2007 Spring - To Dragma

Missouri 1

St. Louis Montana
Bozeman
Keep tradition... Bake a pie, like Grandma did...

The St. Louis Alumnae Each year during Rose Week, we host AOPie
Chapter has participated i n night at the local Alpha Phi Chapter. We enjoy
the St. Louis Area A r t h r i - this f u n night of games and delicious pies, as do
tis Walk for five years and the collegiate members. We usually try to include
counting. This year we are a bit of A O I I history for the new member class,
planning for the May 18, along with the fun.
2 0 0 7 event. AreaAOIIs,
friends and family join for
a f u n evening in one of St.
Louis' famous parks, Forest
Park. We have averaged
more than $ 1 0 0 0 per year
and hope to reach our goal

of $ 1 3 0 0 for 2007. Utilizing

the mini-grant program, our
chapter donates to the A O I I
Foundation and a mini-grant
is returned to the St. Louis
Area Arthritis Foundation.

Nebraska New Jersey
Lincoln
Treat the kids to some fun... Central New Jersey

Lincoln and Omaha area alumnae and their children were Enjoy the great
"treated" to a Halloween Party at the Zeta chapter house i n
October. Activities included games for the children, pumpkin outdoors...
painting, coloring, face painting and the traditional "bobbing
for apples." This event was a great way for many young alumnae Sisters o f Central N e w Jersey
and their children to connect with the collegiate members. Alumnae Chapter gathered with
family and friends this past October
Omaha to go pumpkin picking and enjoy
Spend time with friends and family... a beautiful autumn day. We started
the day w i t h a hayride through a
Some of our events also include families. I n October we went local farm. In addition to picking
to a pumpkin patch and had a campfire, and in December we a pumpkin, we explored a corn
visit the holiday lights display at our zoo. We always end the maze and bought autumn treats
year w i t h a spring brunch that includes recent graduates. We at the market.
think that sisterhood and socializing go hand in hand.

ISSUE N O . 2 • SPRING 2007 To D R A G M A • 51

JJMNAE NEWS 4

New Mexico New York
Central New Mexico Buffalo
Showcase your talents... Bring a friend...

One o f our chapter members, Nancy Yankura, was Each year we hold a recruitment night and sisters are asked to
cast along with her husband in "Skating Through the reach out to a long lost sister and be their guide for the night.
Looking Glass." Hosted by the Santa Fe Skating Club, We meet up, play silly games and remind ourselves that we
it showcases skaters o f all ages in an original adventure are sisters for life! We also hold a ritual night to remember the
through the wild & wonderful world of Lewis Carroll. beauty and simplicity that A O I I is.
We are proud o f Nancy and we're excited to support
her on the ice! Long Island
Be the hostess with the mostess...
r
North Carolina O n a Saturday in September our Alumnae President, Vicki
Piedmont, NC Menna, opened her new home to a Strike Out Arthritis!
Take pride in everything you do... Shopping Extravaganza. Vendors from various home party
outlets such as Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, and Home Interiors
We were excited to participate i n the Triad Arthritis purchased a table and took orders f r o m customers i n an open
Walk on October 22, 2006. We wore our A O I I letters house atmosphere. Each vendor donated a door prize and a
proudly as we enjoyed a time o f sisterhood together portion o f their sales to benefit arthritis research through the
walking for a worthy cause. We laughed a lot and re- A O I I Foundation. Seeing AOIIs, family , and friends shopping
ally enjoyed the day. for a cause was an inspiration to all.

Winston-Salem NY/NJ Metro
Celebrate your birthday with Make every day memorable...
that extra slice of cake...
We consider anytime our chapter gets together formally or
The Winston-Salem informally a sisterhood event! We always enjoy each other's
chapter celebrates our company. Our Founders' Day and "Welcome to Alumnae
chapter birthday annually Status" celebrations are especially rewarding because we are
in February with a celebrating w i t h Theta Pi Chapter at Wagner College.
philanthropy. Chapter
members bring items to ISSUE N O . 2 • SPRING 2007
donate to a local senior
center. These items (like
DVDs of old sitcoms, socks
and tissues) help improve
daily life for the seniors.
This year we had a family
barbeque, Texas-style,
in North Carolina. Our
spouses and children joined
us to eat brisket and Texas-shaped-pasta dishes. We
also celebrated some milestone birthdays of our chapter
members and spouses with a red rose birthday cake.

52 • To D R A G M A

r Ohio Oklahoma

Cleveland Area Tulsa

Eat your greens... Help someone see
more clearly...
We officially kicked o f f our 2006-07 year w i t h our traditional Salad Pot Luck meeting
at Nancy Fenner's Home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Many o f our members brought The Tulsa A O I I Alumnae have
their favorite salads and snacks to share over dinner. We spent a f u n evening sharing participated in the Arthritis
A O I I memories across healthy salads and hearty breads provided by our hostess. A f u n Foundation's Camp Diversity
evening was had by all. for Girl Scouts. Members have
been very active in teaching
Toledo Area young girls the importance o f
Curl up with a good book... healthy nutrition and identi-
fying similarities and differ-
As a part o f "Blankets o f Love," we w i l l be blanke- ences in all people. T h r o u g h
teers making fleece blankets to be donated to Project the Tulsa Panhellenic, AOIIs
Linus, a non-profit organization that provides provided scholarships to local
warmth and comfort to foster children o f Lucas collegians and alumnae. We
County. These children are seriously ill, traumatized also helped provide eyeglasses
or otherwise i n need. Also, our book club that has for 15 children through the
been a hit. Every other month the book club meets Tulsa Panhellenic program to
at a different sister's home. assist local schools.

Ontario Greater Harrisburg

London Area

Help feed the hungry...

O u r last philanthropy event was
with London's Food Bank. We
spent a few hours i n the evening
unloading a truck full o f potatoes,
cereal and canned goods. There
was lots o f heavy l i f t i n g , but we
had a lot of fun. Once the truck
was unloaded, we learned about
the amount o f food that is donated
and given to people in need. It
was astonishing to actually see
what families are given as part
o f the program. We all agree
we need to give more. We look
forward to volunteering with the
Food Bank a^ain.

I S S U E N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2007 To D R A G M A • 53

A J M N A E JMEWS Texas

Ontario Austin
Ottawa
Help the world around you... Play a new game...

Fund-raising is a wonderful way for A O I I alumnae and collegians to work together. Austin Area Alumnae have monthly social
For many years the Ottawa Alumnae and Gamma C h i collegians at Carleton U have events including Bunco Night, Christmas
participated i n Ottawa's "Great Globe Garage Sale" a huge community-wide garage Party and other events. Members stretch
sale. Alumnae raise funds for the Paul Menton Centre, an outstanding Centre at Car- over a 50-mile radius i n the Austin area, so
leton U for students with physical handicaps or learning disabilities. Collegians raise sisters plan to establish neighborhood events
funds for arthritis research. Activities like this help A O I I collegians and alumnae get too. One big goal for the Austin Alumnae
to know one another and build a shared bond - as both groups act on their promise to Chapter is to increase membership and
be of service to the world about them. make connections w i t h more sisters.

Toronto Dallas
Use your green thumb...
Be the best...
In 2006, we celebrated Founders' Day at the Cricket Club; Linda Nichols hosted our
"Sisterhood Soiree." We replanted the front garden at the A O I I house and held a Team A O I I has ranked among the top
garden party to welcome seniors to alumnae status. Christine Russell hosted our annual teams for fund-raising and number o f
summer barbeque, our Terry Fox R u n team raised $1,406 for cancer research, and we members recruited to walk. Last year we
had a lot of fun getting manicures at Kristen Gale's 10 Spot Nail Bar. We topped o f f the partnered with Delta Theta collegians and
year w i t h dinner w i t h Beta Tau's A A C and Housing Corporation officers. the Greater Tarrant County Alumnae
Chapter at the event; it is a great way to
promote A O I I and our philanthropy to the
community. We were also the third largest
team out of 60 total groups participating in
2006, which is quite an accomplishment i n
such a large metropolitan area. O u r team

Pennsylvania Greater Harrisburg Philadelphia

Bucks County Cook a new dish... Remember the fun of
summer camp...
Salute a sister's The ladies o f Greater
success... Harrisburg have The Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter
tried some new ways supports philanthropy on both local and
Our members are involved to be social this past national levels. The $250 Polly J. Q u i g -
in many activities other than year. We learned ley Scholarship sends a girl from the area
AOII. One of our members to make a meal at a to the Pennsylvania American Juvenile
volunteers at a local profes- cooking school at a Arthritis Organization camp each sum-
sional theater, and two other local grocery store, mer. We support the Strike Out Arthntis
members produce and act in made bead bracelets Event at St. Joseph's U . As a combina-
plays for a local amateur group. and had a spouse tion of philanthropy and fund raising,
Two members are involved in game night. These we consign items at the Neighborhood
their own Garden Clubs and were in addition League Shop. We also support the A O I I
with the Philadelphia Flower to a football party, Foundation by taking a collection at our
Show, which is the largest i n - Founders' Day Cel- Founders' Day and our Chapter sent $372
door flower show in the world. ebration, and picnic to the Foundation's Ruby Fund for the
Several members are involved at a historic m i l l . We have lots o f opportunities to 2006-2007 year.
a A A U W , one is very involved meet everyone's interests and have f u n together!
in a Folk Festival in the fall.

54 • To D R A O M A I S S U E N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2007

raised $2,443.25 at the 2006 walk, which things. We are really learning a lot f r o m we shared shrimp and tasty hors d'oeuvres.
was $1,400 over our 2005 efforts. Due to the I )allas Chapter and are very grateful Next, we held a day out with our little
the continuing efforts of our philanthropic to them for all of their help in getting our sisters and painted ceramics together. O u r
chairman, Christie Gibson, our goal is to chapter up and running again. Christmas Party was another shining night
be the biggest team at the 2007 Walk. for the SAAC. This year we are inviting
Houston potential Alumnae Initiates so we can get
Denton County Make dinner time, to k n o w them better. O u r anniversary is
Make a difference... family time... in the spring time, so we plan a dinner on
the Riverwalk for an evening out w i t h our
sisters and spouses or significant others.

This fall, the Denton County Alumnae I n our chapter we have monthly dinners
Chapter made a difference i n McKinney, the last Wednesday of every month. This
T X at the McKinney Make A Difference gives the sisters a chance to relax and catch
Day. Our dedicated members helped sort up w i t h one another. Houston is a very
an amazing amount of clothes, toys, and large city so in order to help accommodate
household goods for the Friend of the Inn all our sisters, we hold monthly dinners
T h r i f t Store. A l l proceeds from the thrift every month, but rotate the location so
store benefitted the Samaritan Inn, the only that sisters f r o m different areas can j o i n us.
homeless shelter in Collin County. We had We also try to alternate the areas and times
a great time helping the community! of our other events so that we can give
choices to all AOIIs in the area.
Greater Tarrant County
San Antonio
Remember the impor-
tance of teamwork... Share AOII with others...

Because we are a small chapter, we are The San Antonio Alumnae love to
teaming up with the Dallas and Denton mingle! We began our year w i t h the Kick
County Alumnae Chapters on many O f f in August at a classy restaurant where

Virginia Wisconsin
Northern Virginia
Fill your planner with fun... Madison

The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter has had a very busy schedule of events for the Stay balanced...
2006-2007 year. We kicked-off our fall events with a potluck dinner in September, din-
ner out w i t h sisters at a restaurant i n October, Pre-Thanksgiving holiday shopping auction A balance is kept between our
in November, and ending the 2006 year w i t h Scottish Christmas Parade, High Tea, and philanthropic endeavors, staying
Gift Wrapping in December. The N e w Year started with our annual After Christmas Gift healthy, and having fun. This year
Exchange in January, followed by Founders' Day, Programs on Passing D o w n Family Heir- we include, Sundaes on Sunday,
looms and Living with Cancer, and our Spring Highway Cleanup in February and March. Farmers Market, our annual flower
We are finishing the year w i t h a Visit to the Pandas at the National Zoo, Senior Picnic, arranging at a local florist shop, and
Arthritis Walk and our Strike Out Arthritis event. a cookie/ornament exchange for
the holiday season. O u r new year
Williamsburg Alumnae starts with a Founders' Day lun-
Take a lesson in history... cheon with the Milwaukee Alum-
nae chapter and a "ladies night out"
The Williamsburg Alumnae Chapter w i l l commemorate Jamestown 2()()7 with its own at a dinner theater. Spring has us
private tour of the settlement. Arranged by one of our members, the chapter w i l l take the visiting the Vilas Zoo with our
tour in March. 'Jamestown 2007" is the celebration of the 400th anniversary o f Jamestown, children, a women's health issues
the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. presentation, concerts on Madison's
Capital Square, Arthritis Walk,
I S S U E N O . 2 * S P R I N G 2007 and also a popular summer event: a
family picnic on the lake.

To D K A G M A • 55

PROFILE

ZETA P I

University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
Installed: January 25, 1987
Sub-motto: "Trust is Warmth"

Chapter President Candace LaRue loves it when she Throughout the year, you will probably find AOIIs
hears "Those AOIIs are everywhere!" W h e n she working on their conversation skills and practicing
does, she knows that her sisters are doing what they their favorite A O I I songs in preparation for
do best...staying active. Located at the University formal recruitment. The chapter is proud o f their
of Alabama Birmingham, the Zeta Pi Chapter recruitment results, and for the past several years
considers themselves "well rounded girls who focus has had an amazing 98% o f potential new members
on scholarship, character, and sisterhood." The accept an invitation to their preference round, or
sixty member chapter stays busy as campus and final day o f formal recruitment. Zeta Pi's positive
community leaders and could very well be the reputation shines through to young women just
reason why we often hear "everywhere you go you beginning their Greek life experience.
will find an A O I I . "
I f you hear cheering and see a bunch o f women
I f you visit the university library, you will most j u m p i n g and excitedly forming a huddle as they
likely f i n d an A O I I because o f the importance o f scream " A A A - O I I ! " then you probably have found
scholarship to the chapter. Last fall, the chapter the Zeta Pi Chapter after an intramural game
had the highest GPA o f all N P C groups and the victory. The chapter calls this traditional huddle a
highest GPA o f all Greek groups for the semester. "Pi-up" and says " i t always makes everyone smile."
AOIIs know how to balance their busy schedules As recipients o f the President's Award for Women's
to ensure academic success. Intramural Sports at UAB, the chapter has reason
to celebrate.

5 6 • To D R A G M A ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2007

"There is
no better
feeling than
a Sister
standing
beside you!"

At the U A B Greek Awards Banquet you will find At the beginning o f the year you will find A O I I s
AOIIs accepting the "Student Life Excellence mingling with alumnae and singing "Happy
Award." Presented by the National Student Birthday" as they celebrate Founders' Day. O n
A l u m n i Socieity, this is the top honor a Greek January 24,2007 the chapter celebrated their 20th
group can w i n on campus. The Zeta Pi Chapter anniversary, an exciting milestone for collegiate and
has received this honor an impressive eight years i n alumnae members.
a row, and adds this award to several other Greek
and campus awards. You w i l l always find AOIIs raising money
for the A O I I Foundation and educating the
I f you travel to an A O I I Leadership Institute or community about arthritis. The chapter annually
International Convention, you w i l l find Zeta Pi hosts a successful Strike O u t Arthritis bowling
members receiving certificates, including the Ruby tournament in addition to " A O I I Queen," a
Award, Foundation Senior Challenge, and the philanthropy beauty pageant...for men. A huge
Headquarters' Cooperation Award. As recipients hit on campus, the chapter raises money by selling
o f some o f AOII's top honors, Candace says that " i t tickets and charging entry fees. You wiD find
takes accountability and sisterhood to be a strong AOIIs entertaining the campus on this night as the
chapter. All members o f the chapter must pull contests are judged on evening wear and talent "or
their own weight for everything to run smoothly." lack there of!" Candace laughs.

Out and about in the city ot Birmingham you will These AOIIs really are everywhere. I f you find
find AOIIs meeting up for sushi at Surin West, near one A O I I at U A B you will soon find many more
the U A B campus or shopping at local boutiques. because the chapter believes: "There is no better
Sisters also enjoy getting together for concerts feeling than a sister standing beside you," Candace
or movies, and on Thursday nights you will find says. Despite all o f the chapter's accomplishments,
AOIIs catching up on the latest "McDreamy" what is most important in the end is their
drama on Grey's Anatomy. sisterhood. Exciting awards, trophies, and statistics
only mean something i f they can be achieved
D u r i n g special times o f the year, you may find through teamwork and celebrated w i t h sisters.
AOIIs fighting for seconds of'Lindsey Martin's " W i t h o u t sisterhood, none o f these things could
Poppyseed Chicken Casserole." It's all in good f u n ever be possible," Candace says. "What we love
o f course, as this is the chapter's favorite dish. A most is enjoying time w i t h our sisters."
former chapter president and local alumna, Lindsey
often surprises the chapter with this meal after a
long day o f formal recruitment. "Everyone goes
crazy over it!" Candace jokes.

I S S U E N O . 2 • SpRiNc; 2007 1

To D R A C H M A • 57

PROFILE

C H I EPSILON

The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Installed: May 22, 1993
Sub-motto: "Cherish Everything"

It's morning, early morning, and you wake up an undefeated season i n 2 0 0 6 , earning them the
to the sound of a marching band outside of your chance to play for the National Championship i n
window. Under other circumstances, you might January. W i t h a tradition o f w i n n i n g at O S U , it is
be annoyed that your snooze was interrupted appropriate that one o f the chapter's goals for the
by the sounds o f cymbals, tubas, and clarinets, academic year was to w i n homecoming: " A t the
but not i f it is an autumn Saturday morning in beginning o f the year during our sisterhood week,
Columbus, Ohio. Welcome to O h i o State on we decided that w i n n i n g homecoming would be
football Saturday. I f you are an O S U student, you extremely important to our chapter i n many ways.
have probably been up for hours and are sporting Because we are a smaller chapter on campus, we
your favorite "scarlet and grey" apparel and maybe wanted to show the Greek C o m m u n i t y that even
even some face paint i n anticipation o f the next small chapters can accomplish big things." A n d ,
exciting Big 10 match up. Among the crowd of w i n n i n g homecoming at O S U is a big thing.
screaming Buckeye fans are the members o f C h i What better way to show their school spirit and
Epsilon chapter. "Yes, we are all big football fans focus on sisterhood?
here, says Jena Hurst, Chapter President, "just
about all o f us go to every game and cheer on the The women knew it would take a lot o f planning
Buckeyes!" It seems being a football fan would be and hard work in addition to confidence. The
a prerequisite for admission seeing as the team had chapter formed a spirit committee that kept
members up to date on all homecoming events
Chi Epsilon members proved nothing could rain on their homecoming parade. and activities. The chapter earned points by
attending each event based on the percentage o f
members that were present, and managed to have
at least 7 5 % o f the chapter at each event. Daily
reminders filled up each member's email inbox to
ensure no one would forget to attend the Buckeye
carnival, risk management speaker, O S U tailgating
event, and Buckeye Jeopardy throughout the
week. Perhaps the most important step that the
chapter took was to believe that they could and
would w i n . The women not only kept each other
excited, but also shared their goal w i t h potential
new members during a fall recruitment event.
" O u r Homecoming Week Chairman also spoke
with the chapters we were teamed up w i t h to get
them geared up, and to let them know we were
serious about w i n n i n g , " Jena said. It was obvious
that A O I I was on fire, and no one could say
otherwise when the ladies showed o f f an " A O I I
decorated" 1948 fire truck i n the homecoming
parade. C h i Epsilon's creativity and hard work

58 • To D R A G M A ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2007

"We are a strong sisterhood because we take the values that
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on and make them our own."

0

paid off when points were tabulated and A O I I w o n In a m i x of40,000 students, what makes A O I I the
OSU's homecoming. To add to that great feat, right choice? " A O I I isn't just a sorority, but a home
C h i Epsilon was inspired to set more goals. The and a family. We don't all look alike, we don't all do
chapter also made it a priority to raise their chapter the same things, we don't all have the same major,
CPA and improve academics throughout the year. and we definitely don't all think alike. AOII brings
By using incentives to motivate members to attend us together to have a common bond of sisterhood."
all o f their classes and to study, the chapter raised
their fall quarter CPA. A O I I may not be the biggest chapter at OSU, but
that doesn't mean they aren't the strongest: "We can
Despite their busy schedules and involvement truly say we know all of our sisters. We don't just
in honorary societies, clubs, and varsity athletics know them by their face, but by their name, what
such as rugby, Softball, rowing, and ju-jitz-ju, C h i they do, their major, their boyfriend's name, their
Epsilon makes time for philanthropy. One o f the family and their personality," Jena says. "We are
chapter's signature events is Nacho Fest, which a strong sisterhood because we take the values that
benefits arthritis research. This year's Nacho Fest Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on and make them
raised more money than the previous three all-you- our own," says Sam Lowry, New Member Educator.
can eat chips and cheese events, and the chapter
hopes to raise even more money next year. As far as big plans for the spring quarter, as long as
they work together the chapter is confident they
I f you travel to Columbus you are most likely to can handle anything that comes their way. " N o
find AOIIs shopping, eating out, attending movies, matter what life throws at us, we j o i n together and
or just spending time around the chapter house. overcome the problems," Jena says, "Great leaders
That's what C h i Epsilon feels "is one o f the best are those that push for change, and that's exactly
aspects o f A O I I " because it gives everyone the what C h i Epsilon does."
opportunity to learn about each other. "There
is always someone to go do something with, but
nothing beats the random nights we have."

I S S U E N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2007 To D R A G M A • 59

National Panhellenic Conference
2006 Interim Session

With the theme NPC: Helping Women Grow, Give, Lead and
Succeed, the National Panhellenic Conference held its Interim Session
Oct. 20-21, 2006, at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott.

The purpose of the Interim Session is to provide time for the board of
directors, committee chairmen and committees to meet and to conduct
business that comes before the conference.

STRATEGIC PLAN ENHANCED RELATIONSHIPS

This meeting was also structured to allow time Josette George, Phi Sigma Sigma, chairman o f the
to work on the N P C strategic plan, adopted at Long-Range Planning Committee, hosted a panel
the 2 0 0 5 Biennial Session. A l l aspects o f N P C discussion on enhanced relationships. Participants
are being reviewed to be certain the needs of its were Marc Katz, president of the North-American
member groups are being met as reflected in NPC's Interfraternity Conference; Kyle Pendleton,
mission and vision statements. Strategic plan task president-elect o f the Association o f Fraternity
forces have been working throughout the year on Advisors; Bob Biggs, president of the Fraternity
specific objectives of the plan. During the Interim Executives Association; Dick McKaig, vice
Meeting, delegation members held numerous president of student affairs, Indiana University; and
discussions on NPC's long-range plan and Betty Quick, Gamma Phi Beta, N P C chairman.
strategies for accomplishing the objectives. A town
hall-type meeting also provided an opportunity for Panel members described their organizations
delegations to discuss extension, recruitment and and their relationships with N P C and other
NPC's long-range goals. interfraternal groups. They also described trends
in their organizations, the most notable of which
" S O M E T H i N G OF V A L U E " are membership growth in their collegiate
chapters, cultural diversity and the emergence o f
NPC's "Something of Value" program has multicultural Greek-letter organizations. Panel
entered its second decade and w i l l be presented on members were also highly complimentary o f their
fifteen campuses during the 2 0 0 6 - 2 0 0 7 academic interactions with NPC.
year. The program is designed to help collegiate
members review their values and determine i f their NEW PANHELLENiCS
actions reflect those values. "Something of Value"
has been presented on well over 1 0 0 campuses, NPC recognized two new College Panhellenics:
reaching more than 10,000 women. The program Idaho State University, Pocatello, Id. and Lycoming
is funded by the N P C Foundation through an College, Williamsport, Pa., and t w o new Alumnae
endowment established by Alpha O m i c r o n Pi Panhellenics: Lamar County and Tyler Area, both
and Kappa Delta as well as through the generous in Texas.
contributions of Alpha Gamma Delta, Kappa
Kappa Gamma and other individuals and groups.

6 0 • To D R A G M A ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2007

RESOLUTIONS AOII's 2006-2007 NPC Delegation includes Lori Hart Ebert, Second Alternate;
Linda Peters Collier, First Alternate; Carole Jurenko Jones, NPC Delegate;
N P C adopted four resolutions during the Interim Susan Danko, AOII International President; Mary Ann Vaughn Stark, Third Alternate;
Session. Three resolutions address internal and Melanie Lampertz, AOII Executive Director.
NPC operations. Unanimous Agreement V I I ,
Section 4A (Judicial Process) was amended. The FACTS AND FIGURES
resolution was distributed to Alumnae and College
Panhellenics i n November. 2005-2006 N P C facts:
• 3,855,350 initiated alumnae and
RELEASE FIGURE METHODOLOGY
collegiate members
The Release Figure Methodology ( R F M ) was • 82,439 newly initiated members
another major discussion topic. This method for • 2,922 undergraduate chapters on over
calculating release figures (now k n o w n as carry
figures) is used during formal recruitment. After 600 campuses
several years of research, an N P C committee • 4,560 alumnae chapters
developed a formula designed to maximize • 209 Alumnae Panhellenics
the number o f chapters achieving quota as well
as placing the m a x i m u m number of potential NPC draws on the expertise and experience of its
new members (PNMs) through bid matching. members to further the goals o f the conference.
This R F M is designed to provide more realistic- These dedicated women are committed to assisting
expectations to PNMs going through recruitment, collegiate and alumnae members achieve the
to assist all N P C groups on a campus in meeting highest ideals of fraternity membership.
quota, and to maximize the percentage of PNMs
who begin new-member programs. The R F M is For more information, contact a member o f
being used on more than 285 campuses now, w i t h AOII's Panhellenic Delegation. The N P C Biennial
more being added every year. Session is slated for Oct. 25-28, 2007, at the Westin
N o r t h Shores Hotel in Chicago.
COLLEGE HousiNG
By Carole Bkking Keily
INFRASTRUCTURE. ACT Alpha Sigma Tan, Third Alternate Delegate

It was reported that over 250 sorority and fraternity
alumni and collegians attended Capitol H i l l Days
to support the College Housing Infrastructure Act.
This act w i l l change the tax code to allow sorority
and fraternity house corporations to make life-
safety upgrades w i t h tax-deductible dollars.

2007•I S S U E N O . 2
SPRING To D R A G M A • 61

JVLarch 2cx>f

WEAR YOUR BADGE wira PRIDE

The National Panhellenic Conference has pro- need to belong. A n d best o f all, the benefits o f
claimed March 5, 2 0 0 7 as International Badge Day membership last a lifetime.
and encourages all N P C members to salute our
Greek heritage by wearing our badges proudly. O n March 5th, proudly wear your badge or letters
to support A O I I and all our National Panhellenic
As a member of one of the 2 6 women's organizations Conference sisters. Next time someone asks, ' A r e
that make-up the National Panhellenic Conference, you Greek?" we hope you will proudly respond,
we have much to be proud. 172 outstanding women "Yes, I am!"
founded the 2 6 organizations that now comprise the
National Panhellenic Conference. Today, NPC's How TO WEAR O U R BADGE
total membership has grown from 172 to 3.8 million.

While we love A O I I , we should also proudly ac- In Alpha Omicron Pi, our badge is the one piece o f
knowledge that we are made even better through our jewelry every initiated member owns. O u r badge
association w i t h the National Panhellenic Confer- represents our motto, very special mutual promises,
ence. Each N P C group is unique, yet we are much and our link to everyone who ever has been or ever
the same. Every group seeks to develop character, will be a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Wearing the
leadership, scholarship and community service. A O I I badge is one of the most important and symbolic
Each group is committed to making a difference i n privileges that is granted with Fraternity membership.
the lives of their members and bettering the world Each member should recognize this importance and
around us - and what a difference we have made! display the badge with dignity, respect, and care.

Today, Greek women are committing their time and The proper placement of our badge is over your heart
resources to support research and/or prevention for as shown below.
breast cancer, speech and hearing impairment, child
abuse, arthritis, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's disease,
kidney disease, anorexia nervosa, eating disorders,
domestic violence, suicide prevention, cardiac care,
pediatric AIDS, acquaintance rape, orthopedics, and
diabetes. N P C women also support the Girl Scouts,
Camp Fire U.S.A., Ronald McDonald Houses and
Care Mobiles, Reading Is Fundamental. Christmas
Seals, play therapy. Habitat for Humanity, Make A
Wish, Special Olympics, Court Appointed Special
Advocates, and St. Jude Children's hospital. Every
year Greek women raise over 5 million dollars and
contribute over 500,()()() volunteer hours to these
worthy causes. In addition, all 2 . 9 2 2 local Panhellenic
chapters contribute countless more dollars and hours
to local charities.

Studies reveal that members o f Greek organiza-
tions have higher grade point averages, are more
likely to graduate, and more likely to support their
alma maters than non-Greeks. Sororities develop
each member's potential, and f i l l the basic human

62 • To D R A G M A I.N.SUE N O . 2 • S P R I N G 2 0 0 7

To order call:

'Badge sold separately.) 1-800-746 -7264

(Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., CST)

or go online:

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fr.

J89D

J33 Italian Silver Round Chain Link
Bracelet with 18K center link
SS $130
(Charm sold separately.)

J35 Alumnae Interchangeable

Badge Ring

10K $190

10KW $190

14K $225

(Badge sold separately.)

J36 Solid Alumnae Badge Charm

GG $55

10K $180

10KW $180

(Badge sold separately.)

J12A J07 Stainless steel watch J36T Pierced Alumnae Badge Charm
with accent diamond and
J12B calendar feature. $135 GG $55
(Battery included.)
Mother's Pay! "OK $160
J12A Mother's Pin with
6Auld LEGACY the Greek word for "Mother" 10KW $160
GG $25
'HERFF JONES 10K $70 (badge sold separately)
Official Jeweler to Alpha Omicron Pi
J12B Jeweled Mother's Pin with J38 1897 Charm $30
the Greek word for "Mother" SS
GG $35
10K $75 J89D Founders Ring with diamonds

J26 25 Year Member Pin i OK $290
SS $30
10KW $290
J27 50 Year Member Pin
GG $30 J89R Founders Ring with rubies
10K $120
SS $95

10K $150

10KW $150

J93 Round Disk on a snake chain
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SS $55

apurinflJvLemories

There is something satisfying about taking
good pictures. Whether you are a novice or
a pro, there's always something new to learn.
In this age of digital photography, it's never
been easier to improve your skills.

Taking great photos does not necessarily require
special expertise in F-stops and ISOs, or even
expensive camera equipment. It does require a
little practice and attention to the details often
overlooked in the excitement of snapping the shot.

Learning to capture better images will make
your photos more impressive. You may end
up with amazing photos to fill your frames,
albums and scrapbooks. Practice the tips
on the following pages and begin taking
photos to treasure for a lifetime.

Top 10 2. Use Flattering Light.
Tips for
Taking Paying attention to
Better the way light hits your
Pictures subject will make a
huge difference in
1. Get Closer. the quality of your
pictures. It will make
When taking your photos go from
photos of people ordinary snapshots to
or objects, professional quality
get up-close. images. Whenever
This makes possible, use natural
for a much light and turn off your
more dynamic flash. Also take note o f
image. Getting subjects being backlit.
closer allows A window behind
you to cut out someone can cause
distractions in the silhouettes and harsh
background and shadows that cover
really highlight their features.
your subject.
3. Take Note of What
Surrounds Your Subject.

Is there anything in the background that is distracting? Pay special
attention that there are no trees or telephone poles sticking up out
of your subject's head. Also pay attention to your foreground as
well. Take the extra half second to change your position or zoom
closer to crop out anything you don't want in your final photo.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPIUNG 2 0 0 7 To DRAGMA • 65

4. Get Down to Their Level. 5. Take Vertical Photos.

Get eye level w i t h kids, pets and seated adults Turn your
camera 9 0
degrees.
You will
find your
scrapbooks
w i l l have
more
variety
and you
can better
capture
certain
scenes.

6. Keep Shooting 7. Focus on Fun,

Take lots of shots and delete the bad ones. Enjoy taking pictures. Find the
That's how the pros do it. f u n i n what you are shooting and
you will capture better photos.

8. Art Direct
Your Pictures.

W h e n taking images o f
groups o f people, tell them
where to stand or sit to make
a more interesting photo. I f
you have a large group o f
people, it's best to arrange
them in a grouping instead o f
a straight line.

66 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 7

9. Know How to
Use Your Flash.

Three things to consider about your
camera's flash:
1 . Using your flash can often make f o r
harsh shadows around your subject and
many other unappealing results. W h e n
possible, try to use a more flattering
light. 2 . Use your flash outdoors on
bright, sunny days. We all have pictures
taken in bright sunlight where every-
one's faces are dark. I f you t u r n on your
flash (use the force flash feature) you can
knock out the shadows created by the
sun. 3 . Make sure you k n o w your flash's
range. Don't get too close (washed out
subject) or too far away (very dark pic-
ture) as both w i l l make for bad photos.

10. Don't
Center Every
Subject.

Photos are much more interesting when the subject is not i n the center. Follow the
"Rule o f Thirds" to create a better composition i n your images. T h i n k o f the photo
being divided into three sections vertically and three sections horizontally. To achieve
balance, place important elements o f your composition where these lines intersect.

Sources: www.kodak.com; "How to Photograph Your Baby" by Nick Kelsh; www.travelphoto.net To DRAGMA • 67
ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 7

PROFILE

Lisa Niedenthal:
Hollywood Producer
& AOIT Director

By Erin Burcham, Zeta Lisa Niedenthal, Beta Phi (Indiana U ) loves her job. The film "Bobby" is just one part of Lisa's 2 0 year career
(U of Nebraska - Lincoln) She says the best part is "having the opportunity to be a in the film industry. A member of the Producer's Guild,
part of something that can inspire people or touch their Lisa has also worked on films such as "Paid in Full" and
Assistant Editor lives." I f you watched the 2 0 0 6 film "Bobby," you are "Witches of Eastwick." N o w a freelance producer, Lisa
one o f the people Lisa is talking about. As a producer has worked for Disney Studios, Viacom, and was the Vice
for the film industry i n Los Angeles, California, Lisa's President of Production at Showtime.
latest credit is Co Producer on the major motion picture,
which tells the story o f several characters on the evening Even with Lisa's busy career, she still makes time to
that Robert Kennedy was assasinated. I f you had the contribute to A O I I as a Director of the A O I I Foundation
opportunity to see the film "Bobby," you may not have Board. "It is my way of giving back to A O I I , something
even realized that an A O I I was behind the scenes, but of what I got," she says. "AOII helped me recognize
Lisa had a very large role i n the film f r o m its very early and develop my strengths i n unique ways." Lisa actu-
stages. I n fact, she was one of the first people to read ally credits A O I I for her start in the film industry. After
the screenplay written by Emilio Estevez, w h o m she graduating from the U of Indiana, Lisa traveled as a
has collaborated w i t h on numerous projects. Estevez Chapter Consultant for A O I I . I n the last few weeks of her
had the idea for a script that would involve one location schedule, she was asked to assist with the recolonization
but several stories. Lisa liked what she read and began of Delta Chapter at Tufts University in Boston. While
to budget and schedule the film. Next, Lisa helped re- at Tufts, Lisa roomed with a woman whose t w i n sister
search for the film, assisted w i t h crew selection and col- worked as a freelance production coordinator. A telecom-
laborated w i t h Estevez about the cast. As co producer, munications and theater major, Lisa offered to help her
Lisa dealt w i t h most o f the logistics o f making the film, friend's sister w i t h office work and typng. Her office
or all of that work that you didn't see as you enjoyed duties soon turned into an opportunity to do production
your popcorn and watched the big screen. Despite the work on the film "Soul M a n " which was being filmed in
very low budget, the film had a huge cast including Boston. Though she had never thought to work i n the
Anthony Hopkins, D e m i Moore, Martin Sheen, Helen film industry, Lisa began to feel that it was "a good fit."
Hunt, Sharon Stone, and many other top Hollywood After gaining more and more experience, Lisa had the
celebrities. "It was amazing to look at the call sheet ev- chance to work on the film "Witches of Eastwick" while
ery day," Lisa said. "You almost had to pinch yourself" it was on location i n Boston. By now Lisa realized she had
Though Lisa has worked on several films, this was her found a true passion for working i n film and decided to
first time working w i t h such a large cast. After months officially pursue a career i n the industry. As the film was
of preparation, Lisa and the crew spent 3 7 days working wrapping up in Boston, Lisa told the production manager
to shoot the film. "It was a challenging schedule," she that she aspired to one day work in Los Angeles. The
said. " I worked to help Emilio w i t h the challenges and production manager told her that i f she could be at the
to put out fires." The film was released i n November Warner Brother's Studio i n L.A. by next week she could
2 0 0 6 and was nominated for several awards including a continue to work on "Witches of Eastwick." Lisa knew
Golden Globe for "Best M o t i o n Picture Drama." Lisa this was an opportunity she could not pass up. She packed
said that watching the film after production was "very up her things and bought a one way ticket to Los Angeles.
exciting to see the culmination of all of the work and " 2 0 years later, I'm still here," Lisa laughs.
how things fit together."

• To DRAGMA ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2 0 0 7

Photos: Lisa Niedenthal with Emilio Estevez
outside the Ambassador Hotel, location of
Bobby Kennedy's assassination and the movie
production. At left: Working on the set of
"Bobby" with Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez
and crew members.

tevez.
and glitz
of fun.'
it becomes like a fam
Lisa gets that same feeling as
an AOII volunteer. "AOII
not only gives you sisterhood,
but the kind of leadership and
self sufficiency to take what
comes your way and make it
something great."

PROFILE

Ashley Ball says
"Good Morning, AOU

"After Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts delivered his morning duties such as writing rundowns, dubbing tapes, and
coffee and glazed doughnut, Charles Gibson celebrated his final attending seminars. In the course o f her experience,
day on "Good Morning America" Wednesday after nearly 19 she was delighted to see many exciting celebrities
years as host. He's working later now on ABC's evening news." such as Uma Thurman, Adam Sandler, Anderson
-ABCNews.com Cooper, Orlando Bloom, and Scarlet Johansen, just
to name a few.
That doughnut that Charles Gibson so much enjoyed
on his way to the "Good M o r n i n g America" set was not One exciting opportunity that interns were respon-
just any doughnut, but a Krispy Kreme doughnut, a hard sible for was working an overnight shift in prepara-
thing to find in a city dominated by the Dunkin Donut tion for the " G M A Summer Concert Series." " I
chain. W h y is this at all relevant? Because that dough- saw so many wonderful performances," Ashley said,
nut was ademently searched tor and purchased by A O I I "including Prince, Kenny Chesney, Mary J. Blige,
collegian Ashley Ball, Rho Omicron (Middle Tennes- The Pussycat Dolls and Christina Aguilera." One o f
see U ) as a small part of her duties as a "Good M o r n i n g Ashley's favorite concerts was the Beach Boys per-
America" intern last summer. "It was probably one o f formance because two o f her A O I I sisters traveled to
my favorite memories," Ashley shared. I f you watched New York to visit Ashley and attend the taping. The
the episode, Diane and Robin surpised Charlie at his AOIIs not only spent their time exploring the sites o f
New York hotel, and Ashley had the opportunity to as- N Y C , but discovering AOII's history.
sist with the segment. In addition to that early morning
doughnut run, Ashley was a part of keeping Diane and Before moving to New York, Ashley had contacted
Robin a surprise, as her task was to watch for Charlie to a company that finds temporary housing for summer
come out o f the hotel. When she spotted him, she was interns. They assigned her to a room in Clemson
to signal to his two co-hosts to j u m p out of hiding and Hall, near Columbia University. Upon further
surpise h i m . "It was just fun to know that they were research, Ashley discovered that Clemson Hall was
watching me, and to know I was a part of it," she said. actually part of Barnard College housing. To Ashley,
this was a sign that A O I I truly had a part i n making
Ashley's internship was much more involved than this opportunity a possibility for her. Ashley and her
delivering doughnuts, as she spent 8 weeks in New York R h o Omicron sisters visited Barnard College and
City learning the ropes of a major network broadcast. could envision the four founders walking the campus
Encouraged to apply by her A O I I Recruitment Adviser, so many years ago.
the experience was a dream come true for the Media
Journalism major who hopes to one day become a net- Ashley's involvement with A O I I last summer involved
work anchor. more than just her visit to Barnard College. Ashley
served as R h o Omicron's Vice President of M e m -
Each morning, Ashley arrived at the G M A set in Time bership Recruitment and much of her down time
Square at 6:30 A M where she was able to watch the from the studio was spent planning and perfecting
show being taped from the studio floor. While many her chapter's recruitment plans. " I talked to our CP,
of us may spend our breakfast watching the popular Bess Rickman, as much as I talked to my mom,"
anchor, Ashley was five feet away from Diane Sawyer Ashley joked. Though it was a challenging balance,
every morning. As an intern for the Affiliate Relations Ashley credits her A O I I sisters for their success: " I t
Department, Ashley was the only intern allowed on the was a team effort and my E R C (Executive Recruit-
floor every day because her primary responsibility was to ment Committee) and president did so much to help
escort A B C affiliates around the studio. me." When the chapter chose the theme " A O I I in
the City" for their skit, Ashley took full advantage o f
By Erin Burcham, Zeta The internship allowed Ashley to sit i n on staff meetings her opportunity and was able to provide an authentic
(U of Nebraska - Lincoln) to plan the next day's show and perform other needed touch to the theme. For example, when her R h o

Assistant Editor

70 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2007

p

ma)

Omicron sisters visted, they had front row seats at the V •1
Beach Boys concert. The chapter used a clip of the
girls shown on the concert screen i n ther recruitment I1k m4 - <i • WL J
video. The chapter also used decorations and props
inspired by New York City. Ashley's hard work paid mi
off in September with R h o Omicron's successful
recruitment. kfW5

Back at the set, Ashley had the chance to feel like a The photo of Times Square features a broadway marquis that is located in the Mar-
real celebrity when she and nine other interns were riott Marquis, location of AOII's Centennial Convention in 1997. Above: Ashley Ball
selected to model designer sunglasses when a fashion (at left) with Rho Omicron sisters attending the GMA Summer Concert Series.
magazine was featured on the show. Despite the four
minutes of air time she received, Ashley was em-
barassed to model the giant purple sunglasses which
she described as "half the size of my head."

To the small town girl, all of the hustle and bussle oi "This wouldn't have been possible without A O I I .
New York City was very magical. "There was some- I w i l l always cherish the memories I made,
thing new every day; I got lost every day, but I loved the things I learned, and the people I met."
it," Ashley said.

Ashley credits the A O I I Foundation because her One day, it just might be Ashley saying,
experience was made possible in part by the R h o "Good morning, America!"
Omicron scholarship that she received.

ISSUE NO.2 • SPRJNG 2 0 0 7 To DRAGMA • 71

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