To Dragmaof Alpha Omicron Pi
Vol. 75 No.2 Spring 2011
pteimnceiltoinplay TimleaveetpoleRntyefolfect
pTSliamenrevifcoer sTcheidmulee
for a
Friend
Make Time Count
Delta Delta’s (Auburn U)
Caroline Evers and Alex
Sager visit the Grand Canyon
on their way to watch
Auburn play in the National
Championship game.
Contents
To DragmaofAlphaOmicronPi
7 Viewpoint
8 Member Profile
Jessie Wallace Hughan, Alpha (Barnard College)
10 Fraternity News
11 AOII’s International Day of Service
12 AOII Reinstalls Beta Kappa
U of British Columbia
14 Making Time Count
14 22 Time to Reflect
The story of Pam Simon, Upsilon (U of Washington)
26 Time For a Friend in Need
Sally Drea, Sigma Lambda (U of Wisconsin LaCrosse)
28 Time for Service
Panda’monium at Gamma Theta (U of South Florida)
31 Time for Play
Fantasy Football Fun
34 Emphasize and Energize
Lead to Recruitment Success
22 38 Member Profile
Missy Fields, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
42 From Austin to Boston
Saluting Successful Sisterhood Events
46 Member Profile
Morgan Kelley, Omega Omicron (Lambuth U)
50 Alumnae Chapter Profile
Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter
53 Alumnae Chapter News
62 In Your Own Words
“AOII in Six Words” - to be exact
46 64 Life Loyal AOIIs
66 Things We Love
68 Foundation Focus
Programs and initiatives of the AOII Foundation
To Dragma • 3
To DragmaofAlphaOmicronPi From the Editor
To Dragma is the official magazine of Alpha Omicron Pi As I write this, To Dragma’s deadline is approaching and I am running
Fraternity, and has been published since 1905. The mission out of time. Why do I always wait until the last minute to write this
of To Dragma of Alpha Omicron Pi is: to inform, educate and letter? The irony of this problem is not lost upon me considering the
inspire our readers on subjects relevant to our Fraternity, our theme of this issue - time. From cover to cover, this issue is all about
chapters, our members, or Greek life; to encourage lifetime time and how we spend the minutes we are given.
AOII involvement; to salute excellence; and to serve as a
permanent record of our Fraternity’s history. The feature story, Making Time Count, will hopefully offer you
helpful tips on how to better spend your time. Researching the story, I
How to Contact To Dragma: discovered a shockingly indisputable truth - you and I can not manage
To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027 time - we can only manage ourselves. If life were a science experiment,
(615) 370-0920, fax: (615) 371-9736, www.alphaomicronpi.org, time would be the constant and we would be the variables. What an
[email protected] empowering concept! It is human nature to spend too much energy
trying to control time instead of changing our own behaviors. Even
How to Update Your Name or Address: making a few minor changes can add up to that evasive extra hour per
Go to Update Profile on the private side of the AOII website day that we all so desperately covet.
(www.alphaomicronpi.org), email your new address to
[email protected], or call (615) 370-0920. In this issue, you will read about our alumnae chapters who are spending
time in meaningful service to others while having fun together, too.
How to Subscribe to To Dragma: Several of our members have certainly been making time count. Some
Subscriptions are $25.00 annually and can be paid by check heartwarming, some gut-wrenching, individual stories on Pam Simon,
or credit card. Checks, made payable to AOII, should be Sally Drea, Missy Fields and Morgan Kelley will leave you inspired
mailed to 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027, Attn: by their bravery, compassion, attitude and selflessness. Check out
Accounting. Credit card subscribers (Visa, Master Card or the profile on Jessie Wallace Hughan to learn more about one of the
Discover only) should email [email protected]. amazing women responsible for our sisterhood.
A Note to Parents of Collegians: My job requires that I spend a lot of time researching facts in the AOII
Your daughter’s magazine is being mailed to her home archives. Being a Founder, Jessie has been my research topic many
address while she is in college. If your daughter is no longer times. For this story, I discovered a fascinating bit of trivia on her that
in college or living at home, please send us her updated has previously slipped my notice. It is well-documented that Jessie was
address, as indicated above. born on December 25, 1875, and died on April 10, 1955. Simple facts
turn interesting when you learn that in 1955, April 10th was Easter
Director of Communications Sunday. Amazing! There was an honest authenticity about Jessie as
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) she passionately crusaded for what she believed in. This woman made
every minute of her life count. The highest collegiate chapter honor
Graphic Designer AOII bestows each biennium is named in her honor - the Jessie Wallace
Whitney Frazier, Rho Omicron (Middle TN State U) Hughan Award for Most Outstanding Collegiate Chapter (JWH Cup).
This unassuming woman would be rendered speechless to know such a
Women Enriched through Lifelong Friendship. high honor bares her name.
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College in New Who will win the JWH Cup for this biennium? Before your next issue
York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen of To Dragma arrives, we will know this answer and many others.
St. Clair Mullan, Stella George Stern Perry & Elizabeth In June, AOII Council will gather in Tucson, Arizona for our 2011
Heywood Wyman. Convention. A new International President will be elected along with
other incoming Executive, Foundation and Properties Board members.
International President You can expect to read about Convention highlights in the next issue.
Barbara Dunn Zipperian, Kappa Kappa (Ball State 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. 2 • Spring 2011
Take a minute to read the To Dragma distribution schedule below. Fraternity Correction
By the fall of next year, only those members who are collegians,
Life Loyal AOII members, alumnae chapter dues paying members, In the Fall/Winter To Dragma on page 60,
or annual subscribers will continue to receive To Dragma. In this the photo on the right is incorrectly labeled.
one case, time is not a constant. Time is running out so join your The chapter is actually Phi Chapter at the
local Alumnae Chapter or consider joining Life Loyal AOII today! University of Kansas.
Regards, Foundation Correction
Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen The recent mailing of the 2009 – 2010 Annual
Alpha Delta (U of Alabama) Report should have listed Barbara Daugs
Director of Communications Hunt, Phi Delta and Jessie Wang-Grimm, Phi
Chi, as a member of the President’s Club. To
view the AOII Foundation Annual Report,
please visit http://www.aoiifoundation.org/
annual_report.php.
To Dragma Distribution Information
If you are: 1) an AOII Collegian, 2) a Life Loyal AOII member, 3) an alumnae chapter dues paying member, or
4) an annual To Dragma subscriber, you will continue to receive all three issues of To Dragma. If you are not
a member of one of those four groups, the number of magazine issues you receive each year will be based
on the following schedule:
To Dragmaof Alpha Omicron Pi
Vol. 75 No.1 Fall/Winter 2010
woiffinndsopingirradtison
cover3_fall_winter_2010.indd 1
12/15/10 1:41 PM
Fall 2010 - Summer 2012 Fall 2012 and Forward
• All members will receive 1 issue. • Only Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs,
• Collegians, Life Loyal AOIIs, Alumnae Chapter dues paying
members and annual subscribers
Alumnae Chapter dues paying will receive the magazine.
members and annual subscribers
will receive all 3 issues.
Traditions are essential parts of an International
Convention. Resolutions of Courtesy are read by Sky
Louapre, Pi; Kathy Sowell, Lambda Tau; and Rene
Fitzgerald, Pi Kappa, during the closing business session
at Convention 2009 in Tampa. Humorous, creative
and sometimes touching, these resolutions highlight
memorable moments that occurred throughout the week!
Viewpoint
“I was thinking about how disjointedly time seemed to flow, passing in a blur at times, with
single images standing out more clearly than others. And then, at other times, every second
was significant, etched in my mind.”
Stephenie Meyer, Twilight, 2005
I know that the author of the Twilight book series might be a surprising person to quote,
but as I reflect over the last two years and my time as your International President (and
Twilight fan), I can’t help but relate to this passage.
I had every intention of keeping a journal during this time but have ended up with a
file folder of mementos and a Facebook page full of pictures and new friends! Many
of you have asked about my favorite part of this job and the answer for me is easy and
much different than I would have imagined prior to stepping into this role. With my
business background, I had anticipated that leading board meetings and working on
the Strategic Plan would be where I would find my groove. In my previous role as
Vice President of Finance on the Executive Board I didn’t have the opportunity to
travel much and I have found that my time with our individual sisters, collegiate and
alumnae chapter members has been the most rewarding. Above all, I have treasured
the opportunity to install new chapters and initiate new members. Those are the
significant times that are etched in my mind forever.
The single images that stand out more clearly include me standing in front of an airline
counter in the early morning with my mouth hanging open after I heard, “Ma’am, your
flight is 10:00 p.m. and not 10:00 a.m.” I will never forget performing our Ritual
on a bouncy gymnastics floor or the faces of baby Ella and her
AOII mom, Kelley, whom we helped after the Nashville flood.
Another highlight was sitting in the Kappa Kappa suite sharing
stories with my young chapter sisters.
It’s been a pleasure to serve; it’s been an honor to represent you
and your sisterhood is a blessing.
“Of all of the treasures this earth may contain; to thee I’ll be
faithful, with thee I’ll remain. An AOII now and forever I’ll be;
for AOII, means more than the world to me.”
Fraternity,
Barbara Zipperian, International President
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 7
{ }Part 2 in a 4 Part Series
A Profile on
Alpha Omicron Pi is extremely grateful to Stella Perry for the written history she left the Fra-
ternity. In this 4-part series, we will share Stella’s insight into the personalities of the other three
Founders as she shared with others in the 1930s. The series will conclude with a personal reflec-
tion on Stella Perry. In this issue, Stella eloquently - and humorously- writes about her dear
friend Jessie Wallace Hughan.
Suppose Alice in wonderland married Carlyle and these to the point of sacrifice and likewise loyal to her friends.
had a daughter. And suppose Robert Burns married She has twin passions for art and democracy. Above all
Joan of Arc and these had a son, and suppose that son things else, she adores families and family-life, especially
and daughter married each other and their son was the her own. She is full of unexpected inconsistencies. I could
imaginary daughter of John Rushkin and Louisa May find no place in that make-believe genealogy for George
Alcott who had attended a Quaker School and lived on Washington; but it is true that she cannot tell a lie.
high thinking and porridge and read only the finest things
and the funniest... why, their daughter might be like Jessie And is that Jess? No. Or it is and it isn’t. You couldn’t
Wallace Hughan! put her on paper. And she’s such a dour Scot that, if you
did, she wouldn’t believe you. If you intensely admire
Jessie is childlike and whimsical and nonsensical and and love her and say so again and again, she’ll think you
humorous and sweet tempered. She is scorchingly flatter. She’ll doubt your sincerity until she’s watched it
idealistic. She is poetic, tolerant, forgiving, compassionate. for twenty years through a microscope and found no flaw;
She is obedient to her heavenly visions, brave for them and then she’ll doubt your judgment.
Convention 1946, Port Huron, Michigan (L to R): Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, Nancy Leland, Stella George Stern Perry, Mary Anderson and Jessie Wallace Hughan.
8 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Three Founders - By the Fourth
Nevertheless, I de nitely state as follows: Jessie
Wallace Hughan has the nest mind, the
nearest to genius that I know. She is literally
the most unsel sh soul alive. She is unable to
think sel shly. She really loves and cares for
the happiness of all God’s creatures as others
care for their own happiness, and this she proves
daily. She would perish for the truth and
think doing so an act as natural as breathing,
and probably nd something to laugh about
on the way. She wants everybody to be right
and do as rightly as she does and if they won’t,
she’ll shake one st at them and give them her
heart in the other. She hides all this under a
rather severe Scotch restraint and spices it with
a lively humor. She is poised, can stand grief
and punishment and even praise. She is boyish,
downright, square. She is astonishingly naive
and unsophisticated, -- I’ll 'get mine' for that
last, but it’s true and explains her and several of
her views. She has superb health of body, mind
and spirit; there is no unwhole-someness in
her. The best thing she does is that she lives the
principle of this fraternity as nearly as it is given
to a human being to do so. And the worst thing
she does is going to happen to your scribe when
Jess reads all the foregoing.
Jessie Hughan was historian of the Class of ‘98 Born on Christmas Day in 1875, Jessie Wallace Hughan never married. She passed away on
and one of the bright particular stars, winning April 10, 1955 - Easter Sunday - in New York City. In AOII Jessie served the Fraternity as
Phi Beta Kappa and other honors. After Grand Recording Secretary, Grand Doorkeeper and a member of the Rituals and Traditions
graduation she worked in a publishing house Committe and what was then a separate Jewelry Committee from the committees’
while studying for her Master’s degree which inception to her death.
she took in 1899. Later in that year, she taught
boys in a public school in a factory town; she of the People’s Council, and on the New York But, in my opinion, her greatest gift is that
was too young for the job, couldn’t maintain Committee of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. of poetry of which she does not write nearly
discipline and left, “swearing o ” of boys She is a member of the enough. Jessie Hughan’s poetry has dignity,
forever, -- which is amusing since, in all the Teachers League. music and the divine air. One of her poems,
after years, in school, in Sunday School, in clubs The Regents’ Examination, which rst
and in personal relations she worked with boys Her thesis for her doctorate was published appeared in Scribner’s Magazine, was copied
and has been a profound teacher and guide to by John Lane and Company under the title, in many publications and was included in
them. She taught in several private schools for American Socialism of the Present Day, and is Braith Waite’s Anthology for 1914 as one of the
girls awhile, meanwhile studying for the degree used in the departments of political economy in seven best short poems of the year. Late Braith
of Doctor of Philosophy, which she achieved colleges, as is also her later volume, issued by the Waite included it in his permanent Treasury of
with distinction in 1911. In 1910 she began her same publishers, Facts About Socialism. American Verse.
ne work in the high schools of New York.
She says now of her boys there, “I entered the
High School system in 1910 and have never
regretted it, for I love boys ever since as never
before, -- the worse they are, the better.”
She has been active in politics and has run
for o ce a number of times, for alderman,
assemblyman and for Secretary of State of
New York State. She is a hard worker for
the fraternal spirit, has lectured widely on
economics and matters concerning public
welfare and justice. She serves on the Executive
Board of the Woman’s International League of
New York State, on the Advisory Committee
by Stella George Stern Perry
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 9
Fraternity News
AOII is Growing New AOII Alumnae Chapter
The world of AOII extension is still abuzz AOII is pleased to
with activity. AOII is thrilled to announce announce the installation
that we have been invited to colonize at of the Greater Erie
the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Alumnae Chapter on
in Fall 2012. We will be the third NPC Saturday, March 26th in
organization on campus, and are excited Erie, PA. The installing
to be a part of this growing and dynamic officer was Executive
community! Additionally, AOII has been Board Vice President
invited to recolonize our Pi Omicron Karen Galehan.
Chapter at Austin Peay State University in
Clarksville, TN in Fall 2014. We will Time is almost up to
win the AOII Signature
follow the colonization of Necklace! Over 6,000
Alpha Gamma Delta, and sisters have been found
will join APSU as the fifth through I Spy an AOII! Please continue submitting your
NPC chapter recognized lost sister names to [email protected] to
on campus at that time. help us reach our ultimate goal of finding 10,000 sisters
AOII looks forward to by Convention in June. The final drawing for the winner
these two opportunities of AOII Signature Necklace will happen during Rose
in our near future. Banquet! Ultimately, participation in this program makes
everyone a winner - you get to reconnect with a friend
and AOII finds a lost sister.
Foundation Annual Report
The 2009-2010 Annual Report is now available on
the Foundation website. Visit www.aoiifoundation.org/
annual_report.php to view and download the report.
News with More Details to Follow:
AOII Installs 189th Planning a Centennial at Tau Saluting a Centennial at Iota
Collegiate Chapter
Celebration plans are already underway On April 1-3, 2011, Iota collegians and
Alpha Omicron Pi is excited to to help Tau (U of Minnesota) alumnae gathered to to renew a spirit of
announce the installation of our 189th commemorate their 100th Anniversary fraternity love and celebrate 100 years
chartered chapter, Delta Tau, at the U in 2012! All Tau alumnae are asked to of sisterhood at the U of Illinois. Due
of Alabama Huntsville on Saturday, mark their calendars now for August to the timing of the event occurring
April 9, 2011. Barbara Zipperian, AOII 24-26, 2012 for a celebration weekend right at To Dragma’s press time, look
International President, served as the in Minneapolis, MN. For more details, for highlights of the celebration in the
installing officer. Due to the timing of visit: www.aoiitwincities.com. next issue of To Dragma. Until then,
the event occurring right at To Dragma’s the fraternity honors with appreciation
press time, look for a feature story on all the AOII members who molded Iota
this exciting event in the next issue of into the great chapter she is today.
To Dragma.
10 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
International
Day of Service
Delta Omega raised $1,500
at Murray State U with an
“AOII Strike out Arthritis”
event in March. Photo at
right (l to r): Kelsey Williams
and Lauren Hendon
The Ladies of Kappa Lambda (U of Calgary) Chapter of AOII Service is a cornerstone of Alpha Omicron Pi.
were proud to wear their letters during an International Day As Founder Stella Perry once said about our
of Service Bake Sale on March 4th. The event raised funds for commitment to service, “above all, we wanted
the no kill animal shelter in High River, Alberta. Photo: Emily a high and active special purpose to justify
Beaulieu, Marit Sandstad, Nicole Chomyn, and Kirsten Smyth. existence and a simple devotion to some
worthy end.” AOII’s annual International Day
of Service, celebrated on March 4th, offers our HBtLolaaunmseun”bpadehpvaoHeTrnotatljubuorv(noUeoMnokifla,eLrDcoaherutm4ihstirihaiMt.nis(oal drtaovutarrMni)n:toSg, nKhtriahrotleeeiei)yr rN“HaAaiusOcteocIdIhsGiifanuo.snoednss,
collegiate and alumnae chapters an opportunity
to “march forth” and serve a greater good.
Whether choosing this day to host a major
philanthropic event, or using the day to serve
others, countless AOII members and chapters
joined forces to let their light shine. The photos
on this page represent a small portion of the
events and activities that took place on AOII’s
2011 International Day of Service.
Jordy Linds, Jillian Mount, Alex Teperman, Lindsay Hartzman, Chloe Xi (U of Oklahoma) Chapter spent their International Day of Service To Dragma • 11
Milewski, Alyson Wyers, Dale Borchiver, Brodie Lawson and Sam volunteering at the Rivermont Retirement Community. (top row):
Landy helped Iota Chi (U of Western Ontario) sponsored “AOII Goes Megan Marks, Dana Divito, Priscilla Nortey, Megan Trevino, and
Blue For Arthritis.” Ashton Martin; (bottom row): Jourdan Neustadt, Courtney Puskas,
Samantha Waddell, Caroline Hooker, and Carley Cunningham.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
42AOII ND
Recionllsoetguairlaltse
chapter
Excitement abounds over Beta Kappa’s new beginning
at the University of British Columbia
Alpha Omicron Pi is pleased to sisterhood and witness the reinstallation Director of Events and Training; Kaya
announce the reinstallation of our 42nd of the chapter. The wonderful initiation Miller, Director of Advancement; and
chartered chapter! Beta Kappa Chapter and installation activities concluded with Kelley Schillig, Educational Leadership
at the University of British Columbia the traditional Rose Banquet later in the Consultant all attended as special guests
celebrated their reinstallation on March evening to honor the thirty-three new of the chapter. In her remarks, Chapter
12, 2011. Barbara Zipperian, AOII charter members at the Arbutus Club Advisor Virginia Lundy thanked each
International President, served as the in Vancouver, British Columbia. In guest for their role in supporting Beta
reinstalling officer. her address to the assembled chapter Kappa, and also shared the excitement
members and guests, Barb Zipperian of this new beginning. “Each of us
Beta Kappa was first installed at UBC welcomed her new AOII sisters with a who are sisters, hold in our hearts both
on October 17, 1931, but closed in quote from AOII Founder Stella George cherished memories of what being an
1985 due to a decline in membership Stern Perry: “May you have the joy in AOII has meant to us throughout the
interest at the university. In Fall 2009, it all, dear children, that we have had years and high hopes for the future of
the University began the process all the way! May you love one another our organization. I feel I speak for all
of extending an invitation for a as happily as we four have done in a of the members of the AAC when I say
new chapter to open on campus to life-long fellowship without a break! that we are especially excited to have
accommodate a renewed and growing And may your descendants in Alpha the opportunity to witness first hand the
interest by students. Alpha Omicron Omicron Pi bring you glory that you great things the members of this chapter
Pi was thrilled to get the invitation to are to us today.” She shared Stella’s wish will surely accomplish. Thanks to the
reopen our chapter and be a part of the and that “the joy, love and fellowship in hard work and dedication of our newest
sorority community at UBC once again. AOII are now yours for a lifetime; and members, we have already initiated 33
the best is yet to come.” She concluded young women and will have another
Colonization efforts began in Fall her address with a reflection on one of pledging ceremony in this coming
2010 with the support of Alpha her favorite AOII songs: “A Rose Ever week to welcome even more members
Gamma (Washington State U), Chi Psi Blooming” and how the rewards of into our circle of friendship. We have
(California Polytechnic State U), and AOII and Beta Kappa will last for these already become a presence within
Tau Gamma (Eastern Washington U) charter members for years and years the UBC Greek community and are
sisters, who traveled to UBC to recruit to come. grateful to have been so well received by
members and participate in colonization the other Greek groups on campus. We
activities. Over the remainder of the Rose Banquet guests included continue to learn from one another and
fall and spring semesters, the colony members of the fraternity and sorority grow in sisterhood each day that passes.”
members worked together to create community as well as family and Virginia added, “If the past few months
their own traditions, policies, and most friends of the newest sisters. Anna are any indication, I have no doubt that
importantly, a strong sisterhood. Kinna, UBC Panhellenic Advisor; Beta Kappa has a fantastically exciting
Barb Zipperian, AOII International and prosperous future ahead.”
At initiation, area alumnae from the President; Kimberly Hamilton, Colony
Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, Development Network Specialist, Beta
British Columbia area traveled to Kappa’s Alumnae Advisory Committee
welcome our newest members to our and local volunteers; Abby Mason,
12 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Installation photo of Beta Kappa members in 1931
The new charter members of Beta Kappa are: Roxana Montserrat Arduz, Vinci Au, Hoori Barkh, Shadi Amanda Balanji,
Brittany Carlisle Belliveau, Allison Tai Lam Chan, Jillian Dawn Charlton, Myriam Bridget Choma, Chantel Roxanne Hinz
Colleypriest, Carolyn Victoria Rose Czekajilo, Agnetha Candice Marisa de Sa, Marina Kirilova Deltcheva, Loucie Pak Ling Ho,
Paige Erin Halina Labanowicz, Yvonne Ngar Wun Lai, Kimberly Xuan Dung Lam, Jasmine Leung, Marissa Lo,
Sarah Foong Sim Lou, Kaite McKay, Nassreen Noorizdeh-Kollou, Milica Sever, Jennifer Marie Starmer, Roxana Tat,
Kelsey Michelle Tham, Aleesha Maria Tozzi, Betty Trenh, Tabita Verma, Jinshe Irene Wong, Erica Gar Yin Wong,
Emily Christine Wood, Sandra Qi Wu, and Elisabeth Seohee Yoon.
Welcome to our sisterhood, ladies of Beta Kappa!
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 13
14 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
by Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama), Director of Communications
Time. We all get the same amount each day, 24 hours - no more, no less. Bonus minutes
are not awarded for efficiency, and penalty minutes are not deducted for disorganization. No
one can control, direct or manage time. All we can really do is manage ourselves and manage
how we spend that precious commodity called time. Time management is actually learning to
manage ourselves and learning to make every moment count.
Because time goes where you direct it, imagine the possibilities of what you might be able
to accomplish once you realize your own time wasting habits are holding you back from
accomplishing many of your most important goals. Better time management can help you reach
those goals while enhancing your life along the way. The benefits of efficient time management
include controlling stress, balancing your life, increasing productivity, identifying priorities and
accomplishing goals.
It is important to make the most of every moment we have because life is short. Life is most
fulfilling when we maximize the time we spend enjoying it and finding personal satisfaction.
What defines personal satisfaction varies. For one person, personal satisfaction is achieving
lifelong career goals or an athletic accomplishment. For others it is spending quality time with
friends and family. Whatever goals and dreams you have will be achieved faster once you find
ways to dedicate more time toward achieving them.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 15
A Daily Plan
What would we all not give to find an extra hour a day? Control how
you spend your time each day and you just might find that hour. Spend 15
minutes each morning or evening to plan out the day ahead. Numerous
online resources offer checklist or forms to make this task easy.
Electronic and paper calendar systems usually offer
easy solutions for this step, too.
WIatnchccreloiuttmedheipdnlegiovsshweyrayonntudhawiilnnlagcnylytuoodtuouerdntioetmae, sdetkotfosoo.r-doing
EeBnasyleotcfeosilhtapemurvexooreatainvatbltetriiseimsaorlktnioithsececymt.oiahatawkeynIfnn.deoddussrltdolae-eonabdgit of
PCrouiononrcvnieeteinrczlteaercpesasofptyafeniiorncytouirgenotrnaalwcscthkaytaoissvy,ikwniscstoityoeo-motsheuobelriisrmnpsienetioncnrdaebtaeeystoetuerr day.
Match each task with the leval of productivity needed
and assign a time of day to each task - Work on your
graduate thesis, not folding a load of laundry, during
your most productive hours.
16 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Three steps in Setting up a
Time Management Plan
Set Your Goals
In simple terms, goals are long range and should help you determine how to
manage your time. Well-defined goals should be challenging, achievable,
specific and have deadlines. Write them down, post them where you can see
them every day and believe in your own ability to accomplish every one.
For example, your goal might be to earn a law degree. Another goal might be
to spend quality one-on-one time with your husband at least once a week.
Define Your Objectives
Objectives are steps that will help you achieve goals. Objectives can be
long-term or short-term and when ranked in order, they become priorities.
Priorities help you determine how to spend your time and energy.
Your objectives for achieving your law degree might include taking specific
undergraduate courses, seeking tutoring in areas of weakness, researching law
schools, and volunteering your time in a political campaign. Objectives for
spending time with your husband might be planning a date night one week, a
weekend trip to the mountains on another or a night of snuggling on the sofa
for popcorn and movie after the kids are asleep.
Create a Strategy
Once you have your goals and objectives defined, you need a plan or strategy
on how to accomplish them. What other people or resources will be needed
to help you accomplish your goals and objectives?
A strategy to complete your goal and objectives for a law degree
might include ways to fund your education and soliciting advice
from parents and professors to help you determine which law
schools to submit applications. Strategies for spending time with
the husband involve managing schedules and budget, investigating
entertainment options and destination availability.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma •17
Finding Time
Perform a time audit on yourself. For one week, keep
a log on how you spend each day. Write down tasks
and length of time needed for each. Jot them down to
see where your time is currently going. This task will give
you an idea what changes will be the most productive for you
to make. If your dinner prep takes 15 minutes a day, you might
not need to work on time management in that area, but those
spending an hour a day might want to investigate more efficient
options. Finding an extra hour a day might not be as impossible as
you think because small changes add up quickly. It only takes six
new ideas saving 10 minutes each to gain that hour back each day!
Here are twenty-one ways to spend less time so you can spend
more time on the things that bring you personal satisfaction.
18• To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
1 Keep a master calendar up to date
Each day has to have some sort of structured plan. How
structured that is depends on the personality of each 2 Plan for leaving home Taking Control of your time
person. Everyone needs some sort of organization
method, whether that is online or on paper and actually Wouldn’t it be nice to have a checklist of
plan time each day to plan. Planning actually helps you everything you need to gather for the family
become more spontaneous because you’ll know exactly beach trip and notes on where you keep them?
what you need to rearrange and when you can do it. Do you keep the beach umbrella in the garage
or the attic? Keep a master list for vacations and
3 Plan for staying home another for weekends to visit grandparents to
make the last minute chaos disappear.
The holidays come around every year. Yet year after
year, we scurry around looking for misplaced recipes,
wondering what size sweater cousin Bob wears 4 Have a back up plan
and whose turn it is to cook the turkey. This year
when you locate all the dishes for your traditional Keep the name and cell phone numbers of
Thanksgiving feast, make copies of the cards or a couple neighbors handy to call if traffic
recipes, make notes and keep them all together in a prevents you from getting home in time
recipe folder called “Thanksgiving dinner.” Replace to meet the school bus. Give a trusted
the original recipes where they belong because neighbor a key to your house to use in case
Thanksgiving might not be the only time you make of an emergency. Keep a spare house key
a Green Bean Casserole. Next year you will have a and car key somewhere safe. If attending
new reason to give thanks!
an event is extremely important, have a
5 Get up at the back-up plan in mind in case the baby-
sitter cancels at the last minute.
same time everyday 6 Sleep and exercise
Sleeping in on Saturday mornings might
make you think you are catching up on
lost sleep, but for many people it actually These two activities both take time and save time. Getting a
has the side effect of messing up your good night’s sleep and regular exercise are essential to a healthy
sleep pattern for the next day. lifestyle. Wake up feeling rested and refreshed and you will
have more energy to face the day. That energy will keep you on
schedule and help keep you healthier. Plan exercise into your
daily schedule so it will actually happen. No excuses.
7 Get ready for tomorrow today
Spend the last few minutes before bed to do a few things that will get
you started on the right foot tomorrow morning. Make lunches for you
and/or the kids, plan what’s for breakfast and set the table for what you
will need. Set aside clothes that have been ironed or steamed and gather
school and work items beside the door. Remember to pack your gym
bag and charge your cell phone.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 19
8 Eliminate interruptions Taking Control
One quick check of your email can suck you in and wipe
away an hour of your time before you know it. When you of your time
need to accomplish a task, eliminate interruptions from
happening – don’t answer the phone, don’t check your email,
close the door, or hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on a door
knob. Once the task is done, open the door, return the calls
and catch up on your emails with a sense of accomplishment.
9 Make good use of drive 10 Shop efficiently
time and wait time Group your errands together, plan certain errands
for certain days, ask your grocer for an aisle by aisle
Your commute to work, the car pick up line, waiting list so you can customize your grocery list in order
through a little league practice, or sitting in the dentist of your grocery store. There are numerous ways to
office are all opportunities to multi-task. You can easily streamline what you do if you just plan ahead.
enjoy some personal time by listening to library books on
tape or enjoying favorite music on an iPod. A hand held 11 Call First
reader is great to drop in your purse for waiting in line or
at the doctor’s office, too. A handy pen and note pad in How many times have you made a wasted trip to a
your purse lets you make good use of time with grocery restaurant, store, mall? Before you leave home and drive
lists, to do lists or write thank-you notes. across town, call first to confirm the restaurant wait time,
availability of an item or store closing time.
12 DVR your favorite TV shows
Don’t watch regularly scheduled TV shows live. Watch them later without
commercial inturruption, or at the very least multi-task when you are watching
live. At each commercial break, do something productive like put the laundry in the
dryer or empty the dishwasher. Think of the commercial break as a timer and see if
you can accomplish the entire task before the show returns.
13 Give each family 14 Don’t feel guilty
member a laundry mesh bag It’s OK to say no when you can’t attend an event! It’s OK to
stop reading a boring book! It’s OK to walk out of a bad movie!
This is especially helpful for a big family. Find better ways to spend your time than on things you don’t
Once a bag is full, wash their clothes and want to do - and don’t feel guilty about it.
have each family member fold and put away
their own clothes.
Time is the most valuable thing you spend and time management
well and you will reap the rewards that come with success and
20 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
15 Limit technology and social media
Wonder where all your time goes? We are deluged with information and connections
via telephones, webcams, instant messengers, e-mail, websites, blogs, newsletters, wikis,
and social networking technology. The list gets longer every year. And with the mobile
internet you can have data and demands coming at you 24/7. No wonder people are
starting to run workshops on ‘digital stress’. In small chunks of time, Facebook, Twitter
and others are wonderful outlets for entertainment and socializing. If you spend more than
a reasonable amount of time here, consider setting a limit and stick to it.
16 Tame Your Computer 17 Manage your email
Many of us have more power at our fingertips than we know what Email programs can do far more than what most
to do with. The truth about computers is this - they are great people realize. Spend a few minutes watching
time savers and time wasters when not used wisely. And too much some online tutorials to learn your email software
information at our fingertips can lead to information overload. capabilities are. Check email two to four times
Keeping your computer organized is one way to save an enormous a day, not constantly. If you always respond
amount of time. Create a file system on your computer for your immediately to emails and texts, others will come
document file and a desktop system that makes access to your files
and applications easy.
to expect that from you, holding you hostage to
18 Hire a professional the computer or smart phone. Let your response
time manage their expectations by answering in a
reasonable, but not immediate, time frame.
Consider hiring a cleaning service or a
lawn service to free up time you could 19 Start a gift box
spend on more meaningful activities.
The cost of the investment is not as When you see a great item on sale, buy it - even if you don’t need it
high when you consider the cost of immediately. These might include lotions, perfumes, candles, picture
supplies and upkeep.
frames, movies, children’s toys and note cards. Keep a small collection
stashed in a box for the next time you need a small gift. You can
save yourself time and probably money, too. Store up on gift wrap,
20 Plan meals a week at a time bags and ribbons and you have a ready made gift shop right at your
fingertips.
Looking at your calendar, plan for meals based on how many will be
home for dinner and how much time you have to prepare it. Leave the 21 Start meetings on time
more complicated meals for weekends or free evenings and go easy or
go out during hectic times. Consider making two casseroles at a time If you always wait to start a meeting,
and freezing the extra. Prepare several meals in advance on Sunday everyone knows they can wander in late and
afternoons or getting a friend to trade off on preparing meals. You make still be on time. Start on time and let them
a meal a couple nights a week for both families and she makes dinner for catch up on what they missed. Eventually,
both on a couple other nights.
everyone will start arriving on time.
is about taking responsibility for how you spend it. Learn this task
accomplishment while enhancing your life along the way. Dream big.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 21
22 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
by Lee Boone, Omega Omicron (Lambuth U)
Time to Reflect
On January 8th a gunman opened fire at a Tucson Gabe Zimmerman, Outreach Director, and
Safeway grocery story, killing six people and wounding I arrived early to set up for a “Congress on
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 13 other people. Your Corner” in front of a local Safeway.
One of those injured was one of the Congresswoman’s We have had 20 of these events over the
Community Outreach Coordinators, Pam Simon. Pam is past four years, but it had been awhile
one of our AOII sisters. so we were excited and happy to have
Pam Simon was initiated into Upsilon Chapter of Alpha another event in which the public would
Omicron Pi at the University of Washington. She moved to be able to interact one on one with the
Tucson and, as a dedicated educator, she spent two decades congresswoman. She enjoyed these
teaching middle and high school students. A chance events where we would literally take the
meeting with a state legislator, Gabrielle Giffords, in 2000, congressional office to the public. Our
eventually led Pam to volunteer for her Congressional constituent service staff would have a table
campaign in 2006. She joined Congresswoman Giffords’ so people could open cases in addition to
staff in 2007 and represents her in the areas of “schools, having a few minutes to share concerns or
veterans and the military, seniors and faith-based groups.” positions with the congresswoman or just
In her own words, Pam describes the events of January 8th to have their picture taken with her. I was
as well as her thoughts and impressions of the outpouring standing about 8 feet away from Gabby
of response in the days that followed. when the gunman appeared between
us. I only saw his back and then profile
as he began to shoot. I was hit almost
immediately after Gabby and the district
director. After the shooting stopped (a few
seconds in total) 6 people lay dead and
13 wounded. I was later told that people
standing in line wrestled the gunman to the
ground and prevented him from re-loading.
Tragically, one of those killed was 30-year-
old Gabe Zimmerman, my outreach director
and friend. He was a remarkable young
man and the entire office is grieving his loss.
A man touched my shoulder and said he
was not a medical person but he would stay
with me until help came. He was calm and
helped me remain calm. I directed him to
my cell phone and he called my husband
to let him know that I was headed for the
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Pam Simon, Upsilon (U of Washington). To Dragma • 23
Is- sue no. 2 • Spring 2011
hospital. I was in pain and very glad when What has inspired you? AOII is intended as a network of
the first responders arrived and got me friendships that can be counted
into an ambulance and on the way to the The words of President Obama at the on throughout your lifetime.
hospital. I later found out that one of the memorial service in Tucson on the How meaningful was it that
first responders had been a student in my Wednesday following. He pointed women you knew and others
8th grade English class. out that there are heroes among us you will never meet, reached out
all the time. Ordinary people doing to you as you recovered?
At the hospital I was immediately taken extraordinary things when called upon in
into surgery where they found that, times of tragedy. I have been reflecting on the true
miraculously, the bullet that entered my meaning of sisterhood. Women of
chest had traveled inside me to my upper “These men and women remind us that different ages, different interests and
hip without harming any major organs. It heroism is found not only on the fields of different parts of the country all united
only chipped my pelvic bone. Another battle. They remind us that heroism does not by a common college experience…
bullet passed clear through my forearm require special training or physical strength. belonging to Alpha Omicron Pi….
without hitting nerves or bones. When Heroism is here, all around us, in the hearts of coming together to support a sister that
I woke up from surgery, the surgeon so many of our fellow citizens, just waiting to be experienced a trauma that in many way
declared I was a very lucky lady. By the summoned - as it was on Saturday morning.” impacted the nation. I am so very grateful
time I was in my room, my daughter had for the healing support that each card
arrived from Portland, Oregon and my son United States President Barack Obama brought.
was on his way from New York City. Tucson Memorial Service, Jan. 12, 2011
Please share whatever you wish
In the wake of tragedy, many Who has inspired you? regarding Congresswoman
people reflect on events and Giffords?
ask why here, why now, and why Young Daniel Hernandez, the intern
me? What has been your focus in our office. His first aid training I met Congresswoman Giffords when she
to understand what happened? made it possible for him to act under was a young state legislator in the Arizona
pressure and perhaps to have saved the Capitol. I was a teacher at the time lobbying
I was a middle and high school teacher for Congresswoman’s life. He has become on behalf of education along with other
over 20 years and I know very well the a spokesperson for all of us that were teachers. I enjoyed working with “Gabby”
frustration of seeing a student who affected by the tragedy. He remains as she was bright, open and friendly and
displays signs of mental illness or humble and eloquent and is wise beyond above all interested in what we had to
behavioral problems with little to no his years. He has a great future in public say. She listened and then tried to make
recourse to get that student professional service ahead of him. positive change.
help. I have talked with many educators,
counselors and administrators since Jan. My family also inspired me with their love I told her that if she ever decided to run
8, and there clearly is a need to educate and devotion during those first difficult days. for Congress that I would be there to
both school personnel as well as the I was also inspired by my own sister, Carol help. In 2006, she declared her candidacy
general public about the signs of mental White, from Seattle. She is also an AOII for Congress and I went to work as a
illness and resources available. There is from UW Upsilon Chapter. She dropped volunteer on her campaign.
also a need to make sure those resources everything and came for two weeks to care
are available and adequately funded. for me. Carol is a double sister! I feel that she is a woman of integrity,
The young man who pulled the trigger determination and has a sincere desire
that day had been failed by the adults You mentioned that you to make our state and nation a better
around him who did not seek help for received cards and good place. She cares deeply about issues that
him and a society that did not provide wishes from AOIIs all across the affect women and has a special passion
adequate resources to make sure that country. Can you elaborate on to inspire young women to go into math,
help was available. what was sent to you and the science and technology.
impact it had?
What has surprised you? She currently sits on the House Armed
I received stacks of cards from all over, Services Committee and the Science,
The overwhelming outpouring of as well as several gifts of flowers, gift Technology and Space Committee. She
community support and well wishes baskets, and other gifts. It has meant so has focused on solar and renewable
from around the world both to the much to me to know that my AOII sisters energy, education, veterans and military
congressional office and to me personally. have taken the time to write a card and families and senior issues.
send me their thoughts and prayers.
The AOII Central New Jersey Alumnae
chapter members, whom I have never
met, sent me a beautiful gift food basket.
I even reconnected with a University of
Washington Upsilon Chapter sister that I
have not been in touch with for 40 years!
How are you and other members of
her staff continuing her work until
she returns?
The entire staff is dedicated to continuing to
focus on her goals and to meet the needs of her
constituents just as we did before Jan. 8, but with
special resolve now.
We are back at work and continue to attend
events that she would have attended. Her staff
briefs her in the Houston hospital about the
committees on which she sits and legislation.
Gabby is working hard on her rehab and is
making remarkable progress. IF her doctors give
the OK she hopes to attend the Space shuttle
launch of her husband, Commander Mark Kelly,
in April.
We in the office are working hard too, and we
look forward to her return to Tucson.
To Dragma • 25
Time For a Friend in Need
During her days One of the most amazing aspects of membership in Alpha
of recovery, the
Madison Area Omicron Pi is the realization that you are part of a network of
alumnae members sisters all across the world. Last summer, one Boca Raton, Florida
delivered meals AOII learned rst hand about the truth in this statement through
to June, ran any the generosity of the Madison Area Alumnae Chapter members
errands she needed and especially one of their members, Sally Huck Drea, Sigma
and forged new Lambda (U of Wisconsin LaCrosse).
friendships. Early last summer, June Oglesby Rogers, a Gamma Sigma
(Georgia State U), learned she would need to go to Madison,
Wisconsin, from Boca Raton, Florida, to have her fourth surgery
for Endometriosis. The physician, Dr. David Olive, who had
handled her unique medical condition in the past had relocated to
Madison. It was June’s desire to continue to be his patient, even
though the logistics of having a surgical procedure on very short
notice 1,500 miles from home was a daunting challenge.
Realizing family and friends would be unable to travel with her,
June turned to AOII Headquarters and her AOII sisters for help.
She was given the email address of the Madison Area Alumnae
President, Ally McArdle, for assistance. By midnight that evening,
not only had Ally respond, but another chapter member, Sally
Drea, had responded, too. Referring to the great relief she felt,
June stated, “I cannot explain the big smile that came over my
face and the wonderful restful night’s sleep I had.” Madison Area
chapter members came through to assist June in a number of
ways including transportation, helping with meals, shopping for
necessities and accompanying her to Meritor Hospital the day of
the surgery. Several years earlier, Sally had moved to Madison from
the Boca Raton area so when this need was rst presented, Sally
felt this call for help was a special message to her. She knew that as
a school administrator, her summer work hours were exible and
she could o er June the time and help she needed during her stay.
26 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Sally calls June,
“an amazing
woman, a real
‘Georgia peach’
with a delightful
southern drawl.”
June arrived on a Monday, had a Pre-Op appointment on Tuesday,
a four-hour surgery on Wednesday and was released from the
hospital on Thursday. Sally was with her through the entire
experience. After her release from the hospital, June went to a
hotel in Middleton where she convalesced for the next several days.
During her days of recovery, the Madison Area alumnae members
delivered meals to June, ran any errands she needed and forged
new friendships. On Tuesday of the following week, it was Sally
who drove her new dear friend to the airport to say good-bye.
Sally calls June, “an amazing woman, a real ‘Georgia peach’ with
a delightful southern drawl.” “Sally Drea is what I would call my
guardian angel,” adds June in return. “Not only do I consider her
as that, but also a very special AOII sister.”
Born and raised in Atlanta, June attended school in Georgia,
married her college sweetheart and lived in several cities in
the United States due to her husband’s career moves. A widow
now, she is now a full time employee in Pre-Op at Boca Raton
Community Hospital where she knows rst hand what patients go
through just before surgery. Turning to AOII in a time of need
was a natural thought for June as she has enjoyed many wonderful
years of AOII friendships as a collegiate chapter o cer, an adviser
for Miami University in Ohio and an active member of the Ft.
Lauderdale Alumnae Chapter.
Through their time together, Sally and June discovered many
similar interests, tastes and connections. They were surprised to
learn they had once served as chapter advisors at the same time,
attended the same AOII Convention at least once, and shared
mutual friends in Boca Raton. They have traveled to the same
places, enjoyed the same books, loved the same foods, laughed at
the same things, and have had many life-experiences that parallel
each other. They are two sisters newly and truly connected for life.
For an organization founded on the desire to continue friendships
that last a lifetime, AOII’s Founders would have been exceedingly
touched to learn of this story of friendship.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 27
Pa nda mo nium´chapter profile´
Gamma Theta’s popular new collection ideas from PR in a box. Eleven teams
philanthropic event evolved through participated, all of which represented other
“a series of misfortunate events,” sororities and fraternities on campus. Each bear
according to Philanthropic Chair a team collected was worth points – the women
Annalise Sinclair, who spearheaded accepted all types of teddy bears, but panda bears
the concept and helped create in particular were worth the most at 10 points in
‘Panda’monium at the University of the challenge. On the last day of the collection,
South Florida in Tampa. the chapter organized a party in the quad of USF’s
Greek Village to celebrate all of the bears collected
“We had been doing a 5K run in the fall for three or and to recognize the teams who collected the most
four years and it was not successful on our campus,” or had the most total points.
Annalise explained. “All of the Greek organizations
do an event in both fall and spring, and we really The women also took this as an opportunity to
wanted to brainstorm something new. We went reinforce to participants that the bears were going to
through a lot of resources that weren’t generating the Juvenile Arthritis Alliance’s ‘Teddy Bear Clinic,’
any ideas, and then came to the AOII Web page where they were given to young arthritis patients
where we found ‘PR in a box’ for ‘Panda’monium!” receiving painful therapy and treatment for their
arthritis symptoms. Overall, the teams collected a
For students at USF, spurring an interest in any total of 328 bears, and 158 of them were pandas.
Greek philanthropic event has to involve a truly
competitive edge. To cater to this desire, Gamma Phase two of the ‘Panda’monium was called ‘Facts
Theta instilled a combination of small competition- for Pandas.’ The chapter women created posters
driven events. The opportunity to earn points with facts about the Arthritis Foundation, about
through various levels of challenges created a lot of AOII’s contribution to arthritis research, and
excitement among the campus and community. about arthritis in general, and posted them around
campus, mainly within their Greek Village. They
The first of the small events was a teddy also printed and handed out question and answer
bear collection, which lasted for two weeks forms with questions that would test the campus
and was adapted from the panda bear and Greek communities’ knowledge about what
they’d seen on the posters. The participating teams
PProajendcat could submit their answer forms to any AOII and
receive points for correctly-answered questions.
“One of our biggest goals for ‘Panda’monium
was to really increase arthritis awareness,” said
current Gamma Theta Chapter President, Nevena
Pehar. “We hope eventually to raise money
with ‘Panda’monium to give to arthritis and the
Foundation, but our first year, we really put an
emphasis on education and retaining knowledge
about arthritis, something we had not done before
with any of our events.”
28 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
by Rachel Boison, Kappa Kappa (Ball State U), Assistant Director of Chapter Services
is Gamma T heta´s time to serve
The third mini-competition for ‘Panda’monium minutes advancing to the final round. The male and
teams was a relay race. However, it was not your female teams in the final round were timed to see
typical relay race experience – the competitors who could stuff one bear the fastest to determine
raced with their fingers taped together to simulate the winner. These pandas also went to the Teddy
the effects of arthritis on the hands. The first racer Bear Clinic, and all of the clothing used in the relay
climbed over a large wooden box and on the other race was donated to Goodwill.
side, found clothes to put on over their own. After
getting completely dressed, they ran to a relay race Annalise and Nevena proudly claim that the
partner, who had his or her hands tied behind their idea for the whole event was a true collaborative
back, untied them, and swapped clothing before effort among the chapter members. “We used
the partner ran back toward the starting point and all of the marketing ideas from PR in a box, and
jumped back over the box to finish the circuit. then took the teddy bear collection drive idea and
The women felt that the steps participants had to expanded on that. One sister suggested the stuffing
take with their fingers taped together was a great competition and knew where we could get the
way to bring awareness to just how difficult it is to panda bear shells to carry it out,” Nevena said.
perform other daily tasks with arthritis. The team
who overcame the limited ability of their hands and Building onto the success of ‘Panda’monium,
achieved the fastest time earned the most points. Gamma Theta is no stranger to other successful
philanthropic events – ‘Panda’monium replaced
The women also hosted a panda bear stuffing their 5K run in the fall, but the chapter recently held
competition. Stuffing the bear included filling their third annual “Kickin It” kickball tournament
panda bear shells with fluff, inserting a heart inside in the spring. According to Annalise, the event has
the bear, zipping it up, putting on a tiny shirt, and grown exponentially over three years, with a record
tying a ribbon around the bear’s neck. The first of 17 teams participating in the 2011 event. The
round pitted the female teams against other female chapter sold t-shirts promoting the tournament,
teams, and men against the men, with the female/
male teams who stuffed the most bears in five
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 29
which provided great PR for the chapter, for AOII, and for‘ This year’s Kickin It introduced a carnival-theme
the AOII Foundation, and teams earned extra points when addition to the event fun – participants played
they purchased a t-shirt to wear around campus. cornhole, Blackjack, and inflatable jousting. They also
introduced ‘Pie the Panda’ with a giantpanda cutout
Teams also collected pocket change to gain extra points, and AOII’s willing to take a pie in the face, raising $75
with the money going toward the event. The chapter from that activity alone.
women sold raffle tickets for a dollar each, with the teams
earning two points each time a team member purchased “This year, Kickin It just happened to be next door
a ticket. The raffle tickets could be redeemed for different to the USF track while the local Special Olympics
prizes, and also gave them eligibility to vote for Best were being held,” Annalise added. “Some of the kids
Uniform. “Last year one of the fraternities dressed as a came over and were participating and playing with
farmer and his vegetables – so, some of the guys were the students, which really added to the fun and the
running around playing in vegetable costumes. Part of the atmosphere.” This event went from raising $2200 in
excitement is seeing what costumes they’ll come up with 2009, to $4200 in 2010 and an impressive $6500 in 2011.
each year!” Annalise said.
“We definitely want to build on ‘Panda’monium
Join the ‘Pandamonium because we know there is only so much we have done
so far to teach people about arthritis. We also don’t
30 • To Dragma want to use the same arthritis-related activities every
year, so we’re coming up with more options,” Annalise
said. Right now the chapter is looking into making
the arthritis awareness activities of ‘Panda’monium
something they do every other year, holding a
bigger event on the off years. “We are getting ideas
from Gamma Omicron’s ‘Mr. UF,’ which is a male
beauty pageant, to do in the years that we don’t do
‘Panda’monium. We might also still incorporate the
teddy bear collection drive as one of the preliminary
events for that,” Annalise said.
“The chapter really came together to make
‘Panda’monium a success. I noticed our sisterhood
and closeness benefitting from our time spent on this
event,” Nevena said. “Everyone is so excited to help
expand it next year to make it even better!”
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Time For Play
by Courtney Alexander Dillard, Tau Omicron (U of Tennessee Martin)
Happy people know that in between time devoted Consequently, I had to wonder exactly what
to work, family, and other obligations, should lie spawned the sudden sense of welcoming, the overly-
a precious few minutes each day devoted to play. hospitable “let me help you with” attitude that the
For all intents and purposes, the only mandate of men in my family exuberated until the realization
a hobby is that you enjoy it. So, as we gear up for hit me that their unsolicited sportsmanship was
more outdoor activities, family game nights or probably more due to the fact that they thought we
beach vacations, let me encourage you to consider would be easy prey to boost their sports egos. The
another fun option growing in popularity among challenge was on!
our AOII sisters. Grab your laptop and learn more
about a pastime that’s no longer just a boys’ game! After the initial scare of participating in my first
draft, I muddled through my first few games
For as long as I have known my husband, he has blindly without much direction or real plan as to
relished his Saturday morning golf games with the how to play successfully. I soon discovered that
guys. Although not one to intrude on this sacred in order to compete, I had to step up my game.
ritual that has come from my husband’s love for So, I familiarized myself with the multitude of
competitive sports, I have just assumed that adding a ESPN channels on my television, and started
female into this equation would never be acceptable doing my research to the hysterics of most of my
in their man code. So years ago, when my husband male friends, family, and husband. Ultimately, I
began playing fantasy football, I assumed this wound up exactly like those fanatical people that I
hobby would also fall into his definition of “man had previously questioned—watching my Sunday
time.” I’ve always enjoyed playing the armchair afternoon football with a close eye on my laptop,
quarterback with him by following his team and eventually gaining all the bragging rights as I won
giving him my opinions, but it still came as a our league championship - a feat that I intend to
surprise a year ago when it was suggested by my remind my family of for a very long time!
husband and my brother, to have a family league—
women welcomed! My situation is not unlike many women across
the country. For years, the number of women
I must admit to being a bit participating in fantasy sports has skyrocketed.
overwhelmed by the prospect Although actual numbers are impossible to
of deciding on a name and determine, some experts estimate that one in
picking a team, all while having five players is now a woman. With over 145,000
to compete against avid sports initiated AOII members, it is safe to say that
fans like my husband, brothers, numerous members of our organization have been
and in-laws. To say that I bitten by the fantasy bug, as well. Many AOII
was intimidated would be an leagues are popping up in numerous fantasy sports
understatement. and some of their experiences might inspire you to
get involved in a hobby that is sweeping the US
and Canada.
Tammy Wolpowitz (Delta, Tufts U) started the
first-known AOII Fantasy Football league after she
had moved to Italy with her son and husband. With
an ocean between almost all of her AOII sisters
and her beloved Miami Dolphins, Tammy started
the league as a way to stay connected to AOII and
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 31
What exactly is a fantasy sport? Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
“A fantasy sport is a game where
participants act as owners to build
a team that competes against other
fantasy owners based on the
statistics generated by the real
individual players or teams of a
professional sport.”
Wikipedia
football. The team owners of the league
represented chapters from Delta (Tufts U),
Kappa Kappa (Ball State U), Rho Omicron
(Middle Tennessee State U), Lambda Beta
(Cal State Long Beach), and Upsilon Alpha
(U of Arizona).
One of Tammy’s closest friends from college,
Janet Siegel, Delta (Tufts U) joined the AOII
Fantasy Football phenomenon for her second
season this year. From Janet’s perspective,
she explains that “football isn’t just for guys,”
therefore it should be no surprise that a hobby
like this can resonate with a group of AOIIs.
“Competition can be fun and exciting. I
think a women’s league like ours can be even
more fun because it’s encourages friendly
competition, unlike a lot of the leagues my
male friends compete in where it can get
ugly.” Janet continues, “We don’t play for
money- just the glory of winning! We’re still
sisters at the end of the season.”
As a die-hard Pittsburg Steelers fan, Sabrina
Schroeter, Lambda Beta (California State
U - Long Beach) has learned to combine her
sisterly devotion to AOII with her love of the
pigskin. By meeting several other AOIIs in an
interest group on an AOII social media site,
Sabrina jumped on the opportunity to join an
AOII-only fantasy football league. As Sabrina
explained, she was not a novice to the hobby
or sport, but until that time, she had always
been the only woman in her league of friends
and coworkers. In 2010, Sabrina’s AOII
league had 10 teams, all owned and operated
from a sister across the country that, until
then, Sabrina had never known.
32 • To Dragma
Interested in starting your own fantasy league with
your sisters? Follow these steps to making another
memorable AOII experience. It’s just that easy!
Pick a provider to host your fantasy sports. We recommend
using Yahoo! or ESPN Fantasy. This site will serve as the base for
organizing your league, your individual team, and statistics.
Gather your team. You don’t have to be a professional athlete
to participate, just make sure to include friends that are willing to
participate for the entire season. You must have an even number of
teams to begin. For football, 12-16 teams are recommended, but the
exact number is optional.
Elect a commissioner. The commissioner for a fantasy league
determines the leagues final decision, while making sure that trades
and statistics are done fairly. So, just think about this role as the
Chapter President of sports. Lucky for them, the internet has made this
job so much easier!
Set the rules. The Fantasy Sports Trade Association is a great
resource when determining which rules your league will follow since there
are several different variations depending on which initial internet site you
choose to use.
Hold a draft. This is generally done online with all of the team owners
selecting players in an organized and timed order. Yahoo! and ESPN
provide you with all of the statistics that you’ll need to build a strong
team, so it’s not necessary to have your calculator handy, thankfully!
Let the games begin! The great thing about fantasy sports is that you
can devote as much (or as little) time as you can spare to the
hobby. See you on the gridiron!
Sabrina’s journey to find her perfect adds “League Champion” to her list of
hobby actually started after the husband AOII achievements.
of one of her AOII sisters encouraged her
to sign on for her first season. Surprised So, you’re interested in getting involved
by her experience, Sabrina enjoyed the in the craze but maybe the sport of
strategy, research, and the week-to-week football is just not your sport? No
updates. Working in a sales profession worries! The fantasy sports craze includes
and as a recruitment adviser for AOII’s other professional sports, including
Lambda Beta Chapter at California State baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey.
U - Long Beach, competition is something Regardless of the flavor of competition
upon which she thrives. Participating in you prefer, participating in fantasy sports
a fantasy league helps her to take a break is a wonderful way to incorporate a bit
from the real world, and AOII helps of diversity into your normal day-to-day
her to marry these passions well. The activities. Adding your AOII sisters into
phenomenon has been such a huge hit that the mix is an added bonus, too! Be fair
AOII’s own International President, Barb warned - it’s easy to become addicted to
Zipperian, has joined the craze and now having this much fun!
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 33
Emphasize and Energize
Network teams emphasize Sigma Phi, California State
the importance of recruitment Northridge
and watch our numbers rise
Sigma Phi actually doubled the number of women they
AOII’s collegiate chapters have, obviously, devoted a great
deal of time recruiting over the past year. Across the US and pledged from 2009 to 2010 (20 to 44). Erin Neipris,
Canada, AOII recruitment numbers are up for the 2010- their former RA, believes this is due to two contributing
2011 year school year. More chapters pledged quota and are factors - higher recruitment participation and the
at or above campus total than any year in recent memory. chapter being more open-minded during membership
New Member numbers are up by nearly 350 over last selection. The increase in PNMs was due to Panhellenic’s
year. The Fraternity Strategic Plan set increasing collegiate efforts, but the chapter made it a priority to review their
membership by 6% as a fraternity-wide initiative and we are recruitment notebooks and discuss PNM’s prior to the
proud to report that goal has been accomplished. To achieve start of recruitment. Their NS-R Debbie Tam reports
this, more emphasis has been placed on reaching campus they were quick to react if changes/fine tuning needed to
total. It’s the privilege and responsibility of our collegiate be done between parties. She adds, “They did a good job
members to achieve and maintain campus total. Vacant in retaining their new members which also speaks to how
positions that exist between the chapter size and the campus they were able to connect at recruitment and also work at
total are fundamental opportunities to benefit potential New maintaining that connection. During MS I was so proud
Members, the chapter, the International Fraternity and the of the chapter for the respect shown to each other and the
college Panhellenic. emphasis on maintaining their diversity as a chapter. It
was an exhausting but gratifying experience. I was thrilled
After this banner year, 350 more women have the that their hard work paid off in exceeding quota to near
privilege of being an AOII than a year ago. More of campus total by the spring. It made me proud of them as
our collegiate chapters are operating to their fullest sisters, especially with regards to how they celebrated their
potential being at or above campus total, and the diversity as a group.”
Fraternity is reaping numerous rewards: stronger
chapters, more beds filled in chapter housing,
additional operating revenue and much more
opportunities. It’s a win-win-win situation when
recruitment is successful.
AOII’s network structure and successful ELC program
are also proving to be a tremendous benefit to recruitment
success. Here is evidence of how small victories have
generated big rewards over the past year when it
came time to count numbers.
34 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Nu Omicron, Vanderbilt U
Network 4 Specialist for Recruitment (NS-R) Katherine Thornton, and
AOII Assistant Director of Chapter Services (ADCS), Meghan Granito,
led a workshop in December at Nu Omicron emphasizing everything
from the basics of conversation skills to the details in the International
Membership Selection Program. This workshop allowed the women
Delta Theta, Texas Woman’s U of Nu Omicron to feel connected to the decisions they make during
recruitment. In January, ELC Mary Catherine Stewart visited the chapter
Five years ago, Delta Theta was returning for formal for deferred recruitment. Since the network team included Mary Catherine
on the workshop preparations and follow-ups, she was able to continue the
recruitment with just 10 members when campus momentum to help the chapter when she arrived for recruitment week.
total was set at 40. Over this period, the chapter has She and the chapter officers and advisers led the chapter to success as they
come a long way, now maintaining Total and even achieved Quota Plus. The chapter felt ownership in the process, and gained
pledging Quota Plus Additions this past year. Their tremendous confidence in themselves and their ability to now excel on their
NS-R, Renee Hebert, is also the chapter’s former campus. Nu Omicron’s success is a true testament to teamwork helping
Recruitment Adviser so she has a long history with them “exceed the expectation.”
the chapter. “It literally brings tears of joy to my
eyes each time I get the call from them,” Renee says.
“This year, they called to tell me on speakerphone
how great they had done. I happened to be at another
chapter that same week helping them so I was not
able to be there with them in person. Knowing that
I was one of the first phone calls they made meant so
much to me. I’ve become so close to those ladies that Mu Lambda, Rollins College
I feel as if it’s my second chapter of initiation.” It’s
through passionate support from volunteers like Renee In Network 5, NS-R Celia Reed emphasized improving
that chapters like Delta Theta can reach their true Public Relations and chapter confidence to lead Mu
potential. The sisterhood in the chapter is stronger Lambda to recruitment success. Mu Lambda has always
than ever and their future is bright. It all starts with found success in open recruitment but had struggled a bit
successful recruitment. more in formal recruitment. Serving hot chocolate and
cookies in the student union was one way the chapter
set out to build name recognition, plus they spent extra
time paying attention to conversation skills and those
small recruitment details that add up to big results. ELC
Bailey Tate kept everyone’s enthusiasm high during
recruitment week in January and witnessed as the chapter
was rewarded with a New Member class that met Quota.
As importantly, they also walked away with a new level
Gamma, U of Maine of overall chapter confidence that carried throughout
the spring semester. Collegiate women even approached
Gamma has continued to remain strong and build on their strengths them throughout the semester to ask if they have open
this year which includes a successful PR effort that pays off during spots available for new members!
recruitment efforts. One stellar PR effort involves their 9th annual
Mr. Fraternity Pageant fund raiser. This year they raised more money
than ever, and this spring they reached Campus Total though CR,
a great accomplishment for them. NS-R Kathleen Nipple reports,
“They also had women attend the Northeast AOII weekend where
they were able to learn best practices for recruitment with other
collegiate chapters in our area. By bringing these ideas back to their
chapter, they hope to keep their Recruitment fresh and improve upon
current practices. I have been very proud to work with this group of
women to support them as they continue to develop and grow.” After
recruiting to Campus Total this Spring, the entire chapter and their
alumnae were very proud and energized. Kathleen adds, “I think they
truly exceeded their own expectations and realized what their potential
may be. I look forward to sharing in their future success as they
continue to improve and perfect their Recruitment strategies.”
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 35
Florida Recruitment Workshop Energizes Chapters
AOIIs in Network 5 gathered on a sunny Saturday in Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” set the tone for the day
January to participate in a Network Recruitment Workshop as upbeat and full of energy. Kim McCollom facilitated
for the state of Florida. The successful event was held along with Celia Austin Reed, both taking turns on slides,
on the beautiful campus of Florida Southern College in stories, comments, and questions.
Lakeland, Florida. The Greek Adviser at Florida Southern,
Amanda Dunivan, helped Kappa Gamma sisters with The presentation touched on numerous topics crucial to
set-up for their 100+ attendees. Chapters participating recruitment success including values, confidence, legacies,
included Kappa Gamma, (Florida Southern College) IMSP, finances, conversation, image, talents/hobbies,
Gamma Theta (U of South Florida), Mu Lambda (Rollins activities, scholarship, sisterhood, selling AOII, and sealing
College), and a representative from Pi Theta’s AAC the deal. Predetermined table topics engaged the
(Florida International U). Area alumnae chapters from women for fun and in depth conversation that was later
Greater Pinellas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach shared with the entire group.
County and Sarasota provided bottled water, snacks as
well as a dozen Dove chocolate roses for incentives for During breaks, the ladies shopped in the Emporium,
participation. They also presented the VPMR’s with a thanks to a travelling consignment box filled with all
laminated “101 Ways to Apply Ritual to our Daily Lives” for the latest AOII sportswear and novelties. Everyone in
their chapter bulletin boards. attendance found the day rewarding as more and more
ideas, decorating tips, scenarios, and “what if’s”
were shared.
36 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Mu Lambda
Rollins College
Gamma Theta
South Florida U
Kappa Gamma
Florida Southern U
Before closing with a friendship circle, Celia Reed shared a story
inspiring the women to remain focused on the potential members they
meet who have the same values we do. The right choices in recruitment can make the difference of only 4
years of being in one sorority or nearly 40 years of lifelong friendship and sisterhood. Her story prompted
similar testimonies from sisters who emphasized the importance of recruitment and the decisions members
make to choose our new sisters. In the end, it was not only ideas that were exchanged - there were also email
addresses, cell phone numbers, hugs, laughs and tears. As the day ended, it was time to cue exit music -
Katy Perry’s “Firework” with the lyrics, “You just gotta ignite the light, And let it shine, Just own the night,
Like the Fourth of July!”
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 37
member profile
Hope Lives On
The butterfly is a symbol for transformation, renewal, and hope. From
an early age, Missy Fields, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)
loved the beauty of butterflies and intentionally surrounded herself
with them. Just as she appreciated a creature that begins life in one
form and is transformed into another, Missy’s life was ultimately one of
transformation when an tragic accident took her life at the age of 22.
On Mother’s Day 2004, Missy was involved in
a car accident near her home in Nicholasville,
Kentucky. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital
but sustained injuries she could not survive. In
the midst of unimaginable grief, Missy’s family
honored their daughter’s life by fulfilling the
commitment Missy made at the age of 16 to be
an organ donor. Their decision allowed doctors
to take organs and tissue from Missy and give an
opportunity for hope and continued life to others.
It was in high school that Missy first learned about
organ donation. The Central Kentucky Blood
Center came to her school to recruit blood donors,
and, although Missy was too young to participate,
she was amazed at what a donation of a pint of
blood could do for someone in need. In a paper she
later wrote about blood donation, Missy learned
more about the significance of organ donation, and
made the commitment to become an organ donor.
When she got her driver’s license, she obtained the
appropriate signatures witnessing she had made
the decision to donate her organs. As soon as she
was old enough, she began giving blood regularly
and placed herself on the National Bone Marrow
Registry.
As a member of Epsilon Omega Chapter, Missy
found a shared sprit of compassion and giving
among her sisters. These friendships enriched her
collegiate years, and they shared her loyal and
“stand for what you believe” attitude. Missy’s
brother and sister-in-law recall the many AOIIs
who attended her funeral and their touching tribute
38 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
to her as members of the Epsilon Omega chapter This garden is a tribute to the way Missy lived. So
walked up to place roses on her casket while “The many lives touched and so many people coming
Rose” was sung. together in response stands as an ongoing reminder
of the infinite possibilities and potential of selfless
Long before the accident, Missy expressed that she love. Even with the completion of this garden,
wanted to be cremated and, of course, donate her Missy’s story still continues.
organs if something ever happened to her. Her
family honored all her wishes. In her memory, Rose Bowl Parade Float Honors Missy
a bench and a tree were planned to be placed at
the church where Missy grew up, but the project In August of 2010, the Fields family learned that
evolved into a garden. Missy’s mother, Janie Fields, Missy had been selected to be one of the honorees
shared their perspective on the development of the on Donate Life’s Float called “Seize the Day!” at
garden and the many people that came forward to the Rose Bowl Parade 2011. A floragraph was
help create it. created of her beautiful face and 30 organ donor
recipients (from donors other than Missy) rode on
“Everything seemed to fall into place while the float. They represented the millions of donors,
designing it. As people heard what we were doing recipients, candidates and families who have been
they would come and help and/or make donations touched by organ donation. Janie Fields said their
to the garden. Many of these people we did not involvement with the Donate Life Float build and
know, but Missy had taught their children to event was an unbelievable experience for her and
swim or she babysat for them; former teachers and her husband.
Her mother explained, “The day we found out that her floragraph would be
on the float I think some of our grief has been lightened. Our experience in
Pasadena is one we hold close to our hearts. We are changed people because
of our trip; we were humbled as we talked with recipients. They view donors
and the families as heroes and could not thank us enough for Missy’s decision.
These were not the recipients from Missy, but they spoke for them telling us
how they were able to have this second chance at life due to donors.”
employers volunteered their time or money. The Donate Life’s float in the Rose Bowl Parade honored Missy and other organ donors.
experience was incredible and continues because
we still have people who want to help because of To Dragma • 39
Missy. My dear childhood friend found the statue
of the little girl with butterflies on her that was
perfect, and then we decided to build a fountain
and place the statue in the fountain. The statue
favors Missy so much as a child - especially the little
turned up nose! It is the one place I feel the most
peace. We decided to name it The Faith, Hope,
Love Garden because that was always Missy’s
favorite Bible verse. Using that name for the
garden felt so right because the love she felt in AOII
had such a wonderful influence on Missy. We have
paver (bricks) in the garden that either memorialize
or honor family members and friends of ours as
well as the church. AOII has a paver; because we
knew Missy would want that.”
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Awareness Continues Throughout Kentucky
Awareness about organ donation continues with Missy’s help still today. The Kentucky Organ Donor
Affiliates (KODA) has created a quilt with squares that honor several
organ donors including Missy. The KODA brochure that is distributed
to the public all over Kentucky explaining organ donation showcases one
particular square in that quilt. That square is Missy’s which is covered in
beautiful, vibrant butterflies.
In describing the legacy that her daughter left behind, Missy’s mother
shared, “Without a doubt Missy’s life and death has changed so many lives
in many ways! A parent’s biggest fear after the loss of a child it that they
will be forgotten. My husband and I were not about to let that happen
so we joined the Kentucky Organ Donor Family Council to promote
organ donation. We speak all over the state telling Missy’s story. We have
gotten letters, calls and emails from so many people telling us they are
now organ donors because they heard our story either first hand or from
someone telling them about it. And, how they no longer take their life or
the life of those they love for granted. When I am speaking
to a crowd of people, it is Missy who gives me strength and
confidence because I am not a speaker. Missy has changed
lives both in life and death.”
If the gift of life and hope were only felt by those directly
connected to her organ recipients, Missy’s selfless decision
to be an organ donor would be amazing enough.
However, her impact is far greater because her generosity
and advocacy were known by many. For this reason,
her message continues to be shared. Missy’s story has
been featured on television, in newspapers, on YouTube,
across her home state, and in a parade broadcast across the
entire US. You can watch the video that U of Kentucky
created on Missy being honored on the Donate Life Float
December 15, 2010 through the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIyd2yIbCnk.
What can you do? Consider organ donation and if you
choose to be an organ donor, be sure to make friends and
loved ones aware of your wishes. You can go to www.
donatelife.net and select your state for specific directions
about how to sign up online or indicate your wishes
through a driver’s license or other document.
Missy’s death brought life and hope to several recipients.
Her story continues to remind others of the importance of
organ donation and making your wishes known to loved
ones. What would Missy say about the way her message
has taken flight? Her mother believes she might say,
“Finally people understand these organs are much better
left behind so someone else can live. Thanks for your help
Mom, I love you.”
Learn the facts
Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist.
Learn these facts to help you better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:
Fact: Anyone can Fact: An open casket Fact: There is no cost to
be a potential donor funeral is possible for organ, the donor or their family for
regardless of age, race, or eye and tissue donors. organ or tissue donation.
medical history. Through the entire donation
process the body is treated Fact: When you are on the
Fact: All major religions with care, respect and dignity.
waiting list for an organ, what
in the United States Fact: If you are sick or injured really counts is the severity of
support organ, eye and your illness, time spent waiting,
tissue donation and see it and admitted to the hospital, the blood type, and other important
as the final act of love and number one priority is to save medical information, not your
generosity toward others. your life. Organ, eye and tissue financial status or celebrity status.
donation can only be considered
after you are deceased.
www.donatelife.net
By Lee Boone, Omega Omicron (Lambuth U), Director of Education and Research To Dragma • 41
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
From Austin to Boston
Putting A Regional Spin on Sisterhood
by: Kelly O’Dwyer-Manuel, Gamma Chi (Charleton U), AOII Network Specialist - Leadership
Some of Kathleen Niple’s favorite AOII “It was really the work of a group of us, to bring
experiences have happened at Leadership Academy that same great learning experience to our region
and Leadership Institute. “For me, those events so that alumnae and collegiate chapters could have
were an opportunity to not only meet sisters from a positive educational experience while meeting
a number of different chapters, but also helped me sisters from the same region,” says Kathleen. “The
understand that whatever challenges and successes first weekend was such a success from both a
my chapter had been through, someone else was programming and attendance standpoint that it was
going through the same thing. I learned so much a no-brainer to make this an annual event.”
from my sisters at those events, it’s
unbelievable.” While the idea for an annual regional event was
relatively new to the Northeast, the idea of a yearly
All attendee group photo regional celebration had previously been perfected
during the AOII Days in Texas.
event in Austin, Texas.
“We’ve held a Texas AOII State Day every two
years for the past ten years,” says Rene Fitzgerald.
“It’s been the combined effort of amazingly
organized alumnae chapters as well as the two
collegiate chapters in Texas that has made this event
a continued success.”
Bringing together sisters from the Dallas,
Houston, San Antonio, North Texas and Austin
Alumnae Chapters, as well as Delta Theta and
Upsilon Lambda Chapters, this year’s event,
held in Austin, united more than 100 sisters.
Celebrating AOII in the Northeast
March 5-6, Boston, MA
As much as Kathleen The event in Boston kicked off with
gained from the event, she wanted a session by Koren Phillips about
to do more – she knew that other alumnae developing your personal brand.
and collegians could benefit from that same type After a quick lunch and some
of experience. And that’s when the idea for the mingling, PIP Sally Wagaman spoke to the
Northeast AOII Weekend was born. Uniting more than one hundred attendees about what
sisters from Ontario, Quebec, New York, Maine, they could expect at the upcoming International
Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, the event was Convention in Tucson this June. That was followed
first held at Wagner College, Staten Island (home by an Executive Board update given by AOII Vice
of Theta Pi Chapter) in 2010, and was in Boston President Gayle Fitzgerald.
(home of Delta Chapter) this spring.
After the business updates came a focus
42 • To Dragma on philanthropy. AOII Foundation Board
Treasurer,Caroline Lazzara, provided an update
about the AOII Foundation’s newest initiative,
Stella’s Wish, and discussed how the AOII
Foundation supports the Arthritis Foundation and
arthritis research. This prepared the group for their
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
“AOII Goes Blue” service project – a letter writing Texas AOII Day Northeast weekend
campaign to promote the upcoming Arthritis Walk February 19, Austin, TX sisters outside the Delta
in Massachusetts. A local philanthropic cause also The theme for this years’ AOII Days was “DOWN
benefitted from the conference, as all leftovers from IN THE HEART OF AOII.” Heart Tributes Chapter house.
Saturday’s lunch were donated to the Pine Street were purchased to honor sisters, the proceeds going
Inn, a large Boston shelter that provides food and to the Ruby Fund. A formal Ritual opened the To Dragma • 43
resources to more than 1,300 homeless men and day, led by PIP Ginger Banks. With participants
women each day. from many Texas alumnae chapters, two
collegiate chapters as well as two Executive Board
Saturday’s events concluded with two more members, two Past International Presidents, and
educational sessions – a presentation by Delta members representing the Education Committee,
AAC member, Kacie Nakamura on nutrition, Foundation and Network, it was a wonderfully
and an open discussion about best practices for moving moment, particularly for alumnae who had
alumnae/collegiate discussions led by members not participated in Ritual for some time.
of the Ottawa and New York/New Jersey Metro
alumnae chapters. An outstanding roster of speakers kicked the
day into high gear. PIP Susan Danko provided
The last day of the conference was all about attendees with an update on the Fraternity, while
friendship and fun. The day started with a brunch Kathy Jensen gave an inspirational presentation
at the Delta Chapter house, followed by shopping on networking entitled “AOII, Oprah & Zappos,
from the Emporium consignment box, generously What Do They Have in Common.” Texas sisters
sponsored by the Boston Alumnae Chapter. thoroughly enjoyed the day’s featured speaker,
Before each attendee drove back home, everyone renowned physician Parul Desal of the Heart
participated in a discussion about applying Ritual Hospital of Austin, who shared information about
to daily life, led by Network Director Amber
Countis and Executive Board Vice President,
Karen Galehan.
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
For more information on heart concerns for women of all ages. Collegians For the Northeast organizers, communication
planning an AOII Day, visit from Delta Theta and Upsilon Lambda treated took the form of reminder emails and a new tool
www.alphaomicronpi.org and everyone to songs from their chapters. – a Facebook page dedicated to the weekend.
select Events>AOII Days.
Between programming sessions, Texas AOIIs “A few members of the organizing committee
were able to do some shopping and support AOII. recognized that many sisters in the Northeast
A silent auction hosted by the Dallas Alumnae region – particularly collegians – use Facebook
Chapter and an Emporium Consignment box much more than they use email. The Facebook
hosted by the Houston Alumnae Chapter kept page gave us a way to quickly get out information
everyone reaching for their wallets. Proceeds about the event and look at page analytics to see
from both Heart Tribute sales and the Silent what info people were reading and commenting
Auction were forwarded to the AOII Foundation on. I think it’ll continue to be a great tool to
for the Ruby Fund. promote future weekends,” says Kathleen.
After a wonderful Ritual to open the event, a Spreading the Word
beautiful Candlelight Ceremony from the Ritual With the Northeast planning an annual event
Book ended the day, complete with the Epsilon and Texas AOII Days happening consistently
Chapter Song. every two years, it isn’t a surprise that the idea of
regionalized AOII programming is spreading.
The Recipe for a Perfect Day – Communication
The organizers for both the Northeast AOII “The greatest success of these events is that they
Weekend and the Texas AOII Day attribute their bring together sisters from across the same region
event’s success to the same thing: communication. to celebrate AOII. We had colony members as
well as a sister attend who was celebrating her 50-
“Planning for this event started in September, year membership – what a beautiful example of
when we decided on the theme, site, budget and AOII for a lifetime,” says Kathleen.
sending out “Save the Date” emails. In fact, we
had constant communication with not only Texas Indeed with support from everyone from new
alumnae chapters, but also the two collegiate members to Executive Board members, it’s clear
chapters. Constant reminders and communication that regional events bring together sisters of all
- particularly via Facebook - about items like ages to learn and celebrate AOII.
registration deadlines are the key to a well-
attended affair,” says Rene.
Sisters from the Issue No. 2 Spring 2011
Northeast who
attended the AOII
Days event in
Boston, MA this
spring.
44 • To Dragma
A. C.
B.
D.
E.
F. H.
G.
I.
A. Solo Necklace, 18”, #7129 G. Garnet and Rose J.
SS.....$50 Cushion Ring, #0452
SS.....$119, 10K.....$295
B. Signature Necklace, 18”, #1008
SS.....$50 H. “Starlette” watch with pearled K. L.
face and jewel accents, #122S
C. Pierced Rose Charm Necklace, Stainless steel.....$75
18”, #0242
SS.....$36 I. Silhouette Rose Ring, #RD141
(Whole sizes 5 – 9 only.)
D. Modern Bead Bracelet, 7.5”, SS.....$30
with round engraved tag, #BK1846
SS.....$68 J. Silhouette Rose Earrings, #ER141
SS.....$30
E. Heritage Ring, #1897
(Whole sizes 5 – 8 only.) K. Virginia Ring, #1277
SS.....$50 (Whole sizes 5 – 9 only.)
SS.....$115
F. Alumnae Chapter
President's Ring, L. Barrel Bead, #bead
#2601 SS.....$25
10K.....$137
(Compatible with most bead bracelets.)
To order, visit www.HJGreek.com or call 1.800.422.4348
Prices subject to change without notice. Colored stones are synthetic.
member profile
by Lee Boone, Omega Omicron (Lambuth U)
redefininG
legacy
46 • To Dragma Morgan was a person that even if you met her only once…
you never could forget her. She had a heart so loving and
kind and always put everyone’s needs before her own. She
never met an enemy and made friends everywhere life
took her. To know her was to truly know one of God’s
own... For perhaps her sister Shannon described her
best when she said, “Morgan’s heart was so weak
because she was always caring for others….”
- Lisa Latham,
Omega Omicron (Lambuth U)
Recruitment Adviser
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Morgan Kelley mission for Heart Health
How do we build the legacy we want to leave behind? Morgan felt truly honored when she was asked
Is it carefully crafted through decades of long range to represent the American Heart Association
plans and strategic decisions or is it viewed through a through their “Go Red for Women” campaign in
lens beyond our design or control? These are questions February of 2008. According to family members,
that few of us have answered by age 21, but for Morgan “Morgan could not do anything to change the
Kelley, Omega Omicron (Lambuth U), the answers genetics of her heart but she could and would do
were already clear. all possible to be heart healthy. Morgan would
comment on how heart disease affected the young
Morgan was born with a heart defect that she knew and the old. This and the fact that Morgan had lived with
one day might require surgery. This knowledge did her heart condition from birth directed Morgan to study
not lesson her enthusiasm and commitment to bring hard and to set her sites on medical or nursing school.
people together to make a difference. Her ability to Her plan following her senior year at Lambuth as she
inspire others to action and her confidence in the power majored in Biology/Chemistry and planned to go on to
of love to sustain were enduring gifts she shared with nursing school. She hoped to be a nurse practitioner and
family, friends, and her campus community. Sadly to work with cardiology, specifically pediatric cardiology.
on December 7th, 2009 Morgan passed away due to Morgan wanted to make a difference.”
complications during open heart surgery. In 21 years,
she touched many lives and her actions have inspired aoii Leader
a legacy with continually expanding impact. This is
Morgan’s story. It was no surprise that Morgan was elected AOII
Chapter President, and as her chapter’s delegate she
In the fall of 2007, Morgan entered Lambuth attended the 2009 AOII International Convention.
University, and made a last minute decision to
register for sorority recruitment. She joined AOII and That fall, Morgan sought information about the
told her mother she was eager to get involved and Alumnae Initiate program and as Chapter President
make a difference. When she served the chapter as she initiated several mothers of chapter members
Vice President of Recruitment, she urged changes that including her own mom, Jan Kelley. Her mother stated,
translated into one of the most successful recruitment “Morgan was able to initiate me and three other mothers
results in recent history. Morgan was energized around in October of 2009. At that moment we became sisters
what she loved and her excitement was infectious. In and began to enjoy the bond that would help me to
addition to her passion for AOII, Morgan loved to share weather the storm that was just ahead.” Jan explains, “On
the message about the importance of heart health. December 7th, 2009 when Morgan passed away due to
complications sustained during open heart surgery, I was
able to draw strength from AOII and from my sisters."
The initial period of grief was sharp and raw, but
in a true reflection of the determined spirit Morgan
always exhibited, the chapter and the Lambuth campus
community found ways to respond to tragedy with
love and, ultimately, to create positive outcomes.
In these lives and these events, Morgan’s legacy
continues. Kortney Toney, current AOII CP at Lambuth
states, "I take with me some of the things that Morgan
taught me like living each day to the fullest - Morgan
certainly did. Life is not to be so serious all the time.
It's meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter and
memories and more than anything shared with LOVE!"
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
profile
Go Red for Morgan
February is heart health awareness month.
In 2010 and 2011, the AOII chapter at
Lambuth has led the campus community
in a “Go Red for Morgan” Day to continue
the awareness about the need to make
heart healthy choices.
Campus Community Honors Day Award
Morgan had been the Student Government Association
Vice President and in the months after her death, the SGA
created the Morgan Kelley Award. In the words of this award
description, “To honor the life of the late Morgan Kelley,
a fellow student, activist, friend, and senator, the Student
Government Association will present annually at the Honors
Day Convocation an award- the Morgan Kelley Award-
dedicated to its namesake’s honor.
Morgan Kelley and her contributions to Lambuth University
and influential effect on her peers shaped her legacy on
this campus. Morgan Kelley was a vital part of Lambuth
University, and because of her involvement, campus culture
was enhanced. Through this tribute, her legacy will be ever-
present and withstanding. This award serves not only as a
testament to Morgan Kelley but also as its recipients’ source of
inspiration to live up to her memory.”
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
Morgan Kelley Scholarship
Her mother explained, “Morgan told her AOII sisters, specifically her little sister, Taylor
Parimore, that once she had her heart surgery she planned to run a 5K because she was
never able to do this before her surgery. When Morgan passed away it was Taylor’s
idea to run a 5K for Morgan. This small group of girls worked through their grief
with the help of one very special advisor, Lisa Wilson Latham, to successfully organize
the Morgan Kelley Memorial 5K run. The dream of this 5K was to raise funds for
a scholarship in Morgan’s name.” A local golf tournament also caters to community
members who knew Morgan and want to honor her by raising funds for the Morgan
Kelley Scholarship and to continue Morgan’s mission about heart health awareness. In
just two years, these annual events have raised enough to begin distribution of scholarship
funds in the fall of 2011, a full three years earlier than anticipated. The family vision was
for this fund “to allow Morgan’s positive energy and spirit to live on through another
young lady who would love to give back and to make a difference.” Donations will also
be given to the American Heart Association in Morgan’s name.
Morgan’s Message
Morgan used the phrase, “Just Love” when the need would arise if there was tension between her sisters or family or friends.
This statement of “Just Love” describes all that Morgan stood for. Morgan truly gave from the heart and so many who knew and loved
her now enjoy this opportunity to honor and love her.” This year the Morgan Kelley 5k included t-shirts with the phrase “Running With
Love” as a reminder of Morgan’s phrase and the connection to being heart healthy.
The Gift of Sisterhood
Morgan might not have foreseen it, but by initiating those mothers in October of 2009, Morgan provided another gift to her chapter.
Jan Kelley, went on to state, “I became an adviser to the AOII chapter in the Fall of 2010 and have enjoyed every minute of the joy that
sisterhood brings. This was a precious gift that Morgan was able to give to me. These young ladies have moved mountains and have
shown a maturity that will always amaze me. I do hope that Morgan set an example for them to follow and that who she was as a leader
will guide them well.”
Morgan’s example of leadership, her mission on behalf of heart health, and her unfailing commitment to treat others with compassion
and love is part of the legacy she created. How do we build the legacy we want to leave behind? If we know what is worthwhile to
cherish and we honor it by the life we lead, our legacy shines brightly in the lives we influence and the love we give. Morgan Kelley
knew what was most worthy of her life’s work and this example and legacy continues in her words to us all, “just love.”
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011 To Dragma • 49
profile Jonesboro
50 • To Dragma Alumnae Chapter
by Rachel Boison, Kappa Kappa (Ball State U), Assistant Director of Chapter Services
The Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter is one of many Web hosting site for bloggers to post stories,
alumnae groups with best practices and success pictures and videos. The blog has essentially
stories to share this biennium. Current Alumnae created an online journal for the chapter that
President, Lindsay Harmon Burnett, Sigma gives local alumnae, and collegians on the
Omicron (Arkansas State U), exudes enthusiasm verge of alumna status, a look at the benefits
and excitement when describing how the chapter of life as an active AOII alumna member.
has achieved new levels of success the last two years. This type of social media provides a fun, easy
“We have successfully increased our membership and free way to craft a brand and a lifestyle
by providing at least one fun activity organized for the Jonesboro AC and Sigma Omicron,
by the chapter each month; they are designed to thus increasing public relations success and
bring women of all ages together,” Lindsay said. awareness for both chapters.
She believes these monthly events, coupled with a
close and thriving relationship with local collegiate Lindsay took the position of AP for Jonesboro
chapter Sigma Omicron at Arkansas State U, has two years ago and started the blog in May
helped the Jonesboro AC grow to 45 dues-paying of 2009. Their blog (aoiisigmaomicron.blogspot.
members for 2010-11. com) currently has 36 official “followers,” although
Lindsay says, as the blog host, she can see that the
On top of consistent monthly activities and support
of the collegiate chapter, Lindsay has utilized the site receives anywhere between
benefits of social media by chronicling the activities 50 and 100 clicks a day. “Several
of the chapter through “blog*spot” – a popular women have found my contact
information and reached out to the
chapter through the blog. They
always mention what a great idea it
is to have a blog and that they found
the site just by searching AOII on
the Internet. I think it has really
generated a lot more visibility than
we’ve had in previous years,” she
said. The blog also makes it easy
for local women who are not yet
involved to access information about
the chapter at their leisure.
Jonesboro has employed the skills
of a Chi Omega alumna, a close
friend of Lindsay’s, who lends her
graphic design talents to the creation
of invitations and communication
pieces for the chapter’s events, based
on event themes and concepts from
Lindsay and the chapter members.
Each month’s event has a distinct
theme that is echoed in the printed invitations –
the invitations are also posted as pictures on the
blog for further advertisement. Some of their event
themes have included a ‘Mad Hatter’ party with
Issue no. 2 • Spring 2011
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Spring 2011 - To Dragma
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