Summer 2022 - To Dragma

Summer 2022


ea ership lso in his issue...
+
Feature articles on pages 10-19 24 AOII's New Summer Events
38 Collegiate Chapter News
60 Things We Love

Contents

CONTENTS 10
4 Editor’s Letter 38 Collegiate Chapter News

7 Viewpoint 58 Life Loyal AOIIs

8 Fraternity News 60 Things We Love

10 Leadership and AOII 62 Alumnae Leadership
12 Inspiring Sisters Conference 2022 Recap
20 Building a Legacy of Sisterhood
24 AOII's New Summer Events 64 AOII Foundation
30 2022 Award Winners Sisterhood Retreat 2022

66 Shop The Emporium

On the cover: Phi Delta (U of Wisconsin, Milwaukee) members represent all our

AOII graduates embarking on a lifetime of exciting leadership opportunities.
1 | Summer 2022

Contents

AOII's 2021-2023 Executive Board

24 38 60

THINGS WE

LOVE

lea ershi e i i 2n

About Alpha Omicron Pi: r m he e i
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Barnard College
in New York City, January 2, 1897, by Jessie This issue of To Dragma is the second in a five-part series
Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Stella focusing on the Fraternity Ends (goals). In these pages we
George Stern Perry & Elizabeth Heywood Wyman. highlight our Leadership End, which states AOII members
develop and demonstrate impactful leadership and valuable
The Object of the Fraternity: life skills. Whether that skill development was learned during
The object of the Fraternity shall be to encourage a collegiate years, through alumnae involvement, or during
spirit of Fraternity and love among its members; to everyday life experiences, AOII's impressive members
stand at all times for character, dignity, scholarship, demonstrate leadership daily.
and college loyalty; to strive for and support the
best interest of the colleges and universities in AOII has provided me the opportunity to lead in many roles
which chapters are installed, and in no way to such as serving as president of my collegiate and alumnae
disregard, injure, or sacrifice those interests for the chapters, various volunteer and professional sta roles, and
sake of prestige or advancement of the Fraternity much more. Equally as important are the times I've learned to
or any of its chapters. lead behind the scenes or walk others through challenges. It's
leadership opportunities such as these that are recognized
Culture Principles: throughout this issue.
A look at “how” we do things: Accountability
& Ownership, Collaboration, Engagement, Read our perspective on Leadership and AOII, followed by
Innovation, Open & Honest Communication. several leadership profiles on inspiring AOII members. New
summer leadership events are highlighted, and I invite you
How to Join Life Loyal AOII: to scan the impressive list of AOII award winners. It's a salute
Visit the Life Loyal page on the AOII website or to leaders in action and chapters that stepped up to achieve
contact [email protected]. excellence. While this past year was another challenging one
for our chapters, you can tell by reading Collegiate Chapter
How to Join an AOII Alumnae Chapter: News that their worlds are finally beginning to return to normal,
Visit the Chapter Locator page on the AOII website and they are loving every minute.
for contact information on an alumnae chapter
near you. On page 20, we share big news on the construction of a
new Archives Museum. In a collaborative e ort between the
International President Fraternity and the AOII Foundation, this beautiful project is
Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi) the o cial salute to AOII's 125th anniversary celebration.
Upon completion, we encourage you to visit. In the museum's
Executive Director Leadership Hallway, visitors will be asked to consider how, "It
Kaya Miller, Gamma Theta (U of South Florida) takes each of us to make a positive impact. What part will you
play in advancing our great Fraternity? What legacy will you
Alpha Omicron Pi is a member of the National leave to AOII?"
Panhellenic Conference and the Fraternity
Communications Association. I hope you enjoy this issue! I also hope it gives you the
opportunity to reflect on how AOII has helped you develop and
demonstrate impactful leadership and life skills.

Fraternally,

4 | Summer 2022 Mariellen Perkinson Sasseen, Alpha Delta (U of Alabama)
Director of Strategic Partnerships/Editor

Want to be featured in our
print or digital media?

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

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

Follow Don’t forget to follow AOII to stay in the know! Graphic Designer/Webmaster
Julianna Johnson, Beta Phi (Indiana U)
alphaomicronpi alphaomicronpi
Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity Communications Content Manager
Cate Skinner, Xi Omicron (U of Arkansas)
aoiiusca
Sorority & Fraternity View To Dragma Online:
alphaomicronpi.org/news-events/to-dragma
uahaoii
Sorority & Fraternity How to Contact To Dragma:
To Dragma, 5390 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
2,209 likes 1,271 likes PH: 615-370-0920
alphaomicronpi To our Seniors, Congratulations! We are alphaomicronpi Feeling Confidently Coral [email protected]
so proud of you, your hard work and dedication to AOII... #inspireambition #alphaomicronpi
#inspireambition #alphaomicronpi How to Update Your Name or Address:
alphaomicronpi Login to AlphaLink via the For Members page on
alphaomicronpi Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity the AOII website, email your new information to
Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity [email protected], or call 615.370.0920.

alphaomicronpiusa Who Receives To Dragma:
Sorority & Fraternity Active AOII collegiate members, new members,
Life Loyal AOIIs, and dues paying alumnae members
aoii_mtsu receive all copies of To Dragma.
Sorority & Fraternity All AOII members with good mailing addresses
receive the Fall issue of To Dragma.
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Stay Connected:
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linkedin.com/company/alpha-omicron-pi

5

Zeta Pi (U of Alabama Birmingham)
6 | Summer 2022

Viewpoint

CVryIstEalWGrPaftOonICNomTbs

As you will read, this edition of our magazine is all As your International President, I am only one person. Yet, I
about leadership. As shared in our Ends, our goal as am not alone. I partner with my Executive Board sisters and
an organization is that “AOII members develop and our Executive Director to lead and serve our organization.
demonstrate impactful leadership and valuable life skills.” I trust the work they are doing, whether that is within our
You will notice that this statement does not include a Executive Board committees or in partnership with our
designated title required to do either of these things. professional sta ’s Leadership Team and our international
So often, we think of leadership in terms of the o ces we volunteers. This is how we seek to achieve success.
seek to hold. In all honesty, it warms my heart when a sister Together. These women challenge me and inspire me.
shares with me that she one day wants to be International They make me a better leader; and, collectively, we create
President. It has been a highlight of my personal service. a stronger sisterhood as we seek to inspire ambition.
However, leadership is not always defined by a title. Rather,
I believe leadership is defined by the person, and I would Leadership also means having the courage to live in a
challenge you to think about leadership in a di erent way place of “AND.” I first learned this phrase from our sister,
for a moment. Colene Elridge (Tau Omega), owner of Be More Consulting.
I will ask you to consider that every member of your I have adapted it to my own leadership style to reflect that
chapter is a leader, simply by being a member. Our it is okay for two people to disagree AND still be friends;
members are called to uphold the pillars of character, for two friends to have di erent political opinions AND
dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty – at all times and in still be respectful of one another; for two sisters to have
all things, and all without a title. Someone is always paying di erent ideological beliefs AND still uphold the values of
attention to our words and our actions, whether we are our Ritual. I have learned to appreciate living and serving
wearing our letters or not. We always have the opportunity in this place, because I believe that in AOII there truly is
to set an example, to inspire someone else, and to show space for all of us. As you read these pages, I hope you
others what it means to be an AOII. My hope is that I am believe it, too, and I hope you discover the leader in you!
always leading by example, not only in my role that comes Fraternally,
with a title, but also in my role as an individual. This is what
leadership means to me. Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi) 7
Leadership also means having the confidence to know that AOII International President
the power of leadership comes in the power of partnership.

Inulliquam, sim qui

FRATERNITY NEWS

a y Milestone Anniversaries Celebrated
i r
100

Champaign-Urbana Alumnae Chapter, Installed 5/13/1922

75

Shreveport-Bossier City Alumnae Chapter, Installed 2/22/1947
Baton Rouge Alumnae Chapter, Installed 2/23/1947
Evansville Tri-State Alumnae Chapter, Installed 6/7/1947

25

Winston-Salem Alumnae Chapter, Installed 2/25/1997
Kappa Chi (Northwestern State U), Installed 1/25/1997
Chi Theta (Northeastern State U), Installed 4/26/1997

Scan the QR Code Fall 2022 Mentor Power Hour Options
to Register!
This popular opportunity is open to collegians and alumnae members to
8 | Summer 2022 explore various fields and connect to mentors. To register, scan the QR
code with your phone or visit the AOII website.
All sessions are hosted at 7:30 p.m. Central Time.
• Grad School | Wednesday, September 7th
• Healthcare/Medical | Wednesday, September 21st
• Nursing | Wednesday, September 28th
• Early/Elementary Education | Wednesday, October 5th
• Secondary Education | Wednesday, October 19th
• Higher Education | Wednesday, October 26th
• Engineering & Technology | Wednesday, November 2nd
• Business Management & Administration | Wednesday, November 9th
• Science & Mathematics | Wednesday, November 16th

OCT WORLD Fraternity News
ARTHRITIS DAY
Mark Your Calendars
DEC JINGLE
BELL RUN World Arthritis Day | October 12, 2022
In support of AOII's international philanthropy, arthritis, World
JUNE INTERNATIONAL Arthritis Day is a day to raise global awareness of this disease and/
CONVENTION or host an AOII Goes Blue event in support of arthritis education.
Jingle Bell Run is Coming
Beginning in mid-November and running through December, cities
all over the US will be hosting these signature fundraising events
in support of the Arthritis Foundation. Chapters are encouraged to
form a team and participate. Learn more at arthritis.org/events.
2023 International Convention | June 21-25, 2023
Join us for AOII Convention 2023 at the Gaylord Texan Resort
and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. We will celebrate
sisterhood, conduct Fraternity business, network with sisters, and
engage in AOII Rituals, Ceremonies, and Services. Visit the AOII
website to learn more as details are shared.

From the AOII Nominating Trustees

There will be many upcoming communications from the Nominating Trustees
regarding the 2023 Executive Board election process. Whether you are
considering service or wishing to evaluate candidates, you will have opportunities
at various AOII events to hear more about Executive Board service, have your
questions answered on the election process, and hear what it is like to serve on
the Executive Board. For any questions about the next Executive Board election
cycle, please email your inquiries to [email protected].

2022 FCA Award Recognitions

AOII was pleased to have received two awards during the 2022 Fraternity
Communications Association Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio this
past April. The Fraternity won third place in "Alumni or Alumnae Engagement
E ort" for our Mentor Power Hour programming. Additionally, our
International President, Crystal Grafton Combs, won third place for her
To Dragma Viewpoint, Fall 2021, in the "Magazine Writing - Short" category.

Have you paid your alumnae dues?

Alumnae dues make it possible for the Fraternity to provide programs
that benefit our members. By supporting the alumnae dues program,
you champion Alpha Omicron Pi’s vision to Inspire Ambition among our
members through giving in a meaningful way. Go to "For Members" on the
AOII website to easily pay your dues!

9

Feature


ea ership
&

By Jackie Petrucci, Assistant Executive Director, Omega Upsilon (Ohio U)

Everyone can be a leader because leadership isn’t The Fraternity o ers leadership development
just one thing. Leadership is an identifiable set of programming for collegiate and alumnae members
skills and abilities that is available to everyone. from serving on the Executive Team, Advisory Board
Because leadership is developed and not something or Network Team to attendance at Leadership
bestowed on a select few, it can be strengthened, Academy, Alumnae Leadership Conference or
honed, and enhanced through practice, feedback, Volunteer Summit. Our collegiate o cer and advisory
and coaching. Alpha Omicron Pi should provide a board structure is based directly on professional
safe space for members to grow leadership and life environments and is modeled on teamwork and
skills at any stage of life. building collaborative as well as individual leadership
Membership in AOII provides an opportunity for skills.
members to reach their fullest potential and gain However, I would argue that one of the best
access to a supportive network of women that opportunities to strengthen and hone leadership
will help them grow far beyond their college days. skills comes in the form of loving sisters. Sounds
Whether serving as o cers or participating in crazy, right? If you have trouble saying the exact
educational programming, our members are o ered words “I love you” to your sisters because it feels
the support and opportunity to grow as leaders. awkward, let me o er other ways of saying it to them.

Want to become a better sister, friend, or leader? Take the time
to reflect on our Ritual and practice the guidance it provides.
And when you do, you help the Founders’ realize their dream
of “more to achieve, more to share!”

– ella Ge r e ern Perry, 1952

10 | Summer 2022

Feature

Loving your sisters means caring about their And loving yourself is likely the most important
personal situations. It means seeing the smile on love of all. Loving ourselves enough to be
their face when something amazing has happened ambitious, to believe in our ability to make an
and celebrating with them or seeing the quiver in impact in the world around us, and to forgive
their lip and knowing that something isn’t quite right. ourselves for mistakes and failures like we do for
It’s at this time that you lean into how you can be a others are also characteristics of great leaders.
leader to best support them or the situation at hand. Love is central to leadership in the sorority
Loving your sisters means confronting them. It is experience. When you elect to be a part of our
the ability to say “no” or “stop” or “I don’t think that organization, you are a part of something greater
is the best course of action here.” Leadership means than yourself, and the choices you make become
being ok with accountability and the discomfort that a reflection of all of us. What greater love or better
it can bring. example of leadership is there than that?
Loving your sisters means challenging them. Great
leaders recognize the true potential in others and
wanting them to reach that potential. It is inspiring
others to have the confidence to send that email,
go for that job interview, or apply for that leadership
role that they normally wouldn’t.

Chi Theta (Northeastern State U) 2

Inspiring Sisters


Iistnesrpsirin

Leaders | Entrepreneurs | Mentors

ignon ould

Theta Omega (Northern Arizona U)

By Cate Skinner, Communications Content Manager,
Xi Omicron (U of Arkansas)

Entrepreneurial leadership runs deep within
this outstanding AOII alumna. Mignon
Gould is an initiate of the Theta Omega
Chapter at Northern Arizona University and
embodies the ideals, successful leadership,
and professional development that can be
achieved within collegiate years.
Mignon started her career writing fashion
and entertainment articles for a nationally-
ranked local newspaper, which led to
freelance writing work and launching her
own publication. She later founded Mignon
Media International in 2010 and under that
business she became an online publisher,
digital marketer, web/graphic designer, and
content creator. One of her first business
adventures under Mignon Media was with
TheChicSpy.com, a blog she started in
2007 that grew into an online style and
1e|nSteumrtamienrm2e0n2t2magazine.

Inspiring Sisters

On TheChicSpy.com, Gould has interviewed various “It doesn’t mean the relationship will be perfect
prominent fashion and film aficionados. Some of between you and those you lead, but that it will be
these interviews include designer Badgley Mischka; respectful, concise and authentic.”
Director of Jane Eyre, Cary Fukunaga; and actresses Her inspiring work does not stop within fashion,
and actors such as Emma Stone, Selma Hayek, Jodi media, entertainment, and film. She has also shared
Foster, and Idris Elba. In 2017 she archived that her leadership expertise through advisory roles
website, but it inspired her to launch FashFilmFete, a within AOII collegiate chapters. She has advised in
film festival celebrating fashion storytelling. the areas of recruitment, new membership, chapter
As a successful entrepreneur, a key focus of development, and communications. “It has been
Mignon’s has always been to cultivate and grow very beneficial in connecting with and relating to a
quality leadership skills. She shared that she new generation of young women,” Mignon reflected.
often refers to her personality characteristics as “It's a privilege learning from them, as well as
extroverted and intuitive, and she has a deep sense sharing with them what all I have learned throughout
of altruism and empathy for other people, which the years.”
she believes are all important qualities to possess Mignon is ambitious in her career and values
as a leader. “I always attempt to understand why impactful opportunities to show others what
someone does what they do and then communicate Inspiring Ambition means. She shared that it is
with them in a way that will best resonate with important to exemplify what you want those you
them,” Mignon said. “Good communication skills lead to emulate. “That’s where the authenticity
are essential to being a great leader. I believe with comes into play,” she said. “People are more willing
clear communication, anything is possible. It’s also to follow and listen to you when you embody what
a skill that can be cultivated and it allows for better you say. In short, to Inspire Ambition is to lead by
understanding of one another.” example and be aspirational.”
When discussing what leadership means to her While Mignon has achieved quite the resume, she
personally, she quoted the famous Maya Angelou, shared that it has been full of challenges, which
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, she reflects on with thankfulness. “Everything you
people will forget what you did, but people will never experience and learn in life has the potential to help
forget how you made them feel.” Mignon shared that you become a stronger leader and a better human,”
leadership is about interacting and engaging with she said. “Nothing in life worth having comes easy.
others in a thoughtful manner. Keep that in mind and you will go far!”

Find Mignon Online:

@mignonmedia

mignonmedia.co
fashfilmfete.com

13

14 | Summer 2022 onorable Cynthia
eager rvant

Beta Gamma (Michigan State U)

By Courtney Dillard, Director of Communications,
Tau Omicron (U of Tennessee Martin)

Finding yourself on the opposite side of a
judge’s bench might not be the way you
would want to initially meet the Honorable
Cynthia Meager Arvant, but citizens can
be sure that this self-titled “people person”
will always find a courtroom ruled with
grace and empathy. As a district judge in
the state of Michigan, Cynthia typically
sees a civil docket of landlord/tenant
cases and small claims under $25,000.
Additionally, she presides over criminal
cases of misdemeanors of driving o enses,
shoplifting, and domestic violence charges.
As Cynthia explains, “the people I see each
day just want to be heard, and only want
to know that you understand their position.
You treat everyone with courtesy and
respect because you don’t know what’s
going on behind the scenes. Everyone is
entitled to a level of respect.”
That mantra is not only a guiding principle
from which we can all apply daily, but it is a
framework for the value that Cynthia places
on relationships.
As a young collegian entering the sprawling
campus of Michigan State University,
Cynthia would best describe herself as
quiet and reserved. In the fall of 1989, AOII
was just completing their first recruitment
since rechartering the previous year. Arvant
recalls immediately joining the “new” group
on campus because she was so impressed
by the vibrant women in the organization.
AOII would ultimately give her a smaller
community within a large campus, a safe-
haven where she could continue to learn
and grow, and ultimately build and foster
relationships with women that she would
keep until this day.