years, despite accomplishing all she promised, was She celebrated when we were winning. She hugged
what she really wanted was to lead her own team, when there were tears. She sat me down one day and
especially a team of women. In June 2014, Heather told me what she saw in me. She gave me a place
launched Choice Media & Communications, and the and a purpose in the chapter and inspired me to want
past eight years have been amazing for the company even more for myself. She believed in me before I
and for Heather. Among many accomplishments, they believed in myself.” Flash forward to 2006. Bailey
have launched more than 100 New York Times best Tate [Read] pledged AOII at Rho Omicron and the two
sellers and changed many lives. quickly formed a bond just like the one Heather had
years earlier with Maeneen. Heather has watched
For new graduates or anyone looking for a change, Bailey, who is now AOII’s Director of Collegiate
Heather o ers this advice, “Advocate for yourself and Experience, build a beautiful life for herself, delighted
your worth. Find an opportunity that aligns with your to walk through all of it with her since Bailey was 18.
own personal values. Be passionate about the work Heather adds, “That’s what AOII has brought me as an
and do work that matters. Determine your sweet spot alumna: rich, beautiful friendships with women across
- that intersection of what you’re good at and what generations. It’s passing the torch back. It’s widening
you love - and try to stay in that zone 80% of the time. the path. It’s working to have more seats at the table.
Don’t only be motivated by money or status. I think It’s pouring into the women coming behind you, just
back to what I prioritized as a young professional.
I wanted a big o ce. I wanted an important title. I like someone did for me.”

wanted to make a lot of money. I was chasing after
that one seat at the table that was reserved for a
female."

23

Life Loyal

Alpha Omicron Pi is pleased to recognize the following
members who joined Life Loyal between June 3, 2022
and September 20, 2022.

ALPHA PHI GAMMA BETA OMICRON THETA OMEGA

Montana State U Indiana U of U of Tennessee Northern Arizona U
Amy Stemple Pennsylvania Kristen Kennelly Samantha Cross
Kelly Schlieder
ALPHA PI RHO DELTA THETA SIGMA
IOTA ALPHA
Florida State U Samford U Tarleton State U
Olivia Burke Idaho State U Jordyn Williamson-Lang Rosa Gosnell
Sandra Evans
BETA NU SIGMA IOTA UPSILON LAMBDA
KAPPA SIGMA
Illinois State U Western Illinois U U of Texas, San Antonio
Ellen Schumacher U of Wisconsin, Mary (MaryBeth) Wallace Elizabeth Ayala
River Falls
BETA PHI Michelle Phan SIGMA PHI XI RHO

Indiana U LAMBDA CHI California State U, Sonoma State U
Amee Lancaster Northridge Gianna Pendleton
LaGrange College Frances Thompson
CHI ALPHA Madison Elzey
TAU MU
U of California Davis LAMBDA SIGMA
Margie Aleman-Martin Texas A&M U
U of Georgia Ana Moore
DELTA CHI Rebecca Bartlett
Kelly Dudley THETA BETA
U of Delaware
Brande Heitz OMEGA SIGMA Towson U
Grayson Willis
DELTA DELTA Oklahoma State U
Georgia Blackwell
Auburn U
Stacy McManus

24 | Fall 2022

e Le acy The Legacy of Sisterhood

is er

We hope you have already heard about the exciting (Past International President) challenged sisters
new Archives Museum project underway to celebrate to support the campaign and offered a generous
AOII’s 125 anniversary. If not, we encourage you $50,000 match. The challenge exceeded all
to use the QR code on page 26 to watch the short expectations with 55 sisters donating $71,604! Gayle
video of our announcement. Our quasquicentennial was so thrilled with the results that she increased her
year officially comes to a close on January 2, contribution, generating $143,208 for the campaign.
2023, and a few months later we will be opening We thank Gayle for her challenge which inspired so
the museum within our Fraternity International many to give.
Headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee. The museum design process is complete, and the
After many months of a silent fundraising launch, preparations at our building have begun. During
the public launch of the campaign happened a recent visit to Brentwood, Allison Allgier (AOII
during the Fraternity's Volunteer Summit and the International Historian and PIP) joined Mariellen
AOII Foundation's Sisterhood Retreat in June. The Sasseen (Director of Strategic Partnerships/Archivist)
outpouring of support for this meaningful project has to remove all the existing museum artifacts and
been enormous and is greatly appreciated. To date, HQ artwork to catalog and organize. The walls and
we have reached commitments totalling $875,000, hallways are now bare, providing a clean slate for the
moving us even closer to our $1 million goal. work ahead. We are filled with anticipation for the
Another highlight of our public launch was sharing new museum and proudly share some of the recent
the Gayle Fitzpatrick Matching Challenge. Gayle, work to make this project a reality.

25

The Legacy of Sisterhood

Allison double checks the list (pictured left) for
the AOII Headquarters exhibit display case.
This space will include items such as the black
tin box that held the Fraternity’s early records,
the AOII Constitution, and Alpha Chapter’s roll
book. The larger book is the first Fraternity roll
book, our record-keeping process long before
the development of computer databases. AOII’s
four Founders followed by the first initiate, Ann
Richardson Hall, are the first names listed in this
priceless book. The beloved Past International
President dresses, seen in the background, will be
cleaned and prepared for their eventual placement
inside a state-of-the-art dress display exhibit.
Allison Allgier and Mariellen Sasseen recently
removed Stella’s Trunk (pictured below) from its
previous display area for safe keeping until this
archival treasure can be placed in a more worthy
exhibit space in the new museum. This trunk dates
back to 1914 when Stella became Grand Historian.
Historical artifacts were stored inside, and the
trunk travelled with Stella to AOII events and visits
to chapters. The contents that will be displayed in
the new exhibit will be the same items that were in
the trunk at the time of Stella’s death.

26 | Fall 2022

Please JToheinLegUacysof Sisterhood
in Thanking Our
Lead Donors

$100,000

Gayle Fitzpatrick, Alpha Rho

$50,000

Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta
Carole Jones, Alpha Delta
Barbara Zipperian, Kappa Kappa

$25,000

Mary Bryant, Delta Omega
Charlene Favre, Alpha Omicron
Lisa Niedenthal, Beta Phi
Terry Palmer, Phi Alpha
Sally Wagaman, Sigma Tau

A second smaller trunk (pictured above) also held historical Archives Capital Campaign
artifacts from the early 1900s, and these framed images Committee Members
of our Founders and Past International Presidents were
removed from the walls to make way for an improved exhibit Allison Allgier, Epsilon Omega, Chair
that will showcase our AOII leaders. Susan Bonifield, Nu Beta
Next Steps in the Campaign Meagan Davies, Alpha Chi
We are now pushing to the fundraising finish line with our Andrea Dill, Chi Psi
goal to reach $1 million by January 2023. This issue of To Nancy Hohmann, Phi
Dragma includes an envelope with a QR code for members Lori Goede, Gamma Omicron
to donate any amount. If you have questions or would like Linda Grandolfo, Nu Iota
to contribute to one of our giving levels, please reach out to Carole Jones, Alpha Delta
any Archives Capital Campaign committee member. Lisa Niedenthal, Beta Phi
Terry Palmer, Phi Alpha
Scan the QR code to watch the video Mariellen Sasseen, Alpha Delta
from our launch announcement! Ashley Byrd, Delta Gamma Fraternity

27

the Fortunately, Susan found Greek
to life at the university appealing
because of the larger circle
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” of friends, their focus on scholarship,
Susan Wiant Brooks, Omega (Miami U) would and commitment to service. AOII would become an
have never answered that question with, “A United outlet for Susan to continue to explore and develop
States Congresswoman.” Though she did become leadership skills, ultimately serving as the President
that Congresswoman, her younger self initially of the Omega Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi. Most
had the ambitious aspiration to be a doctor, as the importantly, AOII brought Susan a core group of
mother of one of her childhood friends, Nancy, women who remain a source of strength and dear
was one of the first female doctors in the state of friendship to each other.
Indiana. Looking back, she now advises, “Don’t Susan initially aimed her new career focus toward
be afraid to go thru that door of opportunity just being a solid criminal defense attorney, coupled
because it wasn’t in your initial plan.” with her volunteer commitment to the Junior
Susan, growing up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, was the League of Indianapolis. Years later, she would get
oldest and the natural leader of three children. the opportunity to focus on crime and city welfare
She fondly recalls her childhood being focused working as the Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis. It was
on family and the love of the outdoors, always there that Susan truly thrived under the expanded
taking part in a neighborhood volleyball, kickball, community platform, while gaining a valued
or baseball game. Her father, a retired football perspective of seeing democracy in action.
coach and teacher, helped to instill in the trio a In early 2001, Susan was nominated as the United
love of competing, team spirit, and motivating States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
people. In the Brooks' household, good grades by then President George W. Bush. At the time, she
were expected, as Susan’s parents believed that served as the Chief Federal Law Enforcement O cer
education opened doors to opportunities and life who worked with agencies like the FBI and ATF in the
experiences. wake of 9/11. During this critical time, focus shifted
Susan began to pivot from her medical career towards prevention and deterrence from terrorism.
choice while in high school, as chemistry seemed In addition, Susan helped to advise then Attorney
to be a bit of a stumbling block in the way to her General John Ashcroft about issues involving gun
aspirations. Being naturally charismatic, passionate, violence, gun tra cking, human tra cking, and
and - as her mother would later describe - prescription drug prosecution in the United States.
argumentative, Susan entered Miami U shifting her
career path towards political science. Among her Susan Brooks, at far right, being sworn in as a US Congresswoman
accolades at the university, Susan found herself on January 3, 2013.
part of the Student Government Association and
as a dorm leader before exploring her interest in
Greek life.
28 | Fall 2022

The Ambition to Serve

Susan’s experience and involvement gained her Susan Brooks with a few of her supportive Omega (Miami U)
notoriety and exposure, resulting in her being Chapter sisters on the steps of the US Capitol.
encouraged to run for her district’s congressional seat
in 2012. As her first attempt at running for public o ce,
this was a new adventure for Susan, but she enlisted
the help of friends, neighbors, and even her AOII
sisters as campaign allies and workers. Their e orts
were successful in that she ran against an incumbent
and six other candidates, ultimately winning the
primary by 1% or a slim 1,000 votes, then later taking
the house seat. Based on her experience in elections,
she encourages others now by motivating them to get
involved in campaigns. As Susan says, “get involved
in a campaign. Find someone that you believe in and
volunteer for their campaign at whatever level you can.
Help raise money, knock on doors, wear t-shirts. Every
vote truly counts!”
Susan served in the United States House of
Representatives from the 5th District of Indiana as the
sixth woman in Indiana to ever hold a Congressional
seat. During these eight years in public service, she
served as the Chair of the House Ethics Committee, a
member of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus for
Women's Issues, as well as the Recruitment Chair for
the National Republican Congressional Committee,
a role she still holds today. After four terms, Susan
decided to not seek re-election in 2020 citing her
desire to shift more of her focus to support her family.
Susan attributes much of her success to following
simple rules with which we can all identify and
practice: to treat everyone in the manner you wish to
be treated, to maintain a solid diversity of thought, to
always sleep on a big decision for three days before
making up your mind, and to never look back.
Her post-Congressional life is still quite full. Aside from
her volunteer commitments, she serves in an advisory
capacity on local and regional boards, but makes
time for all her favorite things, including horseback
riding, yoga, pickleball, and bocce ball. With her
adult-children residing in Colorado and Alaska and
her parents and in-laws in Indiana and Massachusetts,
Susan's career now gives her the flexibility to devote
time and attention to them. And, despite full schedules
and commitments, you’ll always find Susan on an
annual girls trip surrounded by her dearest AOII sisters
from Omega Chapter.

Susan and husband David share two children, Jessica
and Conner.

29

Ambitious Beginnings There were other reasons, and we have further
explanation from Stella, written in 1923, “Looking
'S back… we see a real courage in the attempt of four
undergraduates to launch a new fraternity upon the
AMBITIOUS waters of the academic world against the rivalry of an
BEGINNINGS entrenched old society." The four friends knew Barnard
was growing rapidly and the likelihood of established
The roll books of Alpha Omicron Pi are filled organizations forming chapters on campus was certain.
with ambitious members who have proven to be "But there is no advantage like the advantage of youth,"
accomplished, successful, and admirable. The Stella wrote. "Being young, [we] did not have courage
first four names on the roll, Stella George Stern because [we] were not afraid.”
Perry, Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair Stella, Jessie, Helen, and Bess believed that the
Mullan, and Elizabeth Heywood Wyman gave only way to guarantee a society based on simplicity,
our beloved Fraternity an inspiring beginning. character, good fellowship, and high idealism was to
Stella, Jessie, Helen, and Bess were individually create one. They faced this great enterprise with the
and collectively impressive women for their boldness of youth, a feeling that love never faileth, and
time, or any time. They were part of Barnard on that foundation a future was assured. They pledged
College’s Class of 1898, and younger than the one another in the Old Columbia College Library on
women entering in previous years. This class December 23, 1896, and formally organized Alpha
was filled with members who had a zest for Omicron Pi at the home of Helen St. Clair (Mullan)
life and youthful vitality. They were worthy of on January 2, 1897. AOII’s beginning was brave and
the dignity of Barnard students, but they also audacious based on our Founders’ true and lasting
sought out good fun, good fellowship, and friendship. The rest is AOII history.
meaningful connections.
Kappa Kappa Gamma was the only established
women's fraternity at Barnard at the time and
had been recruiting all new Barnard students
because class sizes were small. This practice
changed the year before our Founders arrived
on campus due to larger enrollment numbers.
It was a perfect time for a new group to form.
Stella's “History of Alpha Omicron Pi,” included
her question, “Why did [we] organize Alpha
Omicron Pi rather than take membership in an
already established society, surely the easier
way?" Her answer, "Because [we] four cared so
profoundly for one another, [we] unconsciously
desired a society based upon original feeling.”

30 | Fall 2022

ur m i i s n e

Jessie Wallace Hughan | December 25, 1875 – April 10, 1955
Jessie was a teacher, poet, author, lecturer, humanitarian, and held a
Doctorate in Philosophy from Columbia U. She maintained a lifelong
love of art, and ran for a seat in the US Senate, though unsuccessfully.
Stella once wrote of her, “Jessie has the finest mind, the nearest to a
genius that I know. She is simple-hearted, a ectionate, merry, tolerant,
cannot tell a lie and is literally the most unselfish soul alive.” While
she was the only Founder not to serve as a Grand President, Jessie
did serve AOII as Grand Recording Secretary, Grand Doorkeeper and
a member of the Rituals and Traditions Committee and the separate
Jewelry Committee.

Helen St. Clair Mullan | June 28, 1877 – July 29, 1936
Helen was a wife, mother, and successful career woman decades
before this was common. Helen graduated from New York U with top
honors in her law class of three hundred students. She later served as
Trustee of Barnard College and on the New York Board of Education.
Helen started her career as partner in a new law firm, while being
wife to a Supreme Court Justice and raising two young daughters.
She established her own firm after the first world war and became an
ardent advocate of better housing and sanitary laws. Amazingly, she
still found time to serve AOII as Grand President from 1907-1908.
Stella George Stern Perry | December 8, 1877 – November 7, 1956
Stella was a poet and author, including her written accounts of AOII’s
early history. After graduation, she worked in advertising, even running
her own advertising agency. In describing his wife, George Perry wrote,
“She is more kinds of a good woman than anyone else I have known. She
is, simultaneously, all woman, all poet, all idealist and all-practical. She
can write a poem with one hand and a marketing list with the other and
they will both be good… If you have read her novels, you have felt her
strength. But – you should taste her cooking, too!” Stella held national
and state o ces in child welfare groups and relief organizations, and
she was the Secretary of the Joint Committee of the San Francisco Child
Labor Committee. She served AOII as Grand President from 1898-1905
and was AOII Historian for Life.
Elizabeth Heywood Wyman | April 1, 1877 – August 30, 1953
Bess was a teacher, high school English department chair, and a
school board member. She resigned her teaching position in 1925
to accept the first AOII salaried position as Registrar and established
AOII's first Central O ce, working out of her own bedroom. Bess
was wise, steadfast, and devoted to any task she undertook. From
1929-1931 she served as Grand President and was AOII’s inspirational
guiding light when the world entered the Great Depression. Bess
became our first International President in 1930 with the installation of
Beta Tau Chapter at the U of Toronto.

31

MEET THE ELCsMeettheELCs

The 2022-2023 Educational Leadership Consultants (ELCs) began their travels in mid-August
after extensive training and education by AOII sta and international volunteers. These recent
graduates represent the best of AOII and will, no doubt, be inspiring ambition in our collegians as
they journey to campuses across the US and Canada. Allow us to introduce you to this outstanding
team and learn what inspires them to serve.

32 | Fall 2022

ALEXIS KING Meet the ELCs

Alexis, Senior ELC, began working for AOII as a member of the 2021-
2022 ELC team. She attended Texas A&M U where she majored in
Telecommunications and minored in Journalism. An initiate of our Tau Mu
Chapter, Alexis served as Vice President of Membership Recruitment.
Alexis’ biggest mentor in life is Assistant Executive Director Jackie
Petrucci. She shared that Jackie has given her priceless advice and tools
to be a resource to others. She is looking forward to continuing her travels
and making connections with our collegiate members.

“To me, Inspire Ambition means doing your best every day to inspire
yourself, your chapter, and your community!”

LYNN TECZA

Lynn, Senior ELC, is also a returning from the 2021-2022 team. She
attended Seton Hall U where she received her degree in Elementary and
Special Education. As an initiate into our Gamma Phi Chapter, she served
as Vice President of Programming & Enrichment (formerly Vice President of
Education and Vice President of Academic Development). Lynn’s biggest
mentor in life is her mom. She shared that she is always helping others and
striving to do what’s right. This year, she is looking forward to continuing to
help chapters be the best they can be.
“To me, Inspire Ambition means encouraging others be the best version of
themselves and to not be afraid to take risks.”

BRIANNA INIGUEZ

Brianna is an initiate of Theta Iota at California State U, San Marcos
where she received a B.A. in Psychology. During her time within Theta
Iota she served as Director of Philanthropy (formerly Vice President of
Philanthropy) and Vice President of Operations (formerly Vice President
of Administration). Brianna shared that her biggest mentor in life is her
Chapter Advisor Leslie Michaels. She shared that Leslie inspires ambition
and assists Theta Iota with the utmost love and dedication to AOII.
Brianna is excited to meet many amazing sisters across the United States
and Canada during her ELC travels this year.
“Inspire Ambition means motivating others to reach their goals and
aspirations. As sisters, it is supporting each other to be the best possible
person we can be.”

GRAYSON WILLIS
Grayson is an initiate of Theta Beta at Towson U where she served as
Chapter President, Director of Ritual Education (formerly Keeper of the
Ritual), and Director of New Member Experience. She received a B.S.
in Psychology and a minor in Mass Communication. Grayson was also
a member of the Greek Honor Society, Order of Omega. Her biggest
mentor is Ashley Clark, Theta Beta’s Chapter Advisor. She shared that
Ashley is the most organized and level-headed woman she knows, and
she perfectly exemplifies the values of AOII. Grayson hopes to one day be
10% of the woman and sister she is. Grayson is so excited to experience
chapter house living spaces for the first time during her visits!

“Inspire Ambition is using our sisterhood to foster growth in members, whether
that be personally or professionally, throughout their time in AOII. Inspiring
sisters to be the absolute best versions of themselves and using our sisterhood
as a jumping o point for success.”
33

Meet the ELCs MADELINE HOLT
34 | Fall 2022
Madeline is from Lewes, Delaware and attended East Carolina U where
she received a B.S. in Public Health with a double minor in Psychology
and Disability Studies. During her collegiate years at Zeta Psi she served
as Director of Chapter Property (formerly Property Manager). She served
as the ECU Vice President of Recruitment and Communications within
Order of Omega, Panhellenic President and Panhellenic Vice President of
Philanthropy and Service. Her biggest mentor in life is Assistant Director
of Collegiate Experience Katie Taylor. She shared that Katie was Chapter
President her freshman year and inspired her to run for positions within Zeta
Psi and Panhellenic as well as apply to be an ELC. Madeline sees her as such
a great role model and older sister and aspires to follow in her footsteps.
“To me, Inspire Ambition means to always challenge yourself and motivate others
to get out of their comfort zones. I try to lead by example to show others that they
can accomplish whatever they put their mind to.”

LAURA BOWERS

Laura joins the team as an initiate from our Omicron Chapter at the U of
Tennessee, Knoxville. She received a degree in Political Science and a
minor in Global Studies. During her time as a collegian, she served Omicron
as the New Membership Experience Coordinator (formerly Assistant
New Member Educator), Director of Recruitment (formerly Assistant Vice
President of Membership Recruitment) and Vice President of Membership
Recruitment. She was active in her campus and community through her
Student Government Association and Student Alumni Associates, while
also serving as an intern in Alumni Programs in the U of Tennessee's O ce
of Advancement. She also served as Head Swim Coach for Benington-
Farrington Swim Team. Her biggest mentors are Mary Kathryn Oliver & Ellie
Whitesell. She shared they were her recruitment advisors, but they have
become much more to her over the years. Mary Kathryn taught me how to
stay calm & focused during recruitment craziness and how to have a healthy
work/life/AOII balance. Ellie will drop anything she is doing to help an AOII,
and she truly emulates what it means to be an AOII for life.
“Inspire Ambition means surrounding yourself with and learning from ambitious
women who are making a di erence in their chapter, campus, and community!”

HANNAH HAYNES

Hannah attended the U of Nebraska at Kearney where she majored in
Elementary Education. During her collegiate years in Phi Sigma, she served
as Chapter President, Vice President of Membership Integrity (formerly
Vice President of Standards), Director of Chapter Property (formerly
Property Manager), and a Membership Integrity Coordinator (formerly
Freshman Standards Representative). On her campus she served as a Pi
Phi Recruitment Counselor, a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an Education
Honor Society, and Order of Omega. She also is a Sunday School Teacher
within her community. Her biggest mentor is her Chapter Advisor, Alexis
Stuhr. Hannah is grateful for her perspectives and she admires her
unwavering love for AOII. She can’t wait to follow in her footsteps in getting
to work with multiple AOII chapters this next year as an ELC.
“I believe that Inspire Ambition means encouraging sisters to reach for goals
they never thought were possible. This occurs by sisters supporting each
other to use their strengths to achieve opportunities they may not have ever
attempted without their support! It is the opportunity to grow as a member,
student, professional, and person with the knowledge that there will always be
sisters right behind you every step of the way cheering you on!”

2022-2023 caAOII Foundation Scholarships emic ch larshi Reci ien

The AOII Foundation wishes to thank the many donors
who have made it possible for 168 AOII sisters to receive
academic scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. A
total of $390,500 in scholarships dollars were awarded to
these deserving members. Congratulations!

Morgan Patterson, Omega Sigma Victoria Starks, Nu Beta

Muriel T. McKinney Scholarship Helen Haller Scholarship
Awarded to Highest Ranking Collegiate Student Awarded to Highest Ranking Graduate Student

Liza Evseeva Andreya Dayton Bridget Boockmeier
Alpha Delta Nu  Alpha Delta 

Alpha Tau Betty Duke Scholarship Carole Jurenko Jones
Chapter Scholarship - Alpha Delta Chapter
Gianna Migliaccio Scholarship
Anne Scotti Alpha Phi 
Alpha  Ginny Gunn
Beverly Landes Townsend - Theta Delta 
Alumnae Chapter Alpha Phi Scholarship
Honor Scholarship Caroline Craig Lazzara
Ava Durelli Scholarship
Kaylee Williams Rho Delta 
Nu Beta  Kaitlyn Barron
Birdie Hanson Nursing Delta Beta 
Amy Ziegler Bettencourt - Scholarship
Alpha Chi Scholarship Charlene M. Favre
Hattie Sergent Scholarship
Cassandra Tafolla Nu Beta 
Lambda Alpha  Mandy Shults
Candy Carlisle Derivaux Omega Upsilon 
Angels of Kappa Theta Memorial Scholarship
Memorial Scholarship Claranne Marchese
Caitlyn Them Memorial Scholarship
Maria Vella Phi Upsilon 
Theta Psi  Katie Lord
Carey Griner Memorial Omega 
Barbara Hiss Bruning - Kappa Kappa Chapter
Scholarship Scholarship Dawn Tron Elliot Scholarship

Mackenzie Dahlback Emma Delahoussaye Rebecca Ennis
Tau  Nu Beta  Delta 

Barbara Kohler-Tau Carli E. Sears Memorial Delta Chapter Centennial
Chapter Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship























NETWORK 6 Fraternity Directory

Chi Theta, Northeastern State U NETWORK 9
Delta Beta, U of Louisiana at Lafayette
Delta Theta, Texas Woman's U Alpha Gamma, Washington State U
Kappa Chi, Northwestern State U of Louisiana Alpha Phi, Montana State U
Kappa Tau, Southeastern Louisiana U Alpha Rho, Oregon State U
Lambda Tau, U of Louisiana at Monroe Alpha Theta, Coe College
Omega Sigma, Oklahoma State U Beta Kappa, U of British Columbia
Sigma Theta, Sam Houston State U Epsilon Gamma, U of Northern Colorado
Theta Sigma, Tarleton State U Iota Sigma, Iowa State U
Upsilon Beta, U of Arkansas-Fort Smith Kappa Lambda, U of Calgary
Upsilon Lambda, U of Texas at San Antonio Kappa Sigma, U of Wisconsin-River Falls
Xi, U of Oklahoma Phi Sigma, U of Nebraska at Kearney
Xi Omicron, U of Arkansas Tau, U of Minnesota
Tau Gamma, Eastern Washington U
NETWORK 7 Theta Chi, Morningside University
Zeta, U of Nebraska-Lincoln
Alpha Delta, U of Alabama
Delta Delta, Auburn U NETWORK 10
Delta Epsilon, Jacksonville State U
Delta Lambda, Columbus State U Alpha Psi, Bowling Green State U
Delta Tau, U of Alabama in Huntsville Beta Gamma, Michigan State U
Gamma Delta, U of South Alabama Beta Tau, U of Toronto
Lambda Chi, LaGrange College Chi Epsilon, The Ohio State U
Nu Beta, U of Mississippi Iota Chi, U of Western Ontario
Rho Delta, Samford U Kappa Delta, Wright State U
Sigma Delta, Huntingdon College Kappa Rho, Western Michigan U
Sigma Omicron, Arkansas State U Lambda Epsilon, U of Waterloo
Tau Delta, Birmingham-Southern College Lambda Eta, Grand Valley State U
Zeta Pi, U of Alabama at Birmingham Nu Omega, Northern Kentucky U
Omega, Miami U
NETWORK 8 Omega Upsilon, Ohio U
Theta Psi, U of Toledo
Chi Psi, California Polytechnic State U
Delta Nu, U of Nevada, Reno NEW CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT
Delta Sigma, San Jose State U
Lambda Alpha, U of La Verne Beta Sigma, Boise State U
Lambda Beta, California State U, Long Beach Lambda Lambda, U of Connecticut
Lambda Iota, U of California, San Diego Phi Alpha, East Tennessee State U
Lambda Psi, Arizona State U Tau Mu, Texas A&M U
Sigma Phi, California State U, Northridge Theta Delta, Troy U
Theta Iota, California State U, San Marcos
Theta Omega, Northern Arizona U 47
Xi Rho, Sonoma State U
Zeta Theta, California State U, Chico

Fraternity Directory

HEADQUARTERS STAFF

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS

Fraternity Executive Director Director of Communications
Kaya Miller, Gamma Theta Courtney Dillard, Tau Omicron
Assistant Executive Director Associate Director of Communications
Jackie Petrucci, Omega Upsilon Susanne Smith, Rho Omicron
General Counsel Assistant Director of Multimedia
Kandyce Harber, Omicron Vacant
Graphic Designer/Webmaster
ACCOUNTING Julianna Johnson, Beta Phi

Accounting Administrator EDUCATION, TRAINING & EVENTS
Jackie Lynch, Rho Omicron
Budget & Treasury Manager Director of Education, Training & Events
Andrea Theobald, Epsilon Omega Jessica Li, Sigma Alpha
Associate Director of Events
COLLEGIATE EXPERIENCE Sarah Tuttle, Tau Lambda
Assistant Director of Education & Training
Director of Collegiate Experience Samantha Kemp, Zeta Theta
Bailey Read, Rho Omicron Assistant Director of Education & Database
Associate Director of Collegiate Experience Management
Haley Fox, Alpha Rho Victoria Ratzel, Kappa Delta
Assistant Director of New Chapter Development Events Consultant
Lauren Elliott, Alpha Chi Abby Mason, Rho Omicron
Assistant Director of Collegiate Experience
Katie Blommel, Alpha Pi ENGAGEMENT
Assistant Director of Collegiate Experience
Katie Taylor, Zeta Psi Associate Director of Lifetime Engagement
Assistant Director of Collegiate Experience Kayla Reszka, Rho Omicron
Abigail Torpy, Tau Mu
Assistant Director of Collegiate Experience
Taberie Van Boening, Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity
Assistant Director of Collegiate Experience
Mishalle Maglione, Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity

48 | Fall 2022

Fraternity Directory

PROPERTIES TALENT & CULTURE

Director of Properties Director of Talent & Culture
Mandy Doyle, Omicron Laura Durnin, Delta Omega

Director of Property Management EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONSULTANTS
Jason Walker, Sigma Pi Fraternity
Senior Educational Leadership Consultants
Associate Director of Properties Alexis King, Tau Mu
Murphy Dowd, Alpha Phi International Fraternity Lynn Tecza, Gamma Phi
Educational Leadership Consultants
Assistant Director of Properties - Facility Brianna Iniguez, Theta Iota
Enhancement Hannah Haynes, Phi Sigma
Mary Faith Gregory, Beta Zeta Laura Bowers, Omicron
Madeline Holt, Zeta Psi
Assistant Director of Property Management Grayson Willis, Theta Beta
Jordan Toney, Chi Theta
AOII FOUNDATION
Assistant Director of Property Management
Haley Rotert, Delta Delta Delta International Fraternity Executive Director
Ashley Byrd, Delta Gamma Fraternity
Assistant Director of Properties Director of Development & Communications
Jessica Rice, Sigma Kappa Sorority Allison Marino, Beta Gamma
Major Gifts O cer
Assistant Director of Properties Cindee Riordan, Chi Omega Fraternity
Katie Borza, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority Programs Manager
Katie Bertotti, Delta Gamma Fraternity
Assistant Director of Properties Administrative Services Manager
Kenneth Anthony, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Lucy Ann Gossett, Pi Omicron
Controller
Member Finance Manager Laura Ward, Nu Omicron
Angela Walker

O ce Administrator
Don Brown

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS/TO DRAGMA

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Editor
Mariellen Sasseen, Alpha Delta

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Visit AOII's Career Opportunities page on our website to see what positions are available!
Positions are updated throughout the year as needs arise.

This sta list is current as of September 2022. Visit the Professional Headquarters Sta page on
our website for sta contact information and any updates throughout the year.

49

Come to Convention JUNE 21-25, 2023

n erna i na

CONVENTION

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

JOIN US FOR
CONVENTION 2023

GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

50 | Fall 2022