2012 Spring - To Dragma

FoundationFocus

Stella’s Wish The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation’s Stella’s Wish campaign
helps Secure the Future of our Fraternity by allowing donors to restrict their donations to
“May your descendants specific areas of Fraternity need. Donors can designate their gift to one of the areas listed
in Alpha Omicron Pi below. For more information on Stella’s Wish, contact Jana West at 615-695-2627 or via email
bring to you the glory at [email protected].
that you yourselves
are to us today!” • Education - Establish a scholarship in your name or in the name of a loved one.

• Support - Help support special programming to increase Alumnae Engagement,
Training and Development.

• Leadership - Help create a permanent endowment to fund the Educational Leadership
Consultant (ELC) program as well as provide funding for the program today.

• Growth - Support the creation of a fund to provide direct subsidies to delegates attending
Convention and Leadership Institute.

• Maintain Our Heritage - Help create a fund for the Fraternity to utilize more up-to-date
technology for historical archives preservation.



We gratefully acknowledge all Stella’s Wish campaign donors who have assisted us in reaching 75% of our $3 million goal.

Anne Pendergrass Adams Boston Alumnae Chapter Lori Conti Taina Hampton Edwards
Anne Staunton Adams Bozeman Alumane Chapter M Kathleen Conver Karen Olson Egged
Danette Strand Adams Judith Ormsby Bradley Cris Corrado Goulet Kay Gomillion Jones Elam
Marina Adams Kirsten Schipf Brady Jane Cowan Nancy Elson
Carin Adler Dorothy Breeze CQ Leads LLC Mary Enwall
Jaleesa Akuoko Ann Briley Rebecca Bondurant Crane Dorothy Eppler
Aletheia V.P. Allen Mike and Ann Wilhoite Brilley Peg Kramer Crawford Epsilon Chapter
Jane Allen Julie Brining Jeanne Hays Crippin Epsilon Alpha Chapter
Rachel Allen Amy Brown Nicole Hoefle Cronenwett Epsilon Omega Chapter
Allison Allgier Betsy Mikesell Brown Kathy Wigington Culpepper Joan Errgong-Weider
Anne Witt Allison Mary Matarazzo Bryant Nikki D’Amato Melissa Faubert
Alpha Delta Chapter Karen Buckley Susan Danko Irene Fehr
Alpha Gamma Chapter Trina Burek Tali Datskovsky Suzanne Meyer Ferreira
Alpha Phi Chapter Lisa Fife Caballero Mindy Davidowski Penelope Benson Ferrell
Angela Anderson Emily Carlson Boualoy Sengchanthalangsy Joleen Heibert Fields
Katherine Leach Andrews Kimberly Altemus Carroll Dayton Michelle Finley
Donna Russell Arguedas Jennifer Adams Carter Dayton Alumnae Chapter Sheila Denemark Fischer
Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Jessie Casteel Nancy Dear Rene Strong Fitzgerald
Phyllis Austin Kimberly Anderson Center Jean DeBerry-Hopper Gayle Fitzpatrick
Angela Copelin Avard Central NJ Alumnae Chapter Delta Chapter Judith Gambrel Flessner
Anne Marie Holloway Bachman Barbie Chadwick Delta Delta Chapter Laura Flessner
Loren Baim Champaign-Urbana AC Delta Upsilon Chapter Alysia Sutton Fortier
Becky Bair Susan Cobern Chasen Detroit North Suburban AC Stephanie Keene Fox
Baltimore Alumnae Chapter Alicia Chen Jordan Dexter Jane Norris Franklin
Ginger Banks Chicago City Alumnae Chapter Mary Diaz Deborah Barrett Freeman
Mary Virginia Banks Chicago NW Suburban AC Barbara Diehl Samantha Murphy Frost
Carol Beard Chicago South Suburban AC John Diller Fujitsu
Sally Rowell Becking Chicago West Suburban AC Angela Fried Djedjos Amy Jo Gabel
Stephanie Beguin Blanche Franklin Chilcote Kimberly Dobbins Karen Snyder Galehan
Robin Lee Beltramini Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Chizmar Karen Doggett Gannett Foundation
Mary Berry Julie Peterson Christensen Kathleen Donohue Diane Gardiner
Kori Besant Heidi Cuesta Cipriano Heidi Pfeil Dougherty Evie Gaudutis
Karen Bescher Sharon Clampitt Patricia Thompson Dowie Tammy Gee-Curtis
Amy Ziegler Bettencourt Susan Clements Carolyn Kohler Driscoll Dr. Judy Genshaft
Stephanie Bigwood Clorox Company Foundation Joyce Du Janet Oestrike Gerstenecker
Evelyn Bird Elizabeth Romine Coffey Laura Jones Dunlap Ann McClanahan Gilchrist
Julianne Bishop Linda Peters Collier Nancy Schlosser Dunn Sasha Giles
Melanie Hein Blackwell Crystal Grafton Combs Lisa Dutt Phyllis Casteel Gilson
Bloomingdales Crystal Paine Compese Megan Easter Lori Korn Goede
June Greer Bogle Louanne Watson Condreay Meg Eckman Suzanne Blice Gould
Sharon Janeway Boison Christine Conry Betty Campbell Edenfield Linda Schwartz Grandolfo

* Gifts acknowledged through March 27, 2012.

52 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

Diane Booth Granger Sheila Starkey Kaurin Dixie Masters Phi Delta Corporation
Natalie Grano Jennifer Breeden Kayser Betty Long Mathis Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
Pamela Pierotti Grant Laura Roberts Keefe Deborah Warp Matus Koren Phillips
Chris Graves Barbara Keller Genny May Pi Alpha Chapter
Greater Pinellas AC Melinda Kelly Kristy Mitchell Mayes Pi Beta Phi Fraternity
Carolyn Grigsby Cindy Kendall MaryAnne Morgan McAdams Amy Pike
Helena P Hillinga Haas Ann Joo Kim Nancy Moyer McCain Jennifer Spencer Pitcher
Ann Marie Toy Hall Jinna Kim Mary McCubbin Joann Dini Polk
Mary Dayhuff Hall Pam King Kayle McDonald James & Barbara Potter
Kerry Hanson Patricia O’Day Kluter Heidi Herlong McFarlin Martha Wood Powell
Kandyce Morgan Harber Barbara Kohler Anne McLaughlin Karen Price
Patricia Cowley Hardy Barbara Gilbert Kormanyos Suzanne Means Progressive Insurance Foundation
Edie Heston Harmon Bonnie Olsen Kramer Katie Meares Melissa Orr
Martha Leonard Harrison Dorothy Kraus Pamela Webb Mearsheimer Stacie Schlepp Radford
Karen Pope Hart Susan Kreckman Jenny Pfister Menna Amrita Rana
Lori Hart Ebert Editha Agustin Krueger Kouri Miller Celia Austin Reed
Beverly Hatcher Sarah Krygier Laura Miller Mary Rawlings Reese
Lisa Tewksbury Hauser Rosalyn Franta Kulik Lori Roberts Miller Charlene Brown Rennoe
Vicki Sherick Hawkesworth Kelly Brandt Kuntz Monterey Bay Area AC Jobi Hicks Richard
Elizabeth Hawley Joanne Kunz Montreal Alumnae AC Mary Westendorf Richardson
Heather Heiter Jane K. Kurtiss Miriam Moody Anita Rizek
Linda Herman Donald & Allyson Laackman Pamela Smith Mooradian Dorothy Keen Robinson
Marilyn Herman Joyce Baca Lacerte Sue Kaeser Moore Larry & Nina Rocconi, Sr
Rebecca Herman Judy Lacina Karen Morauski Alison Romano
Anissa Hickey Ava Ledford Ladell Toni Flowers Morgan Stefanie Rupp
Karen Hickman Patricia Failor Laird Nancy Balock Mortier Jo Rutter Russel
Gail Sullivan Hill Lake County of Illinois AC Joyce Morway Sid Salter
Mary Anderson Hilton Lambda Alpha Chapter Mr Youth, LLC San Francisco Alumnae Chapter
Cindy Stark Hines Lambda Sigma Chapter Alison Quod Mueller San Jose Alumnae Chapter
June Derry Hodge Jenny Lambert Nancy Muller Marjorie Hunt Sanders
Maria Hogg Melanie Lampertz Jill Murch Nicholson Emily Sanderson
Christine Conlon Hollingshead Cayla Clark Lanier Phyllis Beckwith Murphy Ronald P. Sandmeyer
Philip Hollingshead Caroline Craig Lazzara Paromita Nag Judith Brunhouse Sapienza
Kimberly Faust Hollis Craig Lazzara Nashville Alumnae Chapter Sarasota Alumnae Chapter
Jennifer Smith Holmes Lee, Danner & Bass, Inc. Janis Tremble Nelson Heather Sarne
Shirley Brown Howard Troy Johnson LeForge Amy Netherland Tari Sawiris
Patricia Howard-Peebles Irene Hall Lehman Milly Schiele Neuder Jane Redfern Scanlan
Barbara Daugs Hunt Carolyn Lense Liz Newnam Susan Daiger Schell
Samantha Hunt Mary Jane Palo Levi Nadine Spring Nickeson Chantel Schieffer
Sandra Statler Hunt Susan Edmunds Lewis Lisa Niedenthal Ellen Schmidt
Julie Derby Hunter Katherine Lobe Jacqueline Collins Niedermeier Stacey Schmidt
Kristina Medina Hurst Kathryn Lockridge Frankie Frazier Nordlund Melissa Schoenfeld
Elizabeth Harrison Ince Mandy Martin Lohfink Sally North Marilynn Schroeder
Iota Chapter Emilie Lohman Northern Virginia AC Barbara Engstrom Schumacher
Iota Sigma Chapter Mary Hollis McCord Joanne Nelson Nowak Bethany Schumann-McGhee
Karnika Iyengar Long Island Alumnae Chapter Nu Lambda Chapter Britni DiGeorge Serou
M.J. Refausse Jacobsen Norma Loye Longmire Loretta M. Nuccio Joslyn Fillenworth Shackelford
Sandy Glooschenko Jaeger Michelle Serrano Lopez NY/NJ Metro Alumnae Chapter Frances Chirgwin Shellenberger
Kathy Jensen Sky Ruhlman Louapre Yvonne M. O’Connor Susan McCullough Shenefield
Nancy Morstad Jensen Amy Louff Mary Louise Barnes Ogle Gina Sherick
Sandra Fuller Jewell Rita Lucas Joyce Osborn Anna Durant Shippen
Janelle Johnson Margaret Tighe Lyman Hayley Ossip Barbara Shumacher
Katy Cox Johnson Andrea Barylak Lyons Terry Mize Palmer Sarah Siebert
Mary O’Ryan Johnson Jo Ann Macander Palo Alto Alumnae Chapter Janet Siegel
Amanda Jones John & Gail MacArthur Nancy Jones Parsons Sigma Tau Chapter
Carole Jurenko Jones Joan Deathe MacCallum Natalie McRae Patterson Merritt Simon
Marjorie Jones Gwendolynn Barrett Mackenzie Lisa Brown Pearson Jill Skrezyna
Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter Leah Hardcastle MacNeil Leigh Perry Sandra Obeshaw Slee
Kelly Joyce Macomb County AC Kalli Blackwell Peterman Chelsea Sloan
John & Ruth Jurenko Madison Area Alumnae Ann Marie Levy Peters Mary Lou Kierdorf Sloss
Kaplan Karen Magee Roberta Ruth Peterson Carol Cotten Smith
Kappa Kappa Chapter Fiona Malone Carol Pettit Jessica Snow
Kappa Tau Chapter Kristy Manchul Phi Beta Chapter Gayle Soriano
Krista Kaput Samantha Martin Phi Chi Chapter Hannah Sorscher

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012 To Dragma • 53

AOII Southern California Council Audrey Sutherland Cynthia Visot Vicki Smith Williams
Southern Orange County AC Kay Hansen Sutherlin Dian Poole Volkmer Anne Buechlein Wilmes
James and Carol Spielman Kaitlin Swanson Sally Wagaman Ashley Lee Wilson
Janet Thumm Spomer Kristen Sweeney Barbara Wallace Mary T. Wilson
Heather Spurrier Shala Schweitzer Sweet Jessie Wang-Grimm Pat Kowalchuk Wilson
Bobby Stanton Sara Tam Carolyn Wartinbee Shirley Gilmore Wing
Mary Ann Stark Janette Breckenridge Tessmer Karen Weigel Pat Dennis Witherspoon
Tracy Stark Betty Thibodeau Becky Weinberg Jill Soost Workman
Julie Pekarek Stasiak Katherine Muller Thornton Tori Weitzel Lucile Wright
Rebecca Wilson Stein Daryl Davis Todd Ashleigh Welsh Nancy Bates-Lane Yankura
Amy Stewart Stemple Beverly Landes Townsend Shera Smith Weninger Judith Yoskosky
Trish Leathers Stephenson Reba Traber Phyllis Arner Westerman Gary Zack
Marjorie Stevens Ruth Estes Trager Sigrid Whaley Cari Zawodny
Carol Stevenson Jean Whorley Tripp Krista Malmquist Whipple Barbara Zipperian
Janelle Stevenson Karen Tye Carma White Barbara Zolnierczak
Cheryl Williamson Strain Gianna Katherine Vanata Victoria Johnson White
Joyce Bryan Strout Kim Crosland Vaughn Tilly Wilhoite
Rad & Linda Styron Ventura County Alumnae Dorothy Williams
Suburban Maryland AC Gary & Dawn Verbois Mary McCammon Williams

Major Scholarship Endowed to Benefit
Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U)

Amy Ziegler Bettencourt, an alumna Amy and her husband time when it was unusual for women to go
of AOII’s Theta Chapter of DePauw moved to Bowling to school, and her father always reminded
University, recently made a generous Green, Kentucky seven her that an education was “one thing that
contribution to the AOII Foundation and a half years ago, could never be taken away.” In fact, this is not
in the form of a scholarship and she was looking the first scholarship bestowed by someone
designated to Alpha Chi Chapter forward to connecting with sisters in Amy’s family. Her father, a well-known
at Western Kentucky University - a in the area. It took a couple of years judge in a small town of about 5,500 people,
chapter she says, despite the fact to become acquainted with AOIIs in recognized a need for the education of
that it is not her chapter of initiation, Bowling Green, as the now thriving medical students who would practice in this
makes her feel at home. alumnae chapter was not active at the small town where medical attention was
time. Now an involved member of the often not easily obtained. Her father passed
Amy is the epitome of a dedicated chapter, Amy considers nearby Alpha away in 2010, and his scholarship – recently
AOII alumna member. Her Chi Chapter to be her adopted chapter. given for the first time during the 2011-2012
involvement in AOII has flourished, academic year – is a legacy of which Amy is
even after the unfortunate closure Amy’s fond feelings for the women extremely proud.
of her own chapter. She was inspired of Alpha Chi Chapter, coupled with
to create this scholarship for Alpha a passion for education, also serve as “I also hope providing this scholarship will
Chi in part due to AOII’s beloved inspirations for her scholarship. “When encourage others to do the same,” Amy
To Dragma, specifically the Fall/ I went to college, parents paid for their said, adding that she was inspired by her
Winter 2011 issue centered on living children to attend school. There weren’t dear friend Rachel Allen, an alumna of
our Ritual. Amy highlighted several really student loan programs, certainly Alpha Chi Chapter who also bestowed a
articles that reaffirmed her desire not to the extent there are now,” Amy named scholarship to the chapter. “It may
to make a contribution, including explained. “Now, most girls in sororities also encourage women to give in this way
AOII’s Strategic Plan, the “Summer are going through college completely to chapters that are in their heart now.
of a Lifetime” article featuring Alpha on student loans and scholarships if Even though it is not my collegiate chapter,
Chi member Poorvie Patel, the they’re able to get one, and work several these girls welcomed me with open arms
coverage of AOII’s Sisters for Soldiers jobs just to pay their dues. Student loan and made me feel like a part of them,” Amy
program, and the vast list of existing debt is so hard to deal with as an adult. said of the collegiate women in Alpha Chi
scholarships that exemplifies sisters I hope this scholarship can give peace Chapter. The first of the continuous Amy
giving back to AOII. of mind.” Ziegler Bettencourt (Theta Chapter) Alpha
Chi Chapter Scholarships will be given in
The importance of being able to the amount of $5,000 to a member of Alpha
obtain an education without financial Chi Chapter this year. “I really love them all,
limitations is near to Amy’s heart – her and I’m happy to give anything that will help
grandmother attended college at a them succeed.”

54 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

Alpha Omicron Pi exceed the expectation

e values on which AOII was founded help lead us in the decisions we make
and the behaviors we exhibit in our daily lives. We are inspired to promote the
values of simplicity, integrity, circumspection, tolerance, generosity, personal

dignity, and love. Our lives are to be living symbols of these values that we
hold in common. ey enable us to go with character and confidence into the
world around us, confidently knowing AOII is ours offering friendships and

opportunities throughout our lifetime.
ere are three key components that AOII uses to communicate our purpose:

e Object of our Fraternity, our Mission Statement, and our Vision
Statement. Although each individually unique, the three components work
together to guide and direct our ever-expanding membership and leaders.

The Object of the Fraternity

The object of this Fraternity shall be to encourage a spirit of Fraternity
and love among its members; to stand at all times for character, dignity,

scholarship, and college loyalty; to strive for and support the best
interest of the colleges and universities in which chapters are installed,
and in no way to disregard, injure, or sacri ce those interests for the sake

of prestige or advancement of the Fraternity or any of its chapters.

Mission
Women Enriched though Lifelong Friendship.

Vision

Alpha Omicron Pi will be a premier
international women’s fraternity inspiring
an exceptional member experience while
developing highly respected servant leaders.

AlumnaeNews

Winston Salem Alumnae Chapter Atlanta

There’s no better way to Atlanta area alumnae, recipients of the Ruby Award and the
stay connected to AOII than Membership Recruitment Award at this year’s AOII Convention,
have scheduled a busy agenda of sisterhood and service to our
through an AOII alumnae community. Our ladies gathered to socialize and kick-off holiday
chapter. Read how a few of shopping at a local boutique, where a portion of sales went to
our chapters are making the support our chapter and philanthropies. AOIIs gathered again in
most of their time together. December for a holiday luncheon and raffle, and donated stuffed
pandas to a local hospital. To round out 2011, sisters walked,
Ann Arbor ran or volunteered at the Jingle Bell Walk for Arthritis at Stone
Mountain Park.
The Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter had a wonderful 2011,
with great sisterhood and philanthropic activities. We hosted Central Connecticut
Founders’ Day so the first few months were dedicated to
planning and crafting while enjoying each other’s company. The Alpha Omicron Pi - Central Connecticut Alumnae Chapter
Thirty-five collegiate and alumnae sisters attended our had an amazing year in 2011. We not only increased our
Founders’ Day celebration. We were thrilled to send many new membership and developed a plan which will help us to achieve
and gently used books back with our speaker from ProLiteracy Ruby status in the near future, but we also raised over $2,000 for
Detroit. After the Arthritis Walk and a ladies dinner out to plan Relay For Life and the Arthritis Foundation. Being a chapter that
upcoming fall and winter activities, we gathered to sign cards is less than two years old, these accomplishments mean so much to
for our troops through Operation Holiday Card and to organize the members of this chapter. We have a number of events already
resources for our adopted family. We wrapped and delivered planned for 2012 and intend to take an active role in AOII's
those gifts in December. colony at Bryant University.

Chicago NW Suburban

Chicago Northwest began the year expanding horizons.
September had sisters on a road rally/scavenger hunt. Competing
crock pot-cooks delivered some tasty treats for October. Name
your favorite recent book had a lofty impact in November.
Helping a needy family and holiday games brought 2011 to an
end. This year got off on the right foot with amateur sleuths

56 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

Photos left to right: Evansville Tri State Alumnae Chapter, Long Beach Alumnae
Chapter and Sarasota Alumnae Chapter.

deducing the Annual Murder Mystery culprit. Founders’ Day Delaware
was celebrated. Our Famous Auction Luncheon heralded spring.
Along the way we learned about square dancing and spring This past year, the Delaware Alumnae Chapter participated in
gardening; we took a walk for Arthritis, celebrated ritual and a variety of activities. We supported Operation Cookie Drop
sisters donate designated items for charity monthly. Off for Our Troops, and Strike Out Arthritis by playing Wii
Bowling. During the spring, we attended Sigma Tau’s initiation
Chicago West Suburban and helped with New Member Recruitment. We also ran
a Secret Alumnae Sisters program with Sigma Tau seniors
Our alumnae chapter has enjoyed another fun year of sisterhood and revealed our identities at the Alumnae Tea and Induction
and service! Whether we're writing holiday cards for troops, ceremony. We celebrated our chapter’s 10th anniversary in
making goodies for our adopted collegiate chapter, participating January 2012. If you are in Delaware and would like to get
in the Arthritis Walk, or selling our old treasures at our annual involved, we are on Facebook at “Delaware Alumnae Chapter of
garage sale, we always enjoy our time together. Sharing Alpha Omicron Pi.”
appetizers, playing games, and exchanging ornaments are
additional highlights of our year. This year we created a "Stella Evansville Tri-State
Library." Sisters can read first editions of several of Stella George
Stern Perry's literary works as well as an AOII Rituals book and We are delighted with our growing chapter and the women who
AOII’s new Membership Education Manual, The Promise. We have "come home" to AOII! Our Founders’ Day Tea with the
always welcome new sisters to join us. Chi Lambda chapter continues to be a success, and we recently
helped them celebrate 60 years of sisterhood! We have once again
Dallas raised enough funds to help offset their new member fees through
our New Member fund. We are able to reduce a small amount of
The Dallas Alumnae Chapter is having another great year! We each woman's dues each fall. We feel that passing the legacy on
were excited to have several new members join our group this to a new member is very important and want everyone to benefit
year at our fall kickoff as well as welcome back all of our regular from this program.
members. Our annual Make It, Bake It fundraiser was a huge
success this year, doubling the amount we raised from the To Dragma • 57
previous year! We are off to a great spring starting with our New
Year, New You meeting and ending with our participation in the
Arthritis Walk. We welcome all alumnae in the Dallas area to
come check us out!

Dearborn

The Dearborn Alumnae Chapter hosted our greater Detroit
area sister chapters for our annual fall pot luck. We gathered in
December to enjoy a salad luncheon and fill Christmas stockings
which were donated to FirstStep (an abuse shelter). We are also
planning a Strike Out Arthritis fundraiser at Papa Vino's Italian
restaurant in Livonia.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

AlumnaeNews

Greater Erie

The Greater Erie AC was installed this year by
XB VP, Karen Galehan. As a new chapter, we
strive to make a difference in our community, as
well as the lives of our members. Since March,
two members have joined the AAC of Sigma
Rho Chapter at Slippery Rock U. As a chapter,
we participated in the Jillian Abbott SIDS
stomp to raise money and awareness for SIDS,
in memory of a sister’s son, Aaron. We are also
collecting pandas for children who are undergoing
procedures at the Shriner’s Hospital. This has been
a great year for GEAC!

At left: Suburban Maryland Alumnae Chapter; Above: Greater Erie Alumnae Chapter.

Greater Harrisburg Indianapolis

The Greater Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter kicked off another The Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter has launched a new monthly
exciting year with a gathering where we shared our bonds of event this fall called the Panda Lunch Bunch. The Panda Lunch
sisterhood through Ritual. In November we joined the Tau Bunch has begun to meet monthly in addition to our regular
Lambda collegiate chapter for Initiation and in December Tau monthly meetings. On one Friday each month sisters gather
Lambda joined us for a Founders' Day celebration. We are together at a local restaurant to share food, friendship, and
looking forward to a lunch and movie event and a summer sisterhood. In just three months, 21 different local sisters have
pool party. Throughout the year we participate in many participated in the Panda Lunch Bunch.
philanthropies which include collections for the Humane Society
animal shelter and an Arthritis Walk-A-Thon at Hersheypark and Lake County of Illinois
Zoo America. Learn more about us on our website at aoiihbg.
com or join us on Facebook. So far the Lake County Chapter has had a great year! In
November we had a craft night, where we made our own holiday
Greater Miami ornaments, and decoupaged some glass plates. In December
we went to the Lincolnshire Marriott Theatre to see White
The Greater Miami Alumnae Chapter has had a few successful Christmas, and we also enjoyed a nice dinner. Just recently we
get-togethers this year. Our members really enjoyed each other’s participated in the Chicago Jingle Bell Run/Walk. We are
company, conversation and the Miami night atmosphere together. looking forward to our Strike Out Arthritis event in April!
We are excited to celebrate a Founders’ Day Luncheon this
December after many years of not hosting this special event. Macomb County
Michelle Cardentey, our recommended alumna initiate, joined
AOII on November 5th. She flew from Connecticut with her AOII Macomb County Alumnae Chapter is looking for sisters in
daughter, Jeanette Cardentey-Combs, to be initiated in her the Macomb County area to celebrate the Shining, Shimmering,
chapter, Pi Theta. It was truly a beautiful and touching moment. and Sparkling Sisterhood! It is a great time to stay and play with
Mom Cardentey has always been a great parent supporter of AOII our 2012 activity calendar with a little something for everyone!
and now she is forever our sister. Calendar available: [email protected]
& be a Facebook friend Alpha Omicron Pi @ Macomb County
58 • To Dragma AREA sisters (MI). In 2012 we are celebrating 4 members’
50-year AOII anniversary & our chapter’s 43rd birthday. Get a
taste of the future possibilities of what you have been missing!
Robin Beltramini (Iota) recently claimed the title of runner-up
for Mayor of Troy, MI. This honor is added to her long list of
awards & recognition including Detroit Alumnae Panhellenic
Association (DAPA) Woman of the Year and many city accolades.
Robin is a shining example of leadership, learning, and love!

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

Seattle Alumnae Chapter philanthropy project as well as plenty of time for socializing and
getting better acquainted. The remainder of our programming
Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae calendar for the year includes the traditional favorites as well as some
new and exciting events that will appeal to alumnae of all ages.
Tau Chapter will be celebrating it's 100th anniversary as a
continually operating collegiate chapter at the University of San Fernando Valley
Minnesota. Our alumnae chapter will participate in the festivities
planned for the weekend of August 24, 25 and 26th, 2012. Please San Fernando Valley Alumnae along with their friends and
visit our website for more information: www.aoiitwincities.com. family shopped and socialized during SFV's first holiday boutique
fundraiser. Guests were able to shop from 7 vendor kiosks (such as
NY/NJ Metro Party Lite and The Pampered Chef) while raising money for the
Arthritis Foundation. We were able to meet and exceed our goal
The accomplishment that we are most proud of this year is how by 40 percent! We hope to make this an annual tradition.
we have reached out to our fellow alumnae chapters within our
network. We sent representatives to Boston & Philadephia to San Jose
join our sisters for the NE Weekend. We were able to join in
welcoming the new Alpha Nu Chapter at Ramapo College in The San Jose Alumnae Chapter has been having lots of fun and
Northern NJ. We are also looking forward to helping with the also doing wonderful things for those in need. We collected over
start up of the new Northern NJ Area Alumnae Chapter. We 50 pandas and delivered them to the police department for abused
joined the NYC Alumnae Chapter at their holiday brunch and children. We were told how the children who receive them
are excited to be sharing Founders’ Day with them as well. Our hold on to them like they are their only friends in the world and
goal is to show the collegians that AOII is truly for a lifetime by love them dearly. We donated a new ritual robe to Delta Sigma,
bridging the gaps and participating in whatever we can to support bought them a new presentation book, and continue to encourage
our fellow area sisters. their members to join an alumnae chapter by going to meetings
and talking to the collegians.
Ottawa
Seattle
At the 2011 AOII Convention, Mary Dawson was awarded the
Elizabeth Heywood Wyman Award for career achievement. We had a good year with a “new graduates” event, bunco night,
Mary’s distinguished law career spanned decades with the a dinner out event, and a picnic with the Vancouver, British
Department of Justice of the Government of Canada. Mary Columbia alumnae. We had a team walking in the Jingle Bell
was appointed Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner in Run in December to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.
2007. Since Mary was unable to attend convention, a celebratory One of our alumnae members was an honoree for the 2010
luncheon was held in October 2011 at the home of Louise Archer. event. We have also started up events in the South Sound area of
Past International President Joan MacCallum presented the award. Washington including pottery painting, holiday ZooLights, and
It was an exciting reunion for the 28 sisters who attended, some of volunteering at the Tacoma Arthritis Walk. We had a Founders'
whom came from Toronto and Montreal and had not seen each Day lunch in January, and will finish out the year with a chocolate
other for decades. factory tour, spa night, and our annual salad social.

Philadelphia Suburban Maryland

As the Philadelphia Alumnae celebrates its 93rd year, we are excited SMAC is spreading the philanthropic spirit. SMAC and Pi Delta
about our future! The main highlight of our fall schedule was members made holiday cookie kits containing sugar cookie
the Northeast AOII Weekend hosted by our chapter here in the ingredients, cookie cutters, a cookie sheet, spatulas, and a holiday
“City of Sisterly Love.” Alumnae and collegians from around the tub for the National Center for Children and Families. SMAC
region met for two days to share in educational programming, a also supports Sisters for Soldiers by collecting needed supplies to
donate to Fisher House in Bethesda, Maryland. Fisher House
supplies housing, travel, funding and other resources for family
members and wounded troops throughout the country during
their treatment and recovery.

Vancouver

We had a successful summer BBQ/pool party where some of the
Seattle Alumnae Chapter joined us for fun in the sun, a wonderful
wine and cheese party with our spouses, and a nice dinner party
at the Salt Room Restaurant in Blood Alley in Gastown. We
also joined the ladies of Beta Kappa for two arthritis walks. Our
chapter is looking forward to increasing our membership and
having activities varied enough to appeal to the wide diversity of
ages within our chapter.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012 To Dragma • 59

memberprofile

A Rose EverMargaret Upson Barber Blooming

As Margaret Upson Barber, Zeta (U of Nebraska) Margaret enjoyed the environment of Zeta Chapter
anticipated a day of sisterhood at the Chicago Area house and sharing all the fun with a house full of sisters.
Founders’ Day luncheon in January, she could not The house mother allowed bridge to be played for an
even begin to recall how many such luncheons she hour after dinner and then it was study time. Curfew
has attended in her 81 years as an AOII. Margaret will was 10:30 P.M. sharp during the week, with an added
celebrate her 100th birthday in May 2012. For members two hours on Saturday evening for “date night.” Zetas
of the Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter who were welcomed home at the front door by their beloved
know and love her, Margaret’s long time love for AOII housemother upon or before the bewitching hour.
continues to exceed expectations. Margaret loved informal Friday night mixers when the
girls rolled up the carpets in the lounge and danced with
Upon graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, their dates to the piano stylings of “Curly,” who was
Margaret began her collegiate days at the U of Nebraska paid $5 an hour to provide the music.
in September 1929, a month prior to the historic stock
market crash. Though local alumnae encouraged While an undergraduate at Nebraska, Margaret did it
Margaret to rush as a freshman, she waited until her all. She pursued a degree in education that lead to a
sophomore year to pledge and was initiated into AOII career as a history teacher. Impressively, Margaret was
in the spring of 1931. She grew up with three brothers a member of the freshman honorary society Alpha
and loved the idea of finally having sisters. Margaret Lambda Delta, the educational honorary society Pi
recalled how Chapter President Elsie Ford Piper and Lambda Theta, Phi Beta Kappa, and served as President
Treasurer Jenny Lou Piper, biological sisters as well as of Mortar Board. Socially, Margaret was “Maid of
Zeta Chapter founding members, worked diligently to Honor” to the May Queen her senior year. Like many
keep the chapter solvent and maintain ownership of the students during the Great Depression, Margaret earned
chapter house throughout the Great Depression. academic scholarships and worked as a nanny to pay her
way through school.

Margaret married her Delta Chi sweetheart
Frederick in 1938, settled in Chicago,
and had son Stephen and daughter Mary.
Margaret briefly belonged to the alumnae
group that would later become the Chicago
West Suburban Alumnae Chapter, followed
by membership in the North Shore Alumnae
Chapter while living in Evanston, Illinois.
Margaret recalled the chapter making dresses
to send to the Frontier Nursing Service in
Kentucky, AOII’s philanthropy at the time.
This sewing group subset of the chapter met
monthly in each others’ homes, including the
residences of PIPs Merva Dolsen Hennings,
Rho (Northwestern U) and Mary Dee
Drummond, Alpha Phi (Montana State U).
Another PIP highlight was when Margaret
witnessed Nancy Moyer McCain, Rho
(Northwestern U), as a young collegian, be

Margaret Barber being honored by her Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter sisters.

60 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

“tapped out” for Mortar Board honors. The Barber Speaking of her AOII sisters,
family moved to Elmhurst, Illinois in 1952 and Margaret Margaret says, “I always
has been a member of the Chicago West Suburban knew that when I would
Alumnae Chapter since then. During her 20 year meet one, I’d feel a sisterly
association with the Elmhurst Panhellenic, Margaret bond. And I always did!”
proudly reports that as MIF chairperson 27 local women
became AOIIs, with her prized recommendation being Here’s to you
that of Judy Zawacke, Beta Lambda (Illinois Wesleyan
U) of the Chicago Northwest Alumnae Chapter. Margaret;

Margaret’s love of history is a recurrent theme in her life our rose ever
as she has extensively researched her family’s genealogy. blooming.
Margaret’s relatives arrived on the Mayflower in the 1630s
and she has been a life long member of the Mayflower To Dragma • 61
Society, Colonial Dames of America, and Daughters
of Founders and Patriots; all these groups promote
academic excellence and scholarship. Additionally,
Margaret has been a member of the Daughters of the
American Revolution for 74 years, holding many state
level offices and organizing five new chapters while an
active member.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

TWheinLgosve Walking

Hunger Games Whether hitting a track, a trail or a treadmill, walking is
always one of our favorite activities. We’re fortunate to
As we go to press, the Hunger Games have sidewalks throughout the Maryland Farms office
is taking the world by storm at the park where our AOII Headquarters building is located so
box office. We certainly love the walking is a frequent lunchtime activity for staffers.
movie, but we were captured
much earlier by the Nail Buffer
gripping story told
throughout the entire The Crazy Shine Nail Buffer by Revlon is
three-book trilogy awesome! It may look a little odd, but
by Suzanne Collins. you can buff on a top coat shine in just
seconds that will last 3 days. Use it on
Uncontrollable Laughter bare nails or to revive nail polish luster.
We love it!
You know the kind of laughter that
makes your eyes water? We just
love that and, luckily, we experience a
lot of it. AOII sisters love being
together and hysterical
laughter is an easy
by-product of a
close friendship.

62 • To Dragma Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

AOII’s Lilly Print Spray Tanning

When AOII was first selected We all agree that spray tanning is the easiest
to receive a custom Lilly Pulitizer and safest way to get a healthy glow for the
print, we were honored and summer season. No mechanical spray
ecstatic. If you love pandas and booths for us - we prefer the human airbrush
Lilly, then you are sure to love the approach for the most polished look!
new AOII print as much as we do.
It’s only available in selected items
at select Lilly stores, boutique’s,
Lilly’s website and soon through
the AOII Emporium!

Colored Jeans

Every where you turn things are
blooming in beautiful bright
colors. The same
can be said for
colored jeans,
one of our
favorite fashion
trends of the
season. You can
find them in pretty
much every color of
the rainbow.

On the Web To Dragma • 63

alphaomicronpi.org

We just LOVE our new AOII website.
There are lots of new tools and
features, but shameless self-promotion
aside, our personal favorite has got to
be our new digital To Dragma.

Issue no. 2 • Spring 2012

AOII Emporium

The AOII Emporium is now a digital shopping experience allowing us to carry more
merchandise, offer better prices and deliver your products faster. While these changes
mean there is no longer a storefront located at our International Headquarters building,
shop boxes can still be shipped to chapters for special events and Emporium
merchandise will be on sale at all AOII conferences.

Alpha O Racer Back Tank. AOII Emporium is
bringing it back! With all the retro love out there
right now, we thought it was the perfect time
to bring back an oldie but a goodie! The saying
Alpha O! Available in Sizes S-XL. $23.00

GO AOII Loose Fit Tank. This tank comes in
two adorable colors, navy & orchid! Meant to
be worn loose, and the softest tank that we have
ever felt! Available in Sizes +1 = S-M & +2 = L-XL (call if
you have questions). $23.00

Caribbean Sewn On. Adorable Caribbean
Blue Unisex Shirt with hot pink sewn on letters!
One of Emporiums #1 sellers for almost 5 years!
Available in Sizes XS-XL. $22.00

Hot Pink Running Shorts. Get off the couch
and feel good doing it in these Nike inspired

running shorts. Includes a brief lining inside
shorts as well as a car key pocket. These
shorts dawn small AOII greek symbols on
the left front leg. Available in Sizes S-XL. $24.50

Cassie. The most comfortable American
Apparel Red V-neck! Perfect for any AOII
wanting to rep her colors, founding, and motto
all in one place. Available in Sizes XS-XL. $23.50
1.800.746.7264
www.aoiiemporium.com

Navy & Lime Green V-neck. Navy, lime, 1.800.746.7264
dots, stripes & AOII! What more could you www.aoiiemporium.com
ask for in a screen printed, American Apparel
Unisex V-neck. Available in Sizes XS-XL. $22.00 AOII Tube Socks. The most awesome new product
Beach Babe Tee. “The boy has good taste” Emporium now carries! These socks are perfect for
and of course he does, he’s with an AOII! This recruitment, bid days, and intramurals!! One Size Fits
shirt is the perfect brag about your man shirt All. $10.00
or shirt for your man to wear. Available in Sizes Polka Dot Crew Sweatshirt. Once again another
XS-XL. $18.00 one of AOII Emporium’s Best Sellers for almost 5
Sewn on Letters. We have some of your years!! Red and white polka dot sewn on letters, on
favorite patterns on our sewn on letter a unisex oxford crew neck sweatshirt. Available in Sizes
v-necks. These two come in S-XL. $36.00
navy and grey with Roses and Rubies Classic Tee. Yep, this shirt has got
‘Call me Coral’ pattern a little bit of everything AOII! With hearts, roses, and
on our navy v-neck rubies, what AOII wouldn’t want to own this red unisex
and ‘Tiger Lilly classic cut tee. Available in Sizes S-XL. $18.50
Pink’ on the grey Go Any Where Weekender. One the
v-neck! Unisex Emporiums favorite new bags! Perfect
sizing and for a weekend trip anywhere. Why
perfect for
any AOII. not make AOII look good
Available in Sizes everywhere you go with
XS-XL. $25.50 this travel tote! $44.50

NEW! AOII on the Go Tote. Only $10.00 and this
tote looks good everywhere you go and was
our number one selling tote last year! $10.00

1.800.746.7264
www.aoiiemporium.com

Kaylor Full Zip Jacket. This America Apparel full zip jacket is absolutely Ltohvies!
one of our most fun and comfortable full zip jackets! With a right arm print,
back print, and cute front lower left print. Available in Sizes XS-XL. $49.50

Hope Quarter Zip. This is a brand new piece for the Emporium but
already a number one seller. Navy or white quarter zip jacket with
embroidered letters on the front and sewn on patterned letters on the
back! Available in Sizes XS-XL. $54.50

Navy Crush Crew with Red & White Sewn On letters. This is a cozy,
long-sleeve, crew sweatshirt with a front kangaroo pocket and a perfect
red and white sewn on letters pattern. Available in Sizes S-XL. $46.50

AOII Seal Crew Neck Sweater. The best sweatshirt on the market hands
down. This sweatshirt comes in two great shades, eco red & eco green.
With cream flocked sewn on letters and a screen printed seal below, you
can’t go wrong with this ultra-comfy purchase. Available in Sizes XS-XL. $49.50

Becky Loose Fit Long Sleeve. We love all of the throw back looks, loose
fit, and slouchy shirts, so we decided to combine the best of the best. This
shirt looks great worn a little loose. Available in Sizes S-XL. $26.50

With grateful appreciation, AOII recognizes the following new
members who joined from Dec. 1, 2011 to March 21, 2012

Alpha Chi Epsilon Alpha Phi Rho Omicron Theta Pi

Taylor Alexander Jeanne Comer Guiliano Judith Lind Alkire Ashley Barnes Dumat Deborah Lee Gustafson
Susan Ward Nally
Sandra Syler Schumacher Epsilon Omega Phi Sigma Sigma Theta Psi

Alpha Delta Amy Meyer-Stilwell Lynn Oltmanns Olson Sarah Callahan Stanley Jessica Reno

Brittany Shake Iota Phi Upsilon Tau Omicron Upsilon

Alpha Gamma JoAnneYonke Zunich Lisa Lewis Paula McFarland Janice McCully Allen

Megan Jennifer Masias Kappa Omega Pi Delta Theta Omega

Alpha Kappa Candi Cress AmyVitale Amanda Howk
Eileen Freeman Pleticha
Tena Graben Kappa Tau
We are Life Loyal
Alpha Lambda Brittany Fallon
Life Loyal AOII Members, AOII Executive Board
Jill Freeman Forehand Lambda Alpha
Front row: Susan Danko, Vice President, Phi Upsilon (Purdue U)
Alpha Phi Janine Brown Allison Allgier, International President, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)
Gayle Fitzpatrick, Vice President, Alpha Rho (Oregon State U)
Robin Groshelle Ornelas Lambda Beta Back row: Joyce Strout, Vice President, Phi Sigma (U of Nebraska, Kearney);
Rebecca Herman, Vice President, Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)
Alpha Tau Boualoy Sengchanthalangsy Karen Galehan, Vice President, Phi Lambda (Youngstown State U)
Dayton Krista Whipple, Vice President of Finance, Omega (Miami U)
Jan Forbes Bleavins Kandyce Harber, Vice President, Omicron (U of Tennessee)
Lambda Iota
Delta Delta Last June, we were humbled to have been elected to serve on the 2011-2013 AOII
Susan Davies Executive Board. We are proud to bring a wealth of AOII experiences to the table as we
Linda Bone Smith represent diverse collegiate chapters and varying AOII involvement. As each of us has
Lambda Tau interacted with AOII members and chapters across the US and Canada, it has already
Delta Pi become evident that the bonds of our sisterhood are strong and eternal. So, it is fitting
Cheryl Dashiell that one of the most significance connections we hold in common is our lifelong
Stefanie Light commitment to Alpha Omicron Pi through our Life Loyal AOII memberships.
Mary Grabau Reinert Nu Iota
We each strongly believe that by supporting the Fraternity in this way we are fulfilling
Delta Sigma Sophia Schaefer the vows we made during our initiations. With sincere hearts, we promised our chapters
and our Fraternity that we would forever cherish our sisters and support our organization.
Leslie Brown Nu Lambda Certainly, not every member will be led to executive leadership within AOII, but the Life
Gwyneth Wents Stevens Loyal AOII program is an wonderful place for anyone to start fulfilling that promise. A
Donna Tyminski Shattuck- membership in the Life Loyal AOII program will help support future educational and
Johnson personal development programs for our collegiate and alumnae members as well as
endow To Dragma. We hope you will consider joining the Life Loyal AOII program so,
together, we can invest in a bright future for Alpha Omicron Pi.

Alpha Omicron Pi Nonprofit Organization
Fraternity U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
International Headquarters Bolingbrook, IL
5390 Virginia Way Permit No. 374

Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Weare
Life Loyal AOII Members, 2011-2013 AOII Executive Board
Front Row: Susan Danko, Vice President, Phi Upsilon (Purdue U); Allison Allgier, International President, Epsilon Omega
(Eastern Kentucky U); Gayle Fitzpatrick, Vice President, Alpha Rho (Oregon State U). Back Row: Joyce Strout, Vice President,
Phi Sigma (U of Nebraska, Kearney); Rebecca Herman, Vice President, Chi Lambda (U of Evansville); Karen Galehan,
Vice President, Phi Lambda (Youngstown State U); Krista Whipple, Vice President of Finance, Omega (Miami U);
Kandyce Harber, Vice President, Omicron (U of Tennessee).

LIFELOYAgLr.oO.RlaGyolefil