The Spring Lyre 2024

Peggy Flanagan

TAKING HER SEAT AT THE TABLE

Convention Registration is Open!

Making an Uncommon Impact on Chapters

Recognizing a Very Special Milestone

BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST

Alpha Chi Omega annually recognizes and honors our members as they reach their 10-, 25-, 50-, 60- and 75-year anniversaries. Each of these milestones offers a special opportunity to share memories and appreciation of Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood through the years. This honoring of sisters is a long-standing tradition for our Fraternity, and as we recognize each class of celebrants, we are reminded of the everlasting dedication our members have to Alpha Chi Omega.

In 1985, as Alpha Chi Omega celebrated our centennial, we recognized a member who had reached the amazing milestone of 75 years of membership in 1983. Clara Crouch (pictured), a 1908 initiate of the Alpha chapter at DePauw University, led the procession of 50-year members at the Centennial Convention in Indianapolis. While Clara was likely not the very first sister to reach the 75-year membership milestone, there certainly could not have been many before her.

A dear and devoted sister, Clara needlepointed a beautiful pillow (pictured) that is now a treasured part of the Alpha Chi Omega archives.

This year we are once again celebrating our sisters attaining membership milestones – from 10 to 75 years. We are grateful that our members’ commitment to our sisterhood remains steadfast and unwavering, and we look forward to noting many more milestones in the years ahead. Check out page 7 for more information if you’re celebrating a milestone in 2024!

Photo credit for above and cover photo: The Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

Our Common Bond

Becoming a mom last year was nothing like I expected. Sure, it was magical and beautiful, but it also was (and still is) incredibly hard –feeding challenges, sleep deprivation and an overwhelming sense of having no idea what I’m doing.

Out of nowhere, Alpha Chi Omega moms showed up. They checked in on me, offered me advice, cheered me on and reminded me that I was doing my best. Many of these were sisters I hadn’t seen since graduation. But the common bond of Alpha Chi Omega continued across time and distance, and they saw a sister in need and were there without me even asking.

This issue’s theme of “Common Bond” is intended to highlight the connections between Alpha Chi Omegas – those who were with you at your initiation, those who you found during your alumnae experience and those who you may not have even met yet. In challenges and triumphs, in the big moments and the everyday ones, we are supported by a network of real, strong women.

Lauren Filippini

Alpha Chi (Butler University) Marketing and Communications Manager Editor, The Lyre

EDITOR’S NOTES

THANK YOU!

Thank you to the members and friends who completed the Lyre readership survey shared in the winter issue. We look forward to implementing this valuable feedback as we continue producing your membership magazine!

SUPPORT FROM SIGMA SIGMA

When Jana Byington-Smith (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri) wrote to The Lyre to share the passing of her mother, Janet Sue McCoy Byington (Alpha Nu), she also shared the impact of Sigma Sigma (St. Louis, Missouri) chapter’s Caring Committee, as detailed in the winter issue of The Lyre. “In the article ‘Seeking the Heights of the Alumnae Experience,’ my friend Julie Wisbrock wrote about Sigma Sigma’s Caring Committee. The first sympathy card I received after my mom died was from this committee. It was such a lovely way to remember my mom and to help me feel even more connected to Sigma Sigma and Alpha Chi Omega.”

SISTER CONNECTION

Valerie Hoehn Taylor, a ministry volunteer at an assisted living facility, and Maryanne Shelley Wagasky, a resident there, discovered they were both members of the Beta Phi chapter at Bowling Green State University, 18 years apart. To commemorate their friendship, they took this photo with The Lyre.

FALL PHOTO UPDATE

We wanted to share an addition to the caption of this photo in the fall 2023 Lyre. Standing with collegians Sadie Pirkle and Kelsey Pertman during the FGRC Hill Visits is Stephanie Bice, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and an initiate of our Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University) chapter.

Contributors

CAROLINE SUSKO

ALPHA TAU (UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE)

Caroline received support and acceptance from her sisters that helped her feel at home in college; she pays that forward in her podcast On the Bright Side. Read about her journey on page 4.

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS

Members of the Alpha Pi Centennial Planning Committee contributed a piece about the event on page 9.

Psi (The University of Oklahoma) chapter’s local house corporation provided a peek into its new facility on page 14.

WINTER PHOTO CORRECTION

In the winter 2023 issue, this photo of Gamma Zeta chapter members in the AXΩ Connection section was mistakenly labeled as the University of Kansas. Gamma Zeta chapter (pictured) is at Kansas State University, and Phi is at the University of Kansas. Thank you to our sisters from both these chapters for letting us know of our error!

STAFF CONTRIBUTORS

SALLY CUTLER , HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST

MORGAN HILL , FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

LAURA KNOBEL , ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT

JILL RICHARDSON , ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING OPERATIONS

KENDALL SUESS , HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

EMMA WILLE , MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

National President

Lynne Herndon

National Vice Presidents

Jari Askins

Leslie Abramsky Block

Cassie Gerhardt

Jill Sabatino Lacy

Kelli Rodriguez

Chief Executive Officer

Katie Lampinen Gaffin

Senior Director of Education and Engagement

Amy Colvin Mustafa

Director of Marketing and Communications

Amanda Spice

Marketing and Communications Manager

Lauren Filippini

The Lyre is published quarterly.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Lyre

5635 Castle Creek Parkway N. Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46250-4304

Submission Deadlines

Fall issue - July 1

Winter issue - October 1

Spring issue - January 1

Summer issue - April 1

317-579-5050

alphachiomega.org

editor@alphachiomega.org

Our Mission

Through the Real. Strong. Women.® Experience, Alpha Chi Omega cultivates impactful communities where women are inspired to connect, lead, grow and serve.

From Struggle to Strength

MY INCREDIBLE COLLEGE JOURNEY WITH THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD

BY CAROLINE SUSKO (ALPHA TAU, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE)

If I were to sum up Alpha Chi Omega in a single word, I would say, life-changing. Following my high school graduation in upstate New York, I looked forward to attending the University of New Hampshire. That was until I got there, watched my family drive off and realized I was in an unfamiliar place where I didn’t know anyone. I distinctly remember experiencing intense nervousness as I faced the prospect of being away from home and making new friends. It reached a point where I could not stop crying and even became physically ill a few times, despite how hard I tried to act calm and unaffected in front of my roommate. The first weeks of college proved to be extremely challenging to the extent that I contemplated transferring to college back home. I remember counting down the days until I could leave. Even though I was bent on not staying at UNH, I decided to go through sorority recruitment to try something new, figuring I was already way out of my comfort zone and maybe this would bring me a new group of friends. When I met the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and accepted their bid, I didn’t know how that decision would change my life. I instantly felt a connection with these women, and to this day, I consider that moment to have been the turning point in my college journey.

Not only did the women at Alpha Chi Omega welcome me, but they also made it their personal mission to help me feel at home and discover for myself that I had found my place. As our friendships deepened, I found the courage to be more vulnerable about my diagnosis

of anxiety and obsessivecompulsive disorder, explaining why going to college was such a challenging adjustment for me. From that day forward, I never felt like I navigated a day alone. My sisters would take me on drives when I needed to clear my mind, make me dinner when they sensed I craved a homecooked meal, and always offered their shoulder to cry on and an open ear whenever I needed someone to talk to. Soon, my focus shifted from counting the days until I could go home to counting how much longer I could stay. I could not be more thankful for my sisters.

While I knew I could never fully repay them for the comfort, understanding and unconditional support they provided, I was determined to ensure that I paid it forward. Inspired by this incredible camaraderie, love and sisterhood that had been extended to me, I found the confidence to run for vice president new member education in our chapter. I was elected, and this role became a meaningful way for me to contribute and give back to the Alpha Chi Omega community.

My experience with Alpha Chi Omega also drove me to want to share the lessons I’ve learned about vulnerability and connection with a wider audience. These topics became part of my podcast, On the Bright Side, where, every other week, I engage in discussions ranging from the college experience and mental health to themes of positivity, friendship and beyond.

CAROLINE SUSKO

I even created two episodes, titled “College Advice” and “How People Can Feel Like Home,” that speak to different aspects of sorority life so others could begin to understand the genuine warmth and beauty that comes from joining a sorority. Having grappled with and overcome homesickness and mental health challenges, I sought to become a reassuring presence for my listeners, just as my sisters had been for me.

I’m proud to say that what initially began with a goal of helping just one person quickly transformed into assisting countless others. On the UNH campus, students would come up to me in class or at parties and confide that the podcast was relatable and made them feel like they weren’t alone. In just over a year, my podcast has garnered overwhelming support globally, reaching more than 33 countries and earning a spot in the top 20% of the most downloaded podcasts on Spotify. With this tremendous support, I have had the privilege of inviting renowned influencers to share their insights on a wide array of topics, ranging from confidence, body positivity and mental health to fun and trendy lifestyle tips.

CAROLINE’S PODCAST, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

“This sisterhood has been my guiding light, imparting invaluable lessons about empathy, true friendship and kindness.”

This has been one of the best opportunities of my lifetime thus far, and I will forever be grateful to my sisters at the Alpha Tau chapter for their positive influence. If it weren’t for them, I would not have grown so much as a person and, certainly, would not have been as comfortable sharing my story with others. Even now, as I navigate the best years of my life surrounded by an incredible group of smart, strong women, they continue to be a source of inspiration.

At the midway mark of my senior year with just one semester left, gratitude fills my heart for the profound impact Alpha Chi Omega has had on my life. This sisterhood has been my guiding light, imparting invaluable lessons about empathy, true friendship and kindness. As I reflect on my incredible college experience, I encourage others to cherish their collegiate years in a sorority, because within them lie the enduring friendships and life-changing experiences that will resonate far beyond four years.

To learn more about Caroline, follow her podcast, On the Bright Side With Caroline Susko, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you stream.

The Common Bond Within Our Walls

BY DONNA MCGRATH KLINGE (EPSILON KAPPA, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON), NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION PRESIDENT

Regardless of our age, chapter of initiation or part of the country we call home, we all have our unique journey – our very own Alpha Chi Omega story. Even though our individual stories are different, we collectively share in a common bond of sisterhood. I love how the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation’s Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign describes our shared bond: “an unbroken thread running from past to present to future, the shared experience of being an Alpha Chi Omega.”

For many sisters, our undergraduate experience makes the transition from home to college that much easier. The friendships and connections we form during our collegiate years transform strangers into friends, and friends into lifelong, treasured sisters. We freely share our deepest fears, our private hopes and our boldest dreams with each other. Together we celebrate during good times, comfort one another in times of loss and provide encouragement when we need someone in our corner.

Past National Vice President Mary Harrison Ford (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) said it best when she described how the women of Alpha Chi Omega “have become woven into the rich tapestry of my life.”

For so many of our sisters, this all happened in our home away from home – the Alpha Chi Omega chapter facility. These spaces come in all shapes and sizes – they can be owned or leased by the National Housing Corporation or a local house corporation, university-owned, a lodge, a suite or the regular meeting room on campus every week.

It’s a place where we belonged, memories were made, meaningful connections formed, experiences shared and lifelong friendships forged. This is where we found our support system and a community larger than ourselves. We were valued and appreciated and, at the same time, held to high standards. This is the common bond of Alpha Chi Omega that we all share.

The NHC Board of Directors and housing staff honor our charge to provide safe and competitive facilities for our members to connect and grow – places our members want to call home, where our collegiate sisters feel safe physically and emotionally, plus included and respected. As we work to meet the needs and expectations of our members, we recognize the importance of home as we fulfill our mission to enhance the Real. Strong. Women. Experience.

We know our members are benefiting from the gift of sisterhood, the joy of true friends and the impact of membership. All of this is taking place within the walls of our Alpha Chi Omega spaces, and this is where we cement in the hearts of all members our common bond of sisterhood.

DONNA MCGRATH KLINGE

MILESTONE CELEBRANTS

Congratulations to our sisters celebrating milestones!

If you were initiated in 1949, 1964, 1974, 1999 or 2014 –THIS IS YOUR YEAR ! Your dedication to Alpha Chi Omega is an inspiration to us all.

Visit alphachiomega.org/milestone-celebrants to view our specially designed webpage just for you, our class of 2024 celebrants! We hope you enjoy reflecting on your years of Alpha Chi Omega membership and reconnecting with sisters near and far.

Know a sister initiated in one of these years? Congratulate her on her 10, 25, 50, 60 or 75 years of membership!

“To be with my 50-year member sisters and get to know them and share that experience with them, it’s just really exciting. My sister also received her 50-year pin, so for both of us ... it is extremely special.”

— BARB BRIDGES (ALPHA MU, INDIANA UNIVERSITY), REFLECTING ON RECEIVING HER MILESTONE PIN

SISTER OUTREACH TEAM

Would you like to help us celebrate our milestone members? Join our Sister Outreach Team today!

Our team is connecting with sisters across the country to recognize them for reaching significant milestones in their Alpha Chi Omega journey.

Email volunteer@alphachiomega.org to share your interest.

We hope you’ll join us!

Centennial Save the Dates!

ALPHA UPSILON (THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA)

While the Alpha Upsilon chapter centennial is September 9, sisters will celebrate early May 1718, 2024. There will be decade reunions on Friday night with a ceremony on Saturday and band party on Saturday night. Contact Janet Crowder at jccrowder13@gmail.com or Caroline Fulmer at csfulmer@ches.ua.edu for more information.

ALPHA PHI (THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN)

To recognize 100 years of the Alpha Phi chapter this fall, a celebration is being planned September 20-22, 2024. For sisters who want to attend, get involved or receive more information, email betalambdabetaaustin@gmail.com.

Consultants are real, strong women looking to make Alpha Chi Omega a part of their careers and gain unparalleled professional experience to apply to any future endeavor.

Consultants build key professional skills like public speaking, project management, communication and more - all while helping our collegiate members develop leadership skills and our collegiate chapters achieve success Working independently and remotely, consultants work with sisters of all backgrounds and from all levels of the organization as they inspire leadership and impact lives.

Alpha Pi Celebrates

100

Years of Sisterhood

BY SEINQUIS LEINEN, CASSIE GERHARDT AND MELISSA CHRUSZCH (ALPHA PI, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA)

The Alpha Pi chapter celebrated its centennial on November 10, 2023. Alumnae, collegians and loved ones gathered November 17-19 at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks to celebrate the incredible milestone of reaching 100 years of sisterhood. More than 300 Alpha Pis gathered for a weekend of fun, laughter and reminiscing with sisters. After accounting for family and friends who joined, around 450 people celebrated this momentous occasion!

Festivities kicked off Friday with chapter house tours and opportunities to browse composites, scrapbooks and the Bond book. Member classes hosted get-togethers across town, and sisters attended a hockey game. Member gifts included an etched Alpha Chi Omega glass, a centennial T-shirt, stickers, buttons and custom-made cookies with the centennial logo. Alumnae were also invited to attend the fall 2023 new member class initiation.

On Saturday, sisters gathered at a tailgating tent before the football game. The celebration concluded with the Golden Gala banquet held in the UND Memorial Union. Planning committee member Courtney Barstad Logan (‘00) emceed the event, Courtney Metzger Jerome (‘12) and Maggie Nistler (‘13) led everyone in singing the Alpha Chi Omega “Grace” and “Toast,” alumna Patti Flekke (‘76) shared

remarks about rebuilding chapter membership in the mid-70s, National Vice President Cassie Gerhardt (‘94) provided the history of Alpha Pi, chapter president Gillian Brouillard (‘20) shared about the current state of the chapter, planning committee member Melissa Chruszch (‘02) provided remarks about centennial fundraising efforts, Lynn Kubousek (‘68) presented the chapter with a ceremonial shovel from the 1976 chapter house expansion, and National President Lynne Herndon (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) presented the chapter with its centennial plaque.

The Golden Gala included a social hour, photo booth stations, plated meal, cash bar, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and signature Alpha Chi Omega beverages to raise funds for the Alpha Pi Centennial Fund, the Lisa Burger (‘05) Memorial Scholarship and the Alpha Pi Parents Club Fund. Through the generous donations of Alpha Pi members and supporters, nearly $50,000 has been raised since June 2023 toward a $100,000 goal.

Thank you to all who celebrated Alpha Pi’s successes over the last 100 years and to all who have donated. A very special thanks goes to the planning committee: Seinquis (Slater) Leinen ‘08, Courtney (Barstad) Logan ‘00, Barb (Bostrom) Nistler ‘77, Kendall Brekken ‘17, Melissa Chruszch ‘02, Carma Hanson ‘85, Hannah (Hasbargen) Cloose ‘15, AnnMarie Lane ‘14, Ann Olson ‘82, Kirsten (Ovind) Zeller ‘87, Lilja Jurva ‘21 and Gigi Broulliard ‘20.

GROUP PHOTO OF ALPHA PI MEMBERS AT THE GOLDEN GALA BANQUET; PHOTO BY SHAWNA SCHILL

Love is …

This year, Healthy Relationships Week, recognized February 12-16, coincided with both Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day, making it a great opportunity for our members to consider what love looks like, feels like and is to them!

Our “Love is” buttons have been a popular tradition over the last few years and give our sisters the opportunity to promote awareness and foster the development of healthy relationships within their chapters and campus communities.

Have questions about what a healthy relationship looks like? Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 to be connected to a peer advocate.

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

SAVE THE DATE! APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH. ALPHA CHI OMEGA WILL BE SHARING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION AND DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR AWARENESS INITIATIVES. STAY TUNED TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG!

KAPPA SIGMA (THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI) CHAPTER SHARED LOVE IS … BUTTONS ON CAMPUS.

GAMMA XI (WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER SHARED MESSAGES OF LOVE.

KAPPA OMEGA (INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS) MEMBERS SHARED WHAT LOVE IS TO THEM WITH A PHOTOSHOOT.

BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER TABLED ON CAMPUS TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.

Alpha Chi Night Out 2024

ON FEBRUARY 13, MEMBERS CELEBRATED GALENTINE’S DAY WITH SISTERS!

Each February during Healthy Relationships Week, Alpha Chi Omega invites alumnae to connect and gather for Alpha Chi Night Out. Whether it is a night out with sisters or a virtual night in, Alpha Chi Omega’s goal is to engage as many members as possible worldwide in a day of fun and sisterhood.

We can think of no better way to spend #AXONightOut than by celebrating Galentine’s Day with sisters! This year, alumnae of all ages enjoyed getting together, connecting and reuniting with friends, both old and new, they’ve made through Alpha Chi Omega. Alpha Chi Night Out celebrations are a great representation of our lifetime sisterhood shared among real, strong women!

THETA KAPPA THETA (SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI) ALUMNAE CHAPTER INVITED COLLEGIATE SISTERS FROM ZETA SIGMA (MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY) TO MAKE CANDLES.

SISTERS OF BETA ZETA BETA (HOUSTON, TEXAS) CELEBRATED GALENTINE’S DAY.

LAMBDA LAMBDA (GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN) CHAPTER ORGANIZED A HAPPY HOUR.

GOOD FRIENDS AND GOOD FOOD MADE FOR A GREAT #AXONIGHTOUT FOR ALPHA NU ALPHA (WEST CLEVELAND, OHIO).

A SISTERHOOD SO SWEET – ETA THETA ETA (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) MEMBERS TOURED A CHOCOLATE FACTORY.

National Collegiate Training Recaps

LEADERSHIP

ACADEMY

AND COLLEGIATE GROWTH ACADEMY

The new year brought more than just resolutions for Alpha Chi Omega – it brought together more than 1,100 members and friends across two national events for training, action planning and sisterhood!

Leadership Academy and Collegiate Growth Academy are part of the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, delivering on Alpha Chi Omega’s promise to empower each member to become the best version of herself through structured programming, development opportunities and an environment to take on the issues and challenges that help members live and grow as real, strong women. In 2024, these two events continued to provide premier programming to new collegiate officers as they take on their roles and help their chapters seek the heights!

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IMPACT:

“THE LEADERSHIP INVENTORY TOLD ME A LOT ABOUT MY STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AS A LEADER. I DECIDED THAT I NEED TO MAKE CHANGES IN MY LEADERSHIP TO STRIVE MORE TOWARD SHARED GOALS THAN JUST MY OWN GOALS.”

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AND COLLEGIATE GROWTH ACADEMY ARE FUNDED IN PART BY THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION. THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS FOR SUPPORTING SISTERS!

COLLEGIATE GROWTH ACADEMY IMPACT: “MY FAVORITE PART OF CGA WAS HEARING

NEW IDEAS FROM OTHER CHAPTERS THAT I HOPE TO IMPLEMENT IN MY OWN CHAPTER!”

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

PURPOSE

Provides opportunities to connect and grow with fellow collegiate leaders from across the country. The weekend training combines innovative learning sessions with sisterhood to inspire new officers when they return to their chapters.

COLLEGIATE GROWTH ACADEMY

Offers new recruitment and marketing strategies alongside sisterhood connections. Large-group sessions and breakout discussions center around growth, retention and belonging.

OFFICERS INVITED

Chapter presidents

VPs chapter relations and standards

VPs risk management

VPs membership programming

VPs recruitment

VPs recruitment information

VPs new member education

VPs public relations and marketing

DATES

January 19-21, 2024

FORMAT

In person in Indianapolis!

February 17-18, 2024

Virtual from wherever our members were!

NUMBER OF COLLEGIATE PARTICIPANTS

534 participants

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS

80 lead and breakout facilitators, CRS and RM specialists, and collegiate interns

546 participants

28 breakout facilitators

NUMBER OF UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

17, which included “The Practice of Leadership,” “Being Empathetic (Even When It’s Hard)” and “Creating a Culture of Trust and Inclusion”

30, which included “The Growth Mindset,” “Year-Round New Member Education” and “Promoting the Sorority Experience”

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Danielle Bayard Jackson and Lindsay Boccardo

Danielle Bayard Jackson

Psi Chapter Makes Its Home in the Heights

BY THE PSI CHAPTER HOUSE CORPORATION BOARD

On March 26, 2023, Alpha Chi Omega’s Psi chapter dedicated its new home at 1115 College in Norman, Oklahoma. The three-story home was completed in December 2022, and members moved in on January 14, 2023. The house is the first newly built sorority house at The University of Oklahoma in nearly five decades.

In 2016, the chapter celebrated its centennial at OU and launched its Second Century Campaign focused on meeting the needs of the Psi members, including upgraded housing and meeting areas. The money for the $12 million housing project was raised exclusively from Psi alumnae and friends of the chapter.

Teresa McAfee O’Donnell (Psi ‘85), president of the Psi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega House Corp that owns the property, said, “Our alumnae have been responsible for the fundraising to make this dream into a reality. Our board members, Sheffra Stauder, Siobhan Dixon, Sherry Carr, Shelley Liegl and Melinda Barton, have worked tirelessly for several years to see this project to completion.”

The 36,000-square-foot project was constructed by T. Scott Construction of Oklahoma City. Bockus Payne was the architect for the project. The home showcases a grand staircase, a music room, formal and informal living areas, and a multipurpose room for the chapter members to enjoy. A state-of-the-art kitchen, library, several media lounges, craft room, workout area, veranda, study rooms, bedrooms, an elevator and updated technology round out the facility. The chapter works hard to live up to Alpha Chi’s open motto, “Together let us seek the heights”; as a result, the members have named the structure “The Heights.”

2023 Chapter President Sydney Tague said, “Our members are so excited about our new home. We love using the house for our chapter meetings and events. The persistence and determination of our alumnae to move

this project forward has been an incredible example of what lifelong dedication to Alpha Chi looks like.”

Alpha Chi Omega has been at OU since 1916, the fifth sorority established on campus. The original members lived in a house on Asp Street in Norman, which was destroyed by fire around 1924. In 1925, the chapter built a house on the corner of Jenkins and Boyd Street on the west end of campus; this building, known as the Casa Blanca House, still stands today and was named in the US Department of the Interior National Park Service Register of Historic Places in 1990. In 1952, the chapter built a mid-century modern home on its current property at 1115 College and remodeled in 1986 to reflect a more southern style with a large front porch and columns. This house was demolished in August 2021 to make way for the new house.

PHOTOS BY BOCKUS PAYNE

Spring Into Reading

GROW YOUR CONNECTIONS WITH SISTERS BY TAKING PART IN THE ALUMNAE BOOK CLUB. FIND US IN THE FACEBOOK GROUP “AXO ALUMNAE BOOK CLUB”!

APRIL 2024

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN

BY MARIE BENEDICT AND VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER MURRAY

Belle da Costa Greene, an intellectual, stylish and witty woman in her 20s, is hired by J.P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare books and art. While Belle gains recognition, she must protect one secret at all costs: she was born Belle Marion Greener, daughter of the first Black graduate of Harvard who is now an advocate for equality. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an incredible woman and the lengths she will go to protect her family and her legacy.

DISCUSSION DATES: APRIL 22-26

MAY 2024  BANYAN MOON

BY THAO THAI

After years building her perfect life, Ann Tran is still reeling from a positive pregnancy test when she learns that her beloved grandmother, Minh, has passed away. Meanwhile, Ann’s estranged mother, Huong, is mourning the loss of her mother while managing resentment toward Ann and Minh’s relationship. Banyan Moon is a story about mothers and daughters, the things we inherit and how we choose to live when long-buried secrets come to light.

DISCUSSION DATES: MAY 27-31

JUNE 2024

EVERY SUMMER AFTER BY

CARLEY FORTUNE

Persephone and Sam spent six summers together reading books, spending afternoons on the water and working at a restaurant. Their friendship blossomed into something spectacular, before it all completely fell apart. As the two return to the lake, they learn their connection is as undeniable as it has always been. Every Summer After is a nostalgic look at love and the people and choices that change us forever.

DISCUSSION DATES: JUNE 24-28

Membership Has Its Perks

INTRODUCING: FARMERS GROUPSELECT ®

BY JILL RICHARDSON (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING OPERATIONS

Over the years, Alpha Chi Omega members have taken advantage of a variety of membership perks beyond the traditional sense of what being a part of a sisterhood offers, like opportunities for connection, leadership, growth and service.

Some of you may have had an AXΩ Visa Classic credit card tucked away in your wallet, with a portion of the card’s renewal fees contributing to the Fraternity’s goals. Others, perhaps eager to graduate and shed the hefty class books from your room, took advantage of Textbook Partners to earn money for yourself and Alpha Chi.

Thousands of sisters have also discovered the benefits of another opportunity that has grown and evolved — member discounts on home, auto and other insurance needs. Alpha Chi Omega is pleased to introduce: Farmers GroupSelect, the auto and home insurance provider officially chosen by Alpha Chi Omega.

ABOUT FARMERS®

Farmers proudly serves more than 10 million households across all 50 states and the District of Columbia through its network of exclusive and independent agents. Alpha Chi Omega has arranged for members to have access to discounted insurance coverage from Farmers GroupSelect companies and select other participating carriers through the Farmers Insurance Choice® platform. Alpha Chi Omega is committed to presenting members with opportunities they may find valuable, and we will remind you from time to time about this offering. If you

choose a Farmers GroupSelect auto insurance through this program, Alpha Chi Omega will receive a marketing success bonus for each new member policy.

Farmers Insurance Choice is a platform that allows members an easy way to compare and shop among several carriers for insurance for autos and homes, as well as for renters. Members can also access insurance for motorcycles, boats, RVs and more. Additionally, most policies can be customized to fit a member’s particular needs.

“We are very pleased Farmers GroupSelect is offering its products and services to our members. As we considered ways to enhance the resources which enable Alpha Chi Omega to thrive and prosper, providing members access to Farmers GroupSelect made sense. It already serves people in many of the communities where our members live and work, so this is a win-win opportunity to support our members and our sisterhood,” shared Katie Gaffin, chief executive officer of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity.

Whether you are preparing to move and looking for homeowner’s insurance, downsizing and in the market for renter’s insurance or investing in a dream of traveling and need boat or RV insurance, you have the opportunity to learn about the broad range of product offerings and available discounts. Members can call 866-787-3984

and mention discount code FQB or visit www.farmersinsurancechoice. com/alphachi to get free, no-obligation quotes.

EXPLORING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Farmers GroupSelect is the most recent in an array of relationships that benefit the organization. As we’ve explored non-traditional licensing opportunities in recent years, Alpha Chi Omega launched Three Strings Napa Valley and the 1885 Club in 2021. A line of limitedproduction, hand-crafted wines produced by Fairwinds Estate Winery in Napa Valley, California, Three Strings creates a uniquely tasteful experience, exclusively for alumnae. While membership in the 1885 Club is not required, club membership offers the best pricing.

With new releases each spring and fall, 1885 Club members can mix and match their selections for delivery and are first in line to secure their favorite bottles. Threebottle and six-bottle collections are available, plus single bottle sales are an option for those looking for a great gift idea. New this spring is Three Muses: Art, a 2021 Napa Valley Chardonnay that pays tribute to Alpha Chi Omega’s connection to the visual arts. Coming later this fall is Greencastle, a beautifully-themed bottle of red wine to commemorate our founding at DePauw University. Each design in the Three Strings collection is curated to highlight something unique to Alpha Chi Omega, offering alumnae a chance to connect to our heritage while enjoying a delicious beverage.

More than 200 sisters have joined the 1885 Club since it began, elevating this partnership to one of our most successful revenue generators to date! Club members have benefited from discounted pricing, customization options and convenient ordering. With 20% of sales benefiting Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, membership in the 1885 Club offers alumnae an entertaining way to blend celebrating and supporting our sisterhood. Alumnae can learn more about joining the club or purchase bottles directly at threestringsnapa.com.

THREE STRINGS NAPA VALLEY WINES

NEW SPRING 2024 RELEASE

Three Muses: Art 2021 Chardonnay

Whether pursuing art as an informal hobby or professional endeavor, Alpha Chi Omega members have engaged in the visual arts for myriad reasons: entertainment, cultural appreciation, aesthetics and personal development. Art and creativity make daily life beautiful, problems solvable and interactions meaningful as Alpha Chi Omega sisters express their artistic passions through painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, crafts and other forms.

FAN FAVORITE

The Symphony Sparkling Brut - Méthode Champenoise - Napa Valley

“To see beauty even in the common things of life, to shed the light of love and friendship round me …” A celebration of the Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood, this Brut wine honors The Symphony, penned by Celia McClure Pardee (Delta, Allegheny College) and officially adopted by the Fraternity in 1914. Because The Symphony reflects our tradition of harmony, it remains popular a century later and is read at many gatherings and events. Another symbol of pride, the lyre bird featured on the label is a focal point of Alpha Chi Omega’s official flag, adopted in 1910.

Registration is Open!

We’re ready to wave the green flag on convention weekend – registration is now open! Fulltime and part-time registration options are available for the 2024 National Convention in Indianapolis July 12-14. Register by April 26 for the best price!

FULL-TIME REGISTRATION

This registration option includes three full days of fun and sisterhood. Beginning with Reunion Night dinner on Friday, you’ll continue on your path with two chapter meetings, education breakouts and a keynote speaker, luncheons and networking opportunities. End the weekend at the exciting Carnation Celebration with new and old friends.

The registration cost is $795 if registered by April 26, 2024. Additional fees will apply for late registrations.

PART-TIME REGISTRATION

If your schedule only allows you to attend certain parts of convention, we’ve got options for you! Back this year are a la carte opportunities; pricing ranges from $100 for education breakouts to $175 for Carnation Celebration, plus a $50 registration fee (and a late fee if registering after April 26).

HOTEL DETAILS

Convention will take place at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. You’ll be steps from the White River State Park, the Central Canal and tons of learning

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT ALPHACHIOMEGA. ORG/CONVENTION FOR REGISTRATION, SCHEDULE DETAILS AND MORE!

opportunities at museums like the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum and more.

Room reservations should be made directly with the hotel, outside of the convention registration process. Alpha Chi Omega has a discounted standard room rate for the 2024 convention of $189/night plus taxes. A special link has been made available for attendees to book their hotel room and can be found on the convention website (scan the QR code below)!

Check out the Facebook event “Alpha Chi Omega 62nd National Convention” to connect with friends and sisters who are attending!

GETTING TO INDIANAPOLIS

As you prepare for convention, make sure you wear your Alpha Chi letters! Connect with sisters at the airport and look out for all of the fun red and green when you land. If you’re driving, how about adding an Alpha Chi bumper sticker to your car? Bonus: post photos on social with #AXOSetThePace for a chance to win swag!

Don’t forget to check out the convention website to see what else to pack for each day of convention.

YOUR ALL-ACCESS PIT PASS TO CONVENTION!

FRIDAY, JULY 12

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Excursion: DePauw and Alpha Chapter Visit (additional fee)

10:30 a.m. –1 p.m. Excursion: Morning Tour of Alpha Chi Omega Headquarters (additional fee)

12-6:30 p.m. Networking and Mentoring Time in the Women & Wisdom Lounge

12-6:30 p.m. Registration and Merchandise Vendors Open

1-2:45 p.m.

1-3:30 p.m.

Service Project: Bracelet Making with HopeAnchor & Crew (additional fee)

Excursion: Afternoon Tour of Alpha Chi Omega Headquarters (additional fee)

3-4:45 p.m. Service Project: Bracelet Making with HopeAnchor & Crew (additional fee)

3:30 p.m. Alumnae Initiation

5-5:30 p.m. Delegates Meeting (required for delegates)

5-6 p.m. First-Time Attendee Kick-Off

5:30-6:30 p.m. National Housing Corporation Reception (by invitation only)

7 p.m. Reunion Night Dinner

9 p.m. Foundation Major Donor Reception (by invitation only)

Education Sessions

ALPHA CHIS ARE LIFELONG LEARNERS – CONVENTION SUPPORTS YOUR JOURNEY TO SEEK THE HEIGHTS!

ALUMNAE CHAPTER OFFICERS AND ALUMNAE VOLUNTEERS TRACK SATURDAY

COLLEGIATE CHAPTER OFFICERS AND COLLEGIATE VOLUNTEERS TRACK

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

This track, designed for alumnae chapter officers and volunteers supporting the alumnae experience, will focus on member engagement, leadership development and the sisterhood created through the lifetime alumnae experience. On Saturday, attendees will enjoy personal development, networking with fellow alumnae leaders and more. We look forward to exploring how our alumnae members and chapters can continue seeking the heights together!

Questions? Please contact lifetimeengagement@alphachiomega.org.

LOCAL HOUSE CORPORATION TRACK SATURDAY

This track is intended for volunteers and officers from local house corporations. We will discuss preparing for the operational needs of today while working toward financial security for your corporation. Our time together on Saturday will focus on topics such as:

• Capital planning

• Setting a reserve goal amount

• Planning for the unexpected

• Working with your chapter on fee rates

• Overall planning for financial security

Worksheets and materials will be available for participants to take back to their board for further planning. Questions? Please contact housing@alphachiomega.org.

Collegiate chapter delegates, chapter advisors, province collegiate chairs and collegiate experience volunteers should plan to attend this track on Saturday and the first education block on Sunday. On Saturday, we will focus on discussing industry trends and utilizing the Sisterhood Survey results to strengthen areas of sisterhood, retention and operations. Sunday will focus on the strategic growth of chapters.

If you have any questions, please contact collegiateexperience@alphachiomega.org.

GENERAL EDUCATION BREAKOUTS

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Programming will be offered on Saturday for those attending convention outside of an identified track role and for all attendees on Sunday. New this year, Alpha Chi Omega requested proposals from sisters for education sessions! Stay tuned for more information about these sister-led sessions that will leverage unique talents, backgrounds, experiences and skills.

KEYNOTE WITH JESS EKSTROM

PACE YOUR MIND: CHANGE YOUR INNER DIALOGUE AND STEP INTO YOUR PURPOSE

Stepping into your purpose is entirely dependent on the quality of your mindset. The first step to achieving influence and massive success is editing your thought patterns and the negative feedback loops that are holding you back, then finding the growth mindset that will take you to the next level. Jess Ekstrom knows this better than anyone. She’s started two multi-million-dollar social enterprises that have helped women and girls all over the world, but not without a few trips and falls (OK, maybe more than a few!) on her climb to the top.

This Saturday keynote will help sisters identify the five core mindsets we have and how to use them: The Reactor (happens in times of pressure), The Student (happens in new territory), The Lawyer (happens in conflict), The Dreamer (happens on the edge of opportunity) and The Evaluator (happens when we reflect on our life and progress).

Learn more about Jess at jessekstrom.com or on Instagram @Jess_Ekstrom.

Add to Your Convention Fun!

We’re excited to host our 62nd National Convention in the home of our headquarters, and so close to our founding chapter! Check out these excursions and add-on activities, which can be purchased at an additional cost during the registration process. These are great opportunities to meet sisters and dive deeper into Alpha Chi Omega heritage.

DEPAUW AND ALPHA CHAPTER VISIT

FRIDAY, JULY 12 | 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.

On this tour, you’ll visit the Alpha chapter house, enjoy lunch with sisters, learn about Alpha Chi Omega history and traditions, and tour DePauw University. While on campus, visit East College, Meharry Hall and more. Did you know that the Carillon Bell Tower is one of only eight in the state and was donated by Alpha Chi Omega? Check out the Green Center for Performing Arts and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, a former space of Alpha Chi Omega. This excursion’s registration fee includes tours, transportation from host hotel and lunch.

HEADQUARTERS TOUR

FRIDAY, JULY 12 | 10:30 A.M. – 1 P.M. OR 1-3:30 P.M .

Visit the archives and see collections from past and present. View historic photographs in the hall of presidents and check out the chapter bricks lining the back patio. Find your composite photo in our library and take photos with dresses worn by Past National Presidents. There are two tours available – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This excursion’s registration fee includes transportation between the host hotel and headquarters.

SERVICE PROJECT WITH HOPEANCHOR & CREW

FRIDAY, JULY 12 | 1-2:45 P.M. OR 3-4:45 P.M.

Join us for an on-site service activity, hosted by HopeAnchor & Crew, to impact women in the Indianapolis community! While volunteering alongside sisters for this bracelet-making activity, you will have the opportunity to create a special bracelet for a woman in the community and a commemorative convention bracelet for yourself. HopeAnchor & Crew’s mission is to “empower women to live full balanced lives while creating handmade philanthropic jewelry, shining light, and giving back to local and global causes in the community.” We hope you will join us for a time of service and sisterhood! This activity is an add-on to the convention experience and has limited spots, so be sure to grab yours during convention registration.

INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS BASEBALL GAME

SATURDAY, JULY 13 | 6 P.M.

On day 2 of convention, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy dinner in the Indianapolis area with sisters and new friends. You can also watch the Indianapolis Indians take on the Columbus Clippers during the baseball game! It’s sure to be a fun and exciting night! An add-on to convention registration, a ticket includes all you can eat and drink in the stadium’s picnic area before the first pitch and stadium seats for the game.

WHO WANTS TO SHOP?!

Ask anyone who has been to an Alpha Chi Omega convention before, and they’re likely to tell you it’s one of their favorite places to pick up a gift or two for themselves or sisters. We are thrilled to introduce the vendors who will be on-site in Indianapolis:

CURATED THREADS, LLC

EMERSON COAST

GOOD GOLLY GREEK

HANG LOOSE HUT HERFF JONES PICS & GIFTS

SORORITY GIRL STORE

SOUTH BY SEA THE LETTER MARKET

Can’t wait for July for great gift ideas? Visit the Vendors page of the convention website to explore each store online.

Thank you

TO OUR CONVENTION SPONSORS!

Please join us in thanking our partners, whose financial and in-kind support helps us offer a top-notch convention experience. You can learn more about our sponsors, many of whom provide programs and services used by the Alpha Chi Omega Enterprise year-round, on the Sponsors page of the convention website.

PHOTO (LEFT) COURTESY OF VISIT INDY

Women & Wisdom

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL MEMBERS

We’re bringing our online networking experience to convention! From informal learning opportunities to various interest group meet-ups, join us in person this summer and the thousands of sisters online who are leveraging the Alpha Chi Omega network to seek the heights!

SPEND TIME IN THE WOMEN & WISDOM LOUNGE

Throughout the weekend, our Women & Wisdom Lounge will offer opportunities for sisters to connect.

• Interest group meet-ups

• Professional headshots

• W&W sign-ups

13-14

12

• Speed networking

• Professional development roundtables

• Time to meet, greet and connect with alumnae and collegians

OLYMPIAN SPONSOR

Herff Jones

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Shop Alpha Chi

SCARLET SPONSOR

Billhighway

OLIVE SPONSOR

Digital Pix | Fraternal Law Partners

The National Bank of Indianapolis

SISTERHOOD SPONSOR

Blue & Co. | College Fresh

The Leland Group – Merrill Lynch

You can even get started before convention at womenandwisdom.org and begin making the most of the benefits you’ll gain from growing your network and yourself before you even pack your bags.

SIGN UP FOR CONVENTION CONNECTIONS

The Women & Wisdom mentoring program is one of the many ways Alpha Chi Omega empowers members to connect and reach their potential through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience – and we’re offering an opportunity to form a short-term mentoring relationship with a sister as part of your convention experience in Indianapolis through Convention Connections! Alumnae can participate as mentors, mentees or both. Collegians can participate as mentees. This is the perfect way to form a new connection, learn advice from alumnae, and support the personal and professional development of sisters!

By signing up to participate, you’ll be matched with either an alumna or collegiate sister and receive milestones to complete in your new relationship. This includes communicating virtually prior to convention and setting up an in-person meeting while in Indianapolis. The goal of this mentoring experience is to create intentional connections at convention and hopefully introduce you to a sister that you’d like to continue the relationship with beyond the event!

INVEST IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Join us for the education breakout session sponsored by Women & Wisdom where we’ll dive into topics applicable to any career!

• Resume writing

• Networking skills

• Standing out in the hiring process

• Professional advancement

• And more!

14

Supporting Chapters and Communities

Making an Uncommon Impact at the Local Level

BY MORGAN HILL (EPSILON ZETA, AUBURN UNIVERSITY), FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

The Foundation’s Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign publicly launched in 2022 with a mission to provide significant financial support for four major priorities:

• Expanding and improving Fraternity programs

• Supporting individual members

• Providing chapter support by funding educational programming and housing

• Continuing the fight against domestic violence through Community Impact

These priorities work to empower real, strong women and create a brighter future for Alpha Chi Omega – all with the help of generous donors.

As the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign nears its close, your support is more critical than ever. Every donation brings us closer to our $30 million goal and helps propel the mission of our sisterhood forward.

Chapter Support

We know how much your chapter means to you – it’s where your Alpha Chi Omega journey began and where you met sisters who’ll be by your side for life. Through chapter-specific support, you make an impact on the next generation of real, strong women and ensure the sustained success of your chapter.

The chapter support campaign priority offers donors the opportunity to directly impact a particular chapter through two types of funds: chapter-specific endowed funds and chapter housing funds.

To see a listing of all chapter-specific funds, please visit https://my.alphachiomega.org/funds.

CHAPTER-SPECIFIC ENDOWED FUNDS

To learn more about the other priorities of the campaign, scan the QR code to read our recent article from the Winter 2023 Lyre

These funds help your chapter pay for opportunities for leadership, learning and service. Chapter education funds provide financial assistance to individual chapters for expenses related to national leadership and educational programming. Gifts to these funds ensure access to Alpha Chi Omega educational experiences like convention and Leadership Academy, particularly for chapters with smaller budgets. During the campaign, 14 new chapter education funds have been created, bringing the total number of chapter education funds to 34. Additionally, chapter-specific scholarships and educational assistance grants lessen the cost of education for members of your chapter.

Chapter Education Fund Spotlight –Sigma (University of Iowa)

Campaign Co-Chair Miek Hart (Sigma, University of Iowa) has been a generous supporter of Fraternity programs during the campaign. As she became more involved, she reengaged with Sigma chapter and met chapter officers who shared their challenges retaining members who struggled to afford chapter dues on top of escalating education costs. Miek was inspired to make a personal gift of $25,000 to establish the Sigma Chapter Education Fund, which awards grants to the chapter for attending and hosting training programs. Miek is working with a team of volunteers to attract alumnae support and increase the size of the fund, along with the Sigma Chapter Educational Assistance Fund. Miek’s personal $25,000 gift to this educational assistance fund inspired two other Sigma sisters to match her gift, bringing the fund to more than $75,000, which will generate more than $3,000 annually in need-based academic grants for Sigma chapter members.

“My experience with the women of Sigma during my time at the University of Iowa meant so much to me. The opportunity to become a part of a small group of women supporting and encouraging each other to accomplish personal and professional goals helped me build confidence and a sense of belonging on a big campus. Establishing these two funds is one small way to encourage Sigma alumnae to help current members access the practical tools that will help them succeed when they leave campus to pursue their dreams.”

Miek Hart (Sigma, University of Iowa) Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. Campaign Co-Chair

$537,541 raised for new or existing chapter education funds during the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign

More than $45,000 in grants provided annually from chapter education funds

Chapters that have conducted capital or annual housing campaigns during the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign:

• Phi (University of Kansas)

• Psi (The University of Oklahoma)

• Alpha Beta (Purdue University)

• Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University)

• Beta Eta (Florida State University)

• Beta Xi (Utah State University)

• Beta Sigma (University of Georgia)

• Gamma Rho (Texas Tech University)

• Gamma Sigma (University of Rhode Island)

• Epsilon Kappa (California State University, Fullerton)

• Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology)

• Iota Sigma (Southern Methodist University)

CHAPTER HOUSING FUNDS

The housing experience can play an essential role in strengthening the bonds of sisterhood and fostering lifelong relationships. The cost of ensuring safe, attractive, updated and comfortable housing for our collegiate members continues to escalate, which adds to the cost of the chapter experience.

To help lower costs of construction, renovation, redecorating and ongoing maintenance, the Foundation offers chapter housing funds to accept tax-deductible gifts to offset those costs in the facility. Chapter housing funds can be established for facilities owned or operated by local house corporations (LHCs) or the National Housing Corporation (NHC). Gifts to these funds are a great way for donors to honor their own experience while ensuring future generations of sisters receive the same benefits.

During the campaign, several major and smaller housing fundraising projects have been started or completed using chapter housing funds, with 27 new housing funds being created. There are currently 35 chapter housing funds accepting donations, even if the LHC or NHC is not actively fundraising. Thank you to the many donors who make these projects possible through their generous gifts.

Chapter Housing Fund Spotlight –Psi (The University of Oklahoma)

Psi chapter’s local house corporation conducted a multi-year capital campaign to raise money to build a new chapter facility. Fundraising began in 2016 and concluded in July 2023, with almost $2 million in gifts from alumnae and friends raised through the Foundation. Contributions from the chapter and LHC reserves, plus other cash and in-kind gifts made directly to the LHC, brought the total funds generated to almost $4.2 million. The new chapter facility welcomed women home in January 2023 (see page 14 for details).

“Psi’s alumnae participation rate for giving was an impressive 32% (763 donors). The LHC is grateful for each alumna who financially supported our project! This was a challenging endeavor, and the emotional support from many of our alumnae was priceless.

$5,577,603 raised for new or existing chapter housing funds during the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign *

*Includes dollars raised through Foundation chapter housing funds during the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign period, starting August 1, 2018

To complete a $12 million project was an achievement in and of itself, but we also overcame a pandemic, supply chain issues and unexpected price escalations. Psi’s LHC appreciates our national office – especially National President Lynne Herndon, the Foundation and everyone who helped along the way.

Working with the Foundation allowed alumnae gifts to be tax-deductible. Additionally, the Foundation made it very easy to apply for corporate matching gifts while making donations online. Psi will continue working with the Foundation for the Second Century of Excellence campaign to help pay down the debt on our beautiful new chapter facility.”

Sheffra Stauder (Psi, The University of Oklahoma) Psi Housing Campaign Chair

Chapter Housing Fund Spotlight –Iota Sigma (Southern Methodist University)

The National Housing Corporation partnered with the Foundation to conduct a capital campaign to raise funds for an expansion and full renovation of the Iota Sigma chapter house. Established in 1994, the chapter has a small alumnae base, but the campaign drew support from alumnae of a variety of chapters and family of current Iota Sigma collegiate members to help bring the fundraising total to almost $1.2 million, in addition to the amounts contributed by the chapter and the NHC.

“When Iota Sigma was established in 1994, it was exhilarating to receive the encouragement and assurance of success from throughout the Alpha Chi world! From coast to coast, the guidance and unwavering support never ceased in helping lay the groundwork for a successful future for the chapter. When the time was right to rebuild the chapter house to remain competitive on the SMU campus, that intense support did not waver. Sisters from 11 different chapters donated their time and treasure to ensure that future Iota Sigmas would enjoy the privilege of a competitive and beautiful new home. I am proud to be one of the women that offers my loyal support to the Iota Sigma chapter.”

Donna Chereck

To learn more about chapter housing funds, email foundation@alphachiomega.org.

(Alpha Phi, The University of Texas at Austin) Iota Sigma Housing Campaign Co-Chair

PSI CHAPTER’S NEW HOME AT 1115 COLLEGE AVE WAS DEDICATED ON MARCH 26, 2023.

Community Impact

The fourth campaign priority, Community Impact, focuses on continuing the fight against domestic violence, a cause that’s been a priority for Alpha Chi Omega since 1992.

The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation supports fundraising by collegiate and alumnae chapters through the Community Impact (CI) program, which provides the opportunity to raise funds for local nonprofits, including local domestic violence awareness agencies, while also supporting the Real. Strong. Women. Fund.

Throughout the campaign, chapters have raised more than $5 million for local nonprofits through

Community Impact. Chapter participation in CI has also increased every year of the campaign.

Thank you to the many individuals, chapters and organizations for their hours of volunteer work and financial support of the CI program.

To view a full list of active CI events and to support a fundraiser, visit alphachiomega.crowdchange.co.

From 2018 to 2023, there has been a 74% increase in chapter participation in Community Impact.

Increase in Community Impact Giving

$1,228,380

ZETA NU (TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER

HOSTED PIZZA PIE WITH ALPHA CHI IN OCTOBER AND RAISED MORE THAN $23,000 THROUGH COMMUNITY IMPACT.

Thank You, Foundation Partners!

Through monthly donations, Foundation Partners make an uncommon impact and help empower sisters through support of the Real. Strong. Women. Fund. To learn more and to become a Foundation Partner today, visit give.alphachiomega.org/fp.

Listing as of February 21, 2024

Kira Ayish, Beta Nu

Cindy Hoard Ballard, Zeta Rho

Dr. Paula Curlee Barnes, Delta Rho

Bella Barney, Zeta Xi

Jessica Barry, Rho

Mary Ann Eggers Beahon, Alpha Nu

Maryam Karim Becker, Alpha Lambda

Chelsie Bickel, Alpha Pi

Amber Croft Bidwell, Kappa Tau

Bonnie Bacnik Biggs, Epsilon Chi

Amber Latta Blakley, Alpha Chi

Erin Schmidt Bley, Psi

Leslie Abramsky Block, Theta Tau

Georgia Stevens Boatman, Alpha Rho

Dawn Bocanegra, Zeta Omega

Christina Cannella Borger, Zeta Nu

Christine Vaughn Bornand, Zeta Nu

Sheri Giordano Borrin, Epsilon Rho

Megan Hop Boschaert, Alpha Pi

Arianna Maggard Bradley, Kappa Xi

Amy Bucciarelli, Gamma Chi

Gloria Goodwin Buchanan, Delta Kappa

Carol Stang Carman, Gamma Xi

Tanya Rash Case, Alpha Gamma

Megan Castles Sittig, Delta Rho

Monica M. Cepero, Beta Eta

Jenny Winterstein Champlin, Psi

Susan Esco Chandler, Psi

Dr. Elise Margaret Christopher, Gamma Iota

Melissa Chruszch, Alpha Pi

Nancy Clayton, Epsilon Chi

Beth Conder Cline, Epsilon Omicron

Caitlin Cobb, Psi

Tracey Kendall Coleman, Zeta Omicron

Shelley Edelen Cooper, Delta Rho

Jenn Grenzebach Cornell, Zeta Lambda

Mary Elizabeth Craine, Beta Omicron

Sally Mathis Cutler, Alpha Chi

October Henson Davis, Iota Chi

Avery Gray De Cloedt, Iota Alpha

Kitty Cannon deKieffer, Epsilon Kappa

Colleen Carney Dennis, Iota Mu

Ann Bruner DiAntonio, Theta Lambda

Erin Diaz

Sheila Dolan, Omega

Elizabeth Doggett Donaldson, Alpha

Barbara Elfring Eaton, Beta Epsilon

Ronda Eckhardt, Nu

Anna Farha, Delta Chi

Kori Whitener Fellows, Alpha Phi

Lauren Stark Filippini, Alpha Chi

Misty Fingar

Allison J. Foster, Gamma Chi

Gina Carfi Fox, Iota Phi

Ellie Smith Fox, Psi

Lorna Stoakes Fox, Alpha Lambda

Sandra Frame, Gamma Omicron

Angela D. Freeland, Zeta Eta

Catherine Lynch Fry, Beta Omega

Lynne Lawson Fugate, Delta Pi

Amy Jo Gabel

Katie Lampinen Gaffin, Delta Zeta

Grace Gardner, Theta Upsilon

Katie Gentry, Iota Alpha

Cassie Gerhardt, Alpha Pi

Victoria Cardamon Gigoux, Alpha Psi

Katie Thomas Glick, Alpha Beta

Joanne Fraysse Gordon, Delta Psi

Marsha King Grady, Alpha Upsilon

Jeannette Hynes Graham, Nu

Mary Ellen Haley, Delta Chi

Rachel Haley, Omicron

Liza Pugliese Hallsten, Alpha Omega

Dana Beggs Hancock, Epsilon Omicron

Stephanie Blankemeier Hansen, Pi

Hannah Harris, Zeta Xi

Angela Costley Harris, Alpha Beta

Kristin Hathaway, Iota Lambda

Michelle Mattox Hawes, Beta Xi

Angel Oleskie Hayes, Gamma Pi

Jaime Heath, Lambda

Amanda Williams Hene, Beta Sigma

Deirdre Reason Hill, Epsilon Zeta

Morgan Hill, Epsilon Zeta

Jessica Hill, Omicron

Kristin Himsel, Alpha

Meri Hipperson, Iota Alpha

Catherine Wendell Hoffman, Theta Phi

Rachael Hood, Alpha Gamma

Lauren Lewandowski Hughes, Theta Tau

Emily Rose Jacobsen, Iota Chi

Mary Brown, Zeta Omega

Madeline Plesac Jenkins, Alpha Beta

Kathy Gattis Jones, Alpha Phi

Dawn deGraffenried Jones, Alpha Omega

Alissa Kaiser, Iota Sigma

Laura Glover Kaiser, Phi

Eve Kampmeinert, Alpha Zeta

Novia Plummer, Zeta Sigma

Mary Voss Keleher, Gamma Mu

Lisa Sherrill Kerchinski, Beta Phi

Joan Browning Ketterman, Gamma Xi

Jamison Kies, Epsilon Chi

Kelly Lynn Kilgour, Kappa Nu

Elizabeth Kinder, Zeta Eta

Jessica Penland Lahey, Gamma Zeta

Morgan Landry, Iota Alpha

Jennifer Wilhoit Lane, Zeta Pi

Sharon Albert Lease, Gamma Tau

Shirley Smith LeForge, Delta Theta

Heather Lemire, Beta Omicron

Ellen Jones Lewis, Omicron

Hannah Leyhew, Iota Chi

Denise Liberty, Theta

Molly Borgmeyer Lindner, Delta Chi

Lisa Bushnell Littrell, Phi

Kelly Longfellow, Gamma Epsilon

Kristen Guthrie Lutz, Beta Omicron

Laura MacArthur, Delta Psi

Jessica Levey Mace, Gamma Tau

Thomasina Pierce Madden, Zeta Eta

Audra Sinclair Mahnke, Delta

Elaina Latimer Mahoney, Gamma Zeta

Lauren Andrzejewski Malone, Beta Chi

Kelcie Spradley Marr, Delta Chi

Sarah Diaz Marra, Alpha Beta

Mary Carter Duncan Martin, Alpha Nu

Liz Read Martin, Gamma Omicron

Yvette Martinez, Zeta Nu

Michele Norton Mattoon, Rho

Hon. Margaret Lisbeth Maxwell, Beta Lambda

Autumn Jordan McBride, Tau

Niki Kennedy McCann, Zeta Sigma

Dina Carpenter Meek, Alpha Phi

Nicki Reas Meneley, Alpha Beta

Michelle Lee Merrick, Gamma Zeta

April Elizabeth Millaway, Psi

Elle Rosatano Mincey, Iota Alpha

Nicole Collier, Epsilon Lambda

Laura Monahan, Gamma Sigma

Alison Montgomery, Psi

Ellyssa Morgan, Rho

Valerie Molina Morrison, Theta Sigma

Rebecca Moss, Delta Rho

Christina Munro, Iota Rho

Diane Davis Murphy, Epsilon Psi

Amy Colvin Mustafa, Beta Phi

Jessica Beers Leach, Beta Eta

Beverly Wood Nichols, Alpha Nu

Dena Rouse Norrod, Delta Zeta

Laura Tubbs Noteware, Beta Psi

Giselle Nunez, Iota Nu

Shawn Lampkin Nutter, Gamma Zeta

Darcey Nance O’Bryhim, Omicron

Laura Lent Obert, Delta Nu

Ann Olson, Alpha Pi

Alarie Sims Ornburn, Delta Chi

Esther Ocampo Ousborne, Epsilon Rho

Erin McComiskey Parks, Alpha Chi

Jennifer Lynn Patterson, Beta Phi

Joan M. Perry, Zeta Lambda

Sarah Peterson Herr, Omicron

MerLynn Harris Pitcher, Beta Xi

Tamara Taylor Pluth, Delta Upsilon

Leslie Jensen Prideaux, Sigma

Michelle McCain Race, Zeta Eta

Karen Carwile Rayburn, Zeta Lambda

Laura Richard, Pi

Jill Steenstrup Richardson, Alpha Chi

Anna Clovis Ritchie, Phi

Sandra Maison Rosen, Omicron

Lizett Huerta Ross, Beta Nu

Alessia Satterfield, Xi

Victoria E. Sauer-Lamb, Epsilon Xi

Rebecca Casey Schlecht, Alpha Beta

Katie Schlinder, Iota Omega

Courtney Schmidt, Alpha

Merry Lucas Schmitt, Alpha Nu

Melissa Schoen, Phi

Megan Higginbotham

Schwedtmann, Zeta Psi

Jessica Self, Upsilon

Amy Sis Short, Delta Kappa

Margi Richey Shostedt, Alpha Lambda

Mari-jean Oswald Siehl, Alpha Omicron

Madison Smith, Iota Psi

Carolynn Snyder, Beta Zeta

Andrea Ogren Stephenson, Gamma Phi

Brooke Stites, Kappa Lambda

Amy Strasburger, Gamma Mu

Julie Stufft, Zeta Upsilon

Kelly Sutherland, Delta Zeta

Mendy Hawk Tarwater, Epsilon Omicron

Tonya Lee Tatum, Beta Lambda

Kathy Bowen Taylor, Alpha Chi

Bonnie Northon Taylor, Epsilon

Jennifer Terry, Zeta Lambda

Tori Trobak, Alpha Lambda

Kathleen Tucker, Gamma Iota

Mackenzie Turner, Beta Nu

Aly Vanek, Zeta Nu

Priscilla Blackie Varner, Epsilon Zeta

Jennifer Harrison Vasquez, Alpha Gamma

Lauren Symcox Voth, Iota Sigma

Jen Gibson Wallach, Iota Chi

Sara Pirk Watkins, Alpha Lambda

Lauren Holder Weems, Gamma Tau

Erin Heichelbech Weesner, Gamma Mu

Stacie Bonte Weffelmeyer, Delta Chi

Lee Yoder Welborn, Epsilon Phi

Erin Clouatre West, Alpha Nu

Destiny Willis, Kappa Mu

Mary McMurtry Winkler, Epsilon Zeta

Corinne E. Wolffe, Zeta Eta

Kathryn Schaefer Wouters, Alpha Beta

Megan Lucie Wunderlich, Iota

Robyn Smith Yarbrough, Epsilon Kappa

Natalie Yezbick, Iota Sigma

Lindsey Bigon Yost, Delta Kappa

Diane Claes Young, Epsilon Tau

Miriam Abascal Zimms, Gamma Chi

Home is Where the Sisterhood is

THERE’S SPACE FOR SISTERHOOD IN EVERY CORNER OF AN ALPHA CHI FACILITY

BY KENDALL SUESS (GAMMA EPSILON, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY), HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Living together in a chapter facility is more than just sharing a roof; it is coming together and creating a home where sisterhood is a living reality. Whether it’s late-night conversations or spending hours studying with one another, Alpha Chi Omega facilities provide spaces for sisters to connect and strengthen their bond in a way that combines sisterhood, daily life and special events. Let’s take a look at how our sisters use our facilities!

DECORATING FOR HOLIDAYS

One of the fun traditions sisters experience when living together in a chapter facility is getting to celebrate different events throughout the year. Whether it is carving pumpkins for Halloween or hanging up lights for winter holidays, coming together with your sisters for the holidays and learning about each other’s traditions is a special experience.

Family weekend events hosted in chapter facilities bridge the gap between the collegiate experience and family connections. During these weekends, the facility turns into a place of hospitality for welcoming families into a glimpse of the Real. Strong. Women. Experience. It is an opportunity for members to proudly share the traditions and activities that make up their home away from home. From colorful banners to meals and activities together, family weekend festivities allow guests to see the chapter facility and witness the closeknit community that is an important part a collegiate member’s experience.

CELEBRATING HOMECOMING

There is no better way to combine Alpha Chi Omega and school pride than to celebrate homecoming weekend at a chapter facility. Homecoming is a spirited showcase with opportunity for a

LEFT: THETA UPSILON (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA) RIGHT: EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY)

ZETA UPSILON (CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY)

DELTA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS)

One of the most exciting traditions in your first year as an Alpha Chi Omega is getting a big sister in your chapter who will serve as a friend and mentor throughout your experience. When this event is hosted in a chapter facility, it adds a whole new layer of excitement. For example, the facility might be filled with colorful baskets full of personalized clues to your big sister and gifts. Big and little sister pairings often spend a lot of time together in chapter facilities and may even become roommates!

HOSTING PHILANTHROPY EVENTS

Celebrating a milestone is a momentous occasion and a time for reflecting on our common bond throughout history. Whether it is recognizing a newly initiated member class or a chapter’s anniversary, chapter facilities are an integral part of these milestones as they have and will continue to house sisters who contribute to Alpha Chi Omega. Zeta Sigma (Missouri State University) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with an open house for alumnae to reunite and tour facility renovations.

House dedications are another time to celebrate and connect collegiate and alumnae members. A dedication ceremony marks a new beginning while honoring tradition, Ritual and shared values among the sisterhood. Recently, Beta Lambda (University of Arizona) and Gamma Sigma (University of Rhode Island) held ceremonies for collegians, alumnae and friends.

The bond formed when living together in a chapter facility includes shared experiences, lasting friendships and special memories that stay with you long after you have moved out. We always love to see the creative ways our sisters come together and create a home that leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it.

LEFT: IOTA (UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANACHAMPAIGN) RIGHT: ZETA NU (TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY)

LEFT: ZETA OMICRON (VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY) RIGHT: BETA NU (UNIVERSITY OF UTAH)

ZETA SIGMA (MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY)

AFTER

Facility Focus

BETA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA)

Since the Beta Lambda chapter was reestablished in 2013, the National Housing Corporation knew a major renovation would be needed at the chapter facility. After months of careful planning, the chapter facility underwent a large project that was completed this past fall and included a number of upgrades, expansions and modernizations. The chapter facility now boasts space for 55 members to live in, as well as common areas with enough room to host the whole chapter for eating meals, studying and spending time together. The thoughtful incorporation of Alpha Chi Omega color schemes and emblems in the interior design brings a balance of modernity and tradition together in the facility.

Through teamwork and many meetings, the NHC worked closely with the Beta Lambda chapter project team – made up of the chapter president, vice president facility operations and chapter advisor – to collaborate on fun pieces such as bedroom furniture, finishes and design elements. Here are some before and after pictures of the work done by the National Housing Corporation!

ENTRY To create a grand entrance to the facility, new stairs, railings and a wall on the second floor were installed in the front entry, along with new light fixtures, wallpaper, flooring and décor!

BEFORE BEFORE AFTER

FRONT FACADE Major changes to the front facade included the addition of an accessible ramp, windows, a furnished patio, paint, finishes and roofline adjustments. “After” photo courtesy of Beta Lambda’s design team, Raegan Ford Design.

DINING ROOM

The dining room was expanded and includes a new serving area, making it easy for sisters to get food at mealtimes. The new furniture, frame TV, light fixtures and additional seating make it a fun and open space for members to gather for meals and chapter events.

BEFORE

UPSTAIRS RESIDENT LOUNGE With outdoor patio access, this expanded resident lounge complete with new flooring, furniture and top-to-bottom windows is the perfect space for sisters to spend time together. “After” photos courtesy of Beta Lambda’s design team, Raegan Ford Design.

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Journey to Olympic Heights

BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

To seek the heights can mean different things to every sister: academic achievement, professional success or personal growth, for example. For Emma Nye (Phi, University of Kansas), seeking the heights is a wide range of goals. Through perseverance, dedication and the help of her Alpha Chi Omega sisters, not only has she become the most decorated youth female weightlifter in the U.S., but she also says she has become a better person from it all.

Emma has been an athlete practically her whole life. At just 3 years old, she began her journey as an elite gymnast, and after 8 years of training, she had clear goals for one day joining The University of Alabama’s gymnastics team. However, after shattering her heels twice, Emma and her family knew she would have to medically retire from the sport she so dearly loved.

Her injuries didn’t stop her from taking on new athletic hobbies, though. She says, “At that point, I’m 11 years old, full of energy and super athletic. So, I thought, ‘What am I going to do now?’ My dad ended up putting me in sports performance, and then I ended up getting into CrossFit.”

Soon after, Emma began private weightlifting lessons to grow more muscle. Her weightlifting coach realized that her technique and strength grew rapidly thanks to her prior gymnastics training, so, to test Emma’s potential, her coach placed her in her first weightlifting competition. “I ended up winning it. And then I ended up qualifying for nationals. And then I won my first national championship at 11 years old,” she says. “So

I was 12 when they sent me to the Olympic Training Center for camps, and I ended up breaking my first American record.”

Now the college senior is a six-time national champion, a 32-time American record holder and has been on eight international teams. But her success came with challenges. “Growing up, I’ve kind of always been by myself, just because I didn’t really have friends. I had a pretty strict schedule, and I’m always traveling,” she reflects.

Emma also realized that not everyone would be as supportive of her and the sport she loved. “When I got to high school, that’s when comments would start coming out,” Emma says. “You know, people would make fun of the way that I looked. People would make fun of the fact that I did weightlifting because it’s not a normal sport for girls to do. I would come home from school crying. I was just always by myself, and all I had to focus on was weightlifting”.

EMMA (FRONT LEFT) WITH HER CHAPTER SISTERS

Despite the challenges, Emma kept working hard and pursuing success. Still training for her weightlifting competitions, Emma started her freshmen year of college at the University of Kansas – with no interest in joining a sorority. “I thought, ‘I’m not going into a sorority, like, no, girls were so mean to me in high school. Absolutely not,’” she says.

But after attending a continuous open bidding (COB) event, Emma realized that Alpha Chi Omega women were different and the Phi chapter was exactly where she belonged. She recalls, “I ended up telling them my life story. They were the first girls that ever said, ‘That’s so cool!’ and I really appreciated it. I wasn’t scared anymore.”

Since joining Alpha Chi, Emma’s sisters continue to encourage her to seek the heights. She says, “I’ve just never felt this much appreciation in my life. These girls are my best friends. We are totally inseparable.”

Last year one of Emma’s closest sisters was able to cheer her on in person at the national weightlifting championship. “I needed her there,” Emma says. “Just

seeing her around in the crowd made me feel so much better. It was the best trip ever just having her there.”

Emma’s collegiate experience in Alpha Chi has also helped her discover more about herself. “I don’t have to be Emma the weightlifter; I can just be Emma, my true self, and be vulnerable and open,” she says. Her sisters also cheer her on to reach new heights in school and the chapter, including in her role as vice president public relations and marketing, which has helped her shine outside of her weightlifting accomplishments and show off her creative abilities.

Emma is excited to keep pursuing her next goals: taking on the Olympics and eventually getting her master’s degree. “I would have never done it without the help of the girls to become a better person,” she says. “I wouldn’t be here without them surrounding me with love and encouragement. They transformed me into the person that I am today.”

This story was originally shared on the Alpha Chi Omega blog. Find more stories of real, strong women at alphachiomega.org/blog.

Where is Your Alpha Chi Swag Now?

Your bid card. Your comfiest T-shirt. Your framed photo of your member class. Items from your Alpha Chi Omega journey hold treasured memories, capturing moments when you felt part of this sisterhood. And while your collegiate experience lasts just four years, your Real. Strong. Women. Experience is for a lifetime, and you may find these mementos have a special place in your home.

When we asked sisters where their favorite swag is now, they shared pictures and stories that show just how much Alpha Chi Omega continues to be part of their life, in big ways and small.

If you have a favorite sorority item in your home to share, email editor@alphachiomega.org.

MARA EDGAR (UPSILON, MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY) KEPT HER CARNATIONS FROM HER INITIATION CEREMONY IN 2021 AND HER SENIOR PREFERENCE NIGHT IN 2024.

READY TO ADD TO YOUR SWAG COLLECTION? VISIT SHOPALPHACHI.COM TO BROWSE SHIRTS, DÉCOR, JEWELRY AND MORE FROM LICENSED VENDORS. PLUS, A PORTION OF YOUR PURCHASE GOES BACK TO THE FRATERNITY!

THE LYRE BADGE IS ONE OF AN ALPHA CHI’S MOST CHERISHED POSSESSIONS. SOME SISTERS, LIKE SUMMER MEENAN (IOTA LAMBDA, TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY), PUT THEIR BADGES ON THEIR WEDDING BOUQUETS AND ASK THEIR ALPHA CHI BRIDESMAIDS TO PIN THEIR BADGES ON TOO.

PHOTO BY TASHA RAE CREEL.

HAND-PAINTED ART IN FRONT OF THE DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER HOUSE

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET – OR CREATE – NEW ALPHA CHI SWAG! FOR A PAST ALPHA CHI NIGHT OUT EVENT, SISTERS IN FLORIDA PAINTED LYRES, CARNATIONS AND FAVORITE PHRASES LIKE OUR OPEN MOTTO AND LINES FROM THE SYMPHONY. WE CAN BET A FEW OF THESE ARE STILL HANGING IN SISTERS’ HOMES!

AN ARTSY PICTURE OF THE ALPHA UPSILON (THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA)

CHAPTER HOUSE HANGS ABOVE

SYDNEY-BELLE MARTINEZ’S BED.

A PICTURE CAN BRING BACK MEMORIES INSTANTLY, LIKE THIS ONE FROM JENNIFER MARSALLA (BETA LAMBDA, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA) OF HER MEMBER CLASS.

FROM BROOKE WINTERS COX: “THESE ARE MOST OF MY T-SHIRTS FROM GAMMA EPSILON (OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY) FROM 1999-2004. IT’S ALL HANDSTITCHED BY MY GREAT AUNT JAN. MY DAUGHTER, PARKER COX, WAS 2 WHEN MY MOM GAVE THIS TO ME FOR CHRISTMAS. SHE IS NOW A FRESHMAN AT OKLAHOMA STATE AND PLEDGED ALPHA CHI IN AUGUST. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING HOME AFTER MOVING HER INTO THE HOUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND FEELING VERY NOSTALGIC TODAY. I’VE ALREADY TOLD HER TO KEEP HER T-SHIRTS BECAUSE I WILL DEFINITELY HAVE HER ONE MADE!”

TO KEEP THE LYRE CLOSE TO THEM, THESE SISTERS, WHO MET AT VOLUNTEER SUMMIT 2023, WEAR THE BADGE ON A RING.

FROM KELLY TAYLOR HERR: “MY T-SHIRT BLANKET FROM ZETA OMEGA (WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY)! PLEDGED SPRING 2003, GRADUATED SPRING 2006. BEST MEMORIES OF MY LIFE!”

Rediscovered Bond

MEMBERS RECOGNIZE AND RECONNECT SISTERS FROM THE 1940S.

BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

It started with a phone call to Alpha Chi Omega headquarters. A nurse shared that the woman she was caring for wanted to visit with Alpha Chi Omegas from the local chapter. With some quick research, staff learned that the member, Barbara Twiford Eden, was an initiate of Alpha Kappa chapter at the University of Oregon – and that she had reached her 75-year membership milestone!

A plan started to form. Staff contacted the Xi Xi alumnae chapter of Portland, Oregon, to see if members could help out, so Amanda Kraft (Delta Omicron, Portland State University) organized a visit to Barbara for members to present her 75-year pin. Additionally, the province collegiate chair for the state, Colette Livermore (Delta Omicron) posted a message to the Alpha Kappa initiates Facebook group asking for alumnae to attend. That’s when the story takes an even more surprising turn!

Rose Connolly (Alpha Kappa) saw the message and decided to join. She says, “The organizers noted that they had already arranged to bring a floral arrangement with carnations. Not wanting to go empty-handed but knowing we already had flowers, I got the idea to try and find a University of Oregon yearbook, The Oregana, from her time there.” Rose purchased a

copy of the yearbook on Facebook Marketplace as a gift for Barbara, and when she flipped to the page with the Alpha Chi Omegas, she recognized the woman pictured next to a young Barbara – it was a family member, Pat Webber Walters. Rose reached out to Pat, confirmed the connection and offered to drive her to see Barbara again!

Barbara and Pat had lost touch in recent years, though Pat recalls a favorite pastime of theirs: “Barbara and I loved football, and we would critique the Oregon games and wonder why the coaches didn’t listen to us.”

It was a day of joy and sisterhood as a multi-generational group made its way to see Barbara. Pat recalls, “I was especially impressed by the number of ‘young’ Alpha Chis who came … They didn’t know Barbara or me, yet they took time from busy lives to offer support and friendship. I thought, ‘There is a bond.’”

“We had fun looking at the yearbook and talking about how the university had changed,” Amanda says; one way was the fact that campus was primarily filled by women in the 1940s with so many men off to war. To cap off the visit, members conducted the 75-Year Membership Milestone Ceremony for both Barbara and Pat.

It just goes to show how wide-reaching and everlasting the bonds of sisterhood really are!

Learn more about membership milestones on alphachiomega.org.

BARBARA (LEFT) AND PAT CELEBRATING THEIR 75 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP

THE YEARBOOK PICTURES OF BARBARA AND PAT

Devon Yamauchi

NU (UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER)

CURRENT VOLUNTEER ROLES: Chair of the Legislative Committee, Gamma Phi (Lamar University) co-recruitment advisor and Panhellenic specialist

We are honored to spotlight one of Alpha Chi Omega’s volunteers who has been hard at work preparing for our 62nd National Convention in July. Our convention volunteers come together for a short amount of time, but the impact they make is felt at every level of the organization. Are you interested in volunteering at convention? Email volunteer@alphachiomega.org to share your interest today!

WHAT DOES ALPHA CHI MEAN TO YOU?

Alpha Chi Omega gave me a safe place to explore my potential and grow into myself. It was through this organization and my relationships with my sisters that I gained the confidence to be a leader and I was given the opportunity fail along the way as I learned how to be successful. I think it is important that we continue to provide the same opportunities for safe exploration and growth for the young women who come after us.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM SERVING AS THE CHAIR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE?

Serving on the Legislative Committee has given me the opportunity to look at Alpha Chi Omega at the Enterprise level. I’m able to use the analytical skills I learned while practicing law to review the governing documents and consider how changes might be interpreted or understood in the future. What makes this process interesting is that our members have myriad experiences – we come from different backgrounds, have unique perspectives

and our membership spans generations. It is an important challenge to make sure we are evolving as an organization to continue to provide a meaningful and relevant experience for our sisters without losing our tradition and identity.

DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR ALUMNAE CONCERNED ABOUT THE TIME COMMITMENT TO VOLUNTEER?

Start small. Consider taking on a short-term role or volunteer to support your local collegiate chapter during recruitment or Hall of Commitment. I started with roles that made sense for the amount of time I was able to commit to and that I was excited about. Volunteering even occasionally or in a limited capacity will help you stay connected, and you may find that you enjoy it enough to want to take on more. As I’ve had more time, I’ve been able to take on more long-term commitments (e.g., serving as a recruitment advisor).

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO AN ALUMNA WHO IS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING BUT HASN’T BEEN INVOLVED RECENTLY?

Take the plunge. You might be nervous to put yourself out there, especially if you are considering volunteering with a chapter you were not part of during college. Of course, there may be some differences compared to your own college experience, but I think you’ll be surprised to find how similar the Alpha Chi Omega experience is across the country and how welcoming our sisters can be.

If you’re unable to join us at convention but are ready to volunteer with Alpha Chi Omega, log in to My Alpha Chi, your member portal, to submit your Volunteer Interest Form. Not sure what volunteer roles are available? You can access a list of available volunteer opportunities on My Alpha Chi!

Lasting Local Connections

BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Altruism is embedded in everything Alpha Chi Omegas do. Individual sisters, collegiate chapters and alumnae chapters are all connected by their passion for raising awareness and educating others about domestic violence. Donating to local shelters is one of the many ways sisters get involved. But for most, giving back doesn’t stop at a donation; they hold events, educate the community about their local resources or lend a hand with their time. By giving back in these ways, sisters build bonds with their local nonprofits and communities to make a lasting difference.

For one alumnae chapter, connecting with its local shelter was simple. When Theta Kappa Theta (Springfield, Missouri) was established in 1999, Harmony House was the only domestic violence shelter in the area, and members felt drawn to the partnership since local alumnae had long been closely connected to the shelter. “Many of us are also Zeta Sigma women who have fond memories of doing service hours at the old Harmony House location. With the collegiate chapter’s Harmony House involvement, the transition to alumnae involvement was a natural progression,” says Niki McCann (Zeta Sigma, Missouri State University), who previously served as the alumnae chapter’s vice president communications (she is currently the Indiana province alumnae chair). That continuous involvement, from the collegiate experience to alumnae membership, has kept the relationship with Harmony House so strong.

Theta Kappa Theta’s involvement with Harmony House has grown over the years, all due to members’ countless hours volunteering, donating treat bags, getting involved in major fundraiser committees and making financial gifts. This year, chapter members came up with new ways to grow their impact. “Over the past year, we have strengthened this relationship while inventing creative ways to meet the goals of Harmony House,”

Niki says. “With the introduction of the CrowdChange platform to our chapter, we are able to maximize our fundraising efforts and donation collection even more for Harmony House.”

Theta Kappa Theta used the Foundation’s Community Impact (CI) program and CrowdChange to hold a charity raffle benefiting the shelter. This fall, the chapter also held an event dedicated to educating the community about Harmony House. “The chapter sold tickets for a Pilates class that highlighted the work Harmony House does. Community members, sisters and the broader Panhellenic community were invited to attend. Proceeds went to Harmony House, and attendees left having learned more about the organization,” says Niki.

For the future, sisters are excited to continue fostering their relationship with the shelter, with upcoming events already planned for the new year, like serving dinner for the shelter’s residents! Theta Kappa Theta’s relationship with Harmony House has also helped the chapter make even more connections. “While the name recognition between Harmony House and Alpha Chi

OUR CHAPTERS MAKE AN UNCOMMON IMPACT THROUGH THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION’S COMMUNITY IMPACT (CI) PROGRAM. FUNDS RAISED SUPPORT LOCAL NONPROFITS, INCLUDING LOCAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS AGENCIES, WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING THE FOUNDATION’S REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. FUND. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING DONORS WITH TAX-DEDUCTIBILITY, CHAPTERS THAT USE THE CI PROGRAM HAVE ACCESS TO CROWDCHANGE, A WEB-BASED, MOBILEFRIENDLY PLATFORM THAT HELPS THEM ENHANCE THEIR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS.

Omega has existed for some time, the real impact of our work with Harmony House is the positive relationships we have started with our local collegiate chapter and sisters in the area,” says Niki.

More than 400 miles away, a collegiate chapter has built a similar strong relationship with its local shelter and is making a direct impact on the lives of domestic violence survivors. For Iota Chi (Middle Tennessee State University) chapter, philanthropy and education are key parts of the membership experience. “Our chapter is strongly tied to our philanthropy, and we are all dedicated to emphasizing its importance. Everything we do on our campus is intended to educate those around us,” says Mickaela Sandlin, the chapter’s vice president philanthropy.

This passion has helped drive the longstanding bond between the chapter and its local shelter. The Iota Chi chapter has been working with the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center in Murfreesboro in numerous ways since 2015. Mickaela explains, “We work with our local DVSA shelter to build even stronger connections within our community. Our goal is to further spread awareness and raise more funds to support our local shelter.” Members have been able to grow their relationship with the center by holding events like their annual Mr. Alpha Chi Pageant, where they even asked the agency’s director to serve as a judge for the competition!

The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center’s executive director, Ericka Downing, has felt the impact of the chapter’s work over the years. “The Iota Chi chapter has proven to be a shining example of servicedriven women with a heart to know more about domestic violence and to learn how to make a direct impact in the life of a survivor. They have been willing to jump in and get their hands dirty,” she says.

The chapter is hard at work with Ericka on upcoming events and projects for 2024, working together to best serve the cause. She says of the chapter members, “These young women have bright futures ahead of them, and it is so rewarding to see young women who want to make a difference in the community in which they live in.”

THETA KAPPA THETA MEMBERS

For Alpha Chi Omegas, philanthropy is not just a transaction – it’s a relationship. Like Theta Kappa Theta and Iota Chi, fostering a bond with a local organization helps many, whether by donating funds and items, volunteering, or educating the community around them. Through these connections, members not only extend their passion for philanthropy and domestic violence awareness, but they also make a lasting difference in the community.

IOTA CHI MEMBERS

Taking Her Seat at the Table

BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Peggy Flanagan (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) knows representation matters. As lieutenant governor of Minnesota, she is the nation’s highest-ranking Native woman elected to executive office.

But her journey to this position wasn’t linear, and she was often quick to suggest others for office before herself. Over time, Peggy has learned that she deserves to sit at decision-making tables – and so do others whose voices are needed.

“I think being the first, there are a lot of expectations. There is a lot of weight that you are carrying. There’s a demand for excellence,” Peggy says. “And I think that just comes back to being surrounded and raised by strong women. Empowering women to lead, especially in government and policy spaces, has always been my passion.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TIM WALZ & LT. GOVERNOR PEGGY FLANAGAN

JOURNEY TO THE STATEHOUSE

“As a little girl, I didn’t dream of becoming the lieutenant governor,” Peggy says. “But now I really can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Peggy grew up in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. Her family used public programs like SNAP and a Section 8 housing voucher, which she says helped them create a “foundation of stability and opportunity.” She adds, “So much of my job is really about paying that back and paying that forward.”

PROUD UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ALUMNA,

Peggy attended the University of Minnesota for child psychology and American Indian studies. There, she joined Alpha Chi Omega through informal recruitment; she says, “To be really candid, I would have never thought about rushing any other house,” pointing to the diversity of membership as a key factor for joining. After college, she returned to her community and began working with the Division of Indian Work. Through supporting a program to bridge the gap between home and school for Native children and their families, she realized her local school board needed representation from the Native American community.

“I spent several months trying to convince folks that they should run for the school board, and it turned out it was me,” she recalls.

Peggy is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She wasn’t sure that she would win the school board election, but she looked at her campaign as a chance to bring issues that affect Native communities like hers into the conversation and to mobilize community members to vote. In 2004, she won.

Peggy continued her professional career at Wellstone Action, helping develop community activists and political leaders – including her future gubernatorial running mate, Tim Walz! She also helped found the Native American Leadership Program, which has

supported many Indigenous people in serving on tribal councils and in elected office.

Still, Peggy didn’t see herself in statewide office yet. Instead, she became the executive director of the Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota. One of the organization’s major campaigns was to raise the minimum wage in the state; with that and other policy change campaigns, Peggy interacted with state representatives – and one suggested to her that she might run for his seat one day.

One day came sooner than she thought when that representative moved out of state and his seat opened for a special election. After talking with friends and family, Peggy decided to run. Although she was unopposed, she says, “It was important to me that we ran like we were 10 points behind – knocking on lots of doors, having conversations in the community that raised me – so people would know that I took the job seriously.”

Peggy won the election in 2015 and was reelected in 2016. And in 2017, Tim Walz walked into her office to talk about his campaign for governor. Peggy was prepared to give him a list of possible running mates, but it turned out he had only one person in mind, and it was the last person Peggy expected – herself!

A

PEGGY STILL GETS TO REPRESENT HER ALMA MATER DURING HER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DUTIES.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TIM WALZ & LT. GOVERNOR PEGGY FLANAGAN

LIFE AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan were elected in 2018 as governor and lieutenant governor, respectively (candidates are chosen jointly by a single vote applying to both offices in Minnesota), and reelected in 2022. Fun fact: For several hours in 2019, Peggy served as acting governor when Tim Walz was undergoing a medical procedure – making her the first woman to ever lead the state!

Before even agreeing to be the running mate, Peggy wanted to make sure that her role as lieutenant governor would be more than ceremonial. She remembers having conversations with Tim Walz to plan that her role would be “serving [him], the people of Minnesota and the issues I care about regarding children and families.” And throughout her terms, Peggy has done just that.

Among her many accomplishments, Peggy is proud that the state passed paid family and medical leave, a policy

campaign that she worked on more than a decade before. She has championed investments in childcare and early childhood education and support for renters and first-time homebuyers. And in continuing her passion for Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy, Peggy also advocates for policies for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The daily schedule of a lieutenant governor is never the same, though Peggy points out that each day starts with “trying to get myself and my child out the door … fueled by coffee.” As she works to advance policies, implement laws, adhere to the budget and partner with the legislature, she is constantly making connections with both lawmakers and the public. She also represents the governor’s office at press conferences, something she didn’t realize would be such a large part of her job before she started.

“We have to let people know about the work that we’re doing as we’re passing legislation and it’s coming into effect. We have to let people know what their rights are,” she says. “You represent the entire state, and so as much as I can get outside of the capital and engage with people directly, that feels like it’s my superpower and what then allows me to come back here and do this good work and know there are real people behind these policies that we’re moving.”

Her press conferences and appearances take her all over Minnesota, from water treatment plants to parks to the state fair – but her favorite stops are at schools. “It’s oftentimes difficult for my staff to get me to move along because I just want to visit with the kids!” she says.

She is also keeping the needs of her Native American community at the forefront of her work. In 2020, the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs created the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Task Force, to advise the commissioner of public safety and create recommendations for the legislature to end violence against Indigenous women and girls in Minnesota. And in support of that cause,

PEGGY AT HER INAUGURATION AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AND TAKING HER OATH WITH AN OJIBWE-LANGUAGE BIBLE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TIM WALZ & LT. GOVERNOR PEGGY FLANAGAN

the country’s first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office was created.

“We’ve made a real priority in our office, the governor and I, to ensure that we are really strengthening tribalstate relations,” Peggy says. “Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the fact that the governor and lieutenant governor have visited every tribe, every reservation, all 11, during our time in office. That’s never happened before.”

She adds, “I think part of being in this role is the state government beginning to live up to their commitment, frankly, that they should have to the 11 Native nations that share their geography with the state of Minnesota.”

EMBRACING HER IDENTITIES

The policies that Peggy has championed are making a difference for Minnesotans – but her very presence in the office of lieutenant governor is also important.

“Being in this role, I think it means that when we see Native people, Native women, women of color in these

executive roles, like lieutenant governor, it becomes easier for people to also think about us in roles as governor or United States senator, to having roles where we are running organizations and companies and are chairs of boards,” she says. “It’s just sort of this throughline.”

In 2020, Peggy was awarded the Native American Leadership Award from the National Congress of American Indians for her work building awareness of issues that affect Native populations and making an impact on their lives. She was also elected in late 2023 as the chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, the first Native American woman to lead a party committee.

“I think we’re just in this really important moment where things are still tricky and messy and where, as a country, we feel very divided, but I think that Native women, and women in general, have oftentimes been healers and folks who can find common ground and bring people together,” she explains. “I think that’s what we’re called to do in this moment.”

An effort Peggy is proud to support is the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota, which is working to eliminate barriers and disparities for young women in the state. Peggy is one of the coaches of the initiative and helps with the Young Women’s Cabinet. “Women’s voices are needed now more than ever before,” Peggy says.

The Alpha Lambda chapter helped teach her this. Peggy recalls having conversations with her sisters about important issues in a supportive environment. She says her collegiate membership experience gave her valuable experience with how to show up in professional spaces, from learning about etiquette to finding her place. She says, “We need to have those skills, we need to know some of this language as we are navigating through a lot of these places and spaces that weren’t created by and for women. I think that’s one of the powerful tools that Alpha Chi Omega really gave to me.”

Whether an Alpha Chi Omega wants to take on public office, lead a company or chair a board, Peggy’s advice to her sisters is simple: “Don’t make yourself small.” It’s a

PEGGY LOVES TRAVELING AROUND THE STATE AS PART OF HER OFFICE.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TIM WALZ & LT. GOVERNOR PEGGY FLANAGAN

lesson Peggy has been learning over her own lifetime; she says she used to allow herself to fade to the background or use humor as a defense. But even in little ways, she’s working to take up space.

“It’s kind of a joke because when I sit down at the table, I’ll put my briefing binder down, my coffee, my water, my two phones, my pen and just spread out,” she says. “And I think, to be honest, it’s really just kind of a subconscious way of saying, ‘I am here. I deserve to be here. I deserve to represent the voices of the people who cannot be here.’”

When Alpha Chi Omegas are at the table, she reminds them to speak up, to amplify the voices of others and to not let women’s opinions be diminished. “There are already people who are going to try to make you feel small,” Peggy says. “You don’t have to do that to yourself.”

Not only are other women watching, girls are, too. Peggy would bring her daughter with her to community

meetings and work, wearing her or spreading out a blanket so she could play. She says it’s common for Native women to bring their kids everywhere they go, and it sends a powerful message. “It changes spaces for the better,” she says.

Peggy is adamant that women belong in all spaces, particularly in government, and she knows the Alpha Chi experience can set sisters up for success. “Coming from an organization that is really grounded in woman’s leadership, relationships, building connections and cheering each other on, you already have a strong foundation from which to build,” she says.

Peggy is the first to admit that she needed encouragement from others to run for office – and she’s not going to let her Alpha Chi Omega sisters miss their opportunity: “You know, women have to be asked an average of nine times to run for office before they say ‘yes,’ so I want them to consider this their first ask.”

PEGGY (RIGHT) STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH HER CONSTITUENTS AS THEY SUPPORT THE MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN CAUSE. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TIM WALZ & LT. GOVERNOR PEGGY FLANAGAN

Connection is Key

THE U.S. SURGEON GENERAL SAYS THERE IS AN EPIDEMIC OF LONELINESS. HERE’S HOW SORORITIES CAN ADDRESS IT.

BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General, who oversees the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps tasked with protecting, promoting and advancing the country’s health, released an Advisory called “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” It points out that half of U.S. adults have felt lonely in the last few years and explains that loneliness harms both individuals and society.

The Surgeon General calls on us all to address the epidemic. He says, “Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships. Our individual relationships are an untapped resource –a source of healing hiding in plain sight.”

At their core, sororities are about relationships. Of course, they also provide opportunities for leadership, service and personal development. But when you think back to sororities’ founding stories, you hear of a desire to find a place on campus, a special connection with like-minded women. This is echoed still today, not just anecdotally from our members, but quantitatively through the Alpha Chi Sisterhood Survey. All collegiate members are asked to complete a survey about their membership experience, and we’ve found that chapters with a high score in the Belonging category have higher member retention, more satisfied members and more affinity to the values of the organization.

The Surgeon General’s Advisory provides recommendations for various populations and structures to address the loneliness epidemic, and one of those is community-based organizations, which include membership-based groups. While there is always more work to be done, sororities are responding to the need and helping create connections.

First, the Surgeon General calls on organizations like ours to “embed social connection in internal policies, practices, programs and evaluations.” Sororities prioritize connection, though each chapter and each national organization approaches it differently. Within Alpha Chi Omega, new members are immediately welcomed into the sisterhood with programming through the Dedication that allows them to connect with their class and the national organization, and they make additional connections through the mystagogue program and ultimately their big sisters. MyJourney programming continues intentional conversations and relationshipbuilding throughout the collegiate experience.

The Surgeon General’s Advisory recommends that organizations “create opportunities and spaces for inclusive social connection.” Sisterhood events, like yoga or canvas painting, can be a great way to connect members around a planned activity while providing space for conversation and bonding. Some chapters

collect shout-outs and notes about sisters to share during chapter meetings. Others use technology to create group chats and channels for sisters with shared majors or interests. And there’s nothing like food to bring people together – our chapters love to share dinner at their facility or celebrate holiday meals. It’s also about creating an environment where every sister can be her most authentic self, which is supported by a commitment to equitable and inclusive practices. No matter the approach, the value of creating those connections, particularly during the formative college years, is clear. Not only does having strong relationships support the call of the Surgeon General, it enhances the collegiate experience – and beyond.

Alpha Chi Omega’s vision statement speaks of the “everlasting connections” that sisters form through membership. And these lifelong connections are paramount to other sororities as well. As just a few examples, Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity commits to a “strong sense of belonging through friendships,” and Alpha Phi Fraternity holds the ideal of “sisterhood that lasts a lifetime.”

The Surgeon General’s Advisory recommends “foster[ing] a culture of connection in the broader community by highlighting examples of healthy social connection and leading by example.” The alumnae experiences offered by sororities are the perfect embodiment of that recommendation! Through alumnae chapters or clubs, sorority women build relationships with sisters across all generations in their area or from their chapter of initiation. New to town?

Your alumnae chapter can help you find local resources and new relationships! Sororities offer countless other ways to connect, including events like convention and online groups (check out the AXO Alumnae Book Club on Facebook to find other literature-loving sisters!).

“Creat[ing] and provid[ing] education, resources, and support programs” is one of the final recommendations of community-based organizations, and with their philanthropic support, sororities do just that. For each cause, sisters rally together to raise awareness, provide funds for local and national nonprofits, and develop service-minded leaders. For Alpha Chi Omega, consider the work of domestic violence awareness. Our members create relationships with local service providers while educating their campuses and communities and sharing the message of healthy love – which reflects the Surgeon General’s call to “foster positive and safe relationships.”

In the closing to his letter, the Surgeon General reminds us that “loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond.” Let us each invest in our relationships and together, as sorority women, champion the power of connection that our membership provides.

Connecting Remotely

BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

How does your workday begin? You roll out of bed, make breakfast and pour yourself a cup of coffee (or two). Then do you head out the door for your commute? Or is your commute down the hallway to your home office? Is your outfit for the day business casual – or a business top and sweatpants?

While remote work has been around for decades, it’s become more prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many nonessential workers had to work from home in 2020, and some jobs have stayed that way or transitioned to a hybrid setup where employees come into the office a few days a week.

“It’s definitely an evolution,” says Amie Prichard (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine), who works in human resources for a technology startup. Adds Debbie Saunders (Theta Nu, Santa Clara University), a management consultant and angel investor, “Our lives have changed to this hybrid of digital and physical –phygital!”

Remote jobs offer benefits to employers and employees, but they’re not without their challenges. And when it comes to making connections at work, it can take a little extra effort. Learn from sisters who work, manage and hire in a variety of environments.

THE BENEFITS

“Remote work has always been part of corporate America, but the pandemic opened up more jobs to this gift,” says Tricia Wiese (Delta Nu, Iowa State University), the owner of TSI-Talent Solutions, Inc, which specializes in placing software sales reps. She has long worked from

home and has seen more candidates looking for that opportunity.

SISTER TIP: KAREN RAYBURN SUGGESTS, “KEEP A SCARF OR CASUAL BLAZER NEARBY SO WHEN YOU GET THAT UNEXPECTED VIDEO CALL, YOU CAN TOSS IT ON OVER YOUR SWEATSHIRT AND STILL LOOK PROFESSIONAL.”

Kimberly Whitt (Theta Iota, Baylor University) manages a team of hybrid and remote employees as a director of marketing operations and project management. On the days she works from home, not only does she eliminate a 45-minute commute, she can improve her work-life balance. “Having more flexibility allows the opportunity to weave in work as part of my life versus work running my life,” she says. While she takes breaks at the office, too, at home she can do a load of laundry or dishes on her breaks. “Not only am I tackling a ‘life’ task, but I am giving my brain a break and moving my body,” she says.

Amie’s company currently has a hybrid setup, which she and her colleagues leverage to support different projects. She says, “I have my quiet time at home to work on focus work, and then time in the office to have in-person meetings and brainstorming and company meetings.”

“People want agency over their day,” says Tricia, pointing out the desire for flexible hours whether in office or not. “If you have to drive into an office at 8 a.m. and traffic is just terrible on your commute, maybe you can come in at 9? Does your brain fire in the morning or late afternoon and evening?”

That flexibility can empower women in particular. In the past some women might have needed to quit their jobs for caregiving duties; now they can arrange their schedules to allow for school drop-offs or take work calls while waiting for appointments. As a report from Glassdoor’s chief economist Aaron Terrazas says of recent years, “By our estimates, the expansion of remote work allowed about 1 million women in their 30s and 40s to remain in the workforce at an age when prior generations may have stopped working for family and child-care responsibilities.”

THE CHALLENGES

Over decades of recruiting, Tricia has seen some workers struggle with remote work. “There are just some people that are not good with working from home,” she says. “They don’t know how to manage their time, they’re not productive, they’re working two or three jobs.” She believes this can affect mental health. “When you’re stuck in your house for too long and you don’t have that community, I think it wears on your spirit.” She recommends finding in-person community, whether it’s with colleagues or with others outside of work, like at a gym.

For hybrid companies, Debbie encourages employers to innovate their offices; in London where she lives, she’s seen flexible spaces, collaborative meeting rooms and even coffee bars. She encourages companies to consider “the freedom of not having to be at a desk with someone looking over your shoulder all the time” like she saw at offices in the past.

When your home is your workplace, it can be harder to separate your work and personal life. “One thing that’s really helpful is status updates,” says Karen Rayburn (Zeta Lambda, University of Virginia), who works as a director of project and program management for a telecommunications company. She makes sure her team knows her working hours and sets her online status to show if she’s available. “It’s setting expectations. And I think that’s just general good practice, whether you’re remote or not.”

She adds of remote work, “With flexibility comes responsibility.” That might include updating your supervisor on problems and accomplishments and letting them know when you’re away from your desk. “It’s just so much easier when people take ownership and you, as the leader, don’t have to worry about whether something is going to get done because your team is telling you and keeping you in the loop.”

“The key to success is setting clear expectations for my team and then testing and learning what works,” Kimberly says. As a manager, she lets her team know she cares more about their performance than what hours

REMOTE VOLUNTEERING

Alpha Chi Omega is proud to have volunteers working together around the world! The province alumnae chair (PAC) team is a great example of a remote team, thanks to the leadership of Kim McClure (Gamma Omicron, Marshall University), volunteer director of PACs. With 25 team members living across four time zones, Kim ensures each meeting stays on track to make the best use of sisters’ availability between dinner on one coast and bedtime on the other.

Like in the workplace, she sets expectations. A color-coded spreadsheet allows each PAC to check deadlines, celebrate successes and catch issues early. And because each province has different needs and cultures, Kim offers flexibility. “They have to figure out what works for them,” she says. “As long as the objectives are met, I don’t really care how it’s done.”

Beyond working together operationally, the PACs bond remotely. Kim says it took trial and error and a willingness to pivot. For example, after big/little-style pairings among the team didn’t work out, she shifted to PAC Pods, with multiple volunteers grouped together for breakout discussions in meetings. Kim says, “It’s increased efficiency because those women know each other, they can collaborate together, and I know they are collaborating outside of those breakout rooms, too.”

Kim also sends out a newsletter, the PAC Pacesetter, and includes personal notes alongside business. She highlights connections between PACs, like in the December newsletter that listed all the musical instruments her team members played, in honor of our Founders’ passion for music. She shares, “Letting them know, ‘I see you, I see what you’re doing even though I don’t see you in person’ … that’s part of building community and making people feel valued.”

SISTER TIP: DEBBIE SAUNDERS REMINDS SISTERS TO SEEK IN-PERSON INTERACTION WHEN THEY CAN. “YOU CAN ONLY DO SO MANY ZOOM CALLS A DAY!”

SISTER TIP: KIMBERLY WHITT RECOMMENDS REACHING OUT TO SET UP QUICK CALLS TO LEARN WHAT YOUR COLLEAGUES DO.

“THE CALLS DON’T HAVE TO BE AN HOUR LONG – THEY CAN BE AS SHORT AS A 15-20-MINUTE CHAT.”

they’re at their desks, and she schedules meetings for the team’s shared hours. “I also model what I preach. I work from home, too, so that my team feels comfortable to work from home.”

Amie agrees. “What it comes down to is, no matter what your work situation is, that the performance expectations are clearly laid out by the leadership team at your organization.”

Along with taking ownership of their work, remote employees may have to take ownership of their relationships. “I was very happy to have Zoom during lockdown. It was a lifeline,” says Debbie. She used video calls to stay connected to friends in England and family back home in the U.S. “But now I resent it … I get pitched by these startups that want funding, and everything’s on Zoom, and it’s not the same as meeting for a coffee and seeing someone eye to eye.”

Amie says her company has seen the value of in-person time to build connections with its current hybrid setup. “When you’re only meeting people online, there may be some small talk, but you’re generally jumping into the meeting agenda,” she says. “In-person work encourages collaboration, sparks creativity and cultivates a sense of belonging.”

MAKING CONNECTIONS

If in-person meetings aren’t possible, our sisters have suggestions for building community with coworkers!

“There are definitely challenges, but I think you can take advantage of technology,” says Karen, specifically suggesting videoconferencing. “You can see the body language and how people are receiving your message.” She enjoys the peek into her colleagues’ personalities and lives outside of work through virtual backgrounds, real backgrounds with pictures of family, or furry friends stopping by. She shares, “The cat walks across and everybody can have a laugh about that. It just seems to

bring some humanity back into the work environment.”

Kimberly suggests employers create a channel in the company’s messaging tool to have non-work-related conversations and get to know teammates. In a hybrid environment, she recommends each meeting have a callin link so employees at home can participate.

Amie’s company utilizes Slack for internal messaging and takes advantages of features like creating a channel for sharing pictures of pets and using the Donut app to pair up employees for a purely social video call.

While company policies and tools can help, our sisters pointed out the personal responsibility for forming relationships. “My advice is to be your own advocate and be proactive, just like everything else in life,” Kimberly says. “Reach out and let others know you are interested to learn what they do and set up one-on-one calls.”

Karen agrees. “It’s really important to initiate contact. I’ve got a whole list of people that I communicate with frequently, and if I haven’t chatted with somebody in awhile, I’ll just say, ‘Hey, just thinking about you, seeing how things are going.’ Doing that proactively keeps the connections alive.”

Professional connections are vital in person or over the screen. “If there’s one piece of advice I give to younger people coming into the workforce, it’s network, network, network,” Debbie says. She reminds sisters of the importance of listening, following up and thanking someone for a conversation. “We can’t forget some of those basic qualities of human interaction.”

Kimberly seconds the power of networking. “It is vital to have people advocating for you, especially for career advancement … It is also great to have others to brainstorm with and ask advice from.”

And beyond networking, having connections at work is good for morale. Amie shares, “When you’re making connections, it makes collaborating so much more fun and impactful, and ideas are free-flowing when you’re in an environment you’re comfortable with and you’re working with people that you enjoy being around.”

Women & Wisdom

ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S NETWORK OF REAL, STRONG WOMEN

YOUR ONE-STOP PLATFORM FOR PERSONAL GROWTH, PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT, MENTORSHIP AND COMMUNITY

Are you...

an ALUMNA looking to network with sisters within and outside of your field?

a COLLEGIAN wanting support from an alumna to review your resume?

a MEMBER exploring open job, internship or volunteer opportunities?

an ENTREPRENEUR hoping to promote your sister-owned business?

a MANAGER seeking applicants to join your team?

a SISTER looking for community or advice from real, strong women?

CONNECT WHILE YOU’RE ON THE GO!

Scan the QR code or visit womenandwisdom.org on your phone or tablet to access the mobile-friendly version of our Women & Wisdom network!

With Women & Wisdom, you can find mentoring, events, groups, job opportunities, member and business directories, and connections with sisters sharing your interests and experiences.

If you are looking to empower and support sisters in reaching their fullest potential, while investing in your personal and professional growth, Women & Wisdom is for you!

START CONNECTING AT WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG!

JUST IN CASE

you missed it...

Nancy Stone (Zeta Nu, Texas A&M University) facilitated a workshop all about building habits to live your best days! Sisters explored practical action steps to get excited about 2024 so they have clarity and energy to live the life they want without doing more.

A panel of alumnae led a session about applying to law school. Participants heard advice, tips and tricks to pursuing this next step in their educational journeys!

Find past SERIES recordings and more at WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG/RESOURCES

PLATFORM HIGHLIGHT

NEW NETWORK MILESTONE!

Women & Wisdom SERIES

Our online Women & Wisdom network has officially surpassed 4,000 members! More than 4,000 sisters learning, growing and supporting each other. Thousands of sisters celebrating achievements and sharing advice to seek new heights. What can you learn from the members willing to help? Get started by creating or updating your profile!

Meet Me in St. Louis

BY LAURA KNOBEL (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT

Women from all over the United States who are interested in the connection, leadership, philanthropy and personal growth that Alpha Chi Omega provides apply for membership through the National Alumna Initiate Program (NAIP). The NAIP volunteer panel vets each candidate based on our National Membership Standards, helps connect her to nearby Alpha Chi Omega alumnae for possible sponsorship and supports approved candidates through new member education and in the transition to initiating as a lifetime member.

Occasionally, the team notices trends in the women who are applying – and in 2023, there was a surprising number of applicants from the St. Louis, Missouri area, none of whom seemed to know each other already! The volunteer director of NAIP, Michelle Hawes (Beta Xi, Utah State University), couldn’t pass up this opportunity to partner with Sigma Sigma alumnae chapter in St. Louis to help connect these women and offer them a group initiation experience that alumnae initiates don’t often get.

“The members of Sigma Sigma have been amazing supporters of alumna initiation, always sharing about the benefits of membership to the women in their community and willing to meet with candidates the NAIP panel recommends to them,” shares Michelle. “I’m so thankful that they jumped at the opportunity to meet these impressive candidates and make this a special time for our newest sisters in St. Louis.”

Sigma Sigma chapter president Julie Abeln (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri) was more than happy to help coordinate the effort. “We have a culture of inclusivity. Our Sigma Sigma ladies are so welcoming and take a real interest in the candidates. They are happy to chat on the phone, meet up for lunch or invite them to a

chapter activity. Just for that candidate to feel welcomed by a group of women, it is so powerful and makes everyone involved feel good,” she says.

Once the plan was in place, the candidates – Carolyn Golfin, Diane Haneklau, Janet Heitzig, Beverly Rush and Danielle Tabers – had the opportunity to meet members of Sigma Sigma and get to know each other. The members felt that all five women would make great Alpha Chis, and the chapter elected to serve as the group sponsor to all of them.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) DIANE, DANIELLE, CAROLYN, JANET AND BEVERLY

Each woman had her own reasons for pursuing membership. For Danielle, a published author who works in sales and business development, it was her friend and coworker, Kristin Donnell (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri), who introduced her to Alpha Chi.

“What drew me to this group, especially as an adult, is the philanthropic mission focusing on domestic violence awareness – a cause close to my heart,” Danielle shares. After the initial interest, she says, “The NAIP process [was] pivotal in deepening my connection with Alpha Chi Omega. The support and guidance received during this journey have been phenomenal.”

For Carolyn, a retired reading specialist from Illinois, it was watching her two daughters, Diana Flower (Sigma, University of Iowa) and Andrea Vinyard (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University), have meaningful experiences as collegiate members, plus some special encouragement from her dear friend Barbara Passanise (Alpha Zeta, Washington University in St. Louis).

Although Carolyn was already involved in several community groups, including at her church, with the Girl Scouts and as a black belt in taekwondo, Alpha Chi offered something different. “I would encourage anyone who is interested in becoming an initiate [of] this very special sorority to pursue membership,” she says. “The women are so welcoming, and we have so many interesting meetings and activities. I have made many friends.”

October 12, 2023 was the special day that all five women finally met in person for a group Initiation Ceremony into the Iota Alpha (Alumnae Initiates) chapter, followed by attending Sigma Sigma’s Founders’ Day celebration.

Danielle describes feelings of anticipation and excitement leading up to the ceremony, but shares that “during the ceremony, a sense of belonging and camaraderie emerged, leaving me with profound pride afterward.”

In addition to meeting new people, Carolyn deepened her connections with the Alpha Chi members she already knew – especially her two girls. “My daughters were there for the ceremony and were very proud of

“A sense of belonging and camaraderie emerged, leaving me with profound pride.”

my being initiated. It is so exciting to have that unique bond,” she says.

For Julie and Sigma Sigma, the group sponsorship experience has been just as impactful on the alumnae chapter side, and the chapter plans to continue inviting more real, strong women to our sisterhood. “Alumnae initiates really take to heart what it means to be an Alpha Chi Omega, and they are some of our most active and involved Sigma Sigma members."

“Not everyone fully understands the benefits of a lifetime experience of sisterhood. It’s not just about the college experience; there is so much more that we do as alumnae like social events, philanthropy, supporting the collegiate chapters and growing our network,” Julie says, adding, “Women want to belong to something, and when there is an organization like ours that can provide that, they want to be part of it.”

ALUMNA INITIATE CANDIDATES CAN BE SPONSORED BY A COLLEGIATE CHAPTER, ALUMNAE CHAPTER OR ANY GROUP OF AT LEAST THREE INDIVIDUAL ALUMNAE IN GOOD STANDING. WHETHER YOU HAVE ONE OR MANY WOMEN TO INVITE TO OUR SISTERHOOD, SCAN THE QR CODE TO SPONSOR CANDIDATES THROUGH NAIP!

THEN AND NOW

Scrapbooks

Have you ever thought about what Alpha Chi Omega was doing 10, 20, 50 years ago? How have things changed for our members and organization? How have they stayed the same? Taken from previous Lyre magazines, the “Then and Now” series offers a glimpse into what life was like for Alpha Chi Omegas throughout history.

No matter the era of our Fraternity or age of our sisters, collecting and preserving special moments and memories has always been a meaningful part of the Alpha Chi Omega experience. Scrapbooking has taken many forms through the years, so let’s take a look at what that was like in the earliest days and the shape it’s taking today.

How do you preserve your memories of sisterhood? Let us know!

BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST

Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham compiled 12 scrapbooks that are a treasured part of Alpha Chi Omega’s archives collection. In the January 1935 issue of The Lyre, Mary Ellen Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) – the daughter of Bertha’s fellow Founder Olive Burnett Clark – wrote about Bertha’s special hobby, one that would prove to be incredibly valuable to the Fraternity.

Mary Ellen explains this about Bertha’s early interest in keeping records of her experiences and activities: “When she entered the Music School at DePauw University in 1885, the first thing she did was to begin a scrap-book and a diary.” When this article appeared in 1935, Bertha was working on her fifth Alpha Chi Omega scrapbook in preparation for the Fraternity’s 50th anniversary celebration. The photo on this page shows Bertha surrounded both by her Alpha Chi Omega scrapbooks as well as several scrapbooks she had compiled about World War I.

Bertha’s 12 scrapbooks are a treasure trove of notes, programs, mementos and photos –one even includes the signatures of the Founders, several of the first new members, as well as Dean James Hamilton Howe and James G. Campbell, who were instrumental in our founding. You can find Bertha’s scrapbooks on our history website at alphachiomega.historyit.com under the Explore tab – Scrapbooks.

2024

When we think about documenting special memories and events now, we think mostly about photos. Since so many of us have a camera in our hand at all times, it is easier than ever to document those special moments and scroll through them whenever the mood strikes!

Social media serves as a sort of modern-day scrapbook. For example, Alpha Chi Omega chapters often create digital scrapbook pages through Instagram, with an aesthetic that matches their chapter’s style and feel. A “vintage” vibe is particularly popular with chapters now –although we know that can and will change at any time!

Many sisters also create mood boards or vision boards –wall art featuring a mixture of fun photos, inspirational quotes, goals and more – to capture important memories and aspirations.

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR PHOTOS TO OUR COLLECTIVE ALPHA CHI OMEGA HISTORY? SUBMIT ASSETS TO PHOTOS.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG – JUST DRAG AND DROP, NO LOGIN REQURIED. AS AN ADDED BONUS, YOUR PHOTO MIGHT BE FEATURED IN ALPHA CHI OMEGA COMMUNICATIONS LIKE THE LYRE !

Storing photos for posterity can be as easy as using a flash drive, external hard drive, photo prints, Google Photos albums, Dropbox or iCloud storage.

Some sisters and chapters may still want to create a printed memory book, made with digital photos and captions through an online service. There are more affordable, convenient options available now than ever before to creatively collect and share the Alpha Chi Omega experience.

We hope that sisters of all ages and stages will continue to hold their Alpha Chi Omega memories close – and that they preserve and share these memories for future generations of Alpha Chis!

DELTA KAPPA

(SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY)

CHAPTER’S INSTAGRAM

POST FOR BIG/LITTLE REVEAL

AN INSTAGRAM POST FROM TAU (BRENAU UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Updates to the National Membership Standards

The National Membership Standards of Alpha Chi Omega serve many purposes. They are used to determine eligibility to join the organization as a potential new member. Lifetime members strive to uphold them in daily life – not just during their time as collegians, but today and throughout the alumnae experience. They guide members to live and grow as real, strong women.

It has been more than 40 years since the National Membership Standards were updated. In 2021, the Membership Recruitment Task Force was appointed by the National Council. One of the task force’s charges was to review all recruitment-related policies, including

“These updates respect and respond to the dreams and realities of today’s women in today's world ...”

AN FAQ DOCUMENT IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE RESOURCE CENTER OF MY ALPHA CHI. QUESTIONS? CONTACT COLLEGIATEEXPERIENCE@ ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG.

the National Membership Standards. After careful consideration, the task force recommended they be updated.

The world has evolved and changed in the four decades since the last update. Following months of thoughtful discussion and collaboration between volunteers, elected leaders and staff, National President Lynne Herndon sent an email on December 12, 2023 to all members on behalf of the National Council to share the updates to the Alpha Chi Omega National Membership Standards and their definitions.

Following is a summary of the updates, which have been approved by the National Council and are now effective, as well as a comparison with the previous language. These updates respect and respond to the dreams and realities of today’s women in today’s world, continuing our shared commitment to a powerful, transformative and everlasting sorority experience.

FORMER MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS

UPDATED MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS EXPLANATION

Academic interest

Intellectual development and sound scholarship

Character

Moral integrity, dignity and loyalty

Financial responsibility

Prompt payment of dues and fees and other financial obligations

Leadership ability

Participation in campus and community activities

Academic interest

Intellectual development and learning

Character Integrity, dignity and loyalty

Responsibility Honors commitments and fulfills membership obligations

Leadership Involved and engaged

This update in the definition reflects the broad range of learning and growth that Alpha Chi Omegas pursue throughout the lifelong membership experience. During recruitment, chapters look for members with a desire to do the same. The language better aligns with current terminology used throughout Alpha Chi Omega structures and experiences.

This update in the definition creates a more succinct understanding of character. With “integrity” being defined as “having morals and values,” the update continues to outline the qualities Alpha Chi Omega strives for each member to develop and use in evaluating potential new members in recruitment.

This update allows the membership standard to be applied to lifetime membership, from recruitment and collegiate membership through the alumnae experience. It broadens responsibility beyond finances to encompass the commitments and obligations of the lifelong Real. Strong. Women. Experience.

This update encompasses leadership at every level. Members are expected to actively participate in their Alpha Chi Omega experience and to use the skills and confidence gained from their experience to lead within and beyond their chapter. This broader definition helps in evaluating potential new members on their past and current leadership and involvement, as well as their commitment to engaging in Alpha Chi Omega if offered membership.

Personal development

Social awareness, poise, personal presentation and cultural appreciation

Personal development

Personal presentation, social awareness and cultural humility

This update in the definition encourages the development of members’ full selves and the way they present themselves to the world around them. Personal development includes cultural humility, which means a lifelong commitment to reflecting on one’s own beliefs and identities, as well as learning about and respecting the beliefs and identities of others. In a recruitment process, the updated definition helps in understanding potential new members’ willingness to present themselves, self-reflect and engage with others.

Peace from the Pieces

BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Brenda Fraser (Alpha Tau, University of New Hampshire) didn’t set out to be an artist. In fact, she was blazing a trail as a business owner in fast-paced Washington, D.C. doing event planning and fundraising consulting when she was in a tragic car accident. It took her mother and left Brenda with a realization that changed everything.

“You can either let something tragic define you and crush you, or you can let it inspire you to make your life better in some way,” Brenda says. Her mother had only recently retired before the accident, and Brenda asked herself, “Do I want to be working in an office until I’m in my 70s and then that’s it, or do I want to follow my passion and take a risk?”

That passion has since bloomed into a career as a mosaic artist, specializing in what Brenda calls “storytelling mosaics” created with jewelry, buttons, keys and other found objects. Many of Brenda’s pieces are custom memory mosaics, made up of beloved heirloom jewelry. Clients bring in pieces from a loved

one, and Brenda spends time learning about the original owner of the jewelry and the recipient of the mosaic. Then she designs the mosaic shape and meticulously adheres each piece of jewelry one by one to create a beautiful, heartfelt piece.

“I see mosaics as reclaiming broken pieces and reassembling into wholeness from the parts,” Brenda explains. “My work embraces the lives of those we have loved and lost.”

Brenda’s mosaic designs showcase a wide range of creativity – from a steer head to a tree of life to a holiday wreath. One recent client came in with jewelry from her mother that she wanted turned into artwork for her five nephews. Brenda created mosaics specific to each nephew’s passion – a motorcycle, phoenix, unicorn, wolf and dragon – so the boys could keep the memory of their grandmother as art.

Brenda’s passion keeps the memory of her mother alive, too. “I’m staying connected to my mother because I see things that she would have worn or things she had,” she says. “We have all experienced adversity and loss, and yet, we can reassemble those experiences into something more beautiful.” She calls her practice

BRENDA WITH ONE OF HER MOSAICS

ONE OF BRENDA’S MOSAIC TREES

“storytelling through art” as she creates new stories for the future from broken or unused pieces.

Her art is also changing the narrative for women through a charitable arm of her studio called Dream Uplifters. Through this program, Brenda accepts vintage jewelry and other pieces as donations to create mosaics for sale, with the profit going toward scholarships for women returning to school as well as women in Africa. Dream Uplifters is in memory of Brenda’s sister, who died of a heart attack before she was able to go back to finish her college degree. Brenda believes it’s never too late to follow a dream, like the women she’s supporting with scholarships and like herself. “I do believe everything happens for a reason,” she says.

It took a complete career pivot to find that reason, but now Brenda’s artwork can be found in homes and galleries around the country. In addition to taking on commissions and creating pieces for sale, Brenda is also

teaching mosaic art. And she never forgets the passion that sparked it all. “This brings joy to people,” she says, “and the world needs more joy right now.”

See more of Brenda’s art at brendafraser.com.

Who Do You Know?

Our members are the best resource for helping recruit real, strong women into the Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood.

If you know a remarkable young woman considering recruitment, our online recommendation form is the best way to let the chapter know!

A MOSAIC ELEPHANT BRENDA CREATED

Impact on the Hill

BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Jessica Monahan (Kappa, University of Wisconsin-Madison) never thought responding to one Alpha Chi Omega email would change her life. But years after representing the organization as a collegian on Capitol Hill, Jessica is still making her mark in Washington, D.C. She says, “I truly do credit my Alpha Chi experience with the genesis of my career and the lobbying profession.”

As a senior political science major, Jessica was selected to travel to the U.S. Capitol as part of the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition visits to advocate for policies to protect the fraternity and sorority experience. She had dreams of living in D.C., and the experience opened her eyes to a career in lobbying. By the end of the trip – and with the support of Julie Burkhard (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) – she had not only gained valuable experience learning about policy and talking with members of Congress and their staff, but she had also made connections that would lead to her first job.

“I was lobbying on behalf of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act, and I had all of my talking points memorized and was very professional, and then I would also start lobbying in these meetings for myself,” Jessica recalls.

Thus began a career that has spanned several firms, brought her recognition as a 2023 Top Lobbyist from the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics for her work with Arnold & Porter, and allowed her to explore her interests as she advocates for public policy. For example, she developed a passion for transportation policy and worked as the legislative director for the National Association of Counties, representing more than 3,000 county governments and leading lobbying efforts for the FAST Act. She calls it a career highlight seeing the bill passed into law in 2015: “I got to write some of the language that ended up passing into law. I

remedied a pretty significant policy issue for county governments that resulted in over $100 billion being available for county governments and their infrastructure that wouldn’t otherwise have happened.”

Jessica’s work is all about connections – connecting organizations and elected officials and connecting policies to experiences. Recently, she was able to support one of her other passions – theater – by forming a coalition of more than 150 theaters to “save our stages” and lobbying for federal support for live arts venues during the pandemic. The value of connection is something she learned from Alpha Chi Omega and still experiences with sisters today, like in the running group text she has with member class sisters. And in a full-circle moment, Jessica now volunteers at the FGRC Capitol Hill visits, mentoring Alpha Chi Omega collegians who, like her, want to make an impact on the sorority experience.

“Not only did it (Alpha Chi Omega) give me these lifelong friendships and have a very strong impact on me meeting my husband, but also it was the exposure to leadership opportunities, to a very diverse group of women who are strong and confident because we supported each other,” she says. “The connection we have through Alpha Chi – it transcends all phases of life … It has the opportunity to transform your life at every stage.”

JESSICA MONAHAN

COLLEGIATE NOTES

1 BETA (ALBION COLLEGE)

Sisters shared about Alpha Chi at Albion College’s Briton Bash, the student involvement fair.

2 ZETA SIGMA (MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY)

After enjoying brunch, sisters made stuffed bears at their sisterhood retreat!

3 THETA UPSILON (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA)

The 2023 executive board made a huge impact on the Theta Upsilon chapter.

4 OMICRON (BAKER UNIVERSITY)

Sisters participated in some friendly competition at a fun Panhellenic flag football game.

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7 ALPHA IOTA (UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT)

The new executive board members of Alpha Chi chapter are all smiles.

6 GAMMA PHI (LAMAR UNIVERSITY)

Members dressed up for a fun-filled Halloween chapter retreat!

After an exciting big/little reveal, members posed with their chapter families.

8 EPSILON THETA (CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO)

There’s no sweeter sisterhood than Alpha Chi Omega!

5 ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY)

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Alpha Psi chapter is looking forward to spring and sisterhood.

11 FOOTBALL FUN

The sisterhood of Alpha Chi is greater than any school rivalry! Collegians and alumnae of Epsilon Zeta (Auburn University) and Lambda Pi (University of Mississippi) enjoyed a tailgate for the football game between their two schools.

A game of Top Golf was the perfect sisterhood outing for Iota Xi chapter.

The chapter’s live-in members dressed in matching pajamas for their holiday gift exchange. Their house director, Pam Edwards, joined them for a picture!

9 ALPHA PSI (UCLA)

10 IOTA XI (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE)

12 IOTA SIGMA (SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY)

ALUMNAE NOTES

1 ETA THETA ETA (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE)

The chapter recognized Founders’ Day in October with dinner and a milestone pinning ceremony.

2 GAMMA ETA GAMMA (EUGENE, OREGON)

To celebrate Founders’ Day, the chapter enjoyed lunch and a history lesson on Alpha Chi Omega’s founding.

3 BETA OMEGA BETA (PHOENIX, ARIZONA)

Members washed windows, planted flowers and vegetables, and cleaned at a local shelter run by A New Leaf.

4 RHO RHO (OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA)

National Vice President Jari Askins (right) and 2023 award recipients paused for a photo during Rho Rho’s centennial celebration!

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The chapter’s annual Silence the Violence event was a massive success! A record-setting 132 attendees helped raise more than $30,000 to end domestic violence, the highest amount the chapter has raised in its 18 years hosting this event.

The chapter collected hygiene items for the Wellspring Living Women’s Residential Program, serving those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation with housing, education and therapy. Alpha Gamma Alpha supports Wellspring Living with donations, financial support and volunteering.

Alpha Chi Omegas in Sacramento celebrated the holidays together!

At the chapter’s annual holiday luncheon, members collected presents for the children and toiletries for the women at a local domestic violence shelter.

5 MU MU (KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI)

6 ALPHA GAMMA ALPHA (ATLANTA, GEORGIA)

7 GAMMA PSI GAMMA (SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA)

8 DELTA PSI DELTA (SARASOTA, FLORIDA)

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9 KAPPA SIGMA KAPPA (LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS)

To get into the holiday spirit, Jackie Wilson Lorenzo (Delta Rho, University of Arkansas) led her alumnae chapter sisters in a workshop to make reindeer ornaments out of corks!

10 SIGMA CHI SIGMA (THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA)

Celebrating the holiday season included a cookie exchange, dinner, dessert and a fun gift exchange. The evening wrapped up perfectly with singing “The Toast.”

11 IOTA UPSILON IOTA (WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA)

Chapter members took a walk through Colonial Williamsburg to admire the holiday decorations and took this picture in front of the Robert Carter House.

12 MU PI MU (SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA)

Sisters celebrated the holidays with wassail, latkes and British party crackers!

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(SIMPSON COLLEGE) ALUMNAE

Twenty-one sisters meet in Jacksonville for lunch. Among them were sisters who attended college in Missouri, Washington, Indiana, Illinois and Florida.

Sisters from coast to coast enjoyed a reunion in Napa and Sonoma, California.

During a bicycle trip, Pam Leahigh Zimmerman and Denise Griffey posed with matching lyre scarfs on the banks of the Mosel River in Germany.

16 GAMMA PI (UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA) ALUMNAE

Corie Angelic DiPhilippo and Shelly Hollingsworth work at the same school and showed off their Alpha Chi Omega holiday spirit!

13 ALPHA ETA ALPHA (JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA)

14 ALPHA GAMMA (THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO) ALUMNAE

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17 EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIANS

Alumnae gathered at the chapter house for homecoming, where the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and National Housing Corporation announced a new fundraising campaign for future house renovations.

18 EPSILON KAPPA (CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON) ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIANS

For the chapter’s Founders’ Day event, the Epsilon Kappa house corporation board revealed a redesigned yard, including lighted study benches and letters. Alumnae and collegians enjoyed house tours and reconnecting.

19 OMEGA (WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE

Reuniting after nearly 50 years, (left to right) Kristi Irving Moore, Lori Backstrom Gabler, Mary Brannan and Sherry Williamson Nebel took an epic road trip along Route 66 from Chicago to Tulsa, including a stop at the Zeta Sigma (Missouri State University) chapter house!

20 ZETA PSI (LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS) ALUMNA

Katelyn (Whitty) Cody celebrated her wedding in Rochester, New York surrounded by sisters, including those from Zeta Psi and those she met when she worked for Alpha Chi Omega headquarters.

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ACCOLADES

1 GAMMA THETA (UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND) ALUMNA

Erin Todd (right) was named the 2024 local chapter president of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Network. She is a partner at CohnReznick, and she’s posing with chapter sister Theresa Tsamoutalis, president of Allsafe Elevator Inspections.

DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY) COLLEGIAN

Delta Chi member Emma Clifford helped her team take third place at the 2023 NAIA Marathon Classic and achieved her own personal record.

3 KAPPA PI (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON) SISTERS

Isabelle Novak (left) was named 2023 Chapter President of the Year by the university’s Fraternity & Sorority Life office; Jessica Glenn (right) received the 2023 Outstanding Chapter Advisor of the Year Award.

4 ALPHA UPSILON (THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA) ALUMNA

Stasia Foster was named to the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Sports category. She is a marketer working in the sports consulting division at CAA, where she advises clients including Bose and New Balance on sponsorships, partnerships and marketing strategies.

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7 BETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA) ALUMNA

The Honorable Margaret “Max” Maxwell (second from right) was recognized by the Junior League of Tucson for her significant volunteer contributions in the community. She is a past Fraternity national vice president and Foundation trustee and celebrated her award with fellow Alpha Chi Omega sisters and Junior League members.

6 GAMMA IOTA (UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA) ALUMNA

Lynda Van Liew Fairman (center) is one of the newest members of the York County, Virginia School Board – and her Iota Upsilon Iota (Williamsburg, Virginia) alumnae chapter sisters were there to support her!

Audrie Uphues was selected as the senior speaker for fall convocation for the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia and spoke on “The DNA of a Champion.”

8 GAMMA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND) ALUMNA

Frances McDowell received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from AmeriCorps for her 11,000+ hours of service to the Girl Scouts of Western New York as a troop leader, event chair, national representative and archivist. She has also been the treasurer of Gamma Sigma Gamma (Rochester, New York) for four decades!

5 BETA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA) ALUMNA

Remembering Mary Harrison Ford

Alpha Chi Omega is saddened to share news of the passing of Mary Harrison Ford (Alpha Beta, Purdue University), a former National Council officer and chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees, on December 29, 2023.

Mary, a longtime volunteer for the Fraternity and the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, served in many national and local volunteer positions, including:

Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity

National Alumnae Vice President, 1990-94

Director of Province Chairmen

Director of Collegians-East Province Collegiate Chairman Province President

National Nominating Committee Member

Chapter Advisor, Alpha Beta (Purdue University) House Corporation Board President, Alpha Beta (Purdue University)

President, Alpha Tau Alpha (West Lafayette, Indiana)

Alpha Chi Omega Foundation

Board of Trustees Chair, 1996-97 Trustee, 1991-97

Member of the Founders’ Roll for Cumulative Giving and the Foundation Heritage Society

Established the Mary Harrison Ford Grant for Volunteer Leadership Training

In the winter 1998-99 issue of The Lyre, Mary reflected on what her Alpha Chi Omega experience had meant to her, stating, “Any attempt to define what makes it so special or why being an Alpha Chi is such an integral part of who I am always comes back to the women of Alpha Chi Omega, who have become woven into the rich tapestry of my life.”

Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics vocational education and a master’s degree in textile science, both from Purdue University. In addition to her extensive volunteer service with Alpha Chi Omega, Mary was extremely supportive of Purdue University and her local community.

A celebration of life is planned for April 13, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be made in Mary’s name to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.

MARY HARRISON FORD, DURING HER TIME OF NATIONAL SERVICE IN THE MID-1990S

In Memoriam

Reported to headquarters between November 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024

Name, Initiation Year, Month and Year of Death

Alpha (DePauw University)

June Scott Barber, 1966, January 2024

Virginia Small Bird, 1965, January 2024

Beta (Albion College)

Sylvia Morris-Dyer, 1949, December 2011

Carol Rhoton Williamson, 1965, August 2023

Gamma (Northwestern University)

Melissa Dunbar Dulgar, 1961, January 2024

Barbara Frank, 1967, December 2023

Marilyn Cafferata Lien, 1953, December 2023

Carol Krametbauer Petersen, 1953, December 2023

Delta (Allegheny College)

Mary Spinning Auble, 1949, November 2022

Joan Richards Byham, 1949, March 2017

Louise Williams Crosley, 1949, April 2023

Patricia Freas Hetrick, 1949, November 2016

Elizabeth Michon McClelland,1949, June 2022

Patricia Dudley Spring, 1949, November 2015

Epsilon (University of Southern California)

Harriet Metzger Krause, 1949, November 2017

Dorothy Hahn May, 1949, September 2015

Joyce Lambeau Richardson, 1957, August 2021

Alli Lockwood Solum, 1956, August 2022

Donna Lucey Voegeli, 1949, December 2020

Zeta (New England Conservatory)

Janice Wiesing Faedi, 1949, May 2012

Eta (Bucknell University)

Peggy Deardorff Garrett, 1949, April 2018

Theta (University of Michigan)

Corinne Bacon Ailes, 1949, August 2021

Marilyn Matthews Dale, 1949, August 2004

Iota (University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign)

Carol Kirby Batterham, 1949, February 2013

Nancy Hudson Campbell, 1949, May 2007

Donna Lyons Holscher, 1949, February 2022

Patricia Obyrne Ingoldsby, 1949, April 2017

Karen Martin Luetje, 1955, January 2024

Judith Haeck Vandervort, 1949, September 2003

Carol Venerable West, 1949, July 2011

Virginia Horn White, 1949, March 2010

Kappa (University of Wisconsin)

Catherine Falz Bennett, 1958, January 2021

Patricia Laffey Gettings, 1950, November 2016

Janet Knuth Ivins, 1949, December 2019

Helen Laue Loewi, 1949, March 2021

Marie Brusok Neumann, 1952, November 2023

Jean Luedke Palmer, 1949, December 2021

Brenda Loeffer Schultz, 1958, April 2022

Mary Jeffries Weis, 1949, July 2020

Lambda (Syracuse University)

Esther Morey Swanker, 1949, January 2018

Mu (Simpson College)

Juanita Harpin Clarke, 1949, May 2017

Phyllis Robinson Harper, 1949, September 2016

Marilyn Peterson Limke, 1949, December 2021

Julia Tempel Oyen-Keller, 1958, November 2023

Nu (University of Colorado Boulder)

Annette Couberly Bailey, 1949, February 2017

Shelley Anne Baillie, 1979, May 2023

Joan Edgar Robinson, 1949, December 2005

Xi (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)

Joyce Caha Anderson, 1949, October 2013

Jacqueline Dougherty Aue, 1956, January 2024

Nancy Jane Button, 1949, December 2015

Carol Harris Clark, 1949, June 2018

Janice Lindquist Gradwohl, 1949, January 2023

Marilyn Nissen Larkowski, 1957, November 2023

Margaret Judd Sorensen, 1949, February 2021

Betty Andersen Thompson, 1949, March 2012

Jean Caha Wells, 1949, August 2012

Omicron (Baker University)

Shirley Lovelady Grove, 1949, December 2017

Jacqueline Krehbiel Hoggard, 1949, September 2021

Sharilee Lidikay Layle, 1955, December 2023

Pi (University of California, Berkeley)

Janet Bruzzone De Urioste, 1949, March 2016

Lois Jackson Knowles, 1949, June 2011

Linda Watson Matkin, 1958, October 2023

Rho (University of Washington)

Jean Nelson Ohman, 1949, December 2005

Marylu Oakland Wallerich, 1950, October 2023

Sigma (University of Iowa)

Glesna Witherow Hornaday, 1949, November 2016

Margaret Jensen Johnson, 1949, June 2017

Barbara Zurn Larson, 1949, January 2008

Suzanne Beauchamp Ransom, 1949, June 2014

Sally Smith Willer, 1949, October 2013

Tau (Brenau University)

Nancy Granade Belser, 1949, July 2019

Janet Keiler Pierce, 1949, October 2017

Elizabeth Key Whaley, 1956, December 2023

Upsilon (Millikin University)

Alice Gregory Krause, 1955, December 2023

Patricia Beck Maddox, 1949, December 2020

Bettie Henry Thayer, 1940, July 2023

Phi (University of Kansas)

Betty Spotts Arnspiger, 1949, November 2014

Carole Fisher Burner, 1954, December 2023

Beverly Rhoades Dare, 1949, December 2006

Sally Garland Foulks, 1949, August 2017

Sarah Brooner Hatzfield, 1961, August 2022

Alice Appleton Mansell, 1949, December 2009

Chi (Oregon State University)

Virginia Strome Kaer, 1949, February 2013

Psi (The University of Oklahoma)

Lee Ann Kennedy, 1955, September 2022

Omega (Washington State University)

Leslie Gail Chapman-Rose, 1974, January 2014

Lynn Paulsell Dalbey, 1964, February 2017

Beverly Vincent McConnell, 1950, November 2023

Alpha Beta (Purdue University)

Janet Rycraft Batta, 1969, October 2023

Mary Harrison Ford, 1957, December 2023

Mary Pearce Strohl, 1952, December 2023

Alpha Gamma (The University of New Mexico)

Nancy Farrell Beard, 1949, August 2021

Barbara Williams Edmanson, 1955, March 2023

Eleanor Gaynor Kinzer, 1949, August 2017

Barbara Godfrey Schunck, 1949, January 2018

Alpha Delta (University of Cincinnati)

Virginia Kinner Bowers, 1949, May 2007

Nancy Davis Bumiller, 1949, March 2013

Doris Duermit Matthews, 1950, October 2023

Jane Osborn Pollock, 1955, May 2023

Joan Kluener Schwarz, 1949, December 2021

Celia Krinbill Sieber, 1949, April 2018

Nancy Arnold Smith, 1949, July 2016

Jaye Marioni Yorio, 1956, November 2023

Alpha Epsilon (University of Pennsylvania)

Joan Tobin Baumler, 1949, August 2019

Doris Scott Strange, 1949, May 2018

Alpha Zeta (Washington University in St. Louis)

Doris Eileen Austin, 1948, January 2024

Kathy Sue Rubenstein, 1985, December 2023

Lois Droste Trowbridge, 1952, November 2023

Elva Basse Tucker, 1953, November 2023

Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union)

Jane Noble Bair, 1951, December 2023

Shirley Robb Dubetz, 1949, April 2020

Ruth Noble Heintzleman, 1949, September 2016

Nora Cavanaugh Obney, 1953, December 2023

Betty Morris Scott, 1949, April 2015

Arden Davis Tuttle, 1949, July 2018

Alpha Iota (University of Vermont)

Mary Martin Sanborn, 1952, December 2023

Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon)

Charmaine S. Carlson, 1949, December 2022

Alpha Lambda (University of Minnesota)

Janice Nicholson Haugen, 1949, March 2016

Marilyn Holm Hunter, 1949, February 2023

Murlyn Petrich Mace, 1949, May 2006

Marilyn Haberkorn Olson, 1949, December 2016

Alpha Mu (Indiana University)

Barbara Sue Beldon, 1949, November 2022

Sharon Wilson Dotson, 1957, December 2023

Katharine Stone Elliott, 1967, January 2024

Mary Tavenner Harreld, 1949, March 1992

Carol Lannerd Hopkins, 1949, April 2017

Cynthia Young Leach, 1951, April 2020

Patricia Arn Miller, 1949, December 1997

Janis Gossard Schneider, 1957, January 2023

Alpha Nu (University of Missouri)

Janet Sue McCoy Byington, 1953, September 2023

Victoria Holtz Evans, 1965, May 2023

Lisle Forrester Johnsen, 1949, August 2014

Phyllis Norman Moore, 1949, December 2017

Alpha Xi (University of Montana)

Elaine Ayers Musick, 1949, October 2020

Clara Mary Sexton, 1949, July 2014

Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University)

Frances Larcomb Beck, 1949, August 2022

Jean Corcoran Francis, 1955, October 2023

Phyllis Sipe Gorman, 1949, November 2015

Evelyn Stoneburner Merrick, 1949, September 2022

Joyce Jettinghoff Weiss, 1949, July 2013

Betty Stansbury Young, 1959, September 2023

Alpha Rho (University of Idaho)

Florence Wohlschlegel Black, 1949, December 2023

Patricia West Booth, 1949, December 2012

Frances Mathisen Coulter, 1952, November 2023

Jane Bowman Melville, 1949, October 2007

Alpha Sigma (Ohio Wesleyan University)

Barbara Scheib Braziel, 1949, June 2020

Carol Taylor Pascarella, 1953, June 2023

Joan Weaver Wilharm, 1953, November 2023

Alpha Tau (University of New Hampshire)

Mary Barton Belden, 1949, December 2013

Clara Knowles Carroll, 1956, July 2023

Elizabeth Carpenter Kruck, 1949, September 2011

Sylvia Doucette Lemire, 1949, August 2011

Doris Scharff Spain, 1949, October 2022

Patricia Coombes Worthen, 1949, November 2019

Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama)

Jacquelyn Andrews Conners, 1949, February 2006

Judy Bullock Fitzpatrick, 1965, December 2023

Dorothy Warren Hamm, 1949, September 2010

Patricia Passmore Henley, 1949, March 2013

Charlotte Brown Walker, 1956, December 2023

Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin)

Jennifer Monday Goldman, 1993, January 2024

Carolyn Gossett Jackson, 1945, January 2024

Harriet Lynn Kutzer, 1949, February 2019

Jerry Renner Lee, 1950, November 2023

Ysleta Laverne Leissner, 1949, August 2006

Sandra Cobb Mabry, 1949, May 2011

Ann Ferguson Moon, 1949, March 2019

Janet Felsman Puryear, 1950, October 2023

Mary Smith Spillman, 1945, July 2023

Yvonne Rodgers Victery, 1952, December 2023

Continued on next page ...

Alpha Chi (Butler University)

Sharon Billing King, 1953, October 2023

Alpha Psi (UCLA)

Donna Smith Mettler, 1949, May 2014

Alpha Omega (Birmingham-Southern College)

Mary Elizabeth Allan, 1949, September 2011

Billie Doughty Holladay, 1949, October 2018

Beta Gamma (Louisiana State University)

Faye Jean Brown, 1949, September 2007

Billie White Crockett, 1949, July 2006

Martha Mallory Dolese, 1956, October 2023

Rebecca Sue Gambrell, 1965, June 2023

Clara Zachary Machin, 1949, May 2023

Nancy Wheeler Messer, 1949, August 2008

Winifred Loudon Severance, 1949, December 2014

Claire Roddy Stenhouse, 1949, June 2016

Beta Delta (College of William & Mary)

Betty Gardner Coumbe, 1945, December 2023

Sue Reese Glasco, 1956, December 2023

Kathleen Smith Hilmo, 1949, June 2018

Lynn McDaniels Jackson, 1956, January 2024

Eleanor Kivett O’Bannon, 1949, May 2004

Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University)

Mary Blesch Bandeen, 1949, February 2013

Patricia Nix Barron, 1949, March 2015

Marilyn Absher Beringer, 1953, December 2023

Jean Howlett Byron, 1943, October 2023

Marilyn Wilson Davey, 1942, December 2020

Patsy Kroll Kostishak, 1949, January 2021

Nancy Hogan Madsen, 1958, February 2022

Shirley Vigor Yelvington, 1949, February 2020

Beta Eta (Florida State University)

Dorothy Robertson Cochran, 1949, October 2011

Vivian Rodriquez DiLillo, 1958, November 2023

Nancy W. Smith Fichter, 1949, May 2008

Helen Grim Holroyd, 1949, January 2021

Carolyn Reeves Palmquist, 1959, October 2021

Dorothy Faye Patterson, 1949, April 1999

Genevieve Garvey Rowsey, 1964, November 2023

Pat Brannen Vail, 1959, October 2023

Beta Theta (Lawrence University)

Mary Hunting Dosland, 1949, April 2023

Theresa Bradt Ferreira, 1949, December 2020

Sally Rideout Luthin, 1949, February 2005

Betty Glass Schultz, 1949, May 2020

Beta Kappa (University of Wyoming)

Joann Small McConnaughey, 1947, November 2023

Marsha Taylor Pritzel, 1966, June 2023

Rachel Oliver Ratliff, 1949, March 2012

Mary Sabin Shoop, 1949, October 2020

Beta Mu (Pennsylvania State University)

Marilyn Kuhns Harnish, 1949, June 2018

Edith Spalding Heckel, 1952, November 2023

Helene Scholes Moore, 1956, November 2023

Audrey Horner Mulhollen, 1949, May 2022

Beta Nu (University of Utah)

Marilyn Vanhorn Adams, 1952, October 2023

Robin Gray Bennion, 1950, January 2024

Janice Buehner Duffin, 1949, September 2021

Margaret Niland Earnshaw, 1957, November 2023

Norma Wallace Hansen, 1949, February 2015

Phyllis Young Homer, 1949, October 2012

Beverly Bushman McCune, 1949, January 2022

Dorothy Witbeck Rosseland, 1949, October 2019

Carolyn Cameron Smith, 1956, December 2023

Flora Cannon Weggeland, 1949, September 2018

Erma Gammell Welling, 1949, October 2014

Beta Xi (Utah State University)

Margaret Forsgren Anderson, 1949, May 2003

Colleen Helgeson Clyde, 1949, October 2014

Janet Harris Low, 1949, April 2015

Norma Anderson Wardle, 1945, February 2021

Beta Omicron (Florida Southern College)

Doris Tanner, 1949, May 2021

Beta Pi (Washington College)

Ruth Roe Blizzard, 1949, January 2020

Doris Hall Burke, 1954, November 2023

Beta Rho (American University)

Elinor Houck Dickinson, 1952, November 2023

Margaret Thye Smith, 1949, July 2015

Beta Sigma (University of Georgia)

Joe Ellington Cropp, 1949, January 2018

Sharlene Smith Lampkin, 1952, January 2010

Beta Tau (Miami University)

Mary Miller Carpenter, 1949, November 2007

Beverly Wiggin Grabeman, 1949, February 2021

Marianne Grubbs, 1949, November 2011

Susan Smith Hegenbarth, 1951, September 2023

Beta Upsilon (Duke University)

Anne House Carroll, 1949, December 2021

Ellen French Fuller, 1949, February 2020

Mary Early Hardison, 1949, June 2017

Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University)

Sandra Prim Burr, 1959, October 2023

Beta Chi (Willamette University)

Marcelline Hutchison Klosterman, 1949, December 2009

Jane E Schmidt Olsen, 1948, November 2023

Pauline Hibbard Powers, 1960, December 2023

Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University)

Mary Whitfield Cochran, 1954, December 2023

Beta Omega (The University of Toledo)

Mary Heizelman Foley, 1949, August 2017

Patricia Walker Hines, 1949, November 2017

Shirley Holder Montague, 1949, May 2011

Mildred Zenz Perry, 1949, May 2014

Gamma Delta (University of Denver)

Jeane Schilling Kalas, 1949, January 2023

Carol Engleson Kluver, 1961, December 2023

Mae Bishop McGregor, 1947, October 2023

Lynita Edgar Roper, 1949, October 2020

Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University)

Norma O’Neal Bugh, 1953, December 2023

Grace Stephens Raney, 1949, August 2021

Sara Stateler Turner, 1949, May 2018

Louise Lewis Vangundy, 1949, January 2014

Sharon Sanford Young, 1949, July 2021

Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University)

Marleen Barthuly Bonar, 1955, December 2023

Laverna Schultz Huffman, 1949, February 2015

Mary Macklin Moss, 1949, July 2012

Janice Kennedy Ryan, 1967, January 2024

Billie Bowman Woodward, 1949, August 2013

Gamma Eta (San Jose State University)

Natalie Beiter Ervin, 1949, September 2013

Joyce Cox Jensen, 1949, July 2021

Joan Milly Zimmerman, 1953, October 2023

Gamma Theta (University of Maryland)

Jane Eagen Dodd,1949, May 2013

Gamma Iota (University of Florida)

Barbara Paul Fanshier, 1957, December 2023

Gamma Kappa (Idaho State University)

Sallee Cox Gasser, 1950, January 2024

Gamma Xi (Western Michigan University)

Irene Lawliss Tompkins, 1952, December 2023

Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University)

Grace Dufford Foltz, 1955, December 2023

Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston)

Nancy Bowman Steinbach, 1956, January 2024

Delta Theta (University of Maine)

Susan Washburn Bradstreet, 1969, November 2023

Delta Rho (University of Arkansas)

Pamela Hathaway Ludke, 1965, April 2021

Delta Omega (University of Kentucky)

Elizabeth Hayes Cook, 1970, October 2023

Epsilon Eta (Stephen F. Austin State University)

Rebecca Byerly Humphrey, 1977, January 2024

Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Jennifer Carol Burnette, 1988, February 2014

Sheri Lynn Champlin, 1988, July 2014

Epsilon Chi (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

Margaret Elizabeth Chapman, 1989, November 2023

Zeta Sigma (Missouri State University)

Theresa Cude Daly, 1991, November 2023

Jennifer Brown Schumer, 1994, January 2019

Theta Pi (University of California, Davis)

Stephanie Hollis Cohen, 2004, December 2023

Iota Lambda (Texas Christian University)

Michelle Bourgeois Prescott, 1991, November 2023

WE ASKED. SISTERS ANSWERED.

ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK, WE POSED THE QUESTION, “WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ALPHA CHI SONG OR CHANT?” HERE’S WHAT YOUR SISTERS SAID!

THE DREAM CAKE SONG In This Very Room

The Lyre in Our Hearts

It On

Boom Boom Boom

HEY GO ALPHA

Scarlet Ribbons

My Sister

Dear Alpha Chi

THE TOAST Little Red Carnation

My Sister, Your Sister

JOIN THE CONVERSATION BY FOLLOWING US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! FIND US AT

Join the Life Loyal Roll!

WE HOPE YOU’RE ENJOYING THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THE LYRE !

We also know there’s something special about receiving a magazine in print and flipping through the pages to read the stories of our sisterhood.

Alumnae members who make cumulative gifts of $299 or more to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation reach the Life Loyal Roll and receive the printed version of The Lyre four times a year as part of the donor communications plan.

VISIT THE LIFE LOYAL ROLL PAGE ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!

LEARN MORE: WWW.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/LIFELOYALROLL

CALL US: 317-579-5050, EXT. 0290

EMAIL US: FOUNDATION@ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG

GIVE NOW:

GIVE.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/LIFELOYAL

SEE YOUR CURRENT GIVING TOTAL: LOG INTO MY.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG AND CLICK THE “FOUNDATION” TAB.

The Impact of Your Gifts

When you join the Life Loyal Roll, you’ll support the Foundation’s mission to enhance the lifetime experiences of our members – and dream big about the future of Fraternity programming.

Through your gifts at the Life Loyal Roll level, you’ll make a lasting impact on the future of Alpha Chi Omega and in the lives of our sisters. Transformational programs and experiences that make up the Real. Strong. Women. Experience help our members gain life skills like confidence and leadership ability, self-awareness and interpersonal relationship skills, and comfort with vulnerability and bridging difficult topics.

Only with support from donors will Alpha Chi Omega continue to:

• Promote mental well-being for our sisters through programs that facilitate authentic conversations about mental health

• Empower our members to build healthy relationships through programming like Let’s Talk Love while increasing awareness of domestic violence

• Create communities of support where sisters encourage sisters to discover their most genuine selves through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING A GIFT TO THE FOUNDATION AT THE LIFE LOYAL ROLL LEVEL!

JOIN A SPECIAL COMMUNITY OF DONORS WHO MAKE MONTHLY AUTOMATED GIFTS TO THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.® FUND.

Scan the QR code below to join Foundation Partners today! To view a current list of Foundation Partners and learn more about the impact of monthly giving, please visit the digital Lyre at issuu.com/alphachiomega.