The Winter 2025 Lyre

Lyre THE

THE EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

Inside the Recruitment Counselor Experience Honoring Membership Milestones

Kelly Suntrup Stumpe AKA The Car Mom : EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE CAR-BUYING PROCESS

WINTER 2025 SPRING 2020 T H E128.

LYR E 1 2.

VOLUME ISSUE VOLUME TK. ISSUE TK.

Real. Strong. Women.®

BY LANEY TERNET (ALPHA, DEPAUW UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST

T

he Real. Strong. Women. brand of Alpha Chi Omega has become one of the most recognizable and meaningful expressions of the Fraternity’s identity. Introduced in 2008, the brand developed out of a need to appeal to prospective members, collegians and alumnae alike. It built on our past and reflected our future, differentiating us from other groups and serving as a guidepost for the organization’s decisions.

The words offered a simple yet powerful message.

“Real” emphasized authenticity, encouraging members to embrace their genuine selves. “Strong” reflected the resilience and leadership that had long characterized Alpha Chi Omega women. This messaging quickly took root, shaping educational programming, recruitment materials and alumnae engagement.

What began as a marketing campaign evolved into something deeper: a lived philosophy. Members across generations began to see themselves reflected in the brand and carried it beyond the walls of their chapters. It became a way of understanding the Alpha Chi Omega experience, reminding members that strength lies in authenticity and that sisterhood is built on supporting each other in both triumphs and challenges.

Today, Real. Strong. Women. is more than a tagline on a banner or a theme in a presentation. It is a legacy carried forward by each member who embraces the call to live authentically and lead with strength. Alpha Chi Omega’s story is not only about a brand carefully crafted, but also about an enduring experience that continues to define what it means to be a real, strong woman.

FIND MORE UNTOLD STORIES ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA HISTORY WEBSITE. VISIT:

THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. BRAND L AUNCH IN 2008 INCLUDED THE “DECL ARATION OF OUR SHARED COMMITMENT.” CONVENTION ATTENDEES SIGNED THEIR NAMES IN SUPPORT OF THIS MESSAGE – AND CHALLENGE – FOR ALL ALPHA CHI OMEGAS.

2008 NATIONAL CONVENTION ATTENDEES REACTED WITH EXCITEMENT TO THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. BRAND ANNOUNCEMENT!

ALPHACHIOMEGA.HISTORYIT.COM

#AXOUntold

WINTER 2025 | VOLUME 128: ISSUE 2 | THE EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.

IN THIS ISSUE 2

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

4

CO R N E R O F F IC E

5

P E R S P ECT IV E S

6

AXΩ N E W S Seeking the Heights to Board Service, trademark education, Achievements in Academics and Service

13

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

18

F O UN DAT IO N

32

H O US IN G

36

O N CA MP US

38

L IF E Women’s Wellness Series, membership milestones

48

CA R E E R O UT LO O K

51

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

52

ACCO MP L IS H E D A LUMN A E Making a mark in sports

56

A LUMN A E IN IT IAT ES S P OT L IGH T

58

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

William Woods University). Known as The Car Mom, Kelly

61

IN D US T R Y IN F O

is empowering women in the car-buying process through her

64

A R CH IV E S

42 If you need advice on a new car for a growing family, look no further than Kelly Suntrup Stumpe (Delta Chi,

social media, reviews and podcast.

Quotable Moment “Basketball led me to Alpha Chi, and Alpha Chi basketball led me to Georgia Tech basketball.”

F I N D O U T T H E S TO RY B E H I N D T H I S Q U OT E O N PAG E 54.

Celebrating 140 years of Alpha Chi Omega

66

B US IN E S S Recommendations now open for board service

71

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

THE LYRE

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EDITOR'S DESK

Empowered Women

T

his fall I experienced a milestone moment in my Alpha Chi Omega story: attending my chapter’s centennial celebration. As I looked around the room at more than 100 Alpha Chi (Butler University) chapter sisters, I knew there were more than 100 different stories, favorite memories and lessons learned swirling through our minds.

And I also knew that we all shared one thing: the common bond of sisterhood.

We all need people on our teams to encourage us – and that’s what the Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood does, whether you’ve been part of that for a month or 100 years.

It’s empowered women empowering women.

It’s sisters living out our brand to be real and strong in our pursuit of the heights.

After spending the day with my Butler University sisters, I felt more empowered to be my best self for this sisterhood. I hope you all have the chance to connect with sisters to feel that way, whether it’s taking on a new leadership or volunteer role, reaching out to a sister online or making plans to join Alpha Chi Omega at our 2026 National Convention. Just like our Ritual reminds us, it’s the empowerment of sisters that helps us seek the heights.

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

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

LYRE SPOTTING Sigma (University of Iowa) alumnae Carol Hepplewhite (left) and Paula Catterall brought The Lyre to Ogunquit, Maine where they celebrated their 70th birthdays. They were born on the same day and year – meant to be sisters!

SUPPORT FOR THE “SUPPORT” ISSUE “The Support issue [fall 2025] Lyre is possibly the BEST issue produced by our sorority. It deals with topics current in chapters and those that we encounter as we proceed through life.”

– MaryAnn (Spahr) Dunfee (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)

READ YOUR WAY 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 National President Jennifer Daurora National Vice Presidents Leslie Abramsky Block Kristin Miller Edwards Cassie Gerhardt Jennifer Wilhoit Lane Kelli Rodriguez Chief Executive Officer Katie Lampinen Gaffin Senior Director of Education and Engagement Amy Colvin Mustafa

ROBIN DALE ZETA XI (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO) A physician assistant-certified, a yoga instructor and a Menopause Society certified practitioner, Robin shares her advice on the importance of movement for our overall health.

Find tips on page 38.

DANIELLE KING ZETA THETA (BROWN UNIVERSITY) Danielle is preparing to launch her business for extended size luxury shoes. She writes about her journey to found Dani King and the Alpha Chi Omega sisters who empowered her along the way on page 5.

In addition, Kathy Wise Butkiewicz worked with Alpha Chi Omega headquarters staff to share a recap of the Alpha Chi (Butler University) chapter centennial celebration on page 7.

S TA F F C O N T R I B U TO R S OCTOBER HENSON DAVIS, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER AND ALUMNAE ENGAGEMENT MORGAN EL AM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT L AUREN FILIPPINI, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER EMILY FLOYD, EVENTS MANAGER L AURA KNOBEL, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT AUTUMN MCBRIDE, EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER AMY COLVIN MUSTAFA, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT JILL RICHARDSON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING OPERATIONS KENDALL SUESS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING L ANEY TERNET, HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST JEN WALL ACH, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES

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.

EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST THE LYRE

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CORNER OFFICE

In Your Corner, On Your Journey

BY KATIE LAMPINEN GAFFIN (DELTA ZETA, CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY), CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

A

s Alpha Chi Omega women, we are all on a journey to seek the heights. Behind every success story are voices of encouragement, helping hands and reminders of our strength when challenges feel overwhelming. We carry forward thanks to the people in our corners – those who cheer us on, lift us up and remind us of our limitless potential.

Throughout our history, Alpha Chi Omegas have leaned on their sisters, mentors, families and friends to navigate the peaks and valleys of life. These moments of support often become turning points, KATIE L AMPINEN GAFFIN transforming uncertainty into confidence. We all know stories of sisters who, when faced with daunting obstacles, found courage because someone believed in them.

This is empowerment, and it is the heart of our brand. We are real – authentic in our vulnerability and willing to share our struggles. We are strong – we persevere, encouraged by those who walk beside us. The combination of authenticity and strength is what makes Alpha Chi Omegas not just achievers, but also leaders who multiply their impact by empowering others along the way.

Our open motto, “Together let us seek the heights,” captures this beautifully. This aspirational phrase does not focus on the singular “I”; it focuses on the 4

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

collective strength of “us,” the community of sisters who surround us in all our endeavors. Togetherness propels us and encourages this determination. Togetherness is what inspires us to reach for goals we may never have imagined possible. And togetherness is what creates a ripple effect of empowerment that extends far beyond our sisterhood.

As your CEO, I see the ways our members live this out daily – encouraging one another, celebrating achievements and reminding each other that the climb to seek the heights is well worth it. My hope is that every Alpha Chi Omega sister feels not only inspired to reach her own heights but also compelled to be cheering another sister on. When we lift each other up, we don’t just rise individually – we rise collectively. And together, we seek the heights.

“Togetherness is what creates a ripple effect of empowerment that extends far beyond our sisterhood.”

PERSPECTIVES

Stepping Up for Empowerment

BY DANIELLE KING (ZETA THETA, BROWN UNIVERSITY)

I

was inspired to found my company, Dani King, after years of struggling to find fashionable shoes in my 11.5 size. I’m sure any woman with a larger foot knows this pain intimately. From the disappointment of falling in love with a pair of shoes only to find out they don’t carry your size to combing through the internet to find the few stylish options, we are ultimately the afterthought of an outdated industry.

In college, I fell in love with fashion and the power of confidence and unabashed self-expression. I stand proudly at 5’11”, but I remember the awkwardness of being the tallest kid in school and squatting in group photos to try not to stand out. As women, we are constantly told to make ourselves smaller, to take up less space, to dim ourselves to become more palatable to those who otherwise would be intimidated. Dani King is a complete rejection of this ideology. A core value for myself and for my company is to own the space you take up, whether you are 5’1” or 6’1”.

The fashion industry is infamous for its lack of inclusive sizing, and footwear is no exception, leaving millions feeling unseen and undervalued. Dani King is here

DANI KING SHOES

DANIELLE WITH HER ALPHA CHI OMEGA SISTERS CELEBRATING HER WIN

to change that. I have designed every pair to meet the needs of a larger foot while being a beautiful and elegant shoe, handcrafted in Elda, Spain, and made using the highest-quality leathers.

The company is launching this fall on our website, danikingshoes.com, with a debut collection of six designs.

I want my shoes to be the highest quality possible while still being affordable for a luxury product, also standing as an antithesis to the fashion trend of limiting inclusive sizing as a brand moves upmarket.

I would not be where I am today without the support of my sisters at Alpha Chi Omega and the incredible community at Brown’s Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship. Here, I met an icon of the industry, Stuart Weitzman, who gave me the motivation and support to get started. Last spring, I competed in the Brown Venture Prize. I was terrified to pitch in front of hundreds, but as I walked out to “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra, I saw two full rows of Alpha Chi Omegas cheering. This gave me the confidence to speak from the heart, and I ultimately won $25,000 in funding.

This day changed my life and has allowed me to begin my entrepreneurial journey, something I would have never imagined if not for the love and support of my sisters. I joined Alpha Chi Omega searching for a community, and I left with Dani King and friends for life.

THE LYRE

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AXΩ NEWS

Maximizing Potential SEEKING THE HEIGHTS TO BOARD SERVICE IS EMPOWERING FUTURE LEADERS

BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, AND AMY COLVIN MUSTAFA (BETA PHI, BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY), SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT

B

oard governance. Nonprofit finances.

Fundraising. Strategic planning. What do these topics have in common? They’re all skills for serving on a nonprofit board – and they’re all lessons that are part of Alpha Chi Omega’s Seeking the Heights to Board Service Educational Experience.

Now in its sixth year, the program is empowering our alumnae members to make a difference in their communities and our sisterhood. Participants are serving on local nonprofit boards and Alpha Chi Omega governing boards and excelling in nonprofit careers.

“I was able to leverage what I learned to secure a spot on a local nonprofit board, and I’m 100% certain this experience prepared me for the interview process, since I often referred to or quoted things I’d learned,” says past participant Kelly Sheridan (Lambda, Syracuse University). Victoria Selfridge (Epsilon Phi, Georgia Institute of Technology) agrees, saying of her past participation, “Thanks to this experience, I felt confident enough to throw my hat in the ring for the National Housing Corporation board – and I was thrilled to begin serving this past August. I honestly don’t think I would have taken that step without the knowledge, tools and encouragement I gained through this program.”

Facilitated by headquarters staff and Past National President Angela Costley Harris (Alpha Beta, Purdue 6

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

JACKIE JOSEPH

VICTORIA SELFRIDGE

KELLY SHERIDAN

University), an accomplished nonprofit board consultant and coach, Seeking the Heights to Board Service brings together alumnae members monthly as a cohort to learn the roles and responsibilities of a board member, practice skills necessary in board service and maximize their leadership potential.

Victoria says fundraising had always felt intimidating to her, but she gained confidence by practicing asks during sessions. “Doing it in a supportive, low-pressure environment made it feel much more approachable,” she says.

Jackie Joseph (Zeta Psi, Loyola University New Orleans), another past participant, says the sessions helped “demystify” board service for her, not only preparing her to join a nonprofit advisory board but also proving valuable in her professional role. “The conversations around strategic generative thinking as a board member changed how I viewed my own work and gave me the confidence to step into a senior leader role at the nonprofit I work at,” she says.

Part of the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, this program is supporting members’ personal and professional development, all while they build connections with other real, strong women. The 2025-26 participants are already learning and growing together, but if you’re looking for empowerment on your path to board service, stay tuned for details about our next cohort in the fall!

100 Years of Alpha Chi Chapter

BY KATHY WISE BUTKIEWICZ (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), CENTENNIAL VOLUNTEER, AND LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

O

n September 13, sisters gathered at Butler University to celebrate the Alpha Chi chapter centennial. The day began with a brunch at Atherton Union, with collegiate volunteers greeting 121 alumnae from across the years and the country.

Welcoming everyone were Centennial Celebration CoChairs Sara Gilman Norris and Nancy Cooper Pitt.

Brunch kicked off with Deb Brallier Musa leading “Grace,” the “Toast” and a selection of Alpha Chi Omega songs. Butler University President James Danko congratulated the chapter on the centennial achievement and its many contributions to the campus community. National President Jennifer Daurora presented the centennial plaque to Chapter President Abby Phillips. Other honored guests included National Housing Corporation Director Jill Sabatino Lacy (Gamma Mu, Ball State University), whose daughter Meghan is an Alpha Chi chapter alumna.

Attendees delighted in a telling of the history of the chapter, offered by Sally Mathis Cutler and Kathy Wise Butkiewicz. More than 100 years ago, Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) alumnae chapter helped form a local sorority that petitioned to become an Alpha Chi Omega chapter. Tradition has it that the alumnae delayed the petition in order for the chapter to have the designation as Alpha Chi. Sisters celebrating 10, 25, 50 and 60 years of membership were recognized. Nancy McWilliams ’58 attended with

SISTERS FROM THE 1960S ON THE ALPHA CHI ROCK OUTSIDE THE CHAPTER HOUSE

her granddaughter Anna Eberhardt, a current chapter member. Jeannine Neuen Kees ’62 was acknowledged for her father’s flatbed truck delivery of the Alpha Chi rock in front of the house.

In those days the fraternities stole sorority rocks, but this one is large enough that it has been a campus fixture for more than 60 years.

CHAPTER PRESIDENT ABBY PHILLIPS AND NATIONAL PRESIDENT JENNIFER DAURORA WITH THE CENTENNIAL PL AQUE

After enjoying dream cake, everyone was given a red carnation, and groups took photos at the selfie station.

Activities then moved to the Alpha Chi house, where collegians offered tours and gave each alumna sticky notes to leave messages on the doors at rooms where she had lived. As evening arrived, small groups of alumnae gathered at restaurants and homes for fellowship.

Almost 3,000 women have been initiated into the chapter since its establishment. The chapter is recognized on the Foundation’s Founders’ Roll and as a past recipient of the National Council Trophy, multiple Seeking the Heights Awards and Butler University’s 2024-25 Sorority of the Year Award. Over the years the chapter has supported national philanthropies and local nonprofits. Notable alumnae include Rosemary Newman Hittle, National President 1966-70, and Nancy Nitchman Leonard, executive director 1979-99.

THE LYRE

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AXΩ NEWS

Upcoming Alpha Chi Events THERE’S SO MUCH GOING ON FOR ALPHA CHI OMEGA AT THE START OF THE NEW YEAR! MACDOWELL MONTH FEBRUARY 2026 Alpha Chi Omega honors our Founders’ heritage as musicians and our first philanthropic project, encouraging our members to enjoy the arts!

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AND DISCOVERY EXPERIENCE FEBRUARY 6-8, 2026 Collegiate chapter presidents and designated executive officers will meet in Indianapolis for a weekend of innovative learning sessions and sisterhood. In conjunction, the Foundation will welcome select donors to see their dollars in action.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WEEK FEBRUARY 9-13, 2026

HERA DAY MARCH 1, 2026

We’ll work to foster healthy relationships as part of our commitment to domestic violence awareness.

In honor of our patron goddess, Alpha Chi Omegas will provide service to benefit the well-being of others.

ALPHA CHI NIGHT OUT FEBRUARY 12, 2026

INTERNATIONAL BADGE DAY MARCH 2, 2026

Alumnae, celebrate sisterhood with us! Whether you connect with one sister on the phone or make plans with a group out on the town, this night is all about our lifelong bond.

Alpha Chi Omega members join our Panhellenic sisters by wearing our badges and proudly sharing that we are sorority women.

COLLEGIATE GROWTH ACADEMY FEBRUARY 13-15, 2026 Invited chapters’ recruitment officers will acquire new strategies and strengthen retention and belonging through this premier program hosted in Indianapolis.

FIND MORE EVENTS, REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND DETAILS ON THE EVENTS PAGE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE.

MEET OUR NEW CHAPTER C O N S U LTA N T! Alpha Chi Omega is excited to welcome Hannah Johnson (Delta Nu, Iowa State University) to the chapter consultant team.

Hannah graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in family consumer science education in 2022 and has been teaching seventh and eighth graders in Iowa. She was recognized as the Iowa Class 2A Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year at the district and state levels.

In college, Hannah served as Delta Nu chapter’s vice president risk management and supported the Iowa State Panhellenic as a recruitment counselor and vice president of risk prevention.

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

ACHIEVEMENT IN ACADEMICS

Congratulations to the chapters that received a chapter average GPA at or above 3.5. A * denotes those that received a 3.5 average multiple terms.

Alpha* Beta Gamma* Eta Theta Iota Lambda Pi Rho Tau*

Upsilon Phi Chi Alpha Mu Alpha Omicron Alpha Upsilon* Alpha Phi* Alpha Chi* Alpha Psi Beta Delta

Beta Epsilon Beta Omicron Beta Rho Beta Sigma* Beta Tau Beta Phi Beta Chi Gamma Theta Gamma Tau* Delta Mu

Delta Pi* Delta Omega Epsilon Phi Epsilon Chi* Zeta Nu Zeta Sigma Zeta Upsilon Theta Lambda Theta Omicron Theta Tau

Theta Upsilon* Theta Psi Iota Lambda Iota Phi* Iota Omega Kappa Omicron Kappa Tau* Kappa Phi* Lambda Mu Lambda Nu

ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICE

Congratulations to the 10 collegiate chapters with the top average service hours per member!

1. Delta Pi 2. Delta Lambda

3. Delta Nu 4. Gamma Tau

5. Alpha Beta 6. Alpha Tau

TAKE A PEEK INTO THE LIVIA ROSARIO

7. Iota Sigma 8. Beta Rho

9. Alpha 10. Lambda Pi

chapter consultant E X P E R I E N C E !

(GAMMA UPSILON, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON)

"During my time as a consultant I have been able to make incredible connections. Everyone within the organization and beyond is genuinely supportive and appreciative of the hard work each person contributes. Even during the most stressful times, there’s always someone to lean on – whether it’s for encouragement, a laugh or just a moment to breathe. These relationships, both within my team and across campuses, have made this experience deeply meaningful. It’s a community where people truly show up for each other."

"In my role as a consultant, I feel I have experienced growth both personally and professionally. I have had the opportunity to meet so many different people and take on challenges that have shaped my thinking, improved my problem-solving and expanded my perspective. These experiences have pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helping me become adaptable, confident and effective in how I communicate, collaborate and handle change. "

INSPIRED BY LIVIA’S EXPERIENCES? WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHAPTER CONSULTANT ROLE? SCAN THE QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND RECOMMEND SOMEONE OR YOURSELF!

THE LYRE

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AXΩ NEWS

What’s the Big Deal About Trademarks?

HOW LICENSING AND TRADEMARKS INFLUENCE THE AXΩ BRAND

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

N

IL (name, image, likeness) agreements. Brand influencers. Six-figure deals for touting the latest trend to followers. You see the topic cycling through the news as social media fuels the desire for people seeking to be a part of pop culture around the world.

At the core of this fascination with product promotion is ownership and the right to determine how, where and when your name – and everything associated with it – is used and by whom. And that’s where Alpha Chi Omega’s trademarks come into the story.

Our trademarks include but are not limited to our name, nickname, Greek letters and symbols like the lyre.

Whenever our trademarks are used by a third party – whether on goods, marketing materials, services or in a collaboration – the company and product must be licensed through Alpha Chi Omega headquarters.

TIP: ALTHOUGH YOU’RE A MEMBER OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA, YOU DON’T HAVE PERMISSION TO USE OUR MARKS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. ALL USAGE OF OUR TRADEMARKS MUST BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY HEADQUARTERS.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SAFEGUARD OUR TRADEMARKS? Alpha Chi Omega’s trademarks embody our shared values, heritage and reputation, serving as a vital link between our brand and our members. When you wear 10

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

your letters on campus, how do you want to be perceived? If you pass someone at work carrying an Alpha Chi tote or using an Alpha Chi tumbler, what comes to mind about our sisterhood?

Perception is reality, and we can work together to ensure Alpha Chi Omega’s trademarks are viewed in the best possible way. Here are four reasons why: Protects Brand Identity Trademarks are more than images; they symbolize personal experiences and our collective identity.

Preserves Reputation and Legacy They connect us, protect the legacy given by our Founders and ensure the quality and trust associated with our brand now and for future generations.

Unifies Members It is our shared responsibility to uphold and protect our trademarks, ensuring we continue striving for high ideals.

Maximizes Royalty Revenue Licensed vendors agree to pay royalties to Alpha Chi Omega for our trademarks and commit to protecting and properly using those trademarks commercially. This means that licensed products generate revenue for our organization, funding essential programs and services for our members.

FOR IDEAS ON WHERE TO SHOP FOR LICENSED MERCHANDISE (INCLUDING OUR NEW AMAZON STORE!), HOW TO FIND A LICENSED VENDOR IN YOUR AREA OR HOW TO BECOME LICENSED, VISIT ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/SHOP.

AXΩ

F I N D L I C E N S E D P R O D U C T S N O W A V A I L A B L E O N

PRIME AVAILABLE ON SELECT PRODUCTS!

Visit

AMAZON.COM/ ALPHACHIOMEGA

THE LYRE

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AXΩ NEWS

Alumnae Book Club 2026

D

id you see that the 2026 Alumnae Book Club list just dropped?! Make your library reservations, place an order at your local bookstore and prepare to join us each month as we discuss in the “AXO Alumnae Book Club” Facebook group.

Being a part of the book club is not only an opportunity to meet other literary-loving alumnae, it’s a place to find support, share experiences and inspire one another while furthering your lifelong connection with our sisterhood.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

The Frozen River

by Ariel Lawhon

The Book Club for Troublesome Women

by Marie Bostwick

First Lie Wins

by Ashley Elston

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

by Lisa See

Atmosphere

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Discussion: April 27-May 1

Discussion: May 25-29

One Summer in Savannah

by Terah Shelton Harris

Discussion: January 26-30

Discussion: March 23-27

Discussion: February 23-27

Discussion: June 22-26

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Great Big Beautiful Life

by Emily Henry

My Friends

by Fredrik Backman

Broken Country

by Clare Leslie Hall

The Briar Club

by Kate Quinn

None of This is True

by Lisa Jewell

Discussion: July 27-31

Discussion: August 24-28

Discussion: September 21-25

The Lion Women of Tehran

by Marjan Kamali

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Discussion: October 26-30

Discussion: November 16-20

Discussion: December 14-18

NATIONAL CONVENTION

Convention Registration Coming Soon!

IN STEP WITH

W

e are so excited to welcome sisters to Dallas, Texas, for our 63rd National Convention, July 17-19, 2026. Convention will be held at the Sheraton Dallas hotel, located on Olive Street. The hotel is just outside of the downtown historic district, 20 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and 6 miles from the Dallas Love Field Airport.

Full-time and part-time registration options will be available again this year for convention. Whether you’re taking the first step and attending convention for the first time or you’re making strides to attend for the 10th

time, there is something for everyone in Dallas.

New this year! To improve sustainability efforts and ensure accurate headcounts, if you register before May 1, 2026, you are guaranteed an Olympian mug (as you qualify), convention tote bag and pen. Full-time registration is $835 until May 1, 2026. After May 1, the pricing increases to $935 and you will not receive these swag items as part of your registration. Full-time registration includes entrance to all meals, National Chapter Meetings and education sessions.

If your schedule only allows you to attend part-time, we’ll have options available! You can attend a specific meal, learn from education sessions that are important to your volunteer role or network on a day that works with your schedule. Part-time registration, including a $50 general registration fee, includes a la carte options, with prices ranging from $100 education sessions

Find the most up-to-date information about convention at alphachiomega.org/convention or by scanning the QR code. On our convention website, you can also sign up for emails from headquarters about convention.

2026 NATIONAL CONVENTION DALLAS, TEXAS

ADD TO YOUR CONVENTION EXPERIENCE When you are planning out your convention schedule, consider adding fun excursions to your registration cart! Details will be shared soon, but know the convention planning committee is hard at work finalizing all the specifics for some great events!

There will be excursions on Friday, July 17 (ending prior to the Delegates Meeting, the Alumnae Initiation Ceremony and the invite-only NHC Reception) and events on Saturday, July 18. As a reminder, dinner is on your own on Saturday, July 18, so keep an eye out for dining options around Dallas!

to $180 for the Carnation Celebration dinner. The same May 1 deadline for guaranteed swag items applies to part-time registration.

Registration will open in early March 2026, so be sure to save it on your calendar and check out the convention website for more details! We can’t wait to get in step with Alpha Chi at convention!

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NATIONAL CONVENTION

Why Attend Convention

BY EMILY FLOYD (THETA UPSILON, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA), EVENTS MANAGER

W

hether it’s your first time or it’s not your first rodeo, there are activities and experiences for every attendee at our National Convention.

felt in my throat as I left convention 2024 made me realize the girls I met from states away had changed my life for the better.”

The boots we wear may be different, but we’re stitched together as sisters, and that begins right on day one!

Connect with staff, vendors and sponsors; practice with the choir; attend the Alumnae Initiation Ceremony; or network with sisters of all ages.

On Saturday morning, don your favorite white attire for the first National Chapter Meeting of convention. Delegates will vote on decisions to help Alpha Chi Omega grow, thrive and prosper. Another sister said, “As an alumna first-time attendee and delegate, it was such an honor to be surrounded by so many real, strong women during our National Convention.

This has been a transformational experience for me and will serve as a springboard in my leadership to my local alumnae chapter, and I am more inspired than ever.

The connections I have made and sharing of best practices is invaluable!”

“The knot that I felt in my throat as I left convention 2024 made me realize the girls I met from states away had changed my life for the better.”

Come prepared with your best school swag for the Reunion Night Dinner, where you’ll sit with sisters from your chapter of initiation who you haven’t seen in years or those you traveled to Dallas with! After dinner, attend the Sisterhood Social and make new sister-friends. One attendee shared, “The knot that I

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Make strides throughout the day at the Sisterhood Luncheon, celebrating Olympians (those who have attended three or more conventions) and award winners. Learn from impactful and inspiring speakers during the education sessions and celebrate fellow sisters during the All That Is Noble recognition program. End the evening with dinner on the town (flip to page 16 for local recommendations!) with new and old friends.

“[2024] was my first time attending convention, and I can honestly say it deepened my connection to Alpha Chi Omega.

I felt at home,” said a 2024 attendee. “Although I’m a bit shy, I felt comfortable going up and talking to new sisters. I just kept reminding myself that we are all there for one thing, and that was Alpha Chi. At the end of the weekend, I was super sad to leave because I fell in love with Alpha Chi all over again.

It was amazing to see all the different generations of Alpha Chi. I left wanting to get more involved as a volunteer, and it motivated me to become a monthly donor. Convention really showed where my donation would be going. I can confidently say that I took at least one key point from each education session.”

On Sunday, embrace Alpha Chi sisterhood with your red and green badge attire for the second National Chapter Meeting before celebrating big impacts at the Foundation Luncheon. Spend the afternoon learning from others with more education sessions and networking with sisters. End your convention experience under the Alpha Chi sky at Carnation Celebration – celebrate all the accomplishments of the weekend with sisters.

Convention may be every two years, but the memories and connections last forever.

ERIN BOYCE (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY) SHARES THE POWER OF CONVENTION: After several years away from attending convention and starting my family, attending Alpha Chi Omega’s [2024] National Convention in Indianapolis was a true homecoming for me.

Reconnecting with sisters from across the country reminded me of the power of our bond and the impact of our sisterhood. The education sessions, keynote speakers and conversations I had left me re-energized and inspired to give back – and I even returned home ready to take on the role of chapter advisor for my own chapter!

Convention is not only about voting or policy; it’s about renewal, personal growth and remembering why Alpha Chi Omega is a lifelong commitment.

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just beginning to explore how you can serve, convention is an incredible opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired to strengthen our sisterhood together.

Don’t miss Dallas 2026! You’ll leave with new knowledge, new friendships and a renewed sense of purpose as a real, strong woman.

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NATIONAL CONVENTION

Insider’s Guide to Dallas

W

hile the convention schedule is jam-packed with activities and sisterhood events, there is still time to explore the wonderful city that is Dallas, Texas. Known for its electric Arts District, lively food scene and historical events that shaped the country’s history, Dallas is a great spot for sisters to connect during convention.

We asked members of the Dallas alumnae chapter, Beta Kappa Beta, what they would recommend to a sister when visiting their hometown, and here’s what they had to say!

Need a morning (or afternoon!) beverage for the day?

Check out Merit Coffee Co. or Ascension Coffee, both about a 15-minute walk with sisters from the hotel.

Grab a French croissant, breakfast sandwich or grain bowl on Friday while you’re at Ascension. White Rock Coffee also has multiple locations in Dallas, with the closest being a mile from the hotel.

If you have some time before convention starts on Friday afternoon, check out the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Crow Museum or The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (if you’re into conspiracy theories and history)! You can also meet up with sisters at White Rock Lake for outdoor adventures or the Dallas Arboretum – be sure to bring your wallet as ticket prices for the Arboretum are around $26 for adults.

FOOD TRUCKS AT KLYDE WARREN PARK

On Saturday, attendees are encouraged to find a local spot for dinner on their own after the afternoon sessions conclude around 6 p.m. Browse these menus online and make a plan to secure your reservations!

Reservations are highly recommended.

• Cafe Madrid – Spanish tapas, order everything!

• Gemma – get the fried olives and Texas pecans • Sachet – Mediterranean • Mi Cocina – Klyde Warren Park location, order a Mambo Taxi (includes alcohol) and queso • Meso Maya – try any of the Budin Azteca dishes • Ziziki’s Greek Restaurant • Blue Sushi • Bob’s Steak & Chop – a Dallas institution with three locations • Hudson House – French chicken dish with a side of mac and cheese • Lots of Tex-Mex options, too!

If you have some time before dinner, do some shopping to bring home a gift for your AXΩ bestie! There are plenty of shops to pop into in West Village or along Greenville Avenue, at NorthPark Center or Snider Plaza, along Lovers Lane in Highland Park, and more.

SHOPPING AT HIGHL AND PARK VILL AGE

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

WANTED: STAR BOOTH IS BACK!

CONVENTION VOLUNTEERS!

The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation’s Star Booth is back for the 2026 convention! Gifts to Star Booth support the Real. Strong. Women. Fund, which allows Alpha Chi Omega to continue its mission of responding to the needs of our members today.

Ready to step up your involvement at convention? We need volunteers during our time together in Dallas. From greeters to educational session emcees to singers in our convention choir, we have a role for anyone. If you’re interested, email volunteer@alphachiomega.org so staff can follow up with more information!

Donors can honor a sister or friend with $10 stars virtually starting in July or on-site during convention. As one attendee shared, “It is a great feeling to see sisters walking around convention with stars on their name tags of the many sisters who have honored them.”

Over the years, Star Booth has evolved and changed, but the mission has stayed the same – honoring one another while raising critical funds for our Fraternity.

Follow our social media and watch your email for more details about the official launch of Star Booth ahead of the 2026 National Convention!

Stay in Step! The 2026 convention local volunteer chair is Alissa Kaiser, a 2001 initiate of the Iota Sigma chapter at Southern Methodist University and a Dallas resident. Alissa currently serves as the province alumnae chair for north Texas and has past volunteer experience as an officer for Beta Kappa Beta (Dallas, Texas) alumnae chapter and in planning the Alpha Chi Couture philanthropy event. She’s excited to connect with alumnae interested in supporting convention, manage our on-site volunteer team and welcome sisters to Dallas!

COLLEGIATE OPPORTUNIT Y: CONVENTION PAGE Saddle up, collegiate sisters – Alpha Chi’s National Convention needs you in Dallas this summer! As distinguished volunteers, convention pages play a vital role in supporting the success of National Convention. From behindthe-scenes set-up to assisting with National Chapter Meetings, educational sessions, meals, award and recognition ceremonies, and more, pages help create a memorable experience for all attendees.

This is what Ravina Patel (Beta Eta, Florida State University) said about her experience as a page in 2024: “Being a convention page has been a highlight of my collegiate years. I had the honor to be the page that gave notes to the National Council. I sat at the front during [the National Chapter Meetings] and elections, which gave me the opportunity to get to know the National Council more personally. Additionally, meeting my sisters from other chapters was my favorite part about serving as a convention page. To this day, I still keep in touch with the pages I met during convention.”

Convention pages have been an integral part of Alpha Chi Omega’s National Conventions for more than a century. If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity or know a collegiate member who would make a stellar convention page, scan the QR code and fill out the form!

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FOUNDATION

Academic Assistance in Action EMPOWERING EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF OUR MEMBERS

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS: •

Each spring, the Foundation opens the academic assistance grant application.

This application is used for both scholarships and educational assistance grants, so members can decide the types of awards they would like to be considered for during the application process, saving them time!

•

Once the application closes, applications are reviewed by the Academic Assistance Committee, a dedicated group of Foundation volunteers. (We are always looking for passionate volunteers to join the team!

Email foundation@alphachiomega.org for more information about serving on our Academic Assistance Committee.)

•

After the review process is completed in the early summer, award notifications are made, and funds are distributed to recipients for use in the upcoming academic year.

BY MORGAN ELAM (EPSILON ZETA, AUBURN UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

T

he Alpha Chi Omega Foundation exists to empower our sisters, and one of the most impactful ways the Foundation realizes this mission is through its academic assistance grants. These awards, both merit-based scholarships and need-based educational assistance grants, support our members as they work toward their educational goals.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, the Foundation is adapting to meet the changing needs of our members. Academic assistance grants not only provide financial support but also help sisters stay engaged in their chapters and excel academically by easing financial stress.

46% of Alpha Chi Omega collegians pay some or all of their own member dues, and academic assistance grants can help bridge the gap by covering educational costs of college so that our sisters can have a transformative Alpha Chi Omega experience and succeed in school.

Every real, strong woman’s educational journey looks different, and the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation is proud to support all of them! Whether it is an alumna sister pursuing a graduate degree to help her with a career change or a collegiate member working toward 18

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

her undergraduate degree, any member in good standing who is enrolled as a full-time student is eligible to apply for academic assistance grants.

Thanks to the generous support of its donors, the Foundation can provide scholarships and educational assistance grants to sisters each spring. Donors may also choose to establish an academic assistance fund to support members of their own chapter, those pursuing specific degrees, sisters who live in a certain state and so much more.

Establishing or supporting an academic assistance fund is a meaningful way to give back to our sisterhood and

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! THE 2025-26 ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE APPLICATION WILL OPEN IN MARCH. THE APPLICATION LINK AND INFORMATION WILL BE SHARED VIA EMAIL AND SOCIAL MEDIA AND MADE AVAIL ABLE ON THE FOUNDATION’S WEBSITE.

and my mom worked for the telephone company. I worked 20-30 hours during the semester, plus two jobs over the summer, in addition to taking out student loans. I didn’t have time to date, but being part of Alpha Chi Omega was important to me. I started this educational assistance fund to take some of the pressure off sisters in similar situations. It’s great knowing I can make a difference in someone else’s life, especially in a phase of life where I can’t give a lot of time.”

When you give to an academic assistance fund, you help ensure sisters have the opportunity to pursue their goals with confidence and support. Whether you’re passionate about supporting sisters in your own chapter, hope to encourage women in a specific field of study or simply want to make a lasting impact, contributing to an academic assistance fund is a powerful investment in our sisterhood.

ensure that our members have the resources they need to thrive.

Lisa Hancock (Epsilon Rho, University of Delaware) shares why she chose to create an educational assistance fund through the Foundation and the impact she hopes it will have on our members: “I was a first-generation college student, and getting through college was really hard. My dad was a firefighter in Philly,

View the full listing of academic assistance awards that are being put to use right now on the next pages, exclusively in the digital edition of The Lyre.

Are you ready to empower real, strong women on their educational journeys? Scan the QR code to support an academic assistance fund today!

DURING THE 2024-25 FISCAL YEAR, THE FOUNDATION AWARDED $443,000 IN ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO 337 MEMBERS.

If you are interested in endowing a scholarship or grant, please reach out to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation at foundation@alphachiomega.org.

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FOUNDATION

2024-25 Academic Assistance Recipients ADELE FIEVE DREW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

ALPHA DELTA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

ANGELA COSTLEY HARRIS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Ashley Elizabeth Isabelle (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University) Mariella Rezko (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University)

Abby Arnold (Beta Tau, Miami University) Hannah Duff (Beta Tau, Miami University)

Emilene Gabriella Nazzal (Theta, University of Michigan)

ALICE LOHRMAN ANDREWS MICHIGAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

ALPHA GAMMA ALPHA GEORGIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Leah Marie Cokias (Pi, University of California, Berkeley) Charlotte Wise (Kappa, University of Wisconsin - Madison)

Lilliana Joy Bernier (Zeta Rho, Northwood University)

ALPHA CHI CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Alayna Joy Barton (Alpha Chi, Butler University) Jordan Diller (Alpha Chi, Butler University)

ALPHA CHI EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Morgan Kantor (Iota Phi, Quinnipiac University) Jadyn Sayles (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University) Sarah Stucky (Rho, University of Washington)

“I am incredibly grateful to be the recipient of a generous scholarship from the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. This support not lightens the financial burden of my education and inspires me to continue pursuing excellence in all that I do.”

- AVERY OPPERMANN (PHI, UNIVERSIT Y OF KANSAS)

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Ella Leigh Johnson (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) Hannah Estelle Jones (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia)

ALPHA KAPPA CENTENNIAL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANT

Ava Juarez (Chi, Oregon State University) Anastasiia Lemesh (Beta Chi, Willamette University)

ALPHA NU CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Jane Ray (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri)

ALPHA UPSILON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kate Black (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Kennedy Carolline Brezenski (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Ally Christine Fisher (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Avery Kathryn Jung (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Catharine WeiMei Stockstill (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Marilyn Jean Swint (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)

ALPHA ZETA UNDERGRADUATE FUND IN MEMORY OF KAY ROH

Linnea Ryn Brown (Zeta Sigma, Missouri State University)

ANGELS OF PI CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP

ANNABELLE GRANT PARSONS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Jada Crispin (Chi, Oregon State University) Annika Laido (Chi, Oregon State University)

ANNE FOLRATH GERHART CARLA HENKE MATTSON FUND

Ellianna Gashi (Iota, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Anna Josephine Quick (Upsilon, Millikin University)

ANNE PEEL HOPKINS FUND

Hannah Leyhew (Iota Chi, Middle Tennessee State University) Gina Pearson Ruisi (Kappa Xi, University of West Florida)

BARBARA EGERTON BRADY TILLERY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Mary Virginia Glennon (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Genevieve Asenath Hancock (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

BARBARA SCHULTZ LYNCH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Parker Sikora (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)

BEL LARUE NEAL FUND

Anne Demchak (Alpha, DePauw University) Paige Rhea Hart (Alpha, DePauw University) Eliza Marie Rammel (Alpha, DePauw University)

BETA CHI SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF KATHERINE IONE REDMOND

Yahaira Vazquez (Beta Chi, Willamette University) Anastasiia Lemesh (Beta Chi, Willamette University)

BETA EPSILON CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF MARY BETH KNOX

Lillian Whynott (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State University)

BONNIE HOUSE ANDREWS FUND

Parker Sikora (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Elizabeth Anne Hirschfeld (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Whitley Judd (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Victoria Marta Parashchak (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Alexis Roberts (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)

BRANDOLYN DICKEY HENDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Molly Lucas Lukas (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Demi Faye Meyer (Lambda, Syracuse University) Summer Elizabeth Fast (Upsilon, Millikin University)

CAROLINE SHACKELFORD FULMER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Catharine WeiMei Stockstill (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)

CATHY SMITH BORAGNO SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Sophia Lucio (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine) Maya Pourreza (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine)

Kennedy Carolline Brezenski (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)

CHERYL MAIZE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND FOR DELTA OMICRON CHAPTER

Mary Virginia Glennon (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Veronica Godina (Zeta Theta, Brown University)

DEE DEE BYCHAK STOLSHEK MEMORIAL FUND

CLAUDIA STEELE BAKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

DELTA CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

COURTNEY STEWART ASHLEY KNIGHT NELSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

CAROL EDMUNDSON HUTCHESON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Anastasiia Lemesh (Beta Chi, Willamette University)

Rachel Ryan Snegg (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton) Sierra Jaden Vandal (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)

BROOKE FESSLER GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR EPSILON KAPPA

Izabella Sophia Maddaloni (Omega, Washington State University)

DARLINE REILEY COOLEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Josephine Van Do (Delta Omicron, Portland State University) Taylor Lee Heritage Hartstone (Delta Omicron, Portland State University) Zoe Surratt (Delta Omicron, Portland State University)

Aubree Parker (Tau, Brenau University)

BURNETTE GRIMES JONES SCHOLARSHIP FUND

- LINDSEY MCDANIEL (DELTA PI, UNIVERSIT Y OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE)

CHAVEZ-CURRIE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Grace Caroline Humble (Gamma Epsilon, Oklahoma State University)

Lindsay Grace McNenly (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)

“Being a sister of Alpha Chi Omega has been the best decision I have ever made. The opportunities I have received from this organization in leadership, sisterhood, and service have been invaluable to me. I look forward to continuing to represent Alpha Chi Omega and appreciate all it has given me.”

Mia Mendoza (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton) Sierra Jaden Vandal (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton) Sydney Camryn Yee (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)

DANIELA CAMARENA-ROMERO FUND FOR ALPHA OMICRON CHAPTER

Carlie Lynn Cohen (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University)

Sofya Josephine Recupero (Delta, Allegheny College)

DELTA EPSILON 50TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Mimi Tran (Delta Epsilon, Southeast Missouri State University)

DELTA KAPPA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Victoria Campos (Delta Kappa, Sam Houston State University)

DELTA OMEGA DELTA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Mia Mendoza (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)

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FOUNDATION

“I am truly honored and grateful.

This generous support not only lightens my financial burden but also motivates me to continue striving for academic and personal excellence. Thank you for believing in my potential and for investing in my future.”

- JOEY NGO (ALPHA, DEPAUW UNIVERSIT Y)

ELEANOR FOX SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Ally Cherry (Iota Chi, Middle Tennessee State University) Ashleigh Mauler (Gamma Zeta, Kansas State University) Kathryn Elizabeth Reardon (Lambda Pi, University of Mississippi) Ashley Elizabeth Isabelle (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University) Gina Pearson Ruisi (Kappa Xi, University of West Florida)

DIANE KASKEWSKY PERREAULT EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANT

Gina Aluotto (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)

DONNA SMITH CHERECK SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Avani Singh (Alpha Phi, The University of Texas at Austin)

DOROTHEA DEKAY SCHICK SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Natalie Gonzalez (Beta Eta, Florida State University) Ava Nicole Nelson (Beta Eta, Florida State University)

DOROTHY KNAUSS UEHLING FUND

Ava Komp (Kappa, University of Wisconsin - Madison)

EDNA HOFFMAN BOWMAN FUND

Grace Caroline Humble (Gamma Epsilon, Oklahoma State University)

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND IN HONOR OF KAPPA OMICRON

Sarah Beychok (Kappa Omicron, High Point University)

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

ERICA LYN BOWDEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Merissa Renee Echaniz (Beta Lambda, University of Arizona)

ERNESTINE FISCHER LAMBERTUS FUND

Anna Simons (Gamma Zeta, Kansas State University) Olivia Florence Zimmerman (Zeta Tau, Villanova University)

ELINOR AND STEVE KLINE FUND

FLORENCE ARMSTRONG SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Selma Maric (Iota Psi, Elon University) Melina Kopczewski (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University)

Sophia Lucio (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine) Maya Pourreza (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine)

ELEANOR SMITH FOX EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Gabriella Charles (Kappa Chi, Florida Gulf Coast University)

DENSLOW SCHOLARSHIP FUND

EPSILON PSI CHAPTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP

ELLEN SCHALK-FEILD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Priscilla Hasjim (Iota Nu, University of California San Diego) Caroline O’Neill (Omega, Washington State University) Victoria Rusnak (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University) Elizabeth Winter (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt University)

EPSILON CHI CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Katelyn Reese Eberwein (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

EPSILON KAPPA SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF CHRISTIAN NEIL BEHLE

Lexi Lynn Gebo (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton) Taylor Autumn McCrory (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton) Ashley Ann Owens (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton) Sierra Jaden Vandal (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)

EPSILON OMICRON LOVE AND LOYALTY FUND

Faith Prudence Jean Barrett (Epsilon Omicron, Indiana State University) Josalyn Elisabeth Huxford (Epsilon Omicron, Indiana State University)

Charlotte Muller (Beta Delta, College of William & Mary)

FLORENCE STAIGER LONN EDUCATIONAL FUND

Braquelle Brylee Blanchard (Chi, Oregon State University) Phoebe Bunting (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Payton Sarah Carey (Theta Iota, Baylor University) Taylor Ann Durst (Phi, University of Kansas) Mia Francesca Fox (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Linnea Ryn Brown (Zeta Sigma, Missouri State University) Alyssa Glaser (Beta, Albion College) Jasmine Harris (Iota Nu, University of California San Diego) Becca Rose Jones (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina) Grace Rosemary Leppard (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina) Christina Lim (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Selma Maric (Iota Psi, Elon University) Delaney Grace Militello (Kappa Mu, The University of Texas at Tyler) Hannah Marie O’Kelley (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) Kiera Rust (Iota Rho, Loyola University Chicago) Reina Salama (Zeta Theta, Brown University) Afton Sartin (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University)

Tanushri Uttam Tallimani (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota) Lillian Whynott (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State University) Sadie Elise Wiwi (Delta Pi, University of Tennessee, Knoxville) Mary Virginia Glennon (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Avery Catherine Oppermann (Phi, University of Kansas) Sofya Josephine Recupero (Delta, Allegheny College) Jadyn Sayles (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University)

Saki Fukuda (Alpha, DePauw University) Coralie Humbert (Alpha, DePauw University) Faith Jex (Beta Nu, University of Utah) Josephine Violet Morrison (Alpha, DePauw University) Tam Thanh My Ngo (Alpha, DePauw University) Moe Kikuchi (Alpha, DePauw University)

FLORIDA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

GENEVIEVE M. RASCO SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Amalie Kathleen Ise (Gamma Chi, Stetson University) Elizabeth MacKinnon Campbell-Work (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)

FOUNDERS’ FELLOWSHIP FUND

Ally Walsh (Theta Omega, Marquette University) Avery Catherine Oppermann (Phi, University of Kansas)

FRANCES PATTON WILSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Lauren Elizabeth Bohn (Alpha, DePauw University)

“This scholarship means the entire world to me. This is a blessing that has been long prayed for! A lot of times I doubt myself and my abilities to fulfill my roles as a nursing student, an athlete and a sister of Alpha Chi Omega. Your faith in me means everything and more. I will be forever grateful!”

- ALEXA PALMER (ZETA PSI, LOYOL A UNIVERSIT Y NEW ORLEANS)

FRANCES TUTTLE CASBARIAN ALPHA TAU SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Megan Perry (Alpha Tau, University of New Hampshire)

Alyssa Glaser (Beta, Albion College)

GERTRUDE GALBRAITH WIEGMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Molly Jordyn Robb (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota)

GLORIA MAE NELSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR ALPHA LAMBDA

Caitlyn Rayne Pratt (Iota Pi, Houston Christian University) Lillian Whynott (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State University)

HARRIET THWING HOLDEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Johnna Hawkins (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Eva Cora Kemle (Theta Psi, Columbia University) Trinity Koppus (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University) Monique Milan Lau (Delta Psi, University of California, Santa Barbara) Tatum Elizabeth Thill (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University) Elizabeth Anne Hirschfeld (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Maddie Augustynowicz (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) Saki Fukuda (Alpha, DePauw University) Elliana Marie Pahlman (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)

HELEN B. STEG SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Melia Alexa Lachinski (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) Elliana Marie Pahlman (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)

Jenna Ciesla (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University) Lauren Flegel (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University)

HANNAH KEENAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

HELEN LEYTZE RADCLIFFE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Lilliana Joy Bernier (Zeta Rho, Northwood University) Ava Lynette Lindia (Eta, Bucknell University) Gretchen Marriott (Delta Chi, William Woods University) Sloane Donati Stamp (Alpha Iota, University of Vermont) Catharine WeiMei Stockstill (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Madison Olivia Wilson (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota) Haley Elizabeth Young (Delta Lambda, Ripon College) Carlie Lynn Cohen (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University) Alyssa Glaser (Beta, Albion College) Genevieve Asenath Hancock (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Delaney Grace Militello (Kappa Mu, The University of Texas at Tyler)

Maizie Kathleen O’Hare (Nu, University of Colorado Boulder)

HONORABLE HARRISON W. EWING FELLOWSHIP

Veronica Godina (Zeta Theta, Brown University) Lily Rafanan (Epsilon Omega, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo) Claudia Rose Driscoll Servaes (Alpha, DePauw University) Natalie Sud (Sigma, University of Iowa)

HORTENSE OSMUN MILLERHORTENSE MILLER ADAMS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Alexandra Marie Mantel (Theta, University of Michigan) Pilar Graciela Steward (Theta, University of Michigan)

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FOUNDATION

HOWARD AND JEANNE KARR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Kaitlyn Brooke Collier (Epsilon Upsilon, Mississippi State University)

IOTA IOTA ALUMNAE CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Zoya Celeste Hill-Sargizi (Rho, University of Washington)

IOTA LAMBDA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Madison Mae Adam (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University) Lainey June Hopkins (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University)

IOTA PHI CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP

Amanda Morris (Iota Phi, Quinnipiac University)

JAN CRANDALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kylee Jordan Carlson (Omicron, Baker University) Petra D. Huddleston (Omicron, Baker University)

JANE BIRD LOHSE SCHOLARSHIP

Haylee Maye Evers (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln) Caroline Faith Bailey (Phi, University of Kansas) Taylor Ann Durst (Phi, University of Kansas) Avery Catherine Oppermann (Phi, University of Kansas) Mikayla Christine Schroeder (Phi, University of Kansas)

JANE GRABOWSKI SEIFERT HALL OF COMMITMENT GRADUATE FUND

Natalie Davis (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)

JANET H RADFORD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Fiona Finnigan (Chi, Oregon State University)

JANET MARIE BRADLEY BROWN BALL BREECE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Payton Alexandra Wozny (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Celia Peterson (Beta Nu, University of Utah)

JEANNE SCHARNBERG STAFF SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Alaina Marie Brooks (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Carly Nicole DeCastro (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Bree Kathleen Detamore (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Greyson Elizabeth Flora (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Mia Francesca Fox (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Oriana Sofia Gonzalez (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Kelly Elizabeth Kaar (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Ella Grace Knothe (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Sydney Lorraine Morlok (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Lucy Lauren Muntel (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Avery Annette Nagel (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Olivia Belle Powers (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Nour Razzouk (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Lucy Earl Ruh (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Margot Kathleen Sennett (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Grace Katherine Wessel (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)

JEANNETTA LAND FUND

Elizabeth MacKinnon Campbell-Work (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Avery Dotson (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Bella Helm (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Caroline McMichael (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Elizabeth Williams (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Paige Taylor Armstrong (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) Emily Lunsford (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)

JESSIE FANYO PAYNE FUND

Alexa Beck (Kappa Omicron, High Point University)

“I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of your award. This award not only takes financial hardship off of me, but also inspires me to continue pursuing my academic and personal goals with confidence and determination.

Thank you again for your generosity and encouragement!”

- ELLIANNA GASHI (IOTA, UNIVERSIT Y OF ILLINOIS AT URBANACHAMPAIGN

JEWEL PATTERSON HOWARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Marilyn Jean Swint (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama) Catharine WeiMei Stockstill (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)

JO ANN C KENT EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND FOR GAMMA CHAPTER

Emma Marie Salem (Gamma, Northwestern University)

JOAN ROSSIN STEPHANS GRADUATE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Ashton Davis (Zeta Xi, University of North Carolina at Greensboro)

JOAN ROSSIN STEPHANS UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANT

Mary Fannie (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University)

JODY BAYER MARTINDILL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Moe Kikuchi (Alpha, DePauw University) Amelia Julianne Roser (Alpha, DePauw University)

JOHN EDWARD HURLEY, JR. SCHOLARSHIP

Caroline Faith Bailey (Phi, University of Kansas) Taylor Ann Durst (Phi, University of Kansas) Mikayla Christine Schroeder (Phi, University of Kansas) Addison Irene Van Dever (Phi, University of Kansas)

JONES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kailey Cao (Alpha, DePauw University) Alae Chahid (Alpha, DePauw University)

JUDITH THOMAS VIGOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Molly Lucas Lukas (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)

JUDITH ZIEGLER PHILLIPS FUND IN HONOR OF GAMMA LAMBDA

Gina Aluotto (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)

JULIE ANN TAMBORINO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Becca Rose Jones (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina) Grace Rosemary Leppard (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina)

JULIE CAIN BURKHARD BETA SIGMA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Sophia Juliet Ives (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) Edy Graves Lee (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) Hannah Marie O’Kelley (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia)

KAPPA NU CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Taylor Rose Villegas (Kappa Nu, Carnegie Mellon University)

KAREN E. WEIR MEMORIAL FUND

Izabella Sophia Maddaloni (Omega, Washington State University)

KUERGELEIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR DELTA CHI AT WILLIAM WOODS

Deanna Faye Crawford (Delta Chi, William Woods University)

LARETTA MATTHEWS GARLAND SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Payton Alexandra Wozny (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)

LAVONE WOHLBIER BARTINE/ LISA BARTINE FERGUSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Megan Leigh Ramnarace (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) Melia Alexa Lachinski (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)

LAUREN SNOW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR CHI CHAPTER

Ava Juarez (Chi, Oregon State University)

LILLIAN POLLACK CAWLEY FUND IN HONOR OF GAMMA LAMBDA

Ana Faith Holman (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) Destiny Faith Weber (Zeta Eta, Bradley University)

LINA BAUM VAN ROY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Caitlyn Rayne Pratt (Iota Pi, Houston Christian University)

LISA HANCOCK REHRIG EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Leah S. Flint (Upsilon, Millikin University) Kathryn Hirtz (Delta Chi, William Woods University) Karly Marie Holmes (Epsilon Nu, Boise State University) Madilyn Lola Lee (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota) Anna Elly Mevissen (Theta Tau, Rutgers University) Ryanne M Sverdlow (Gamma Iota, University of Florida) Olivia Van Dien (Iota Phi, Quinnipiac University) Lainey June Hopkins (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University) Ashley Elizabeth Isabelle (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University) Amalie Kathleen Ise (Gamma Chi, Stetson University) Megan Stiffler (Iota Omicron, University of Lynchburg)

MARILYN PADDOCK BLANCH FUND FOR GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER

Sarah Rae Mallar (Gamma Iota, University of Florida)

MARION MORITZ FUND

Haylee Maye Evers (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)

Mariella Rezko (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University)

LOVELIKEPIPER NURSING FUND

Avery Catherine Oppermann (Phi, University of Kansas)

MARGARET COATES SAWYER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Braquelle Brylee Blanchard (Chi, Oregon State University)

MARIAN MCKEE SMITHROSALIE MCKINNEY JACKSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Jenna Abdel-Rahim (Iota Rho, Loyola University Chicago) Mary Clare Bono (Delta Rho, University of Arkansas) Jessica Brown (Theta Omega, Marquette University) Chloe Elizabeth Daly (Delta Lambda, Ripon College)

“Thank you so much for this generous grant. Many have told me it takes courage to go back to school full-time after working for over a decade, and this award eases some of that stress and uncertainty! I am proud to be an Alpha Chi alumna and excited to give back to this scholarship fund once I reenter the workforce after my PhD. Many thanks again!”

- VICTORIA RUSNAK (ZETA UPSILON, CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSIT Y)

THE LYRE

25

FOUNDATION

MARJORIE CARTER BRECKNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

MARY MCMURTRY WINKLER FUND FOR EPSILON ZETA CHAPTER

Rachael Margaret Frank (Alpha Eta, University of Mount Union)

Paige Taylor Armstrong (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)

MARSHA KING GRADY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Emily Lunsford (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)

Kate Black (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)

MARY EMMA GRIFFITH MARSHALL FELLOWSHIP FUND

Mary Virginia Glennon (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Veronica Godina (Zeta Theta, Brown University)

MARY FRANCES GUILBERT MARIANI-BIGLER CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND

Karen Klein (Gamma Omicron, Marshall University)

MARY STARKWEATHER FAUST SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Megan Stiffler (Iota Omicron, University of Lynchburg) Madison Mae Adam (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University) Alexa Beck (Kappa Omicron, High Point University) Melina Kopczewski (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University)

MERLYNN HARRIS PITCHER BETA NU/BETA XI FUND

Asha Brown (Beta Nu, University of Utah) Sadie Elizabeth Cannon (Beta Xi, Utah State University) Tessa Vu (Beta Nu, University of Utah)

MIRIAM DECKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

“As a firstgeneration college student, I am truly grateful for this scholarship. It not only supports my pursuit of higher education but also eases the financial burden that often comes with it. Thanks to your generosity, I can focus more fully on my academic goals and make the most of my college experience without the added stress of financial worries.”

- MONIQUE MIL AN L AU (DELTA PSI, UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA)

26

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Elizabeth Burks (Gamma Epsilon, Oklahoma State University) Samantha Anne Pinnick (Alpha, DePauw University) Mary Virginia Glennon (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Veronica Godina (Zeta Theta, Brown University) Lily Rafanan (Epsilon Omega, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo)

NU NU ALUMNAE CHAPTER FUND

Lucy Earl Ruh (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)

OMICRON CHAPTER CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kylee Jordan Carlson (Omicron, Baker University) Petra D. Huddleston (Omicron, Baker University)

PATRICIA O’BRIEN FRECHETTE SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR GAMMA CHAPTER

Emma Marie Salem (Gamma, Northwestern University) Maya Mei Wong (Gamma, Northwestern University)

PATRICIA O’BRIEN FRECHETTE SCHOLARSHIP FOR KAPPA CHAPTER

Elizabeth Mary Cahill (Kappa, University of Wisconsin - Madison) Allyson Marie Harvala (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota) Mikaya Pingel (Iota Omega, Carthage College) Kiera Rust (Iota Rho, Loyola University Chicago) Maddie Augustynowicz (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) Taylor Ann Durst (Phi, University of Kansas) Elliana Marie Pahlman (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) Mikayla Christine Schroeder (Phi, University of Kansas)

PRISCILLA PRINGLE BOYD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Avery Catherine Oppermann (Phi, University of Kansas)

ROBINETTE FAMILY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Marjorie Elizabeth Pearce (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia)

ROCKY TOP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Caitlin Laura Maher (Delta Pi, University of Tennessee, Knoxville) Lindsey Jo McDaniel (Delta Pi, University of Tennessee, Knoxville) Sophia Drury Say (Delta Pi, University of Tennessee, Knoxville) Sadie Elise Wiwi (Delta Pi, University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

ROVIRA FAMILY TRUST LEADERSHIP AWARD

Sydney Camryn Yee (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)

“Thank you so much for your generosity! Any scholarship I receive is tremendously beneficial and enables me to expand my knowledge without stressing over a survival job or student debt.

You have assisted me in getting one step closer to the career field I have always dreamed of! Thank you again for your support!”

- ANNA SIMONS (GAMMA ZETA, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSIT Y)

SUSIE AND JOHN L. ADAMS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Angelina Velis (Alpha Phi, The University of Texas at Austin)

TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Delaney Grace Militello (Kappa Mu, The University of Texas at Tyler) Elizabeth Burks (Gamma Epsilon, Oklahoma State University)

THETA PSI CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Regina Rodriguez Rivera (Theta Psi, Columbia University)

THETA PSI CHAPTER FUND IN MEMORY OF RACHEL SWETT

RUTH PADDOCK MAUGER FUND

Caroline Weaver Flora (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) Meg Ava Phegley (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)

SALLY CALLAHAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Maddie Augustynowicz (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) Melia Alexa Lachinski (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)

SHAWN MARGARET DONNELLEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Samantha Guillote (Zeta Psi, Loyola University New Orleans) Alexa Jaye Palmer (Zeta Psi, Loyola University New Orleans)

SIGMA CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Emerson Ann Murdock (Sigma, University of Iowa) Rylee Merritt Newland (Sigma, University of Iowa)

SUSAN ESCO CHANDLER FUND

Avery Kae Wilcox (Psi, The University of Oklahoma)

Eleanor Grace Hoisington Hutchinson (Theta Psi, Columbia University) Regina Rodriguez Rivera (Theta Psi, Columbia University)

THETA UPSILON CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Alexis Paige Olsen (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina) Becca Rose Jones (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina)

WESCHE STRASSER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Delysia Jackson (Alpha Eta, University of Mount Union)

ZAMKOV LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Demi Faye Meyer (Lambda, Syracuse University) Gillian Emilia Weltman (Lambda, Syracuse University)

ZETA NU CHAPTER 25TH ANNIVERSARY FUND

Claire Elizabeth Carrick (Zeta Nu, Texas A&M University) Daniella Bria Peterson (Zeta Nu, Texas A&M University)

ZETA PHI CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Danielle Berkowitz (Zeta Phi, Cornell University) Katie Lynn Pelletier-Hoblock (Zeta Phi, Cornell University)

ZETA PI EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Juliette Grace Redendo (Zeta Pi, Arizona State University) Emersen Turner (Zeta Pi, Arizona State University)

UPSILON CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND

Summer Elizabeth Fast (Upsilon, Millikin University) Willow Jean Henzel (Upsilon, Millikin University)

VIRGINIA KELLY KARNES SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Elizabeth Anne Hirschfeld (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Whitley Judd (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Victoria Marta Parashchak (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Alexis Roberts (Alpha Beta, Purdue University) Parker Sikora (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)

“Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.

My membership has brought me more opportunities than I ever could have imagined. I am extremely grateful for your donation; it will be a huge help towards my college education and my future success.”

- MEGAN PERRY (ALPHA TAU, UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW HAMPSHIRE)

THE LYRE

27

FOUNDATION

Thank you, Leadership Circle!

THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE IS A COMMUNITY OF OUR MOST GENEROUS AND ENGAGED DONORS WHO INVEST $1,000 OR MORE EACH YEAR IN THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. FUND. THANK YOU TO OUR 2024-25 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE DONORS! + INDICATES DECEASED * INDICATES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE SILVER, $2,500+ ** INDICATES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE GOLD, $5,000+ *** INDICATES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE PL ATINUM, $8,500+

Lauryn Coit Ackley, Gamma Nu* Susie Baker Adams, Alpha Phi** Rene’ C. Adee, Gamma Rho Judy Evans Anderson, Alpha Lambda Jari Askins, Psi Mary Davey Augustiny, Gamma Sigma Sara Austin, Zeta Lambda Mary Kacmarcik Baker, Delta Mu Karen Baker Curtis, Delta Pi Sylvia Baker-Moore, Delta Zeta Julie Pannier Balk, Beta Nu Cindy Hoard Ballard, Zeta Rho Rhonda Anderson Baltier, Theta Kappa Dr. Paula Curlee Barnes, Delta Rho* Sarah Barr, Zeta Omicron Ruth Ann Bartlett, Beta Sigma** Emilie Van Hook Beagle, Upsilon*** Dr. Caryn Beck-Dudley, Beta Xi Kristin Hartung Berry, Kappa Bonnie Bacnik Biggs, Epsilon Chi Diane Wilson Blackwelder, Omicron* Erin Schmidt Bley, Psi Leslie Abramsky Block, Theta Tau** Patricia Dunn Blume, Sigma Georgia Stevens Boatman, Alpha Rho Jennifer Leigh Bonenfant, Gamma Chi* Diane Polin Boone, Beta Tau Cathy Smith Boragno, Delta Sigma** Erin Peterson Boyce, Alpha Chi Cindy Hayden Braaten, Alpha Gamma Jennifer Vanek Bradway, Mu

28

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Mikelle Holt Brady, Alpha* Barbara Brehm, Beta Epsilon Mary Elizabeth Briand, Iota Alpha Nancy Harris Brose, Alpha Sigma MaryAnn Plichta Brown, Beta Delta Patricia Bruner, Beta Delta Christine Tornga Bush, Theta Kathy Wise Butkiewicz, Alpha Chi* Pamela Ryan Callahan, Alpha Phi** Lorraine Riffle Caron, Beta Sigma* Harriet Carratt, Beta Eta Heather Carrio, Psi** Tanya Rash Case, Alpha Gamma Paula Catterall, Sigma Monica M. Cepero, Beta Eta Donna Smith Chereck, Alpha Phi* Cindy Duff Chesler, Gamma Omicron Zohra Choudhry, Zeta Theta* Dr. Elise Margaret Christopher, Gamma Iota Melissa Chruszch, Alpha Pi Courtney Clark, Zeta Sigma Caitlin Cobb, Psi Suzanne Artenian Cobb, Epsilon** Heather L. Coleman, Delta Psi** Tracey Kendall Coleman, Zeta Omicron Sam Cone, Beta Psi Kathy Warner Connelly, Delta Zeta Lorraine Baron Conoley, Tau Sadie Harris Conway, Zeta Omicron June Smith Cook, Alpha Mu

Kathryn DiLeo Copple, Beta Psi* Holly Michaels Cowx, Gamma Iota*** Ashlee Townsend Cribb Woliver, Epsilon Phi** +Nancy Swanner Crowther, Alpha Sigma Jan Culver, Beta Tau Leslie Peterson Cunningham, Gamma Rho* Jan Wenzinger Curschman, Beta Phi Sally Mathis Cutler, Alpha Chi Jennifer Rose Daurora, Delta* Christina DeCesare, Iota Lambda Kitty Cannon deKieffer, Epsilon Kappa* Sandra Denhart, Delta Psi* Kathy Cox Denison, Delta Rho Ann Bruner DiAntonio, Theta Lambda Polly Kubesch Dobbs, Gamma Mu* Karen Kruer Dobel, Nu Jennifer Doidge Weilbach, Epsilon Theta Sheila Dolan, Omega Elizabeth Doggett Donaldson, Alpha Janelle Griffin Donaldson, Alpha Pi** Shawn M. Donnelley, Zeta Psi* Judith Westwood Dresser, Alpha Rho Sandra Aldrich Drew, Alpha Anna Meppen, Beta Xi Louise Durant, Delta Chi Jean Chapuran Durling, Beta Tau* Laura Lasmanis Easter, Theta Rho Barbara Elfring Eaton, Beta Epsilon Ronda Eckhardt, Nu Kristin Miller Edwards, Beta Epsilon** Susan Marie Eich, Zeta Upsilon Tracy Back Embree, Theta Omicron** Pam Bergmeyer Engelhard, Delta Epsilon Diane Ellis Erdman, Kappa Randi Ervin, Gamma Kaye L. Evleth, Delta Psi** Stacey Anderson Farrell, Alpha Phi Stacey Faust, Alpha* Judy Garwood Fecel, Alpha Beta* Kori Whitener Fellows, Alpha Phi*** Mary Lynn Ferguson-McHugh, Delta Sigma** Joyce Schaffer Fleming, Omicron Sherry Snell Forsee, Delta Epsilon Allison J. Foster, Gamma Chi Sylvia Miller Foster, Beta Eta Ellie Smith Fox, Psi Lorna Stoakes Fox, Alpha Lambda* Christine Shirey Frank, Kappa Angela D. Freeland, Zeta Eta Alice Young Freidline, Gamma Rho

Lynne Lawson Fugate, Delta Pi Amy Jo Gabel Katie Lampinen Gaffin, Delta Zeta* Shannon Gallagher-Bolton, Pi Patty Renick Garrard, Beta Eta Tange Tipton Gavin, Gamma Nu Mary Werries Gendry, Upsilon Smitty Smith, Gamma Pi* Traci Simpson Gerdes, Gamma Chi* Cassie Gerhardt, Alpha Pi** Camille Grubbs Gillam, Delta Pi* Marykay Steffen Gillam, Epsilon Iota* Caroline Long Giunipero, Epsilon Chi Laura Morrison Glenn, Beta Epsilon Katie Thomas Glick, Alpha Beta Kathy Davids Gore, Beta Lambda Marsha King Grady, Alpha Upsilon* Janet Kuczera Graham, Beta Epsilon Pam Haymes Graham, Alpha Phi* Suzanne Smith Grant, Alpha Phi* Cynthia Gray, Alpha Upsilon Sue Stone Greathouse, Delta Psi Sonja Greenbaum, Zeta Psi* Denise M. Griffey, Mu Leslie Brodhead Griffith, Kappa Betsy Bacon Grodhaus, Beta Martha Clubine Gschneidner, Delta Nu Cathy Volta Habib, Rho Ann Weston Hallse, Iota*** Liza Pugliese Hallsten, Alpha Omega Jane Hamilton-Merritt, Gamma Mu Christine Nielsen Hancock, Nu* Dana Beggs Hancock, Epsilon Omicron Katie Hanrahan Pierce, Beta Rho Stephanie Blankemeier Hansen, Pi Nancy Irish Harman, Gamma Rho* Angela Costley Harris, Alpha Beta* Miekleen D. Hart, Sigma*** Michelle Mattox Hawes, Beta Xi Alice Calderwood Hawk, Omicron Susan Corcoran Hayes, Beta Chi Jennifer Diederich Healy, Alpha Omicron Maureen Heekin, Alpha Omicron Annamarie Geppert Hellebusch, Zeta Omicron Anne E. Helliwell, Gamma Iota*** Rich Hemmeter Kay Henderson, Gamma Iota Amanda Williams Hene, Beta Sigma* Lynne Biggio Herndon, Alpha Upsilon*** Lindsay Hicks, Alpha Chi Nikki Boxley Higgs, Zeta Xi Deirdre Reason Hill, Epsilon Zeta*

Kristin Himsel, Alpha*** Deirdre Hirner, Alpha Nu Lisa Draper Hoegerman, Epsilon Psi Sharon Ponder Holbrook, Iota Rachael Hood, Alpha Gamma Alex Humphrey, Gamma Chi Jo Sicking Hurley, Phi Janis Rose Hurter, Zeta Omicron Eileen Ishizue, Delta Sigma Madeline Plesac Jenkins, Alpha Beta Lisa Pettett Jeran, Zeta Upsilon* Ginger Sears Johnson, Zeta Omicron** Margaret Jones Johnson, Omicron Dawn DeGraffenried Jones, CPA, Alpha Omega Jan Jones, Alpha Upsilon Joann Joyce, Epsilon Mu Judy Judson, Gamma* Alissa Kaiser, Iota Sigma Eve Kampmeinert, Alpha Zeta Bernardine Palenchar Kaniecki, Beta Phi Amy Kates, Zeta Phi* Krista Diane Kauper, Zeta Omicron Jan Kendall, Delta Sigma Julie Cain Kendall, Beta Sigma* Joan Browning Ketterman, Gamma Xi Melanie Brammer Kilgore, Delta Upsilon* Kelly Lynn Kilgour, Kappa Nu Elizabeth Kinder, Zeta Eta* Stephanie Marie King, Theta Tau** Donna McGrath Klinge, Epsilon Kappa* Julie Black Kolman, Delta Kappa* Kristin Koppen, Delta Chi** Barbara Wakefield Kroemer, Alpha Beta Suzanne Rizer Kuch, Nu, in memory of Helen Suzanne Sayre Rizer, Gamma Delta** Angie Kucharski, Gamma Jill Sabatino Lacy, Gamma Mu*** Jessica Penland Lahey, Gamma Zeta*** Mary Pat Lambke, Beta Epsilon*** Jennifer Wilhoit Lane, Zeta Pi* Bobbi Lubberstedt Larsen, Xi Maree Magliocchetti Lattanzi, Alpha Tau* Esther Thall Lawson, Alpha Delta Sharon Albert Lease, Gamma Tau** Diane Lee, Gamma Zeta Shirley Smith LeForge, Delta Theta* Ellen Jones Lewis, Omicron Merlene Sweet Lewis, Gamma Iota*** Molly Borgmeyer Lindner, Delta Chi Susan Wyatt Linehan, Delta Phi

Kelly Longfellow, Gamma Epsilon Lee Bradford Lucas, Gamma Chi Carol Susan Lutz, Epsilon Chi Barbara Schultz Lynch, Alpha Beta*** Chris MacLaughlin, Alpha Psi Thomasina Pierce Madden, Zeta Eta +Katy Harrison Madsen, Psi Audra Sinclair Mahnke, Delta Cheryl Maize, Delta Omicron*** Andy Ennis Mannering, Delta Rho Paula Marino, Epsilon Zeta Mary Carter Duncan Martin, Alpha Nu* Yvette Martinez, Zeta Nu* Antoinette Swain Marwitz, Delta Lynn Williams Mathis, Beta Sigma Patricia Bates Mattingley, Beta Zeta*** Michele Norton Mattoon, Rho* Carla Henke Mattson, Alpha Nu*** Hon. Margaret Lisbeth Maxwell, Beta Lambda Maxine Bizon Mazur, Alpha Tau*** Kim Baldwin McClure, Gamma Omicron Diana McCutchen, Beta Lambda Linda Kirven McDougal, Alpha Upsilon Courtney McKenna, Gamma Sigma* Susan Terry McLendon, Gamma Phi* Judy Meador, Gamma Michelle Lee Merrick, Gamma Zeta Nicole Mier, Zeta Psi Karen Aunan Miley, Alpha Lambda Fairy Huff Mills, Beta Sigma Karen Miltz Moberley, Delta Omega Ruth Bender Moeller, Beta Phi Ellyssa Morgan, Rho* Valerie Molina Morrison, Theta Sigma** Leslie Luecke Moss, Gamma Rho* Krystal Kohler Murer, Gamma Tau* Diane Davis Murphy, Epsilon Psi Deborah Brallier Musa, Alpha Chi Amy Colvin Mustafa, Beta Phi Jolie Napier-Vea, Iota Tau Margaret Lehman Nelson, Gamma Mu Beverly Wood Nichols, Alpha Nu Mary Lippitt Nichols, Phi Kimberly Fulton Nightingale, Sigma Jenny French Nirh, Alpha Gamma Laura Tubbs Noteware, Beta Psi Cynthia Nugent, Alpha Phi Shawn Lampkin Nutter, Gamma Zeta Laura Lent Obert, Delta Nu Joyce Avrett Oliver, Beta Sigma Janet Hamblin Olsen, Gamma Eta Ann Olson, Alpha Pi*

THE LYRE

29

FOUNDATION

Alarie Sims Ornburn, Delta Chi* Esther Ocampo Ousborne, Epsilon Rho Frances Dyck Pastuszenski, Epsilon Psi Urvashi Patel, Epsilon Omega* Dianna Burnett Patterson, Alpha Phi Jennifer Lynn Patterson, Beta Phi Janet Aydelott Pease, Chi Joan M. Perry, Zeta Lambda Lynn Petrelli, Epsilon Lambda* Kim Wood Phillips, Alpha Beta MerLynn Harris Pitcher, Beta Xi*** Audra Levi Priluck, Epsilon Peggy Putnam Alexander, Alpha Upsilon Michelle McCain Race, Zeta Eta Melissa Perez Ramirez, Beta Omega Heather White Ranalli, Alpha Eta +Sally Schlatter Ravas, Beta Omega Karen Carwile Rayburn, Zeta Lambda Susan Seefeldt Rehorn, Zeta Pi** Dr. Eleanor E. Reynolds, Beta Eta* Laura Richard, Pi Jensy Patterson Richards, Sigma Sylvia Thompson Richards, Kappa Britain Dwyre Riley, Beta Eta Bridget Guernsey Riordan, Gamma Mu Anna Clovis Ritchie, Phi Kelli Rodriguez, Theta Pi Shirley Voltz Rogers, Gamma Theta Sandra Maison Rosen, Omicron Lizett Huerta Ross, Beta Nu Brian Ruiz Danielle Haynes Russell, Alpha Chi* Babs Sandeen, Epsilon Psi Linda Wisner Sanford, Beta Eta Alessia Satterfield, Xi Carol Mansfield Schlessman, Gamma Delta*** Courtney Schmidt, Alpha Melissa Schoen, Phi* Judy Hendricks Schubert, Alpha Mu Kristin Johnson Schultz, Alpha Lambda Alma Gates Scroggins, Alpha Upsilon Jane Grabowski Seifert, Gamma Omega Jacquelyn Gerrard Self, Beta Tau Victoria Selfridge, Epsilon Phi Nancy Eckert Selleck, Phi Jeannie Saharian Shahnasarian, Alpha Beta Jane Heinrich Shannahan, Gamma Betsy Burnham Shannon, Beta Colette Sheehy, Eta Kara Dawn Sheets, Gamma Epsilon

30

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Ann Jennings Shepard, Mu** Kavita Shet, Alpha Lambda Jane Shoppell, Delta Upsilon Amy Sis Short, Delta Kappa Margi Richey Shostedt, Alpha Lambda* Sheri Shoup, Alpha Phi* Kara Wehby Shuror, Epsilon Lambda*** Stephanie York Sibley, Gamma Nu Mari-jean Oswald Siehl, Alpha Omicron Karen White Siladi, Delta Zeta Janet Dwyer Sinegal, Gamma Nu Sandy Campbell Singleton, Gamma Rho Leslie Smith Sinyard, Beta Sigma Brooke Oliver Smith, Alpha Chi Bonnie Wallace Smith, Epsilon Zeta Mary Zimpel Smith, Delta Rho Carolynn Snyder, Beta Zeta Wendy Stallings, Epsilon Chi* Aggie Theresa Steiner, Beta Eta Joan Rossin Stephans, Alpha Iota*** Darlene Gates Stevenson, Gamma Delta*** Karen Schaffer Stewart, Beta Epsilon*** Lynne Wesche Strasser, Alpha Eta* Julie Stufft, Zeta Upsilon* Suzie McClendon Symcox, Psi* Mendy Hawk Tarwater, Epsilon Omicron Tonya Lee Tatum, Beta Lambda** Melissa Ford Taylor, Alpha Upsilon Kathy Bowen Taylor, Alpha Chi Anne Teaford-Cantor, Alpha Psi*** Jennifer Terry, Zeta Lambda Jane Elizabeth Thessin, Beta Theta*** Susan Thresher, Gamma Iota Adrienne Torre, Beta Lambda* Beth Trerotola, Gamma Delta** Nicki Grimes Tymchak, Iota Xi Janice R. Van Ekeren, Delta Nu** Carmen Lee Vance, Alpha Nu Priscilla Blackie Varner, Theta Sigma Lauren Symcox Voth, Iota Sigma Elaine Frazier Wagstaff, Iota Lambda Nancy Spanich Waiss, Omega* Jen Gibson Wallach, Iota Chi Maggie Dulay Ward, Epsilon Theta Teresa Nash Warner, Psi Jane Washburn, Alpha Mu Sara Pirk Watkins, Alpha Lambda* Erin Heichelbech Weesner, Gamma Mu Deb Grisham Wehrman, Delta Chi Lee Yoder Welborn, Epsilon Phi Mary Seybold Welch, Alpha Beta**

Lynette Lemon Wert, Psi* Thelma Simmons Wever, Omicron Tricia Wiese, Delta Nu LouAnn Pfeifer Wilcox, Alpha Nu Lark Will, Delta Iota** Sasha Bernstein Williams, Epsilon Viancca Burger Williams, Gamma Pi Susan Johnson Wilson, Beta Lambda Mary McMurtry Winkler, Epsilon Zeta Gaia Garver Winter, Gamma Nu Julie Crider Wisbrock, Phi* Corinne E. Wolffe, Zeta Eta Katherine Berryman Woolard, Delta Sigma Eileen O’Shea Wrubel, Kappa Nu* Devon Yamauchi, Nu Diane Claes Young, Epsilon Tau* Dina Zemke, Zeta Phi Miriam Abascal Zimms, Gamma Chi Mary Zinn, Nu** Anonymous, Alpha Beta**

OLIVE CIRCLE

OLIVE CIRCLE RECOGNIZES DONORS AGE 30 AND YOUNGER WHO INVEST $500 OR MORE ANNUALLY IN THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. FUND. THANK YOU TO OUR INAUGURAL 2024-25 OLIVE CIRCLE DONORS!

Ellie Butler, Delta Rho Morgan Elizabeth Elam, Epsilon Zeta Sara Gutierrez, Alpha Gamma Jaime Heath, Lambda Sydney Kummer, Iota Omega Meghan Lacy, Alpha Chi Rachel Lacy, Sigma Elaina Mahoney, Gamma Zeta Cynthia Mejia, Epsilon Theta Lauren Miller, Alpha Omicron Alex Pear, Alpha Kappa Ellen Roth, Gamma Tau Olivia Schmepp, Alpha Pi Emily Shipman, Zeta Omega Destiny Willis, Kappa Mu

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

31

HOUSING

Designed for Success T H E N H C’S S U M M E R P R OJ E C T S

BY KENDALL SUESS (GAMMA EPSILON, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING

T

his summer, the Alpha Chi Omega National Housing Corporation (NHC) completed capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects at multiple Alpha Chi Omega facilities across the country. From fresh coats of paint and new furniture to life safety and mechanical upgrades, the projects were tailored to enhance the housed Alpha Chi Omega experience based on the needs at each chapter facility.

The NHC prioritizes creating spaces for collegiate members where they can connect, lead, grow and serve.

Housing makes a positive impact on members’ lives in college and their futures beyond, whether that is through spaces to host philanthropy and educational events, common areas to spend time with sisters, or group and private study rooms to thrive academically.

The CAPEX projects reflect the NHC’s commitment to creating spaces in which collegians feel empowered and safe. Check out some of the projects completed this summer!

NEW DINING ROOM FURNITURE

ZETA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA) Over the summer, Zeta Lambda facility received updates to common area furniture and lighting, new common area paint, security camera upgrades and new laundry equipment.

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

NEW COMMON AREA FURNITURE ON THE FIRST FLOOR

EPSILON OMEGA (CAL POLY, SAN LUIS OBISPO) Epsilon Omega sisters came back to campus with new resident and guest bathrooms, common area and bedroom flooring upgrades, and a new water heater.

FAR LEFT: UPGRADED FIRST FLOOR GUEST BATHROOM

LEFT: UPGRADED SECOND FLOOR RESIDENT BATHROOM

EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) Phase 1 of Epsilon Phi’s facility project was completed this summer.

It included a basement renovation with a commercial kitchen expansion and update, dining room renovation, basement bathroom refresh and updates to the media room.

NEW PAINT AND FURNITURE IN THE BASEMENT MEDIA ROOM

EXPANDED DINING AREA WITH UPGRADED FLOORING, FURNITURE AND PAINT

NEW SERVING AREA IN THE BASEMENT DINING ROOM THE LYRE

33

HOUSING

DELTA OMEGA (UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY) The Delta Omega facility received new common area furniture in the entry, foyer, study room, conference room, living room and resident lounge.

NEW LIVING ROOM FURNITURE, RUGS AND DRAPERIES

NEW FURNITURE IN THE RESIDENT LOUNGE

THETA LAMBDA (CLEMSON UNIVERSITY) Theta Lambda chapter’s facility received new common area furnishings and décor over the summer.

NEW COMMON AREA FURNISHINGS 34

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NEW LIVING ROOM FURNISHINGS AND PAINT

NEW ENTRY WALLPAPER, RUG AND FURNITURE

CONFERENCE ROOM WITH ALPHA CHI OMEGA BRANDED FURNISHINGS AND DESIGN ELEMENTS

DELTA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS) Delta Rho received new common area furnishings in the foyer, living room, library, conference room, resident lounges and study rooms. New paint and wallpaper were applied in the common areas.

The lighting in the dining room and foyer was upgraded, including a new entry stair chandelier.

Alpha Chi Omega branding was implemented through furniture, artwork and decor accessories.

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ON CAMPUS

Barriers to Facilitation GET A PEEK INTO THIS POWERFUL TRAINING, PART OF THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE!

BY AUTUMN MCBRIDE (TAU, BRENAU UNIVERSITY), EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER, AND JEN WALLACH (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES

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hen we think about what makes someone successful, we often think about mastering technical skills, earning the right degrees and completing the right internships. What we know, though, is that it is the soft skills that often make the biggest difference. Alpha Chi Omega is all about the development of our members, and we know that those soft skills are what make us the most powerful – so much so that we call them “power skills” instead. We teach these skills in a variety of ways – skills like emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, ability to adapt with change and even how to be a better facilitator.

One of those power skills is effective facilitation, and Alpha Chi Omega has been educating members on overcoming barriers to facilitation for many years. What started as a companion to the MyJourney member experience program has seen several iterations over the years to respond to member needs, from an in-person experience facilitated by volunteers, transitioning to a peer-facilitated program for collegiate chapter officers to educate their sisters, and reaching its latest form – a 10-minute virtual training on The Heights Learning Center.

WHAT’S IN THE TRAINING The Barriers to Facilitation training highlights the seven fears of facilitating and strategies for how to overcome each of them. Fears include:

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• • • • • • •

People who don’t participate (or who participate too much) Not having great facilitation skills Logistical problems Feeling awkward getting started Stage fright Criticism and responding to tough questions Not wanting it to be a waste of time for attendees

While you might not have all seven of these fears, you likely have at least one. One of the best parts of this training is that it is designed to be most applicable for the learner. You identify which of the fears you most resonate with, and your training experience is customized to those fears. If you’re not fearful of logistical problems, for instance, you don’t have to take that part of the training – focusing only on what you need the most help with.

LET’S DIVE IN: STAGE FRIGHT A common facilitation fear is stage fright. Choosing to overcome that barrier can help you stand out!

There are three stage fright zones: the Red Zone, Comfort Zone and Third Zone.

The Red Zone happens within the first 2-3 minutes of stage fright. It’s when you are most alert, but your fear is the highest! The good news is that it normally only lasts for a few minutes, even if those few minutes feel like an eternity.

The Comfort Zone is the second zone, when you begin to speak comfortably. You want to be here as soon as possible. This is where you start to breathe and feel normal again.

The Third Zone is the “I can’t believe I just said that!” zone. You begin to get so incredibly comfortable that you get on a tangent, tell a funny story that takes too long or forget where you are. This is the opposite of the Red Zone and can easily be corrected by following your guide, checking your time or just taking a quick break to get back on course.

Getting out of the Red Zone can be the hardest part, so here are a few strategies: •

•

•

Be prepared! The more you’ve reviewed your materials, the more confident you’ll be.

Spend as little time talking in the first 2-3 minutes as possible. Ask the audience a question to get them thinking – and give yourself time to chill out!

Listen actively. When your audience engages with you, listen to their feedback and tailor your facilitation to their responses. Repeating and synthesizing their feedback is a great way to

•

ensure you all understand and affirms for the attendees that you’re interested in what they have to say.

Transfer the pressure! Have your participants introduce themselves and break the ice, show a video or do an activity.

Trainings like Barriers to Facilitation are a shining example of how Alpha Chi Omega continues to invest in the growth of every sister. Through confidencebuilding power skills and other resources on The Heights, we inspire the next generation of real, strong women to lead boldly. How will you join Alpha Chi Omega in breaking down barriers to facilitation and leading conversations that inspire? The spotlight is yours – step in and lead!

Ready to level up your facilitation skills? Collegiate sisters and operational volunteers can explore the full Barriers to Facilitation training on The Heights Learning Center to grow in confidence and motivate others through facilitation!

A SCREENSHOT FROM THE BARRIERS TO FACILITATION TRAINING IN THE HEIGHTS THE LYRE

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LIFE

Movement as Medicine

BY ROBIN DALE (ZETA XI, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO), PA-C, CERTIFIED MENOPAUSE SOCIETY PRACTITIONER, YOGA INSTRUCTOR

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efore you read another word … reach both arms above your head. Breathe in. S t r e t c h, exhale slowly and relax.

Feel that shift? No pills needed. Yes! Feeling different already? That’s faster than any drug.

Our bodies are miraculous movement machines designed to calm emotions, revive spirits, renew minds and support our overall health. Movement helps with sleep, surgery recovery, chronic pain, inflammation reduction, osteoporosis prevention and more. Even small, consistent movement matters. Walking around the block, gardening, a chair yoga class on YouTube or dancing in your kitchen – it all counts.

When I was 13, I began feeling depressed. I still remember the heavy-heavies. One cold autumn morning as I walked to school, just in that mile, I felt lighter. That walk became a daily gift. The anxiety of junior high melted with every step.

It took me years to realize that movement was medicine. In college, though never athletic (I still can’t hit a ball), I took a movement class each semester.

Those hours of gym or dance became the relief I craved – freedom from studying, sitting, and my cycles of depression and anxiety. While traditional medicine can be beneficial for many, I’ve found that movement is a powerful tool. A 2025 study published in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing confirms this, finding that aerobic, resistance or 38

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combined exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Now, as a retired empty nester missing my kids, I feel movement as life. In yoga or lifting, within 5 minutes my mood shifts. I can begin wistful or heavy, but after moving, it becomes resonance or contentment. In the middle of effort, hard work dissolves into a rush of pleasure and vitality. Muscles wake up. I feel confidence, brightness and strength return. Sometimes I’m sore for a few days, but I’m delightfully sore, no ache of stagnation.

Several years ago, determined to get in better shape, I joined a gym. The routines were too hard or too easy.

My body ached, and the gym wasn’t fun. So, I hired a personal trainer as a gift to my health. She knew just how to push, when to rest and even inspired nutritiously dense eating. After one session I felt better – pleasantly tired but lit with vitality. A few weeks later, recovery was faster, and now I look forward to every session where I sweat, breathe and get cheered on.

Beyond body and mind, movement connects us to joy, creativity and presence. Walking in nature, dancing, yoga or tai chi are moving meditations. They are medicine for the soul – joy infusions without needles. Joyful, regular exercise is a potent act of self-care. The recommendation for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. At 64, I can tell you – it still applies.

If you have an injury or chronic condition, remember: never move into pain. Move right up to its edge, but not

through it. Instructors and trainers can offer modifications, and physical therapists can guide you safely.

So what’s in your movement medicine cabinet? What did you love as a teen? Try walking to meetings, parking farther away or stretching before bed. Start small, stay consistent and take your daily dose.

Movement is valuable medicine available to practically everyone, every day. Your next dose is waiting – step outside, stretch, dance, breathe. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you.

Learn more from Robin on Instagram @MenopauseWithRobin. Robin also serves as the VP programming for Alpha Zeta Alpha (Salt Lake City, Utah) alumnae chapter.

OUR WOMEN’S WELLNESS SERIES IS AN EXPLORATION OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOPICS FOR SISTERS,

BY SISTERS. ARE YOU AN EXPERT IN THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FIELD? EMAIL MENTORING@ ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG. WE’D ALSO LOVE TO HEAR TOPICS YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT. JOIN OUR WELLNESS SEEKERS GROUP TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION AT WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG.

R O B I N’S Simple Stretching R O U T I N E

SIDE BODY STRETCH BOTH SIDES

SPINAL TWIST BOTH DIRECTIONS

HAMSTRING STRETCH START SITTING, THEN LIFT YOUR TAILBONE

CAT AND COW SPINAL EXTENSION AND FLEXION

BRISK WALK

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LIFE

A Lifetime of Sisterhood CELEBRATING MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

BY OCTOBER HENSON DAVIS (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER AND ALUMNAE ENGAGEMENT

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ach year Alpha Chi Omega recognizes and honors our members as they reach 10, 25, 50, 60 and 75 years of membership. Milestones are incredibly important to us, and we hope that as each year passes, your initiation anniversary is a reminder of the lifelong commitment you made to our sisterhood. Pausing to celebrate an important milestone is an opportunity not only to recognize an alumna’s dedication but also to reflect on all that your own membership has done to enrich your life. From meeting your big sister to graduating alongside lifelong friends to attending your alumnae chapter’s lunch bunch – Alpha Chi Omega has gifted us so many memories along the way.

Mary Gratton Davids (Chi, Oregon State University) reached 75 years of membership earlier this year and was celebrated in a big way by Gamma Theta Gamma (Los Angeles, California). The alumnae chapter came together for an end-of-year potluck and a celebration of Mary. Back in the 80s, Mary had the honor of pinning her daughter, Kathy Davids Gore (Beta Lambda, University of Arizona), at her initiation, and it was a full-circle moment this year when Kathy pinned her mom with her 75-year pin.

With decades of volunteer service, donations to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, attendance at 23 National Conventions and hosting the Gamma Theta Gamma potluck for more than 50 years, Mary understands the value of lifelong commitment to Alpha Chi Omega. Mary coined the phrase “Have I got an opportunity for you!”

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MARY (FOURTH FROM LEFT SEATED ON COUCH) CELEBRATING HER MILESTONE WITH ALUMNAE CHAPTER SISTERS

when encouraging sisters to get involved, which has led to many serving as volunteers and leaders.

Sisters reaching membership milestones are celebrated across the country in many different ways! Some may celebrate with family and loved ones while others are surrounded by alumnae chapter sisters. No matter the style, we hope our members feel the lifelong love of our bond! Keep reading to learn how some of our sisters have been recognized this year.

SIGMA CHI SIGMA (The Villages, Florida) held a 50year ceremony for Jenny Corbitt (Beta Eta, Florida State University) and Chris Edgecomb (Beta Theta, Lawrence University). Their 1975 initiations were recognized alongside several other 50- and 60-year milestones in attendance!

At a reunion of BETA ETA (Florida State University) sisters initiated from 1975-79, many 50-year members were in attendance and participated in a 50-year milestone ceremony!

MARY PLUEMER WALTER (Rho, University of Washington) celebrated her 75-year milestone surrounded by her family. Her youngest granddaughter read the ceremony.

DERRY MAE MERRILL CHAMBERLIN (Beta Xi, Utah State University) celebrated her 75-year milestone with family earlier this year. One of her daughters, a son-in-law, six of her 12 grandchildren with spouses and partners, and 11 of 23 great-grands were with her in person. In addition to performing the ceremony, some of her Alpha Chi Omega memorabilia was showcased.

SIGMA PSI SIGMA (Omega Alumnae) hosted a gathering at a local bistro to celebrate three Omega (Washington State University) 60-year members: Diane Jones Thomas, Maggie Corliss Santschi and Betty Jo (BJ) Chandler Hilliard.

Attendees noted that this gathering was the first time many of them had reconnected in years for a most joyful event!

Lambda Lambda (Grand Rapids, Michigan) celebrated the 75-year milestone of BARBARA SLAYBAUGH RAYMOND (Alpha Sigma, Ohio Wesleyan University).

After the ceremony and hors d’oeuvres, Barabara shared stories from her (and her sister’s) collegiate experience.

A group of DELTA NU (Iowa State University) sisters from the 70s celebrated 50 years at the Alpha Chi Omega headquarters building in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Participating in the 50-year milestone ceremony at the building was so special!

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REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.

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In the Driver’s Seat

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

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ou probably know her as The Car Mom. With more than 610,000 followers on Instagram, 430 videos on YouTube and a podcast rated five stars by 3,000 listeners, this car expert and influencer is upending the automotive industry, ensuring that women and moms are empowered to make informed decisions in the car-buying process.

It’s no surprise that The Car Mom is a real, strong woman of Alpha Chi Omega. Kelly Suntrup Stumpe (Delta Chi, William Woods University) is out to change the narrative.

“People would tell me, ‘Moms don’t care what they drive. They can just drive a minivan,’” Kelly says. “Well, THE LYRE

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REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.

who spends more time in their car than a mom? I’m clocking six hours on a Tuesday in my car. With football practice, gymnastics practice, two drop-offs, two pickups, we live in our cars. I also carry the most precious cargo on the road, which is my children. … We are the pinnacle of what a ‘car person’ is.”

So how did Kelly go from posting her first YouTube video to sitting at the table with automotive executives sharing her priorities for future car models? It’s been an exciting ride …

PRESSING PL AY ON THE CAR MOM Cars are part of Kelly’s DNA. Her grandpa owned a used car lot back in the 1950s, and her father and his brother built a multi-store dealership franchise. When Kelly graduated from William Woods, her dad offered her a job selling cars, and she fell in love with the auto industry.

“It was just so fun to be there for people’s most exciting purchases in their lives,” Kelly says. “And I also felt very

empathetic toward a lot of people I was selling cars to because I was young, so I was more inclined and excited to sell to people who were first-time car buyers.”

When Kelly became a mom and saw her friends becoming moms, she realized there weren’t car-buying resources for this phase of life. She says, “I just felt like there wasn’t a person advocating for and educating parents and mothers and caregivers on how the car is going to function.”

With a nudge from her husband, she put in the research and found that many car reviewers were posting long videos on YouTube, which she didn’t have experience in.

But then came the “aha moment.”

“I was like, ‘I’m a nursing mom, I’m pregnant, and I’m sitting on my phone scrolling Instagram all day. That’s where the people I want to reach are. I’m just going to meet them where they’re at,’” Kelly recalls.

Those Instagram videos grew into The Car Mom, with Kelly and her team now making a mark on multiple platforms, including TikTok and YouTube. She also

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

“I’ve always been lightning-set on what my vision is, what our mission statement is, and we’re not going to stop until we’re a household name.”

writes reviews for her website and hosts personalized car-buying consultations.

Kelly believed in herself and The Car Mom from day one. “We all kind of thought it could be a really big thing,” she says. “Of course, we’ve taken some twists and turns, and we’ve grown on things … and I’m surprised and so grateful for the audience who took me here, but I’ve always been lightning-set on what my vision is, what our mission statement is, and we’re not going to stop until we’re a household name.”

SHARING SAFETY AND FUN When Kelly reviews cars for her audience, she focuses on four areas: convenience, comfort, functionality and safety. In short, she explains it’s about “the practical ways this car is going to work.”

Safety is key for Kelly. “The hard truth of it is that parents are distracted drivers, whether we want to be or not,” she explains. “You’re trying to merge on a highway and you have three kids asking you questions and it’s raining and then your cell phone rings … you’re distracted.”

The Car Mom reviews highlight crash prevention features like blind spot cameras and frontal collision warnings; second- and third-row safety is also paramount and something that Kelly explains is only recently being prioritized in crash testing. “As a parent, I wish they would put all the safety in the third row … protecting my children,” she says.

A certified child passenger safety technician, Kelly also emphasizes that a properly sized and installed car seat is the most important step to keep a child safe. “I really understand the responsibility I have as an influencer,” she says. “I’m not influencing a cute new lip gloss or a fun new top. I’m influencing very expensive purchases that can be a matter of life or death. I take my role very seriously.”

And while the seriousness comes through, The Car Mom is also about fun! Kelly explains, “Every piece of content we put out, we make sure that it’s engaging, it’s educating, it’s entertaining or it’s empowering.”

These content goals are also apparent in a more recent venture for The Car Mom brand: The Carpool podcast.

Kelly teams up with her sister Lizz St. John to host a weekly podcast that delves into automotive and lifestyle topics. “I like to explain it like we’re gossiping about pop culture, but it’s about, like, Infiniti’s new testing that they just released,” Kelly says. “My audience has really responded well, too, because we’re speaking their language and meeting them where they’re at.”

Kelly points out that auto is one of the country’s largest industries, so she loves bringing more people into conversations about cars. “One of our favorite compliments to receive is that people are always listening with their kids and now their kids are getting interested in auto,” she says. “We’re hoping to inspire not only this generation, but the next generation, your kids who are listening in the car, about just how cool the auto industry can be.”

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For aspiring content creators, Kelly has a few pieces of advice. The first is to remember the long game of social media; she says she didn’t make a dollar for the first 12 months of The Car Mom. “I really stopped myself early on about not comparing my start to someone else’s middle,” she says. She remembers filming her first few reviews and being worried they weren’t good enough. So her husband asked her to scroll back to the biggest car reviewer’s first videos and see how far he’d come – and to know the same was possible for her.

“So I will never remove my first YouTube videos. Go watch,” she says. “I was five weeks postpartum with my second. I was so nervous. It was windy. I was filming by myself. It is a horrible video. But I’ll never remove it because I’m very proud of how far I’ve come.”

Kelly also emphasizes the importance of building a community on social media – “people who trust you, who follow you, who support you, who believe in you.” She says building a dedicated community and connecting with them is more valuable for long-term success than going viral.

KELLY AND LIZZ, HOSTS OF THE CARPOOL

GROWING THE COMMUNITY As Kelly’s platforms have grown, so has her influence in the industry. She says a recent career highlight was being invited by Ford to consult on future products; it felt like her dream of seeing moms taken seriously was coming true. But it’s hearing from her followers who purchased a car with her advice or had their family walk away from an accident that make her the most proud of her work.

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She also attributes her skills in connection to Alpha Chi Omega recruitment. “I’ve really taken a lot of that into my social media videos that I make, being genuine, delivering a message and selling yourself or your sorority,” explains Kelly, who served as VP philanthropy, VP public relations and marketing, and VP recruitment. Even her experience giving recruitment house tours plays into how she gives a car tour as she focuses on clear and concise messaging.

And Kelly says that just like when you join a sorority and you want to tell everyone about it, she’s proud that The Car Mom community is strong and positive. “We bring

KELLY AT THE 2024 CAR MOM AUTO SHOW, AN EVENT SHE PUT ON IN MISSOURI TO SHOWCASE FAMILYFRIENDLY CARS AND BRING HER COMMUNIT Y TOGETHER

them into the community, they buy their car and then they stick around to help tell other people,” she says.

Her final piece of advice is that you have to love content creation to make a career out of it. “I’ve never really considered myself a creative person. But when it comes to content, it feels so life-giving to me.

It’s a way that I can use my creative muscle.”

Now four kids and countless videos later, Kelly sees no limits for The Car Mom while she stays true to who she is and why she does this work. “I do it because I like it,” she says. “It’s good for the community. And I want people to know that you’re getting your reviews from a regular mom, from a brand that does regular things. I’m living it with you, and here’s what I’ve learned.”

Kelly is a 2025 recipient of Alpha Chi Omega’s Real.

Strong. Women. of Distinction Award. You can follow her on social media @The_Car_Mom and visit thecarmomofficial.com.

W H AT D O E S K E L LY LO O K F O R W H E N R E V I E W I N G A C A R? CENTER CONSOLE SPACE FOR DIAPER BAG AND SNACKS

FRONTAL COLLISON WARNINGS

SECOND- AND THIRD-ROW SAFET Y

TRUNK SIZE FOR STROLLER AND GROCERIES LOWER AND TETHER ANCHORS FOR CAR SEATS

CLIMATE VENTS THROUGHOUT THE CABIN FLEXIBILIT Y FOR SECOND-ROW SEAT AND SO MUCH MORE! MOVEMENT WITH A CARSEAT INSTALLED CUP HOLDER SIZE AND QUANTIT Y

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CAREER OUTLOOK

Breaking Barriers in Tech

BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

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ccording to Forbes, women make up only about 25% of the tech workforce, with the percentage holding tech leadership roles even smaller. Two Alpha Chi Omega sisters are breaking down those barriers and paving the way for other women to join them. These two alumnae sisters not only share careers in tech, but both are 2025 Real.

Strong. Women. of Distinction award winners! While their stories are unique, both women make an impact, inspiring more women to join them in the industry.

ALANE BOYD Alane Boyd (Beta Psi, Louisiana Tech University) is no stranger to the tech industry; with over 20 years of experience, she has continued to break barriers in a male-dominated field. As a CEO and co-founder for Biggest Goal, Alane has a passion for making lives easier with technology.

After graduating college, Alane immediately dove into the world of entrepreneurship, using skills and experiences she learned from the sisterhood. “Being a part of Alpha Chi, you’re in such a large group and you have this commonality, but you also have so many different personalities. I think that was the first time that I was around so many women at one time,” she says. “One of my biggest learnings during that time is that it’s OK, we can have different opinions. It was a great time for me to get back to understanding that we’re all human beings, we all have different backgrounds and we are all here together to learn from each other.” As she started to build her first company, she even hired several Alpha Chi Omega sisters!

Alpha Chi Omega made an impact on Alane, and now she’s leaving her mark on the sisterhood.

Lending her tech expertise, she has been a mentor for Alpha Chi AL ANE BOYD

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Omega’s Career Conversations and the Capstone Leadership program. Along with mentoring sisters, Alane loves meeting and inspiring other women breaking into the industry. “I do a lot of speaking to groups of women so I can keep just giving back to women,” she shares.

“We need help, we need a voice that is a strong woman, whether that’s me or somebody else, just knowing that it’s not always a male-dominated world.”

Getting started in tech could be easier than you think; Alane suggests looking at the tech you use in your daily life. “If you’re wanting to break into a field, whether it’s tech or a different industry, look at your day. What parts of your day involve the field you want to go into?” she explains. “[Then] mold your resume into that. Talk about the software that you use, talk about the people that you manage, talk about those things that matter in the next field.”

ALEXANDRA LEIGH JOHNSON Alexandra Leigh Johnson’s (Kappa Nu, Carnegie Mellon University) career has spanned nine tech companies, including her own startup!

Alexandra credits Alpha Chi as one of the experiences to launch her into success, having gained skills easily transferred to the tech world, such as using her recruitment experience to pitch an investor or stand out at a networking event. Alpha Chi Omega also gave her sisters who inspire. “Alpha Chi Omega gave me incredible role models. Time and again, I was surrounded by women balancing leadership with academic excellence, which showed me what real, strong women can accomplish,” she says. With friends in the chapter holding leadership positions and difficult majors, she saw that it is possible to balance it all.

Alexandra has continued surrounding herself with strong women after graduation. Along with working full-time in tech, she has led the Bay Area chapter of Women in Machine Learning and Data Science, with more than 6,500 members, helping facilitate more than

ALEXANDRA LEIGH JOHNSON

150 events, training 30 volunteers and launching a mentorship program.

So, what does it look like to work at an AI startup?

“I spend my days working with talented designers, engineers, product managers and our agent development team to create next-generation products for AI agents. The pace is fast, and I’m constantly learning and growing,” she shares.

Looking ahead, Alexandra is always keeping an eye out for new ways to give back, especially to women who are hoping to pursue software engineering careers. She hopes that others take risks just like she has. “Tech and startups involve risk, which means failure is often part of the journey,” she says. “Don’t let that discourage you – get comfortable with failure and see it as a learning opportunity. Set clear goals, plan out action items, work hard and iterate when things don’t work out.”

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Women & Wisdom

BY THE NUMBERS

Women & Wisdom provides professional and personal development opportunities for both collegians and alumnae alumna .

Women & Wisdom includes:

5,700+

TOTAL USERS

Online networking platform featuring mentoring, groups, member directory, job postings and more (like a LinkedIn just for Alpha Chis!)

Virtual series with career and personal development topics In-person alumnae networking events with a featured local speaker

1,353

2,000+

45+

NEW USERS IN THE PAST YEAR

NETWORKING INTERACTIONS LAST YEAR

W&W SERIES SESSIONS

210

MENTEES MATCHED IN 24-25 W&W PROGRAMS

455

REGISTERED FOR 24-25 W&W SERIES WEBINARS

TOP CHAPTERS IN THE NETWORK

OUR W&W SERIES COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS, LIKE NETWORKING, CAREER PANELS, PERSONAL FINANCES AND MORE!

166

ALUMNAE ATTENDED AN IN-PERSON EVENT LAST YEAR

Zeta Nu, Kappa Omicron, Alpha Chi, Alpha Omicron and Beta Eta

JOIN TODAY AT

50

SISTERS

STAY TUNED FOR OUR 2026 LOCATIONS!

WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Samantha Hammac

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very Alpha Chi Omega volunteer is a testament to the power of giving back – transforming lives and strengthening our sisterhood.

Read about Samantha Hammac (Kappa Xi, University of West Florida), who serves as our lead finance SAMANTHA HAMMAC specialist. Samantha balances being a volunteer leader, mom, professional and much more!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE SERVING AS AN ALPHA CHI OMEGA VOLUNTEER? I have learned the importance of flexibility and empathy when working with different chapters and volunteers. Every chapter has unique needs, and approaching each situation with patience and an open mind has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A SISTER WHO IS UNSURE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING? I would encourage her to give it a try, even in a smaller role. Volunteering allows you to stay connected to the

“Volunteering allows you to stay connected to the sisterhood, grow new skills and make a real impact.”

sisterhood, grow new skills and make a real impact. You never know how meaningful the experience will be until you take that first step.

HOW HAVE YOU BALANCED BEING A VOLUNTEER AND A PARENT OF A YOUNG CHILD? Balancing it all requires planning and clear priorities.

I work full-time, so I am intentional about organizing my schedule to protect both family time and volunteer commitments. I make sure my family knows when I have Alpha Chi Omega responsibilities, and I also make time to be fully present with them. Juggling parenting, work and volunteering has taught me to be organized, patient and thoughtful with how I use my time.

HOW HAVE YOU CREATED IMPACTFUL RELATIONSHIPS BEING A PART OF A VIRTUAL TEAM, BOTH AS A NATIONALLEVEL SPECIALIST AND A LOCAL VOLUNTEER? I focus on consistent communication and making sure people feel heard. Even though much of our work is virtual, I try to create space for connection by checking in, celebrating wins and being responsive. Those small touches help build trust and strong relationships.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR A SISTER WHO IS MANAGING A GROWING CAREER WHILE ALSO WANTING TO GIVE BACK? Start with a volunteer role that matches your current season of life. It does not have to be a large commitment to make a difference. Even a few hours each month can be meaningful, and you can always grow your involvement as your schedule allows.

Have you considered volunteering as a specialist? We have vacancies available now on many specialist teams across the Enterprise. 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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Power Play

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

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omen’s sports are having a moment – and hopefully, a movement. Women’s games are seeing record-breaking attendance, revenue nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024, and fan bases have growing loyalty. Two Alpha Chi Omega alumnae have played a part in that momentum, one starting just a few years ago on the racetrack and another half a century ago on the basketball court.

From laps to layups and every sport in between, real, strong women will always be leading the way.

ON THE TRACK “Do it scared.” This is the advice Brandi Martinez (Gamma Chi, Stetson University) has for Alpha Chi Omega sisters jumping into the unknown. Brandi took her own advice when she dove into the world of pit lane officiating.

While today she can be found each weekend at International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) races around the country, a few years ago she had never even visited the famous Daytona Speedway despite living down the street. Brandi had been working part-time at a local gym while getting her Ph.D. when a regular client noticed her work ethic and offered her an officiating job.

While it was nerve-wracking, Brandi knew she had to take the leap. “Both ways, in my opinion, are scary,” she says. “Either I follow my dreams and that’s scary, or I don’t and then I have to live with not following them – and that’s always scary.”

Taking the risk has paid off. Brandi has fallen in love with motorsports and is making her mark. Her job as a pit lane official is to make sure the racing teams are following the rules and being safe as they’re coming in for a pit stop – and issuing penalties when they’re not.

Among many other things, she’s keeping a close eye on if each team is operating in their designated space and if they have the correct number of people working on the car.

“A lot of our calls are safety-based,” she explains. “We’re making sure that the men and women out there know that safety comes first.”

BRANDI AWAITING THE ROAR OF THE ENGINES!

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One of Brandi’s favorite parts of a race weekend is the “fan walk,” when she sees young girls head out on the track and get close to the cars. She believes it’s important that they see women involved in motorsports. “They know that they can do it too,” Brandi says, “and that when you take it out of just racing, when you walk into a room and there’s only men, that you still deserve to be there and your voice to be heard.”

Brandi is happy that more and more women are becoming engineers, drivers, crewmembers and officials; in fact, she’s been at races where there are more women on pit lane than men!

Working as a pit lane official has grown Brandi’s confidence. Brandi remembers a call she made at a race this year penalizing a team for having an extra person working on the car. The team was angry and insistent that they didn’t break the rule.

“In the moment when this team is yelling at me, it’s easy to be like, ‘Oh my God, did I make the wrong call?’”

Brandi says. She held firm, and a week later, her boss got the footage and affirmed she was correct. “It just built my confidence that much more.”

This confidence is something she also gained from Alpha Chi Omega serving on the executive board in college. Just like when she’s in pit lane now, she had to make important decisions and own the responsibility of her decisions as a chapter leader.

In addition to her officiating work, Brandi works at an events agency owned by a woman she met through

BRANDI AT THE CHEVROLET DETROIT GRAND PRIX

racing. For those Alpha Chi Omega sisters looking to break into motorsports, Brandi emphasizes the power of networking and reaching out to other women in the industry (including her!). “We’re all in this together to elevate women in motorsports,” she says. “There is room, and there are never too many women.”

Behind each call and each decision she makes in pit lane, Brandi is carrying Alpha Chi Omega’s Real.

Strong. Woman. tagline with her. “It’s really helped with knowing that I do deserve this – the seat that I’m sitting at, the table that I’m at – that I am a real, strong woman. And because of that, I do deserve to be here.”

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ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNAE

ON THE COURT In 1972 when Ellen “E-Ray” Chappuis started at Georgia Institute of Technology, there was no women’s basketball team. There wasn’t even an intramural team for women. That all changed thanks to Title IX and a small group of female players, including Ellen, who fought for their love of the game.

In a primarily male student body, Ellen was often the only woman in her classes. After moving off campus, she began to feel the lack of female connections, and a group of women from her previous dormitory had a solution: join our local sorority. This local sorority would later become the Epsilon Phi chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.

The women had another motive for reaching out to Ellen; they were forming an intramural team and knew Ellen was a talented player. Ellen recalls saying, “You need me to come play basketball? I need me to come play basketball because I really miss it and also miss having female friends.”

Ellen had been shooting hoops since she was 5 years old in the yard on a smaller goal built next to her older brothers’ standard goal. She made her first organized team in seventh grade and continued to play through high school.

Fast forward to having played few games with the Georgia Tech intramural women’s team, Ellen and other players went to the then-director of intramurals Jim Culpepper to advocate for a varsity women’s basketball team. Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, had recently gone into effect. Conversations

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continued with the then-athletic director Bobby Dodd, and finally the team was formed in 1974, becoming the first varsity women’s sport at Georgia Tech.

Ellen sums up the journey: “Basketball led me to Alpha Chi, and Alpha Chi basketball led me to Georgia Tech basketball.”

ELLEN WITH HER HUSBAND CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GEORGIA TECH WOMEN’S BASKETBALL AT AN EVENT IN JANUARY 2025

That first year was anything but smooth for Ellen and the team, but they were determined to play. “It was like being back in high school doing fundraisers,” Ellen says. “We’re doing walk-a-thons, we’re doing car washes, we’re begging and borrowing to get uniforms, to pay officials. It was usually me driving my car with four other women to go to an away game.”

The team borrowed basketballs and practiced in a gym shared by the gymnastics team. “The gymnastics team uses a lot of chalk, and it goes all over the floor,” Ellen says. “It’s like being on ice, so we learned real quick that when you’re dribbling the ball and you stop running, you’re going to slide anywhere from 3 feet to 30 feet depending on how much we had really washed and mopped the floor.”

careers in HR, engineering, production management, construction management and technical auditing.

A 1970S TEAM PHOTO; ELLEN IS #53

Ellen says the team amassed a following of fans, and one of her favorite memories is playing a game in the Coliseum where the men’s team usually played and realizing the women’s game had more fans in attendance than the men’s game that followed.

The team ended its first season with only six wins, but the foundation they laid was far more important.

“There were so many things that women my age were really kind of leading as an example,” Ellen says. “It’s not just basketball. It’s leaders of industry. It’s the doctors and the scientists. We were on the first wave. But when I look now at basketball, they have come so far.”

Ellen played two seasons, even holding the position of co-captain, before stepping back her senior year to focus on other priorities, including her career. Often one of the only women in her workplaces, Ellen had successful

Her basketball story didn’t end with Georgia Tech. Ellen became a coach for her sons’ youth basketball teams because “if somebody helped me, I need to help this next generation.” The Atlantaarea recreational teams often had former college and professional athletes volunteering as coaches. At one event, the male coaches were announced with their athletic experiences – but Ellen was simply recognized as “Ellen Chappuis.” Ellen let the announcers know that she was “Ellen Chappuis, former Georgia Tech basketball player.” She says, “That’s another one of my super proud moments.”

Ellen recently celebrated 50 years of the two Georgia Tech organizations she helped found – the Epsilon Phi chapter and the women’s basketball team. Both have flourished over the last half century, with the chapter winning numerous national and campus awards and the team reaching multiple NCAA tournaments.

“They’re intertwined and wrapped up together because all of it started at the same time,” Ellen says. “All at once, the right place at the right time.”

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ALUMNAE INITIATES SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNAE INITIATES AT THE 2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION IN THE FRONT ROW WITH THEIR SPONSORS BEHIND – WILL YOU BE IN THE 2026 PICTURE WITH A NEW SISTER?

From Attendees to Alpha Chis

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

hall, in the presence of nearly 50 Alpha Chi Omegas, they would participate in our Initiation Ceremony together and be pinned with the lyre badge.

n Friday, July 12, 2024, four women previously unknown to each other gathered in an Indianapolis hotel conference room. They were not yet alumnae members, but in just a few hours when Alpha Chi Omega’s 62nd National Convention officially began, they would be invited to stand and be welcomed by more than 700 women with a round of applause as our newest sisters in the Bond.

Though alumnae initiations can take place at any time of year, there is something extra special about initiating at a National Convention. The volunteer director of NAIP, Michelle Hawes (Beta Xi, Utah State University), has helped host the convention Alumnae Initiation Ceremony four times, and with each one a sense of connection and purpose comes through.

O

How did these four women from different places and life stages find themselves here, together? It’s because of the National Alumna Initiate Program (NAIP).

“Our Initiation Ceremony marks the beginning of our everlasting bonds in Alpha Chi Omega through our sisterhood, rituals and promises. It resonates,” Michelle shares.

With eager introductions and nervous excitement, Sherri Ellegood, Dina Fadely, Allie Steele and Kelly Weitzel prepared to experience our Ritual for the first time. Months of groundwork – including an application, interview and sponsorship process, and new member education – had led them to this moment. Just across the

Kelly Weitzel (Epsilon Omicron, Indiana State University) drove in from Fishers, Indiana, where she is a pediatric dental hygienist. Her daughter Danielle was attending convention as Epsilon Omicron’s chapter delegate, and the pair couldn’t pass up the opportunity for such a special ceremony.

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“It felt like such an honor to be initiated at the National Convention. It was so amazing to see so many women of all ages present and supporting our group of initiates,” recalls Kelly, adding, “It was special to share this with my daughter.”

Whether they find Alpha Chi on their own or already know one or more members like Kelly, the sisters we’ve welcomed through NAIP are committed to our values and believe in the connection, leadership, philanthropy and personal growth that Alpha Chi Omega provides. It’s this passion that leads them to seek out membership as alumnae.

“I never joined [Greek life] since I was never attending one university for more than two years due to my major, but I had friends who did,” says Kelly. “I admired the connections they were making, the social opportunities and especially the educational support they received.”

THE NATIONAL ALUMNA INITIATE PROGRAM (NAIP) WELCOMES OUTSTANDING WOMEN to our sisterhood who did not have the opportunity to join in college, allowing them access to all of the friendship, fun, philanthropy, networking and personal development that comes with lifetime membership.

An initiation at National Convention is more than a ceremony; it’s a celebration of sisterhood across generations and a reminder of the Ritual that binds us together as sisters. We want to make our upcoming ceremony in Dallas the most remarkable yet – help us reach our goal of 26 alumnae initiates at our 2026 convention!

Scan the QR code to give the gift of sisterhood to a special woman you know this holiday season. Tell us why she would make a great Alpha Chi Omega, and NAIP will take it from there!

Like Kelly, Allie Steele (Iota Alpha, Alumnae Initiates) knew that sorority life had opportunities that she couldn’t find anywhere else – and that knowledge runs in the family. “I knew of sororities because I grew up in a big University of Southern California household, but I went to a school without sororities and fraternities. My grandmother was an alumna initiate of Gamma Phi Beta sorority,” Allie shares.

Allie, who is an analyst for California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, flew all the way from Sacramento to experience initiation at convention.

Little did she know, she had even more connections to Alpha Chi than she thought.

“I had sisters [at initiation] who came and introduced themselves who were sisters in college with a family friend I have known my whole life,” Allie says.

“I also found out there were connections to USC and [members of ] my family who I didn’t know were part of Alpha Chi Omega. When I told my family, they were so surprised and even more excited I had this new community, and so was I!” It was Allie’s sponsor and friend Erica Johnson (Epsilon Theta, California State University, Sacramento) who suggested that Allie consider Alpha Chi Omega membership. Gamma Psi Gamma alumnae chapter in Sacramento served as Allie’s group sponsor, and chapter members were happy to be part of her initiation in person at convention. “It was amazing to have so many people from Gamma Psi Gamma come and support me,” says Allie.

She’s returned the favor by jumping in and getting involved with the chapter. “I immediately joined the board as the communications chair, and now I am the president,” she shares. “I cannot wait to meet more sisters and attend National Convention [again] next year!”

Neither can Michelle. “We had the joy of welcoming four wonderful new sisters into Alpha Chi Omega in 2024,” she says. “As I look forward to our convention in Dallas, I am filled with hope and excitement that we will seek the heights by initiating 26 new sisters in 2026.”

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Reporter.

Author.

Advocate.

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

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hen Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt (Gamma Mu, Ball State University) looks back on her collegiate experience, she values both the meaningful relationships and the personal development she gained from her sorority. “I give kudos to Alpha Chi Omega for focusing on scholarship, volunteerism, and being part of your community and an active, positive voice,” she says.

Jane carried those lessons with her after college and held tight to them as the trajectory of her life changed with one phone call. She was working as a professor and a writer for a Dayton newspaper when she heard from the Troy Daily News in Ohio that they needed someone to go abroad to cover the Vietnam War. “They couldn’t get anybody to go,” Jane recalls. “They were all afraid to go or they said their wives wouldn’t let them go or they didn’t have the right clothes to go. Finally, the Troy Daily News saw my writing. I wrote about Asia. They contacted me and said, ‘Would you like to take on this assignment?’ And of course I said, “Absolutely.’”

Jane boarded a plane and began a reporting journey that would take her into the jungles of Vietnam and the refugee camps of Thailand. Ultimately, she would help break the news on the secret war in Laos, publish a book with some of the only firsthand reports of the conflicts and become a lifelong advocate for Hmong people around the world.

REPORTING ON THE GROUND “I went to war with a typewriter and a Nikon camera,” Jane says.

JANE ON ASSIGNMENT 58

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

When Jane traveled overseas in the mid1960s, she was one of only four accredited female journalists stationed in the area.

She quickly realized that most of the male

journalists covering the war there were relying on the military communication department’s reports. But Jane wanted to be in the field conducting her own interviews.

“I was always an outlier,” she says. She noticed planes going out of northern Thailand toward Laos with bombs and coming back without, and she deduced there were military operations going on in Laos.

Jane was witnessing what would be termed the “secret war” in Laos. Although Laos was officially neutral in the Vietnam War, North Vietnam built supply lines through the country; in response, the U.S. dropped bombs and trained thousands of Hmong as guerilla fighters – all while denying the war existed. This proxy war would be revealed in a 1971 congressional hearing, but Jane was one of the first to uncover and report on it.

“With good snooping around … I began piecing it all together,” Jane says. “I wrote some stories about the secret war and got in terrible trouble with our Defense Department because it was embargoed.” A particularly groundbreaking piece was her 1980 article in Reader’s Digest that revealed chemical and biological warfare in Laos.

As the Vietnam War and Jane’s assignments ended, she knew she would return to Southeast Asia, feeling an obligation to inform people of the violence still occurring, particularly to the ethnic group called the Hmong who were fleeing Laos. “I had to stay with the story because I had witnessed it,” she explains. “I knew I had the responsibility to tell their story. There was no choice as far as I was concerned. … I’m always aware that the first draft of history is written by the journalist, so I had a great responsibility to get it as right as possible under the circumstances.”

WRITING TRAGIC MOUNTAINS After witnessing a massacre of Hmong refugees on the Mekong River in 1979, Jane was convinced she had to raise awareness – and her book, Tragic Mountains: the Hmong, the Americans, and the Secret Wars for Laos, 19421992, was born. “All I could do was witness and record,” she says. “The Hmong story has to be written. I have to do it.”

AN EXCERPT FROM TRAGIC MOUNTAINS Vang Kai knew it was his duty to rescue American pilots. The order, as he understood it, was to make any sacrifice to get them out.

There was never any quibbling about this order.

He and other Hmong considered it their duty to save Americans. …

“We ran! Fighting! Running! Fighting! More than an hour of running and fighting. … We took turns carrying the one who could not walk. He was big and heavy. We ran, carrying him, until the two men carrying him couldn’t run any more. Then two other Hmong would pick him up and run. We ran like this, carrying one wounded American and helping the other.” …

There are no public American records … of the heroic sacrifices of Vang Kai’s group to save two … American flyers. It is not likely that these pilots or others rescued by the Hmong ever realized that Hmong lives were sacrificed to save theirs.

Jane points to this passage as one of the most important in her book for its depictions of the Hmong people’s sacrifices.

However, given the war’s secrecy, most documents were classified. So Jane spent 12 years interviewing more than a thousand people around the world and writing the story. She visited refugee camps in Thailand housing those who had fled Laos and lived with Hmong families in every major U.S. Hmong community to hear their resettlement stories.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

JANE WITH ONE OF HER LL AMAS

“Everybody’s story was unique – where they were captured, what happened to them, how many lost their family trying to escape, how sick so many of them were.

I get cold chills because of the desperateness of these people and the fact that often I was the first person to hear their story,” she says.

Tragic Mountains was published in 1993; it was selected as a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award in History, and Jane was honored at the National Press Club on the book’s 15th publication anniversary. Beyond the accolades, though, Jane says the most impactful result of all her hard work is seeing Tragic Mountains displayed in the homes of Hmong people.

“I’m always aware that the first draft of history is written by the journalist, so I had a great responsibility to get it as right as possible under the circumstances.”

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ADVOCATING FOR HUMAN RIGHTS Tragic Mountains is a historical record, but it’s also a call for awareness and action. With courage in her convictions, Jane continues to advocate for the Hmong people. In the 1980s she consulted for the U.S. State Department on highland Laotian refugees. She has testified at numerous congressional hearings on genocide and human rights violations and worked with nonprofits trying to stop the forced return of Hmong political refugees back to Laos. The proud owner of a llama farm and an active member in the Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association, Jane also extends her advocacy to the traditional tribal llama herders in the Andes.

Jane was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her Vietnam War coverage and for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on behalf of the Hmong people of Laos, and she was inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.

A real, strong woman, Jane received Alpha Chi Omega’s Award of Achievement in 2002 recognizing her work.

To this day, Jane continues her advocacy by speaking and writing. A section from Tragic Mountains about the massacre she witnessed has recently been reproduced in an anthology from The Explorers Club. Jane says, “I keep trying to find ways to keep the story alive.”

INDUSTRY INFO

Building Sisterhood Beyond Our Doors

E

BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

very year, campuses across the nation come alive with the buzz of recruitment.

What do you remember from your own recruitment journey? Maybe it’s the outfits, the values, the philanthropy or the power of connection. These memorable experiences wouldn’t be possible without a special group of women working behind the scenes to offer guidance and support.

Formally known as recruitment counselors, you may have heard them called Pi Chis, Rho Gammas or Gamma Chis. These women often disaffiliate from their sorority to serve the Panhellenic community by guiding potential new members (PNMs) through the entire recruitment process.

Not everyone can be a recruitment counselor; these women apply and undergo training in order to provide the best experience to the community.

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INDUSTRY INFO

To understand what it’s like to be a recruitment counselor, we asked a few Alpha Chi Omega sisters from across the country about their experience!

WHAT DREW YOU TO BECOMING A RECRUITMENT COUNSELOR?

JESSICA BEING WELCOMED BACK HOME AFTER RECRUITMENT

Ryan Stearns (Alpha Gamma, The University of New Mexico): I wanted to be a recruitment counselor because they are the backbone of recruitment. Without their hard work, Panhellenic wouldn’t be able to grow.

I wanted to help women find their homes so that they can have the same love and support that I have in my chapter. I am a firm believer that Greek life is for everyone; you just need to find your home, and I wanted to help PNMs do that!

Abbie Gould (Epsilon Phi, Georgia Institute of Technology): As a potential new member going through formal recruitment, my recruitment counselors were a wonderful resource. They made me feel supported and seen during an overwhelming time.

Being able to provide the same support and guidance I received as a PNM was very important to me. As VP new member education, I adored getting to know the new members in our chapter and helping guide them through their first weeks. I knew that serving as a recruitment counselor would give me a similar experience.

ABBIE BACK HOME ON BID DAY

WHAT WAS RECRUITMENT WEEK LIKE AS A COUNSELOR? WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR DUTIES? Ryan: At the beginning of the week before recruitment even started, we got our final group assignments and reached out to each of the women in our groups. Then we had an event where the PNMs could come and pick up their recruitment shirts and put faces to the names of the women who had been texting them all summer.

That night, all the counselors and Panhellenic officers went to a hotel since we couldn’t live with our sisters during recruitment. And that was so much fun – I loved spending that extra time with my fellow recruitment counselors. When PNMs started arriving, we would take attendance, give them their name tags and talk through

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RYAN RETURNING HOME TO HER CHAPTER SISTERS

the schedule with them. We were also able to talk to them about questions or concerns they had.

Abbie: Prior to recruitment, we had three days of recruitment counselor training together as a cohort, going over the logistics of each day and practicing navigating difficult conversations. Once formal recruitment began, I served as a member of the morale team. I helped walk PNMs to and from houses in between parties. Once outside the next house, we would chat with the PNMs, checking in and seeing how they were doing. Our goal was to make them comfortable and at ease before walking into the next house. One of my favorite unexpected duties was helping PNMs register for classes in between parties!

Jessica Espana (Kappa Chi, Florida Gulf Coast University): My main duty was to stay unbiased when talking to PNMs and encourage them to see the process through all the way! Some other duties I had included walking them to different chapters or being a door knocker for chapters. Recruitment week was a very emotional and stressful time, but in the end, it was all worth it when I saw how happy my PNMs were opening their bid cards.

WHAT WAS THE MOST REWARDING PART? Ryan: The most rewarding part was watching all the PNMs that I had gotten to know find their home. Bid Day was such a joy to participate in as a recruitment counselor; it was so exciting to see my PNMs run home because I got to play a small part in it. I feel like I learned so much about Greek life through this process. Being able to bond with women from other

chapters was such a gift because we so rarely get the opportunity to be on the same team. Working together to solve attendance issues or guide a PNM through a tough decision really made me appreciate Greek life as a whole and not just my chapter.

Jessica: The most rewarding part of the role was seeing my PNMs so excited to run home. Another huge rewarding part was seeing my own PNM run home to my little. This was so surreal and so full circle! My favorite moment from the recruitment week was seeing how happy my PNMs were when they got invited back to Alpha Chi. HOW DID IT FEEL BEING ABLE TO RETURN TO ALPHA CHI OMEGA AT THE END OF RECRUITMENT? Jessica: It felt amazing running home to my big on Bid Day. Both of my littles gave a speech for preference round, and it was just so exciting finally reconnecting with them after a long week!

Abbie: I loved returning home to Alpha Chi on Bid Day! I interned in a different city over the summer, so I had not seen many of my friends since May. It was such a joy to see my community and meet the new members of the chapter!

As recruitment ends and recruitment counselors proudly wear their letters again, their impact lasts longer than Bid Day. Helping countless potential new members find their home away from home, they have shown that sisterhood stretches beyond the doors of Alpha Chi Omega.

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ARCHIVES

140 Years of Sisterhood A JOURNEY THROUGH ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S HISTORY

BY LANEY TERNET (ALPHA, DEPAUW UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST

F

rom parlor rooms in Greencastle to vibrant chapters across the country, Alpha Chi Omega has shaped the changing lives of women who carry its values into every chapter of life. What hasn’t changed is the heart of the experience: finding connection, empowerment and purpose.

Legacy Today: Sisterhood thrives across the country in 146 collegiate chapters and members of all ages living around the world.

1880s

1910s

FOUNDING YEARS Event: Alpha Chi Omega was founded at DePauw University.

Legacy Today: We honor our Founders’ boldness by continuing to create space for women’s leadership and sisterhood.

1890s EARLY EXPANSION Event: The first few chapters were established beyond Alpha at DePauw: Beta at Albion College in 1887, Gamma at Northwestern University in 1890 and Delta at Allegheny College in 1891.

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in 1925 and then to Indianapolis in 1929.

RITUAL AND TRADITION

1900s

CREATION OF ALUMNAE CHAPTERS Event: Alpha Alpha (Chicago, Illinois) and Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) were the first two chartered alumnae chapters in 1906.

Legacy Today: In 2025, Alpha Chi Omega recognizes 172 alumnae chapters, including virtual communities that ensure every member can stay connected, supported and engaged no matter where life takes her.

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Event: The Initiation Ceremony was officially adopted, and the musical requirement for membership was removed, allowing women from all disciplines to become members.

Legacy Today: Traditions remain central to the sisterhood experience, connecting generations of members.

1920s CENTRAL OFFICE MOVE Event: Alpha Chi Omega’s center of operations moved once to Lansing, Michigan

Legacy Today: Central Office, now known as headquarters, remains in Indianapolis almost 100 years later.

Headquarters hosts sisters for all kinds of events like Leadership Academy, Volunteer Summit and milestone ceremonies.

1930s

CANCELLATION OF CONVENTIONS Event: Conventions in the early 1930s were canceled due to the trials of the Great Depression, so sisters were overjoyed to reunite for the 1935 Golden Jubilee.

Legacy Today: Just as sisters were challenged at the Golden Jubilee to strive for greatness, in-person events like National Convention and Volunteer Summit held each year inspire members to continue seeking the heights!

1940s

ADOPTION OF EASTERSEALS Event: The National Society for Crippled Children (now Easterseals) was adopted as a national altruistic project in 1947.

Legacy Today: The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation still supports Easterseals through an endowed fund.

1960s

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE

Legacy Today: Each year we recognize our sisters’ 75 years of commitment to Alpha Chi through the membership milestones program.

1970s

Event: The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation was established in 1978.

AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT Event: Created in 1955, the Award of Achievement honored eminent Alpha Chi Omegas. The first recipients were Helen Cheyney Bailey (Alpha Epsilon, University of Pennsylvania), Margaret Cousins (Alpha Phi, The University of Texas at Austin), Dorothy Thompson Kopf (Lambda, Syracuse University) and Lena Mulford Thompson (Alpha, DePauw University).

Legacy Today: The award continues to celebrate sisters each year who inspire through leadership and excellence.

Legacy Today: Real. Strong.

Women. has become more than just a tagline and brand; it is an experience for members. Learn more on the inside front cover of this issue!

Event: The 1960 National Convention was a 75th anniversary celebration in French Lick, Indiana.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FOUNDATION

1950s

Legacy Today: We celebrate chapter centennials each year!

The most recent have been Alpha Chi (Butler University) and Sigma Sigma (St. Louis, Missouri).

Legacy Today: The Foundation has grown into a cornerstone of Alpha Chi Omega, supporting the Fraternity through philanthropy, scholarships and education.

1980s CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Event: A centennial celebration was hosted in Indianapolis, Indiana with more than 1,800 collegians, alumnae and guests in attendance.

1990s

MILESTONES IN PHILANTHROPY AND HOUSING Event: In 1992, domestic violence awareness was chosen as the national philanthropy; four years later, the National Housing Corporation was founded.

Legacy Today: Alpha Chi champions DVA and empowers members to build healthy relationships.

Thousands of women enjoy the housed experience on campuses nationwide.

2000s

LAUNCHING REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. Event: The Real. Strong.

Women. brand was launched at the 2008 National Convention to appeal to sisters of all ages and set us apart from other sororities.

2010s

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS Event: Pearl Stone Partners was formed in 2018 to support chapter-level employees and those who direct them.

Legacy Today: PSP continues to deliver support as the organization always looks for creative solutions to address the needs of chapters and members.

Today, Alpha Chi Omega stands as a testament to the strength of sisterhood.

From seven Founders to 300,000+ members, our journey reflects not only the Fraternity’s history, but the broader story of women. And through it all, one truth remains: Alpha Chi Omega has always been, and will continue to be, a sisterhood of real, strong women.

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BUSINESS

Have You Considered

Board Service?

A

re you passionate about the Alpha Chi Omega Real. Strong. Women. Experience? Do you think strategically about the future and what actions must be taken today to reach our ambitions and goals? We invite members to explore serving on an Alpha Chi Omega Enterprise national board as a way to give back to and enrich our everlasting sisterhood.

Recommendations are now being accepted.

The Alpha Chi Omega Enterprise is led by three boards of alumnae volunteers – the Fraternity National Council, the Foundation Board of Trustees and the National Housing Corporation Board of Directors. All boards share the need for strategic thinkers and visionary leaders.

The following board positions are open for terms beginning August 1, 2026: • One National Council president • Five National Council vice presidents • Up to three Foundation trustees • Up to three National Housing Corporation directors While previous volunteer experience with Alpha Chi

Omega is a benefit, it is not required, and expertise from professional roles, leadership in other organizations and other personal experiences are valuable. The organization is seeking more alumnae to aspire for board service with the pool of candidates representing the diversity of our members and our campuses.

Our current board members are always happy to share about their experience and answer questions. Email Erin West, executive manager, at ewest@alphachiomega.org to arrange a call with a board member.

In addition to board service, Alpha Chi Omega is also seeking qualified alumnae to serve on the National Nominating Committee (NNC) and help identify the future leaders of the organization.

If you know an alumna sister who can make a difference as a national-level volunteer, please continue reading to learn about the specific duties of each board and of the National Nominating Committee. We also highly encourage self-recommendations!

SEEKING VISIONARY AND STRATEGIC LEADERS

Recommend Our 2026-28 National Council SHAPE ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S FUTURE

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or more than 140 years, Alpha Chi Omega has provided the opportunity for women to become the best versions of themselves. To ensure that Alpha Chi Omega is ready to serve the next generation of real, strong women, we are seeking visionary and strategic leaders to consider National Council service.

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Your voice matters. When you recommend sisters – or yourself – for the National Council, you share in the privilege and the responsibility of ensuring Alpha Chi Omega continues to shape the future through powerful, transformative and everlasting connections.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR The National Council consists of a National President and five national vice presidents who embody: • Strategic thinking and strong leadership skills • Ability to work collaboratively to move the organization forward • Prior experience with governing boards • Expertise in organizational development, change management, enterprise models and financial strategies • Understanding of higher education and Panhellenic trends • Dedication to fostering belonging and inclusion • Passionate commitment to Alpha Chi Omega

QUALIFICATIONS Candidates should be alumnae members in good standing with leadership experience and expertise beneficial to our Fraternity. To serve as National President, candidates must have current or previous National Council service.

The position description and recommendation form can be found on the Volunteer Opportunities page, available by scanning the QR code. For additional insights into qualities and skill sets needed, review the Strategic Plan: Beyond 2020 and Alpha Chi Omega’s governing documents at www. my.alphachiomega.org.

PROCESS • Recommendations are due February 15, 2026.

• Potential candidates will be contacted about their willingness to move forward.

• Each potential candidate will complete a Prospective Candidate Questionnaire (PCQ ).

Only those who have completed a PCQ will be considered candidates, which includes any member

2024-26 NATIONAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE Dr. Mary Kacmarcik Baker (Delta Mu, University of Massachusetts), Chair Devon Yamauchi (Nu, University of Colorado Boulder), Chair-Elect Allison Hughes (Alpha Psi, UCLA) Alumna Member Dr. Valerie Morrison (Theta Sigma, University of North Florida), Alumna Member Julie Wisbrock (Phi, University of Kansas), Alumna Member Seinquis Leinen (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota), Alumna Alternate Angela Wirth (Kappa Rho, University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Collegiate Member Emily Cheng (Zeta Phi, Cornell University), Collegiate Alternate

who opts to petition the slate.

• Candidates will undergo a thorough and thoughtful assessment by the National Nominating Committee (NNC) of their unique qualities and expertise regarding key issues, challenges and opportunities.

• The NNC will select a slate of National Council candidates and announce it to the membership.

• Candidates not slated may file a petition with the NNC chair in accordance with Fraternity policies.

• Voting delegates will receive information on the slated and petitioning candidates.

• Voting will occur at the 2026 National Convention.

Nominations may not be made from the floor unless a vacancy occurs on the slate during the election. National Council members will be elected by a majority of the votes from voting delegates.

Recommendations are open! Submit yours and be part of shaping Alpha Chi Omega’s future! Questions? Email Mary Baker, NNC chair, at nncaxo@gmail.com.

DATES TO REMEMBER

May 18, 2026: Slated candidates announced

February 15, 2026: Recommendation deadline; access the form by scanning the QR code or visiting www.alphachiomega.org/volunteeropportunities and scrolling down to the National Leadership section

June 7, 2026: Petition deadline

March 15, 2026: PCQ deadline

August 1, 2026: Term of service begins

June 17, 2026: Materials sent to voting delegates July 18, 2026: Election of National Council at convention THE LYRE

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BUSINESS

NOW SEEKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

Foundation Board Service Are you passionate about Alpha Chi Omega?

Do you value strategic thinking and guidance?

Do you have experience in any of the following?

• Strategic planning • Fundraising leadership • Professional areas (academia, finance, human resources, law, sales, etc.)

• Nonprofit board governance Do you embrace women’s empowerment, inclusion and belonging?

Are you interested in volunteering and giving back to Alpha Chi Omega?

A

THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS LOOKING FOR YOU!

s one of the boards comprising the national leadership of Alpha Chi Omega, the BOT is a group of alumnae focused on continuing the future of Alpha Chi Omega. Coming from across the country, trustees vary in age and experience in order to represent our members. The BOT is seeking women who reflect the diversity of our membership and who have the experience and passion to help shape the future of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. The Foundation’s mission states: The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation strives to realize and sustain the educational and philanthropic values of Alpha Chi Omega through successful fundraising and stewardship. Generous gifts from our members and friends enhance the Real. Strong.

Women. Experience and empower our members to impact their communities and world positively.

With virtual meetings, the Foundation Board of Trustees is responsible for the strategic guidance of our professional staff team as well as our mutual fundraising and stewardship efforts. Together, they provide financial resources to our Fraternity programs that comprise the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, including grants and scholarships. For a detailed description of trustee responsibilities, please visit www.alphachiomega.org/volunteeropportunities.

RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED! Candidates will be screened for expertise in the areas of board governance, finance, fundraising and leadership, as well as matched to the current needs of the board.

SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE NHC BOARD OF DIRECTORS BY: Scanning the QR code or visiting www.alphachiomega.org/volunteeropportunities and scrolling down to the National Leadership section. Self-recommendations are encouraged! Email ewest@alphachiomega.org with any questions.

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NOW SEEKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

NHC Board Service

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f you have been looking for a way to serve Alpha Chi Omega and believe you have the leadership and vision to shape its future, we would love to learn more about you. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) Board of Directors, appointed by the National Council, is one of the boards that make up our sisterhood’s national leadership. We seek members to serve our Enterprise in a focused, challenging, rewarding and fun way.

IF YOU ANSWER "YES" TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONSIDER NHC BOARD SERVICE! • Do you have experience in strategic planning and financial oversight in a large, complex organization?

• Do you generally understand nonprofit governance and believe in the fundamental partnership between board and staff?

• Have you served on nonprofit boards and have board, organizational, policy and resource development expertise?

• Do you have an understanding of the housing needs of today’s collegiate members?

• Do you have the business acumen and analytical skills to think creatively and address challenges and opportunities?

• Do mission, values and policies drive you?

• Do you understand project management, organizational behavior, legal and risk exposure to be able to ask questions during board meetings?

• Do you have a finance, banking, property management, law or real estate career? (These areas can be helpful but are not mandatory.)

The all-volunteer NHC Board of Directors meets virtually in partnership with our staff to achieve the NHC’s mission – to enhance the Real. Strong. Women. Experience by providing safe and competitive facilities where members connect, lead, grow and serve – and contributes to the overall success of the Alpha Chi Omega Enterprise. Prior Alpha Chi Omega volunteer experience is not required. For a detailed description of director responsibilities, please scan the QR code or visit www.alphachiomega.org/volunteeropportunities.

We are committed to enhancing and broadening the NHC’s board membership and cultivating an inclusive environment valuing all involved. We seek cultural, racial, professional and geographical diversity for the board.

The success of the NHC will depend on having the right blend of skill sets, expertise, network connections, diverse perspectives and spheres of influence across the board. We encourage all interested members to consider serving, and self-recommendations are encouraged.

If you believe you have the vision, skills and talent to further the NHC’s mission, submit a recommendation now!

DATES TO REMEMBER: February 15, 2026: Recommendations due

March-May 2026: Recommendations and candidate materials reviewed; candidates interviewed; board members selected

March 15, 2026: Candidate materials due

June-July 2026: Transition and onboarding

August 1, 2026: Service begins (three years for Foundation, two years for NHC)

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BUSINESS

N O W S E E K I N G R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S F O R T H E 2026-28

National Nominating Committee

T

he National Council is seeking members to serve on Alpha Chi Omega’s 2026-28 National Nominating Committee (NNC). The NNC is charged with identifying women who have the vision, skills and experience to serve as Alpha Chi Omega’s elected board leadership on the 2028-30 National Council.

The National Council will prepare a slate of NNC candidates to be voted on by delegates at the 2026 National Convention in Dallas. The slate will consist of four alumnae members (a chair-elect and three alumnae members) and one alternate alumna member; the 2026-28 chair was elected on the previous slate as the chair-elect role and is not up for election this year.

HOW CAN I BE CONSIDERED OR RECOMMEND A SISTER? More information on qualifications, requirements and responsibilities can be found in the NNC Position Description on the Volunteer Opportunities webpage.

Complete the recommendation form no later than February 15, 2026. Self-recommendations are welcomed; members reflecting the diversity of the Alpha Chi Omega membership are specifically encouraged. Recommended sisters will be asked to complete a candidate information form by March 15 to be considered a candidate.

The National Council depends on you to recommend qualified and respected sisters to serve on the next NNC. Thank you for your interest and participation in the process of selecting Alpha Chi Omega’s future leaders!

SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS BY:

Filling out the form available by scanning the QR code or visiting www. alphachiomega.org/volunteeropportunities and scrolling down to the National Leadership section

QUALIFICATIONS Recommended individuals should be Alpha Chi Omega alumnae in good standing with an understanding of board governance and the National Fraternity and with the ability to analyze the needs of the Fraternity and qualifications of prospective candidates. Experience recruiting board members for nonprofit organizations or prior participation in a confidential nomination and slating process is valuable.

A candidate for the NNC may not, at any point during the NNC term to which she is elected, serve on any Alpha Chi Omega corporation board. Members of the 2026-28 NNC agree not to be candidates for the 2028-30 National Council (or the 2030-32 National Council for the chair-elect).

DATES TO REMEMBER: February 15, 2026: Deadline to submit a recommendation March 15, 2026: Deadline to submit materials to be considered a candidate May 18, 2026: Slate announced June 7, 2026: Petition deadline June 17, 2026: Materials sent to voting delegates July 18, 2026: Election of NNC at convention August 1, 2026: Term of service begins (two years for alumnae members, four years for chair-elect)

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AXΩ CONNECTION

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COLLEGIATE NOTES 1 KAPPA TAU (UNIVERSIT Y OF CONNECTICUT) What’s better than a sleepover with sisters? Getting ready for MC ’25 never looked better!

2 BETA PSI (LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSIT Y) Chapter members were ready to welcome new sisters during recruitment.

3 OMICRON (BAKER UNIVERSIT Y) Sisters stopped for a quick picture in between recruitment rounds.

4 IOTA (UNIVERSIT Y OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN) Sisters took a break during philanthropy round to snap a few quick pictures.

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AXΩ CONNECTION

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5 GAMMA RHO (TEXAS TECH UNIVERSIT Y)

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

Our sisters inspired in purple for philanthropy round as they shared about domestic violence awareness.

Bid Day, best day! These members celebrated with lots of red and green.

6 EPSILON ZETA (AUBURN UNIVERSIT Y)

8 ALPHA NU (UNIVERSIT Y OF MISSOURI)

Welcome to the sisterhood! New and lifetime members jumped for joy as they celebrated Bid Day.

New members learned to throw what they know on a fun-filled Bid Day.

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9 IOTA PHI (QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSIT Y)

11 DELTA L AMBDA (RIPON COLLEGE)

It’s easy celebrating Bid Day with Alpha Chi sisters like these!

Members posed for a picture on campus wearing their AXΩ letters with pride.

10 GAMMA PHI (L AMAR UNIVERSIT Y)

12 GAMMA XI (WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSIT Y)

Cheers to sisterhood and Alpha Chi Omega!

Maddie Suttle brought her Alpha Chi pride to India during her study abroad trip.

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AXΩ CONNECTION

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ALUMNAE NOTES 1 ETA THETA ETA (NASHVILLE, TN)

3 IOTA UPSILON IOTA (WILLIAMSBURG, VA)

Sisters beat the heat at the annual Eta Theta Eta summer kick-off at Arrington Vineyards.

Sisters welcomed autumn with a trip to the Williamsburg Winery.

2 MU MU (KANSAS CIT Y, MO)

4 SIGMA SIGMA (ST. LOUIS, MO)

Celebrating the chapter’s 111th birthday, sisters enjoyed a welcome back dinner and made beautiful bouquets.

The Fall Sigma Sigma Night was a huge success with raffle tickets, a salad bar, a display for convention awards and plenty of sisterhood time.

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5 GAMMA TAU GAMMA (ORANGE COUNT Y, CA) Sisters gathered in September for the chapter’s Fall Welcome Back Happy Hour at the Farmhouse Restaurant in Newport Beach.

7 ALUMNAE SERVICE IN ATL ANTA Alumnae came together for Sister Service Day in Atlanta, GA. Alpha Chi Omega headquarters arranged a morning of hands-on volunteering with a local community partner, followed by lunch at the Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology) chapter house.

6 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ALUMNAE At the annual Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic Association Fall Party, Alpha Chi Omegas showed up in force with the highest attendance of the 17 sororities represented.

8 WELCOMING A NEW SISTER Lauren Hogan-Miller (Iota Alpha, Alumnae Initiates, fourth from left in the back row) celebrated her alumna initiation with her new sisters in February.

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AXΩ CONNECTION

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9 ZETA ETA (BRADLEY UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE

11 DELTA (ALLEGHENY COLLEGE) ALUMNAE

Sisters celebrated and reconnected at Sadie (Pirkle) Sanders’ wedding!

10 BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE Five generations of big and little sisters posed for a photo during a reunion of 40 sisters from the late 70s held in The Villages, Florida this summer. Left to right: Valerie Weaver Sanders, Beth Van Poole Bouchard, Valerie Stone Gsell, Kathy Beem Jones and Michelle Ridley Perry.

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Vickie Cantelupe Franchino, Kristin Fry, Cynthia Gerrie, Amy Zediker Potosnak and Rebecca Dernberger Wood reunited in Pittsburgh, PA for a weekend of architecture tours, a river cruise, and great food and shopping. Says Kristin, “The highest highlight, of course, was catching up with these beautiful sisters.”

12 EPSILON ZETA (AUBURN UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE These seven sisters traveled together in August to Ireland and Scotland, pausing for this picture in Ballygally, Northern Ireland.

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13 THETA L AMBDA (CLEMSON UNVIERSIT Y) ALUMNAE

15 ALPHA MU (INDIANA UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE

At Theta Lambda’s 40th anniversary celebration in September, these women were recognized for their role in founding the chapter. The weekend was full of celebration and included the alumna initiation of Deb Conklin, president and CEO of KeHE and president of the Clemson Alumni Association.

These sisters from the ’60s spent four days together in Holland, Michigan reconnecting and celebrating the bond of Alpha Chi Omega.

14 CHI (OREGON STATE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE To celebrate their 65th birthdays this year, Chi chapter sisters reunited in Paradise Valley, AZ for a weekend of laughs, stories, Alpha Chi songs, Beaver football and even a night of Golden Girls caftans. As one sister shared, “We have known each other for over 70% of our lives!”

16 SISTERS IN DENTAL SCHOOL These women met in dental school and love to share the bond of Alpha Chi Omega! Left to right: Beth Taylor (Nu, University of Colorado Boulder), Olivia Matthes (Phi, University of Kansas) and Britney Blais (Zeta Pi, Arizona State University).

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AXΩ CONNECTION

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ACCOLADES 1 DELTA RHO (UNIVERSIT Y OF ARKANSAS) ALUMNA

3 GAMMA TAU (OKL AHOMA CIT Y UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNA

Lori Neilson (front row in pink) celebrated 49 years of teaching in the Searcy Public Schools and posed for this picture with her former students that have gone on to become her colleagues. What a legacy!

Krystal Murer was recognized by Women We Admire as one of the top 50 women chief compliance officers of 2025.

She is the VP of ethics and regulatory affairs and chief compliance officer at OU Health. Krystal is also a member of Rho Rho (Oklahoma City, OK) alumnae chapter!

2 ALPHA BETA (PURDUE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNA Bonnie Andrews Hockema was honored by the Alpha Beta chapter for more than 40 years of service as an advisor, mentor and house corporation board member.

Sisters are inspired to “be like Bonnie” and praise her commitment to the chapter and Alpha Chi Omega.

A new brick fireplace – the Hockema Hearth – at the chapter house was dedicated in Bonnie’s honor this September.

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4 ALPHA BETA (PURDUE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNAE Three alumnae were recognized by Purdue University’s Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life as some of their 150 most influential alumni. Pictured are Nicki Reas Meneley (left), chief executive officer of the Fraternity Executives Association, and Angela Costley Harris (right), AXΩ Past National President. Mary Harrison Ford, who passed away in 2023, was also recognized as an AXΩ national vice president and Foundation chair.

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5 THETA (UNIVERSIT Y OF MICHIGAN) ALUMNA

7 OMEGA (WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNA

After building an online support group around family caregiving, Jennifer N. Levin took her expertise to the page and published Generation Care: The New Culture of Caregiving. The book offers a comprehensive look at our current culture of care and provides a roadmap to solutions. Headshot photo credit: Lisa Houlgrave.

Linda Pillo (pictured in the middle) was recognized with WSU’s Alumni Achievement Award for her contributions to community leadership and civic service. She retired in 2014 from a 35-year career in law enforcement, serving as the first female chief of police for Bellevue, WA. Fellow chapter sister and 2009 award winner Rhoda Altom (pictured left) was present to congratulate Linda. Photo credit: WSU.

Bonus: Jennifer shares more in a blog post – visit alphachiomega.org/blog to read!

6 BETA L AMBDA (UNIVERSIT Y OF ARIZONA) ALUMNA Nancy Overall Hambacher released Cool Mind, Hot Body: A New Menopause Survival Guide under her pen name.

She is a retired child health RN and calls the book a “science-meets-sass guide” for women.

8 GAMMA ZETA (KANSAS STATE UNIVERSIT Y) ALUMNA Marilyn Lucas completed a 90th birthday bucket list item by riding in a hot air balloon over the Rio Grande river this June! Her fellow 90th birthday celebrant and chapter sister, Marjorie Frauenfelder, accompanied her on the trip to Santa Fe but skipped the balloon ride.

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IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam

Chi (Oregon State University) Helaine Clara Philichi, 1952, August 2020

Reported to headquarters between August 1 and October 31, 2025 Name, Initiation Year, Month and Year of Death

Psi (The University of Oklahoma) Barbara Jean Durrett, 1949, October 2025 Frances Elizabeth Hardin, 1941, August 2025

Gamma (Northwestern University) Joan Vurpillat Jones, 1948, August 2025 Delta (Allegheny College) Jeanette Carlino Fletcher, 1952, January 2025 Epsilon (University of Southern California) Anne C. Almeida, 1952, January 2016 Theta (University of Michigan) Carol Hershey Hammond, 1953, April 2016 Elizabeth Jane Kessler, 1938, July 2025 Iota (University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign) Sandra Giannoni Huyler, 1956, March 2025 Carol Howland McHugh, 1979, October 2025 Kappa (University of Wisconsin–Madison) Charlotte Mae Anderson, 1954, August 2025 Sheila Wiza Runquist, 1980, July 2025 Nu (University of Colorado Boulder) Ellen TeSelle Boal, 1956, March 2025 Susan Gerhart, 1963, July 2025 Joanne Jean Little, 1954, October 2023 Xi (University of Nebraska – Lincoln) Patricia Carol Guy, 1953, March 2018 Donna June Folmer Pflasterer, 1951, June 2023 Shirley L. Wilcox, 1947, September 2025

Alpha Beta (Purdue University) Mary Christine Gaubatz, 1954, April 2021 Johanne Hobbs Hedberg, 1942, September 2025 Jeanne Krabbe Kodba, 1945, March 2017 Judith Elen Overturf, 1964, September 2025 Alpha Gamma (The University of New Mexico) Margaret Lillian Simkins, 1962, June 2024 Jan Beth Summers, 1954, October 2022 Alpha Delta (University of Cincinnati) Nancy Jane Osborn, 1956, September 2025 Alpha Epsilon (University of Pennsylvania) Joan Schick Boulden, 1951, July 2017 Kathleen Otis Davis, 1945, June 2015 Alpha Zeta (Washington University in St. Louis) Marion L. Beitel, 1961, April 1987 Lois Cook Pauls, 1948, August 2025 Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union) Jean Parker Riddle, 1958, April 2025 Alpha Iota (University of Vermont) Alice Teresa Benson, 1947, October 2022 Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon) Bonnie Jean Hooper, 1970, May 2025 Leslie Carole Pope, 1977, September 2025

Omicron (Baker University) Dawn Spencer Latting, 1964, August 2025 Patricia Carolyn Seager, 1967, October 2025

Alpha Mu (Indiana University) Barbara Steczysyn Dooley, 1963, May 2014 Joann Kuebler Siebert, 1947, September 2025

Rho (University of Washington) Joyce Roberts Myhre, 1950, September 2025 Jane Ann Van Eaton, 1941, November 2015

Alpha Nu (University of Missouri) Margaret Marie Hartner, 1951, July 2024 Norma Maureen Hayes, 1963, January 2025 Mary Ann Schmidt Peterson, 1960, September 2025

Sigma (University of Iowa) Elsie Marie Foerstner, 1951, July 2025 Tau (Brenau University) Matha Tallant Tribble, 1936, November 2014 Upsilon (Millikin University) Amy Anne Pease, 1974, July 2025 Phi (University of Kansas) Mary Anne Wolf McClure, 1949, June 2025 Ellen Ann Wainwright, 1960, August 2025

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Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University) Barbara Dauber Case, 1945, October 2025 Alpha Rho (University of Idaho) Nancy Lee Anderson, 1980, February 2021 Barbara Hintze Luque, 1960, July 2025 Rita Anne Miller, 1951, October 2025 RoJeanne Rust, 1954, June 2025

Alpha Sigma (Ohio Wesleyan University) Elizabeth P. Drumm, 1955, July 2025 Judith Ann Karpinski, 1961, October 2025 Marilyn Lucy Shaver, 1956, July 2016 Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin) Mary Alice McLean Heckman, 1973, September 2025 Mary Lou Veazey Larson, 1955, September 2014 Alpha Chi (Butler University) Constance L. Womer, 1968, September 2025 Beta Gamma (Louisiana State University) Dorothy Durrett McConnell, 1965, June 2025 Bettijean Dell Vickers, 1944, May 2017 Beta Delta (College of William & Mary) Jacqueline Johnson Ormerod, 1952, October 2025 Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University) Mary Weidenfeller Forslund, 1954, September 2025 Beta Eta (Florida State University) Ronda Ann Barnes Lane, 1971, August 2023 Barbara Nellie Elliott, 1960, February 2023 Ann Raines Martinez, 1950, July 2025 Betty Lee Mizell, 1953, July 2021 Catherine Juliet Pelham, 1946, March 2023 Jeannie Sanderhoff Weaver, 1972, February 2025 Beta Mu (Pennsylvania State University) Virginia Hamilton Bissett, 1950, May 2020 Mary Melinda Rosini, 1975, September 2025 Beta Nu (University of Utah) Barbara Jo Baldwin, 1971, August 2025 Anne Thurgood Castleton, 1954, August 2025 Ardis Isabell Erekson MacFarlane, 1951, August 2025 Kathleen Jones Larson, 1963, October 2025 Beta Omicron (Florida Southern College) Naomi Jane Fortenberry, 1954, August 2025 Beta Pi (Washington College) June Harriett Walls Tassell, 1953, April 2019 Beta Rho (American University) Dorothy Elaine Cost, 1961, July 2025 Beta Tau (Miami University) Sara Kuns Harper, 1955, October 2024 Laurie Jane Lewis Crawford, 1967, December 2022

WE ASKED SISTERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University) Marilyn Frances Guide, 1951, July 2025 Beverly Jean Lehtomaa, 1947, August 2025 Georgiann Gorby Sutherin, 1956, January 2024 Beta Chi (Willamette University) Inez Estelle Gusey, 1952, November 2019 Beta Omega (The University of Toledo) Helen Joyce Goodyear, 1949, September 2025 Barbara Ann Opicka, 1960, June 2024 Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University) Judith Irene McCollum, 1956, July 2025 Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University) Catherine Ann Donnelly, 1977, July 2025 Gamma Eta (San Jose State University) Beverley Clay Bontadelli, 1948, June 2016 Gamma Iota (University of Florida) Mary Frances Hadley, March 2016 Gamma Lambda (Kent State University) Nancy Miller Black, 1957, January 2025 Rebecca Bayha Nerone, 1966, February 2025 Gamma Mu (Ball State University) Brenda Fields Henry, 1960, August 2025 Sonya Kay Hoskins, 1962, September 2025 Janet Carol Lain, 1964, June 2023 Gamma Nu (San Diego State University) Gladys Irene Hickey, 1950, August 2019 Gamma Xi (Western Michigan University) Joanne Willard Mohre, 1951, December 2015 Susan Elizabeth Pyke, 1960, August 2025 Gamma Omicron (Marshall University) Pamela J. Balogh, 1964, November 2023 Joanne Jeffries Cyr, 1955, April 2023 Janet Sue Greiser, 1952, July 2025 Gamma Pi (University of Tampa) Marjorie Lucas Hougland, 1957, August 2023 Karlin Maria Roberts, 1964, April 2024

Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston) Barbara Ann Barnes, 1969, August 2025 Gamma Phi (Lamar University) Gwen Cummins Barclay, 1956, August 2022 Norma Elizabeth Hawthorn, 1961, September 2025 Kathryn Anne Ratcliff, 1971, April 2023 Gamma Psi (Wichita State University) Sharon Wilson Douglass, 1962, August 2025 Delta Epsilon (Southeast Missouri State University) Geraldine Kuba Klamert, 1958, October 2025 Barbara Ann Lohr, 1958, June 2021 Delta Eta (Queens College) Ann Elizabeth Rice Callihan, 1962, March 2020 Delta Theta (University of Maine) Linda Atherton Hackett, 1962, April 2024 Delta Kappa (Sam Houston State University) Joann Jackson Allen, 1959, August 2025 Delta Nu (Iowa State University) Karen Hubby Pearson, 1961, August 2025 Linda Scallon Rukavina, 1970, November 2015 Delta Rho (University of Arkansas) Jeanette Elise Nail, 1965, August 2025 Delta Phi (Texas A&M UniversityKingsville) Carol Ann Radford, 1971, December 2013 Epsilon Zeta (Auburn University) Lainey Elizabeth Anderson, 2021, October 2025 Juliet Irene Dobbs, 1993, August 2025 Courtney Fain Snuggs, 1997, August 2025 Epsilon Eta (Stephen F. Austin State University) Barbara Lyn Raines, 1967, October 2024 Iota Xi (University of California, Riverside) Elika Rezvani, 2020, October 2025 Iota Alpha (Alumnae Initiates) Kellyann McBride, 2023, April 2024

WHAT IS A TIME YOU FELT EMPOWERED IN ALPHA CHI OMEGA? “Raising $12K in a day for DART – $7K over our goal!”

“When I was trusted enough to take on the position of VP of communication and membership” “As chapter president” “When my sisters encouraged me to take on leadership roles and while I ran recruitment” “This past Bid Day – the amount of joy there was amazing!”

“When my chapter consultant gave me a fantastic pep talk before she left” “Being a founding member of Epsilon Upsilon. I’m empowered by the strong bonds I helped build!”

“Every day!”

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @ALPHACHIOMEGAHQ TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Join the Life Loyal Roll!

WE HOPE YOU’RE ENJOYING THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THE LYRE! We also know there’s something special about receiving a magazine in print and flipping through the pages to read the stories of our sisterhood.

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

V I S I T T H E L I F E LOYA L R O L L PAG E O N T H E A L P H A C H I OMEGA WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!

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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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The season of giving

MAKE YOUR IMPACT BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS SUPPORTING THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION BEFORE DECEMBER 31 HELPS EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF REAL, STRONG WOMEN. THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN OUR SISTERHOOD THIS SEASON. YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES A LASTING IMPACT.

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA

Scan the QR code to make your gift online today or visit alphachiomega.mygiftlegacy.org to explore planned and tax-smart giving options that align with your values and preferences.