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Lyre THE

THE IN STEP WITH ALPHA CHI ISSUE

Star Booth Through the Years AI on Campus

SISTERHOOD MEETS SHOWTIME

CHRISTY CASTILLO BUTCHER AND VA N E S S A KR O M E R A R E S H A P I N G ENTERTAINMENT’S BIGGEST MOMENTS

SUMMER 2026 T H E128. LYR E 1 4. VOLUME ISSUE

Step Into Sisterhood THE HISTORY OF NAIP BY LANEY TERNET (ALPHA, DEPAUW UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST

or some women, the values of Alpha Chi Omega’s sisterhood resonate deeply, even if their paths never crossed with a collegiate sorority experience. Through the National Alumna Initiate Program (NAIP), remarkable women can step into sisterhood during any season of life. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL ALUMNA INITIATE PROGRAM OR SPONSOR A CANDIDATE FOR MEMBERSHIP, VISIT ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/ NAIP

Alpha Chi Omega’s initiation of alumnae dates back further than many might expect – to the earliest years of the Fraternity. In 1886, world-renowned pianist Julie Rivé-King performed at DePauw University. Members of the Alpha chapter admired her and sought a meaningful way to honor her. After she expressed interest, they welcomed her as an honorary initiate of Alpha Chi Omega, marking the beginning of alumna initiation as we know it today. With Alpha Chi Omega’s musical roots, honorary membership was often extended to visiting performers. 1

1. L AUREN HOGAN-MILLER (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES) 2. JULIE RIVE-KING (ALPHA, DEPAUW UNIVERSIT Y) 3. ELLEN BEACH YAW CANNON (EPSILON, UNIVERSIT Y OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)

As the practice grew, the Fraternity established clearer guidelines; at the 1898 National Convention, members voted that “only musicians of national repute should be initiated as honorary members.” Today, as in collegiate recruitment, there is no membership requirement to be a musician. Over the past 140 years, the program has continued to grow and change alongside the Fraternity. Today’s alumnae initiate candidates participate in an application, sponsorship, interview and education process before becoming lifetime members. Formal record-keeping for the program began in the 1980s, and membership requirements for NAIP were officially adopted at the 2010 National Convention, followed by a formal Initiation Ceremony in 2014. This tradition has continued at each convention since and at collegiate and alumnae chapters across the country. To date, nearly 1,000 women have been welcomed into Alpha Chi Omega this way.

BETWEEN 1886 AND 1916, 14 DISTINGUISHED WOMEN WERE INITIATED AS “HONORARY MEMBERS” OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA. From Alpha (DePauw University) • Mme. Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler • Mme. Marie Decca • Mary Howe Lavin • Maud Powell • Mme. Julie Rivé-King • Neally Stevens From Epsilon (University of Southern California) • Ellen Beach Yaw Cannon • Adela Verne From Zeta (New England Conservatory of Music) • Antoinette Szumowska Adamowski • Amy Cheney Beach • Mme. Teresa Carreno • Margaret Ruthven Lang • Helen Hopekirk Wilson From Theta (University of Michigan) • Adele Aus der Ohe

From the earliest honorary initiates to today’s intentional and structured process, alumnae initiation reflects a long-standing commitment to recognizing women who embody our values. The program bonds generations through a shared journey to connect, lead, grow and serve, and ensures that the opportunity for sisterhood does not depend on timing but on one’s love for Alpha Chi Omega.

SUMMER 2026 | VOLUME 128: ISSUE 4 | THE IN STEP WITH ALPHA CHI ISSUE

REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.

IN THIS ISSUE 2

L E T T E R S A N D LYR E S

CO R N E R O F F IC E

P E R S P ECT IV E S

A XΩ N E W S CEO announcement, new chapters coming soon, 2026-27 consultant team

AWA R D S Collegiate chapter and individual awards

N AT IO N A L CO N V E N T I ON

F O UN DAT IO N Star Booth through the years

H O US IN G

O N CA MP US AI on college campuses

Taylor Swift. The Rolling Stones. The FIFA World Cup. The Olympics. Behind some of the biggest events in entertainment

CO L L EGIAT E CO R N ER

and sports are two Epsilon Kappa (California State University,

L IF E

CA R E E R O UT LO O K

Fullerton) chapter sisters – Christy Castillo Butcher (right) and Vanessa Kromer (left) – who have supported each other from

The unspoken rules of networking

the chapter house to the highest rungs of the corporate ladder.

VO LUN T E E R S P OT L I G H T

MA KIN G A D IF F E R EN C E

Quotable Moment

ACCO MP L IS H E D A LU M N A

A R CH IV E S

“I had wanted this job since I was a freshman in college … and I can tell you that it is the only job in my entire life that I knew that I wanted.”

A XΩ CO N N ECT IO N AN D IN ME MO R IA M

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: WES AND ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY

F I N D O U T T H E S TO RY B EH I N D T H I S QU OT E O N PAG E 60. THE LYRE

EDITOR'S DESK

Getting in Step

here’s nothing like a National Convention to bring out the Alpha Chi pride. It’s March as I write this, and I’m already perusing red and green dresses, checking that my lyre badge is in its case and adding Dallas to my weather app. I’m also eagerly reaching out to sisters as we make plans to reconnect in July. Our 2026 convention theme is “In Step with Alpha Chi,” and it’s also the theme of this issue of The Lyre. We all have our own journeys as real, strong women, and we bring our unique skills and experiences as we come together to continue building this sisterhood. Each step we take in support of Alpha Chi Omega makes our Fraternity stronger. This issue highlights our sisters’ steps – big and small, literal and figurative – as they live out the promise Alpha Chi Omega made to each of us when we accepted membership: to empower us to become the best version of ourselves. I hope they inspire you to take the next step in your lifelong membership. Come find me in Dallas to tell me what it is!

Three Beta Omega (The University of Toledo) alumnae – Alicia Firstbrook-Stott, Nicole Cutcher and Dana Dixie – continued their tradition of meeting up every few years to run a race. This year’s was the Michelob Ultra Challenge as part of the Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, Florida, which was a 15K, 5K, half marathon and 8K over two days in February. These “sole sisters” celebrated at the end with their medals and The Lyre!

READ YOUR WAY

Loyally, Lauren Filippini Alpha Chi (Butler University) Marketing and Communications Manager Editor, The Lyre 2

LYRE SPOTTING

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

The Lyre is available online to all members and friends of Alpha Chi Omega. Visit issuu.com/alphachiomega to read the current issue, as well as the past several editions, in a searchable digital flipbook. Members who have reached the Foundation’s Life Loyal Roll through cumulative gifts of $299 receive a copy of the magazine in print; learn more at alphachiomega.org/lifeloyalroll.

Contributors SIERRA CURRO DELTA MU (UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS) After graduating, Sierra walked the Camino de Santiago, and it changed her life in countless ways – including introducing her to Alpha Chi Omega sisters Allison Venuto (Theta Iota, Baylor University) and Ann Cook (Alpha, DePauw University). They share their connection to the Camino in a story on page 6. PILAR DAVIS, PH.D. IOTA ALPHA (ALUMNAE INITIATES) Pilar has a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master’s in journalism. She’s been a journalist for nearly 20 years and a professor for 10 years. Born and raised in Chicago’s Hyde Park area, she now lives with her husband and two teenaged sons in Northern Virginia, where she is a reporter for the local newspaper and a professor of communications at a local university. Her article about AI on college campuses can be found on page 34. DIANA E. ROGERS, DPM, MS, FACFAS BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY) Diana is doctor of podiatric medicine, board-certified in foot and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. She practices in Gainesville, Florida and also volunteers with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, the Florida Podiatric Medical Association and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. For our Women’s Wellness Series, she shares tips for foot health throughout life on page 44.

STAFF CONTRIBUTORS

National President Jennifer Daurora National Vice Presidents Leslie Abramsky Block Kristin Miller Edwards Dr. Cassie Gerhardt Dr. Jennifer Wilhoit Lane 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.

ARIANNA BRADLEY, DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT OCTOBER HENSON DAVIS, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER AND ALUMNAE ENGAGEMENT L AUREN FILIPPINI, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER EMILY FLOYD, EVENTS MANAGER ARDEN ROBBINS, CHAPTER CONSULTANT KENDALL SUESS, FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST L ANEY TERNET, HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST THE LYRE

CORNER OFFICE

In Step, Every Step of the Way BY MAREE LATTANZI (ALPHA TAU, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE), FOUNDATION CHAIR

very season, I find myself reflecting on the same season the year prior, and I’m always struck by how much can change. There are moments of joy and growth, and others marked by challenge or loss. Some milestones invite us to look back even further. This year marks the 10year anniversary of my father’s passing. While I still feel the familiar ache of missing him, I’m equally reminded of the way Alpha Chi Omega showed up for me. I think of the sister who drove across MAREE L ATTANZI states to be the first to walk through the doors at his wake and wrap me in a hug. I think of the countless messages, flowers and quiet acts of care from sisters near and far. A few years later, I attended a Women & Wisdom event where a sister spoke about grief and the strength and purpose that can grow from it. That moment reminded me that Alpha Chi Omega doesn’t just show up in moments of celebration, but in the ones that shape us most deeply. Each year, I make a gift to the Foundation in my father’s honor. It’s a small way to recognize how much he believed in me and how Alpha Chi Omega has helped me become the woman he was so proud of. This year also marks another milestone: 10 years with my current company. When I think back to my first year, I can’t help but smile at how much I didn’t yet

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

know – and all that I would go on to learn. The growth has been tangible, through promotions and professional success, but more importantly, through the skills, confidence and perspective I’ve gained. I haven’t walked that journey alone. Alpha Chi Omega has been my quiet constant, my “secret weapon,” if you will. Through board service, executive coaching, leadership opportunities and strategic conversations, this sisterhood has invested in me at every stage of my professional life. Looking ahead, September will bring a new milestone as my family grows from three to four. While this is a season filled with gratitude and excitement, it has also come with its challenges. A demanding first trimester, a busy toddler, a full professional calendar and ongoing volunteer commitments have made this one of the more difficult seasons I can remember. Once again Alpha Chi Omega has been right there, in step with me. This is the power of our Foundation. Because of our donors’ generosity, Alpha Chi Omega is able to meet women wherever they are. Giving allows us to stay in step with the ever-evolving needs of our sisterhood, ensuring that every member has access to the programs, connections and support that make this experience so meaningful. And as our lives change, so too can the ways we give, growing alongside us and reflecting what Alpha Chi Omega has meant in each chapter. As we look ahead, I am especially excited for a milestone we will all share: 150 years of Alpha Chi Omega. What an incredible legacy and what an even more exciting future. I look forward to continuing to walk this journey alongside each of you, in step, every step of the way.

HELP ALPHA CHI GROW! Our members are the best resource for helping recrreal, strong women into the helping recruit Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood.

outstanding young woman who If you know an remarkable plans to participate in recruitment on her campus, our online recommendation form is the best way to let the chapter know!

WWW.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/RECOMMEND SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS THE FORM AND RECOMMEND SOMEONE TODAY!

THE LYRE

PERSPECTIVES

ALLISON WALKING THE CAMINO

The Camino is Calling BY SIERRA CURRO (DELTA MU, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS)

he story of how I discovered the Camino starts with my dad. When my sister graduated high school in 2019, she and my dad walked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. For more than a millennium, pilgrims have taken this route to see the remains of St. James in the city of Santiago de Compostela. At that time in my life, the idea of hiking hundreds of miles was not appealing. Yet seven years later, I found that it was me walking side by side with my dad as we journeyed 190 miles to Santiago. After my dad hiked the Camino, he fell in love with it and joined American Pilgrims on the Camino, eventually EL CAMINO DE SANTIGO, TRANSL ATED TO “THE WAY OF SAINT JAMES,” IS A 1,000-YEAR-OLD PILGRIMAGE TO THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTEL A IN SPAIN. AMONG SEVERAL ROUTES TODAY, THE MOST POPUL AR BEGINS IN ST. JEAN, FRANCE AND REQUIRES ABOUT 500 MILES OF WALKING. THE PILGRIM’S RECEPTION OFFICE IN SANTIAGO REPORTED MORE THAN 530,000 PEOPLE COMPLETING A PILGRIMAGE IN 2025.

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

becoming board chair. Through my dad, I was connected with Allison Venuto (Theta Iota, Baylor University) after my dad noticed her AXΩ affiliation on LinkedIn. Allison is in her sixth and final year serving as vice chair and chair of the Membership Committee for American Pilgrims on the Camino. Allison learned about the Camino in a travel memoir a year before she set foot in Spain. When asked what made her take the leap to do it, she shared, “My husband and I had it on our travel list, saved the vacation days and decided to do it!” After her second day on the trail, she knew that she would do it again, and in the eight years since, she walked three more Caminos. It became a part of her daily life. “Because of my board service, I help pilgrims with questions, assist with Camino planning and/or talk with pilgrims multiple times a day,” she says. Flash forward seven years, the Camino has become a part of my life too. Since my dad’s first Camino, I watched his love for the experience never falter and admired the stories he and other pilgrims shared. When I was about to graduate UMass Amherst in May 2025, something in me shifted, and I knew that the Camino was exactly what I needed to do as I entered my next chapter.

Yet, I was not sure I could do it. For nine years I have suffered from an unexplainable leg injury that makes vigorous exercise difficult. The thought of hiking 190 miles seemed impossible, but the Camino was calling to me. I think of it as the magic of the Camino that my legs felt the best they had in nine years while on the path. There were still days I had to push through the pain, but even on those days, all I wanted was to experience the freedom of walking. I am not alone in this feeling. Allison described her surprise at the way she found a pattern in the days, and even on the hard ones, she experienced the beautiful rhythm of walking. She shares, “Walking gave me a confidence and immeasurable peace.” The Camino is not just a hike; it is a community. I had the privilege to speak with Ann Cook (Alpha, DePauw University), who just celebrated 60 years as a sister, about her experience with the Camino. Allison and Ann met through their frequent attendance at Annual Gatherings (the American Pilgrims’ equivalent of the AXΩ National Convention), but they realized only last year they were sisters! While Ann has not done the Camino herself, she has lived the experience through her husband who hiked the beginning and end portions. A theme that stuck out in our conversation was friendship. Ann joked that her house in Indianapolis became an albergue (a hostel for pilgrims) because of the many pilgrims who stayed there to attend events in the area or just to visit. The connection of the Camino mirrors the strong ties of sisterhood. Ann, Allison and I were able to find each other and share a bond of both sisterhood and appreciation. For Allison, working with American Pilgrims allows her to help others build life-changing experiences, which is the same reason she is involved with the Beta Kappa Beta alumnae chapter in Dallas so that others get the Alpha Chi experience. She tied her experiences together by explaining

SIERRA WITH HER DAD AFTER FINISHING THE CAMINO

that she is “… awed that the Camino and AXΩ combine in such a beautiful way in my life. Alpha Chi has taught me so much about leadership. The fact that I serve on the national board of American Pilgrims on the Camino with Sierra’s dad is a direct result of serving on the [Theta Iota] executive board in college.” After you start the Camino, it will always be a part of you, and when I arrived in Santiago, happy tears falling from my eyes, I already knew that one day I would do it again. Walking the Camino is a form of healing that opens your eyes to every part of yourself, even the parts that have been hidden deep inside. Within two weeks I formed some of the happiest memories of my life while also discovering new parts of myself. Sierra encourages Alpha Chi Omegas interested in the Camino to research the different routes and find the path that fits their needs. Allison suggests connecting with other pilgrims before and after the walk and exploring American Pilgrims on the Camino for resources and local chapters of pilgrims that can help sisters prepare. Allison is also happy to talk with Alpha Chi sisters and can be reached at avenuto@americanpilgrims.org. THE LYRE

AXΩ NEWS

CEO Katie Gaffin to Retire

n April, Alpha Chi Omega announced Katie Gaffin’s (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University) intention to retire from her role as chief executive officer later this year. Katie was welcomed in 2016 to the role of CEO of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, Alpha Chi Omega National Housing Corporation and later Pearl Stone Partners, LLC and was the 10th woman to serve in this role. Kaite shared, “Ten years have been filled with incredible opportunities, and it has been the highlight of my career to serve Alpha Chi Omega in this capacity.” Under Katie’s leadership, Alpha Chi Omega founded its fourth Enterprise entity – Pearl Stone Partners, LLC – to best support the employment needs of Alpha Chi Omega facilities. Katie led the professional staff as they navigated the great challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the last 10 years, Alpha Chi Omega has continued to grow, adding 10 collegiate chapters and 27 alumnae chapters. From a revised strategic framework and ground-up facility builds to a learning management system KATIE GAFFIN launch and a recordbreaking Foundation campaign, Katie has inspired staff across the Enterprise to continue seeking the heights. Alpha Chi Omega is working with The Moran Company to conduct a nationwide search for the next CEO. The full press release can be found on alphachiomega.org.

H E A D Q UA R T E R S E V E N T S

CHAPTER EVENTS

Sexual Assault Awareness Month took place in April. This year’s theme – “Listen. Believe. Support.” – saw sisters sharing awareness resources, tabling on campus, hosting fundraisers and participating in Denim Day.

Congratulations to sisters from the Alpha Omega chapter at Birmingham-Southern College, who marked 100 years since the chapter’s founding on April 9! Your Alpha Chi Omega sisters value your friendship, volunteerism, commitment and service.

Three cheers for Alpha Chi Omega volunteers! We recognized Volunteer Appreciation Week April 2024 and celebrated the members and friends who make Alpha Chi Omega strong. And there’s so much more to come!

UCLA sisters: to commemorate Alpha Psi’s centennial earlier this year, a celebration will be held October 24, 2026. Visit https://www.axoucla100.com/ or email axoucla100@gmail.com for more information.

Grab your boots – the 63rd National Convention is just around the corner. Online registration is closed, but on-site registration is available. See you in Dallas July 17-19!

EXPLORE MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ALPHA CHI OMEGA ON THE EVENTS PAGE. SCAN THE QR CODE NOW! 8

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Two Chapters in Two Years! COMING SOON: CHAPTERS AT PENN STATE AND GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

lpha Chi Omega is honored to be adding two collegiate chapters over the next two years and welcoming hundreds of real, strong women to our lifelong bond. In spring 2027, we will reestablish our Beta Mu chapter at Penn State. Founded in 1932, the chapter brought together women to connect, lead, grow and serve for decades. Alpha Chi Omega has been working with the university since the chapter’s closure in 2018 to determine the right time to return, and we couldn’t be more excited to join the 21 other National Panhellenic Conference groups on campus. The following year will bring more growth when we establish a new chapter at Georgia Southern University in fall 2027. Alpha Chi Omega has a strong presence in the state of Georgia. We believed our Real. Strong. Women. Experience was a great fit with this campus, and we’re thrilled the Panhellenic community agreed! If you know a potential new member attending either school, tell her about Alpha Chi Omega and the oncein-a-lifetime experience that is founding membership. We’re looking for women of all academic years. And we encourage everyone to follow our establishments on social media!

• Located in University Park, Pennsylvania • 42,822 undergraduates • 21 other NPC groups • Reestablishing in spring 2027 • Follow the establishment at @PSUAlphaChi • Recommend women for the chapter by scanning this QR code

• Located in Statesboro, Georgia • 18,456 undergraduates • 7 other NPC groups • Establishing in fall 2027 • Social media accounts coming soon • Share names of potential members with our recruitment team at recommendations@alphachiomega.org THE LYRE

AXΩ NEWS

INTRODUCING THE 2026-27 CHAPTER CONSULTANT TEAM

Meet the Consultants

lpha Chi Omega’s chapter consultant program is an unparalleled professional opportunity for our real, strong women looking to make Alpha Chi Omega a part of their careers and gain unique experience that can be applied to any future endeavor. Consultants work with sisters of all backgrounds and from all levels of the organization – collegians, alumnae volunteers, professional staff and organization leaders. These women work independently and remotely, inspiring leadership and impacting the lives of those they work with. Our 2026-27 team is made up of outstanding women. They are chapter and campus leaders, dedicated

employees and volunteers, and successful students. Most of all, they have a love for Alpha Chi Omega that they’re excited to grow and share with sisters across the country! The chapter consultant team will go through in-depth training this summer and then hit the road for the start of recruitment season. We’re excited to see all they will do for the Real. Strong. Women. Experience! WHETHER IT’S A DAY IN THE LIFE REEL, A BID DAY VIDEO OR EVEN PHOTOS OF FAVORITE MEALS ON THE ROAD, OUR CHAPTER CONSULTANTS ARE GIVING YOU A GLIMPSE INTO THEIR EXPERIENCES ON INSTAGRAM. FOLLOW @AXOCC TO SEE WHERE THEY’RE HEADED NEXT!

RETURNING CONSULTANTS

ELLA CINALLI

HANNAH JOHNSON

AVA LAPORTE

BECCA LAU

Chapter: Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon) Bachelor’s Degree: public relations Leadership: chapter president, VP chapter relations and standards, UO advancement event staff Previous Consultant Experience: traveler

Chapter: Delta Nu (Iowa State University) Bachelor’s Degree: family consumer science education Leadership: VP risk management, recruitment counselor, Panhellenic VP of risk prevention, seventh and eighth grade teacher Previous Consultant Experience: traveler

Chapter: Omega (Washington State University) Bachelor’s Degree: business administration – marketing Leadership: chapter president, VP recruitment information, chapter programming chair Previous Consultant Experience: traveler

Chapter: Beta Xi (Utah State University) Bachelor’s Degree: management Leadership: chapter president, USU peer mentor, small business consultant in the Philippines Previous Consultant Experience: traveler (first and second years)

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

JORDAN LESANDO

REAGAN NIEVES

ARDEN ROBBINS

LIVIA ROSARIO

Chapter: Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University) Bachelor’s Degree: business administration – management Leadership: chapter president, Panhellenic delegate, OSU Brand Squad member Previous Consultant Experience: traveler

Chapter: Delta Omega (University of Kentucky) Bachelor’s Degree: business administration – marketing Leadership: chapter president, Leadership Academy intern, competitive dance team coach Previous Consultant Experience: resident at Zeta Omicron (Vanderbilt University)

Chapter: Epsilon Upsilon (Mississippi State University) Bachelor’s Degree: animal and dairy science Leadership: chapter president, VP recruitment, MSU Fraternity and Sorority Life ambassador Previous Consultant Experience: traveler

Chapter: Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston) Bachelor’s Degree: kinesiology and exercise science Leadership: social chair, Panhellenic vice president of recruitment Previous Consultant Experience: resident at Lambda Pi (University of Mississippi)

FIRST-YEAR CONSULTANTS

HADLEY SNYDER

VICTORIA DRY

ISABELLA FOX

JORDYN HIRSCH

Chapter: Delta Rho (University of Arkansas) Bachelor’s Degree: criminology and sociology Leadership: chapter president, VP chapter relations and standards, wrestling official Previous Consultant Experience: traveler

Chapter: Delta Rho (University of Arkansas) Bachelor’s Degree: communication sciences and disorders Leadership: VP recruitment, nominating committee member, LeadAbroad leader

Chapter: Gamma Sigma (University of Rhode Island) Bachelor’s Degree: textiles, fashion merchandising and design Leadership: VP recruitment, sandwich shop closing manager

Chapter: Nu (University of Colorado Boulder) Bachelor’s Degree: psychology Leadership: chapter president, VP for the Northwest Region of the National Federation of Temple Youth

Continued on next page ... THE LYRE

AXΩ NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS 17

TOTAL CONSULTANTS

FIRST-YEAR CONSULTANTS

SECOND-YEAR CONSULTANTS

KAYLI NGUYEN

KAYLA PANKEY

OLIVIA RYBACK

Chapter: Kappa Omega (Indiana University Indianapolis) Bachelor’s Degree: biology Leadership: VP membership programming, VP publication relations and marketing, Honors College mentor

Chapter: Epsilon Omega (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo) Bachelor’s Degree: wine and viticulture Leadership: recruitment preparation team lead, Cal Poly Winemaker’s Showcase volunteer

Chapter: Gamma Iota (University of Florida) Bachelor’s Degree: business management Leadership: VP new member education, assistant VP finance, UF Pickleball Club social media officer

THIRD-YEAR CONSULTANT

EXECUTIVE BOARD ROLES

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

COLLEGE PANHELLENIC OFFICERS

RECRUITMENT COUNSELORS

ELLIE TOMLINSON Chapter: Beta Xi (Utah State University) Bachelor’s Degree: marketing Leadership: chapter president, VP public relations and marketing, Panhellenic VP recruitment

COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS REPRESENTED

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

ANNA VANDER VEEN Chapter: Delta Nu (Iowa State University) Bachelor’s Degree: communication studies Leadership: chapter president, CRSB member, assistant new member educator, recruitment counselor

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE CHAPTER CONSULTANT ROLE OR RECOMMENDING YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE? SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT THE BECOMING A CONSULTANT PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE!

Travel with Alpha Chis

e’ve heard the interest loud and clear! Alpha Chi Omega is excited to launch exclusive, smallgroup travel experiences as part of our Alumnae Travel Collection. These trips are all about making new memories and strengthening our bonds of sisterhood while exploring fun cities together! Our first destination is Greece! Opa! In 2027, alumnae will embark on two incredible adventures, both visiting Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. These Alpha Chi experiences, curated by EF Go Ahead Tours, will include history, sightseeing, delicious meals and so much more. It’s everything you could dream of: blue domes, island sunsets, incredible food and a once-in-a-lifetime experience with sisters. Trips have limited spots, so book yours now or join the waitlist! This special addition to the lifetime experience is a fun way to continue your connection to Alpha Chi Omega, now with breathtaking views and international backdrops for the group photos! We can’t wait to share where we’ll be headed next. More information about the Alumnae Travel Collection is at alphachiomega.org/Members/Alumnae. Scan the QR code to book your trip today!

SIGN UP NOW TO EXPERIENCE GREECE WITH YOUR SISTERS LIKE THESE DELTA KAPPA (SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE DID IN 2024!

THE LYRE

AXΩ NEWS

Connect Over Books!

isters are on the move this summer – heading to convention and gearing up for tropical vacations. And the perfect travel companion? One of our summer book club reads! Don’t miss out on three unforgettable novels packed with dynamic characters and stories that stay with you long after the final page. Join the “AXO Alumnae Book Club” Facebook group to discuss with sisters across the country. We look forward to reading alongside you!

JULY 2026

AUGUST 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE BY EMILY HENRY

MY FRIENDS BY FREDRIK BACKMAN

BROKEN COUNTRY BY CLARE LESLIE HALL

When Alice Scott lands on Little Crescent Island hoping to finally get her big break, she’s thrilled … until Pulitzer-winner Hayden Anderson shows up chasing the same prize: the chance to write the biography of the reclusive and legendary Margaret Ives. Their rivalry lights up as Margaret offers both writers a month-long audition to win the rights to tell her story. With undeniable chemistry between Alice and Hayden, mysteries in Margaret’s history and high stakes that go far beyond bylines, this is a page-turning story about love, ambition and self-definition.

When fiery, grieving Louisa breaks into a high-end art auction to see “The One of the Sea,” a painting on a postcard she’s carried her whole life, she never expects to end up in a world of secrets, lost summers and troubled artists. The painting’s creator bequeaths the piece to Louisa, kicking off a road trip to uncover who the tiny figures at the end of a pier are. As Louisa digs deeper, she’s pulled into the lives of four young friends whose summer on that pier shaped their destiny (and now hers). Laughter, pain and loyalty collide in a story that proves friendship can be magic.

In the English countryside, Beth and her husband Frank lead a quiet life healing from the tragic loss of their son. Their world is upended when Gabriel, Beth’s first love, returns with his son who bears a striking resemblance to the child they lost. As Beth reconnects with Gabriel, long-buried secrets and unresolved emotions resurface. Tensions escalate, culminating in a murder trial that forces Beth to make an impossible choice between the man she once loved and the life she has built. This is a tale of love, loss and the complexities of the human heart.

DISCUSSION DATES: JULY 27-31

DISCUSSION DATES: AUGUST 24-28

DISCUSSION DATES: SEPTEMBER 21-25

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

AWARDS

2026 COLLEGIATE AWARD WINNERS

Individual Awards KATHRYN HIRTZ

RAVINA PATEL WITH CEO KATIE GAFFIN

DIANA YORASCHEK WITH THE NATIONAL COUNCIL AT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

DR. BRITTANY DEVIES WITH THE NATIONAL COUNCIL AT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

AMY DUBOIS RIETH EMERGING LEADER AWARD

ESTELLE LEONARD OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD

KATHRYN HIRTZ (DELTA CHI, WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY)

RAVINA PATEL (BETA ETA, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY)

OUTSTANDING COLLEGIATE POSITIONAL ADVISOR AWARD

OUTSTANDING FRATERNITY/ SORORITY ADVISOR AWARD

Kathryn held the combined vice president finance and facility operations role in 2025 and is currently the chapter president. She is a member of the university’s cross country and track team, the Champions of Character athletics committee and Order of Omega. Kathryn has a double major, is a member of the Honors Program and has made the Dean’s List the last two semesters. Her nominator shares, “The motto of Alpha Chi Omega has been fully embraced by Kathryn, as she manages her academics and athletics while continuing to find new and innovative ways to improve the Delta Chi chapter and our sisterhood.”

Ravina led her chapter as vice president risk management and served FSU’s Panhellenic community as vice president of programming and recruitment logistics and director of junior delegates. She is FSU Student Government’s senior class secretary, a volunteer for Best Buddies Trunk or Treat and a peer mentor. Ravina is a dedicated student, maintaining a 3.87 GPA in a dual-degree program. Her nominator shares, “Through mentorship, programming and community service, she creates environments where sisters feel supported in pursuing their own distinct journeys.”

DIANA YORASCHEK (IOTA PHI, QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY), RECRUITMENT ADVISOR AND RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISOR

DR. BRITTANY DEVIES, DIRECTOR FOR THE CENTER FOR FRATERNITY AND SORORITY ORGANIZATIONAL WELLNESS AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Diana has volunteered as a positional advisor for Iota Phi (Quinnipiac University) for 15 years and for Kappa Pi (University of North Carolina Wilmington) for 10 years. She is dedicated to mentoring the women she advises and helping them build confidence in their leadership abilities. As her nominator shares, “Diana models what it means to be both steadfast and evolving. She shows up, on the good days and the hard ones, with preparation, perspective and gratitude.”

Brittany supports the fraternity and sorority community at FSU through collaboration, innovative programming and empowering, datainformed decisions. She gives her time and talent not only to supporting the members of the Beta Eta chapter, but also to Alpha Chi Omega by volunteering as a facilitator for the Kaleidoscope and Alcohol Skills Training Program rotational programs and for Leadership Academy.

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AWARDS

2026 COLLEGIATE AWARD WINNERS

Continuing Excellence Award IOTA PHI (QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY) Iota Phi chapter continued to seek the heights by focusing on creating an inclusive chapter environment that fostered sisterhood, strengthened member bonds and supported emotional well-being of members. The chapter continued to provide opportunities for members to learn, grow and have fun through intentional programming focused on personal development, sisterhood and Alpha Chi Omega traditions.

ZETA SIGMA (MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY) Zeta Sigma chapter has continued to seek the heights through a shared commitment to uphold the values of Alpha Chi Omega in all aspects of the membership experience. By providing opportunities for members to grow and connect like the academic mentor program, wellness programming designed to empower members to make healthy choices, leadership workshops and sisterhood bonding events, members continue to build confidence and connections. 16

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2026 COLLEGIATE AWARD WINNERS

National Council Trophy DELTA PI (UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE) Delta Pi chapter created an environment focused on love, authenticity and belonging. Chapter leaders planned large-scale sisterhood events to keep members engaged while also including informal events for sisters like weekly walks and Dancing with the Stars watch parties. Additionally, they created opportunities for sisters at all stages of membership like Lyre Groups for new members, academic study hours, professional headshots for sisters seeking internships and jobs, service opportunities and ways to connect sisters to Alpha Chi Omega’s history and traditions.

BETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA)

ALPHA ETA (UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION) Alpha Eta chapter strived to highlight Alpha Chi Omega’s values in every area of chapter life. They implemented thoughtful initiatives such as a wellness workshop series, a leadership mentor program, a new academic achievement recognition event and an additional event during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. They also organized fun events like Pajamas and Pancakes, Friendsgiving, Dip into Sisterhood and movie nights to create opportunities for sisters to build genuine relationships.

Beta Sigma chapter focused on seeking the heights to create an engaging and enduring sisterhood experience. From new member self-discovery activities to Pass the Gavel, a senior reflection activity, Beta Sigma members were given personal development and leadership opportunities at every stage. Through a mix of fun sisterhood events, mentorship, recognition and family engagement, they cultivated an environment where members felt supported, celebrated and motivated to strengthen their connections with one another.

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AWARDS

2026 COLLEGIATE AWARD WINNERS

Chapter Progress Award

BETA EPSILON (MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY)

DELTA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS)

Beta Epsilon chapter has progressed in many areas, including service, academics and chapter programming. Chapter leaders set ambitious goals for themselves each semester, which led them to offering thoughtful programming like hands-on service events, academic major group chats and fun sisterhood events. The chapter focused on increasing engagement from all members by diversifying opportunities for involvement and tapping into the strengths and talents of each member.

Delta Rho chapter made strides in many areas, including sisterhood programming, PACE and academics. Chapter leaders focused on building a culture of openness, compassion and accountability among members. The chapter saw many positive changes through intentional programming to connect more sisters across academic years at Lunch Club, creating traditions that encourage members to show pride in Alpha Chi Omega across campus and creating a peer support system for sisters looking for academic help.

GAMMA CHI (STETSON UNIVERSITY) Gamma Chi chapter has demonstrated growth in many areas of chapter life, including service, traditions and member recognition. Leaders have worked toward thoughtful planning, open communication, peer accountability and education as they seek the heights. Members continued to impact their community and strengthen their bonds with each other through monthly service opportunities, involvement in other campus organizations and participation in chapter traditions like Firesides, Initiation Notes, Tag a Sister and Lyre on Fire. 18

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2026 COLLEGIATE AWARD WINNERS

Additional Chapter Awards SEEKING THE HEIGHTS – CHAPTER GROWTH

•E psilon Chi (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) • Zeta Theta (Brown University)

• Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University) • Delta Epsilon (Southeast Missouri State University) • Epsilon Kappa (California State University, Fullerton)

SEEKING THE HEIGHTS – REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE

SEEKING THE HEIGHTS – CHAPTER OPERATIONS

• Delta Mu (University of Massachusetts) • Nu (University of Colorado Boulder) • Zeta Pi (Arizona State University)

• Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology) • Gamma Rho (Texas Tech University) • Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University)

INCLUSION AND BELONGING AWARD

SEEKING THE HEIGHTS – MEMBER RETENTION • Alpha Iota (University of Vermont) • Beta Eta (Florida State University) • Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University) • Delta (Allegheny College)

SEEKING THE HEIGHTS – MEMBER WELLNESS • Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin)

• Beta Delta (College of William & Mary) • Pi (University of California, Berkeley) • Theta Lambda (Clemson University) •Z eta Upsilon (Case Western Reserve University)

CHAPTER INNOVATION AWARD • I ota Sigma (Southern Methodist University) • Omicron (Baker University) •T heta Omicron (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

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AWARDS

Real. Strong. Women.

AMANDA BAGGETT (BETA SIGMA, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA)

MELANIE BLOOM (DELTA NU, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY)

CHANNA BETH BUTCHER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY)

Amanda is an accomplished personal injury and civil trial attorney who has secured influential decisions that currently shape legal precedent in Florida. She is also a mother of four who is involved in her community and spearheading her law office’s philanthropic efforts. Amanda recently stepped into the role of alumnae chapter president for Eta Omicron Eta (Athens, Georgia and Beta Sigma Alumnae).

Melanie is a fifth-generation family farmer and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in agriculture education. She is a decorated FFA advisor as well as a Teacher Ambassador with the National FFA organization. She has authored several agriscience inquiry curricula for the state of Iowa and nationally. In 2002, she established Sioux Central Community School District’s first full-time agriculture program. Melanie received the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year award.

After a career teaching high school Spanish, Channa Beth returned to school to earn a doctoral degree, writing her dissertation at age 77 and becoming Indiana University’s oldest 2024 graduate. She founded E3 Kenya to “Encourage, Engage, and Empower Kenyan Girls and Women through dialogue and community-inspired projects to increase the number of those who are active participants in their own decision-making.”

Her nominator writes, “Melanie is unapologetically her authentic self both in the classroom and out, regularly participating in lifelong learning opportunities and encouraging those around her to push themselves as well.”

Her nomination reads in part, “Channa Beth is someone who exemplifies a real, strong woman. She brings hope and joy to others. Channa Beth works hard, is loyal and values education.”

Her nominator writes, “By committing her time and influence to organizations prioritizing children and families, she demonstrates that her power is not reserved only for the courtroom but is channeled directly into community upliftment.”

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of Distinction Award

JENNIFER NORRIS HUNT (ALPHA UPSILON, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA)

LEE ANN RAWLINS WILLIAMS (DELTA PI, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE)

Jennifer’s company, Dogwood Hill, has products available in shops across the country and has been featured in magazines and on TV. Passionate about art, she opened her own art gallery in Birmingham, Alabama. She is a board member for several nonprofits, mentors women business leaders and is a philanthropic supporter for Grace House for Alabama girls in foster care, as well as The Wellhouse and The Lovelady Center for domestic violence and addiction care.

Lee Ann is a clinical assistant professor and a program director at the University of North Dakota, where she oversees and coordinates course work in the Rehabilitation and Human Services undergraduate program. In addition, she engages in research in rehabilitation, disability, aging, disaster preparedness and human services. Through her teaching and research, Lee Ann has made global connections to enhance student learning.

Her nomination reads in part, “Jennifer knows that the key to her success was to be brave enough to show others what you love and allow them to be a part of that creative expression. She is a mother, a sister, a mentor and a friend, and it is an honor to share our sisterhood with her.”

Her nominator writes, “Lee Ann epitomizes wisdom, devotion and achievement both personally and professionally. She is an accomplished faculty member whose record of service, scholarship and teaching exemplifies commitment and excellence.”

The Real. Strong. Women. of Distinction award honors members who are differencemakers, risk-takers and dreamchasers. They draw on their skills, connections and growth from their Alpha Chi Omega membership. We’ll be sharing more about our 2026 recipients in The Lyre over the next year. First up – Channa Beth! Flip to page 58 to read about her journey.

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NATIONAL CONVENTION

Saddle Up, Sisters! See You in Dallas! BY EMILY FLOYD (THETA UPSILON, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA), EVENTS MANAGER

our boots are packed, your suitcases are ready by the door and your schedule is filled with sisterhood fun! We can’t wait to see you in Dallas for our 63rd National Convention, July 17-19! Online registration is closed, but registration is accepted on-site for most activities at the Sheraton Dallas with payment of a late fee. You can select individual events to participate in or the full weekend experience. Before your bag is in the car, make sure you’re ready to travel in style! We encourage you to show up to the airport in your favorite Alpha Chi attire. Triple-check the packing list to make sure you’ve got:

• School attire and decor for Friday’s Reunion Night Dinner • All-white badge attire for Saturday’s National Chapter Meeting • Something comfy and fun for Saturday’s dinner out on your own • Red and green badge attire for Sunday’s National Chapter Meeting • Cocktail or semi-formal wear for Sunday’s Carnation Celebration Find our convention packing list at alphachiomega.org/convention for more ideas on what to wrangle into your suitcase.

NEED INSPO? VISIT PINTEREST.COM/ALPHACHIOMEGA

Download our convention app, Whova, starting in late June! SCAN THE QR CODE or find it in your phone’s app store. Then enter the email addresses you used for convention registration or use your social media account to sign up. If the event doesn’t show up automatically, use the invitation code: InStepAlphaChi2026. In the app, you’ll find the official convention schedule, education sessions and speaker bios, and all the other sisters to connect with while you’re in Dallas.

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS When you arrive at the hotel to begin your convention experience, you’ll join hundreds of your sisters in the Lone Star Preconvene of the hotel. CHECK IN AT THE REGISTRATION DESK ON FRIDAY AND EXPLORE ALL THE VENDORS, SPONSORS AND STAFF TABLES. Update your information in the Women & Wisdom portal to prepare for a weekend of networking, dive into our history at the archives experience and learn more about alumnae opportunities. Make the switch from Alpha Chi letters to school colors and get ready for REUNION NIGHT DINNER. There may be so many chapter sisters attending that you take up multiple tables!

After the SISTERHOOD LUNCHEON, choose from a variety of EDUCATION SESSIONS, and then come together for our KEYNOTE PRESENTATION from Erin King. Later that afternoon, recognize membership milestones, awards and our Hall of Memory at the ALL THAT IS NOBLE PROGRAM. Saturday night, we invite you to saddle up for a NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN! Dinner is on your own, and we encourage you to explore Dallas with sisters. Check out the convention app for dinner suggestions and connect with others for reservations.

After Reunion Night dinner has finished, shuffle those boots to our STEPPIN’ INTO SISTERHOOD SOCIAL. Learn how to line dance from a Dallas professional, purchase an embroidered bandana from a local embroiderer and hang with sisters. Back again this year is our commemorative postcard – take a minute to share a quick note with sisters! Visit the vendors for late-night shopping, chat with sponsors and check out the Star Booth to purchase a star or two to honor a sister. Desserts and a cash bar will be available. SATURDAY morning will begin with the NATIONAL CHAPTER MEETING. Swap your alma mater gear for all-white badge attire and join us to celebrate new alumnae chapters, tune in to the State of the Enterprise, and more.

On SUNDAY morning, the second NATIONAL CHAPTER MEETING includes a legislative report, the National Council installation and awards. We’ll have our formal closing before heading off to celebrate our donors’ impact at the FOUNDATION LUNCHEON. Then join sisters for a CONVERSATION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and ways to support survivors and your community. The afternoon concludes with MORE EDUCATION SESSIONS. Lastly, join your sisters – new friends and old – for a night under the Alpha Chi sky with our CARNATION CELEBRATION. Grab your sparkly boots and your favorite cocktail/semi-formal attire and spend the last evening of convention celebrating chapters, sisters and our entire weekend. WE CAN’T WAIT TO

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NATIONAL CONVENTION

SISTERS ARE STEPPING UP TO SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE – WHICH EDUCATION SESSIONS WILL YOU ATTEND? • Diplomacy in Action: Leading on the World Stage • Mothers and Daughters: Navigating the College Years and Beyond • From Ritual to Results: Elevating Our Giving Power • Inside NPC: How Collaboration, Advocacy and Research Strengthen Alpha Chi Omega • Designing What’s Next: Seeking the Heights in Every Season

BREAKOUT SESSIONS: JULY 19, 4:35-5:25 P.M.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS: JULY 18, 2-3:15 P.M. • Collegiate Chapter Officers and Collegiate Volunteers Track • Alumnae Chapter Officers and Alumnae Volunteers Track • Local House Corporation Track • Breaking Barriers: Women Rising, Leading and Empowering Others • Learn American Mah Jongg

GENERAL SESSION: JULY 19, 2:15-3:15 P.M. A Conversation About Domestic Violence with Stephanie J. Bond and Jan Langbein of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support

BREAKOUT SESSIONS: JULY 19, 3:30-4:20 P.M. • I Wasn’t Ready for AI Either: A Real-Talk, HandsOn Session for the AI-Curious and AI-Anxious • Real, Strong Aging: Sisters Growing With Health and Grace • From Collegian to Alumna: Programs, Possibilities and the Chapter Consultant Role! • Let’s Talk About It: Navigating Challenging Conversations with Confidence

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

• Stop Leaving Connection to Chance: Intentionally Building Fulfilling Relationships • Coffee is NOT a Meal (and Celsius Does Not Substitute for Self-Care) • Main Character Energy: How To Make Your Sorority Experience Sound Like a Blockbuster Movie • Lead From Within: Four Perspectives to Help You Lead, Achieve and Live Your Best Life • Send Forth the Chords of Love: Living Our Values Through Generosity • Brave Conversations in Sisterhood • Why High-Achieving Women Are Exhausted: Emotional Labor, Overfunctioning and the Hidden Costs of Being the Reliable One • Creative Journaling for Self-Care, MemoryKeeping and Goal-Setting

CONVENTION KEEPSAKES: 2026 DALLAS CONVENTION CHARM Stop by the Herff Jones booth to snag your bootscootin’ cute charm! Available from Alpha Chi Omega’s official jeweler, the convention keepsake can be purchased in yellow or white finish. And, if you’re not in Dallas, you can visit hjgreek.com/ alphachiomega to buy online.

SEEKING CONVENTION REPORTERS If you’re registered for convention and want to share about your experience in the fall issue of The Lyre, email editor@alphachiomega.org by July 1. Our sisters want to hear from YOU about this weekend of sisterhood.

Thank you,

CONVENTION SPONSORS!

OLYMPIAN LEVEL Herff Jones Raegan Ford Design

DIAMOND LEVEL Upper Crust Food Service

PEARL LEVEL Greek House Chefs Stag Tags LLC

SCARLET LEVEL Billhighway Community & Systems Innovation, LLC Gill Grilling Company JoyRocks Sorority Fine Jewelry The National Bank of Indianapolis Oncor Electric Delivery Renasant Bank SCM Architects, PLLC

CONVENTION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES A limited number of volunteer shifts are available if you want to step up your involvement at convention. Scan the QR code to sign up! Please note that some roles require convention registration. Ready to raise your voice for Alpha Chi? Convention attendees can participate in our convention choir and bring song to meals and the National Chapter Meeting. Email volunteer@alphachiomega.org to express interest.

OLIVE LEVEL Manley Burke/Fraternal Law Partners Greek Yearbook The Leland Group-Merrill

SISTERHOOD LEVEL CSL Management EverTrue Kemp Interiors Phoenix Innovate

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FOUNDATION

In Step with Star Booth CONVENTION CONNECTION AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT THROUGH THE YEARS

or generations, Alpha Chi Omega’s National Convention has been a place to reconnect, celebrate and shape the Fraternity’s future. Since its inception in 1988, the Foundation’s Star Booth has become linked with convention, instantly recognizable by the bright gold star stickers that sisters proudly display on their name tags. What began decades ago as a unique way for sisters to support the Foundation’s mission has grown into a

WHAT IS STAR BOOTH? CELEBRATION, TRADITION AND FUNDRAISING ALL IN ONE! STAR BOOTH INVITES SISTERS TO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE SHAPED THEIR ALPHA CHI JOURNEY WHILE SUPPORTING THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION. FOR EACH $10 GIFT, DONORS RECEIVE A STAR TO GIVE TO A SISTER WHO HAS INSPIRED THEM, SUPPORTED THEM OR MADE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIFE. ALL DOLL ARS RAISED SUPPORT THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. FUND.

beloved tradition, one that shows how sisterhood moves in step through every stage of life. Over the years, Star Booth has evolved alongside our sisterhood. When the convention body voted to establish the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation in 1978, it laid the groundwork for the philanthropy-infused convention experience we celebrate today. When domestic violence awareness was adopted as our national philanthropy in 1992, Star Booth was there, fueling the philanthropic energy of our sisters. When the 2020 National Convention was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Star Booth innovated once again – pivoting to the virtual Star Challenge, allowing sisters to continue honoring one another from afar.

1978

The National Convention body, led by National President Karen Miley (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota), votes to establish the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. “The IRS made it necessary, and the women of Alpha Chi Omega made it happen.” – Nancy Leonard (Alpha Chi, Butler University) on the founding of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation 26

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1988

The Foundation hosts its first Star Booth at convention in Palm Desert, California.

1992

Alpha Chi Omega adopts domestic violence awareness as its national philanthropy.

Today, Star Booth is more than a convention activity; it’s a time-honored tradition that is critical to a strong future for our sisterhood. A successful Star Booth helps fuel the programs that empower our members and ensure that Alpha Chi Omega continues to be a source of strength, leadership and support for women everywhere.

RECOLLECTIONS FROM THE FIRST STAR BOOTH As we celebrate the 20th Star Booth this summer, we reflect on the beginning of this treasured tradition and the women who brought it to life. Past National President Diane Blackwelder (Omicron, Baker University) shares her experience at the first Star Booth at the 1988 National Convention in Palm Desert, California: “I was serving as the Foundation president (now titled Foundation chair) in 1988 and recall the debut of Star Booth quite well. Joyce Detterline (Gamma Mu, Ball

State University), Foundation services coordinator, and Denise Witt (Alpha, DePauw University), Foundation director, created this program of ‘stars’ to honor and recognize special Alpha Chi Omegas in our lives. Any attendee at convention could purchase a white paper star for $10 and have that star pinned to a dark blue sheet hanging on a wall to be viewed by others, known as the Sky of Fame. It was not glamorous or high-end PR, but it was the beginning of what we continue today – 38 years later! Sisters spent hours cutting out the white paper stars for convention-goers to purchase. Sky of Fame was a fun activity for everyone to see and participate in. By the conclusion of convention, the dark blue sheet was overflowing and crowded with named white stars! Donating a $10 star in 1988 versus today has taken a dramatic change in appearance, promotion and

2006

Star Booth passes its $126,000 goal with a total of more than $165,000, thanks in part to seven individuals and groups who gave $10,000 each.

2018

The Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary, coinciding with convention in Austin, Texas.

2020

Star Booth pivots to Star Challenge due to COVID-19, allowing donors to honor sisters virtually for the first time.

2024

The Foundation celebrates a record-breaking Star Booth at convention in Indianapolis, with more than $250,000 raised for the Real. Strong. Women. Fund.

2026

20 Star Booth at convention in Dallas! th

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FOUNDATION

DIANE WITH FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVES AT THE SKY OF FAME

monetary results for the Foundation. It’s all for the good of our sisterhood. Instead of buying gifts or flowers, honoring a sister with a star speaks of our lasting devotion, loyalty and friendship. It’s meaningful to be given or honored with a star, and it’s an easy gesture to recognize a sister you admire and treasure. I still enjoy the tradition of Star Booth and retaining the purpose and objective that was developed in 1988. It’s part of the convention experience!”

STEP UP FOR STAR BOOTH This year, we invite every sister, whether this is your first convention or your 15th or you’re supporting from home, to step into the Star Booth story! Your Star Booth gift supports the Real. Strong. Women. Fund, which helps ensure that Alpha Chi Omega can continue to invest in women at every stage 28

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of life. Whether a collegiate member participating in life-changing experiences, an alumna accessing leadership or educational opportunities, or a chapter benefiting from programming that strengthens its community, your star fuels it. These dollars allow the Foundation to respond to the greatest needs. Star Booth is not just about honoring those who have shaped your Alpha Chi Omega journey but also investing in those who follow in your footsteps. Beginning July 1, sisters can make their Star Booth gifts online and start honoring the women who have made their Alpha Chi Omega experience meaningful!

SCAN THE QR CODE NOW TO MAKE AN EARLY STAR BOOTH GIFT! THE STAR TRIBUTE FEATURE WILL BE ENABLED JULY 1.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN STAR BOOTH: •H EADED TO DALL AS? STOP BY STAR BOOTH DURING CONVENTION TO MAKE YOUR GIFT AND PICK UP PHYSICAL STARS. •N OT ABLE TO MAKE IT TO CONVENTION THIS YEAR? YOU CAN HONOR YOUR SISTERS FROM ANYWHERE! MAKE YOUR GIFT AND SEND YOUR STARS VIRTUALLY BEGINNING JULY 1.

REGION 3 REGION 4

REGION 1

REGION 2

THE REGIONAL CHALLENGE IS BACK THIS YEAR! HELP YOUR REGION TAKE HOME FIRST PL ACE BY SELECTING THE CHAPTER FOR WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR REGIONAL CREDIT TO COUNT WHEN MAKING YOUR GIFT.

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HOUSING

Beta Eta is Back Home! BY KENDALL SUESS (GAMMA EPSILON, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY), FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

testing rooms and a sun deck. Surrounding all of this are expanded bedroom spaces with built-in furniture for 41 live-in members.

he National Housing Corporation (NHC) completed a full-scale renovation and expansion of the Beta Eta (Florida State University) chapter facility that officially reopened in January 2026.

Take a look at the chapter facility before and after the renovation!

The renovations to the first floor included an expanded dining room with more seating, an enlarged formal entry hall, a new serving area with a 24/7 kitchenette, an interior elevator, an executive conference room, an enlarged front porch and a new back patio with covered seating. The facility also includes dedicated spaces for crafts, mail, parcel storage, and chair and table storage. The second floor has expanded resident bathrooms, an enlarged resident lounge, a new study space, private AFTER

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

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FOYER BEFORE

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AFTER

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HOUSING

GUEST BATHROOMS BEFORE

INFORMAL LIVING ROOM

AFTER

BEFORE

Welcome to the NHC!

he NHC has begun working with four chapters all around the United States as the facilites transitioned from being operated by local housing corporations (LHCs). The NHC is thankful for the hard work and dedication of the LHC members for all of these chapters who volunteered their time and talents to keep these facilites running! The NHC looks forward to the future working with these chapters.

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BETA EPSILON (MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY) Beta Epsilon transitioned facility ownership to the NHC in fall 2025! Their facility is located on Burcham Street in East Lansing, Michigan, and has been home to many generations of sisters, including 49 current residents. Beta Epsilon chapter was founded at Michigan State University on Febuary 11, 1928.

GAMMA (NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY)

RHO (UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON)

Founded on November 14, 1890, the Gamma chapter has a facility on University Place at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. The facility transitioned operations from the LHC board to the NHC in the summer of 2025. The four-story facility can accomodate 41 live-in members.

Rho chapter was established at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington on October 14, 1910. Their four-story chapter facility transitoned ownership to the NHC in fall 2025 and can house up to 95 residents.

THETA OMICRON (MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY)

Theta Omicron was founded on April 26, 1986 at Massachusetts Insititue of Techonogy. Their four-story facility was operated by an LHC until the facility began transitioning to the NHC in spring 2026! Located on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts, the facility currently can house 25 residents.

THE MISSION OF THE NHC IS TO ENHANCE THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE BY PROVIDING SAFE AND COMPETITIVE FACILITIES WHERE MEMBERS CONNECT, LEAD, GROW AND SERVE.

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ON CAMPUS

AI Goes

How artificial intelligence is being BY PILAR DAVIS, PH.D. (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES)

has entered the chat at college campuses across the country. It’s been a hotbutton issue for several years, and now it seems it will be a pivotal part of business. Many colleges have responded by creating courses about AI or teaching students how to use it to be more competitive when they graduate and begin looking for jobs. Other schools have taken a hard line against its use in classrooms. The debate can be found on almost every campus. For years, college students have had to burn the midnight oil drafting the perfect assignment, toiling away on everything from proper grammar to credible sources. It’s not easy. Before the internet, some students 34

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used CliffsNotes to avoid having to read a book or play. Then there were the paper writing mills. Some students doled out top dollar to have an entire paper written for them. AI is both of those things rolled into one neat little digital juggernaut … and it’s free. So, is it a blessing or a curse to have all that power at our fingertips?

PIL AR DAVIS

While the world debates, Alpha Chi Omegas on college campuses across the country have something to say about how they use AI.

to College

woven into the college experience WHAT IS AI? According to IBM, artificial intelligence (AI) is “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.” AI has become synonymous with ChatGPT, but the latter is just one program under the AI umbrella. ChatGPT is a generative AI chatbot that answers questions, writes content and solves problems; similar platforms are Claude, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Other tools that use AI include virtual assistants (like Siri and Alexa), recommendation algorithms (like on your Netflix home screen) and self-driving cars.

Rebecca Sun is in her second year as a pre-med student at UCLA. She is also the VP intellectual development for the Alpha Psi chapter. Rebecca says she uses ChatGPT quite a bit for general queries, and it can come in handy for some parts of her schoolwork. “I use it a lot if I get stuck on a problem or there’s something I don’t understand,” she says. “It’s usually pretty good at explaining things if I give it the materials. For example, for chemistry last year, sometimes I would just take a screenshot of a slide that I didn’t understand. I would have it explain it to me. It was very helpful.” As a pre-med student, Rebecca says AI can also help with some of the math that students going into medicine must master. “I found it to be very good at doing math in physics,” she says. “I use it a lot if I get stuck on a problem THE LYRE

ON CAMPUS

or there’s something I don’t understand.” Rebecca says AI tools aren’t used a lot in the Alpha Psi chapter, but they are helpful for a couple of things. “In terms of the sorority, I use it to brainstorm ideas for study sessions. Every week we have a different theme, and usually there’s like a pun on words. For example, for Easter, it’s ‘hop into homework,’” she says. “And the other week we were making posters for Best in the West, our philanthropy, which is like a poker tournament. And we make posters for every fraternity that attends. So, we were using ChatGPT to come up with ideas for posters. So, I use it for a lot of creative brainstorming.” As fond as Rebecca is of AI helping in certain areas, she’s also cautious about using it. “I just try to be conscious that I’m using it to support critical thinking and not replace it,” she says. “I think it’s important to use it as a tool and not as a crutch.” Alex Caban-Echevarria (Zeta Chi, Muhlenberg College) is a first-year writing instructor and teaching fellow at Lehigh University. She is also a student working on a master’s degree in English after already earning a master’s degree in journalism. As if those weren’t enough hats to wear, she volunteers as the chapter advisor for Eta chapter at Bucknell University. Alex has the unique position of being both an educator grappling with AI and a student grappling with homework. That puts her in a great position to see AI from both sides of the college experience. “When I was in journalism school (in 2023), it was the first summer that ChatGPT was introduced,” she says. “We used it for coding. We were required to use it in our classes. But it was very limited in its scope. 36

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“ I just try to be conscious that I’m using it to support critical thinking and not replace it. I think it’s important to use it as a tool and not as a crutch.” REBECCA SUN, SECOND YEAR PRE-MED STUDENT AT UCL A

We didn’t talk about it writing for us. That was never something that came up.” Alex’s recollection highlights just how far AI has come in a short time. As an instructor, she crafts the assignments she gives students in such a way as to make it less likely they will use AI to generate their work. “I don’t let my students use it at all,” she says. “For most of their assignments, they’re very short assignments. They don’t have to be perfect. So hopefully that takes some of the pressure off. It lets them do more personal writing, more narratives.” She asks students to tell her why they care about the topic versus just the research on it, hoping that will encourage students to generate their own writing. Alex warns that too often students think of AI as being all-knowing when in fact it can get things very wrong.

“They’re typing into ChatGPT like it’s like a Google search,” she says. “And they’re like, ‘find me a source,’ but that’s not what it’s for. So, they’re coming up with random web pages that may have a title, but it’s not giving any information.”

help for students who struggle to focus or with reading and writing. “Students can upload their PowerPoint. They’ll type notes next to it, and then it’ll audio-record what the faculty is saying, and then it summarizes it into notes,” she explains.

Bryanna Anderson (Kappa Tau, University of Connecticut) is the associate director at the University of Connecticut’s Center for Students with Disabilities. She’s also the co-chapter advisor and risk management advisor for Kappa Tau. Bryanna says the chapter uses AI to help communicate professionally. “Our chapter president uses it often to send emails to headquarters to sound more efficient, effective, organized,” she explains.

Whether you’re Team AI or Team No AI, there are some best practices that have emerged. The University of Chicago created a Generative AI Guide for Student Learning with a list of tips for how to use AI responsibly. The guide suggests that students can use tools like ChatGPT to enhance their understanding, but only as a supplement to their learning, not as a replacement. AI can also be useful to clarify concepts, generate ideas and support studying.

She says she tells chapter members to still use their own words because AI can often generate “word salad.” “The core of it is always remembering to stay true to your voice,” Bryanna says. “If you want to do a grammar check or replace words if you’ve used the same word too many times, I think for those things it’s beautiful. I think it’s really helpful. But when you totally take away the ownership of the writing, people can tell.” Another angle to think about is how AI can help level the playing field for students with disabilities. Bryanna works with students with neurodiversity like autism and says AI can be a useful tool for them. “The other piece that I would say that they use it, which I think is great, is when they have to have tough conversations,” she says. “That’s a tool that a lot of students on the spectrum will use, like asking AI, ‘I’ve got to have this conversation with my faculty. How do I approach it and what are the things that I should be saying?’” Bryanna says her campus uses Otter and Genio to help students with note-taking, which can be a tremendous

The guide urges students, “Always verify facts and cross-check information obtained from AI with reliable sources.” Students should never copy and paste generated content and submit that for credit in their classes. The guide also suggests that students check with each professor before using AI, as different professors may view it differently. As the dialogue surrounding AI continues to evolve, we are all learning together in real time. AI forces us to confront some uncomfortable truths. Are we as good as we think we are at something if we find ourselves using AI as a staple rather than occasional help? Are we able to resist the temptation to take credit for what AI created? Are we using AI to help us grow in our skills or are we letting it replace our work? In a way, AI has forced us to look at ourselves and our integrity. Whether in academics, chapter life or everyday decisions, the consensus seems to be that AI should be used to enhance understanding, not replace it. It can be a support for growth, but not to shortcut it. THE LYRE

COLLEGIATE CORNER

Belonging After Bid Day BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

o you remember what it felt like in the first weeks after you joined Alpha Chi Omega? Walking into your first meeting, scanning the room and wondering where to sit? While recruitment ends with the excitement of Bid Day, tearing open that bid card and proudly claiming the Greek letters you now hold so close, the nerves don’t always disappear right away. And that’s OK. Sisterhood and a home aren’t made in a single moment, but built through the conversations and memories made along the way. At Theta Omega (Marquette University), chapter leaders noticed how important the transition to sisterhood was for their new members and wanted to help them build the feeling of being home. Sophia Hart-Liepert remembers the uncertainty she felt going through recruitment herself, and as the chapter’s vice president recruitment information, she was determined to make that transition smoother for others. With a strong focus on retention, Sophia partnered with Vice President New Member Education Peyton Deutsch to support connection and belonging in the chapter, starting with Bid Day. “I think the main thing we wanted to do was keep our new members engaged immediately,” Sophia shares. “There’s a week before their first chapter [meeting] where there’s no events. Bid Day is this super exciting event, and everybody loves it. And then there’s like a week that you sit, and it feels like there’s nothing happening.” Chapter leaders noticed new members wondering during this time if they belonged in Alpha Chi. They knew they had to act, which inspired the Transition Sister Program! The Transition Sister Program connects new members with lifetime members in the chapter. Each new 38

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member receives three matches: her Bid Day buddy, a sister with a similar last name so they will sit near each other at chapter meetings and a sister with a similar major. Matches reach out during that first week for a sister date. The lifetime members participating in the program are from different classes, allowing new members to meet a wide variety of their new sisters. “By connecting them with older members in the chapter … they can kind of get that feeling that they had during recruitment and realize why they wanted to go Alpha Chi,” Sophia says. While the program primarily focuses on new members, Sophia hoped that it would also benefit the older chapter members. “Part of it was also for our lifetime members and getting them reengaged after recruitment. So, it’s getting people back in with the newer members and engaging both sides,” Sophia explains. The program has been well received by the chapter, with members sharing that they felt their connection to Alpha Chi grew stronger and reminded them of the many reasons they decided to join. Along with increasing connection, SOPHIA HART-LIEPERT the program has given sisters the benefit of knowing someone pursuing a similar degree to them, someone to share advice with or someone to just check in with.

for Transition Sisters because it helped me create a bond with my now-little that I might not have had if we did not have them.” The program inspired Sophia Vardalos to get to know even more sisters in the chapter. “One of my goals now, before our next recruitment period, is to go on a sister date with every girl on our chapter,” she says. For chapter leaders who want to increase a sense of belonging, Sophia Hart-Liepert recommends doing what’s best for their chapter and tailoring the experience for what their members would benefit from! For the Theta Omega sisters, the major-based matches seemed to create the closest connections. “There are always benefits of knowing somebody in your major. That’s why we wanted to do it too, because that’s what a lot of girls end up looking for, someone in their field,” she explains. SOPHIA VARDALOS AND GIANNA BENTZ AT BIG/LITTLE REVEAL

Sophia Vardalos went through the program as a new member and says, “I loved having sister dates during that week. I felt like after Bid Day going on those sister dates helped me still feel included in the sorority and not just a new member. I went on every and all the dates I was asked to go on! It made me remember why I went Alpha Chi.” One of her matches actually ended up becoming her big sister, Gianna Bentz, who shares, “I am forever grateful

For the sisters of Theta Omega, the Transition Sisters Program has become more than a post-Bid Day initiative; it has reshaped the chapter’s connection. What began as a solution to ease new member nerves has grown into a culture of belonging. As Sophia HartLiepert reflects on the program’s impact, she shares what the program has done for the chapter. “We talk a lot about creating a ‘home without a house,’” she says. “It’s about pushing connections across the chapter and fostering the love and family connection.”

THETA OMEGA BID DAY THE LYRE

COLLEGIATE CORNER

Global Studies, Same Sisterhood BY ARIANNA BRADLEY (KAPPA XI, UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA), DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT

ast year, Alpha Chi Omega piloted a new program for collegiate members. The goal: to connect with members who are studying abroad. Though they may be away from their chapters physically for this period, sisters studying abroad still get to engage in their Alpha Chi Omega experience. Nearly 200 collegians joined the AXΩ Abroad program, designed to foster connections between sisters studying internationally. Some of our participants joined to grow their networks while others were looking for advice to make the most of their experience. Alyssa Vavra (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina) volunteered to lead the program. As a college student, Alyssa studied abroad and then decided to pursue her master’s degree and a career abroad postgrad. Alyssa remembers her study abroad experience fondly, but she recognized an opportunity for Alpha Chi Omega to create connections among sisters that are on similar journeys. With the help of alumnae sharing their own study abroad experiences and recommendations, Alyssa curated resources for the AXΩ Abroad group, from packing lists and travel tips to city guides and advice for making friends while abroad. AXΩ Abroad creates connections worldwide no matter where members are studying and cultivates subgroups of members studying in the same location. Our country groups help sisters find others near them and give the 40

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ELLIE REASBECK (IOTA PSI, ELON UNIVERSIT Y) PARTICIPATED IN SEMESTER AT SEA.

whole network the space to connect if they are traveling throughout their studies too. It has been so fun seeing everyone introduce themselves and share recommendations for places to visit, sites to see and, of course, food to eat! We look forward to continuing developing AXΩ Abroad and supporting our sisters in staying connected to the sisterhood wherever they go!

MARINA CAPOROSSI (ALPHA OMICRON, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY) STUDIED ABROAD IN SORRENTO, ITALY.

STUDY ABROAD ADVICE Alumnae shared their best tips for studying internationally with AXΩ Abroad participants! • “Make lots of friends. Do lots of research. And always be open to trying new things.” • “Don’t compare your experience to others.” • “Participate in everything so you get the most out of the program. Meet as many new people as possible – it makes the whole program so much more fun!”

TW0 & G R E AT P L AC E S TO S H O P F O R

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LIFE

Our Lifelong Commitment CELEBRATING MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES BY OCTOBER HENSON DAVIS (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER AND ALUMNAE ENGAGEMENT

ach year as you reach the anniversary of your Alpha Chi Omega initiation, we hope you know how important it is to our sisterhood. We hope you’ll pause and reflect on your years as a sister and can think fondly of your experience.

JEAN WAIDLEY MIDDLETON (Theta, University of Michigan) was presented with her 75-year pin by her daughters, Lee Middleton Bollert and Kathryn Middleton, both Theta initiates like their mom. With red carnations in hand, Jean participated in the ceremony and shared her gratefulness for Alpha Chi Omega.

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While each milestone is significant, we are especially excited to celebrate sisters reaching 10, 25, 50, 60 and 75 years of membership. It is a special reminder of the commitment and dedication we all share through our common bond. Our milestone celebrants receive email, mail, virtual recognition and outreach from a member of our volunteer Sister Outreach Team. While we are honored to celebrate together virtually, many members gather locally with sisters and loved ones to recognize their milestones. Keep reading to learn how some of our sisters have been celebrated!

Epsilon Psi Epsilon (Cheyenne, Wyoming) gathered for their fall luncheon to surprise their guest of honor, MIWEEZE HENDERSON GLEASON (Beta Xi, Utah State University), with her 75-year pin. Miweeze shared a fond memory from her initiation, recalling how she had broken her leg skiing. Despite being in a plaster cast, and with the help and support of her sisters, she proudly participated in the ceremony – a true testament to sisterhood.

Xi Omicron Xi (Wilmington, NC and Kappa Pi Alumnae) celebrated the 50-year milestones of CYNTHIA RICHARDS (Alpha, DePauw University) and NANCY SHIPE JONES (Alpha Chi, Butler University). The ceremony included stories from their collegiate days and favorite Alpha Chi memories. Cynthia and Nancy received their milestone pins and red carnations to signify this incredible milestone!

MARGE EWING CLIFFORD (Beta Phi, Bowling Green State University) celebrated 75 years as an Alpha Chi Omega surrounded by family including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren! In addition to red carnations and a special milestone ceremony, Marge shared memories from her time as a collegiate sister in Ohio.

GAMMA UPSILON GAMMA (Orlando, FL) had the privilege to celebrate six alumnae sisters with milestones. Carol Ann Picerno Cannizzaro (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island), Lorraine Baron Conoley (Tau, Brenau University), Kenyan Pearson Giles (Gamma Epsilon, Oklahoma State University) and Dee Eggers Queen (Delta Epsilon, Southeast Missouri State University) were pinned with their 60-year pins, while Donna Myers Miller (Gamma Lambda, Kent State University) and Pat Lester Miller (Beta Eta, Florida State University) were recognized for 75 incredible years as members of Alpha Chi Omega!

Beta Nu (University of Utah) chapter sisters Sandra Kragthorpe and Laura Robinson celebrated Sandra’s mom, GRACE ALLEN SCHMITT (Gamma Kappa, Idaho State University), for her 75 years of membership and dedication to our sisterhood!

ALPHA GAMMA ALPHA (Atlanta, GA) gathered together for Founders’ Day! Five sisters were recognized for reaching 50 years of membership: Alpha Beta (Purdue University) sisters Lori Craig Wanders and Sue Ade Potenza and Beta Sigma (University of Georgia) sisters Fairy Huff Mills, Lynn Williams Mathis and Vivian Vlass Burns.

Thirty-two members of DELTA PI DELTA (Gulf Coast, FL) came together to pin three chapter members who are celebrating milestones this year! Carol Meneely (Beta Phi, Bowling Green State University, pictured) received a carnation bouquet to recognize her 75 years of membership alongside Margi Shostedt (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) celebrating 60 years and Lauren Vidal (Kappa Chi, Florida Gulf Coast University) reaching 10 years. The celebrations were concluded with a performance by the local Naples Players. THE LYRE

LIFE

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ARTICLES BY SISTERS, FOR SISTERS

Stepping Strong WHY FOOT HEALTH MATTERS FOR WOMEN AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE BY DIANA E. ROGERS, DPM, MS, FACFAS (BETA ETA, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY)

hen we think about women’s health, we often focus on heart disease, bone density or reproductive care – but one essential area is frequently overlooked: our feet. Yet, foot and ankle health plays a critical role in mobility, independence and overall quality of life. For women in particular, unique lifestyle factors, footwear choices and physiologic changes across the lifespan place us at increased risk for a variety of foot, ankle and lower extremity conditions. We are often caregivers, professionals, athletes and leaders – roles that require us to stay active and on our feet. We prioritize others before ourselves. Foot health is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. By making informed choices and seeking appropriate care, we can maintain mobility and improve our quality of life. DIANA E. ROGERS

THE HIDDEN IMPACT OF FOOT HEALTH The truth is, we as women are up to four times more likely than men to experience foot problems. This isn’t 44

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just coincidence. It’s largely driven by a combination of anatomy, biomechanics and cultural norms around footwear. We are often driven by fashion rather than function, and the choices we make with high heels, narrow toe boxes and unsupportive shoes can contribute to long-term structural changes in the foot. Over time, these decisions may lead to conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, chronic heel pain and arch pain. Arch pain is often overlooked or mistaken for general foot fatigue, but it can be an early sign of underlying issues such as plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or biomechanical instability. Ignoring it can allow progressive problems to develop, ultimately affecting gait and alignment. But foot health isn’t just about comfort. Pain in the feet can alter the way a person walks, leading to problems in the knees, hips and lower back. Left untreated, seemingly minor foot issues can cascade into more complex musculoskeletal conditions that impact daily function and physical activity.

FOOT HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN YOUNG WOMEN AND ATHLETES In adolescence and early adulthood, many women are highly active – participating in sports, fitness classes and running. Overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, tendonitis and activity-related arch pain are common. Wearing appropriate sport-specific footwear and allowing adequate recovery time are essential for

prevention. Not all shoes are created equal; evaluating your arch type is key, and a simple internet search of “what is my arch type” can help guide you. Seeking evaluation at a local running or athletic store is always my starting point for patients trying to pick shoes.

PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM Pregnancy brings significant changes to a woman’s body, including weight gain, ligamentous laxity and shifts in center of gravity. These changes often lead to foot fatigue, flattening of the arches, swelling and newonset arch pain. Ever wonder why your foot seems to “grow” during or after pregnancy? Pregnancy can cause the arch to “sag,” making our foot longer and wider (eek)! Supportive shoes and orthotics can help alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term issues. Measure your feet every year and don’t worry about the number – buy the shoe that fits the best, including in width.

THE HIGH HEEL DILEMMA These beautiful torture devices are often a staple in our daily fashion choices, but they come at a cost, and not just monetary. Elevating the heel shifts body weight forward, increasing pressure on the forefoot and altering normal biomechanics. Over time, this can contribute to bunion formation; metatarsalgia; shortening of the Achilles tendon; strain through the arch; and knee, hip and low back pain.

As if we don’t have enough things to worry about, as we age, hormonal fluctuations – particularly around menopause – can affect bone density, joint health and soft tissue integrity. This increases the risk of conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendon dysfunction and stress injuries. Progressive collapse of the arch (adult-acquired flatfoot) may also develop, often presenting first as arch pain. Additionally, years of wearing unsupportive footwear may begin to manifest as deformities or chronic pain.

This doesn’t mean we must abandon heels altogether, although my closets would thank me – but moderation is key. Opting for lower heel heights, wider heel base, wider toe boxes and limiting the duration of wear can significantly reduce risk. Alternating with supportive footwear throughout the day is a simple yet effective strategy. If you know you will be walking a distance, opt for a cute pair of supportive flats for the duration and pop the beauties on when you arrive. In addition, you can purchase padding online that can increase the longevity of your wear.

It is imperative to maintain activity, purchase supportive walking shoes, control weight gain and stretch routinely. I am a bargain shopper; however, I do not recommend purchasing athletic shoes from a discount store. Even if you are not a runner, use your local running stores for guidance.

routine check-ups and well-fitting, lightweight shoes are key components of maintaining independence and preventing injury. A key pearl, ladies: be wary of the brands that heavily advertise on TV and social media – if it is too good to be true, it probably is.

MIDLIFE AND HORMONAL CHANGES

MATURITY AND FALL RISK In our later years, foot health becomes even more critical. Conditions like arthritis, neuropathy and decreased circulation can impair balance and sensation, increasing the risk of falls. Structural changes in the arch can further affect stability. Proper foot care,

Your feet carry you through everything – taking care of them is one of the most important investments you can make in your overall health. If foot pain lasts more than a few weeks; interferes with daily activities; or is associated with swelling, numbness or deformity, it’s time to consult a podiatric physician. In the meantime, let’s keep moving, ladies! THE LYRE

REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.

DIL JIT DOSANJH AT YOUTUBE THEATER; PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE THRASHER 46

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SISTERHOOD MEETS

SHOWTIME C H R I S T Y C A S T I L LO B U TC H E R A N D VA N E S S A K R O M E R S H A P E E N T E R TA I N M E N T’S B I G G E S T M O M E N T S A N D S U P P O R T E A C H OT H E R I N CLIMBING THE L ADDER BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

T CHR IST Y CAS TILL O BUT CHE R

he benefits of sorority membership are endless, and one that extends long after college graduation is the network of thousands of women you gain. No matter where you go or what career you pursue, there’s probably a sister there. Just ask Christy Castillo Butcher and Vanessa Kromer. What started with a job flyer dropped off at

the Epsilon Kappa (University of California, Fullerton) chapter house has extended into a decades-long mentorship and a friendship that has seen them both climb the corporate ladder at some of California’s biggest entertainment venues. “We’ve done so much together, and it is pretty incredible,” Vanessa says. “I’m super grateful to Christy for believing in me and giving me these opportunities and pushing me.” Continued on next page ...

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CHRIST Y’S HEADSHOT CREDIT: WES AND ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY | VANESSA’S HEADSHOT CREDIT: CHRISTINA GANDOLFO THE LYRE

REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.

MAKING THE CONNECTION

Today, Christy is the senior vice president of booking & programming for Hollywood Park (encompassing SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and 890,000 square feet of retail and office space) in the Los Angeles area, and Vanessa leads a team under Christy as the senior director of publicity. They are constantly collaborating as they host the biggest names in entertainment including Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones, as well as events like the FIFA World Cup. And their journey together started with Alpha Chi Omega.

Christy had just started her full-time career in ticketing at the soon-to-open Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim (now the Honda Center), and it was her job to hire part-time ticket sellers. This was before job opportunities were posted online, so she brought flyers to the Epsilon Kappa house, leaving them for her chapter sisters she had met – and those she hadn’t, like Vanessa. Vanessa, a sophomore at the time, applied and had her first interview with Christy. “I was extremely impressed by her,” Christy recalls thinking after learning about Vanessa’s retail experience and passion. “I was just like, ‘OK, we are hiring this girl for sure.’” Vanessa, Christy and a few other Alpha Chi Omegas helped open the venue. Over the next few years, Christy

worked her way to event management, and Vanessa to a full-time role in publicity and marketing. “We had a blast,” Christy says. “We had so much fun there.” The women’s professional paths diverged and crossed again several times over the next decades. Christy went out to the East Coast for work, then back home to California for jobs at Comedy Central and the NBA before ultimately returning to the venue entertainment industry for an opportunity to open the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena). In her first week at this new job, she was already advocating for her Alpha Chi sister. “We were in these temporary offices because the arena was being built. … The head of PR came in, and I remember peeking over the cubicle, and I was like, ‘Hi, have you hired anybody yet? I know exactly who you need to hire.’ And I told him all about Vanessa,” Christy says. “Of course, Vanessa got all of these jobs on her own. She’s amazing. I was always cheerleading her from the background.” After Vanessa was hired, the two spent several years at the Staples Center together, opening the arena, helping millions of fans enjoy Lakers and Clippers games, and hosting the Grammy Awards and the Democratic National Convention. “It was an amazing experience, and we all are still a really tight group from that venue because we were at a moment in time experiencing something that most people will never have in their lives, such marquee events,” Vanessa says. Even when Vanessa left to work in publicity and communications with Nederlander Concerts, an entertainment company that helps bring artists to California venues, the two stayed in touch. Christy was always willing to offer Vanessa advice about promotions and the industry.

CHRIST Y AND VANESSA WORKING TOGETHER AT ARROWHEAD POND 48

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Vanessa says, “Christy has always just been a mentor and an advocate for me in my career.” And the relationship went both ways, as Christy points out, “Vanessa was also a great sounding board for me as we kind of grew up together through different scenarios at work in business, office politics, industry politics. Just being able to talk through things with somebody that you trust and respect is so valuable.”

SUCCESS AT SOFI STADIUM It seems Vanessa and Christy were always meant to come back together. When Christy was preparing to leave the Staples Center after almost 20 years, she leaned on her friend for support, explaining, “Your personal friends don’t really understand the business, and then your business friends, you can’t really tell them anything about leaving. … She gave me wonderful advice about how to navigate that transition.”

VANESSA AND CHRIST Y AT SOFI STADIUM

Christy joined the team at Hollywood Park in 2018 to lead programming. She recalls, “I was starting to put the team together, and so I would just drop Vanessa’s name enough times with her resume.” A few years later when the time was right for Vanessa – and after some more nudging from Christy – she came over to lead publicity for the development.

are well underway to host eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LXI (the second Super Bowl taking place there) and the Opening Ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“She’s the one who will challenge you; she kind of pushes you out of your comfort zone,” Vanessa says. “I was fine at my old company, and I probably would have just stayed there forever, but she really pushes and challenges you. She sees in you maybe what you don’t see.”

It’s hard for the women to pick one standout moment from their careers. For Vanessa, it was one of the first concerts she worked in her new role – the Rolling Stones, just after the COVID-19 pandemic – and she was able to organize media to meet the band on the tarmac. “That was kind of my first ‘Welcome to SoFi Stadium. This is what you’ll be doing,’” she says. “And it hasn’t slowed down since.”

With Hollywood Park, Christy and Vanessa have a lot on their plates. The destination welcomes millions of guests each year, with SoFi Stadium holding 100,000 fans and YouTube Theater seating 6,000. A premier entertainment venue in the United States, SoFi Stadium has welcomed the most sought-after artists including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran and BTS, and plans

“We’re busy. It’s a busy campus. There’s always something going on,” Vanessa says.

For Christy, it was Taylor Swift. Christy was working at the Staples Center when Taylor Swift first started touring and years later was excited to welcome the artist back to California for the first performance at the brand-new SoFi Stadium. But COVID-19 canceled those THE LYRE

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July 2020 shows. So when Christy got the call a few years later that The Eras Tour wanted to come to SoFi Stadium, she knew it would be big – and it ended up rising to a whole new level. Christy says, “I remember standing there and thinking, ‘I may never in my career experience something as special as this again.’” Their jobs are not always easy – working nights and weekends, managing people (which Vanessa first learned to do as Epsilon Kappa chapter president) and handling crises – but there’s nothing like seeing the lights go down and hearing the roar of the fans. “We’re pretty fortunate,” Christy says. “We’re in the joymaking business.”

VANESSA RIGHT IN THE ACTION

CHRIST Y AT THE BILLBOARD WOMEN IN MUSIC EVENT PHOTO CREDIT: WES AND ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY

THE VALUE OF REL ATIONSHIPS After decades working together and cheering each other on, Christy and Vanessa have ample praise for each other. Christy says of Vanessa, “She’s so high-powered and energetic. But I think her superpower is she is secretly strategic. … Vanessa puts 100% into everything, whether it’s the job or her friendships, being a sibling, a sister, a daughter. She gives so much of herself. And I’ve always respected that she is very true to who she is, her morals, her ethics, her ethos.” A passionate difference-maker, Vanessa has volunteered within the entertainment industry at organizations like Music for Relief and in her community as a Big Sister. She was also inducted into the Event & Arena Marketing Conference’s Hall of Fame. About Christy, Vanessa shares, “She’s an incredible leader and continues to give great advice and direction 50

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CELEB SIGHTINGS Working in the entertainment industry has its perks, including meeting some of the world’s biggest artists. Here are just a few of the celebrities Christy and Vanessa have gotten to work with!

CHRIST Y WITH TAYLOR SWIFT

“We’re in the joy-making business.” and really guide the team in a way forward that is just very human and personal. … She’s super well respected within the industry. When she enters a room, people are so excited to see her. I’m lucky that I have her in my life and in my corner.” Christy was named to the 2025 Billboard Women in Music list and was named the Executive of the Year at the 2025 Pollstar Awards; under her leadership, SoFi Stadium was named Pollstar’s Stadium of the Year twice. Christy is an advocate for women in the music industry, leading employee resource groups at her past and current workplaces. Across their achievements and throughout their journeys up the corporate ladder, both Vanessa and Christy point to the value of the human connection.

VANESSA WITH SNOOP DOGG

CHRIST Y WITH ELTON JOHN

VANESSA WITH BOY GEORGE

“What I’m proudest of is the relationships that we both have been able to sustain throughout our career – with each other but even with other people in the industry,” Christy says. “That’s something for the collegians to really understand: you start your network now. … Your network is not just your director or VP. Your network is your peers right now too. Be curious, ask questions, be respectful to everybody and learn what your superpower is.” Vanessa seconds that, saying, “It’s really about building your network and keeping in contact with people. I’m still super close with my sorority sisters, and I know Christy has a huge network of sorority sisters too.” “I would emphasize the power of Alpha Chi Omega. … Don’t underestimate it,” Christy adds. “You have to lean into it and embrace it, and you have to give a little bit of yourself too.” THE LYRE

CAREER OUTLOOK

The Unspoken Rules of Networking BY ARIANNA BRADLEY (KAPPA XI, UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA), DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT, AND LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

ow do you show up in professional spaces? How do you make your pitch in a memorable yet natural way? How do you cultivate networking connections beyond the initial meeting? These are questions any job-seeker might ask, and they’re particularly top of mind for our collegiate members as they prepare for life after graduation. That’s where Alpha Chi Omega’s Capstone Leadership Program comes in. This educational experience is designed to promote the personal and professional development of collegiate participants through virtual sessions, small group engagement and connections with alumnae executive mentors. With topics ranging from strategic networking to designing a career map, participants leave with leadership skills applicable to their career, community and Alpha Chi Omega. We’re giving you a look at the unspoken rules of networking that our Capstone participants explore during the four-session program. And if you’re a collegiate member who wants to learn more, stay tuned for applications for the fall cohort!

BUILD YOUR NETWORK Be intentional in building connections. (Pro tip: create a profile at womenandwisdom.org to find Alpha Chi Omegas!) Consider adding to your network: • A comparable peer on a similar journey • A comparable peer on a different journey

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• An aspirational leader in your desired field/industry • An aspirational leader outside of your desired field/ industry • An industry or subject matter expert Remember, you share a common bond with all Alpha Chi Omega sisters, so it may be easier to start building a network with them than with cold contacts. Need help finding alumnae to connect with? Email mentoring@alphachiomega.org.

THE PROPER HANDSHAKE Be confident and make eye contact. Use a medium-firm grip. Shake 1.5-2.5 times in a smooth, controlled motion. Say your name and theirs when greeting. Release hands naturally. Tip: Place your name tag “high and right” so that the person’s eye can travel from your handshake, up your arm and to your name.

PREPARE YOUR INTRO Introduce yourself with your elevator pitch – so named for being short enough to give on an elevator ride (30 to 60 seconds). It should include: • Who you are • What you’re interested in • What you bring • What you want Be sure to practice but also remember that this is a conversation. Be genuinely interested in the other person you’re talking to: smile, remember their name and listen to learn.

NAIL THE NETWORKING MEETING Make it easy for the person you want to connect with to meet. That might mean offering your availability, suggesting a meeting place convenient to them or asking if they prefer a phone or Zoom call. Then prepare! Think about what you hope to learn and jot down some open-ended questions (not yes/no questions) that drive conversation and help you build a relationship, not just center on an ask for a job. Do your research to understand their role ahead of time. During your meeting, watch the time; it shows you respect them. And don’t forget to say “thank you” at the end.

NURTURE YOUR NETWORK Growing your network is one thing, but nurturing it is what turns connections into relationships! Look for connection points and chances to acknowledge milestones like birthdays and promotions. Even liking or commenting on a social media announcement can keep your connection “warm.” You can also check in with people in your network to share updates and pair that with asking what they’re up to. Reaching out “just because” strengthens your relationships, and “this made me think of you” lets others know they matter to you. People want to help people they actually know, so it’s important to cultivate real relationships all the time, not just when you need a job. Your network can be your most powerful tool, not only when exploring opportunities but also for ongoing support on your journey. But your network is only as strong as the intention and effort you put into it. It will be the genuine relationships that grow from an initial intro that will make all the difference!

WHAT DID CAPSTONE PARTICIPANTS LEARN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE? “I do not have to be perfect to be deserving of my dreams. By leaning on my strengths and working on my weaknesses, I will be able to achieve my goals.” “Never be your first ‘no.’” “People are the best thing that can happen to everyone, so you are the best thing that can happen to someone.” “Be patient. The right opportunity will come, but it takes time and consistency to build toward it.” “Even though it’s up to you to create your future, a network makes all the difference. Support can come from unexpected places and can guide you in important ways.”

THE LYRE

Women & Wisdom

JOIN THE 6,000+ SISTERS ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S NETWORK FOR REAL, STRONG WOMEN NETWORK Women & Wisdom is Alpha Chi Omega's program focused on TODAY! your professional and personal development.

Find connections, mentorship, career advice and more all on our online network of sisters!

"WE JOINED AXΩ TO BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, AND THERE'S A DIFFERENT TYPE OF MENTORING EXPERIENCE TO BE HAD WHEN YOU SHARE THAT TYPE OF CONNECTION."

Scan the QR code or visit womenandwisdom.org to start building your network today!

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Rhonda Anderson Baltier

ur members frequently share the impact that their advisors made on their collegiate experience. From serving as mentors and providing executive board support to staying connected long after graduation – our advisors make an immeasurable impact on our sisterhood. RHONDA ANDERSON Rhonda Baltier (Theta BALTIER Kappa, University of Memphis) is one of those advisors making a difference! Read more about her experience serving as Lambda Pi’s (University of Mississippi) chapter relations and standards advisor.

LOOKING BACK ON YOUR TIME AS AN ALPHA CHI OMEGA VOLUNTEER, WHAT MOMENTS OR LESSONS STAND OUT MOST?

I think one of my biggest lessons of volunteering with a collegiate chapter has been the fact that even though so much has changed in the 35+ years since I was a college student, the sisterhood remains eternal. Whether a sister is younger or older, the bonds of Alpha Chi are everlasting.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS VOLUNTEERING ENRICHED YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

Volunteering with Lambda Pi has really helped me to feel connected to not only our collegiate members but also our alumnae via the advisory board. I enjoy the sisterhood and friendships that my volunteer work provides.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY (OR WEEK) IN THE LIFE OF A CRS ADVISOR LOOK LIKE?

We are always on call for a new and large SEC chapter! We hold weekly vice president chapter relations and standards and advisor meetings, and I also sit in on the chapter relations and standards board meetings. I am always available for a text or call to answer questions or provide guidance to our VP.

WHAT ENERGIZES YOU MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH TODAY’S COLLEGIATE MEMBERS?

I love the insight and energy that our collegiate members bring! I always feel like I learn something new every time that we get to chat and be together.

WHAT KEEPS YOU CONNECTED TO ALPHA CHI OMEGA, AND WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO GIVE YOUR TIME AND ENERGY?

“Whether a sister is younger or older, the bonds of Alpha Chi are everlasting.”

The volunteer work keeps me connected, but also serving as Theta Xi Theta (Memphis, Tennessee) alumnae chapter’s delegate at convention keeps me informed about our Fraternity as a whole. I feel like Alpha Chi gave me so many opportunities and lessons as a collegian and so many lifelong friendships that have continued and grown as an alumna!

Thank you, Rhonda, for all you do! We are currently recruiting for positional advisor vacancies across the country. The roles vary in area of interest, time commitment and remote vs. in-person involvement. We would love to connect with you to find a role that fits your skills and interests. To raise your hand, log in to my.alphachiomega.org and select “Profile” and then the “Volunteer Interest” tab to submit your Volunteer Interest Form.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Leading for a Change BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

ngie Cianelli Rowe (Beta Mu, Pennsylvania State University) never set out to be a nonprofit executive. She never planned to manage 60 staff members and a multi-million-dollar budget. She just wanted to make a local impact. “If you did this interview with me two years ago, I was still suffering from imposter syndrome,” Angie says. “I’ve been here almost seven years. I would say probably just in the last year have I gotten to the point of, ‘I am the thought leader in this.’” Today, Angie and the nonprofit she runs as president and chief executive officer, Beyond Blindness, are leading the way in Orange County, California to empower children with visual impairments and other disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. Serving thousands of children and family members, Beyond Blindness offers support through services like a preschool program, inclusive summer camps and after-school care, Braille training, life skills development and therapy.

park bench for people to come and sit a bit in your neighborhood, we’d have such a beautiful place.” Angie joined the Blind Children’s Learning Center (which she had supported when she was president of the Orange County Junior Leage) and led the nonprofit through a full rebrand, including a new mission and vision statement, new funders, new ways to provide services and a new name, Beyond Blindness. Services expanded to meet growing needs, and the organization grew from supporting 268 individuals on Angie’s first day to 2,680 – and counting. The need is high because, as Angie explains, “the world is not built for them (children with visual impairments).” This means taking students to the grocery store so they learn how to fold money to pay without seeing the bills and organizing a judo class that includes teaching children how to fall safely without seeing the ground.

ANGIE CIANELLI ROWE

Angie came to Beyond Blindness after working at a global nonprofit for rare diseases, and she was excited about the chance not only to work with another lowincidence disability population, but also to lead an organization making an impact in her own community. “I believe in the ‘park bench theory,’” Angie explains. “You want to make the best park bench you can in your neighborhood, and if everybody focused on their own park bench and making it the most beautiful 56

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“If they can do this, I can do this.” Some of the things Angie is proudest of during her time with Beyond Blindness include a partnership with Head Start to offer early-childhood support for low-income families and building a culture that placed the organization on the Top Workplaces list from The Orange County Register. And more broadly, she’s thrilled that Beyond Blindness is the go-to provider of services for visually impaired children and can offer services that incorporate the entire family. “Our whole focus has been on the family unit,” Angie says. “Your primary goal is the child, but having a

ANGIE, DOREEN AND THEIR KIDS

ANGIE WITH ONE OF HER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, RHONE

healthy and connected family – that’s what success looks like. The kids are more successful the more supported the families feel.” For Beyond Blindness, that means including siblings in programming, teaching parents how to continue lessons at home and offering support for navigating insurance and school. “My resilience for the work, for how many long hours I’ve put in, comes from the stories of the families,” Angie says. “If they can do this, I can do this.” For those sisters who hope to follow Angie into nonprofit leadership, she encourages them to find their passion and to begin by donating and volunteering to meet a need in their local community. Even though nonprofit work is Angie’s full-time job, she still makes time to volunteer, whether that’s taking shelter dogs on a walk or recently concluding her service as an advisor to the Delta Psi (University of California, Santa Barbara) chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. “Even if they’re working full-time somewhere else, they can try volunteer opportunities that are offered in their communities,” Angie says. “There are so many amazing nonprofits in this country that need help.”

ALPHA CHI CONNECTIONS Our sisterhood is woven into Angie’s life in big ways and small. On Angie’s first day in California, she ran into a chapter sister, Katherin Nukk-Freeman, at the Rose Bowl. They reconnected, and Angie would stay with her in Northern California when she would commute for work. At graduation setup for one of her children’s schools, Angie found herself volunteering alongside several Alpha Chi Omegas from chapters all across the country! They didn’t realize they were sisters until they started talking about their college involvement. Angie’s favorite connection is the one she shares with her member class sister, Doreen Sisk Dickinson. They stayed connected after graduation, even though they lived 2,000 miles apart. Angie’s son Colin and Doreen’s daughter Maura met a few times over the years and then reconnected when they both lived in Arizona. Now they’re dating, and Angie and Doreen get to enjoy even more time together!

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ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNA

From the Classroom to Kenya

BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

t an age when many consider slowing down, Channa Beth Butcher (Alpha Chi, Butler University) is just getting started. Her lifelong journey proves that learning never ends, and neither does its impact. Since she was 9 years old, Channa Beth has had an interest in Africa. So 60 years later when the opportunity was offered to go with a few friends, she couldn’t pass it up. Channa Beth wanted to be prepared for her visit to Tanzania and Rwanda, and she explains, “I’m a retired language teacher, so I couldn’t go without knowing some Swahili, which is the main language spoken in East Africa. So I started learning it on my own.” Using a few key CHANNA BETH (RIGHT) VALUES phrases, she saw the THE REL ATIONSHIPS SHE impact on those she BUILDS WHEN SHE TRAVELS TO AFRICA. met. “They were so endeared when I spoke their language,” Channa Beth says. “I couldn’t say much, but they loved it anyway.” Her interest sparked by that trip, she quickly found a tutor from Kenya at Indiana University to learn more of the language. The tutor became a close friend, and Channa Beth began to learn more about Kenya from her, even visiting her family’s home there. As relationships began to blossom, Channa Beth was drawn to the one thing that has been consistent in her life: learning. “I decided I really need to know more to do more,” she says. “So I enrolled in 58

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

the doctoral program in literacy, language and culture at Indiana University.” Returning to school is never easy, especially in your 70s, but this wasn’t Channa Beth’s first leap back into the classroom. In her 40s, she earned a master’s degree in education along with a Spanish minor. This time, however, the experience proved to be a different journey. “I was a bit apprehensive because I figured I was going to be the oldest by far,” she says. “But there were some people in their 50s, so I wasn’t totally surrounded by 20-year-olds!” While a majority of the program was online, the classes would typically meet in person once a month as a full group. Most of her classmates were fellow education professionals, and they created a group chat to discuss the curriculum. Channa Beth became the self-proclaimed “leader of rebels” in the program, explaining, “Because we were one of the early cohorts in this program to start, we were very vocal about telling them what they could do to improve the program. I think it helped that I was old, I wasn’t really afraid to speak up, and that then encouraged others to do the same.” With the feedback she and other students provided, professors made some adjustments to the program to meet the needs of future students. Channa Beth graduated with her

CHANNA BETH’S NONPROFIT CENTERS ON COMMUNIT Y INVOLVEMENT.

Ph.D. at age 77, making her the oldest 2024 graduate at Indiana University. Her advice to sisters who are ready to jump back into the classroom? It’s never too late to learn. “I encourage everyone, get out of your own box. Make your own journey. I think it’s so important in life to keep being fulfilled and not stop,” she shares. Channa Beth followed her own advice after graduation. Her doctorate was part of a bigger plan to start a nonprofit. She always knew she wanted to work with and support young women, so she started E3 Kenya. “It stands for Encourage, Empower and Engage,” she explains. “Our first initiative was in the area of menstrual health management. We started making reusable menstrual pads for girls in Kenya.”

“Get out of your own box. Make your own journey. ... It’s so important in life to keep being fulfilled and not stop.” Channa Beth began making the pads herself but knew she would eventually want the program to be sustainable by the Kenyan women in their communities. Now, several local groups help sew and make the reusable sanitary items, and each is paid a stipend for their work. Channa Beth has also had help from the Alpha Chi (Butler University) chapter to help make some of the items to bring with her! The need was evident; many of the young girls in these communities didn’t have any access to sanitary products. Channa Beth recalls one of the messages she

CHANNA BETH (RIGHT) IS DEDICATED TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF GIRLS IN KENYA.

received after their first distribution. “A 12-year-old girl sent me a recording, and it brought me to tears,” Channa Beth remembers. “She said, ‘You don’t know how much this means to me. Thank you. Sometimes I would mess my skirt up, and boys would just laugh at me. But I didn’t have any supplies. I was just so embarrassed. Now I’m excited to go to school.’” Each girl is given a kit with six pads, an informational brochure, a pair of underwear, soap and a period tracking calendar. Ensuring that each girl knows how to use the items is something Channa Beth learned about while pursuing her doctorate. “Something I found during my studies was that many of the international development groups, nonprofits that work not just in Kenya, but around the world, they tend to take things to a community and drop them off and leave them, and then they’re never heard from again,” she explains. “And so it just isn’t that helpful. I wanted this to be based on working with the community.” Now going into its second year, the program has distributed 7,000 reusable pads from the U.S. alone; in the local groups, they average roughly 1,000 a month! What began as a desire to see new cultures grew into meaningful friendships, academic achievement and a nonprofit that continues to change lives. Channa Beth is a 2026 Real. Strong. Women. of Distinction Award recipient. Learn more about her nonprofit at e3kenya.org. THE LYRE

AR I C SP HO I VT E L ISG H T

THEN AND NOW

Stepping Through Time COLLEGIATE FIELD ADVISORS TO CHAPTER CONSULTANTS BY LANEY TERNET (ALPHA, DEPAUW UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST, AND ARDEN ROBBINS (EPSILON UPSILON, MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY), CHAPTER CONSULTANT

lpha Chi Omega’s chapter consultant program was established in 1955 by the National Council. Originally titled “traveling secretary,” the role has evolved over the decades, with names including “national collegiate field advisor,” “collegiate field consultant,” “collegiate leadership consultant” and, today, “chapter consultant.” While the title has changed, the heart of the position remains a commitment to supporting collegians, strengthening chapters and building lifelong connections rooted in sisterhood.

1975

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE FIELD ADVISORS JARI ASKINS AND KRISTIN KOPPEN For Jari Askins (Psi, The University of Oklahoma) and Kristin Koppen (Delta Chi, William Woods University), members of the 1975-76 national collegiate field advisor (NCFA) class, the role was beyond a job; it was a defining life experience. Alongside Sue Ann Lafky (Alpha Kappa, University of Oregon), they formed a bond that would last far beyond their year of travel.

TOP: SUE ANN, JARI AND KRISTIN VISITING KRISTIN’S FAMILY ABOVE: KRISTIN’S HANDWRITTEN NCFA SCHEDULE

Their journeys into the role began early. As Jari recalls, “I had wanted this job since I was a freshman in college. … I read about it in my pledge manual … and as an 18-year-old freshman, I was like, ‘I want to do that.’

And I can tell you that it is the only job in my entire life that I knew that I wanted.” That early sense of purpose carried her through the experience, shaping her confidence and leadership.

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

experience even more meaningful. Over the course of their year, the three women became like family. Their bond endured through life’s milestones. Kristin shares, “We followed each other to Jari’s inauguration as lieutenant governor, we visited Sue Ann while she pursued her Ph.D. at Indiana University, we visited her in Iowa when she moved there, and her death was a huge blow to us. We felt like we lost one leg of our stool.” Jari remembers Sue Ann as someone unforgettable: “Sue marched to the beat of her own drum. She was so comfortable in her own skin, [and] she was extremely intuitive and a gifted writer.” KRISTIN, JARI AND SUE ANN MET UP MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS, OFTEN INCLUDING KAREN MILEY, WHO SUPPORTED THEM AS NATIONAL COLLEGIATE VICE PRESIDENT AND WHO WOULD L ATER SERVE AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Kristin shares that enthusiasm, reflecting simply, “It is the best job I’ve ever had.” In a letter home during her travels, she wrote, “I wonder where the three of us will end up? Should be interesting to find out.” At the time, none of them could have fully anticipated just how deeply connected their lives would remain. Though their careers following their time as NCFAs took them separate ways, they kept a special connection to Alpha Chi, with Kristin and Jari both serving on national boards. Jari recalls the whirlwind trip to Chicago, Illinois for their NCFA interviews that started their bond: “We flew into O’Hare International Airport for our interviews. We traveled there and back on the same day. I was dressed so fine. I had on slacks, a shirt and a matching sweater vest. I had a wonderful interview … and as I was leaving, I was introduced to the girl after me. Here was this co-ed dressed so awesome in a skirt to the T … and it was Kristin.” Kristin remembered the moment just as vividly, noting how unlikely yet fitting it all seemed in retrospect: “I met Jari, and the person right after me was Sue Ann. So, the three of us interviewed one right after the other, which was just wild.” Jari and Kristin came from strong Alpha Chi Omega foundations, as their mothers were deeply involved as volunteers. That foundation made their shared

Their connection remains central to how they reflect on their experience today. “We truly became sisters for life in the way that Alpha Chi Omega talks about with their individual chapters,” Jari says. “We can honestly speak to it as a sisterhood for life beyond just your chapter sisters.” Looking back, both women describe the NCFA experience with deep gratitude. “Our foundation with Alpha Chi was strong, it will continue to be strong, and being a field advisor was the gift of a lifetime,” Kristin reflects. “We consider our experience such a gift and would encourage others considering this role to pursue it. It is truly the opportunity of a lifetime to be a traveling consultant.”

2025

CHAPTER CONSULTANT ARDEN ROBBINS

While the role has evolved over time, its impact remains steadfast. Today, that experience is carried forward by those currently serving. Arden Robbins (Epsilon Upsilon, Mississippi State University) has just completed her first year as a consultant and is gearing up for a second. She reflects on her journey, offering a perspective on the growth and meaning ful connections that continue to define the role. When I began my journey as a chapter consultant, I expected to continue the life-changing experience THE LYRE

AR I C SP HO I VT E L ISG H T

I found in Alpha Chi Omega and to give back to an organization that had given me so much. Nearly a year later, I’ve realized the impact this experience has had on me and my understanding of sisterhood. As a first-year traveling consultant, I began by connecting with the talented and passionate women who made up the 2025-26 team. Two weeks of summer training in Indianapolis, followed by countless days together in our virtual squares, quickly showed me that this role is rooted just as much in connection as it is in service. Then I hit the road! From my first visit at Gamma Epsilon in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to wrapping up the recruitment season at Kappa Upsilon in Miami, Florida, I began to see how the experience was shaping me.

THE 2025-26 CHAPTER CONSULTANT TEAM

Throughout the fall, my visits expanded to include COB support, officer transitions and general chapter support. Each campus brought new faces, new perspectives and new reminders of why Alpha Chi Omega continues to mean so much to so many women. In airports, on campus walks and during late-night conversations, I found myself pausing to feel grateful that I said “yes” to this job. Even the everyday moments became meaningful, from hearing members’ hopes for their chapter to celebrating their wins or listening to their stories. The collegiate members I met were confident, resilient and committed to this sisterhood we shared. Being invited into their experiences was both humbling and inspiring. The semester concluded with time in Indianapolis alongside one of the most impactful parts of my consultant experience: our team. In a role that often means being on the road, these women became a steady source of encouragement and support. They reminded me that even while apart, we were never navigating the experience alone. In the spring, I saw my coaching lead to successful recruitments and my conversations from earlier visits bring tangible progress. With each chapter, I continued to find connection and see the quiet ways my impact showed up over time. 62

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ARDEN WITH COLLEGIATE MEMBERS ON ONE OF HER VISITS

Throughout every season, what remained the cornerstone of my experience was the heart of Alpha Chi Omega. Across campuses and experiences, I was surrounded by women who were committed to continuing the experience that began long before us. As I reflect on this year, I am seeing how the consultant role evolves with each new team yet remains grounded in the same mission of Alpha Chi Omega. It is an incredible honor to be part of this legacy. Now, I have the privilege of continuing that work and hopefully inspiring generations of sisters and consultants to come.

AXΩ CONNECTION

COLLEGIATE NOTES 1 DELTA EPSILON (SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSIT Y)

3 ZETA UPSILON (CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSIT Y)

A sisterhood worthy of a magazine cover! Our Delta Epsilon sisters love to promote Alpha Chi.

Bid Day, best day! These sisters snapped a quick picture during the festivities.

2 CHI (OREGON STATE UNIVERSIT Y)

4 DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSIT Y)

Throw what you know! These Chi chapter members celebrated Bid Day and welcomed home their new sisters.

Bid Day is pretty sweet with sisters like these. New members and lifetime members got together for a quick photo.

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AXΩ CONNECTION

5 THETA TAU (RUTGERS UNIVERSIT Y)

7 DELTA L AMBDA (RIPON COLLEGE)

Families grew at Theta Tau chapter after big/little reveal.

Making a difference on campus, members tabled during Healthy Relationships Week to spread awareness.

6 KAPPA MU (UNIVERSIT Y OF TEXAS AT T YLER)

8 GAMMA ZETA (KANSAS STATE UNIVERSIT Y)

There’s nothing quite like meeting your new chapter family at big/little reveal!

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Sisters spent spring break seeking the heights and traveling together.

9 DELTA KAPPA (SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSIT Y)

11 DELTA RHO (UNIVERSIT Y OF ARKANSAS)

Sisters hopped on bikes to explore the town during spring break. 10 EPSILON L AMBDA (THE UNIVERSIT Y OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON) Members celebrated the unbreakable bond of sisterhood after initiation!

During a special night of sisterhood, the Delta Rho chapter hosted initiation for their newest members.

12 THETA IOTA (BAYLOR UNIVERSIT Y) Stepping out in their boots, these sisters are ready to hit the town!

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AXΩ CONNECTION

1 3

ALUMNAE NOTES 1 THETA SIGMA THETA (GREENVILLE, SC) For Alpha Chi Night Out, members gathered together and got creative!

3 OMICRON RHO OMICRON (MONTGOMERY COUNT Y, TX) Alpha Chi Night Out is all about sisters by your side!

2 TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTERS

4 KAPPA SIGMA KAPPA (LIT TLE ROCK, AR)

Gathering at a local restaurtant in Tampa, sisters from several nearby chapters celebrated Alpha Chi Night Out and Healthy Relationships Week.

Alumnae chapter members had a wonderful time catching up at Izzy’s to celebrate sisterhood for Alpha Chi Night Out.

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7 5

5 DELTA TAU (MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSIT Y, MANKATO) ALUMNAE Jeanne Clemons Swanson, Michelle Neaman Liepke, Karen Morris and Renae Oswald Anderson reminisced on 50 years of sisterhood during Alpha Chi Night Out.

7 IOTA UPSILON IOTA (WILLIAMSBURG, VA) The chapter celebrated MacDowell Month and a history of strong women by viewing the “Abstract Expressionists: The Women” exhibit at the Muscarelle Museum of Art.

6 SIGMA SIGMA (ST. LOUIS, MO)

8 MU PI MU (SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA)

To celebrate Galentine’s Day, members enjoyed lunch at an authentic French patisserie and cafe. The chapter has also been having fundraisers at local Lion’s Choice restaurants where 20% of sales will be given to Alpha Chi Omega.

Sisters ended Hera Day by enjoying a delicious dinner of Greek food and music.

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AXΩ CONNECTION

9 DELTA PSI DELTA (SARASOTA, FL)

11 ALPHA GAMMA ALPHA (ATL ANTA, GA)

Chapter members gathered at a sister’s home for Greek food in honor of Hera Day plus an informal chapter meeting to plan the rest of the year’s programming.

Members created self-care packages for the Cherokee Family Violence Center, which supports domestic violence survivors with emergency and transitional housing.

10 GAMMA ETA GAMMA (EUGENE, OR) To celebrate Hera Day, chapter members donated to Kids FIRST, an advocacy center for child victims of abuse, and shared in brunch. Left to right: Mollie Brantley, Patty Perlow (executive director of Kids FIRST), Kathy Yates, Peggy Remm, Mary Jane Jewett and Stephanie Blanchard

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12 ETA THETA ETA (NASHVILLE, TN) The chapter created Build-A-Bears for the local police station to give to children who need comfort during their calls. It was a family affair with husbands, children and even furry friends attending!

13 IOTA NU IOTA (TREASURE COAST, FL)

15 MU MU (KANSAS CIT Y, MO)

The chapter welcomed author Sandee Jo Crocker, who serves on the Board of Directors for Safe Space, and two Safe Space staff members to learn about domestic violence and collect donations for the shelter.

Sisters learned to play mahjog, led by Amy Tonyes (Zeta Sigma, Missouri State University) with assistance from individual table coaches.

14 BETA OMEGA BETA (PHOENIX, AZ)

16 EPSILON CHI EPSILON (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA)

The chapter held a flower-arranging event and showed off the uniqueness of each sister’s creation!

Alumnae chapter members helped Gail Conlan (Alpha, DePauw University) celebrate her 90th birthday in January.

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AXΩ CONNECTION

17 RHO RHO (OKL AHOMA CIT Y, OK)

19 ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (WICHITA, KS)

Members enjoyed a Sips & Dips gathering and started the event with a surprise candelight ceremony for a newly engaged sister!

Alumnae chapter members enjoyed the warmth of sisterhood and a meal of chili this winter.

18 ALPHA BETA (PURDUE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE

20 SIGMA (UNIVERSIT Y OF IOWA) AND RHO (UNIVERSIT Y OF WASHINGTON) ALUMNAE

The AB63+ sisters (made up of 1963 and a few 1966 graduates) met up for a reunion in Louisville, Kentucky in October. Left to right: Sherrie Richards Mathis, Jane Rasp McGeehan, Dotty Garvin Tonjes, Mary Wightman McKane, Elaine Maesso Wedral and Gretchen Mueller Bataille

Rhonda Trimble Bean and Linda Sheldone traveled to Germany to tour the Christmas markets. The two met through Alpha Chi volunteering more than 20 years ago!

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

22 21 EPSILON PSI (UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE) ALUMNAE Melissa Miller Calvano was thrilled to be joined by her Epsilon Psi sisters – Stacy Feltner Johnson, Melissa Gee Wanderling and Beth Tai Lin Bell – to welcome her daughter Elizabeth Calvano into the Epsilon (University of Southern California) chapter in the fall. 22 THREE GENERATIONS OF ALPHA CHIS When Allie Cunningham was initiated into the Epsilon (University of Southern

23 California) chapter this spring, she was joined by her mother, Becky Ann McConnellCunningham (Alpha, DePauw University), and grandmother, Sue Kay (Schmidt) McDonnell (Gamma Mu, Ball State University). 23 WOMEN & WISDOM ABROAD Jennifer Johnson (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University) met her mentee, Zoe Beuzelin (Delta Mu, University of Massachusetts) in Paris, where she is studying abroad. This Women & Wisdom connection came to life across the world, proving our sisterhood truly knows no distance!

ACCOLADES 1 GAMMA RHO (TEXAS TECH UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNA Winn Sherril Sikes received the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the Texas REALTORS, recognizing nearly 50 years of volunteering within the industry. Winn has also spent the past 60 years volunteering with Alpha Chi Omega and is known to say, “When a sister asks for help – you always answer ‘yes.’”

THE LYRE

IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam Reported to headquarters between February 1 and April 30 Name, Initiation Year, Month and Year of Death Alpha (DePauw University) Anita McKee Godfrey,1966, July 2023 Gamma (Northwestern University) Julia Anne Dawson, 1944, August 2025 Betty Gene Elkin, 1953, March 2026 Mary Gibson Murdock, 1946, April 2026 Sandra Stevens Sevier, 1958, March 2026 Delta (Allegheny College) Barbara Beacham Anderson, 1960, November 2025 Theta (University of Michigan) Carolyn Street Austin, 1945, May 2024 Mary Alice Flint, 1949, December 2024 Kathryn Susan Wood, 1988, March 2026 Kappa (University of Wisconsin– Madison) Carole Calabresa Garstang, 1959, February 2026 Mary Ann Foertsch Hanson, 1959, October 2025 Kristine Ludwig Scoon, 1966, May 2025 Lambda (Syracuse University) Sally H. Whitehurst, 1947, March 2026 Mu (Simpson College) Joan Elaine Sivers, 1973, February 2026 Nu (University of Colorado Boulder) Barbara Marie Burchett, 1951, January 2019

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Xi (University of Nebraska – Lincoln) Jean Steven McVicker, 1950, January 2026 Mary Ellen Petersen, 1951, February 2020 Omicron (Baker University) Carol Platt Butler, 1949, February 2026 Anna Marie Kruse, 1947, March 2026 Pi (University of California, Berkeley) Dorothy Rothweiler Maximov, 1945, February 2021 Margaret Elizabeth Tharp, 1936, October 2011 Rho (University of Washington) Jan Kirkwood Waszak, 1971, March 2026 Sigma (University of Iowa) Connie Jane Miller, 1963, August 2025 Mary Agnes Rewoldt, 1947, March 2026 Gretchen Lowry Wirtz, 1957, May 2025 Tau (Brenau University) Carol Virginia Martin, 1960, July 2025 Upsilon (Millikin University) Trudy Lee Ballinger, 1969, March 2026 Harriet Louise Eichen, 1949, February 2026 Phi (University of Kansas) Martha Joan Chase, 1948, June 2025 Carole Joan Holmes Toliver, 1955, March 2026 Chi (Oregon State University) Margaret Jean Minto Camby, 1961, March 2026 Bettye Lou Hammack, 1950, March 2026 Cathy Jeannette Richards, 1971, November 2025 Barbara Cotta Semmelmeyer, 1945, November 2016

Psi (The University of Oklahoma) Mary Kaye Adams, 1961, March 2026 Genevieve Jean Berry Henry, 1959, April 2023 Debra Robertson Blair, 1970, July 2021 Jo Ann Bradford, 1954, August 2025 Margaret Ann Brown, 1960, February 2026 Helen Louise Powell Cassingham, 1949, April 2026 Doris Meyer Chalfant, 1948, January 2026 Susan Kathleen Ehlen, 1970, January 2026 Sherry Ann Gibbens, 1960, November 2024 Sondra Ann Harris, 1957, April 2025 Lois Jeanne Lindsey, 1959, February 2026 Marian Robbins Moore, 1958, August 2025 Janice K. Owens, 1957, April 2023 Patsy Ruth Reger, 1950, January 2026 Peggy Lynn Symes, 1959, February 2026 Alpha Beta (Purdue University) Margaret Hedderich Boardman, 1945, February 2026 Candy Lou Short, 1965, September 2020 Alpha Gamma (The University of New Mexico) Catherine Park Haney, 1940, May 2022 Alpha Delta (University of Cincinnati) Laurie L. Bay, 1975, April 2026 Marilyn Robbins Meggelin, 1947, November 2025 Helen June Moeser, 1957, March 2026 Alpha Zeta (Washington University in St. Louis) Janet Eleanor Rothman, 1950, August 2024

Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union) Elizabeth Anne Calvert, 1942, September 2011 Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon) Patricia Louise Barrows, 1956, December 2025 Alpha Lambda (University of Minnesota) Dorothy Fairbanks Gee, 1924, May 1982 Alpha Mu (Indiana University) Elizabeth Ruth Burns, 1954, January 2026 Barbara Scudder Fox, 1963, February 2026 Marilyn Ann Myers, 1962, February 2026 Marcia Edwards Rice, 1959, March 2026 Karen Painter Shaw, 1962, March 2026 Mary Henderson Stucky, 1960, March 2026 Alpha Nu (University of Missouri) Elizabeth Carol Paggi, 1961, June 2022 Ginny Lamar Staats, 1962, July 2025 Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University) Carol V. Gay, 1949, November 2017 Sally Jo Rowell, 1963, February 2026 Alpha Pi (University of North Dakota) Joyce Lenore Kepner, 1968, September 2025 Alpha Rho (University of Idaho) Mary Ellen Stewart, 1963, January 2026 Alpha Sigma (Ohio Wesleyan University) Marilyn Jean Bohnsack, 1957, March 2026 Susan Eileen Boyd, 1969, February 2026

Barbara Hunt Clark, 1950, January 2026 Joan Barrett Kirby, 1954, February 2026 Barbara Slaybaugh Raymond, 1950, April 2026 Peggy Evelyn Stratton, 1952, April 2026 Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama) Martha Sue Beall, 1954, March 2026 Peggy Venable Belk, 1954, October 2025 Judith Ellen Hornsby, 1958, February 2026 Alpha Psi (UCLA) Beverly Allington Denton, 1948, November 2003 Alpha Omega (BirminghamSouthern College) Carol Grady Nelson, 1963, September 2025 Mary Glenn Bohannon Richardson, 1963, March 2025 Beta Gamma (Louisiana State University) Sarah Lott Boudreaux, 1965, May 2025 Beta Delta (College of William & Mary) Linda Thacker Cannady, 1967, September 2024 Mary Lou Curry Hawkins, 1950, February 2026 Betty Jo Whitten May,1954, April 2025 Beta Eta (Florida State University) Merry June Jackson Burwell, 1957, April 2026 Sandra Asher Chappell, 1959, March 2022

Beta Lambda (University of Arizona) Marilyn Yvonne Donaldson, 1957, March 2026 Beta Mu (Pennsylvania State University) Gretchen Gleim Schwoebel, 1955, March 2026 Margaret Nancy Sutton, 1952, January 2023 Beta Nu (University of Utah) Janet Geertson Ormond, 1954, October 2025 Veryl Gae Stott Rose, 1951, September 2025 Drew Spencer Timpson, 1952, February 2026 Beta Xi (Utah State University) Catherine Cecile Baker Van Skyhawk, 1960, August 2025 Carol Adams Weidauer, 1961, November 2025 Beta Rho (American University) Thorla Hall Cox, 1949, June 2024 Beta Sigma (University of Georgia) Christina Andreae Freeman, 1949, May 2020 Beta Tau (Miami University) Alice Elizabeth Stutz, 1948, September 2025 Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University) Susan Shearer Bowman, 1966, March 2017 Beta Chi (Willamette University) Donna Cheldelin Gutzler, 1951, February 2014

Beta Theta (Lawrence University) Dorothy Perschbacher Kassilke, 1945, October 2025

Continued on next page ...

THE LYRE

IN MEMORIAM

Beta Omega (The University of Toledo) Nancy Ann Irwin, 1955, July 2025 Betsy Ann Leistner, 1955, September 2025 Donna Frances Reiter, 1952, June 2025 Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University) Sherry Naifeh Abraham-Morrow, 1968, February 2016 Eleanor Jeanne Anderson, 1947, March 2020 Shirley Paris Bellatti, 1954, April 2021 Mary Catherine Billings, 1948, December 2012 Dawn Nell Davis Brummitt, 1977, January 2021 Norma Sue O’Neal Bugh, 1953, December 2023 Patricia Dean Catron, 1950, October 2010 Nancy Carol Clark, 1961, April 1991 Helen Louise Cobb, 1947, November 1992 Bettie Jean Collins, 1961, September 2023 Joyce Alleyne Colvert, 1949, September 2014 Alice Clark Davies, 1967, November 2010 Marilyn June Davis, 1955, August 2022 Carolyn Skinner Dewhirst, 1952, August 2001 Linda Ellen DuBois, 1958, March 2021 Elizabeth Ann Ducharme, 1958, January 2025 Nellie Downey Ebel, 1947, December 2014 Elizabeth Louise Erickson, 1948, July 2009 Sarah Sue Fairbetter, 1960, March 2012 Dorcas Diane Featherly, 1950, March 2010 Nancy Mefford Fiske, 1966, March 2006 Marjorie Ann Fransen, 1948, January 2009 Kathryn Dew Gates, 1955, January 2014

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Jane Ellen Gibson, 1963, January 2025 Marcia Mauzy Grantham, 1950, March 2026 Carolyn Sue Gray, 1954, January 2013 Linda Buckner Hackney, 1963, August 2013 Catherine Lynn Hammond, 1978, August 2020 Faie Suzanne Harris, 1959, November 2004 Patricia Ann Abell Heckenkamp, 1963, August 1982 Helen Janet Hedrick, 1948, July 2009 Callie Lou Gilmore Heinze, 1947, December 2000 Brandolyn Cheyenne Henderson, 1997, April 2014 Marietta Davis Henson, 1948, January 2015 Darla Denton Hickam, 1958, August 1997 Betty Burke Howell, 1947, April 2006 Ruth Annette Inkster, 1953, January 2006 Betty Francis Jernigan, 1949, February 2010 Patricia Findley Kingery, 1957, July 2011 Saundra Tate Kuepper, 1972, February 2008 Selma Pundsness Larson, 1956, August 2001 Mary Elizabeth Leidigh, 1965, March 2008 Virginia Collins Lewis Marsden, 1956, December 1993 Verna M. McKenzie, 1951, January 2016 Marilyn Kay Miller, 1960, May 2022 Jerelyn Davis Moss, 1956, December 2024 Suzanne M. Muehe, 1969, May 2005 Ruth Youvonne Stevens Nay, 1958, November 2010 Betty Marie Jelsma Price, 1948, March 2015 Nancy Jeanne Ray, 1972, November 2002 Mary Simpkins Reed, 1962, January 1965 Sandra Merrill Reimer, 1973, May 2025

Judith Berentz Reinschmiedt, 1970, November 2003 Catherine June Rice, 1950, July 2021 Diane Mitchell Rogers, 1971, June 2010 Adelia Beth Peeler Sanders, 1955, November 2010 Janelda Jane Schou, 1956, April 2000 Elizabeth Byers Segler, 1953, June 1979 Gladys Evelyn Simmons, 1955, September 2013 Margaret Julia Slagle, 1956, October 2021 Wanda R. Stehr, 1948, April 2008 Eve A. Tennille, 1959, September 2014 Sue Ann Blaine Walls, 1961, February 2010 Gamma Theta (University of Maryland) Claire Lillian Parker Liebert, 1959, April 2026 Gamma Iota (University of Florida) Maureen Carmen Fox, 1968, April 2026 Righton C. Willis, 1964, January 2026 Gamma Lambda (Kent State University) Anne Rankin Mahoney, 1956, September 2025 Gamma Mu (Ball State University) Susan Eileen Perkins, 1965, April 2026 Gamma Nu (San Diego State University) Beverly Moore Mead, 1954, April 2026 Shirley Helms Rupp, 1951, April 2016 Gamma Xi (Western Michigan University) Gwendolyn Jean Fox, 1954, January 2026 Ruth Ann Mogelnicki, 1958, August 2025 Gamma Omicron (Marshall University) Lola Jane Toney, 1976, April 2026

WE ASKED SISTERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University) Marilyn Jean Laughbaum, 1956, April 2026 Molly Mackenzie Vukusich, 2007, February 2026 Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston) Iris Collins Eaton, 1957, January 2026 Delta Iota (Emory University) Elizabeth Stanley Springer, 1975, February 2026 Delta Kappa (Sam Houston State University) Joan Elaine Coe, 1959, March 2026 Lorena Kay Serafin, 1968, October 2025 Delta Lambda (Ripon College) Judith Helen DeLeeuw, 1959, August 2025 Delta Nu (Iowa State University) Linda Lee Podhajsky, 1964, February 2026 Suzanne Kay Rhomberg, 1960, April 2025 Delta Pi (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) Nelda Jane Wilson VanTour, 1965, January 2026 Pamela Kos Walker, 1968, February 2026 Delta Rho (University of Arkansas) Judy Morene Alexander, 1973, March 2026 Delta Tau (Minnesota State University, Mankato) Geralyn Marie Gruss, 1971, August 2025 Delta Chi (William Woods University) Beth Ann Isabel, 1975, March 2025 Christi A. Zike, 1975, July 2023

Epsilon Lambda (The University of Texas at Arlington) Philipa Marie Remington, 1969, December 2021 Stacy Lynn Zamarripa, 1984, June 2025 Iota Kappa (Eastern Kentucky University) Jennifer Catherine Buckner Haddix, 1990, April 2026

WHAT’S ONE STEP ALPHA CHI GAVE YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO TAKE? “Stepping into a LEADERSHIP POSITION! Alpha Chi does an amazing job of building leaders.” “Alpha Chi gave me the confidence to GO TO LAW SCHOOL. I graduated today!” “Becoming the most AUTHENTIC VERSION OF MYSELF!” “Running for an EXEC POSITION! I was so nervous to run, but I am so glad I did!” “Alpha Chi gave me the confidence to BE MORE INVOLVED at my university by providing me with exceptional resources to help me do so.” “Applying for jobs, making friends and TRYING NEW THINGS” “Starting my own VOLUNTEER PROGRAM” “AXO has brought me out of my shell, finally letting me feel like I CAN BE MYSELF around people.” “To MOVE TO ANOTHER STATE for a job opportunity I really wanted” “Alpha Chi showed me that confidence is built in being authentic and LOVING THE REAL YOU.”

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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

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YOUR BEST CONVENTION NAME TAG STARTS HERE! VISIT STAR BOOTH AT CONVENTION AND HONOR THE SISTERS WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE. Check out the Foundation’s article inside to learn more about Star Booth! Not making it to convention this year? You can support virtually! Scan the QR code to make your Star Booth gift beginning July 1.