Spring 2018 - To Dragma

2017 Recap

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1 Suburban Maryland Alumnae 2 Detroit North Suburban Alumnae 3 Minneapolis / St. Paul Alumnae

area. In October, we went to a local restaurant for lunch and Missouri
conversation and had family and friends join us. Two of our
members volunteered at the Arthritis Foundation Gala Fun- Last year was packed with events for the Greater Kansas City
draiser in Detroit. We participated in the Jingle Bell Run and Alumnae Chapter. We awarded scholarships to collegiate
were all set for a cookie exchange and Christmas light tour women at the University of Kansas and University of Central
when seven+ inches of snow kept us in our homes. Missouri. We raised thousands of dollars during our annual
flower and veggie sale, volunteered as face painters for kids
Minnesota (and a few kids-at-heart) and participated in the Walk to Cure
Arthritis at Worlds of Fun. We picnicked at Shawnee Mis-
Minneapolis / St.Paul Alumnae: Spring weather brought sion Park, drank frozen cocktails at Snow & Co. in Westport,
AOIIs to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis for a Minneso- showed off our craftiness creating string art, organized some
ta Twins game along with Tau Chapter for Strike Out Arthritis! pop-up gatherings for weekday fun and rooted for the Royals
Raising funds for arthritis is greatly rewarding. Alumnae pro- at Strike Out Arthritis! We also raked leaves for disadvantaged
vided recruitment support for Tau Chapter as well. seniors, donned our fancy duds to raise funds for Reach
Out and Read — Kansas City, switched into Santa hats to
participate in the Jingle Bell Run, and celebrated Founders’

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Alumnae Chapter News 2

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1 Central New Mexico Alumnae
2 NY / NJ Metro Alumnae
3 St. Louis Alumnae
4 Greater Kansas City Alumnae

Day with multiple generations of KC AOIIs (including a raffle events with sisters have been scheduled for social nights out.
that raised nearly $175)! Plus, we met multiple goals, such as We celebrated International Badge Day with sisters and a fun-
increasing our number of dues-paying members. draiser with Raisin’ Canes restaurant. We always look forward
The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter had a wonderful year of to our Senior Sendoff--a special meeting and Ritual together
events! We attended a St. Louis Cardinals game as our official with our Zeta Chapter graduates!
Strike Out Arthritis! event and had a lovely Saturday walk
around a local farmer’s market for a weekend adventure. We Nevada
attended the local Panhellenic scholarship luncheon and had
a cookie exchange for our Christmas festivities! Las Vegas: We started a new tradition of holding an event
on the 24th of each month; sometimes this is as simple as a
Nebraska mid-week happy hour. This means that some months we had
two events to accommodate for bigger events on the week-
The Kearney Alumnae Chapter has had a lot of fun events ends such as the Jingle Bell Run, but we want to have lots of
the last few months. Our members have gathered together opportunities to interact with all the great sisters in the Las
for wine tasting and crafting fun door decorations, among Vegas area!
other great events. The Reno-Tahoe Alumnae Chapter had a great 2017! In Janu-
The Lincoln Alumnae Chapter rocked into the year with a ary, we met to put together our “Showered with Love” to-go
shopping spree for children at Friendship Home for Christmas toiletry packets and delivered them to Safe Embrace, a local
gifts. We hosted Founders’ Day with the Zeta Chapter. Dinner women’s shelter in Reno. In February, over 20 sisters enjoyed
painting at our SOA! event at Vino and Van Gogh. The first

52 | Spring 2018

Nevada AOII alumnae weekend was in March. We enjoyed 2017 Recap
spending time with our Las Vegas sisters. It was so much fun,
we decided to make it an annual event. In April, we welcomed at the St. James Tearoom. Special guests who joined us were
several recent Delta Nu graduates into the RTAC sisterhood; daughters of our chapter members, AOII collegians and one
while in May, we gathered to celebrate everyone’s birthday. collegian’s mother. Our traditional ornament swap rounded
In June, we gathered with some Sacramento alumnae sisters out the fun.
near Lake Tahoe for a beautiful hike. In addition, three RTAC
members attended International Convention in Washington, New York
D.C. We also ushered at several performances at Shake-
speare on The Lake. In July, we held our annual planning The Buffalo Alumnae Chapter began 2017 with a celebra-
meeting in Reno and had 16 members attend. Our annual tion of Founders’ Day with brunch at the historic, nationally
scholarship fundraiser was held in September this year, and renowned Roycroft Inn in East Aurora, New York. A “Saturday
raised over $2,000 for the AOII Foundation’s Betty Duke Morning with Sisters” was held at Spot Coffee in downtown
Scholarship. In November, we held another “Showered with Buffalo again, as it is a favorite event of the chapter. The sum-
Love” event to help women in need. In December, we joined mer fun started with sisters gathering for a family picnic and
our sisters at Delta Nu for a beautiful Founders’ Day celebra- boating at a sister’s summer home at Rushford Lake. On a
tion. Later the same day, we jingled in our jammies for arthri- beautiful August evening, we met at the Lake Erie cottage of
tis. In addition to all these activities, we also held five book a sister who was home for a holidays from Paris, where she
club meetings and enjoyed several smaller pop-up events. works at the U.S. Embassy. A representative of the chapter
attended Network One’s Northeast Weekend in Providence,
New Hampshire Rhode Island at Bryant University.

New Hampshire Alumnae got together for a sip-and-paint The Long Island Alumnae Chapter had a full calendar in 2017.
event at Graffiti Paintbar in Nashua, New Hampshire. We We installed new officers in January. Our SOA! event was a
caught up over mimosas while slinging paint onto the canvas! Valentine’s Day-themed auction. We warmed up in March
with a cocktail party. Several of us attended the SOA! with
New Jersey the Mets at Citi Field and walked with our dogs for arthritis at
Belmont Park. In October, we traveled to Bryant University for
The Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter ended the year with Northeast Weekend. We celebrated sisterhood, Ritual and
the Jingle Bell Run, in which President Alicia Heintjes and our Fraternity’s new brand. The weekend included work-
Philanthropy Chair Jennifer Wisniewski participated. Goals for shops, games, bonding activities, dinner and Ritual. We also
the coming year include helping Gamma Phi with their recruit- checked in via live feed to see the installation of Carole Jones
ment needs, doubling membership (ambitious, we know, but to NPC Chairman. This was an exciting weekend for all! In
doable, we think!) and completing a successful Galentine’s November, we visited our veterans in the local VA hospital.
Day for some quality time with sisters. We were grateful to assist in Bingo games and served re-
freshments to those who have selflessly served our country.
Jersey Shore Alumnae: We proudly continued our involve- December brought another Jingle Bell Run and the always
ment with the local Jingle Bell Run at the shore by walking, well-attended Founders’ Day celebration. We celebrate our
running, fundraising and donating food for the VIP donors. Founders with a luncheon, Ruby Fund collection and the
Sisters attended Founders’ Day events in New Jersey and “dirty shame gift exchange game,” which is always a hit to see
Delaware. Our new website is ready to be seen by our area how many times you can steal a gift before the game ends.
alumnae and help us achieve our membership recruitment Sisterhood is alive and well on Long Island!
goals. Members of our chapter continue to serve as advisers
for Iota Theta Chapter at Monmouth University. This year, the NY / NJ Metro Alumnae Chapter has embraced
a program of “sisterhood and service.” We have endeavored
New Mexico to use our sisterhood in increasing our impact through com-
munity service and support of local organizations. Our service
Central New Mexico Alumnae Chapter is truly a fun and efforts have, in turn, enhanced the bonds of our sisterhood.
hard-working bunch of sisters. We participated in the local Many of our members do not live locally so we have had to
Panhellenic spring fling fundraiser. We made three tie quilts re-think the way we operate for the benefit of all. So far this is
with the help of friends from St. John Vianney and sent them working out, as we have seen an increased in the numbers of
to the newly chartering chapter at Arizona State University. members that have participated in our service projects. We
Over four gallons of pop tops were collected and taken to have collected backpacks full of school supplies for needy
the Ronald McDonald house. We were able to help and students, supported a local Boy Scout troop’s food drive and
participate in December’s Jingle Bell Run. We gathered to try provided toys for children still recovering from weather catas-
Cuban food in Santa Fe and had a brunch at an organic farm trophes. Inspiration and ambition have fueled our efforts to
in Albuquerque. We ended 2017 with a lovely December tea want to do as much as we can to share the blessings of our
sisterhood with others. We also enjoy our continued support
of local collegians by serving as advisers, attending Northeast

53

Alumnae Chapter News participated in a self-defense class, spent a day at the North
Carolina Zoo, enjoyed a summertime cookout, and a trip
Weekend and Founders’ Day events, and welcoming new to Seagrove (the pottery capital of the United States). The
members. We also enjoy collaboration with our nearby New chapter prepared for the holiday season by spending a day
Jersey alumnae sisters—many of whom are secondary mem- bell-ringing for the Salvation Army.
bers of our chapter. Sisterhood is a gift – best when shared. The sisters of the Port City Alumnae Chapter started their
Rochester Alumnae: Our chapter has a listing of over 25 year by celebrating their chapter’s founding with a gathering
members, but we saw an active group of 12-15 women attend of members for a seaside dinner and evening of sisterhood.
our 2017 programing. Our key performance goals were: main- Throughout the year, sisters came together for meals at local
tain and sustain the active group membership in critical chap- restaurants and city parks. The holiday season was spent with
ter and Panhellenic activities, actively support Panhellenic potlucks at each other’s homes. This year, the chapter began
scholarship fundraising and group activities, contribute to our two new endeavors: a quarterly book club meeting as well
greater community through donations to support local food as volunteering and fundraising for Wreaths Across America.
cupboards and women’s domestic violence shelter, and lastly, The Port City Alumnae Chapter has several sisters connected
provide enduring and lasting friendships for our membership. to active duty and veteran military members; therefore this
We have had a long history of supporting national groups philanthropy honoring fallen veterans, those missing in action,
such as the Arthritis Foundation while assisting our com- and Prisoners of War touched very close to home. In Decem-
munity needs. The Rochester Alumnae Chapter has moved ber, sisters raised money and donated wreaths for the pro-
meetings away from primary member’s residences to public gram and attended a local Wreaths Across America ceremo-
venues to attract younger women. Each year in December, ny in Wilmington, North Carolina. The chapter looks forward
we have held a special luncheon to celebrate our Founders, to making this an annual philanthropy and service event.
host Ritual, exchange good cheer and toast to our continued
health and longevity. Small, but mighty and loyal describes Ohio
our local alumnae chapter.
The Greater Cleveland Area Alumnae Chapter is continu-
North Carolina ing to rock it out with unique, lively and engaging sisterhood
events. Highlights of our year so far include a Raclette (Swiss
In 2017, the Charlotte Area Alumnae Chapter worked to build medieval fare) dinner with a Ritual refresher, a bring-your-
a better relationship with the local Arthritis Foundation to best-salad potluck, rooting on the Cleveland Indians while
create a better partnership for the future! We participated in raising money for arthritis, enjoying a delectable holiday tea,
the Walk to Cure Arthritis, JA Family Day and Jingle Bell Run! and participating in the Jingle Bell Run.
Outside of philanthropy, we enjoyed a wine-and-paint night The Columbus Alumnae Chapter had a fantastic year. We
followed by a Strike Out Arthritis! event with the Charlotte kicked off the year by celebrating Founders’ Day with mem-
Knights, and an alumnae social with the Wingate collegiate bers of Chi Epsilon and Omega Upsilon. It was a Valentine’s
chapter. Day theme including fun decorations and a delicious buffet.
Greater Greenville Alumnae Chapter had a wonderful 2017! We also enjoyed a trivia night with the Chi Epsilon seniors,
We celebrated Founders’ Day with the Zeta Psi women in which provided our members with a great way to get to know
February. We made homemade spring wreaths. Dinner was future alumnae members. Our meetings always have a fun
served at a member’s house in April, how yummy! In August, theme or activity, including a taco bar, game night, baked po-
we put together recruitment goodie bags for the Zeta Psi tato bar and a cookie exchange. Members also participated in
women. September meant breakfast with sisters at a local Omega Upsilon’s recruitment practice. It was exciting to meet
coffee shop to get our caffeine fix. At the end of the year, we new sisters and see them in action!
celebrated the holidays with a lasagna potluck and donations The Dayton Alumnae Chapter started off the year with our
for Toys for Tots. We also participated in the Jingle Bell Run annual salad supper where we had the chance to catch up
in Raleigh! with each other after our summer break. We had a baking
This past year saw the second anniversary of the NC Foot- lesson in October and everyone baked an apple pie to take
hills Alumnae Chapter installation. This summer, we gathered home with them. We also held a “friendsgiving” event and a
to catch up in what has easily become an annual event for mother-daughter tea, which included local collegiate mem-
us at our family lake day! Our sisters live in both Tennessee bers who were home for the holidays.
and North Carolina, so we participated in AOII Night Out in 2017 for the Mahoning Valley Alumnae Chapter can be
both locations; at Fourk in Hickory, North Carolina and Cootie summed up in two words: “philanthropy” and “sisterhood.”
Browns in Johnson City, Tennessee. This fall, we held a We inspired ambition as we rang in the new year by host-
cookie exchange as well as our annual ornament auction. ing a fundraiser for a local anti-bullying organization, Making
The Piedmont Alumnae Chapter started the 2017 year with
their annual AOII-themed gift exchange. The sisters also

54 | Spring 2018

2017 Recap

1 1 Piedmont Alumnae

2 Port City Alumnae
3 Rochester Alumnae
4 Columbus Alumnae

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Kids Count. We attended Founders’ Day with the Cleveland of 53 participants, made exam buckets for our collegians,
Area Alumnae Chapter in January and in April the MVAC had held our ever-popular ornament exchange, and learned about
dinner and supported Phi Lambda at their Greek Sing com- Ohio wines. We celebrated our chapter’s 80th anniversary at
petition. That spring, we welcomed sisters from Phi Lambda Founders’ Day with 300 celebrants and Leigh Perry as our
at Youngstown State University into alumnae status during special speaker. Leigh held a beautiful Ritual workshop for our
their senior send off and provided dessert for their formal. collegiate and alumnae members the next day. Our wonderful
The MVAC participated in the Walk to Cure Arthritis at the “Baskets ‘n Brunch Benefit” was again successful, raising over
Cleveland Zoo in May, and we were fortunate enough to have $10,000 for Camp Dakota! We installed our new officers and
four chapter members attend International Convention in our collegiate seniors into alumnae status at a beautiful Ritual
Washington, D.C. We hosted a very successful sip-and-paint meeting in April and ended the year with a fun game night
event in August with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the in May.
Arthritis Foundation, and we lent our support to Phi Lambda
during their fall formal recruitment. In October, we traveled to Pennsylvania
Columbus to celebrate Ohio and West Virginia AOII Day, and
we wrapped up the year by braving the cold at the Jingle Bell Philadelphia Alumnae: The year kicked-off with a happy
Run in December. hour and dinner at Southern Cross Kitchen in Conshohocken.
Toledo Area Alumnae Chapter had a fun and exciting year. Laughter and sisterhood monopolized the evening, highlight-
We learned how to have a healthy Thanksgiving, participated ed by the trash-to-treasure white elephant! At our Founders’
in the Jingle Bell Run with Theta Psi and Alpha Psi and a total Day celebration with sisters of Sigma Beta, current NPC Chair-
man Carole Jones inspired everyone to “think” Panhellenic.

55

Alumnae Chapter News Looking for new skills, sisters found the Craftery where they
created “etched” slate cheese trays. Chocolate, champagne,
1 roses and Ritual, made for a fun evening. In March, we met
at Christopher’s in Malvern for happy hour and dinner. April’s
1 Austin Alumnae celebration was to transition Sigma Beta seniors to alumnae
2 Dallas Alumnae status. A September gathering at Paladar Latin Kitchen and
3 Houston Alumnae Rum Bar was a hit. October saw us enjoying adult trick-or-
treat weekend at Chaddsford Winery. We also successfully
2 escaped the Expedition Escape Quest in 52:24 because we
just couldn’t wait for dinner at Plaza Azteca. November we
3 celebrated “friendsgiving” at City Works in KOP. December
brought Jingle Bell Run to the Philadelphia Navy Yard where
56 | Spring 2018 AOIIs dressed and jingled to support arthritis. We prepared
for the holidays with our annual holiday party and secret
Santa. We enjoy our friendships, sisterhood, new experi-
ences and good food!
The Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter started the year off with
our annual Founders’ Day Luncheon. In June, we held a
happy hour for local alumnae and sent a representative to In-
ternational Convention. We participated in the annual Jingle
Bell Run. We also had multiple members of our chapter sup-
port local collegiate chapters by volunteering as advisers.
The State College Alumnae Chapter partners with the
Epsilon Alpha Chapter on our Strike Out Arthritis! event at
a baseball game for our local minor league team, the State
College Spikes. We also assist in advising the collegiate
chapter on putting together their SOA event. We work
together on a silent auction raising funds for both groups to
make their SOA contributions. We also attend with our fami-
lies and friends showing our great sisterhood to the colle-
gians and the community. It is a wonderful community event
to bring awareness to arthritis, while having a great time of
sisterhood between the alumnae and collegiate chapters.

South Carolina

Charleston Alumnae: We celebrated Founders’ Day in Janu-
ary with a luncheon of chili, sides and desserts. Founders’
Day Ritual was also read. Pi Day consisted of meeting for
pizza. We visited Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, had a pic-
nic at the end of summer and celebrated the holiday season
with a potluck luncheon and some fun Christmas games.

Tennessee

The Chattanooga Area Alumnae Chapter celebrated its
fifth anniversary in April by attending a lovely dinner in
downtown Chattanooga. In August, sisters volunteered with
the Arthritis Foundation at the JA Family Day event at the
Tennessee Aquarium. Children and their families took part
in a scavenger hunt and crafts. The chapter finished out the
year at our annual B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Panda) dinner,
where over a dozen pandas were donated to the Arthritis
Foundation.

Last year, the Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter celebrated 2017 Recap
AOII Night Out for an entire week, bringing sisters together
to different regions of the Memphis area to share our favorite The El Paso Alumnae Chapter began 2017 with a lovely
parts of living here. These events included a day trip to the Founders’ Day luncheon at the El Paso Country Club. Besides
Dixon Gallery, vegetarian dinner dates, a night at the movies honoring our Founders, we honored two of our members on
and a Taco Tuesday luncheon. More than a dozen alumnae their 50th anniversary as AOIIs. In March, we had our annual
participated in Jingle Bell Run, many participating for the first AOII dinner and a movie night. One of our members cooked
time and some serving as volunteers. a delicious Korean dinner followed by a viewing of the movie
The Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter is composed of a “Lion.” In April, our alumnae chapter was able to attend “Driv-
diverse group of sisters representing dozens of collegiate ing Miss Daisy” at the El Paso Playhouse. Several of our chap-
chapters. We are grateful to have so many sisters who host a ter members were able to attend the alumnae Panhellenic
variety of activities. Throughout 2017, we held monthly local scholastic awards tea. In July, our chapter attended a AAA
dinner groups, had Pi Day Fridays and made use of social me- baseball game. We had a bridal shower for one of our mem-
dia to communicate and connect. The year started off with a bers in August. Needless to say, we all know that AOIIs like
bang for the NAAC with our Mardi Gras murder mystery party. to shop, so in October our chapter attended a local holiday
It was so much fun hanging out with sisters eating king cake bazaar. In December, one of our members hosted a holiday
and figuring out “who done it.” The next item on the calendar open house, where everyone brought their favorite appetizer.
was Founders’ Day followed by the Nashville Panhellenic lun- The Houston Alumnae Chapter began 2017 with our Found-
cheon. We participated in Greeks Reading Across Nashville ers’ Day celebration in January remembering Jessie, Helen,
and helped out with library books at sip and sort in May and Stella and Bess, with candle lighting and Ritual. Sisters
October. In March, we had a virtual education meeting and gathered for a wine and painting party and joined in the
May was the local Walk to Cure Arthritis. International Con- initiation of Tau Mu sisters in January as well. In February, we
vention was the highlight of the summer and we were proud joined other Texas sisters in Austin at State Day. We cruised
to have so many of our members be able to attend. Over the Galveston Bay and dined on the Kemah Boardwalk in April.
summer we had our annual pool party and leadership retreat. In May, we participated in the HAPA Scholarship Luncheon.
Then in September, we kicked off fall with our annual busi- That month, we also participated in the Walk to Cure Arthritis
ness meeting and Ritual. We gathered for a social at a winery on the Buffalo Bayou Trail. We concluded the spring events
in October and had a virtual holiday vendor fair in November, with our May social and the senior transition Ritual at Sigma
where we shopped online from our sisters who have home- Theta and Tau Mu. Hurricane Harvey delayed some of our fall
based businesses. We wrapped up our year with the Jingle events as sisters were trying to cope with the after effects of
Bell Run. We ended up with 55 participants, raised $4,525 that storm. To help ease the burden of the recovery, we held
and received the award for largest team. our fall kick-off in September and attended the Strike Out
Arthritis! with the Astros at the final home game of the regular
Texas season. We had another wine and painting party for AOII
Night Out in October. A Christmas party, Jingle Bell Run and
The Austin Alumnae Chapter had a busy fall and winter! We Sigma Theta and Tau Mu senior transition Ritual brought 2017
kicked off the year with a dessert bar event and collected to successful close.
supplies to donate to Hurricane Harvey victims. We also as- The North Texas Alumnae Chapter participated in AOII Texas
sisted two of our local collegiate chapters with recruitment Day held in February by setting up the event’s local philan-
costs and meals. We also had a pumpkin painting event in thropy and sharing with other sisters about real-world arthritis
October, indulged ourselves with manicures and pedicures in challenges. We ended our spring semester with goodie bags
November, and had a great showing at the Jingle Bell Run! At for the collegians at Lambda Rho and Delta Theta. We then
our annual holiday party in December, we collected dona- started the fall semester by supporting the collegians at both
tions for a local foster home. chapters as they began recruitment preparations. We collect-
The Dallas Alumnae Chapter set a focus on charity and phi- ed items to send to our own sister overseas and sent enough
lanthropy last year. The chapter had two collection drives to to share with other soldiers and with locals. With a few sisterly
support local charities. At the annual kick-off event in August, meals and happy hours, we rounded up the year with our
Dallas sisters collected school supplies and backpacks for tacky sweater coffee break.
Dallas County Public Schools. During November and Decem- The San Antonio Alumnae Chapter had an eventful year
ber, the chapter collected various food items for Love Pacs of which we culminated with our annual “Holiday Dazzler.” This
Plano, Texas in support of local children in need. DAC round- year, we did things a little different and did an ornament
ed out its focus on giving back by continuing its annual collec- exchange. It was a huge success. In addition, members came
tion for the AOII Foundation’s Ruby Fund at the Founders’ Day together throughout the year to celebrate life events such
brunch in January. AOII’s sisterhood has inspired charitable as engagements and birthdays! We cannot wait to see what
ambition in the Dallas alumnae and the chapter looks forward 2018 brings for our members!
to continuing good works.
57

Alumnae Chapter News

Washington Madison Arthritis Board Chair was our speaker. Our highlight
of the year was receiving Outstanding Alumnae Chapter
What an exciting time to be a member of the Seattle Alum- awards at International Convention!
nae Chapter, a vibrant group of women who celebrated 100 The Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter’s “Dine on 9” has been
years of sisterhood in 2017 at a luncheon at Foster Golf Links. very successful in reaching more alumnae in the area. Our
We were honored to have International President Gayle Fitz- December 9th gathering was our holiday party at Barbara
patrick speak at our luncheon. Our members represent more Hunt’s home. Barb welcomed 26 area alumnae into her home
than 10 different collegiate chapters, some who are recent where we had great food, great company and lots of laughs
graduates and those who have been members for more than as we exchanged white elephant gifts. Each member brought
50 years. Our year was filled with fun and meaningful activi- items to donate to the Aurora Healing Center at Sinai to com-
ties. We started the year by celebrating Founders’ Day with fort victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
the Upsilon Chapter at the University of Washington. Our
other activities included our annual salad potluck social, wine Canadian Alumnae Chapters
and cheese night, and a happy hour. Philanthropy is a priority
as we participated in Strike Out Arthritis! with the Seattle Mari- Alberta
ners in July, the Jingle Bell Run and brunch in December, and
supported the Upsilon Chapter at their Red Ruby Auction. Our 2017 was a whirlwind of a year for Calgary Alumnae! We
members serve as advisers for Alpha Gamma, Tau Gamma, began the year by celebrating Founders’ Day in the heart
Upsilon and Beta Kappa chapters. We support the Marilyn of downtown Calgary, recognizing 10 members with their
Keller Lundberg Scholarship Fund that awards scholarships 25-year anniversary pin. In April, our senior welcome, where
to AOIIs at Washington State University, Eastern Washington we welcome recent Kappa Lambda grads into our chapter,
and the University of Washington. was themed “death by chocolate.” Our monthly wing nights,
board game evenings and s’mores cook-out were enjoyed
Wisconsin by many, as well as our annual summer sisterhood picnic at
Edworthy Park and an afternoon at the Calgary Stampede Ro-
The Green Bay-Fox Cities Alumnae Chapter enjoyed the deo. In September, we hosted Bid Day and celebrated Kappa
Brown County Taste of Wisconsin with great food tasting and Lambda’s outstanding recruitment results! Not long after, we
meeting our Alice in Dairyland. A hike along the Fox River held our green books and rosés elections wine tour. We each
Trail was beautiful and members sampled ice cream treats taught the rest of chapter about the histories and philanthro-
after the walk. An outdoor concert at Heritage Hills State pies of other NPC Groups, while we ate green foods, cookies,
Historical Site and a farmers’ market were summer and fall cheeses and veggies, preceded by our annual elections.
events. Yellow raspberry picking at a local orchard was fun
and yummy to eat. Our trip to the Neville Museum in Green British Columbia
Bay to see pre-dinosaur, neon and Spanish exhibits was a hit.
Jingle in our Jammies ended our year, supporting the Arthritis Greater Vancouver Region Alumnae: At International Con-
Foundation for the Jingle Bell Run in Green Bay, Wisconsin. vention we received the Philos Award and our chapter sister,
Bonnie Sutherland, was honored with the Elizabeth Heywood
Madison Area Alumnae Chapter continues to plan a variety Wyman Award for her work in AFRETECH Aid Society. In the
of activities throughout the year by looking at ways we are spring, we held a “Wine and Book Night.” Two major events
living our values through our activities, experiences and time were done with our Beta Kappa sisters: Founders’ Day and
together. We started our year with our traditional AO-Pies Vancouver’s Walk to Fight Arthritis. In September, our Net-
kick-off. Something new this year was strengthening and work Director Lisa Niedenthal joined us for dinner while she
educating our body, mind and spirit through practicing gentle was in town for business. As we have for six years, we made
yoga. We expanded our knowledge of art by touring the lunches for the first day of Beta Kappa’s Formal Recruitment.
Madison Chazen Art Museum and knowledge of the lost art Finally, some sisters met at various coffee shops to write
of silent films by watching “Safety Last.” It was hilarious! Our notes for the “Big Love Ball” that were sent, along with thou-
annual high tea, held at a sister’s home, is our most attended sands of others, to Yoko Ono for an art installation project.
event. We perform Ritual to install officers, sing AOII songs
and have social time. An example of us living our values by Ontario
doing service for others was working with the Koats for Kids
campaign organizing coats and winter wear. At the Jingle The Ottawa Alumnae Chapter has been busy over the past
Bell Run, we had 13 participants and raised over $1,500! In year and continues growing larger! In the spring, we held our
March, we organized Founders’ Day for Madison and Milwau- “Welcome to Alumnae Status” party with graduating mem-
kee alumnae, and Phi Delta collegians. Early members of the bers of the Gamma Chi Chapter. We also honored one of our
alumnae chapter were interviewed, and Deb Constien,

58 | Spring 2018

2017 Recap

1

23

3
4

1 Seattle Alumnae 2 Toronto Alumnae 3 North Texas Alumnae 4 Greater Vancouver Region
Alumnae

longtime members, Louise Archer, with the MJ Jacobson Life- Toronto Area Alumnae: We started the year with a Found-
time Achievement Award. In the fall, we helped with Gamma ers’ Day pizza dinner, bringing the alumnae and collegiate
Chi’s successful recruitment and welcomed many lovely members together for a great evening of fun and games. In
ladies to the AOII family. As the snow began to fall, we held a June, we gathered for a party outside on a beautiful day. In
holiday party benefiting a local women’s shelter. The highlight December, we met for a “Nutcracker Tea” at a downtown ho-
of the year was being able to celebrate the 25th anniversary tel, in a private lounge with fireplace and armchairs. Savories
of Gamma Chi at Rose Ball! Alumnae from all over Canada and sweets were themed around the Nutcracker, and the
joined us the evening before to reminisce about a quarter prosecco and tea were excellent. Conversations sparkled and
century of inspiring women and wonderful memories. It was a we enjoyed ourselves!
weekend that many of us will remember for years to come.

59

AOII Foundation Focus

ALPHA OMICRON PI FOUNDATION’S
2016-2017 INVESTMENT REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Grans & Schlarshis

TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED THANKS
TO DONOR SUPPORT:

Arthritis (58%) Scholarships (24%) Ruby Fund (7%)
Educational & Leadership Programming (11%)

RUBY FUND: EDUCATIONAL & LEADERSHIP

16 recipients = PROGRAMMING: $92,200

$74,547 Fraternity programs funded for 2017-2018:
• Educational Leadership Consultants (ELC) Program
awarded
& Training
46% increase • Leadership Institute Educational Programs and

in Ruby Fund Leadership Academy
Grants • Fulfilling the Promise: Adviser & Online Training
• Training Ambassadors Program
• Mental Health Curriculum
• Leadership Scholarships
• Arthritis Foundation Partnership and Events

AOII-funded backpack ARTHRITIS: $558,041
from the National Backpack
• Arthritis Foundation Power Packs
Program • Arthritis Foundation Camps
• Arthritis Foundation Family Conference
• Arthritis Mini-Grants to Arthritis Programs & Camps
• Research Grants to the Childhood Arthritis &

Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA)
• University of Maryland Osteoarthritis Undergraduate

Research Grant

SCHOLARSHIPS: 1 IN 4

1 1 4 Scholarships Awarded = APPLICANTS AWARDED
A SCHOLARSHIP
$230,050
1 $ 5 1 0Leadership Scholarship =
5 New Named Scholarships Launched

60 | Spring 2018

$704,248 $518,867 $572,971
Arthritis Investment Loyalty Fund/
Fund Gifts Income* Unrestricted
$27,528
Ruby Fund Gifts
Gifts
$735,463 $32,987
Scholarship & Other
Endowment
Gifts

* Includes realized & TOTAL REVENUE
unrealized invest
-ment gains & losses

15% 16% Cash and $1,353,950
Cash Equivalents $6,416,354
$248,372 $270,680 Marketable Securities
Scholarship General & Operating Receivable $207,106
Program Expenses Fixed Assets $6,758
Expenses Total Assets
5% Liabilities $7,984,168
5% Total Net Assets $939,683
$89,630 Total Net Assets $7,044,485
Ruby Fund $93,200 & Liabilities
Program Expenses Foundation-funded $7,984,168

25% Fraternity Grant Financial data for the Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation as of and for
Expenses the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Data presented is audited.
$424,346
Fundraising 34%
Expenses
$570,418
TOTAL EXPENSES Arthritis Grant

Expenses

To view the AOII Foundation’s 2016-2017 Investment Report in full,
as well as the 2016-2017 Donor Listing, visit www.alphaomicronpi.org/foundation.

61

Life Loyal

With grateful appreciation, Alpha Omicron Pi recognizes the
following members who joined Life Loyal between June 23, 2017
and March 14, 2018.

Alpha Chi Delta Alpha Gamma Chi
Western Kentucky U U of Missouri Carleton U
Elizabeth Bradley Stephanie Chandler Stephanie Bridel
Meagan Davis Shirley Lin Ainsley Hunt

Alpha Lambda Delta Delta Gamma Delta
Georgia Southern U Auburn U U of South Alabama
Trice Cesnik Melissa Floyd Mary Grace Staples
Elizabeth Henderson
Alpha Pi Gamma Phi
Florida State U Delta Kappa Seton Hall U
Kaylee Hartman Washington U in St. Louis Maura Jones
Elaine Cole
Beta Gamma Iota
Michigan State U Delta Theta U of Illinois
Autumn Blogg Texas Woman’s U Nicole Brauer
Gabrielle Lossia Angela Nelson
Jenna Malcom Kappa Chi
Delta Xi Northwestern State U
Beta Phi Rose-Hulman Institute of Tech. Crystal Swanner
Indiana U Eva Rojas
Emily Svendsen Kappa Kappa
Epsilon Ball State U
Chi Delta Cornell U Karen Gartland
U of Colorado Boulder Katherine Scarcella Mitzi Jones
Ashli Hagan
Epsilon Chi Kappa Omega
Chi Phi Elon U U of Kentucky
U of South Carolina Aiken Lisa Newton-Orensky Amelia Steindorff
Kaylee Heath
Epsilon Gamma Kappa Tau
Chi Psi U of Northern Colorado Southeastern Louisiana U
California Polytechnic State U Katelyn Michaels Courtney Hart
Melanie Mitchell Paige Westerheid Brittaney Holley
Zoya Popoff Joelle McWilliams
Epsilon Sigma
Chi Theta Quincy U Lambda Alpha
Northeastern State U Christina Mueller U of La Verne
Rachel Vernon Julie Amanda Cox
Gamma Mayra Marchington
U of Maine
Kirstien Davidson

62 | Spring 2018

Lambda Beta Phi Beta Sigma Gamma
California State U, Long Beach East Stroudsburg U Appalachian State U
Carolyn Olson Kimberly McGowan Haley Cahill

Lambda Epsilon Phi Lambda Sigma Omicron
U of Waterloo Youngstown State U Arkansas State U
Victoria Kuo Heather Kirkpatrick Robyn Simpson Brien
Megan Morris
Lambda Eta Phi Sigma
Grand Valley State U U of Nebraska at Kearney Tau
Shaunna Maxwell Courtney Hayden U of Minnesota
Kaitlyn Keeling Ramsey Folb
Lambda Sigma Danielle Vallis
U of Georgia Tau Gamma
Kristen Darnell Phi Upsilon Eastern Washington U
Amy Max Purdue U Amber Bernardi-Kim
Emily Montgomery Elise Hamilton
Nu Beta
U of Mississippi Pi Theta
Erin Raines Tulane U DePauw U
Lisa Poche Sherri Renae Ashby
Nu Iota
Northern Illinois U Pi Alpha Theta Psi
Patricia Juza U of Louisville U of Toledo
Samantha MacKenzie Renee Charek Claar
Nu Lambda Bobbi Seymour
U of Southern California Rho Omicron
Jazqueline Hodge Middle Tennessee State U Upsilon Lambda
Kayla Reszka U of Texas at San Antonio
Nu Omicron Christin Reynolds Elizabeth Muir
Vanderbilt U Megan Townsend Becki Scribner
Katie Brown
Sigma Alpha Xi
Omega West Virginia U U of Oklahoma
Miami U Karen Trubisky Brittany Wagner
Damaris (Rissa) Reddan
Sigma Chi Zeta Pi
Omega Sigma Hartwick College U of Alabama at Birmingham
Oklahoma State U Madeline Strohmayer Alyssa Pennington
Kendra May
Sigma Delta
Omicron Huntingdon College
U of Tennessee Christine Cantwell
Kristin Ford Farrah Mahan
Patti Hopkins

63

Things We Love: Subscription Services BRIDAL

CLOTHING/JEWELRY The Ring Boxes
The Ring Boxes is a
Le Tote subscription service
Le Tote’s slogan says it all: “Wear, return, repeat!” The perfect for yourself or a
fashion rental service sends you clothing and acces- friend with an upcoming wed-
sories each month based on your needs and style ding. Each box contains fun
preferences. Once you are done wearing them, you bridal products like themed wine
can return them in the prepaid shipping package, or glasses and bath products. Pamper
if you really love some of the items, you can keep the yourself or give this as a gift to your
ones you love for as much as 50 percent off. Plus, they favorite brides to celebrate this special
do all the dirty laundry for you! Totes start at just $59 time for just $40 per box.
per month. They offer maternity styles as well for all
the expecting mothers out there! Tulle La La
Rocksbox Another fantastic option for brides is Tulle La La. The
Each month, you receive a box of fabulous jewelry service provides two sizes of boxes: standard with four
hand-picked for you based on your style preferences. to six premium bridal products and the mini with two to
Wear the jewelry as as you want, then send it back three lavish products. Furthermore, Tulle La La offers
when you’re ready for new items. If you receive an three types of subscriptions: the “Royal” subscription
item you absolutely love, you can purchase it using is an eight-month subscription for engaged brides
your monthly $21 account credit. to enjoy throughout the entire planning process; the
“Chapel” option is a six-month subscription for brides
who have already started planning; and the “Waltz”
subscription is a monthly option for brides with only
a short amount of time left until their wedding day or
who just want a few boxes to enjoy before they say “I
do!” Subscriptions range from $27 to $55 per month.

HEALTH/FITNESS COSMETICS

SweatStyle PLAY by SEPHORA!
“Your workout is hard Skincare and makeup and hair care… Oh my! PLAY! by
enough. Don’t sweat SEPHORA is a monthly subscription box with five de-
the shopping.” We love luxe skincare, makeup and hair care samples selected
this tagline as much as just for you. Each box also includes a fun collectible
we love SweatStyle! Fitness bag, beauty trips and tricks, PLAY! PASS redeemable
and athleisure apparel from for 50 bonus points and a free tutorial, plus more! The
a variety of luxury brands are best part? Boxes are just $10 per month.
hand-selected for you based on
your style and workout preferences. Ipsy
When your delivery arrives, you have Another fabulous option for makeup lovers is the Ipsy
five days to try on the items. Keep what subscription. For just $10 a month, you will also receive
you like and return the rest. You are only five luxury beauty products in a fashion-forward reus-
charged for the items you keep, but good able cosmetic bag. Complete a brief beauty quiz to
news: your monthly “sweat fee” of $25 is receive products custom to your skin tone, hair color
applied to your purchase. and eye color. Plus, you can select the
Aaptiv brands and types of products you
Aaptiv is an audio-based fitness app subscription that love or want to try, so you know
combines the guidance and motivation of a personal you will surely love the products
trainer with your favorite fitness classes—all on your you receive each month.
phone. The app has hundreds of “classes” for the
elliptical, treadmill, stair climber, yoga, strength train-
ing and race prep. The app’s classes are audio only,

so simply select your class, plug in your
headphones, and get ready for a trainer
to guide you through your workout
with perfect form, while a motiva-
tional playlist plays simultaneously.
Connect with the trainers on the
app’s Facebook community group
for an extra boost of motivation.
Free trials are available online,
and subscriptions start are $15 per
month or $100 per year.

65

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ISsPIRnINThGe Air
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Mint Tropical Leaf Letter Shirt - $26.50 Pink Re-Brand Tank - $24.50 Spring Flower Letter Tank $26.50

66 | Spring 2018

Nava NY Bar Necklace - $58.00 | Nava NY Signature Lavalier - $49.00

Nava NY Classic Lavalier - $54.00

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67

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International Headquarters
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Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
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Graduating

this semester?

Two great ways to ensure you stay connected are
updating your contact information and becoming a
Life Loyal member! Turn to page 9 to learn more!