2013 Summer - To Dragma

To Dragmaof Alpha Omicron Pi
Vol. 77 No. 3 Summer 2013

A Magnificent Celebration
. .Award Winners AOII House Moms Sleep...It’s Not Overrated



To DragmaofAlphaOmicronPi

28 18

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 7 Viewpoint
8 Recapping Convention 2013

18 Delta Omega wins JWH Cup

20 MARC Award goes to Indianapolis AC
24 Sleep - It’s Not Overrated
27 From the Archives

28 Reinstallation - Alpha Chapter

30 Installation - Nu Omega Chapter
32 Installation - Iota Theta Chapter
34 Reinstallation - Upsilon Chapter
38 Meet the 2013-2014 ELCs

42 The Rewards of Being a House Mom

46 Things We Love
48 Collegiate Chapter News
56 MIFs Make a Difference
58 AOII Foundation News
62 Life Loyal AOIIs

42

To Dragma • 3

To DragmaofAlphaOmicronPi From the Editor

To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron Pi The excitement from Convention has barely had time to wind down,
Fraternity, and has been published since 1905. The mission and we are already moving at full speed into another new school year.
of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to inform, educate and The pace we all move through life is exhilarating! That pace can be
inspire our readers on subjects relevant to our Fraternity, our draining too, if we allow it. That’s why “Sleep - It’s Not Overrated”
chapters, our members, or Greek life; to encourage lifetime seemed like an appropriate topic to address for working women,
AOII involvement; to salute excellence; and to serve as a students, moms and - well, everyone else, too.
permanent record of our Fraternity’s history.
In this issue, you can read about the activities and excitement of AOII
How to Contact To Dragma: Convention 2013, be inspired by our award winning chapters and
To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027 members, catch up on collegiate chapter news, get acquainted with a
(615) 370-0920, fax: (615) 371-9736, www.alphaomicronpi.org, few of our wonderful AOII housemoms and meet the ten outstanding
[email protected] ladies already on the road traveling for the Fraternity this year.

How to Update Your Name or Address: I’m confident you will be interesed to read details of our two late spring
Go to Update Info tab on the AOII website reinstallations of Alpha (Columbia U/Barnard College) and Upsilon
(www.alphaomicronpi.org), email your new address to (U of Washington) and our two brand new installations for Nu Omega
[email protected], or call (615) 370-0920. (Northern Kentucky U) and Iota Theta (Monmouth U). Once you
absorb all that excitement, check out the Fraternity News page for brief
How to Subscribe to To Dragma: details on the four chapters we’re colonizing this Fall. AOII alumnae
Subscriptions are $25.00 annually and can be paid by check from Florida State U (Alpha Pi) and Oregon State U (Alpha Rho)
or credit card. Checks, made payable to AOII, should be chapters are over-joyed with excitement that AOII is returning to their
mailed to 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027, campuses while Georgia College and State U and Sam Houston State U
Attn: Accounting. Credit card subscribers (Visa, offer AOII exciting new opportunities at great universities.
Master Card, Discover, AMEX) should email ncherry@
alphaomicronpi.org. Please remember to submit Membership Infomation Forms (MIFs) on
Potential New Members for our chapters. A Potential New Member
How to Join Life Loyal AOII: and the chapter needs your help! Our online MIF process has never
Visit the AOII website (www.alphaomicronpi.org), or contact been easier. You can find the MIF on the AOII website (www.
[email protected]. alphaomicronpi.org) under “Alumnae.”
How to Join an AOII Alumnae Chapter:
Visit the AOII website for contact information on an alumnae In closing, I would like to extend a special word of thanks to Alexandra
chapter near you. Walters, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) who served as a fantastic summer
intern for To Dragma. We are happy to feature some of her talent in this
Director of To Dragma and Archives issue, and we are so grateful she shared her summer with us.
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Regards,
Creative Director
Whitney Frazier, Rho Omicron (Middle TN State U) Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen
Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Women Enriched through Lifelong Friendship. Director of To Dragma and Archives

Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College in
New York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie Wallace Hughan,
Helen St. Clair Mullan, Stella George Stern Perry &
Elizabeth Heywood Wyman.

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

Executive Director
Troylyn LeForge, Beta Phi (Indiana U)

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

4 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

AOII Colonizes Four Chapters this Fall FraternityNews

Georgia College and State U Shreveport-Bossier City AC Installed

AOII will be colonizing a new chapter at Georgia College and After months of planning, Saturday, July 13,
State U on September 6-8, 2013. GCSU is a Public Liberal 2013 marked the day 25 sisters came together at
Arts University that provides 6,600 undergraduate and graduate the Historic Symphony House in Shreveport,
students with an exceptional learning environment for arts and Louisiana to make their mark on AOII history.
sciences, business, education and health sciences. AOII will be Alumnae represent collegiate chapters from
joining a thriving Greek community that includes Alpha Delta all over Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. The
Pi, Delta Zeta, Kappa Delta, Phi ladies of the Shreveport-Bossier City Alumnae
Mu and Zeta Tau Alpha. Chapter will work with and support Kappa
Chi (Northwestern State U of Louisiana) in
Florida State U (Alpha Pi) Natchitoches. The installation of the Shreveport-
Bossier City AC
The long awaited recolonization of our Alpha Pi Chapter at has become a
Florida State U will occur September 6-8, 2013. Located in reality for these
Tallahassee, FL, Florida State U is a public institution, which women who
enrolls 40,255 students. Our new chapter will become the call Shreveport-
16th NPC organization on campus joining Alpha Chi Omega, Bossier City and
Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, its surrounding
Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, areas home.
Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa
Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, Pi Updated Resources Available
Beta Phi, and Zeta Tau Alpha. Originally
installed in 1949, the chapter’s charter has The Promise and the New Member Educator’s
remained in trust since 1980.
(NME) Guide to the Promise have been revised
Sam Houston State U
and published! Just a few of
Located in Huntsville, Texas, Sam Houston State U is the third
oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas. the updates to The Promise
Colonization activities will occur on September 20-22, 2013.
AOII is pleased to be joining Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta include additional historical
Pi, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Zeta Tau Alpha as the fth NPC
organization on campus. Named for information and a calendar.
Texas’s greatest hero, Sam Houston,
SHSU is a member of the Texas State U The NME Guide now features promisethe
System and has an enrollment more tips on getting the entire Alpha Omicron Pi
of more than 18,400 students. chapter involved in the new
aOndnesimngoletntoe,sosnoef badge, one bond–
Oregon State U (Alpha Rho) heart!

AOII is pleased to be returning to Oregon State U, Oregon’s member period, using the
Land-Grant university and largest public research institution.
Alpha Rho was originally founded in 1926 and the chapter’s New Member Education
charter has been held in trust since 1992. AOII will be joining
Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Chi Committee, and retaining
Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma,
Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa members. For information,
Kappa Gamma and Sigma Kappa to become
the 11th NPC organization on campus. The contact Kimberly Sons at
recolonization will take place in October.
[email protected].
Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013
To Dragma • 5

In a particularly touching convention
moment for most in attendance,
new Alpha Chapter President
Kasia Danilczuk led the procession
of chapters during our beautiful
Convention Candlelighting Ceremony.

Viewpoint

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the International
President of Alpha Omicron Pi, especially at a time of great
advancement for the Fraternity. It continues to be a blessing
to follow exceptional volunteer leaders who for the past 116
years have steadily built upon the strong foundation set by our
Founders.

Speaking of our four Founders, this year offered the
opportunity to really connect with the history of this great
organization as we prepared to present for the opportunity
to return to Barnard and Columbia. We reviewed the
transcription of the 1951 audio recording where three of the
Founders shared the history of AOII’s beginning. My favorite
quote from that recording has always been when Stella states,
“We never stopped to be courageous because we didn’t know
there was anything to be afraid of… We were unafraid.”
Our team talked about that particular quote throughout our
preparations, and it continues to be an inspiration for further
discussion on the concept of courage.

What would we do if we weren’t afraid? All too often,
we find a place of comfort in fear which can be limiting. We don’t put ourselves out there, attempt
change, or make hard decisions and the result is that we often come from a place of “no.”

It takes courage to come from a place of “yes.” Yes this will work, yes we will exceed expectations,
and yes we will achieve what others think impossible. Mark Twain stated, “Courage is the resistance
of fear, the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear.” On a daily basis we are presented with challenges
that allow us to respond with a fearful “no” or a courageous “yes.” We constantly have to resist fear
and courageously make difficult decisions that will advance AOII. It isn’t always comfortable to make
courageous decisions but when they are made based on accurate data, with strong resources in place,
and grounded in the values of our ritual, courageous decisions are essential to AOII’s vitality. I vow to
be more courageous. Will you join me?

Elsie Coyle states “when you work out of love that is when the greatest miracles happen.” We’ve
witnessed miracles happening everyday in AOII! Convention was a wonderful celebration of our
collective accomplishments and phenomenal outcomes during the past biennium, but we are not
finished. As long as we have courage, we can accomplish anything!

Allison Allgier To Dragma • 7
International President

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

A Magnificent Celebration
AOII Convention 2013

8 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

Look out Velma and Roxie; To Dragma • 9
Chicago has some new
girls in town! Alpha
Omicron Pi took over
Chicago just in time for
“A Magnificent Celebration!”

Summer vacation has never been so windy,
and AOIIs from all over North America blew
in with the lakeside city as their destination
for June 26-30, 2013! With recent biennial
celebrations in Tucson and Tampa under
our belts, more than 950 AOII sisters packed
up their suitcases for another exciting
International Convention spent creating
joyous memories that would last a lifetime.
What better place to celebrate than a city
known for its jazzy music and deep-
dish pizza?

The sights and sounds greeted AOIIs at the
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent
Mile, surrounded by colorful gardens of
tulips, and just footsteps away from popular
attractions that were sure to be explored.
After hotel and event check-in, everyone
was officially welcomed to AOII Convention
2013 at the opening reception. During this
time, introductions were made with old and
new friends, all sharing a common bond of
sisterhood. A heartwarming candlelighting
service took place later that evening with an
Alpha Chapter President leading the way for
the first time in nearly a century. Our first day
ended with a visit to the nearby Navy Pier,
one of Chicago’s most popular attractions.
Fireworks illuminated the skies, as well as the
faces of hundreds of AOIIs in the audience. It
was a perfect ending to the first night!

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

10 • To Dragma Thursday was a new day, with Ritual to start
off the morning followed by a delicious
brunch. The day continued with a special
welcome to attendees as well as an excited
introduction from Executive Board Vice
Presidents Susan Danko and Gayle Fitzpatrick.
Finishing the introduction, the national
anthems and AOII Grace were sung by the
AOII Convention Chorale group. The Panda
Drive, a convention tradition since 1995,
concluded with the collection of more than
300 stuffed pandas to be donated locally to
the Arthritis Foundation of Chicago and to
the Juvenile Arthritis Conference.

The first business session kicked off and
allowed attendees to participate in our
democratic process. These three sessions are
an extraordinary opportunity to allow the
voting members of our Fraternity, known as
Council, to make important decisions that
will lead the Fraternity’s direction for the
upcoming biennium. This year, there were
over 60 amendments under consideration
to change our governing documents for our
growing membership.

Before the Awards Dinner, a reception for
participants and honorees known as Forever
Friends was held. The Forever Friends
reception is a way to show appreciation to
a sister while financially supporting AOII’s
Chapter Services Department.

To keep the excitement going, the Awards
Dinner began with all attendees looking
as stunning as rubies and pearls in their
cocktail attire. Dinner was served and the
festivities began with much pride as many
chapters and individuals were honored
with special awards for their outstanding
accomplishments during the biennium.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

A quick but very entertaining intermission To Dragma • 11
included one of the most favorite traditions
of convention, the Past International
Presidents skit! The PIPs, in all their acting
glory, were a crowd-pleaser as they
presented “The Four Roses Biker Club.”
Overall, it was a great night spent celebrating
excellence! A complete list of award
recipients can be found on page 22.

Friday morning began with Educational
Sessions that included an informative Social
Experience session with advice on how to
be “tech-savvy” and “dos and don’ts” of
representing your chapter through social
media. Some attendees took a heartwarming
journey back into AOII’s history with “Stella’s
Trunk.” Our story was revealed through a 1951
audio recording of our Founders’ Storytelling
session and seen through the photos, letters
and other treasures on display from the AOII
archives museum.

Other sessions on using Groopt and an
etiquette session where AOIIs met with
experts to hear the evolution and history
of manners over the years were also well
received during these meetings. The AOII
Foundation hosted an enriching session
called “Women in Philanthropy” encouraging
AOIIs to create a culture of giving and to
make a difference in the world through
philanthropic efforts.

With the day off to a great start, sisters
headed to the AOII Celebration Luncheon to
continue some traditions of convention like
the Foundation Celebration, and a special
storytelling session that was started years
ago by AOII’s Founders. The stories have
been continued on by the PIPs and turned
into a great tradition that is looked forward to
every convention!

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

12 • To Dragma Once the luncheon concluded, members
of Council and other attendees filed into
the second business session of convention
to open discussion and vote on the
various proposed amendments aimed at
streamlining the Governing Documents of
the organization. The democratic process
was quick in action as plans were made for
AOII’s future membership!

At the end of the day, the busy sisters of
Alpha Omicron Pi were rewarded with
a little free time to explore the fabulous
windy city. Whether it was time spent at
the Navy Pier, the Lincoln Park Zoo with
the Pandas (Red Pandas that is), the nearby
Shedd Aquarium, or admiring the museums
around the city, AOII took on Chicago
full throttle! Also during this time there
was the Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland
Indians Strike Out Arthritis! baseball game!
A specially priced ticket was offered with all
purchases going to the Arthritis Foundation
to support AOII’s philanthropy! AOIIs along
with family and friends enjoyed the game,
topping off the fun-filled night with a
special fireworks display.

After a great night out, AOIIs were prepared
for the final business session the next
morning. The session kicked-off by electing
the organization’s new leadership for the
upcoming biennium. Leading the 2013-2015
Executive Board as International President,
Allison Allgier, Epsilon Omega (Eastern
Kentucky U), was welcomed by members of
Council and all attendees. With a diversely
talented group of women as the leadership
of the organization, the upcoming
biennium will be an exciting progression for
each of us.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

AOII’s 2013-2015 Leaders are: To Dragma • 13

Executive Board

Allison Allgier, International President
Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)
Krista Whipple, Vice President of Finance
Omega (Miami U)
Amber Countis, Vice President
Pi (Tulane U)
Susan Danko, Vice President
Phi Upsilon (Purdue U)
Gayle Fitzpatrick, Vice President
Alpha Rho (Oregon State U)
Karen Galehan, Vice President
Phi Lambda (Youngstown State U)
Rebecca Herman, Vice President
Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)
Grace Houston, Vice President
Lambda Tau (U of Louisiana, Monroe)

AOII Properties, Inc. Board:

President: Janette Breckenridge Tessmer
Gamma Theta (U of South Florida)
Vice President: Lisa Hauser
Upsilon Alpha (U of Arizona)
Treasurer: Krista Malmquist Whipple
Omega (Miami U)
Director: Linda Collier
Chi Omicron (U of Central Oklahoma)
Director: Julie Csizmadia Bishop
Gamma Theta (U of South Florida)
Director: Gayle Fitzpatrick
Alpha Rho (Oregon State U)

AOII Foundation Board:

President: Crystal Grafton Combs
Nu Beta (U of Mississippi)
Secretary: Jessie Wang-Grimm
Phi Chi (U of Chicago)
Treasurer: Koren Phillips
Phi Chi (U of Chicago)
Director: Phyllis Austin
Nu Lambda (U of Southern California)
Director: Judy Flessner
Iota (U of Illinois)
Director: Kathleen Donohue
Epsilon Chi (Elon U)
Director: Linda Grandolfo
Nu Iota (Northern Illinois U)
International President: Allison Allgier
Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

Later on Saturday, Past International President
Carole Jones welcomed the NPC guests
to the Panhellenic luncheon. A delicious
soup and salad were served followed by
Panhellenic award presentations and a
special speaker. Maureen Syring, a Delta
Gamma from the University of Idaho,
delivered an inspirational Panhellenic
message. With the theme, “All Roads Lead
Home,” the luncheon was a great way to
open a fun discussion on the importance of
relationships. After an inspiring closing Ritual,
sisters were off to dress for the final event
of convention.

The formal Rose Banquet brought hundreds
of elegant AOII beauties into the grand
ballroom of the Magnificent Mile. Dinner
was served after a few opening remarks and
introductions of the 2013-2015 AOII Boards.
Later, very special awards were presented to
the deserving women of AOII.

14 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

Helen St. Clair Mullan Award:

Linda Grandolfo, Nu Iota (Northern Illinois U)

Stella George Stern Perry Award:

Kate Rodehau, Pi Delta (U of Maryland)

Jessie Wallace Hughan Cup:

Delta Omega (Murray State U)

Elizabeth Heywood Wyman Award:

Tracy Maxwell, Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U)

Mary Ann Rice Caldwell Award:

Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter

For a complete list of award recipients, see page 22.

International President Allison Allgier
wrapped up the awards with her keynote
address and encouraged all AOIIs to join
together to conclude the 2013 Convention
by singing the Epsilon Chapter Song. Twirling
beneath joined hands, sisters shared smiles
and hugs as the last night of another truly
special convention came to an end.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 15

16 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

ALPSHtrAatOeMgiICcRPOlNanPUI pdate

12,009 2011-2015

Number of active collegiate members, a 27.7% membership increase from the 2009-2011 biennium

membership 8,871

Number of members initiated in the biennium, showing a 32.7% increase from the last biennium

972

Number of registrants for International Convention 2013, a 44% increase from 2011

156 alumnae

Number of active Alumnae Chapters, including nine new chapters installed in this biennium

122

Number of active collegiate chapters

scholarships 109

Number of sisters receiving scholarships from the AOII Foundation, a 106% increase from the last biennium

95

Percentage of new members initiated

30 education

Number of online training events and educational webinars implemented in the last biennium

13

Number of chapters installed or reinstalled in the 2011-2013 biennium

properties 9

Number of new constructions and renovations overseen by AOII Properties in the biennium

2

Number of modules added to the Ritual Education Manual and number of new PR in a Box initiatives

Delta Omega

Murray State University

wins JWH Cup

Named in honor of Jessie Wallace Hughan, the JWH Cup honors Speci cally, the voting delegate, executive board representative,
AOII’s most distinguished collegiate chapter for the biennium. and former president are role models for Greek leadership on
AOII is pleased to recognize Delta Omega (Murray State U) as our campus.”
the 2013 recipient. The chapter was selected from among nine
outstanding winners of the Collegiate Chapter of Excellence Delta Omega’s accolades go on and on. The chapter has been
Award. Delta Omega has worked diligently not only to maintain awarded the title of “Sorority of the Year” on their campus for the
its legacy on campus as a top Greek organization, but to put past four years. By 2011, members of Delta Omega had held the
Ritual into action every day while maintaining a great sisterhood. honor of being chosen Miss MSU for four years in a row and last
year, members of the chapter held four of the ve nalist positions
This exceptional group of women consistently encourage one as well as Miss Congeniality. For the past two years an AOII has
another to take on leadership roles, and they excel at it. They been named Greek Woman of the Year and last fall a sister was
can be seen everywhere on campus promoting AOII through crowned Homecoming Queen. The chapter claimed four of the
involvement, service and philanthropy. They even received the Top 10 Student Leaders on campus each year in the biennium.
Kentucky Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Network They also earned the honor of receiving Best Sisterhood and
Specialist - Leadership Amy Pike shares, “This chapter never ranked rst on campus in grades for New Members, Initiated
ceases to amaze me with their outstanding track record for Members and Overall Chapter. It should come as no surprise that
community service, participation in Greek life, their campus Delta Omega absolutely shines in recruitment, too.
signature philanthropy event, knowledge of Ritual, and their ever
inspiring sisterhood.” This innovative chapter knows how to have fun while striving
to attain excellence too. They created a smartphone app speci c
Murray State’s Greek community and campus administration for their chapter and love playing a year-long “AOII House Cup”
relies on them to lead by example and they exceed all expectations modeled after the House Cup from Harry Potter with our four
in those areas.
Coordinator of Greek Founders as the head
Life and Student of houses.
Organizations Jason
Hinson-Nolen stated In her letter of
that Delta Omega recommendation for
was “instrumental this award, Chapter
in Murray State’s Adviser Sarah Elliott
movement toward states, “The love and
extension. After 25 strength of the Delta
years of declining Omega Chapter is
the option to extend, incredible. They
the women of Delta understand what will
Omega helped usher bring them back and
in a new period of inspire them to be
growth for the campus. involved years down
I am grateful for the road. It will be the
their dedication and friendships and bonds
trust to the project. they are forming now,
not the awards they

18 • To Dragma Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

win, the o ces they serve in, or the events they get to attend. It is To Dragma • 19
their sisterhood and their connections, the love for our letters and
what they stand for that motivates the women of Delta Omega to
achieve new successes, to strengthen their bond, and to exceed
all expectations.”

These exceptional women grow, learn, succeed and become
stronger by encouraging one another to take on leadership roles,
bene t from the opportunities presented to them and to work
together while keeping the best interests of the chapter and
university in mind. Most importantly, they help each other to
experience the importance of love, service and AOII sisterhood.

They understand what will
bring them back and inspire

them to be involved years
down the road.

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

Members continue to embrace
AOII for a Lifetime

20 • To Dragma Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

MARC Award Recipient
Indianapolis AC

The Mary Ann Rice Caldwell Award chapter has also maintained Ruby Level When it comes to philanthropy, the
(MARC) is presented each biennium to on the Standards of Excellence for the Indianapolis AC is a strong supporter of
AOII’s most outstanding alumnae chapter. past ve years. Chapter programming both the AOII and Arthritis Foundations.
This year’s winner is the Indianapolis is creative and diverse to cater to a wide For the past 36 years, they have
Alumnae Chapter. Indianapolis was range of age groups. A typical meeting experienced phenomenal success with
chosen from among the six recipients might nd as many as ten di erent their annual philanthropy event that
of the Alumnae Chapter of Excellence collegiate chapters represented. Besides began as a tea and has evolved into a Strike
Award. The award’s namesake, Mary Out Arthritis! Luncheon with themed
Ann Rice Caldwell, was a devoted AOII lling 13 alumnae chapter o ces, their ra e baskets of goodies. Through the
volunteer and Headquarters Sta member. membership includes four collegiate AOII Foundation’s mini-grant program,
Chapter Advisers and numerous other their donations are presented through
The Indianapolis AC excels in leadership, advisory positions for the ve collegiate the Arthritis Foundation to their local
AOII education, collegiate chapter chapters they support. Because AOII does Riley Hospital for Children’s Pediatric
relations, Panhellenic involvement, not have a chapter in town, all of those Rheumatology Clinic. Contributions
communications and philanthropy. The chapters are located more than an hour’s for the last four years have totaled over
drive from Indianapolis. $12,000. A young Riley Clinic patient
is honored each year at their luncheon,
sharing stories that touch members’ hearts
for even more dedicated service.

Members are obviously nuts about nuts.
Since 2006, the women of the chapter
have sold 6,999 pounds of nuts for a pro t
of $7,275. Some of the funds o set chapter
expenses but the additional monies are
donated to the Arthritis Foundation
each year.

This award winning chapter has a 98-
year history of excellence and they take
great pride in their heritage. Members
continue to embrace AOII for a lifetime
and look forward to their future which
includes a chapter centennial celebration
in 2015. AOII is proud to congratulate
the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter on this
well-deserved honor.

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 21

2013 Convention Award Winners
Recognition for Academic Honor Roll, Quota, Total and Strike Out Arthritis can be found on the AOII website at www.alphaomicronpi.org.

Founders and Alumnae Chapter Awards Central New Jersey Alumnae
Named Awards Greater Kansas City Alumnae
Alumnae Chapter of Excellence Awards Greater Portland Alumnae
Adele K. Hinton Chicago City Alumnae Lexington Alumnae
Marty Harrison, Lambda Sigma Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Memphis Area Alumnae
Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Mid-Missouri Alumnae
Muriel T. McKinney Indianapolis Alumnae Palo Alto Alumnae
Christina Cantrell, Kappa Alpha New York City Area Alumnae Phoenix Alumnae
Toledo Area Alumnae San Mateo Alumnae
Rose Awards Tallahassee Alumnae
Shirley Aiken, Omega Excellence In Collegiate Relations Terre Haute Alumnae
Sally Becking, Gamma Sigma Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Toronto Area Alumnae
Susan Byram, Beta Tau Hammond Area Alumnae Triangle Alumnae
Rachel Chavira, Upsilon Lambda Winston-Salem Alumnae
Annette Daniel, Kappa Rho Excellence In Communication
Susan Dunmead, Theta Psi Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Ruby Level
Lea Rae Gaines, Delta Delta Acadiana Alumnae
Cheryl Hallquist, Alpha Sigma Excellence in Community Involvement Atlanta Alumnae
Kimberly Hamilton, Upsilon Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Baton Rouge Alumnae
Troy LeForge, Beta Phi NY/NJ Metro Alumnae Boston Alumnae
Dana Moreland, Delta Alpha Bowling Green Alumnae
Stephanie Murphy, Lambda Iota Excellence In Membership Recruitment Bozeman Alumnae
Lisa Pearson, Nu Beta Nashville Area Alumnae Buffalo Alumnae
Leigh Perry, Upsilon Lambda New Orleans Area Alumnae Calgary Alumnae
Rebecca Rogers, Epsilon Omega Central New Mexico Alumnae
Diana Ruschhaupt, Beta Phi Excellence In Operations Chattanooga Area Alumnae
Mariellen Sasseen, Alpha Delta Boston Alumnae Chicago City Alumnae
Janet Siegel Brown, Delta Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae
Deborah Tam, Beta Phi Chicago South Suburban Alumnae
Jessie Wang-Grimm, Phi Chi Excellence In Sisterhood Chicago West Suburban Alumnae
Detroit N Suburban Alumnae Columbus Alumnae
Alumnae Women of Leadership Dallas Alumnae
Diana Ruschhaupt, Beta Phi Mary Ann Rice Caldwell Award Delaware Alumnae
Dr. Lori Hart, Delta Delta Indianapolis Alumnae Denver Alumnae
Detroit N Suburban Alumnae
Collegiate Women of Leadership Philos Award for Excellence in Panhellenic Evansville Tri-State Alumnae
Mary Catherine Reeves, Kappa Omicron New York City Area Alumnae Greater Greenville Alumnae
Mariah White, Kappa Tau Rochester Alumnae Greater Los Angeles Alumnae
Madison Lane, Delta Omega Greater Miami Alumnae
Miranda Stancyzk, Phi Sigma Gold Level Greater Pinellas Alumnae
Austin Alumnae Greater Sacramento Valley Alumnae
Mary Louise Roller Award Baltimore Alumnae Hammond Area Alumnae
Emily Oswalt, Sigma Gamma Central Connecticut Alumnae Huntsville Alumnae
Charleston Alumnae Indianapolis Alumnae
Barbara Daugs Hunt Award Dayton Alumnae Inland Empire Alumnae
Frankie Frazier Nordlund, Nu Beta East Bay Alumnae Jonesboro Alumnae
Fort Lauderdale Alumnae Kalamazoo Area Alumnae
Elizabeth Heywood Wyman Award Greater Erie Alumnae Kentuckiana Alumnae
Tracy Maxwell, Alpha Chi Greater Harrisburg Alumnae Knoxville Alumnae
Greater Jackson Alumnae Lake County of Ill Alumnae
Helen St. Clair Mullan Award Greater Lee County Alumnae Las Vegas Alumnae
Linda Grandolfo, Nu Iota Houston Alumnae Little Rock Area Alumnae
Lincoln Alumnae Long Beach/South Bay Alumnae
Stella George Stern Perry Award Long Island Alumnae Macomb County Alumnae
Kate Rodehau, Pi Delta Milwaukee Alumnae Madison Area Alumnae
Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumnae Mahoning Valley Alumnae
Mary Ann Rice Caldwell Award Northern Central Valley Alumnae Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae
Indianapolis Alumnae Port City Alumnae Mobile Alumnae
Portland Alumnae Monroe Alumnae
Jessie Wallace Hughan (JWH) Cup Rochester Alumnae Montreal Alumnae
Delta Omega, Murray State U Santa Barbara County Alumnae Nashville Area Alumnae
Seattle Alumnae New Orleans Area Alumnae
22 • To Dragma Tulsa Alumnae New York City Area Alumnae
North Texas Alumnae
Pearl Level
Central Iowa Alumnae Issue no.3 • Summer 2013

Northern NJ Alumnae Excellence in New Member Education Pearl Level
Northern Orange Co. Alumnae Delta Omega Beta Upsilon
Northern Virginia Alumnae Delta Pi Delta Beta
NY/NJ Metro Alumnae Gamma Delta Tau
Oklahoma City/Metro Area Alumnae Pi Alpha Epsilon Omega
Orlando Area Alumnae Xi Omicron Gamma Chi
Ottawa Alumnae Zeta Gamma Sigma
Philadelphia Alumnae Iota
Reno-Tahoe Alumnae Excellence in Operations Kappa Gamma
Richmond Area Alumnae Alpha Phi Kappa Phi
San Antonio Alumnae Lambda Beta
San Diego Alumnae Excellence in Philanthropy Lambda Eta
San Fernando Valley Alumnae Alpha Delta Lambda Omicron
San Francisco Alumnae Phi Chi
San Gabriel Valley Alumnae Excellence in Risk Management Pi Delta
San Jose Alumnae Chi Lambda Rho Beta
Sarasota Area Alumnae Chi Psi Rho Delta
Savannah Alumnae Tau
Southern Orange County Alumnae Excellence in Ritual Tau Omicron
St. Louis Alumnae Delta Omega Theta Psi
State College Alumnae
Suburban Maryland Alumnae Excellence in Sisterhood Ruby Level
Tampa Bay Alumnae Delta Sigma Alpha Chi
Toledo Area Alumnae Pi Theta Alpha Delta
Vancouver Alumnae Alpha Gamma
Ventura County Alumnae Jessie Wallace Hughan (JWH) Cup Alpha Nu
Delta Omega Alpha Phi
Collegiate Chapter Awards Alpha Psi
McCausland Award for Excellence in Beta Phi
Collegiate Chapter of Excellence Awards Academic Achievement Beta Zeta
Alpha Chi Lambda Sigma Chi Lambda
Alpha Phi Chi Phi
Chi Lambda Outstanding Alumnae Advisory Committee Chi Psi
Delta Omega Pi Alpha Delta Delta
Kappa Tau Delta Epsilon
Lambda Chi Outstanding Leaders Council Delta Omega
Omicron Kappa Tau Delta Pi
Rho Omicron Delta Sigma
Zeta Pi Philos Award for Excellence in Panhellenic Delta Theta
Chi Lambda Epsilon Chi
Excellence in Alumnae Relations Xi Epsilon Gamma
Kappa Tau Zeta Pi Gamma Delta
Gamma Omicron
Excellence in Campus Involvement Gold Level Gamma Theta
Omicron Alpha Lambda Kappa Alpha
Beta Gamma Kappa Chi
Excellence in Communication Beta Kappa Kappa Kappa
Beta Zeta Chi Epsilon Kappa Rho
Rho Omicron Chi Theta Kappa Tau
Delta Lambda Lambda Chi
Excellence in Community Service Delta Xi Lambda Sigma
Alpha Phi Epsilon Alpha Lambda Upsilon
Gamma Mu Lambda
Excellence in Finance Iota Chi Nu Omicron
Kappa Tau Kappa Lambda Omega
Kappa Omega Omicron
Excellence in Fraternity/Sorority Relations Kappa Omicron Phi Lambda
Iota Lambda Alpha Phi Sigma
Lambda Epsilon Pi Alpha
Excellence in Membership Recruitment Lambda Rho Pi Theta
Alpha Delta Nu Beta Rho Omicron
Delta Epsilon Omega Sigma Sigma
Rho Omicron Omega Upsilon Sigma Beta
Phi Upsilon Sigma Delta
Excellence in Member Retention Sigma Alpha Sigma Omicron
Alpha Chi Sigma Gamma Tau Gamma
Chi Lambda Sigma Phi Xi
Chi Psi Tau Delta Xi Omicron
Gamma Delta Tau Lambda Zeta
Zeta Theta Omega Zeta Pi
Theta Pi Zeta Psi

Issue no.3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 23

sleep
It’s Not Overrated

24 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

Do you wake up every morning feeling restored?

According to Merriam-Webster, the de nition of sleep is “the natural periodic suspension of
consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored.” If you do, consider yourself among
the lucky few. Most experts agree that adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to fully achieve
restoration and the majority are failing miserably.

Women, particularly those between the ages of 30-60, Benefits of Sleep
fall well short of this need by averaging only six hours and
forty-one minutes a night. Over time that shortfall really Gives you greater energy for an active lifestyle.
adds up. A National Sleep Foundation poll of adult men Helps your body ght illness by boosting the defense
and women revealed that women are more likely than
men to have di culty falling and staying asleep. That response of your immune system.
study also shows that too little sleep results in daytime
sleepiness, increased accidents, problems concentrating, Guards your heart by reducing your risk of high blood
and poor performance on the job and in school. Biological pressure and heart attacks.
conditions unique to women, like a menstrual cycle,
pregnancy and menopause, can a ect how well a woman Reduces your risk of type II diabetes by helping your body
sleeps. This is because the changing levels of hormones that
a woman experiences throughout the month and over her maintain proper blood sugar levels.
lifetime, like estrogen and progesterone, have an impact Helps manage your weight by regulating the hormones
on sleep. that control your appetite and metabolism.
Increases a feeling of happiness and optimism.
Sleep is a basic human need that is too often neglected. Reduces feelings of frustration, anxiety
Getting the right amount of sleep is essential, but just as and depression.
important as the quantity is the quality of your sleep. The Enhances your cognitive abilities with better focus,
right environment includes a good sleeping surface and creativity and judgement.
proper control of light, noise and room temperature. Even Helps you solve problems and remember
the tiny luminous rays from a digital alarm clock can be
enough to disrupt some internal sleep cycles. A good night’s important information.
sleep is as important a factor in maintaining good health
as diet and exercise. This rest enables your body to lay the Improves your alertness, which reduces your risk of
groundwork for a productive day ahead. It’s not normal injuries and accidents.
to feel sleepy during the day, to have problems getting to
sleep at night, or to wake up feeling exhausted. But even The ip side of sleep bene ts reveal some signi cant
if you’ve struggled with sleep problems for so long that it detriments when sleep is neglected. An increased risk of
seems normal, you can still learn to sleep better. heart attacks, high blood pressure and type II diabetes are
three prime examples. Obesity is another; in addition to the
You can start by tracking your symptoms and sleep patterns, probable opportunity of late-night eating binges, studies
and then making healthy changes to your daytime habits show a lack of sleep can raise the sensation of hunger by 25
and bedtime routine. Stick to a schedule. Pay attention to percent. Sleeping more actually enables you to eat more and
what you eat and drink. Create a bedtime ritual. Other burn more calories. Most people know headaches can be
changes might include making your sleeping environment a symptom of sleep deprivation and also acknowledge that
more comfortable, limiting daytime naps or adding physical lapses in attention and delayed reaction times are too. That’s
activity into your daytime routine. If self-help doesn’t do why you should never take a test or get behind the wheel of
the trick, you can turn to sleep specialists who are trained in a car when you are seriously sleep deprived. Alarmingly, a
sleep medicine. Together, you can identify the underlying 2010 UK research study also found an association between
causes of your sleeping problem and nd ways to improve early death and both too little and too much habitual
your sleep and quality of life. Dedicating yourself to nding sleep. It found that regularly sleeping too little (6 hours or
the combination of factors that in uence your sleep patterns less) or regularly sleeping too much (more than 9 hours) is
is a goal worth undertaking because the bene ts of sleep associated with a shorter lifespan.
are impressive.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 25

Even when real life stands in the way of
achieving the perfect sleep routine, you can
find a way to wake up most mornings feeling
restored just by making a few small changes.
Rest assured - sleep is not overrated.

Sleep and the College Student

Stick to a schedule Finish any food two hours before bedtime
Use an alarm clock
Don’t make your bed a key study/reading space Exercise regularly but not after early evening
Don’t drink alcohol as a nightcap before bed
Consider using “white noise” like a fan in your dorm room Avoid caffeine after 2 PM
Make your bed as comfortable as possible
Avoid electronics late at night due to mental
stimulation and brightness of the screen’s rays

Avoid naps after 3 PM or those longer
than 20 min.

ZZ Fun Facts
ZZ
Z • When you sleep, your body rests but your brain remains active.
• Anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you’re sleep deprived. The ideal is approximately 10 minutes,

meaning you’re still tired enough to sleep deeply, but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.
• A new baby typically results in 400-750 hours of lost sleep for parents in the first year.
• Seventeen hours of sustained wakefulness leads to a decrease in performance equivalent to a blood alcohol-level of 0.05%.
• After five nights of partial sleep deprivation, three drinks will have the same effect on your body as six would

when you’ve slept enough.
• One of the best predictors of insomnia later in life is the development of bad habits from having sleep disturbed

by young children.
• REM dreams are characterized by bizarre plots, but non-REM dreams are repetitive and thought-like, with

little imagery - obsessively returning to a suspicion you left your mobile phone somewhere, for example.
• The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill off Alaska, the Challenger space shuttle disaster and the Chernobyl nuclear

accident have all been attributed to human errors in which sleep deprivation played a role.
• To drop off we must cool off; body temperature and the brain’s sleep/wake cycle are closely linked. That’s why hot

summer nights can cause a restless sleep.
• Diaries from the pre-electric-light-globe Victorian era show adults slept nine to 10 hours a night with periods of rest

changing with the seasons in line with sunrise and sunsets.
• The record for the longest period without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon.

The record holder reported hallucinations, paranoia, blurred vision, slurred speech and memory and concentration lapses.

26• To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

From the Archives

Stella’s Trunk
As Grand President and later as International Historian,Stella Perry collected AOII
treasures such as records, memoribilia, letters, photos and To Dragmas, and
stored them in a sturdy black trunk. The trunk accompanyied Stella on many of
her travels and especially to conventions where she set out a display and lovingly
elaborated on the importance of our Fraternity’s history to anyone willing to
listen. Over the years, wear and tear landed the trunk in storage before it was
refurbished and placed on display in the AOII Archives Museum at Headquarters
in Brentwood, Tennessee.

This summer after a 50+ year hiatus, Stella’s Trunk made a return appearance at
Convention for a historical educational session led by AOII International Historian
Joan MacCallum and AOII Archivist Mariellen Sasseen. After opening with an
inspiring audio recording of three Founders speaking during the 1951 Founders’
Storytelling Session, the trunk took center stage.
Some of the more impressive and popular
items that made the trip included the Founders
badges, Grand President rings for the three
Founders who served in that role; Alpha
Chapter’s original Bylaws, Minutes, Roll Book
and gavel; Stella Perry’s and Bess Wyman’s
Bibles; Issue #1 of Volume #1 of To Dragma;
historical photos; original handwritten notes
and official correspondence by the Founders;
three Past International Presidents’ dresses;
a selection of Centennial Banners created by
AOII collegiate chapters in 1997, and so much
more. Like a celebrity on the red carpet,
Stella’s trunk and contents posed proudly
as it was bombarded by paparazzi-like
collegians snapping photos of AOII’s history
to share with others. Stella would have been
so pleased!

27 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

R Alphainstalling

Columbia University/Barnard College

Alpha Omicron Pi proudly reinstalled our very rst chartered collegiate
chapter on May 5, 2013. The Alpha Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi at
Columbia University and Barnard College returned to our roots in
New York City to the delight of many dedicated alumnae and AOIIs.
Allison Allgier, AOII International President, served as the installing
o cer; and several sitting Executive Board members joined in the
celebration of the Installation Ritual.

Seventy-seven collegiate members and one Alumna Initiate were the
charter members initiated into AOII membership. The chapter will
continue to be represented by “Agape” as their sub-motto, a phrase that
represents the feelings of Fraternity and love that surround the members
and our Fraternity.

Kasia Danilczuk, the rst Alpha Chapter President in nearly 100 years, aspect of the sorority. Knowing my sisters, I know we’ll achieve every
shared, “I am so proud and honored to be part of the recolonizing class goal we set for Alpha, and I know our Founders will be helping us
of Alpha Chapter. As a colony, we have grown so close as sisters, and every step of the way.”
we are ready to make our presence well known on Columbia’s and
Barnard’s campuses. After initiation, I truly felt that I had gained nearly The Initiation and Installation Rituals for Alpha Chapter took place in
80 new sisters, and that was an experience I will remember for the rest the Columbia Low Library, the large rotunda building that is captured
of my life. This coming semester, we are setting high expectations for in the iconic picture of the Class of 1898, our Founders, and Alpha’s
Alpha between our Strike Out Arthritis! event, Panhellenic socials, our
many sisterhood events, along with setting a strong foundation in every rst initiate Anne Richardson Hall. The connection was signi cant for
the many sisters who joined in the Ritual to celebrate our return to the

28 • To Dragma Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

place that Stella, Helen, Jessie, and Bess once walked. Alpha’s Initiation Charter Members
Rose Banquet was held at the University Club of New York, a private
club that boasts to be the founding location of the North American Gabriela Aroca Geraldine Cheung YuLun Li
Interfraternity Conference. Hanna Ashkinaz Marjana Chowdhury Ana Liano
The journey from Colonization through Installation embarked upon by Saba Askari Kasia Danilczuk Jinyuan Liu
the chapter brought together women with a diverse array of talents who Anusha Balakrishnan Erin Deebel Margarey Lu
joined right in to Greek Life at Columbia and Barnard. The colony also Roberta Barnett Nicole Delgadillo Shermin Luo
planned a number of activities during the spring semester to build their Emma Bartnick Rebecca Deng Amelia Marosek
sisterhood, including nights to paint badge boxes, studying together, Allie Bollman Noosha Deravi Amara Mbionwu
spending many nights chitchatting over dinner and movies, and even Indya Brown Sophie Dimich-Louvet Vienna Messina
camping out to represent AOII at the Today Show! Sarah Capito Victoria Doring Oddone Victoria Musselman
Kelly Carde da Costa Priyanka Nayer
Bragging Rights Harriett Chan Pascale Dugue Leora Nessim
Connie Chang Annie Dunlap Bailey Ott
Raised over $5,000 for Relay for Life just over a month after being colonized Annie Chen Laura Fitch Nilam Patel
Co-hosted a pie eating contest supporting Relay for Life Allie Francis Margot Pinckney
Participated in Delta Sigma Phi’s date auction for AIDS research Priscilla Fu Elyse Pitock
two weeks after colonization Johanna Fuller Pavan Punny
Won 2nd place in Columbia’s Basketball Greek Night Karen Gao Julia Qian
Saluted several leaders of organizations on and o campus such as Natalie Gegan Alyssa Ramos-Avila
Her Campus Columbia, Columbia Women’s Business Society, Student Governing Kellie Gergoudis Rivka Rappaport
Board, Columbia Against Cancer, and the Sustainability Media Lab Tess Glassman-Kaufmann Kiana Robinson
Chelsea Gri n Elke Schipani
A apSubmotto Susan Harvey Anne Scotti
Julie Ho man Michelle Snyder
Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013 Jordan Hollis Nancy Tay
Patricia Hsu So a Vassilieva
Maya Hunt Ashley Wagsta
Judy Jiang Josephine Wei
Stefani Karr Molly Winger
Lina Katayeva Michelle Wiryadi
Eva Kerman Elena Wolner
Lola Kolade Nancy Zhang
Erin Larson
Cassidy Leventhal Alumna Initiate
Debbie Levine Daniela Pogue

Fun Fact

One colony member is an accomplished actress, starring
in roles such as “Eloise” in the movie “Eloise at the Plaza.”

To Dragma • 29

197 th Chapter Installation

Nu Omega-Northern Kentucky University

Alpha Omicron Pi was thrilled to welcome our 197th never thought that I’d nd my best friends in AOII,
collegiate chapter on April 20, 2013. Allison Allgier, but I have. Creating and building a new chapter on
AOII’s International President, was the installing our campus is so special, rarer than even a once-in-a-
o cer for the Nu Omega Chapter at Northern lifetime opportunity, and has been for me, personally,
Kentucky U in Highland Heights, Kentucky. the most worthwhile investment of my college
Alumnae and collegians from the area celebrated the experience. I’m so proud of my chapter and can’t think
Initiation and Installation of the chapter with the of a better group of women to be the charter members
newest members of AOII. of Nu Omega. I’m so excited to see how each member
uses and practices their individual gifts to contribute
Forty-four collegiate members were initiated into to the growth of the chapter as a whole. I also cannot
AOII membership after a semester of development wait to prove our sisterhood and capabilities in
and growth as a colony. Having chosen the submotto recruitment, nding
“One Heart through Courage and Unity,” the new women who can
chapter’s distinguishing characteristics have resonated call home the chapter we
throughout the NKU campus and community. began. Our uniqueness,
courage and love are
Olivia Hagedorn, Nu Omega’s rst Chapter President, building a chapter
said: “The colony process was one that felt a lot like that will be home for
any good friendship. We made our rst impressions, thousands of women
knew little about each other and then grew closer who come to Northern
than we ever expected. It was beautiful to nd Kentucky University and
that although we had more in common with some to AOII for many years
than with others, we were all chosen to be in AOII to come.”
because we had an underlying sweetness, creating
a lasting sincerity and strength in our sisterhood. I

Submotto Charter Members

O H ar thr Nicole Anderson Marlina Jones
C rag an Unit Nicole Arduser Ellen Kessler
Bethany Bartmess Christine Kristof
Bragging Rights Caitlin Boeschel Jennifer Lipps
. Voted “Best New Thing on Campus” among all Jessica Bowen Chelsie Long
. NKU Student Organizations Maria Broderick Ashton Miller
Kelsey Carlin Megan Murray
Won the “Throw Your Norse Up” Hannah Christen Megan O’Brien
Hattie Clark Kamryn Olivier
. Competition- a school spirit competition Brook Clifford Vivien Raper
Recognized at an NKU basketball Brianna Clites Kayla Robinson
game for their great presence on campus! Laura Cook Amanda Russell
Lauren Crawford Megan Ryle
Chapter Activities Sara Daugherty Ashley Stacey
. Became an immediate contributor to NKU’s Cassandra Desmarais Kairlyn Staggs
. Greek community Caitlin Ellis Lindsey Tackett
Megan Feder Emily Tatman
Participated in campus events such as Delta Zeta’s Amber Fish NicoleVicario
Turtle Tug, Alpha Tau Omega’s Women’s Appreciation Deanna Gagne Finesse West
Dinner, Desserts with Delta Gamma, Panhellenic’s Olivia Hagedorn Kathryn Wolf
“Legally Blonde” show, a Panhellenic Retreat, the Phi Emily Hellmann
Sigma Sigma Book Drive, Phi Sigma Sigma Volleyball Kati Herman
Tournament, Phi Sigma Sigma Pancake Brunch, as well as Laura Hornback
Nicole Hudson
. an all-day Spring into Service event for NKU
Participation by AAC members and collegians in the To Dragma • 31
Arthritis Foundation Walk in Cincinnati last May.

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

198 th Chapter Installation

Iota Theta - Monmouth University

Alpha Omicron Pi welcomed lovingly our 198th Bragging Rights
chartered collegiate chapter as we installed the Iota Theta ...
Chapter at Monmouth U in West Long Branch, New . Maintained Campus Total since colonization
Jersey. Iota Theta members shared their installation date Impressively initiated 100% of their New Members
with and participated in the installation of the Jersey Achieved the highest GPA on campus
Shore Alumnae Chapter as well on April 28, 2013. The Placed second in their rst Greek Week
day was a wonderful celebration of two chapters and our
newest members of AOII. Colony Activities
. Organized several great sisterhood events including their
AOII ful lled Monmouth’s Campus Total and initiated
seventy-two collegiate members into AOII membership rst colony retreat
after a semester of development and growth
as a colony. The chapter will be represented . Enjoyed an AOII beach day
by the phrase “Independent Yet Together . Conducted a “speed dating” activity to get to know each other
Transcendent” as their submotto. . Enjoyed outings to support other Greek philanthropy events

Beginning immediately upon their
colonization weekend in March 2013, the
colony members began a whirlwind seven-
week journey together towards installation.
Their rst Chapter President, Nicole
Adamusik, stated “I am so excited to see what
the future brings for Iota Theta. We have
already accomplished such amazing things as
a colony, including having the highest GPA
on campus, placing second in our rst Greek
Week, and already maintaining campus
total. I am so honored to be the rst chapter
president of such an amazing group of sisters,
and I really believe that we will exceed the
expectations of Monmouth University Greek
Life together.”

She continued, “The most memorable time
as a colony was our sisterhood retreat. That night, my
sisters and I took it upon ourselves to get to know each
other and we just clicked. From that point on we knew
that joining Alpha Omicron Pi was meant for all of
us, and that we will soon look at it as one of the best
decisions that we made.”

32 • To Dragma Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

Submotto

I epen en Y To e he T anscen en

Charter Members Sandie Figueroa Kelly Parks
Jaclyn Franzi Adrianna Pirone
Nicole Adamusik Jessica Calabro Jessica Dayton Brittany Fuentes Danielle Raiano
Sabrina Alfassa Natalie Carpentieri Alexis DeCarvalho Rita Giangiobbe Lindsay Redfern
Amanda Ambrosino Lauren Cofield Samantha DeMarco Melissa Giliberti Jessie Reive
Kaitlyn Baklarz Nikki Conklin Alexa DeRosa Christina Giuliano Amy Rensimer
Ashley Bonino Jessica Costello Stephanie Dos Santos Gaitlin Golden Cheyenne Richardson
Krysten Brannick Pamela Crossan Allison Dougherty Rachel Gramuglia Gina Rubiano
Carlye Burchell Victoria Day Susan Elwood Stephanie Hamilton Taylor Sassman
Megan Hazard Angelica Scheddin
Alyssa Healey Juliann Schwartz
Britt Henrickson Ariele Shilling
Taylor Kelly Jessica Spiro
Taylor Kennedy Jen Stessel
Jessica Kinsley Jennifer Stolte
Jen Kopcienski Alex Stucy
Jennifer Lee Michelle Suchar
Deanna Lukac Lisa Sypniewski
Brianna Mahoney Marissa Tartaglio
Katey McElroy Leah Torres
Ashley McMahon Danielle Trentin
Erin McMullen Cara Turcich
Courtney Medina Sarah Turner
Michelle Melzl Raquel Warehime
Kayla Moor Kristin Waring
Nicole Oddo
To Dragma • 33
Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

R installation of our
18 th Chapter
Upsilon - University of Washington

Alpha Omicron Pi welcomed our 18th chartered collegiate but incredibly fun. All of our many sisterhoods and colony
chapter back to active status as we reinstalled Upsilon Chapter activities helped us to see the di erences and similarities in all
on May 18, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Allison Allgier, of our members and what it means to be a sister to someone
AOII International President and Installing O cer initiated 86 with a completely di erent background from you.”
collegiate members and one alumna initiate.
This was a particularly special homecoming for Upsilon
Originally chartered September 18, 1915, members of Upsilon alumnae who assisted in the weekend’s festivities as sponsors
remain bound by ties of friendship and are represented by for the new initiates. The chapter’s return to Upsilon’s home
the submotto “Humer, Hesper, Haymen” translated as “For will welcome many new generations of AOII members and
You As For Us.” Members of the charter class will also move bring the start of many happy memories, traditions, and
into the previous Upsilon home on UW’s campus this fall, special occasions for years to come.
following a complete renovation this summer.
Bragging Rights
Delaney Merrick is serving as the current Chapter President
for Upsilon and shares, “Our colony process was a once in a . Won a football helmet signed by football Coach Stark for
lifetime experience that none of our members will ever forget.
Getting to build a chapter from the ground up required a lot largest viewing numbers at the Windemere Cup
of time, e ort, and determination from all of our members,
but the feeling of accomplishment and excitement we all felt at . Won the Giant Pong and Limbo competition at Greek Field Day
our installation more than grati ed all of our e orts. Getting . Took second in the Hula Hoop and Wagon Race Competition
to know all of our new sisters was overwhelming at rst
at Greek Field Day
34 • To Dragma
. Enjoyed a private-shopping sisterhood experience at Vera Bradley

courtesy of one of our alumnae members

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013

Submotto

FY
AF U

Colony Activities

. Participation in a variety of Greek Week events including Pie-A-Prez

and Redbull Chariot Races

. Attended a Mariners game as a sisterhood activity
. Participated in Greek Preview pre-recruitment event
. Held a sorority exchange with Delta Zeta to prepare for recruitment
. Participated in All Greek Service Week
. Hosted a wonderful colony retreat and weekly sisterhood meetings to

bond with our new sisters

Charter Members

Yolanda Altamirano Tina Chen Ashley Grindley Ondina Lipney-Burger Elli Novatcheva Lisa Ta
Jessica Alves Haley Chinn Miko Guzzardo Brenda Mancilla-Martinez Rose Marie Patnode Autumn Talney
Siena Dumas Ang Rosalind Chuang Sierra Harden Karen Marcjan Cathy Pham Tarra Theisen
Sandina Antoine Laura Colmenares Makayla Hawkins Amanda McCracken Christina Polyukh Elise Tyler
Alexandrea Bakotich Kirsten Cuckovich Christiana Hettich Kathleen McGuinness Meredith Pothoven Jasmine Vail
Amy Barbour Jordan Cutter Kaylah Hoover Yating McKnight Alyx Randall Ibette Valle
Timiah Bezovics Catherin Dinh Dana Janigian Sarah Meanwell Vanessa Ranney Hannah Vaughn
Jennifer Boesenberg Haley Durslag Faiza Jooma Delaney Merrick Olivia Rao Ashley Walker
Miranda Bossert Brenda Fernandez Sukhman Kaur Alexandra Mills Andrea Rocha Elizabeth Wiley
Rachel Braaten Marisol Figueroa Karlayna Kern Rian Morgan Monica Seeley Demetra Xenos
Shannon Bray Sara Camberos Linnea Kessler Dalia Murra Annalise Servin Anjelaca Yin
Hannah Burson Sara Fletes Prabhkisaran Khalsa Brianna Nelson Rachael Sherman
Monique Canaday Laurina Foster Katherine King Lindsay Ng Sonia Simon Alumna Initiate
Amy Cha Clementine Foucher Lauren Koffman Naomi Nkinsi Monica Sobolewski Darlene Stern
Erin Chastain Sophia Giakoumatos Emily Lake Criselda Nogoy Brooke Stoehr

Issue No. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 35



Upcoming Initiatives Emphasize

Membership Engagement

Over the next 18 months, AOII will roll out two initiatives designed to o er true engagement opportunities
between the fraternity and our members. First, we are thrilled to announce the development of our new
alumnae engagement initiative called FoUr. Additionally, a partnership initiative with Phired Up Productions
brings us a phenomenal resource aimed at increasing collegiate connections. Be watching for more
information on these programs in the coming months.

Retained and Engaged; Four young women founded Alpha Omicron Pi
The pulse of an organization
for friendship. So it is tting that FoUr is AOII’s initiative to
Retention is at the heart of every great organization. Retaining increase engagement opportunities for alumnae. When we
our members and keeping them active and engaged throughout surveyed you about involvement and communication within
college and beyond is vital to the success of the Fraternity. AOII, it was clear that many of you want to give back to the
Phired Up Productions, LLC is a company whose mission is Fraternity, but have not yet found a way—even though our
to help groups grow. Alpha Omicron Pi and Phired Up have a values are still important to you.
strong long standing partnership. In 2011, Phired Up’s Research
Department started looking at the reasons why people leave FoUr will provide opportunities to connect with your
fraternities and sororities; they embarked on a national study and sisters in ways never o ered before while also continuing to
needed to gain access to hundreds of men and women that had promote alumnae engagement opportunities that have always
left organizations over the last decade. We were the rst group been available. While there is a new group of AOII collegiate
they approached due to our innovative leadership and powerful members ever year, it is clear that you are still AOII’s future.
presence in the fraternal movement. Alpha Omicron Pi became FoUr will bene t AOII. FoUr will bene t your Chapter.
the rst NPC sorority to undergo Phired Up’s wildly successful And because alumnae set the precedent of tradition and
Sorority Retention Study. Phired Up’s Director of Research, stability for the entire Fraternity, we hope you will discover
Dr. Colleen Melchiorre, said: “In this study we learned a lot how FoUr will bene t You!
about why women are leaving or disengaging in AOII. The
time has come to put that knowledge into practice and teach FoUr - New Alumnae Engagement Initiative
the membership how to address retention issues and member FoUr bene ts AOII, your Chapter and You!
disengagement head on.” Through FoUr - You will have an opportunity to connect
with your sisters through our new International Alumnae
To that end, we will be launching an online o cer training Association, support your collegiate chapter through
curriculum to a rst phase of 30 chapters in early November tax deductible contributions towards the Fraternity’s
2013. By early 2015, every single chapter will have participated Foundation, or apply for an AOII volunteer opportunity.
in this experience. AOII Executive Director Troy LeForge
adds, “One of AOII’s most strategic initiatives is nding ways to
better retain and engage our members. We believe this product
will have a profound impact on our chapters abilities to do just
that and we could not be more pleased to partner with Phired
Up once again on this innovative learning experience.” This
program is sure to be a game changer in terms of the membership
experience. “I could not be more thrilled that AOII is doing this
program; they are the rst group that did the retention study and
the rst that is doing this initiative...they have, in many ways,
been the catalyst for information gathering about retention and
membership engagement in our eld.” Learn more about Phired
Up at www.phiredup.com.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 37

Meet the 2013-2014

Educational
Leadership
Consultants

Ten exceptional young women will travel across the United States and Canada this year
for the Fraternity serving as Educational Leadership Consultants. Under the guidance
of AOII Headquarters staff and Fraternity volunteers, these ladies function as trained
AOII ambassadors and educators to our collegiate chapters and members, especially to
provide one-on-one operational support. We welcome them to team AOII!

38 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

Helen Block Get to know Helen:

Zeta Pi (U of Alabama - Birmingham) Q: Favorite hobbies?
Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama A: Painting, baking, reading, shopping,

Helen recently graduated from UAB with a and playing Mario Kart 64
degree in Exercise Physiology. She loved
her involvement with Zeta Pi as their Social Q: Favorite type of food:
Chair and T-shirt Chair. When asked why she A: Any type of pasta
applied to become an ELC, she says, “I had
such a fabulous membership experience that Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
I want to help ensure that all my other sisters A: I’m excited to meet all the women who
have the same opportunity!”
share my letters and whom I call sisters

Q: Best way to spend a rainy day?
A: Cooking, crafting, and napping!

Morgan Butler Get to know Morgan:

Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) Q: Favorite hobbies?
Hometown: Rainbow City, AL
A: Shopping and watching Alabama football!
Morgan recently earned a Marketing
Degree with a Sales Specialization. Her Q: Favorite book or movie character?
Alpha Delta leadership positions included
Chapter President, Panhellenic Delegate and A: Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, because of
Assistant Recruitment Chair. Morgan shares, how selfless she is throughout the story. She
“Throughout my collegiate experience the was beautiful, smart, and a daddy’s girl, who
consultants that visited my chapter impacted wanted adventure for herself but always put
me as an officer so much and pushed me to others first. She’s the perfect princess!
be the best chapter member I could be. Their
impact on my AOII experience made me Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
want to be able to do the same for women
internationally.” A: Traveling to parts of North America I have not
seen before, while meeting sisters along
the way!

Amanda Gilpin Get to know Amanda:

Iota (U of Illinois) Q: Favorite book or movie character?
Hometown: Bloomington, IL A: Allie from the Notebook because she

Amanda is a former Chapter President and follows her heart and is a true romantic.
Alumnae Relations Chair for Iota Chapter And on top of that, she is married to the
and recently graduated with a degree in most attractive man on TV...Ryan Gosling!
Advertising. Past ELCs encouraged her to
apply for this leadership opportunity and she Q: Favorite type of food?
hopes to one day do the same for someone A: BBQ Chicken Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s
else. She says, “I believe involvement in AOII
is a domino effect. Plus, I knew I was destined Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
to serve as the ELC Chauffeur, driving nine
crazy chicks around during training.” Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
A: I’m looking forward to making friends

across North America and strengthening
the sisterhood I have found with my fellow
ELCs after we leave training.

Q: Best way to spend a rainy day?
A: Jammin’ out to country music, baking

chocolate chip cookies, and watching
Father of the Bride on repeat.

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 39

Mandy Hedstrom Get to know Mandy:

Alpha Phi (Montana State U) Q: Favorite hobbies?
Hometown: Havre, MT A: Running, hiking, skiing, pretty much

Mandy graduated with a degree in Cell Biology anything outdoors.
and Neuroscience from Montana State while
serving AOII as Property Manager and Chapter Q: Favorite type of food?
President. In explaining why traveling for the A: Anything with a little kick to it!
Fraternity is so important, she shares, “AOII has
done more than words can explain, and I wanted Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
to be able to give back to the organization that A: Getting to travel and experience new things
has done so much for me. I also wanted to be
able to inspire other young women, like so many and of course meeting new sisters!
older AOII women have done for me.”
Q: Best way to spend a rainy day?
A: Cuddled up indoors watching Harry Potter!

Laura Johnson Get to know Laura:

Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U) Q: Favorite hobbies?
Hometown: Bowling Green, KY A: Playing sports, going to the lake, running,

Laura served Alpha Chi as Panhellenic kayaking, I enjoy it all. I love spending time
Delegate and Vice President of Academic with my family, friends and my two
Development then represented her campus Golden Retrievers!
as Panhellenic President. She graduated
from WKU with a degree in Advertising and Q: Favorite book or movie character?
Marketing. Laura chose to apply for the ELC A: Katniss. I seriously wish I could be like
program because of her love for AOII. She
explains, “AOII has done so much for me, and her. Katniss is just awesome, brave and
with encouragement, I decided I wanted to independent. Jennifer Lawrence is amazing
become an ELC to inspire other young women too, plus she is from Kentucky!
and give back to the Fraternity.”
Q: Favorite type of food?
A: Mexican food...love it.

Tiffany Kirkland Get to know Tiffany:

Sigma - U of California, Berkeley Q: Favorite hobbies:
Hometown: Coto de Caza, CA A: Anything involving the ocean, watching

Tiffany joins the ELC team with a vast amount football, and playing with my Bernese
of Panhellenic experience having served as Mountain dog named Gracie.
Panhellenic President and Panhellenic Director
of Communications. At UC-Berkeley she Q: Favorite book or movie character?
earned a degree in History with a minor in A: Mary Poppins! She’s practically perfect in
Public Policy. Her goal as an ELC is, “to inspire
and strengthen meaningful relationships every way and inspires others to be
between women.” imaginative and positive.

Q: Favorite type of food?
A: Baja Mexican

Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
A: Traveling and meeting lots of new people.

Nevena Pehar Get to know Nevena:

Gamma Theta (U of South Florida) Q: Favorite book or movie character?
Hometown: Tampa, FL A: Amélie from the movie of the same name.

Nevena shares she is returning for her second She is whimsical and adventurous, but
year of ELC travel “to continue encouraging genuinely good, kind, and selfless.
collegians to see how our values are reflected
in the work we do and the fun we have in AOII.” Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
AOII is equally thrilled to have her continue A: Working with Alpha collegians, advisers and
in the role of Resident Consultant for Alpha
Chapter at Columbia U. This Academic Music, volunteers, as well as those laugh-until-you-
Psychology, and International Studies major cry moments with collegians.
served her own chapter in numerous ways
including Chapter President, VP Education, Q: Best way to spend a rainy day?
Assistant Recruitment Chair and Historian. A: If dancing in the rain is not an option due

to lightning, I’d watch either Girls, Game of
Thrones, or Mad Men with a big cup of coffee.

Jackie Ræ Petta Get to know Jackie Rae:

Theta Omega (Northern Arizona U) Q: Favorite hobbies?
Hometown: Sylmar, CA A: Camping/hiking and playing sports,

While earning a degree in Parks and Recreational plus crafting and baking.
Management, Jackie Rae also found time to
serve Theta Omega as Chapter President, Q: Favorite type of food?
Chapter Treasurer, Alumnae Relations Chair and A: Mediterranean, so basically anything
numerous campus leadership positions. As an
ELC, Jackie Rae hopes to inspire and educate Greek or Italian.
the next generation of AOIIs just as the previous
groups have done for her. She adds, “My entire Q: Best way to spend a rainy day?
chapter experience changed for the better when A: The best way to spend a rainy day is to go
I got to meet the amazing women who dedicated
so much to this Fraternity.” off-roading (or muddin’ as my Daddy would
put it)! Don’t waste any of the fun you could
be having inside, when you could be loving
playing outside in it!

Kristen Phelps Get to know Kristen:

Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U) Q: Favorite hobbies?
Hometown: Summit, MS A: Playing with my cat, Tink, watching Netflix,

We applaud Kristen for being one of two ELCs and going for runs/jogs.
traveling for a second year. While earning
a BA in English, Kristen was Corresponding Q: Favorite book or movie character?
Secretary and Vice President of Education for A: Being the nerdy English major that I am, I
Kappa Tau. This year she will continue to share
her spirit of Fraternity and love with AOIIs most admire Jane Eyre for her perseverance
across the US and Canada. She adds, “Being and strength.
able to serve the Fraternity in this capacity
allows for many unique experiences that I Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
believe will be life changing for me!” A: Inspiring others to improve and advance. I

cannot wait to witness first hand the many
great accomplishments that our collegiate
chapters are making!

Lauren Stern Get to know Lauren:
Q: Favorite hobbies?
Pi Alpha, U of Louisville A: I love traveling, so being an ELC is a good
Hometown: Fort Mitchell, KY
position for me! I also enjoy relaxing with
Lauren held several offices during her a good book.
collegiate years at Pi Alpha including Q: Favorite book or movie character?
Corresponding/Recording Secretary, VP A: Well, I love Harry Potter, so I’ll have to go
Chapter Development, Alumnae Relations with Hermione Granger. She’s intelligent,
Chair, and VP Communication. She recently clever and loyal, and helps her best friends
graduated with a degree in Communication defeat Lord Voldemort. I’d say that’s
and decided to apply for this position pretty admirable.
because she was inspired by ELCs who had Q: Most looking forward to as an ELC?
visited her chapter. “I wanted to be able A: I’m looking forward to traveling and I
to be that person for others. I have a lot of can’t wait to see the regional and campus
experience through the offices that I have differences among the chapters!
held both in AOII and on campus, and I
wanted to be able to use that knowledge to
help other AOIIs.”

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 41

The Rewards of Being a
HO SE Mom

by Alex Walters, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama), Communications Intern

Friendships made during collegiate years are often bonds that last a lifetime. We make many friends our own
age, but sometimes we connect with a friend that represents a motherly- gure during our time away from home.
Alpha Omicron Pi’s House Directors often ll those roles for our members. As a collegiate sister, I can honestly
say that my experience as an AOII would not have been as rewarding without the relationship I developed with
my chapter’s housemother who was always there to comfort and take care of my sisters and me, especially with
her spunky personality and tendency to know all the latest gossip around our house!

Becky Schuler became our housemother at Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) when I was in the spring semester of my
sophomore year. My sisters and I were completely thrilled because we had been laboring to nd a replacement for
our previous house mom who had taken a new job. She was perfect! We know her as Ms. Bee because of her love
of bumblebees, as she proudly displays on her door and on her cute “Bzzzz” license plate! Even her grandchildren
call her “Bee” instead of grandma! Ever since she came to us, the chapter has been uplifted by her quirky sense
of humor and great attitude. It’s out of appreciation for Ms. Bee that I was honored to interview just a few of the
amazing ladies that serve AOII in this very important capacity.

Julie Taube “There is a tremendous amount of interaction with the girls and
Gamma Omicron (U of Florida) the sta . I try to serve as someone to inspire in them a positive
attitude and be there to listen when they need me.”
Housemother Julie Taube is the house director for Gamma
Omicron (U of Florida), and claims that AOII saved her life. “Being a house director is a job with many challenges. College
During her time in nursing school, Julie lost her husband to students are at the age where they have the tendency to feel
cancer. Her home, which had been full of the laughter and voices
of kids, was emptied when her youngest daughter graduated and
set o for Duke.

“I went from being this wife and mother with all these kids
around, to just an empty house where sounds echoed o the
walls. I felt so lost. When you lose someone, the need to give love
doesn’t die.” Two of Julie’s daughters are AOIIs, so when sisters
contacted her to work for Gamma Omicron, she was excited
yet hesitant at rst, because she was in the midst of working
on pursuing her degree in nursing. Still, Gamma Omicron
welcomed her with open arms even as a nursing student, and
Julie found her home away from home as “Mama J” in a house

lled with laughter and chatter once again.

“One of the things I love is that there is no typical day! Just
when I think I’ve seen or heard everything, I nd out I was
wrong about that!” There really isn’t a normal “day in the life”
at Gamma Omicron, even after over 20 years of working there.

42 • To Dragma Issue no.3 • Summer 2013

everyone’s pain so it’s honors, and expresses her pride in AOII. “Other sororities have
important for me to help come to this campus, but AOII has surpassed several that have
keep everyone calm.” been on campus for over 100 years.” She proudly explained
Julie is perfect for this that the chapter stands out in its accomplishments, especially in
role, especially during the a short amount of time. A house mom lled with pride for her
storm season in Florida. AOII girls makes a great addition to any sorority home.
“Very often we are one
of two places with power “My door is always open for the girls. I only close it when I turn
after a hurricane so girls o my lights, but on my door is a note with my cell number that
from apartments join us. says ‘Call me anytime, I’m here for you’.” Sha explained that
We’ve had 4 hurricanes
come through, and at one
point the girls were digging
trenches around the house
to keep it from ooding!”

Another challenge is
recruitment which she calls
a marathon. Everyone is
exhausted. Despite the challenging moments, Julie believes that
these challenges are tools that she can use to teach, and since the
girls who look to her to watch her reactions, she uses that as an
opportunity to teach patience and how to react kindly or wisely
depending on the situation. Those teaching moments are special
rewards for a house director.

When she closes the door to the house every night, Julie hopes
that she made a di erence. “AOIIs by nature are not only
beautiful but young women with incredible substance.” Every
day she is told that she is appreciated, and there is nothing more
rewarding than that. “It’s a kind of feeling and joy that you
can’t compare. I love what I do, and I love being here.” Julie is
especially proud to be an alumna initiate of Alpha Omicron Pi.

Sha Reynolds
Xi Omicron (U of Arkansas)

Someone who has been familiar with the Greek system since she
graduated from the U of Arkansas is house mom Sha Reynolds,
or “Mom Sha” as she is called. She has been working at the Xi
Omicron house (U of Arkansas) for four years. She explained
that living in a sorority house for two years while she was in
school made her aware of what she was getting herself into!

“My decision to become a housemother was a natural transition
for me at this point in my life. I have raised two children, had
a very rewarding career as an interior designer in the Dallas
area for over 25 years, and retired in Northwest Arkansas.” Sha
explained that she soon felt that she needed more to do. When a
friend told her about the opening for a house director’s position at
Arkansas, she felt it was a perfect t for her because she has always
felt a strong connection with young adults.

“There have been so many personally rewarding moments for exibility as a house mom is important, but her biggest obstacle
me.” Sha said, “these girls are so kind and generous with their as a house director is letting the girls “sink or swim,” and to
sweet words and respect, it’s just wonderful.” As a Greek alumna, remember that these are learning experiences for them. For
Sha knows the ropes when it comes to campus involvement and

Issue no.3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 43

Mom Sha, that is a challenge she has to overcome daily, much “Some of the girls have visited me since I’m allowed to have guests
like many moms! occasionally. There was even one AOII who would carpool with
me when she worked at Disney as well.” Nancy lives a very active
“You must be exible or you will never make it!” Sha o ers as
advice. Whether it is waking up in the middle of the night to social life, and is thankful that her daughter, Melanie, suggested
address a strange noise coming from the vent, to conducting she take the position with AOII. “At Disney I meet people from all
meals for 90 girls (or even the entire membership), as a house over the world, and my job is to help make sure they have a great
mom Sha deals with last minute decisions almost every day. experience. You’re always interacting to be sure that everything is
These are challenges that she takes on with a sense of humor, and going well.” Nancy said that this attitude carries over to her house
sometimes nds amusing. director position, just in di erent ways.
“My friends all ask me what I do, and I always say at the end of the
“Many many funny things have happened.” Sha explained that every day, you have to ask me ‘What did I do today?’ Every day is
she once got locked into Xi Omicron’s walk-in freezer during so di erent.” Nancy is quite the “handywoman” too. “I know how
a snow storm, and one of the girls posted on her Facebook, to x locks on the gate, and I am the only one who knows how to
“Housemother found frozen, but not from snow!” And one of work the waterfall we have. We had a huge power outage a block
her other favorite and laughable memories was choosing to be in either direction from the AOII house once. It’s a million di erent
interviewed by one of the girls. “So she chose me and one of things every day!” Nancy has taught the girls important things like
her questions was, ‘Do you have to pay as much as we do to live laundry, cooking, and even catching a mouse ve di erent ways!
here?’ and I smiled and said ‘I get the Senior Discount’!” There is never a dull moment with Nancy and her girls.
Every morning, Nancy gets up to go to work at Disneyland at 5
Along with her interior design industry knowledge, Sha is also am, and then she comes home in the afternoon to nd out “what’s
very fashion-forward and a few of our past ELCs have expressed going to happen to me.” There couldn’t be a better way to say it.
that she “looks like she walked out of a J. Crew catalog!” Sha has The Lambda Beta Chapter is a small, tight-knit group of girls.
two grandchildren, so one of her favorite things to do when she Getting to know each other is always fun and Nancy loves talking
is not working with her AOII family is spending time with her to them; she even knows which girls always like to share their day.
immediate family. “The most rewarding bene t is my relationship with the girls!”
Nancy says she has been interviewed for multiple school papers and
Nancy Stahl some of them have even allowed her to be a part of life-changing
Lambda Beta experiences as collegiate members. For example, one of the girls
(California State U-Long Beach) had a design show for her graduation. She was happy to attend a
get-together to celebrate with the member’s family, and brought
Someone who can sympathize with Julie Taube is housemother fabric squares to paint, write, and decorate. Nancy later received all
Nancy Stahl, who also lost her husband and needed to ll the of these squares sewn into a quilt as a gift, and she was so proud of it
that she brought it to AOII Headquarters to share during a training!
desire to give love She says that knowing the girls would go out of their way to do
to others. She says something for her gives her a feeling that is hard to explain.
the house director
job at Lambda Beta
(California State
U-Long Beach) has
been a perfect t
for her. This house
mom did have
other opportunities,
however! Nancy was
one of the front-
runners to play the
Fairy Godmother
face character at
Disneyland! While she
wasn’t able to land that
“dream” job, she still
enjoys working shifts
in the ticket booth
at Disneyland.

44 • To Dragma Issue no.3 • Summer 2013

Ann Koopman night, and occasionally we have a favorite show we watch
Zeta (U of Nebraska-Lincoln) together.” She says that during Husker football games they will
have a watch party in the rec room of the Zeta house.
When it comes to being a house director, availability is an
incredibly important feature. Housemother of AOII’s Zeta “I have also let the girls know I am available if they have
Chapter (U of Nebraska-Lincoln), Ann Koopman, nds that her questions about academic and campus stu since I have been
background as an Academic Advisor at the university has been working on campus for almost 20 years.” Ann runs into the
really convenient to the house director position she acquired. girls all over campus, and not just the Zeta house. “A typical day
involves seeing the girls at breakfast or sometimes at the Rec
“I have always loved working with college students, so being a Center working out early in the morning, and then I walk across
house mom is a great t.” Ann is also the biological mother of a the street to my advising o ce on campus (the girls are always
recent AOII graduate from the Zeta chapter, Emily Koopman, welcome to stop by there).” While Ann is out at her other job,
so adjusting to Greek Life was almost a breeze - aside from one of the cooks is at the house and serves as the “stay at home
being a student herself! Ann is nishing her PhD in Educational mom” during the daytime. Even while she’s out of the house,
Administration with an emphasis in Leadership Studies. Her Ann is always available to the girls. “My room is on the main
in uence in becoming a house mom came out of nowhere, oor located close to the rec room so the girls can easily nd me,
when she was helping Emily move into the Zeta house. and all of them have my cell number.”

“I saw a note on a chair that read, ‘I am sorry, I will no longer be “I love hearing the laughter that can come when so many of
your house mom- Linda.’ As I read the note I thought to myself, them hang out in the rec room and watch favorite programs, or
I think someday I would like to be a house mom. It did not share stories about their activities. I can’t hear the stories but the
occur to me that someday would be within the next two weeks.” laughter makes me smile.” Ann says there are so many wonderful

and memorable
moments that make
up her experience, but
the best is getting to
know the girls since
her own daughter has
recently graduated.
“I love having so
many daughters
to keep me busy. I
have also had the
opportunity to attend
two weddings of girls
that graduated.” She
enjoys any time to see
the AOIIs come back
together and have fun.

As it turns out, the position was a blessing for Ann and her often- The few years
traveling husband, Kevin, and has actually allowed them to we spend as
strengthen their marriage. Ann is still happily married and loves collegiate sisters
the position as a welcome change from having no children in often de ne us as
her home. women. We become a tapestry of the sisters who
have become lifelong friends, the professors who
Having girls around for meals may be one of Ann’s favorite times encourage us to excel, and our house mom who
to spend talking to them. Dinners on Monday are important makes sure we feel safe while we are away from
to the chapter because they have “family night.” Ann takes this home. Our house mom can’t replace our real mom
time to teach the girls advice on etiquette and manners at the back home, but her presence in our life during this
table. “Sometimes I watch movies with them during a movie important time is beyond a blessing.

Issue no.3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 45

TWheinLogvse

Taco Soup Monograms

This is seriously the best soup ever. There This art form can be traced back for centuries,
are a lot of variations of this mexican-style yet it remains stylish today adorning just about
favorite oating around anything imaginable. From pillowcases to pocket
‘cause nothing satis es tees and totes to toiletry bags, we love them all!
a crowd quite like it, in
our opinions. You can Planners
nd this recipe on the
To Dragma page on the Does your life need organizing?
Fraternity website. Ours sure do and that’s why

Music Festivals we all love planners. We go for
functionality, practicality and
Whether you live in a big city, a small city or Music City, we bet you enjoy
an outdoor music festival as much as we do. Here in Tennessee, everyone de niately a design that shows our
loves Bonnaroo a few miles south in Manchester. Other personal favorites unique personalities.
include Nashville’s CMA Music Festival and Franklin’s Main Street Festival.
We bet there is a great event near you, too!

46 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

Bluetooth Speakers Family Photos

While most of our phones have pretty good Because we love family, we love family photos and photo
speakers already, this little guy delivers high memories! Is someone in your family always a party pooper
quality sound in a little package, wirelessly from when it comes to taking family group photos? Do they hate
30 feet away. The Jam™ Classic Bluetooth® dressing up or maybe posing on the beach in matching white
Speaker has a fully rechargeable shirts and khakis? Keep snapping photos! One day everyone,
battery that will allow you to jam including the pouty party pooper, will be grateful that you did!
out for up to four hours. No matter
what type of music is your style,
you’ll love it even more when you
hear it out of this small package!

On the Web

Chicago Gremlinbooks.com

Yes, it was AOII’s most recent convention AOII has a new partner offering wonderful benefits to collegians
destination and you can read about that or parents buying textbooks. On www.gremlinbooks.com, you can
in this issue, but there is so much more to enter the ISBN number for any textbook and search for pricing
love about this great city. It brings the best options the same way that you would utilize a website like Kayak.
of all worlds together - a big city, a sandy com to search for the best priced flights! You’ll find options
beach, fabulous shopping, great eats for all for used books, books for rent, and brand new books that are
tastes and budgets, sports teams, tourist guaranteed to help you save money on your books this school
attractions and more AOIIs than just about year. This Brentwood, TN based company also believes in giving
anywhere! What’s not to love about that? back to their community, so part of their proceeds will be donated
back to AOII. Of course there is an AOII connection, the co-
Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 Founder’s niece is an AOII from Alpha Delta.

CollegiateNews

As the 2011-2013 biennium came to a close, AOII’s collegiate
chapters had a lot to celebrate. 95% of our chapters pledged quota during the

biennium and 87% are at or above campus total. Member pledging numbers were up almost
23% over the previous biennium and the number of chapters attaining Ruby Level status (our
highest accredidation level) was 49 when only 17 chapters had reached that goal during the
two prior years. Chapter members were also raising money for philanthropy, participating
actively in campus and community events, serving in leadership positions, enjoying life on
campus and studying hard.

Alpha Chi our new king and we couldn’t be more excited! From List or President’s List at the U of Alabama for academic
On April 3rd-4th, the chapter was paired with Lambda crowning our king to recognizing outstanding seniors, excellence. We boast many offices in SGA including two
Chi Alpha for Spring Spike, a fundraiser where Greek every Alpha O looks forward to Rose Formal. Directors of Homecoming, two Senators, the First Year
organizations play volleyball to support philanthropies Council President and the Executive Secretary. Water Wars
and split the proceeds. One of the most prestigious Alpha Delta kicked off this spring as a fun game in which each AOII
awards a member can receive is Miss AOII. The chapter This year, Alpha Delta raised over $27,000 for the Arthritis was provided a water gun and another sister as a target.
voted Alex LeForge as this year’s Miss AOII. She is one of Foundation through our annual Run for Roses 5K and Back We are also very proud of our fellow Alpha Delta Mary-
the most involved seniors in our chapter and the definition Yard Bash events as well as other various fundraisers. Margaret McCord for winning the title of Miss Alabama
of a true AOII. Sigma Chi Clay Ahart was nominated as Over 45% of the chapter received the honor of Dean’s USA 2013 and Miss USA 1st Runner Up!

48 • To Dragma Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013

Alpha Gamma
The Whitman Senior Center has become our favorite
destination and we had the pleasure to attend their
annual Hearts-a-Flutter Dance and Haunted Halloween
House. Greek Sweep proved a blast when we beautified
Greek Row with our counterparts. This semester we are
continuing our athletic avenues with women’s volleyball
and co-ed softball. Recently we had our Formal, which
consisted of a quick group picture before a delectable
dinner at Banyans.

Alpha Lambda Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Alpha Lambda’s Run for the Roses raised over $20,000
for Juvenile Arthritis. Not only did Alpha Lambda Cure, and Day of Service. The spring semester date party at Indiana U has focused on creating a “Culture of Care,”
have a record breaking Run for the Roses, but they was held in Lansing, MI at a comedy club, which was a an initiative begun by the Dean of Students office in
also reintroduced the wildly successful Rose Bowl. hilarious amount of fun. Formal was themed Under the the fall. Through this, we are encouraged to intervene
We partnered with Pi Kappa Alpha to rally the Greek Sea and took place on the Michigan Princess boat. This in dangerous situations and promote personal safety.
community together for a bowling tournament that raised year we met the Gold Standard according to our Standards Beta Phi received recognition last year for Intellectual
money and support for Juvenile Arthritis. Also this year, of Excellence. We participated in MSU’s Dance Marathon. Development by the Greek Assessment and Awards
the Alpha Lambda ladies and their dates got all dressed With much teamwork from Sigma Chi and Kappa Sigma, Program last spring, as well as the award for Outstanding
up for semi formal held at the immaculate Mackey House we were able to be Dance Marathon’s Senior, our sister Stephanie Kohls, this spring.
in Savannah, Georgia. The chapter was also awarded first winners!
with Georgia Southern’s Four Star chapter award.
Alpha Lambda also was recognized for having the most Beta Kappa Beta Upsilon
improved chapter GPA in their Greek community. Beta Kappa chapter has completed three philanthropic The Beta Upsilon Chapter hosted their first major
activities this term. The first was Strike Out Arthritis. The philanthropy event this April, Spice Out Arthritis. Teams
Alpha Phi second was for our local philanthropy, Kids Safe, and of four competed in a Food Network “Chopped” style
This spring we are hosting our annual Strut Out Arthritis. the event was Pictures with Santa. The third cooking competition. There were several challenges in
It is an information brunch about Juvenile Arthritis and
Arthritis Research, along with a silent auction and fashion event was AOII Goes Blue, a yoga event. We
show. Local businesses have donated clothing and
makeup for the fashion show and have donated prizes successfully held a semi-formal and a formal
that will be in our silent auction. Our models are active
this term. Our chapter values grades with our
Delta Rho (Rose-Hollman U)
A-box, where any sister
members in the Greek community at Montana State.
Spring formal was held at a local historical mansion, that receives an A on a
which always excites the house!
school test or assignment
Beta Gamma
The Beta Gamma Chapter hosted three notable can enter for a chance to
philanthropic events: Strike out Arthritis!, Catwalk for a
win a prize. Beta Kappa

has also just won the

Panhellenic Advisory

Council Recognition

Award. We had five new

members join Order

of Omega this year as Epsilon Chi (Elon U)
well as having one of

our members as the which the teams had to create a certain dish using given
president of Gamma Sigma Alpha. ingredients in addition to a mystery ingredient. Beta

Upsilon also had their first formal in April. The event

Beta Phi took place at a beautiful country club and the theme was
The Beta Phi chapter recently completed our annual masquerade. The women were all very excited about
philanthropy event, Strike Out Arthritis, where we raised dressing up and spending a fun evening together!

around $4000. The Beta Phi chapter has had three social

functions this academic year: Red Rose Formal, AOII Barn

Dance, and Semiformal. This year, the Greek community

Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013 To Dragma • 49

CollegiateNews

Chi Psi Out Arthritis” softball tournament and also raised Delta Omega
During Spring Quarter, we hosted our two biggest $5,000. At JSU Greek Awards, we won big! For the The Delta Omega chapter hosted the annual Mr. MSU
philanthropy events. Due to our impressive participation 11th year in a row, we were awarded the prestigious pageant this past fall to raise money for the Arthritis
last year, we were asked to help plan and host the 2013 “President’s Gold Cup” which is based on things we’ve Foundation. This event takes a lot of work, but is well
Central Coast Arthritis Walk. In May Chi Psi hosted our done throughout the year, ranging anywhere from worth it in the long run. We raised close to $4,000 to
annual Mr. Fraternity. Our sisters have also recently grades to community service. We also won the Most give to the Arthritis Foundation. Around Halloween, the
enjoyed a Date Party and Semi-Formal. This year the Chi Improved GPA award, which is something we worked chapter joined with Pi Kappa Alpha to carve pumpkins.
Psi chapter exceeded the expectation and won three extremely hard for. Delta Epsilon both the advisor The Murray State Greek life recently held the spring
awards at the 2013 Cal Poly Greek Awards. The chapter
received the following awards: Above All Women’s All Greek Assembly to announce the name of the new
Average GPA 3 Quarters in a Row, Outstanding Alumnae sorority that will be coming to Murray State and honor
Relations, and Outstanding Community Service. We are so several organizations. We received the Academic
proud of our members for working so diligently! Award for highest GPA not only out of the other Greek
organizations, but also all over campus. The next
Delta award we received was the Philanthropic Award for our
Delta Chapter recently hosted our annual Poker Night outstanding work in community service and helping
event! We raised over $900 for the Arthritis Foundation support other organizations’ philanthropies.
and had a fabulous time playing poker with other Greeks
and students across campus! We also planned a charity Delta Tau
tie-dye event with another fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. In fall 2012, the Delta Tau chapter did two large
philanthropic events, Kick Out Arthritis and Sisters
Delta Delta Kappa Omega(Uof Kentucky) for Soldiers. This spring, we hosted an AOII Goes Blue
The Delta Delta chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi participated Week, and a Carnival for Arthritis. Socially, we had a
in Auburn U’s second annual Dance Marathon. Dance awards. Recruitment Advisor Deidra Tidwell won both few mixers with our new members and the fraternities’
Marathons nationally benefit local children’s miracle the Advisor of the Year award. Faculty Advisor Rhonda new members and a formal in April with the theme,
network hospitals. Our very own chapter president, Casey Kilgo won the Faculty Advisor of the Year award. Under the Sea.
Stein, was also the president for Auburn Dance Marathon
for the past 2 years. The chapter raised over $15,000 to Delta Kappa Delta Xi
support our local Children’s Miracle Network hospital The Delta Kappa chapter showed their love for The Delta Xi chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi hosted its
in Columbus, GA. Overall, Auburn U’s Dance Marathon the Arthritis Foundation with their Valentines Day annual Mr. Rose pageant on January 25th in support
raised $124,739.89! Our very own Amy Anne Olsen was themed Strike Out Week. The philanthropy committee of the Arthritis Foundation. The event, which features
elected Vice President of SGA at Auburn! She will now be delivered cupcakes and roses on February 14 to men from different residence halls and fraternity
a member of SGA’s decision-making body and, with her students on campus from their secret (or not-so- chapters on campus competing in a male beauty
experience, enact huge changes to improve the campus. secret) admirers. Sisters also held a competition to pageant, is a comedic event that successfully raised
see which on-campus Greek chapter could collect the over $2,000 this year through ticket sales, a prize
Delta Epsilon most blue ribbons. The week ended with an outdoor raffle, and the generous donations of the campus and
In Fall 2012 Delta Epsilon hosted our annual “Smoke obstacle course. With an all-chapter GPA of 3.63 and surrounding Terre Haute communities
Out Arthritis” event and it was very successful! Along 11 active members earning 4.0s, the chapter has the
with friends, live music, BBQ, and a good time, we second-highest sorority GPA and second-highest Issue no. 3 • Summer 2013
raised $5,000! This spring we had the famous “Strike Greek GPA at Wash U. The chapter hopes to keep up
their academic success and hold meet-up times in the
library to study together.

OmegaUpsilon(OhioU) Delta Lambda
This year, the Delta Lambda chapter hosted their first
annual trash-to-treasures fashion show “Strike a Pose
for Arthritis!” Competitors submitted designs created
completely out of recycled material. Themed baskets
were also submitted, and auctioned to the attendees
of the show. The chapter has been working hard to
increase Greek unity on campus by planning mixers
and socials with other organizations.

50 • To Dragma