2014 Summer - To Dragma

To Dragmaof Alpha Omicron Pi
Vol. 78 No. 3 Summer 2014

IOnur FFroatcerunisty

Leadership Institute 2014 . A New Philosophy on Alcohol . Fulfilling the Promise

Below: Sisters of Mu Lambda Chapter
(Rollins College) proudly show off their

AOII stoles on graduation day!
Congratulations to all 2014 spring graduates!

On the cover: Read all about
U.S. Congresswoman Susan Brooks
and a few of her supportive Omega
(Miami U) sisters in a member profile

beginning on page 18.

32

38

18

contents

7 Viewpoint 38 A Summer at HQ
8 Leadership Institute 2014 In Focus
42 Heart of Health Program
18 Profile: Congresswoman Susan Brooks 44 Fulfilling the Promise
46 AOII Foundation News
22 Installation - Lambda Delta Chapter 48 Things We Love
24 Installation - Zeta Theta Chapter 50 From the Archives
26 Reinstallation - Lambda Iota Chapter 52 Life Loyal AOIIs
28 A New Philosophy, Policy and Procedure 54 Collegiate News
66 For Further Discussion
32 Meet the ELCs for 2014-2015
To Dragma • 3
36 AOII’s New Jingle Bell Run Partnership

42

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

To DragmaofAlphaOmicronPi From the Editor

To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron Pi One of my favorite hobbies is photography, which is professionally
Fraternity, and has been published since 1905. The mission handy when it comes to taking and acquiring photos for the magazine.
of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to inform, educate and Any photographer or magazine editor will tell you that unless you are
inspire our readers on subjects relevant to our Fraternity, our aiming for a special creative effect, all great photos must be in focus.
chapters, our members, or Greek life; to encourage lifetime Disappointingly, we regularly receive blurry photo submissions for To
AOII involvement; to salute excellence; and to serve as a Dragma, and I always wonder why someone would send in an out-of-
permanent record of our Fraternity’s history. focus picture. Clearly, when it comes to photography, being in focus
is important.
How to Contact To Dragma:
To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027 “In Focus” proved to be an appropriate theme for this summer’s
(615) 370-0920, fax: (615) 371-9736, www.alphaomicronpi.org, Leadership Institute, too. The Fraternity is moving forward with strong
or [email protected]. direction and purpose guided by our strategic plan. You can read about
the great event and educational opportunities offered during LI 2014
How to Update Your Name or Address: beginning on page 8.
Go to Update Info tab on the AOII website
(www.alphaomicronpi.org), email your new address to This issue takes the “In Focus” theme a step further by highlighting
[email protected], or call (615) 370-0920. some new focus priorities of the Fraternity, such as our FOUR alumnae
engagement initiative, our Heart of Health Program, a Fulfilling the
How to Subscribe to To Dragma: Promise educational website, a Training Ambassador Program, and
Subscriptions are $25.00 annually and can be paid by check a major revision to AOII’s Alcohol Policy. I know you will also love
or credit card. Checks, made payable to AOII, should be this issue’s focus on an outstanding AOII sister, Susan Brooks, Omega
mailed to 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027, (Miami U), who is a United States Congresswoman from Indiana.
Attn: Accounting. Credit card subscribers (Visa, Master Card
or Discover only) should email [email protected]. Because of my invested interest in great AOII photos, I cannot let an
opportunity pass to offer some tips for To Dragma photo submissions.
How to Join Life Loyal AOII: We love receiving photos emailed to [email protected]
Visit the AOII website (www.alphaomicronpi.org), or contact and encourage you to submit good quality shots all year round. AOII
[email protected]. hand gestures are cute, but photos without them are more likely to be
How to Join an AOII Alumnae Chapter: published. Occasionally, turn the camera sideways in order to capture
Visit the AOII website for contact information on an alumnae some great vertical shots to submit! Smiling posed group shots are
chapter near you. wonderful, but remember that candids are too! To Dragma photos
must be high resolution, 1 MB in size or larger. You will need access
Director of To Dragma and Archives to the original photo and attach it directly to an email to meet that
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) requirement. If you only have the photo on Facebook, it will not be
large enough for publication. Many amazing photos are rejected for each
Creative Director issue because they are too small. Whether it comes to photos or the
Whitney Frazier, Rho Omicron (Middle TN State U) Fraternity, we are trying to keep everything “In Focus!”

Women Enriched through Lifelong Friendship. Regards,

Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College in Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen
New York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie Wallace Hughan, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Helen St. Clair Mullan, Stella George Stern Perry & Director of To Dragma and Archives
Elizabeth Heywood Wyman.

International President
Allison Allgier, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)

Executive Director
Troylyn LeForge, Beta Phi (Indiana U)

Alpha Omicron Pi is a member of the National Panhellenic
Conference and the Fraternity Communications Association.

4 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

AOII to Colonize Six FraternityNews
Chapters in Fall 2014
Save these Dates
Austin Peay State University (Pi Omicron)
FLeeabde.r6sh-ip8,A2ca0d1e5my , Franklin, TN
AOII is pleased to be returning to Austin Peay State U on JCuonnveen2tio4n-22081,5,2L0o1s5Angeles, CA
Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 to officially recolonize our Pi Omicron
Chapter that was part of this community from 1984-1991. FCA Awards Honor To Dragma
Austin Peay is a public university with more than 11,000
students located 45 minutes north of Nashville in Clarksville, To Dragma was proud to have received two first and two second
Tennessee. AOII will be joining Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma place awards at the 2014 Fraternity Communications Association
Delta, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Chi Omega, as the 5th NPC Awards Banquet for outstanding writing and/or design.
organization on campus. • 1st Place: Greek Life Article - “Are You BUYING the Sorority
Experience” by Jordan McCarter, Delta (Tufts U) Spring 2013
Duquesne University • 1st Place: Critics Choice Photography - Cover, Fall/Winter 2013
• 2nd Place: Story Packaging/Writing and Design for Coverage
Duquesne U is a private Catholic university with more than of an Event, Member or Chapter - “Now Boarding for New
10,000 students located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. AOII Experiences,” by Meredith Dunn, Tau Omicron (U of TN, Martin)
will colonize between Sept. 12-14 and become the 8th NPC and Whitney Frazier, Rho Omicron (Middle TN State U),
organization which includes Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Fall/Winter 2013
Alpha Sigma Tau, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Sigma Kappa • 2nd Place: Feature Article Writing - “We Need To Talk About
and Zeta Tau Alpha. Suicide,” by Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta
(U of Alabama), Spring 2013
Seton Hall University
Submit a MIF!
Seton Hall is a private Catholic university in South Orange,
New Jersey. Known as the oldest diocesan university in A Membership Information Form (MIF) is our easy-to-use, electronic
the United States, enrollment is approximately 10,000. form that provides information on a Potential New Member (PNM) to
Colonization for our new chapter will be between Sept. 12-14 a collegiate chapter for recruitment. All alumnae in good standing,
and it will become the 5th NPC group on campus, joining as well as collegiate members submitting information to chapters
Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Alpha Sigma Tau and other than their own, are encouraged to participate in this process.
Delta Phi Epsilon. AOII strongly encourages the pledging of verified legacies whenever
possible, so letting chapters know a PNM is an AOII legacy is also
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (Phi Delta) crucial. Access the form on the AOII website under Alumnae.

AOII’s history with the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee To Dragma • 5
initially spanned 1958 to 1995. AOII is pleased to be
recolonizing our Phi Delta Chapter on Sept. 26-28 within this
public urban college community. With a student population
of nearly 28,000 students, AOII will become the 2nd NPC
chapter on campus, joining Gamma Phi Beta.

Wingate University

This small private university has a little more than 2,400
students on their beautiful main campus in Wingate, North
Carolina. The school was established in 1896 and follows its
mission today to cultivate students’ knowledge, faith and
service. On Oct. 3-5, AOII will proudly join Alpha Xi Delta,
Chi Omega and Sigma Sigma Sigma as the fourth NPC
chapter on campus.

Wright State University (Kappa Delta)

Wright State University is a public research university in
Fairborn, Ohio just outside of Dayton. The school offers
degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral
levels for close to 20,000 students. Greek life currently
includes five NPC chapters including Alpha Xi Delta, Delta
Zeta, Kappa Delta, Theta Phi Alpha and Zeta Tau Alpha.
AOII is proud to be recolonizing on this great campus on
October 10-12.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

newalpha omicron pi’s

VsItSatIeOmeNnt:

Sisters.

ChLainvgininggotuhre vfuatluurees..

Viewpoint

AOII’s new Vision Statement is: Sisters. Living our values. Changing the future.

The Executive Board envisioned a concise, relevant, and meaningful statement. We wanted most to
emphasize the common bond we share as sisters, the foundational values our Founders’ provided us,
and the call to action found within those values directing us to positively impact the world around us.

This vision statement was first shared at Leadership Institute
during the Executive Board’s “Halftime Report.” At the
start of this biennium, AOII’s leadership joined together and
led our members in a strategic direction with four specific
goals in mind: 1) to positively impact member experience,
2) to expand AOII’s presence, 3) to strengthen our finances,
and 4) to grow our membership. Due to your efforts, the
outcome has been exceptional. Together, we have achieved:
1) significant increase in member retention and engagement
resulting in collegiate membership of approximately 14,000
women, 2) growth through five new alumnae chapters and
seven new collegiate chapters, 3) noteworthy improvements
in both collegiate and alumnae Standards of Excellence, and
4) over $326,000 raised through chapter Strike Out Arthritis
events, new Major League Baseball Strike Out Arthritis
events, as well as increases in participation and fundraising
for our Walk to Cure Arthritis/Jingle Bell Run teams. Please
read more about AOII’s prominent new partnership with the
Jingle Bell Run beginning on page 35. Sign-up today!

These are phenomenal outcomes and we will continue to move forward to Exceed The Expectations
outlined in AOII’s Strategic Plan. During our Executive Board meetings we have discussed how
“culture eats strategy” unless you first understand your culture. Culture can be defined as a set of
shared values, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize an organization. Studies have shown that
70% of corporate initiatives fail because their shared attitudes and behaviors didn’t change. It is more
than having good people; it is how those good people work together. This concept sparked our
culture initiative.

The Programs Committee on the Executive Board is leading the effort to gather input regarding
AOII’s current culture and what our key stakeholders would like our culture to be. Over the past
six months, input has been collected from our three governing boards, international volunteers,
collegiate and alumnae officers, advisers, and staff. Information is in the process of being analyzed
and outcomes are forthcoming regarding this project. Aligning our culture will position AOII for
even greater success!

Nothing gives me greater pride and joy than to see the expansive results from our individual and
collective efforts. I encourage you to embrace our success and engage in the positive and meaningful
organization that is AOII. The fruitful gains made this year highlight that possibilities are endless
when AOIIs are living our values!

Allison Allgier
International President

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 7

2014Leadership Institute

IN FOCUS

8 • To Dragma On June 26-29, AOIIs from across the
United States and Canada took an “In
Focus” look at AOII, personal goals, and
collegiate/alumnae chapter objectives.
Over 750 attendees traveled to Middle
Tennessee to attend the fun- lled
weekend. At the Franklin Marriott Cool
Springs, collegiate and alumnae
members participated in several dif-
ferent events from Thursday to Sunday
and heard from many inspiring speak-
ers to help encourage personal and
chapter development. Most impor-
tantly, Leadership Institute continued
to spread lifetime friendships and AOII
sisterhood among members!

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

Thursday, June 26, 2014 To Dragma • 9

As the first order of business, the Executive, Foundation,
and Properties Boards of Alpha Omicron Pi met to discuss
individually and as a collective group. Additionally, network
team meetings took place to continue the prosperity and
collectivism of our eight different networks.

Friday, June 27, 2014

The business of the Fraternity continued on Friday with
additional meetings of AOII International Volunteers as well
as the training of Network Volunteers. Throughout the day,
sisters came from near and far to the Franklin Marriott Cool
Springs to begin their Leadership Institute weekend! Once
everyone found their rooms and met new sisters, many took
tours to AOII’s International Headquarters in Brentwood.
The Education Committee opened the event with a welcome
and introduction before a scrumptious dinner. During the
meal, Rose Awards were presented to deserving alumna
sisters for devotion to the Fraternity! Everyone was joyful and
celebratory towards all of the recipients and their
personal achievements.

Rick Barnes led Power Session One focusing on the
“Evolution of Leadership.” He discussed the growth and
cyclical nature of leaders and the leadership process. The
audience learned how leaders begin as followers, and no
follower should be ignored due to their potential to expand
their involvement. Whether someone is a new member,
officer, or alumna, she possesses the ability and opportunity
to become a strong leader in a personal or professional way.

To end the evening, sisters met within their different
networks to discuss accomplishments and further goals of
their chapters. While half of the group celebrated in their
networks, the other half joined AOII Meet and Greet where
they collaborated through idea shares, networked with the
Executive, Foundation and Properties Boards, shopped the
Emporium, or strolled down memory lane with the Stella’s
Trunk exhibit boasting memorabilia from our Founders and
the dresses of 19 Past International Presidents. Next, the
other half got to celebrate in networks while those who had
been in the first round of network gatherings enjoyed the
AOII Meet and Greet activities as well.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

Saturday, June 28, 2014 experience a sorority experience outside of college and gain
the support of sisterhood in their area. To add to the alumnae
Bright and early, the Executive Board started the morning experience, alumnae engagement activities were shared on
with Power Session Two - a Half-Time Report of the Fraternity. how to keep the fun coming after college has ended. To wrap
Highlights of the excitement, accomplishments, and goals up the track, a Ritual workshop was held to confer how to
of Alpha Omicron Pi helped to start the morning in the right practice Ritual in everyday activities.
direction. They updated all sisters on AOII’s vision statement
and where each fell in the fraternity’s strategic plan. To add to While the alumnae chapter officers were collaborating at HQ
the focus of the morning, Dr. Lori Hart, Delta Delta (Auburn U) collegiate officers and advisers chose four from a total of 28
presented Power Session Three on “Policies and Prevention Learning Path sessions to focus on various areas of chapter
in Focus.” Her presentation detailed AOII’s new Alcohol operations and personal development. Learning Paths
Policy. Additionally, she spoke about the prevention of alcohol included philanthropy, diversity, marketing yourself, Governing
related incidents for AOII members and every sister’s role in Documents, working with committees, recruitment, and much
alcohol safety. more. As always, there was a Ritual workshop which this year
taught collegians ways to expand Ritual in a modern way
Alumnae chapter officers traveled to AOII International and helped them understand the language of our Founders.
Headquarters for a track of tailored presentations for their role Members explored the Retained and Engaged initiative that
within the Fraternity. Members of the AOII Executive Board AOII is partnering with the organization, Phired Up.
began with a discussion on the culture of alumnae sisters and
their visions for the future of the fraternity. Next, they were led Of course, there was also the “Hot Topics with the
in a discussion on the importance of collegiate and alumnae Executive Director” session which informed sisters of the
relationships. They also explored the newly updated Alumnae accomplishments of the Fraternity and the opportunities of
Chapter Operations Manual to dive into how women can their membership experience!

10 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

Between the first and second Learning Paths, attendees broke Sunday, June 29, 2014
for a delicious lunch and Power Session Four with featured
speaker, James Robilotta. He invited members to remember The final day began with a delightful breakfast to prepare
their faults and to check their egos as leaders. In his highly everyone for their trip back home! Awards accompanied the
entertaining keynote, he challenged AOIIs in their approach to meal to recognize sisters on their exceptional community and
leadership and in their expectations of themselves. fraternal involvement. People conversed and laughed about
After completing four Learning Paths or the Alumnae Chapter the events of the weekend and enjoyed their time with new
Track, a special reception was held for members who were sisters and friends. Dr. Lori Hart guided the Power Session Five
honoring or were honored by a Forever Friend. A Forever in the direction of “Hitting the Road… In Focus.” She summed
Friend is a recognition program that helps to fund member up the main points and presentations of the weekend to leave
services. As always, this event was a meaningful time of everyone rejuvenated and inspired with love towards AOII
celebrating sisters for their works, achievements and most and their personal goals. Her ending thought, “We are each
importantly, friendship. other’s people.”

Dinner not only provided time for discussion between chapters International President, Allison Allgier closed the event with
and a delicious meal, but also awards recognition for the many Ritual, and Leadership Institute 2014 ended as it always does—
accomplishments of collegians, alumnae, and chapters. The with sisters gathering in a friendship circle to sing the Epsilon
room was filled with admiration and pride from everyone! Chapter Song.
To end the busy day, sisters had fun during AOII After-
Hours. Dancing in the banquet hall, huge games of Twister, AOII’s from near and far look forward to the next gathering
giant Jenga and cornhole, and a photo booth provided of the International Fraternity. In June 2015, all AOII’s are
entertainment for the crowd. And, what’s an after-hours event welcome for International Convention at L.A. LIVE! In Los
without shopping the Emporium? Angeles, California!

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 11

2013- 2014 Leadership Institute Award Winners

Because the Fraternity elected to recognize more deserving chapters this year, most collegiate and alumnae award categories honored
multiple winners, plus the addition of honorable mentions. Due to the continuing growth and excellence of many of our chapters,
numerous chapters were given the opportunity to shine. We salute all the winning and the honorable mention chapters for Exceeding
the Expectation!

Collegiate Chapter Awards Excellence in Membership Retention-Small

Excellence in Alumnae Relations Winner - Kappa Phi (McGill U)

Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U) Excellence in New Member Education-Large
Winner - Pi Alpha (U of Louisville)
Winner - Lambda Beta (California State U, Long Beach)
Excellence in Campus Involvement-Large
Excellence in New Member Education-Medium
Winner - Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)
Honorable Mention - Sigma (U of California, Berkeley) Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)

Excellence in Campus Involvement-Small Excellence in New Member Education-Small

Winner - Zeta Pi (U of Alabama, Birmingham) Winner - Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)
Honorable Mention - Alpha Phi (Montana State U)
Honorable Mention - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U) Excellence in Operations

Excellence in Communication Winner - Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Honorable Mention - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)
Winner - Kappa Omega (U of Kentucky) Honorable Mention - Nu Omicron (Vanderbilt U)
Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)
Winner - Sigma (U of California, Berkeley) Excellence in Philanthropy
Honorable Mention - Delta Omega (Murray State U)
Honorable Mention - Omicron (U of Tennessee) Winner - Gamma Sigma (Georgia State University)
Winner - Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)
Excellence in Community Service Honorable Mention - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)

Winner - Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U) Excellence in Risk Management
Winner - Epsilon Sigma (Quincy U)
Winner - Kappa Alpha (Indiana State U) Winner - Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)
Honorable Mention - Lambda Eta (Grand Valley State U) Winner - Omega (Miami U)
Honorable Mention - Chi Psi (California Polytechnic State U)
Excellence in Finance Honorable Mention - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)

Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U) Excellence in Ritual
Winner - Zeta (U of Nebraska, Lincoln)
Honorable Mention - Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia) Winner - Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)
Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)
Excellence in Fraternity & Sorority Relations-Large Winner - Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)
Winner - Pi Alpha (U of Louisville)
Winner - Iota (U of Illinois) Honorable Mention - Delta Omega (Murray State U)
Winner - Omega Sigma (Oklahoma State U)
Honorable Mention - Pi Delta (U of Maryland) Excellence in Sisterhood-Large

Excellence in Fraternity & Sorority Relations-Small Winner - Beta Zeta (Kennesaw State U)
Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)
Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U) Winner - Omega (Miami U)
Winner - Pi Alpha (U of Louisville) Winner - Omega Sigma (Oklahoma State U)
Honorable Mention - Epsilon Sigma (Quincy U) Winner - Pi Alpha (U of Louisville)

Excellence in Membership Recruitment-Large Excellence in Sisterhood-Small:

Winner - Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia) Winner - Kappa Phi (McGill U)
Honorable Mention - Omicron (U of Tennessee) Winner - Lambda Chi (LaGrange College)
Honorable Mention - Beta Upsilon (Bryant U)
Excellence in Membership Recruitment-Medium Honorable Mention - Sigma Delta (Huntingdon College)

Winner - Rho Omicron (Middle TN State U) McCausland Cup for Excellence in Academic
Honorable Mention - Beta Kappa (U of British Columbia) Achievement:

Excellence in Membership Recruitment-Small Winner - Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)
Winner - Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)
Winner - Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)
Honorable Mention - Delta Epsilon (Jacksonville State U) Outstanding AAC:

Excellence in Membership Retention-Large Winner - Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)
Winner - Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia)
Winner - Zeta (U of Nebraska, Lincoln) Honorable Mention - Kappa Rho (Western Michigan U)
Honorable Mention - Chi Lambda (U of Evansville) Honorable Mention - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)

12 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

Outstanding LC: Mary Louise Roller Award:
Recognizing outstanding service to a Panhellenic or com-
Winner - Epsilon Chi (Elon University) munity, the Roller Award recipient has served her Panhellenic
Winner - Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U) as President and as Recruitment Counselor. During her term,
Honorable Mention - Chi Lambda (U of Evansville) she helped smooth the transition to a new Greek Advisor
Honorable Mention - Gamma Delta (U of South Alabama) and helped plan her university’s largest ever recruitment.
She served as the director of Relay for Life for two years after
Philos Award for Excellence in Panhellenic-Large: having been instramental in bringing Relay for Life to her
campus in the first place. Despite numerous other campus
Winner - Omega (Miami U) activities, she remained an involved AOII member and held
the office of Vice President of Communications. Her campus
Philos Award for Excellence in Panhellenic-Small: Panhellenic and AOII are lucky to claim her.

Winner - Beta Zeta (Kennesaw State U) Hillary Hale – Zeta Pi (U of Alabama, Birmingham)

Muriel T. McKinney Award:
The Muriel McKinney Award recognizes a chapter adviser for
outstanding guidance and length of service to a collegiate
chapter. This year’s recipient has severed the same chapter,
Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U), for almost 50 consecutive
years. She began as Chapter Adviser in 1965 when they
were a colony and she continued in that role through 1983.
She next took on dual roles as Corporation Board President
from 1967 to 1993 and Academic Advisor from 1983 to the
present. She served on the WKU Greek Committee and was
responsible for building the sorority dorm on campus and
the house the chapter still has use of today. She was also a
charter member of the Bowling Green Alumnae Chapter and
has held numerous alumnae officer positions. AOII is proud
to honor:

Rachel Allen – Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U)
Alpha Chi Academic Development Adviser

Stella George Stern Perry Award:
The Perry Award honors AOII’s most outstanding collegiate Chapter
President. This year’s recipient is a two term president who is largely
credited with an impressive chapter turnaround story. When she was
first elected CP of Pi Alpha (U of Louisville) in 2011, her chapter was
floundering with only 23 members, financial debt and inefficient chap-
ter operations in most areas. This president was elected with a plan of
where she wanted the chapter to be by the year 2020. She became
the catalyst for change, and excitement started to grow. That fall, the
chapter hit total for the first time in 33 years, impressively reaching 119
members. Then came two awards for Excellence in New Member Edu-
cation and Outstanding AAC at convention. But while her first term
had been full of idealism and changes, the second year proved to be
more difficult, and that is where her leadership really began to shine.
The chapter faced standards issues and not achieving quota during
formal recruitment. Growing pains that she had thought would be
easy to weather, threatened to tear the chapter apart, and they might
not have made it without this president pulling them together. She
emphasized the importance of Ritual and urged officers to invest time
and energy in their chapter, to budget wisely and spend money on
the things that were important—like sisterhood activities and recruit-
ment. Her adoring Leaders Council acknowledges, “... without her we
would not have thrived.” The 2014 Perry Award recipient is:

Hannah Rosenhamer – Pi Alpha (U of Louisville)



Alumnae Chapter Awards Individual Awards

Excellence in Collegiate Relations: Alumnae Women of Leadership Awards:

Winner - Atlanta Alumnae Chapter (Recognizes outstanding alumnae leaders)
Winner - Calgary Alumnae Chapter Carole Jones – Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Honorable Mention - Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter Leigh Perry – Upsilon Lambda (U of Texas, San Antonio)
Honorable Mention - Vancouver Alumnae Chapter
Collegiate Women of Leadership Awards:
Excellence in Communications:
(Recognizes outstanding collegiate leaders)
Winner - Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter Janna Coty – Lambda Epsilon (U of Waterloo)
Winner - Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter Theresa Kaaihue – Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)
Honorable Mention - Chicago City Alumnae Chapter Cynthia Maldonado – Tau Delta (Birmingham Southern College)
Honorable Mention - Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter Sarah Terry – Zeta Pi (U of Alabama, Birmingham)
Honorable Mention - New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Ayssa Waninger – Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)

Excellence in Community Involvement: Rose Awards:

Winner - Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chapter (Recognizes outstanding devotion to the Fraternity)
Winner - Toledo Area Alumnae Chapter Phyllis Austin, Atlanta AC, Nu Lambda (U of Southern California)
Honorable Mention - Chicago City Alumnae Chapter Susan Bonifield, Triangle AC, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi)
Honorable Mention - Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter Kathy Borzell, Philadelphia AC, Delta Chi (U of Delaware)
Lacey Bowman, SMAC, Chi Delta (U of Colorado)
Excellence in Membership Recruitment: Anna Davis, Huntsville AC, Alpha Kappa (U of North Alabama)
Page Frey, Birmingham AC, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Winner - Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter Anna Guerra, New Orleans/Baton Rouge ACs, Lambda Tau
Winner - Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter
Honorable Mention - Atlanta Alumnae Chapter (U of Louisiana, Monroe)
Genevieve Leake, Delaware AC, Delta Chi (U of Delaware)
Excellence in Operations: Angela Lindauer, Indianapolis AC, Beta Phi (Indiana U)
Rachel Lyles, Memphis AC, Kappa Omicron (Rhodes College)
Winner - Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chapter Jennifer Meade, Columbus Area AC, Omega Upsilon (Ohio U)
Winner - Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter Terry Palmer, Chicago NW Suburban AC, Phi Alpha (East TN State U)
Honorable Mention - New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Koren Phillips, Boston AC, Phi Chi (U of Chicago)
Robin Schladt, Madison Area AC, Iota Tau (U of Wisconsin, Stout)
Excellence in Sisterhood: Melissa Schoenfeld, Boston AC, Delta (Tufts U)
Natasha Sherwood, Tampa Bay AC, Gamma Omicron (U of Florida)
Winner - New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Terese Sutor, Reno-Tahoe AC, Epsilon Alpha (Penn State U)
Winner - Suburban Maryland Alumnae Chapter Katherine Thornton, Bowling Green AC, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi)
Honorable Mention - Calgary Alumnae Chapter Deidra Tidwell, Greater Gadsden AC, Delta Epsilon (Jacksonville St U)
Honorable Mention - Chicago City Alumnae Chapter Enid Veazie Wood, Denver AC, Chi Delta (U of Colorado)
Gretchen Zollendeck, Buffalo AC, Phi Delta (U of Wisc., Milwaukee)
Philos Award for Excellence in
Alumnae Panhellenic: To Dragma • 15

Winner - Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chapter
Winner - Vancouver Alumnae Chapter
Honorable Mention - Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter

Issue no.3 • Summer 2014

The Survey Says:

Life in college positively impacts life after college;
particularly for sorority and fraternity members.

When it comes to being engaged at work and experiencing Not surprisingly, graduates who belong to fraternities or
high well-being after graduation, a new Gallup-Purdue sororities were:
University Index study of U.S. college graduates found that
graduates who were members of fraternities or sororities are Much more likely to have been extremely active
more likely to be thriving in all ve elements of well-being in extracurricular activities and organizations
(purpose, social, nancial, community and physical) during
their post-graduate years than those graduates who did not join a 39% vs. 16%
fraternity or sorority.
More likely to have participated in student clubs
The inaugural Gallup-Purdue Index is a joint-research e ort
with Purdue University and Lumina Foundation to study 73% vs. 53%
the relationship between the college experience and college
graduates’ lives. The Gallup-Purdue Index is a comprehensive, More likely to have participated in intramural sports
nationally representative study of U.S. college graduates with
Internet access. Gallup conducted the web study February 4 50% vs. 25%
through March 7, 2014, with nearly 30,000 U.S. adults who had
completed at least a bachelor’s degree. Perhaps less predictably, more fraternity and sorority members
than other graduates:
The study reveals that respondents identifying themselves as
members of fraternities and sororities – 16 percent of respondents Strongly agree that they had professors who cared about them
indicate that they are a member of a national fraternity or sorority as a person, those who made them excited about learning, and
while in college – scored better in overall well-being, workplace mentors who encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
engagement, emotional support from their college, experiential
learning experience as a student, and alumni attachment. 16% vs. 13%

Gallup research demonstrates that fraternity and sorority The relative strength in these areas is likely one reason that
members fare better in their careers and are more likely to be
thriving in other facets of life that a ect well-being. The Gallup- signi cantly more fraternity and sorority alumni
Purdue Index also asked about many types of college activities.
strongly agree that their institution prepared them for life after

college than other graduates .

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), one of the largest advocacy organizations for women and the sorority experience, and
the North-American Interfraternity Conference, which represents more than 70 international men’s fraternities, strive to help campuses
provide supportive social learning environments for current members and potential new members.

“This ground-breaking study con rms what we’ve long known and understood about the bene ts of fraternity membership,” said
Peter Smithhisler, president and CEO of NIC. “While most of the attention paid to fraternities is focused on the collegiate experience
– as it should be – the value of membership continues to develop and be revealed throughout the post-graduate experience as well.
Fraternity men consistently credit their support and success in life in large part to the lessons learned and personal bonds developed
during their collegiate fraternity involvement.”

“For generations, our message has always been that sorority membership enhances the college experience and also provides lifelong
support networks for members,” said Jean Mrasek, chairman of NPC. “The results of this index survey are indeed powerful in that
they validate what we advocate on a regular basis and what we know to be true – that sororities contribute to the overall well-being
of women.”

The ndings of this study have been reported in many news outlets including the Wall Street Journal. For a full copy of the report, please visit gallup.com.

16 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

New Training Ambassador Program to “Train the Trainers”

The Fraternity is pleased to launch a new Training Ambassador program that will provide additional leadership development
training to the women who work directly with our collegiate chapters. Through this initiative, a select group of volunteers will
be educated and prepared to deliver trainings to others. This initiative will focus primarily on the training of Alumnae Advisory
Committees (AAC) and assist with workshops and other needs of collegiate officers when requested.

Applications for our inaugural group of ambassadors were released in June and over 110 sisters applied for the opportunity to
serve. These women attended a training at AOII International Headquarters the first weekend of August and will begin making
visits to our chapters this fall. We are excited to announce the 19 women who were selected: Trista Angelisanti-McDermott
(Sigma Rho), Julie Bohling (Theta Omega), Jill Marie Eggebraaten Delorey (Lambda Iota), Erica Denner (Omega), Christen Finley
(Delta Tau), Laurie French (Theta Psi), Amy Gatto (Epsilon Chi), Pamela Glowacki (Kappa Phi), Natalie Gross (Iota), Simonne
Marie Guidry (Delta Beta), Caitlin Herbst (Zeta Pi), Darlene Langhout (Chi Epsilon), Monique Caron Luihn (Epsilon Chi), Liana
Beth Morris (Phi Upsilon), Dana Michele Owens-Molan (Delta Epsilon), Kristen Phelps (Kappa Tau), Laura Pope (Mu Lambda),
Mary Ashe Reynolds (Gamma Theta), and Christine Joyce Rodriguez (Sigma Phi).

The purpose of the Training Ambassador program is to offer education that develops personal leadership skills, improves
communication, and enhances relationships. In providing this opportunity to the volunteer trainers, it equips them with the tools to
guide other leaders who influence the larger membership and in turn the campus communities where AOII has chapters installed.

To learn more about the Training Ambassador program, please visit the AOII website www.alphaomicronpi.org.

Issue no.3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 17

18 • To Dragma Issue no.3 • Summer 2014

by Rachel Boison, Kappa Kappa (Ball State U),
Assistant Director of Public Relations

An ACOoIIningress
Susan Brooks, Omega (Miami U)

In 1979, United States Congresswoman “It was so exciting to travel on my own to a president, my roommate and one of my best
Susan Wiant Brooks pledged AOII’s Omega national event, for the rst time! It gave me an friends was president of Chi Omega! We
Chapter as a sophomore at Miami U. The even better appreciation for AOII and what it learned a lot from each other. I loved hearing
next several years would provide Susan with meant to serve my chapter as president.” Susan her perspective and sharing mine.”
leadership opportunities and lasting friendships. also recalls her strong relationship with her
Little did she know that AOII would Chapter Adviser. “She was a wonderful, smart, After graduating from Miami U in 1982,
contribute, in part, to her successful election as caring woman who was really trying to help Susan attended the Robert H. McKinney
a member of the United States 113th Congress us become successful women and enjoy our School of Law at Indiana U where she
representing Indiana’s 5th District. college experience.” earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.). In 1998 she
was appointed Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis
Hailing from Homestead High School in Susan’s commitment to AOII shined through under the administration of Mayor Steve
Fort Wayne, Indiana, Susan immersed herself her involvement in nearly every activity. “I Goldsmith; with her law background, Susan’s
in residence life her rst year at Miami. She was on the AOII bicycling team, I played on priorities as Deputy Mayor included crime
served as dorm president of the university’s our ag football team. It was also the rst time and the criminal justice system in Indianapolis.
Dorsey Hall, and found herself becoming I really engaged in volunteer activities – I did Following her term as Deputy Mayor, Susan
interested in the potential of Greek life as not have much time to volunteer
the year progressed. “Rush, as it was called in high school and I loved that
then, took place in the summer. I’d never AOII made it such a priority for
experienced anything like it, I would imagine our members.” When asked how
it’s somewhat equivalent to speed dating! she would sum up her collegiate
I remember really enjoying being around years, Susan didn’t hesitate. “AOII
the women at AOII,” Susan said of her made my experience at Miami so
recruitment experience. rich and full, and so much FUN.”
She encouraged her younger
Susan became president of a pledge class that sister to go through recruitment,
truly adored one another and set the stage and just two years after Susan, her
for the bonds she would form as a collegiate sister became an AOII at Ball State
member. She quickly earned the respect and U in Muncie, Indiana. Some of
admiration of her fellow sisters and went on Susan’s favorite memories as an
to serve as Omega’s Chapter President. “The AOII involved forming friendships
with women from other sororities.
rst conference I ever attended was an AOII “While I was serving as AOII
conference in Kansas City,” Susan recalls.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 19

Following her term as Deputy Mayor, Susan
joined the team at Indianapolis-based law rm
Ice Miller before her 2001 appointment by
President George W. Bush as U.S. Attorney for
the Southern District of Indiana. She served in
this role until October 2007 when she became
General Counsel and Senior Vice President for
Workforce and Economic Development at Ivy
Tech Community College, an Indiana-based
community college system that spans 14 regions
with 30 campuses.

Throughout Susan’s law career, much of make in Congress. When the idea to run for They went to events, they made phone calls,
her experience was centered on workforce o ce in Indiana’s newly re-drawn 5th district they went to early voting sites. When they made
vitality, crime prevention, and community was put on the table by colleagues in 2011, their phone calls, they told everyone they talked
development. She served on committees like the she excitedly entered her name in the race. At to that we were college friends, sorority sisters,
Indianapolis Violence Reduction Partnership, the time of her entry, it was against 30-year and people seemed to love that, that my lifelong
Marion County Criminal Justice Coordinating incumbent Dan Burton. Burton later decided to friends were the ones reaching out and telling
Council, and the Employers Against Domestic retire, and soon the primary race became a 7-way them about me. It was the rst time any of them
Violence Initiative, and she honed in on battle among many quali ed candidates vying to had done anything political!”
issues like identity theft, drug tra cking, and assume this vacancy.
gangs. She is responsible for statewide strategic Thanks to the enthusiasm and e orts of her
initiatives focused on building the workforce and Enter the sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi. In team and AOII sister volunteers, Susan won the
strengthening the economy. With an impressive preparation for the 2012 election, Susan reached Republican primary in May 2012, beating out
track record in tackling tough issues, Susan and out to friends and shared in her 2011 Christmas six other candidates with 30 percent of the vote.
those around her saw the di erence she could card that she was running for Congress. Those Next up was the race for o ce in November
who received this news included a group of 2012; those sisters came back to work the polls,
“I hope to be a strong advocate AOIIs from Omega Chapter with whom Susan make phone calls, and eventually celebrate with
for the needs of fraternity and had stayed close since they graduated together in Susan when she defeated her opponent with 58
sorority organizations because 1982 – a group of sisters who make a point to see percent of the vote.
of my experience with AOII.” each other every year and found ways to support
each other as their lives took them down separate Susan was sworn into o ce on January 3, 2013.
paths. “We continue to get together however we In April that year, the annual AOII meet-up
of these Omega Chapter sisters happened in
can; we’ve visited each other Washington, D.C. “I wanted them to see what
all over the country,” Susan they helped me work for; I couldn’t have done it
says of this close-knit group. without them,” Susan said. Susan spends two to
“One sister has multiple three weeks a month on Capitol Hill and the rest
sclerosis, and so one year of the month in the Indiana district she represents
for our annual meet-up, we – a large middle portion of the Midwestern
did an MS Walk together in state that encompasses suburban, rural, and
Cincinnati where she lives. urban Indiana communities. “I y home every
And her husband makes sure weekend to stay connected to the district and my
she can join us wherever family. While I’m there I meet with schools and
we go.” local businesses and give my views on legislation,
meet with area chambers of commerce, service
It’s no surprise that when organizations, and try to just listen to as many
these sisters heard Susan’s groups as I can,” Susan said of her responsibilities
news, the decision for their as a United States Congresswoman. She
2012 gathering was made. most recently visited the veterans’ hospital in
They traveled to Indianapolis Indianapolis as part of an ongoing initiative
in April 2012 and joined to assess the care veterans are receiving in the
the campaign team of Susan nation’s VA hospitals.
W. Brooks for Congress.
“The weekend before the Susan takes her experiences from within
primary election, they were the district back to D.C. in order to meet
there, campaigning for me.

20 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

and talk through voting decisions with sta . doubt that AOII will be there in many ways. Women continue to make history in
Throughout days of meetings, hearings, and From sisters on hand working the polls and government and thus are making a bigger impact
votes, it is her responsibility to make sure the making calls, to the foundation of leadership on the world each day. Upon her 2012 election,
needs of her constituents are met. Susan’s work skills that began with Omega Chapter at Miami Susan became the second Republican woman
in Congress still focuses largely on issues that U, it is clear that the AOII experience lasts for a elected to Congress by the state of Indiana and
were of the utmost importance in her early lifetime. “I developed so many skills in leading sixth overall. She is one of a record 102 women
career – job creation and addressing the drug young, bright, talented women, learning how serving in the 113th Congress, making up 18.8
problems communities are facing, among to get them to work together, how to nd percent of total membership. “I encourage
others. She currently serves on the Education out what their strengths were and to put those women to run for o ce at all levels – school
and Workforce, Homeland Security and strengths into action,” Susan said. “I am thankful board, local government, whatever they can do.
Ethics Committees, and chairs the Committee for those incredible bonds of friendship that I We need to have more women take that step!”
on Homeland Security Subcommittee on have continued to nurture – you have to reach
Emergency Preparedness, Response and out and keep them going, but when we don’t Opposite page: Susan speaking at a press
Communications. She was also named to the see each other very often we very much pick up conference with House Leadership, and with her
Select Committee on the Events Surrounding where we left o .” father and Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano.
the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi. As the Below: Susan with her supportive Omega sisters at
technology environment changes, new issues a celebratory reunion in Washington D.C..
come to the forefront as well, and Susan is ahead
of the curve.

As of July 8, 2014, a social media bill titled Social “AOII was critical to my development as a young
Media Working Group Act of 2014 introduced woman during my college years. In many ways,
by Congresswoman Brooks has been passed by it was the foundation for my role as a leader.”
the U.S. House of Representatives. According
to a press release, this piece of legislation
expands the membership and in uence of the
Department of Homeland Security’s Virtual
Social Media Working Group, which has held
meetings since 2010 and is responsible for social
media communication and management during
an emergency. “Social media has dramatically
changed the way we communicate with each
other and using it the right way can save lives
when disaster strikes,” Susan is quoted in the
o cial news of the bill’s passing. “This bill
strengthens the Department of Homeland
Security’s Virtual Social Media Working
Group… this bipartisan legislation requires
the working group to le a yearly report with
Congress demonstrating new strategies for using
cutting edge tools to keep people safe.”

Representing Indiana’s 5th District has also
exposed Susan to issues faced by fraternity and
sorority organizations. Nine National Panhellenic
Conference (NPC) organizations, 19 National
Inter-Fraternity Council (NIC) organizations,
and both NPC and NIC themselves are
headquartered in Indianapolis and surrounding
cities. “When I rst learned of this fraternity and
sorority presence, I met with them as a group to
see what issues they have. I hope to be a strong
advocate for the needs of fraternity and sorority
organizations because of my experience with
AOII,” Susan said.

As she nears preparation for the next general
election on November 4, 2014, there is no

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 21

201st
Chapter Installation
La da Del a - Dal on S ate College

On April 12, 2014, Alpha Omicron Pi happily In their short time as a colony, they were able to
welcomed our 201st chartered collegiate chapter experience AOII sisterhood events, as well as campus
in to our order as the Lambda Delta Chapter at and community events together. Their rst Chapter
Dalton State College was installed. Allison Allgier, President, Christian Cunningham, truly summed up
International President, served as the installing o cer the experience of what it was like to join a colony of
and presided over the celebratory weekend’s events AOII during her Rose Reception speech following
which included a Ceremony of Transition and Rose their installation. She shared her hopes and dreams
Reception in addition to the Initiation and Installation for the chapter with guests by stating, “As Chapter
Rituals. It was a wonderful time where AOII’s newest President, I hope to encourage each of the ladies
members were recognized and celebrated by AOII to give back to a fraternity that has already given us
alumnae and collegiate members, as well as family, lifelong friendships and bonds in such a brief amount
friends, and the Dalton State community. of time. I know that each of us as charter members,
hope to come back to the campus for decades to come
The colony chose for the chapter, once installed, to and see the legacy we helped to create thriving in this
be represented by the phrase “Embracing Diversity, community. As the rst Panhellenic organization on
Cherishing Sisterhood” as their submotto, and after campus, we hope to set the standard and exceed the
six weeks of development and growth as a colony, expectation of what women’s Panhellenic will look like
AOII initiated 40 collegiate women into the Lambda at Dalton State.”
Delta Chapter.

22 • To Dragma Issue No. 3 • Summer 2014

Submotto: E bracing Diversity,
Cherishing Sister ood

Charter Members

Campus & Community Involvement: Felicia Albertson Kelly Jones
Sarah Amos Maggie Kalafut
Campus Activities Board (CAB), Student Advisory Council (SAC), Brianna Cheever Kaitlyn Kittle
History Club, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Volleyball, SOAR Leaders, Dennise Cisneros Celeste Marquez
Volunteer Work with SAVE and children’s recreation sports. Celeste Cobb Selena Martinez
Latifah Collins Laura May
Christian Cunningham Alexandria Moore
Dionne Dailey Yakeli Morales
Anai Delgado Alex Nizamutdinova
Shawna Ellis Ana Paniagua
Natalie Espinoza-Hensley Carisma Pendley
Brooke Floyd Sharlie Puff
Viviana Garcia-Roqueta Haley Richards
Carolina Gomez Jasmine Richardson
Audrie Guerrero Rebecca Sanchez
Amy Hernandez Emily Savor
Brittney Ikard Courtney Sloan
Abigail Jacks Tanyeal Tolbert
Kara Janow Kailey Vaughn
Shanique Johnson Emily Williams

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 23

202nd
Chapter Installation

Zeta Theta - California State University, Chico

On May 3, 2014, Alpha Omicron Pi joyously The colony chose for the chapter, once installed, to
welcomed our 202nd chartered collegiate chapter in be represented by the phrase “Passionate. Powerful.
to our order with the installation of the Zeta Theta Poised.” as their submotto, and after eight weeks of
Chapter at California State U, Chico. Allison Allgier, development and growth as a colony, AOII initiated 89
International President, served as the installing officer collegiate women and one alumna initiate into the Zeta
and presided over the celebratory weekend’s events Theta Chapter.
which included a Ceremony of Transition and Rose
Reception, in addition to the Initiation and Installation During their colony period, they participated in
Rituals. It was a wonderful time where AOII’s newest numerous AOII sisterhood events and joined in campus
members were recognized and celebrated by AOII and community events as well. Their first Chapter
alumnae and collegiate members, as well as family, President, Kelsie Hinders, summed up the experience
friends, and the Chico community. of what it was like to join a colony of AOII by sharing,

Submotto: Passionate. Powerful. Poised.

24 • To Dragma Issue No. 3 • Summer 2014

“I never expected to feel so close to women I
haven’t known for very long. I am happy and proud
to call each of you my sister. This next semester, as
we embark on our journey as a chartered chapter, I
look forward to the many events we will plan, the
meetings we will hold, the friendships that we will
continue to form, and the memories we will create.
This past semester has shown that we will live up
to our chapter’s submotto. We are truly passionate,
powerful, and poised.”

Charter Members

Campus & Community Involvement Nataly Adkins Vanessa Gonzalez Griselda Paredes
and Recognition Melissa Aguiar KB Grabin Jordan Patton
Karley Angotta Savannah Graham Katelyn Pipkin
• Sigma Nu Patriot Days, Champions Teresa Austin Tahiri Gutierrez Erica Ploetz
• Chapter serenades with Kappa Sigma, Phi Kappa Tau, Gaby Aveni Allie Hahn Amber Pratt
Karla Ayala Martiza Hernandez Aman Purewal
and Alpha Sigma Phi Angela Bautista Kelsie Hinders Callie Richards
• Order of Omega Etiquette Dinner Marian Becker Haley Holmes Sofia Rodriguez
• CSU, Chico Arête Awards Dinner where senior Katie Bowman Rachel Hughes Marina Romero
Alix Bravo Emily Jenkins Allison Ruanto
members were recognized Lauren Brown Morganne Jones Jassmine Salas
• A lemonade stand on campus which raised money for Megan Burger Laura Joyce Danielle Sano
Yoselin Calderon Samantha Kemp Ciera Shepherd
St. Baldrick’s Research Foundation Jess Castillo Nicole Kowalczyk Katie Short
• Finals week PR efforts on campus to hand out AOII Adrianna Castellanos Maija Lazenby Ashley Simon
Ariella Chagolla Micheala Leonard Kim Sly
pencils for good luck Donna Choeun Shay Little Victoria Smyth
Ronda Choeun Nicole Long Mary Steves
Issue No. 3 • Summer 2014 Gaby Contreras Amanda Marsh Alyssa Stralla
Jenna Curreri Prin Mayowa Sandra Swanstrom
Krisbel Delcid Jayleen Mendiola Marisa Swingle
Halen Dingel Hannah Menise Devyn Trenary
Sarah Engstrom Alexa Morgan Alejandra Velazquez
Kaitlyn Enticknap Janessa Mostow Megan Wade
Angela Ervin Emily Myers Becca Watje
Lauren Evans Camille Neitz Shaianne West
Caitlin Felix Michelle Norman Rachel Zirin
Veronica Fiore Dominique O’Neal
Michelle Garcia Megan Olson Alumna Initiate
Margot Gavin Tish Ortega Denise Brown
Victoria Goernert Audrea Pangelina

To Dragma • 25

127Reinstallation of our thChapter

La da Iota - University of California, San Diego

Alpha Omicron Pi proudly reinstalled our 127th chartered from being complete strangers to a cohesive group of women
collegiate chapter on May 4, 2014. The Lambda Iota Chapter who I can honestly call my sisters. We’ve shared laughs and tears,
of Alpha Omicron Pi at U of California, San Diego made a moments of strength and weakness, and all of our quirks and silly
magni cent return to campus to the delight of many dedicated traits. We quickly laid the foundation for lifelong friendships. My
alumnae and AOIIs from around the area. Allison Allgier, sisters and I are eternally grateful to all the people who helped
AOII International President, served as the initiating o cer, make this happen. Our Panhellenic community at UC San Diego
and Rebecca Herman, AOII Vice President, administered the has welcomed us with open arms, and showed us exactly what it
Ceremony of Transition. means to be a member of the Panhellenic community.” This is just
the beginning of a great sisterhood for Lambda Iota.
The initial chapter roster includes seventy-seven new initiates,
plus one a liate from AOII’s Alpha Nu Chapter (Ramapo Submotto:
College). The chapter will continue to be represented by
“Lasting Integrity,” as their sub-motto, a name that typi es the Lasting Integ ity
chapter’s unique character inde nitely. This was a particularly
special homecoming for Lambda Iota alumnae who now live
far and wide, but who assisted with the weekend’s festivities as
sponsors for the new initiates.

In her Rose Reception speech, newly elected Chapter President
Molly Roecker said, “This entire process was most de nitely
the adventure of a lifetime. In a matter of months, we went

26 • To Dragma Issue No. 3 • Summer 2014

Charter Members

Maheen Abbasi Karen Lam Bragging Rights
Amanda Acuna Vivian Li
Bisma Ajaz Kiele Liu - Lambda Iota participated in the 2014 UCSD Triton Day
Kellie Avery Ashley Luu which is an orientation day for all incoming freshman who
Gabriella Bastos Devan Mahedy have been accepted to UCSD. The chapter set up a
Shannon Boyce Saveena Mann beautiful booth and handed out panda cookies!
Hayley Boyd Yadira Marquez
Josolyn Chan Melody Mileski - Several women serve on the College Residents Council.
Sandra Chavez Jessica Moore - Chapter sent cards on Valentine’s Day to Camp Kesem- a
Rosalyn Chu Tanya Najhawan
Alexa Conrad Iqra Naqvi camp for children whose parents have cancer.
Emily Courney Stella Ng - Two members held Congressional internships in
Rannah Dabiri Bernadette Nguyen
Marissa DeFalco Allyson Osorio Washington, D.C. during their spring quarter.
Tianna Diaz Bridget Pak - Two members participated in Alpha Chi Factor (Alpha Chi
Julia Dinh Jacqueline Patzer
Leonor Donayre Jocelyn Perez Omegas philanthropy event that is a spinoff of X-Factor)
Sharleen Dua Mariana Quezada and won first place for the women.
Hollie Dunn Fabiola Ramirez - Four Members volunteered in the Alternative Spring
Mona Figueroa Monica Rios Break Program.
Lydia Fong Molly Roecker - The chapter won $100 for the Athritis Foundation by winning
Lizette Garcia Niccolette Rosette Kappa Kappa Gamma’s philanthropy event - Kappa Karnival.
Stephanie Griffith Rhona Sabatchi
Amanda Guilardi Erin Seger To Dragma • 27
Kaitlin Halloran Katie Shephard
Danielle Hauss Devin Sheridan
Kelsey Henck Rachel Shroyer
Julia Herskovic Rebecca Tran
Bailey Hindson Jacquelyn Tran
Sinead Horgan Lynn Truong
Candace Hsu Sarah Wong
Emery Jones Nancy Wu
Claire Johnson Evelyn Yang
Jennifer Kan Brenda Younany
Silva Kanerva Teresa Yuan
Kim Kaur Alexis Yudin
Hamna Khan Cara Zamora
Marianne Kovar Taylor Zepeda
Sucharita Krishna Nicolle Zubatov

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2014

A New Philosophy,

&Policy Procedure
by Meredith Dunn, Tau Omicron (U of Tennessee, Martin),
Assistant Director of Chapter Services

In our fast-paced world, we observe changes and take note of them. Some changes are so small
that they are relatively unnoticeable until they build up over time. Other changes can have such
a large impact that we immediately observe and begin to process what comes next. We grow
accustomed to changes in our lives and begin to fully understand the meaning of the quote “the
only thing that is constant is change.”

Our college campuses are certainly no exclusion to this rule of change, as most anyone could tell
you. The atmosphere on a university campus is completely different than it was forty, twenty,
or even five years ago. Today, students are facing a multitude of issues and pressures like never
before. Among the list, some of the most prevalent issues surround the use and misuse of alcohol.

Binge drinking and drinking with the intent to pass out or blackout are common habits of many
college students. In one study surveying 772 undergraduates, over half of those who had
consumed alcohol reported blacking out while 40% reported blacking out during the year prior to
the survey.* Students are gathering for house parties and organizations are hosting unregistered
events in order to engage in this behavior with unlimited
sources of alcohol. These unregistered events break
university policy, as well as numerous Greek
organizations’ policies, and the desire to have a safe
event is not given much thought until after
something happens.



Understanding that our members feel the pressures of
this lifestyle and after much thought and consultation,
it was time that AOII’s stance on alcohol be updated to
reflect the changing world around us. These updates
include a new Organizational Alcohol Philosophy,
new Event Planning Guides, and revisions to the
Alcohol Policy and Book of Policies.

28 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

AOII’s Organizational Alcohol Philosophy

While a policy drives the procedure, a philosophy drives the policy. A philosophy was created which clearly
explains the thoughts and viewpoints that AOII has surrounding alcohol. The philosophy states,

“Alpha Omicron Pi is committed to the safety and well-being of its members.”

The care and safety of our members is at the heart of what we stand for
and drives all other components of the Alcohol Policy.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 Here are more points that can be found in the
Organizational Alcohol Philosophy:

• The Fraternity expects members to abide by all laws, particularly those
relative to the purchase and consumption of alcohol.

• The Fraternity endeavors to support the mission of the educational
institutions in which chapters are installed and collaborate with the host
institutions to address the problem of alcohol misuse.

• The Fraternity acknowledges that the use of alcohol is a matter of
personal choice for members of legal drinking age in permissible
circumstances. When a member of Alpha Omicron Pi chooses not
to drink, the Fraternity expects that her decision will be respected and
supported by her sisters.

• Illegal and/or irresponsible use of alcohol can cause problems not
only for the individual member, but for other chapter members, the
chapter itself and for the Fraternity as a whole. Therefore, chapters and
individuals must use self-governance to minimize the potential for risk.

• It is the absolute expectation of the Fraternity that each chapter and
individual member will comply with the terms of Alpha Omicron
Pi’s Alcohol Policy. Chapters and individual members will be held
accountable for choices that reflect discredit upon a member, the chapter
and/or the Fraternity.

• All members of Alpha Omicron Pi are charged with the knowledge
that sisterhood includes the responsibility to care for one another at all
times and particularly when alcohol is present.

To Dragma • 29

The Alcohol Policy

One of the most important updates to the Alcohol Policy is the inclusion of Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB)
events. This inclusion gives our collegians two ways of hosting events with alcohol. Previously, events could only be
held at a licensed third party vendor. Now, in addition to using a third party vendor, chapters can host BYOB events
at a licensed establishment as long as their college/university allows BYOB events. All AOII sponsored events with
alcohol present must comply with either the BYOB or Third Party Vendor guidelines.

The BYOB system has regulations that must be followed in order for an event to take place.
As you will find in the policy, “BYOB is defined as one (1) six-pack of 12-ounce beers or
one (1) four pack of wine coolers brought by a member or guest who is legally able to
consume an alcoholic beverage.” All guidelines surrounding how to successfully plan
and execute BYOB events and events at third party vendors can be found in the new
Event Planning Guides.

The intent behind the inclusion of BYOB events is to
reduce the risk that is surrounding unregistered social
events. By previously only allowing events at third
party vendors, many chapters did not have the funds
or an available location to hold these events, resulting
in unregistered and unofficial events with multiple,
open sources of alcohol. With this new addition to
the policy, chapters now have more control over
gatherings involving alcohol, which drastically
improves the safety of the events.

Another new introduction to assist with the safety
of events is the utilization of sober monitors.
Sober monitors are responsible for staying sober
before and during the entire event and will have
set responsibilities on what to monitor. These
monitors will receive specific training with more
information on their duties contained in the
Event Planning Guides. Along with this, an
easy-to-use formula for determining how many
sober monitors are necessary to balance the
number of attendees at the event is found in
the resource. Alumnae and/or advisers may
serve as sober monitors at AOII social events
only if they are attending the event as a
chaperone, not as an attendee.

30 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

EVENT PLANNING GUIDES

Another new addition to help aid in the education and planning of safer events are the
Event Planning Guides. Two Event Planning Guides were created: one for BYOB and the
other for third party vendor. These guides walk members through, step by step, how to plan
a safe event and include recommendations on options for the best results. Each asks for or
provides examples of information such as:

• A timeline for planning the event
• Basic insurance, vendor, and event information
• A budget
• Signing contracts
• Guest list preparation
• Transportation
• Event management
• Sober monitors
• BYOB check-in or third party vendor information
• Emergency information
• Event review

A new guideline re ected in the Event Planning Guides is that all contracts must be signed
at the local level. Only the Chapter President, Chapter Treasurer, and/or Vice President of
Administration are authorized to sign contracts. When signing contracts on behalf of the
chapter, care must be taken to make sure all signatures are signed “O cer Name, O cer
Title, Collegiate Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi.” In the “Vendors and Contracts” section of the
Event Planning Guides, basic information on what to review in contracts is included, along
with the contact information to AOII’s insurance company. If any questions arise about a
contract, Willis Insurance is available to answer questions and provide the best guidance.

Previously, an Event Approval Request Form (EARF) was lled out and submitted to the
appropriate Headquarters Staff member three weeks before an event and approval was
either given or denied. With the new policy, events will no longer be approved by a staff
member, nor does any paperwork need to be submitted. It is our expectation that chapters
use the Event Planning Guides, ll them out prior to every event they hold and reference
them when planning a new event or transitioning a new o cer. While a Headquarters
Staff member is no longer approving the events, the Event Planning Guides still have to be
reviewed and signed by the Chapter President and the Chapter Adviser, ensuring it has been
completed and the event is planned according to AOII policy and procedure.

While the updates and revisions to the Alcohol Policy introduce some big changes, these
changes embody AOII’s commitment to an exceptional membership experience. By
providing chapters and members with education and necessary support,
our members can be empowered to make responsible and mature decisions regarding
alcohol consumption.

Study citation: *WHITE, A.M.; SIGNER, M.L.; KRAUS, C.L.; and SWARTZWELDER, H.S. Experiential aspects of
alcohol–induced blackouts among college students.American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2004

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 31

2014-2015

Educational Leadership Consultants

During the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 semesters, AOII will send 12 Educational Leadership
Consultants to collegiate chapters across the US and Canada. Under the guidance of AOII
Headquarters sta and Fraternity volunteers, these outstanding young women will be
32w• TeollD-trargamina ed as educators and ambassadors to our collegiate chapters and meImssube enor.s3. • Summer 2014

Katie Clark What are your favorite hobbies? Meet the ELCs

Rho Omicron (Middle TN State U) I love going to concerts, reading, and jogging.
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN What is the most interesting place you have
ever visited?
At MTSU, Katie received a degree in Political
Science and was heavily involved in Panhellenic Dover, England
as Panhellenic President and serving as AOII’s Which song would you select as your theme song?
Panhellenic Delegate. In her chapter, she also
served as Alumnae Relations Chair. When “Swim” by Jack’s Mannequin
speaking about what part of being an ELC is
most exciting she says, “I am very excited to
meet more of my amazing sisters and share
with them how AOII has impacted my life.”

Addie Dyer What are your favorite hobbies?
Yoga, reading, watching TV, cooking, traveling, and
Chi Psi (California Polytechnic State U) following my favorite sports teams, the Golden State
Hometown: Alpine, CA Warriors and San Diego Chargers
If you were a avor of ice cream, which one would
Addie graduated from Cal Poly with a degree you be? And why?
in Agricultural Communications. Butter pecan; the buttery ice cream is classic and sweet.
At Chi Psi, she served as Internal Social The pecans add just the right amount of pizazz.
Chair and two-term VP of Standards. As an Which song would you select as your theme song?
ELC, Addie is most excited “to experience “California Love” by Tupac
other chapters across the country, meet the
girls, and find out what makes each chapter
special. I loved my AOII experience in college
so much, and I can’t wait to share that
enthusiasm with girls all over North America!”

Rebecca Easterling What are your favorite hobbies?
Geocaching, painting my ngernails, and being a
Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U) connoisseur of Diet Coke
Hometown: Ashland, KY What is the best activity to do with a sister?
Absolutely anything! Whether it’s driving around and
Rebecca is a former Philanthropic Chairman, simply listening to music, watching a movie in the
Recording Secretary, and Lip Sync Co-Chair chapter room, late night chats, a sisterhood event or
for the Epsilon Omega Chapter. During anything in between, it’s guaranteed to be a great time!
her time at Eastern Kentucky, she earned Which song would you select as your theme song?
a degree in History Teaching. When asked “Compass” by Lady Antebellum
what she is most excited about for her ELC
experience, she says, “I am most excited
about meeting sisters from all around the
United States and Canada!”

Kelli Gatti What are your favorite hobbies?
Cooking, Pinterest projects, and most importantly
Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U) hanging out with my sweet furry son, Gar eld
Hometown: New Orleans, LA If you were a avor of ice cream, which one would
you be? And why?
Kelli earned a degree in Business Marketing I would be Chocolate Therapy from Ben & Jerry’s! What
with a concentration in Advertising and girl doesn’t need a little chocolate therapy every now
Integrated Communication. At Kappa Tau, and again?!
Kelli was involved as Jr. Panhellenic Delegate, Which song would you select as your theme song?
VP Membership Recruitment, and VP of “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson; it is such a beautiful and
Education. In regards to her exciting ELC empowering song!
experience, she remarks, “Besides from
traveling, I am just too excited to meet sisters!
To know that every woman I encounter holds
that one common bond and one special love
for AOII is going to be remarkable!”

Zoe Gertner What are your favorite hobbies?

Beta Upsilon (Bryant U) I love traveling, so this position is perfect for me! I also
Hometown: Penfield, NY
love reading a good book or watching Net ix.
Zoe graduated with degrees in Marketing If you were a avor of ice cream, which one would
and Literature and Cultural Studies from you be? And why?
Bryant U. In her chapter, she served as VP of
Administration. When speaking about her Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup because it’s both salty
future experience as an ELC, she says, “I’m
looking forward to traveling and meeting so and sweet!
many AOII sisters from North America! I’m also Which song would you select for your theme song?
so excited for the new chapters of AOII coming
this year!” “Love for a Child” by Jason Mraz

Katie Mullins What are you favorite hobbies?

Zeta Psi (East Carolina U) I absolutely love live music! I’ve been to about 60 or so
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
concerts, of all music genres.
Katie graduated from East Carolina U with If you were a avor of ice cream, which one would
degrees in Public Relations and Journalism. you be? And why?
While at Zeta Psi, she was Assistant
Membership Recruitment and VP Membership Ben & Jerry’s “Co ee Co ee Buzz Buzz,” because I have a
Recruitment. She is looking forward to traveling
while being an ELC. She elaborates, “I’m most lot of energy!
excited about the travel! I’ve never been off Which song would you select as your theme song?
the East Coast, and the farthest west I’ve ever
traveled is Nashville, TN. I can’t wait to see “American Honey” by Lady Antebellum
more of the U.S. and Canada!”

Emily Murray What are your favorite hobbies?
I love painting! I’m no Da Vinci, but I still love to paint. I
Xi Omicron (U of Arkansas) also recently started cooking a lot.
Hometown: Russellville, AR What is the most interesting place you have ever
visited?
While earning a double major in Marketing This summer I backpacked across Europe for a month, and
and Economics, Emily served her chapter as visited Cinque Terre - ve, tiny picturesque towns lining
Keeper of the Ritual and VP of Education. She the Italian coast that are connected by a hiking trail.
especially loves the diversity and individuality Which song would you select as your theme song?
within AOII and says, “I can’t wait to visit “American Girl” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
different chapters and see how each one is
unique from each other.”

Haley Mruz What are your favorite hobbies?

Tau (U of Minnesota) Volleyball, basketball, swimming, rock climbing, Net ix,
Hometown: Mounds View, MN
shing, and watching any Minnesota Gopher sport
Haley earned Psychology and Sports If you were a avor of ice cream, which one would you
Management degrees during her time at be? And why?
the U of Minnesota. During her collegiate
membership, Haley served her chapter as Americone Dream because of Stephen Colbert, its creator,
VP of Education, a Rho Alpha for Panhellenic
recruitment, and Candy Girls VP. “Seeing how and America
AOII sisterhood and philanthropy is created Which song would you select as your theme song?
and celebrated at other colleges,” is what she’s
most excited about for her time as an ELC. “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea

Rhiannon O’Coin What or who inspires you? Meet the ELCs
I nd inspiration in everyday life. Something or someone
Gamma Alpha (George Mason U) will touch me and make me want to be better.
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA If you were a avor of ice cream, which one would
you be? And why? Without a doubt I would be Ben and
Rhiannon earned a degree in Art History while Jerry’s Half-Baked ice cream. I can be super indecisive, and
serving AOII as VP Chapter Development this ice cream has a little bit of everything, so it is perfect.
and Philanthropy Chair. She is excited about What is the best activity to do with a sister? I honestly
visiting chapters and says, “I have already met love just staying home with sisters, watching a movie and
so many amazing young women through my hanging out. Some of my best memories were the nights
collegiate time in AOII and I know that being an that we all stayed in and talked or goofed around.
ELC will allow me to meet so many more.”

Payton Ramsey What are your favorite hobbies?

Omicron (U of Tennessee, Knoxville) I love yoga, hot or regular! It is always a way to challenge
Hometown: Hendersonville, TN
yourself. I’d love to be a certi ed instructor one day!
While earning a degree in Communication If you were a avor of ice cream, which one would
Studies, Payton served Omicron as the VP of you be? And why?
Administration. Payton is most excited about all
of the sisters she will meet while being an ELC! Pralines n’ Cream because it’s southern and classic!
She says, “Getting to meet girls from so many Which song would you select as your theme song?
different chapters - I can’t wait to go do fun
things around their college towns with them to “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts
get to know my sisters.”

Kendyl Trail What are your favorite hobbies?
Shopping or baking! I make the best homemade
Delta Rho (DePaul U) chocolate chip cookies anyone has ever had.
Hometown: Oak Lawn, IL What or who inspires you?
My mom because she has taught me to never give up and
An Early Childhood Education major, Kendyl go after my dreams.
was extremely active on campus as Panhellenic Which song would you select for your theme song?
President and Panhellenic Vice President of “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
Correspondence. As an ELC, she is most
excited about meeting sisters to “compare and
contrast our AOII experiences and learn what
they love about this amazing organization!”

Jordan Travis What are you favorite hobbies?
Boating on the lake and playing any sport
Delta Omega (Murray State U) What or who inspires you?
Hometown: Gilbertsville, KY My mother, who is an AOII, has been battling rheumatoid
arthritis since she was 18.
Jordan was involved in her chapter as Which song would you select as your theme song?
Assistant Recruitment and VP of Membership “You are my Sunshine.” The song has gotten me through
Recruitment for two terms. At Murray State, the toughest of times, and I know when I listen to this
she earned a degree in Special Education with song on the road I will be reminded of my sisters, friends
an emphasis in Elementary Education. She is and family back home.
most excited about, “meeting sisters from all
over the U.S. and Canada,” during her travels
as an ELC.

IJiAnOI gI’sle

Bell

Partnership

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk, which has been chosen Allison will serve as a spokesperson for the event
as one of the best themed races in the nation, is a and will work with a team of AOII volunteers
holiday-themed event that raises millions of dollars who make up the new National AOII Jingle Bell
for the Arthritis Foundation through sponsorships Run/Walk Committee.
and individual/team fundraising. AOII Fraternity
and the Arthritis Foundation have joined forces to “AOII is dedicated to strengthening our
support the efforts of AOII members and solidify partnership with the Arthritis Foundation’s
a national partnership between Alpha Omicron Pi Jingle Bell Run/Walk series,” Allison said of this
and the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/ exciting new opportunity. “For years, many of
our collegians and alumnae have participated in
Walk for Arthritis. As part of this partnership, their local events, often being recognized as the
largest and most successful fundraising teams in
AOII’s own International President, Allison their area. We look forward to further enhancing
our member engagement through this important
Allgier, has been named the National Chair series of events.”

of the 2014 Jingle Bell Run/Walk series.

Meagan Fulmer, Chief Development Officer members. The Fraternity is fortunate specific resources for Jingle Bell Run/
for the Arthritis Foundation and an AOII to have several members with such Walk participants. With a goal of $284,000
alumna of Alpha Chi Chapter (Western experience who are already committed raised just by AOII participants and teams
Kentucky U), plays a key role in the ever- to serving the National AOII Jingle Bell alone, the good works of AOIIs are needed
growing partnership between AOII and Run/Walk Committee. They are: Haley more than ever.
the Arthritis Foundation. “AOII is a natural Kilar, Lambda Rho (Texas Christian
partner for the Arthritis Foundation and U); Jen Lougee, Gamma Alpha (George “We have found that AOII members are
for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. We have a Mason U); Stephanie Mete, Delta Rho committed and tireless, and above that,
history of working and fundraising together (DePaul U); Dionn Tron, Omega (Miami they care about people with arthritis,”
to make life better for people with arthritis,” U); Heather Holland, Alpha Lambda Meagan said of the impact AOII members
Fulmer said. “With AOII’s commitment and (Georgia Southern U); and Katharine have had on the Arthritis Foundation
enthusiasm to our cause, we know that they Lara, Theta Omega (Northern Arizona U). throughout the years. “From donating
will help us energize the Jingle Bell Run/ pandas for the JA Conference to
Walk series by calling greater attention to it Together, these women will serve as a participating in Walk to Cure Arthritis
and increasing our fundraising capacity and resource for AOIIs looking to get involved events, to Strike Out Arthritis! events and
local community engagement.” with their local Jingle Bell Run/Walk now as partners for the JBR, AOII is an
for Arthritis and will help the Fraternity indispensable and valued partner.”
AOIIs across the areas where Jingle Bell communicate its goals as a national
Run/Walk events are held have experience event partner. The national committee by Rachel Boison, Kappa Kappa (Ball State U)
as team captains, fundraisers, and local will also work in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Public Relations
Jingle Bell Run/Walk planning committee Arthritis Foundation to create AOII-

HOWgtoet Many Jingle Bell Run/Walk events kicked off this summer with “Jingle in July”
festivities. Although it seems early to think about jingle bells and holiday
INVOLVED costumes, it is not too early to get a Jingle Bell Run/Walk team started in your
area. You can find the 2014 Jingle Bell Run/Walk series of events by visiting
www.arthritis.org and navigating to “Special Events” and then “Jingle Bell
Run/Walk.” Get connected to your local office of the Arthritis Foundation for
fundraising and team recruitment ideas – visit www.arthritis.org and navigate
to “About Us”, then “Contact Us” and scroll to the Local Office Directory.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 37

SHAuQat mer

38 • To Dragma by Haley Cahill, Sigma Gamma (Appalachian State U), To Dragma Intern

Resumes, and references, and writing samples… oh my!
Like myself, I’m sure many collegiate members are all too famil-
iar with the internship application process. Mine began midway
through my junior year. I knew I wanted to complete an
internship relevant to my area of study prior to graduation, hop-
ing to have an edge when it comes time to apply for jobs. I am
a journalism major and deeply passionate about a career in the
magazine industry, so naturally I sent my information to every
magazine I had ever seen in the grocery store check-out line.

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2014

While applying to intern for is constant interaction among staff members to keep everything
some big name magazines running like a well-oiled machine.
was fine, I was particularly
intrigued with the To Talking with staff from these various departments gave me an
Dragma summer internship appreciation for why we do things the way we do and how
at Headquarters. I have been each and every chapter impacts our organization as a whole.
the To Dragma reporter in My membership experience has become so much more special
my chapter for two terms. I by having this opportunity to work directly with Headquarters
even had a story I submitted Staff. Up to this point, the majority of my work for AOII has
about joining AOII published been limited to my Sigma Gamma Chapter, but this summer I’ve
in the Spring 2013 edition been working for collegiate members from every chapter. That
of the magazine. So to say is both humbling and gratifying.
To Dragma holds a special
place in my heart is a bit of an My first weeks were full of fun projects for Leadership Institute
understatement. in June. In addition to Mariellen, I worked with Whitney
Frazier, AOII’s Creative Director, and the graphic design intern,
Haley Cahill, Summer Intern I submitted an application Amelia Wilson from Epsilon Omega at Eastern Kentucky, to
and by March, I had a phone interview with the editor. Shortly create the archives displays that would be set up for viewing at
thereafter, I was offered the To Dragma and Archives intern the hotel. We spent hours sorting through old postcards and
position! Before accepting, I took some time to weigh my letters written by our founders. We pored over the words of our
options and make sure that this would be both a beneficial and founding and read their emotional testimonies of one another.
enjoyable experience for me. I quickly realized that having the Seeing these original documents wasn’t just ‘part of the job,’ it
opportunity to move to the Nashville area for two months, was an experience any sister would cherish forever; I certainly
surrounded by sisters while working with a magazine I’ve grown will. How lucky am I to be able to hold a handwritten letter
to love, would be the absolute opportunity of a lifetime. I eagerly from Stella and read her intentions and hopes for the organization
accepted the position and began solidifying living arrangements in which I now belong, some 117 years later?
and making friends through email with other confirmed interns.
This turned out to be great networking and before we knew When LI rolled around, we helped with event set up and
it, most of us were all living together in a Vanderbilt University prepared for over 750 of our members from nearly every state
intern housing program. and even Canada to arrive and see the fruits of our labors.
As interns, we were fortunate that LI was just up the road in
On my first day, my alarm sounded at exactly 7 a.m. and I Franklin this year so we were able to see some of it. I loved
scurried around the apartment to get ready. I could barely put on watching sisters stroll through the archives display rooms I
my makeup, as I was so jittery with excitement. On my way to helped set up and eagerly read through old writings of our four
work, I made a quick pit stop at Starbucks (as if my heart wasn’t Founders. Watching other sisters see these archives for the first
racing enough already), and still arrived to Headquarters early, time was a memorable experience in itself. Seeing their reactions
so I anxiously wandered through the big, beautiful, building to these precious artifacts and watching as they soaked in the
that would be my home for the next two months. After being history of our organization made me realize just how special it is
greeted by my supervisor, Mariellen Sasseen, who is the Director to be part of a sisterhood as large as ours.
of To Dragma and Archives, I got settled and was off to my
first HQ morning “huddle” in the foyer. Huddle is a morning As LI ended, my attention turned to the magazine deadline
tradition for staff members to share good news from chapters, looming at the end of July. Mariellen and I brainstormed a
discuss upcoming events and projects and start the day as an variety of topics that I could write about for my assigned pages.
organized team. Being surrounded by the entire staff, of all ages While I’m interested in many different current affairs and
from various chapters, all working to further the mission of our activities that would have made a great story, we both thought
fraternity was a moment worthy of chill bumps.

I spent the first several days meeting staff members and learning
about what the various departments are responsible for. As
collegiate members, we are in contact with AOII Headquarters
all the time, but being on the other side and seeing where it all
happens has been a truly unique and rewarding experience.
Even during the slower summer months, there is so much
business happening at HQ.

It’s truly amazing how many departments are required to make To Dragma • 39
our organization operate smoothly—finance, events, education,
extension, chapter operations, alumnae, the AOII Foundation,
AOII Properties, communications, shipping, archives… There

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

writing about the intern experience would be the most fun
and interesting, not only to write about, but to read as well.
I’m thrilled that I can share my experience as an intern at
Headquarters with sisters, particularly others interested in
pursuing internships here or elsewhere in the future. Having an
opportunity that will foster personal, creative, and professional
growth is such a crucial component in selecting the right
internship. I could not have asked for a better place to thrive
both as an individual and as a professional woman than at
our Headquarters. In addition to writing my own article, I
proofread and edited other content for the magazine, sorted
through photo submissions from various chapters, and helped
bring it all together to create another great issue. Alongside
Mariellen, Whitney and Amelia, I felt part of a close-knit team
as we worked on the issue you now hold in your hands. It was
an especially meaningful experience to help create a small
part of AOII’s recorded history that sisters will read now and
100 years from now. By day, I was helping create an issue of
the magazine, plus displays and exhibits about our Founders
and Past International Presidents. By night, I was creating
something equally lasting - life long friendships.

Over the course of the summer, I worked with other interns from
colleges across the country from Montana State U to West Virginia
U. We all interned in various departments from graphic design and
event planning to extension and education. While we all worked
under the same roof, it was time after work that really brought us
together. Nearby, Vanderbilt U offers intern housing each summer,
and we all took advantage of that opportunity to live close to one
another. To say we were always together would be an understatement.
We had viewing parties for The Bachelorette, experienced break-ups
together, celebrated birthdays, and scoped out every food truck and
ice cream shop in the city together. Within just days, we were so
close you would have thought we all came from the same chapter and
had known each other for years, not a week.

Working at headquarters has reminded me that our sisterhood knows
no limits, and it certainly knows no outsiders. Sure, the interns from
other universities were new faces to me, but they certainly weren’t
strangers. Whether you’re from California or Maine, we are all
connected. There is immense comfort in knowing wherever you

go in life, a sister isn’t far way. We often have tunnel vision when forget, and I am con dent that same support network will be a
it comes to acknowledging how big AOII is. We spend all of signi cant part of every new chapter in my life.
our school days with the sisters from our respective chapters. We
work alongside them to plan events, see them in the library, sit by As I write this, I am reminded that I only have a short time left
them in chapter, and to us, that is AOII. Working at Headquarters with my internship. I know saying goodbye to the Headquarters
reopened my eyes to the vastness that is our sisterhood. With Sta , my supervisors, and fellow interns will be an emotional day.
nearly 130 active collegiate chapters and more than 150 alumnae Every time I have talked with my family on the phone over the
chapters, you will always have a sister to stand behind you in every course of the summer, I have repeatedly told them I am not looking
phase of your life. The love and support you nd within AOII is forward to summer ending. But that’s the beautiful thing about our
unconditional and will follow you wherever your journey takes organization—while we are all going our separate ways, belonging
you. It brought me to Headquarters for a summer that I will never to AOII means we will always be together.

interns Caroline Seufer

tehnrfroiruchigehednlidfeslhoinpg Sigma Alpha (West Virginia U)
Interned in the Accounting
Jill Terry department

Phi Upsilon (Purdue U) “From meeting other AOIIs from other
Interned in the Events and Public chapters for the first time, to getting to
Relations department know my sisterhood from the admin-
istrative side, I can walk away saying I
“This internship has taught me the am more in love with our sorority than
workings of AOII as an organiza- I ever have been before!”
tion, which is especially helpful as
an officer, and I have connected Jenna Phillips
with so many new sisters. The
internship has let me fall in love Lambda Rho (Texas Christian U)
with AOII all over again!” Interned in the Extension and New
Chapter Development department

“I cannot wait to go back to my
chapter and teach them all that I have
learned. No matter where you are or
what your role in AOII is, you can make
a difference. Every member is crucial
to the success of our fraternity.”

Amelia Wilson Whitney Milos

Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U) Alpha Phi (Montana State U)
Interned in the Graphic Design Interned with Corporation Services
department
“This internship has opened my eyes
“I will leave here with a deeper to all the possibilities to serve my
appreciation of behind the scenes fraternity and sisters post-graduation
work that everyone at HQ does for and how to remain involved. It has
its members knowing that the rea- also taught me how different every
son the organization remains strong chapter and sister is, but just how
is because it is for a lifetime.” similar we are in our love for AOII.”

Marissa Cuiffo Anna McCrarey

Phi Sigma (U of Nebraska, Kearney) Omega Sigma (Oklahoma State U)
Interned in the Education and Resource Interned with the AOII Foundation
Development department
“I have gotten the chance to meet so
“I wanted to intern at Headquarters many of my sisters from all over the coun-
because I wanted to give back to AOII try and it has given me a better perspec-
for all the good it has given me.” tive on just how widespread AOII and our
values really are.”

by Kimberly Sons, Beta Phi (Indiana U), Assistant Director of Education and Resource Development

The benefits of healthy eating and physical fitness are enormous. Joe He also sees a need for educating young women about the effects
Malone, a faculty member in the Health and Human Performance their lifestyles can have on any future children. “Health while
department at Middle Tennessee State U, recently told attendees pregnant can impact the health of a baby,” Joe said. “Whatever
at AOII’s Leadership Institute that he was inspired by sorority state your body is in can impact the metabolic activity of the baby.”
women to earn his Ph.D. and specialize in women’s health-related He hopes that by providing ways to help women be more mindful
fitness. His early research and observations of the sorority women of their health, they can have an exponential impact on the health
in his classes led him to reach out to AOII to see if a collaboration of the future general population.
was possible in helping him finish the dissertation for his Ph.D.
The Fraternity jumped at the offer to create a customized health While Joe could have targeted college women in general, as he
and wellness program to educate AOII’s collegiate members about has in his classes at MTSU in which he has taught several Rho
the importance of healthy eating and physical fitness during their Omicron Chapter sisters, he knows that targeting sorority women
college years through developing its Heart of Health program. can have a bigger impact. “I know I’m talking to the leaders as
I talk to sorority women, and women on campus look to the
In his research, Joe found that college women are at a greater risk for sororities for what to do,” Joe said. He recognizes that AOII
members and sorority women can influence the activity of women
weight gain than non-college peers, and that weight gain could be on college campuses.

up to 20 pounds each year. He also learned that in the first year Another benefit of working with sorority women is that the
positive relationships found in sisterhood can have a great impact
of college, female students typically decrease their physical activity on health. “Fifty percent of our health depends on our relationships
being positive,” Joe explained. “Sororities are really, really good
considerably from their activity in high for you in that the social support you offer each other positively
impacts your health. If you have the good relationships like the
school. He women do in AOII, you have a huge health benefit.”

warned The Heart of Health program will utilize Joe’s research and
expertise as a Certified Personal Trainer and Lifestyle and Weight
“50% ofourhealth Leadership Management Consultant to create several new resources and tools
depends on our Institute for AOII members. He has already partnered with a Registered
relationships attendees, Dietician to create a healthy eating guide with practical tips
being positive. Sororities are “The biggest on how to make smart food choices on campus—whether in
really, really good for you in that the social support reduction in a sorority facility, in a dining hall, or in shopping for yourself.
you offer each other positively impacts your health. exercise With the help of some Rho Omicron members, he has filmed
If you have the good relationships like the occurs during three fitness demonstration videos. These videos will feature
the summer exercises that can be done with resistance bands in the sometimes
women do in AOII, you have a huge health benefit.” after high school space-limited dorm rooms, sorority houses, or apartments that
and continues our members might be living in. He also has plans to film
more, including a video featuring how to use weight equipment
into the first semester commonly found in campus gyms.

of college.” Through

this program, he aims to

offer educational opportunities

for sorority women to learn how to

maintain their fitness and make smarter

nutritional choices so that they can defy the

statistics and have a healthier collegiate experience.

42 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

To encourage AOII members to become Healthy Eating Guide
leaders in demonstrating healthy lifestyles on
campus, Joe is also working with AOII staff 1. Choose a consistent day to plan your meals and beverages for the week.
to create a guide for Health and Wellness 2. Know your budget limitations and stick to them.
Committees to use. Chapters can choose 3. Decide on a quick, healthy breakfast routine.
to implement this committee and use this 4.
guide to create more opportunities for If living outside of a sorority house, cook in bulk (think 4 servings instead of
health education and exercise within the 1) to make your time cooking count. Save leftovers in Tupperware and put in
chapter. Additionally, Joe will create a Heart the fridge or freezer for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week.
of Health educational module that this
committee can present to the chapter. 5. Never leave the house without a light meal and some water to avoid last-
minute trips through the drive through.
As the program nears completion, Joe will be
traveling to some nearby chapters to share a 6. Speaking of water, make it your BEST FRIEND.
presentation similar to the interactive session 7. Focus your meals around “living” foods.
he presented at Leadership Institute this 8. Even though alcohol does not come with a nutrition facts label, know that it
summer. Chapters can expect to learn more
about the importance of healthy eating and is calorie-dense and often will lead to weight gain.
exercise among young women, challenges
college women face in maintaining good 9. When eating in social situations, at the sorority house, or in circumstances
health, how to make better nutritional where you do not choose the foods served, remember that portion size is key.
choices, and demonstrations of techniques
for resistance band exercises. 10. If you feel pressure from your social circle and from mainstream media to
11. be a size 0, and practice or have thoughts of practicing disordered eating
The Heart of Health program is just patterns as a result (throwing up after eating, frequent laxative use, severe
beginning, and AOII will continue working restriction of calories, excessive exercise habits), tell someone you trust and
to provide materials about mental health in seek help immediately. You are beautiful in the skin you’re in!
addition to physical wellness in encouraging
members to work with their best body, Try to limit sugar to 10% or less of your daily caloric intake.
brain, spirit, and substance.
12. Emphasize omega-3 foods in your diet such as cold water fish, avocado, chia
If you would like to share what your and flax seeds and oil while lowering the amount of trans fat, saturated fat,
chapter currently does to promote health 13. and omega-6 fat. Avoid breaded fried foods.
and wellness or if you have questions about 14.
this developing program, please email 15. Try to increase your fiber intake to 25 or more grams per day by eating more
[email protected]. vegetables and fruits. Also, limit your intake of sodium to less than 1500 mg. a day.

Created for Alpha Omicron Pi by: Know that the elements of the Mediterranean diet (fish, vegetables and fruits,
Sarah Harris MS, RD olive oil and nuts) have been shown to be healthy for thousands of years.
Joe Malone MS, CPT, LWMC
Try to eat meals and snacks in balanced combinations of protein, healthy fat
and carbohydrates and at approximately the same time each day.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 43

fulfilling the promise

A New Home for AOII Education

z Provide exceptional membership development. 1. Customized for You – Once you nn
z Enhance AOII’s culture of living our values.
z Increase alumnae engagement. have logged into the site, your
z O er exceptional leadership development. name and role will appear here.
This allows us to customize your
All of these are goals within the Unparalleled Membership experience and provide relevant
Experience focus area of the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. What resources that apply to you!
is one thing that is impacted by and through each of these
goals? The education of our membership. 2. Track Your Progress – As you

Headquarters Sta members and the Education Committee participate in the online trainings
work in partnership to o er educational training and that are offered, this area allows
programming to our members. If you have attended an you to easily see your progress.
AOII international event, utilized a resource within the O cer
Resource Library or participated in an online webinar, you 3. My Favorites – Have a resource
have been a part of AOII educational o erings.
that you reference often? Save it
As we continuously look for ways to o er innovative and as a favorite and have it show up
pertinent programming for AOII’s members, we hope here for easy access.
that you will take advantage of our newest resource – the
rebranded and relaunched Ful lling the Promise e-learning 4. My Contacts - Browse your
website. On the site, you will be able to access trainings,
resources, and tools customized to t the needs of your contacts to easily reach the
involvement in AOII. It is the committee’s hope that you utilize volunteers and staff with whom
and enjoy this site as you work your best with body, brain, you work, or see the directory
spirit and substance for Alpha Omicron Pi. of officers and advisers for any
AOII chapter.
The site is funded in part by the AOII Foundation. We greatly
appreciate the generosity of our sisters and their support of Standards of Excellence
AOII’s educational initiatives.
Collegiate and alumnae chapters can
To access, go to: edu.alphaomicronpi.org. now submit their Standards of Excellence
The site is accessible to all members. online through a new interactive and
engaging website. This new site fulfills
44 • To Dragma the intended purpose of the SOEs to
guide and inspire achievement rather than
be an end of the year report. Chapter
submissions can be done in real-time,
with their accomplishments and progress
available immediately for review.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

5. O cer Training – Complete online trainings geared 6. Alpha Essentials – Curriculum created to

toward increasing your AOII knowledge and developing offer continuing education and awareness
your skills as a leader that are specific to your position. about the topics important to women of
all ages through articles, interviews and
nn learning modules.

7. My Resources –

Your own personal
mini ORL! These
resources were
selected to provide
assistance specific
to your role.
n
nn nn 8. O cer Resource Library –

The same ORL that
you’re used to, you can
find and view all of AOII’s
resources by clicking here.
The new site even offers a
search feature!

nn 9. Idea Bank –
n
Pose questions
to other sisters or
peruse suggestions
given in the idea
bank. You can view
this area by topic or
do a general search.

10. Standards of Excellence –

Click here to track your
chapter’s progress on
the SOEs!

FoundationFocus

AOII Foundation New 1897 Society

Founding members present at Leadership Institute 2014. 1897 Society Founding Members

The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation is pleased to announce the Sally Abel Barbara Hunt
establishment of the 1897 Society, an exclusive leadership giving society for Allison Allgier Sandra Jewell
members who donate $1,897 or more annually to the Loyalty Fund. Your Kathy Andrews Sally Cash Johnson
gift to the 1897 Society demonstrates your commitment to ensure that Phyllis Austin Carole Jones
future sisters have the same opportunities to live our values that we do. Amy Bettencourt Troy LeForge
Julie Bishop Michelle Lopez
Named in honor of the year of AOII’s founding, members of the 1897 Sharon Boison Theresa Ludvigson
Society will receive recognition for their annual generosity and dedication Julie Brining Leslie MacLean
to AOII. Other benefits include a special edition charm uniquely designed Barbara Bruning Karen Marchese
each year, invitations to special events, recognition at International Barbie Chadwick Karen Morauski
Convention & Leadership Institute, and most importantly, the personal Elizabeth Co ey Frankie Nordlund
satisfaction of knowing your gifts are directly supporting future generations Linda Collier Terry Palmer
of AOII women. Crystal Combs Kim Perez
M Kathleen Conver Koren Phillips
Cumulative annual Loyalty Fund giving counts toward membership in Peg Crawford CSL Management LLC
the 1897 Society. Monthly donations of $160 via bank draft or credit card Susan Danko Paula Sandidge
ensures that your membership never lapses. Tamee Dark Jane Tessmer
Angela Djedjos Dionn Tron
Join us in Securing the Future of Alpha Omicron Pi. Your tax-deductible Kathleen Donohue Connie Underwood
contribution supports the Foundation’s operating budget, making it Kay Elam Cynthia Visot
possible to: Kristine Finkle Dian Volkmer
• Support sisters of all ages in dire need Rene Fitzgerald Sally Wagaman
• Fund the Fraternity’s values-based leadership programs Gayle Fitzpatrick Jessie Wang-Grimm
• Provide academic scholarships to undergraduate and Judy Flessner Krista Whipple
Colleen Frojen Mary Williams
graduate members Lori Goede Anne Wilmes
• Continue AOII’s support of the Arthritis Foundation & arthritis Linda Grandolfo Robin Wright
Jennifer Greulich Judy Zawacke
related programs Rebecca Herman Barb Zipperian
Martha Houston IssuBearnboa.ra3Z•oSlnuiemrcmzaekr 2014
Your gift preserves the heritage of our sisterhood, impacts the lives of Patricia Howard-Peebles
sisters today and Secures the Future of Alpha Omicron Pi.

46 • To Dragma

Donor Spotlight:

Theresa Ngo-Anh Ludvigson

Chi Psi (California Polytechnic State U, San Luis Obispo) Theresa and her husband, Erik, are busy parents to a 3-year-old
and 1897 Society founding member Theresa Ngo-Anh son, Mays (named after Willie Mays), and live in Pleasanton,
Ludvigson’s favorite collegiate memory goes back to California. Theresa is the Director of New Hire Experience at
day one and her recruitment experience with AOII. Salesforce.com, a leading Fortune 500 software company. In
She shares, “I remember visiting the AOII house and her spare time, she is a Barre fitness instructor, a serious San
seeing how poised and welcoming the women were. Francisco Giants fan, and a very active AOII. Currently she is the
Their smiles were genuine and they knew how to make Network Specialist Recruitment for Network 8, the San Francisco
each Potential New Member feel valued and special. AOII Alumnae Chapter Vice President, an AOII Foundation
On preference night, when I dropped my rose into the Board Nominating Committee member and a Life Loyal AOII.
wishing well prior to leaving the AOII house, I knew there
was only one place for me to call home!” Her gift of $1,897 each year will go a long way in assuring AOII
will remain strong for future generations. She adds, “I’ve seen
After graduation, Theresa had the opportunity to travel first hand how the AOII Foundation has helped fund impactful
for the Fraternity as a Chapter Consultant (now known programs for our collegians and alumnae sisters. I am proud to
as ELCs) during 2003-04 and credits that amazing give back to this amazing organization in more ways than one.”
experience as her inspiration for becoming a founding
member of the AOII Foundation’s 1897 Society. She
explains, “this role taught me many of the foundational
skills that I still apply in my professional career. It was
my dream job!” Travelling for the Fraternity exposed
her to new challenges, culture and helped her better
understand the big picture of AOII. And of course, she
will always treasure the friendships she made along the
way. She adds, “As a founding member of the 1897
Society, I can help ensure that other sisters can benefit
from a similar experience. Knowing that my donation
goes to the Loyalty Fund gives me the assurance that
my donation is applied to the most essential programs
- like the ELC program - to help Secure the Future of
our Fraternity.”

Theresa believes the best part of alumnae membership
is meeting members outside her collegiate chapter as
well as connecting with Chi Psi’s that initiated outside of
her collegiate years. Her San Francisco Alumnae Chapter
has members from more than nine AOII collegiate
chapters. She notes, “It always amazes me how AOIIs all
have the same core values and fun-loving spirit no matter
what chapter they came from.”

While serving as an AOII volunteer the last 10 years,
Theresa has been inspired by the good works of the AOII
Foundation. She says, “There is something very special
about reviewing the Foundation’s annual report and
seeing all the great things the Foundation has been able
to accomplish for the betterment of our members.”

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014 To Dragma • 47

TWheinLogvse Wallet Charger

A fusion between fashion and technology,
the Mighty Purse is an essential handbag
accessory for the modern day woman.
The Mighty Purse features a hidden
lightweight built-in battery that
can recharge most smartphones,
ensuring that you will never
be left powerless again.

Flea Markets

Do you have a great ea market in
your city? Luckily, Nashville does, and
it’s also a great place to explore on a
weekend adventure. From craft items
to fresh produce or accessories to used
furnishings, we love the ea market for
treasure hunting.

48 • To Dragma Popsicle Molds

It’s steamy hot in middle
Tennessee and these fun treats
are the perfect solution to put a
smile back on our faces. The kids
love them and, frankly, so do we!

Keds

Thank you to Keds for bringing a little more color into our world. Cute
prints in polka dots, orals and stripes come in a rainbow of colors,
with red being one of our favorites, of course. Taylor Swift and Kate
Spade have added adorable signature lines, too. What’s not to love
about a comfy pair of Keds!

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2014

Fruit Infused Water

For a tasty way to stay hydrated, we love the delicious
addition of fruit to our H2O. The loyal lemon has long
been popular, but now shares duties with a load of other
options such as strawberries, watermelon, blueberries,
oranges and fresh mint. Water never tasted so good!

Warby Parker On the Web

We are de nitely‘In Focus’with Warby Parker! This eyewear
company o ers designer glasses at great prices, makes the try-
before-you-buy experience fun and easy, and provides a pair of
glasses to someone in need worldwide with every pair purchased.
Yeah, good stu ! Check them out at warbyparker.com and we

know you will love them, too!

S’well Water Bottles

We believe these water bottles really
are swell! They are made of non-toxic
stainless steel - keeping drinks cold
for 24 hours or drinks hot for 12 hours.
Perfect for day-to-day use or travel
needs, they come in lots of colors,
textures and several sizes.

English Style

For a little British inspired style,
we have discovered Cath Kidston,
a London shop via their online
website. Their fun and unique
prints look great splashed across skirts, handbags and fabrics. Check them out
for yourself at www.cathkidston.com.

Zillow

Whether you are moving across town or
across country, Zillow in one of several great
sites to help you get settled. For AOIIs who
are constantly on the move, Zillow is a great
source to get you there. www.zillow.com

From the Archives

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