Chevron Winter 2020

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T O DAY ’ S F R I E N D S , T O M O R R OW ’ S L E A D E R S , F O R E V E R I N S E R V I C E

WINTER 2020

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OMEGA PHI ALPHA NATIONAL SERVICE SORORIT Y

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OMEGAPHIALPHA .ORG

TEAMING UP TO SUPPORT

LITERACY

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ONBOARD | DESIGNING SUCCESS | ALUMNAE MEMBERSHIP TEAM

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VOLUME 52 | 02

President’s

CORNER

The Chevron newsletter is produced three times a year for Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority alumnae and active chapters.

OPA Board of Directors President | Jan Titsworth VP Communications | Thea Moritz VP Finance | Leanne Kirby VP Lifetime Membership | Alyssa Bernhardt VP Programs | Andie Hixson Executive Director Jennifer Schimmel Stanley Chevron Staff

Healthy Habits: Reading Is Good for You! One of my favorite things about winter is spending time with my family skiing and snowshoeing in Colorado. Active days in a beautiful mountain setting are one of the things that spark joy and gratitude in my life.

At the end of the day, after enjoying some après ski activity, I find there is no better way for me to relax than by reading a good book by the fire.

Managing Editor | Thea Moritz Editorial Director | Donna Pintek Layout Editor | Shelley Lai Graphics | Devin Pascoe Writers | Catherine Ferrell, Mackenzie Garretson Graves, Mary Harrison, Gabie Kur

That’s why I was so glad to find an article in the September issue of Real Simple magazine highlighting the health and wellness benefits of reading a real book. In a nutshell, those benefits are:

Photo Coordinator | Jessica Toms Distribution Dates and Deadlines October 1 | due August 15 January 1 | due November 15 April 1 | due February 15 Submissions Please email story ideas to: chevron@omegaphialpha.org Please send photos in 300dpi JPG format.

National Office Mailing Address Omega Phi Alpha National Office PO Box 955 East Lyme, CT 06333 Official National Website omegaphialpha.org Contact List To request a list of all sorority officers, appointments, and chapters, please email office@omegaphialpha.org

> Exposure to vocabulary through reading leads to high scores on tests of intelligence. > Reading regularly improves memory function, which may help slow decline in memory and brain function as we age. > Literary fiction has the power to help readers understand what other people are thinking, a crucial skill that enables complex social relationships. > Feeling paper pages under your fingertips provides the brain with context that leads to better comprehension. > Those who engage their brains through activities such as reading could be 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. > A study at Sussex University found that reading may reduce stress by as much as 68% by allowing you to escape from everyday worries and becoming engrossed in the story. > Creating a bedtime ritual like reading signals to your body it is time to wind down and have more restful sleep.

The article went on to say that a report from Scholastic suggests that reading out loud to kids throughout their elementary years may inspire them to become frequent readers. By encouraging that behavior, we can continue to pass these health and wellness benefits on to the next generation.

When was the last time you read aloud to a child? This winter, as our focus on literacy, I challenge you to spend some time doing just that. If you don’t have any children living with you, consider volunteering to read at an elementary school, library, or community center after-school program. As appropriate, capture the moment in pictures and share them via one of the social media channels listed below.

Happy Reading!

Jan Titsworth (Delta) National President

Update Your Contact Information members.omegaphialpha.org ON THE COVER: Sisters of Alpha Rho Chapter traveled to Roanoke, VA, to volunteer at the Vinton

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Omega Phi Alpha

Historical Society and Museum.

Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority

NATIONAL NEWS

Jennifer Schimmel Stanley Joins National Team as Executive Director Omega Phi Alpha has been fortunate to be led by passionate, hands-on OPA volunteers for the past 50 years. The personal commitment exhibited by these individuals is impressive and tremendously appreciated. Yet, still more help is needed for OPA to thrive.

Knowing that expert leadership is the backbone of successful organizations, the OPA Board of Directors determined that the sorority needs a paid operational leader— someone who will make the sorority their top priority each week. At Convention 2019, the delegation approved the proposal to hire a part-time executive director to coordinate the activities of the Operational Leadership Team and provide long-term support for OPA to increase and sustain renewed growth and prosperity. This fall, the OPA BOD members interviewed several candidates for the role, and one person stood out from the rest.

Therefore, in December 2019, Jennifer Schimmel Stanley joined the OPA national leadership team as the part-time executive director. Jennifer brings many years of nonprofit leadership experience, having served for over a decade as executive director of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. What sets her apart, however, is her national experience with her own sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. She served in ASA collegiate and alumnae offices and interfaced with their foundation. Jennifer is a mission-focused consensus builder and describes herself as “kind but persistent.”

With experience leading both teams of paid employees and volunteers, Jennifer understands the value of sisterhood and cares deeply about service.

Jan Titsworth (Delta), national president

Jennifer believes that everyone should live their lives by the Daffodil Principle—a concept based on a book

by Jaroldeen Edwards—which states that a single person can create a majestic place, planting one bulb at a time, if they only start the journey.

The message is in learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time.

Meet the New ED “Highly inquisitive, creative, resourceful, motivated, and enthusiastic.” These are the words Jennifer Schimmel Stanley uses to describe her personal qualifications. And those are the very qualities she will use to propel OPA toward a new level of success.

Jennifer has officially joined the Omega Phi Alpha national leadership team as the executive director. She is excited to begin a new chapter of leadership. “I’ve learned the value of sisterhood, of helping women develop into strong leaders for our communities, of a shared vision of making a difference through service and giving,” she said.

In her new role, Jennifer plans to focus on daily operations, developing partnerships, creating opportunities for engagement, inspiring the community and active collegiate sisters as well as alumnae while creating a world where service opportunities develop strong, driven female leaders. She is looking forward to working with the OPA Board of Directors on a strategic plan.

One part of her new position that will come naturally is incorporating the principles of friendship, leadership, and service. “These guiding principles are the ones that have been leading my journey my whole life. I am eager to dive in and be of service, to lead with intention, ensuring that there is continued synergy, authenticity, and appreciation for the good works we will all do together,” she said.

A Connecticut resident, Jennifer has an MS in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Hartford, and a BA in fine and performing arts from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. As executive director of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, she was in charge of volunteer development, fundraising, fiscal and legal oversight, community and public relations, family services, and strategic planning.

In this role, Jennifer can to continue to focus on service. “For me, service has been the greatest gift in my life, allowing me to grow personally through a shared journey with others,” she said. “I love working with volunteers and staff, helping them develop their vision for the organization, developing

the process/steps to achieve a goal and ultimately implementing those steps for success,” she said.

She is not shy about pitching in herself, having served as a Global Village certified leader for Habitat for Humanity. Since 2007, she has traveled to Guatemala six times to build houses and housing solutions for families in need. On five of those trips, she brought 12–16 people with her to put their hands and feet into action.

Jennifer will work with the OPA leadership team, primarily the directors, to ensure that operational tasks are completed. She will also serve as a liaison with the OPA Board of Directors. “My first priority will be to learn as much as I can about Omega Phi Alpha’s current structure, goals, and operational approaches,” she said.

Jennifer said she is committed to getting to know as many sisters as she can. “Over the next several months, I’ll be researching the best ways to connect—via email, phone calls, Facebook Messenger, etc. I want to know as much as I can about OPA, as well the experiences of our alumnae and active sisters,” she said.

Reaching out to Jennifer is easy! Email her at executivedirector@omegaphialpha.org.

Donna Pintek, editorial director

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NATIONAL NEWS

PRESIDENT’S PROJECT UPDATE This year’s President’s Project is underway.

The theme is Juvenile and Adult Literacy— an issue that affects many people in one way or another. Check out what some chapters have done this fall: Members of Alpha Chapter (Bowling Green State University) participated in a Greek Book Drive at BGSU. They also helped wrap the books for Christmas to be given to schoolchildren around Wood County.

Alpha Alpha Chapter (Northern Arizona University) went Dumpster Diving for Books outside of Bookmans (used book store); they also visited local libraries on book sale days to buy books to donate. The chapter created a Reading Sponsors list whereby sisters signed up to donate 5–10 books to the classroom they sponsored. Finally, sisters donated old textbooks as part of a Textbook Drive. The books were donated to countries that cannot provide those textbooks, or donated to an organization dedicated to helping college students receive their books.

Alpha Delta Chapter (Georgia Southern University) participated in Library Days.

They partnered with the local library and hosted a reading night for elementary schoolchildren. They read and told stories and provided parents with fun activities to keep children engaged and excited about literacy.

Alpha Gamma Chapter (Oklahoma State University) organized a Literacy Event.

The sisters partnered with the campus Family Resource Center where international students and community members and their families attend events, learn, and get involved. The literacy night involved different stations, each featuring a different activity related to literacy. Another project called Reading is Fun was held at the Stillwater public library. Sisters read to kids and presented about literacy.

Alpha Omicron at YMCA book fair

In conjunction with some sisters who are tutoring the children at Sarah’s Hope Homeless Shelter, Alpha Iota Chapter (Notre Dame of Maryland University) hosted an activity called Build Your Own Story, in which a group of sisters conducted an activity for the children to create their own story, using blank books and pictures.

Alpha Kappa Chapter (University of Kansas) went to two schools in the area to read to children in the Boys and Girls Club.

Alpha Lambda Chapter (North Carolina State University) conducted a Book Drive and Literacy Program. Members participated in English Conversation Club (an on-campus club that promotes English literacy in foreign exchange students) and hosted a book drive in which members purchased and donated books to schools in need.

The sisters of Alpha Mu Chapter (Boston University) held a Children’s Book Drive at local community centers and libraries to

Come to the SUMMITS The spring District Summits are the perfect time to connect with sisters from other chapters, to learn from each other and, most of all, to have fun. All summits include the Diversity Leadership course, a sisterhood event, as well as informative and interactive workshops.

Each summit features a President’s Project service project. Plan now to join in on the fun.

Check back soon on OPA’s social media and email news for registration information.

Each summit is open to all actives and includes a special track or activities for alumnae.

2020 Dates/Locations Liberty February 8 Ramada Plaza Inn, Hagerstown, MD Azalea February 22 Kennesaw State University Bluegrass February 22 Smyrna Event Center, Smyrna, TN Heartland February 22 Lone Star February 22 Hampton Inn and Suites, Bastrop, TX Peaches and Beaches February 22 Omni Amelia Island Plantation Blue Ridge February 29 North Carolina State University TO THE Cactus Pine February 29 Arizona State University SUMMIT Colonial March 28 Boston University Founding TBD Bowling Green, OH Email summit@omegaphialpha.org for more details.

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Rho Chapter mud volleyball

Alpha Rho at Sustainable UF’s

Green & Clean

Nu sisters at Books for Africa

collect children’s books. They also fundraised to purchase additional books. Once the books were collected, sisters created gift bags with the books inside and donated them to the hospital for new mothers. These gift bags also included a note that emphasizes the importance of reading to children early.

Members of Alpha Nu Chapter (Texas State University) visited PODER Learning Center, a community center for the San Marcos Housing Authority, which provides tutors and mentors to local youths. Members volunteered their time to read to the children at PODER. Alpha Omicron Chapter (University of Florida) conducted a Books for Africa Book Drive. Chapter members donated three books each during a specific period of time.

The books were delivered to the Books for Africa warehouse, to later be sent to Africa.

People of all ages in Africa benefit from having access to books and education.

Lynn Dudash (Nu), OPA Cardinal Principles Director

NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL TEAM SUPPORTS LITERACY PROJECT Officers Met in Atlanta to Refine Strategic Goals Fluffy, Rocky, Sparkle, Cuddles, and many more stuffed animal characters have joined the fight to improve literacy by becoming the new adopted reading buddies of Tennessee schoolchildren.

The Foundation officers—Kristen Sanders (Epsilon), board president; Cheryl Roberts (Beta), secretary; Suzy McTaggart (Gamma); Amy Moore (Alpha Zeta); and Jan Titsworth (Delta), ex officio—met in September to get things started. Even though the board members are spread out from Tennessee to Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Maine, the group is motivated to be working together.

Kristen said: “I am very excited about the formation of the OPA Foundation. I remember talking about the idea of it with Pamela at a Digging for Diamonds event in Nashville, and I’m so honored to be a part of this, not only to support Omega Phi Alpha, but also to honor Pamela. It is also great to be working with the other OPA Foundation board members.

They each bring their own talents to the table.”

At the end of the weekend meeting, OPA’s national officers collected, named, and wrote colorful tags for each of the toys.

“Today reminds me of why I made a lifetime commitment to Omega Phi Alpha. I had the pleasure of facilitating the adoption of over 90 reading buddies to the kindergarten students at my school,” said Andie when she returned to the Tennessee elementary school where she works. “The kids were so excited and one of the teachers already told me her class read longer today independently.”

Convention 2019 left everyone reenergized for OPA’s future, bringing national OPA Board of Directors and the Operational Leadership Team (OLT) members together to brainstorm and plan. The new 501(c)(3) OPA Foundation board also met over the weekend.

Beginning last July, OPA’s five-year Vision 2020 strategic plan entered year five with the team focused on three essential areas: expansions, collegiate chapters, and alumnae. These areas impact three goals within the plan: OPA brand, access to information and training, recruiting

Laying the Groundwork The newly created Omega Phi Alpha Foundation is a federally recognized, 501(c)3, nonprofit charity established to support the mission of Omega Phi Alpha through tax-deductible donations, grants, and employer matching gifts. The donations collected will be used to support service, educational, and leadership programs of the sorority and its chapters.

Spearheaded by VP of Programs Andie Hixson (Epsilon), national officers donated more than 90 stuffed animals to act as reading buddies.

The service project supported the national President’s Project, Adult and Childhood Literacy, during the September national team meeting held in Atlanta.

While this service effort further cemented OPA’s purpose, the officers also spent the weekend strategizing and planning national efforts for the entire organization.

OPA Foundation

and retaining members, and chapter health and preventive care.

On Saturday morning, after a sisterhood activity, the BOD and OLT members met to go over these essential strategies while the Foundation board members met separately to work on their agenda items.

In the afternoon, the three national groups followed separate agendas to refine their plans for the year. The OPA BOD reviewed applications for the new national executive director position, the Foundation acquired a fourth board member, and the OLT divided into subgroups to develop specific action steps for the three essential strategies.

On Sunday morning, everyone regrouped to divide into roundtable discussions centered around alumnae, district summits, and fundraising. This then led to an action plan for each officer that was reinforced with a partner to check in after 30 days.

Thea Moritz (Beta), VP Communications

The Foundation’s mission is “supporting charitable and educational programs and activities that further the cardinal principles of friendship, leadership, and service for the members and chapters of Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority and its affiliated organizations.”

“The fun part will be when we start fundraising,” Kristen added.

“Our goal is to do a big push next spring to kick off giving.

Right now we are laying the groundwork. That means getting the structure set up, developing guidelines, deciding how to disburse funds, and setting up a bank account. We also are establishing policies and procedures—in other words, setting up the infrastructure so we can start taking donations.”

For more information or to contribute, email foundation@omegaphialpha.org.

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NATIONAL NEWS

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the

ALUMNAE MEMBERSHIP TEAM Whether you are an active collegiate member or an alumna, the national Lifetime Membership Team is ready to serve you and your chapter. The team focuses on four areas: >A lumnae Membership oversees all aspects of alumnae membership and engagement including the health and expansions of alumnae chapters, alumnae activities, and the alumnae society. >C ollegiate Membership manages all aspects of college-level recruitment and the new member education process. > T he Expansions Team looks for qualified new campuses to establish new chapters and oversees the colonization process. > T he National Standards Board ensures sorority standards are upheld by all members and makes decisions regarding disassociations and statuses of members.

The Alumnae Membership team works to engage alumnae through service events, District Summit alumnae tracks, the Digging for Diamonds (D4D) event, and alumnae chapters.

They are developing a process to reach members transitioning from active to alumnae status by helping them stay engaged with OPA. The regional alumnae activity coordinators (RAAC) are the primary contacts for the alumnae regions: East, Midwest, South, and West. Find information via the regional Facebook group pages or from your local alumnae chapter’s contact person.

If you don’t have an alumnae chapter nearby, email alumchapters@omegaphialpha.org.

Alumnae Membership Team Members >A lumnae Membership Director Catherine Marsolan (Delta) graduated from Texas A&M University in 2012 with a BA in political science and earned a JD from South Texas College of Law Houston. She is a civil trial attorney based in Austin, TX, and practices personal injury law. She is a member of the Junior League of Austin and volunteers with the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid Clinic. >Y oung Alumnae Coordinator Jessica Murphy (Epsilon) has a degree in exercise science with a concentration in fitness and wellness from Tennessee Technological University. She is applying to graduate school and exploring a career in mental health counseling. >A lumnae Chapter Coordinator Jessica Toms (Phi) began her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, but earned her BS in education general studies from North Carolina State University. Jessica also received a MAEd in adult education from East Carolina University. She is the owner and designer of Jewels of Hope by Jess and a stay-at-home mom.

>R e-Engagement Coordinator Alicia Allen (Epsilon) earned a BS in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Tech in 1982 and worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She provided support to NASA and Wounded Warrior Housing and improved energy management at Army installations. Now retired, she is an active volunteer feeding the hungry and identifying and restoring native plant habitats. >R AAC West Kelsey Grba (Delta) graduated in 2012 with a BS in sports management from Texas A&M. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Kelsey was a 6th grade science teacher in Fort Worth.

While she was an educator, she earned the 2016–17 Rookie Teacher of the Year award. >R AAC South Anna Pearsall (Epsilon) graduated with a BA in English from Tennessee Tech in 2018.

She works as the development assistant for Operation Stand Down Tennessee, an organization that provides resources and assistance for veterans and their families.

(The RAAC East and RAAC Midwest positions are currently vacant.)

Alyssa Bernhardt (Alpha Zeta), VP Lifetime Membership

Become a National OPA Leader

Expanding OPA’s Reach

Petitions are now being accepted for the five elected Operational Leadership Team director positions.

The 2020–22 terms will be elected following the District Summits and will begin July 1:

The OPA Expansions Team is actively seeking opportunities to expand to new campuses across the country. After a couple of years on hiatus—during which the team focused on existing chapter health—they are ready to establish new chapters and grow our organization. The most successful way to start a new chapter is to have a direct contact on a campus, someone who is committed and dedicated to the process. The colonization process sets a baseline for chapter operations and takes three months to a year to complete. This includes requirements for both individuals and the colony as a whole. The Expansions Team wants to connect with people current members may know at a midsize or larger university who are interested in the mission and values of Omega Phi Alpha. Please send inquiries or questions to expansions@omegaphialpha.org.

> Collegiate Membership Director > Alumnae Membership Director > Cardinal Principles Director > Expansions Director > Chapter Support Director If you are interested in learning more about the operational level of OPA national leadership, email nomcomm@omegaphialpha.org for job descriptions and an application, or visit the OPA website.

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>A lumnae Society Coordinator Mary Morrison (Delta) has a BA in history from Texas A&M and works as a pharmacy technician near Houston, TX. Mary has also served on the national executive board.

CHEVRON

ALUMNAE NEWS

DESIGNING SUCCESS

Hard work and a little luck help alum achieve her goals Georgette Blay had a keen mind for community as a founding mother of the Alpha Zeta Chapter. Now in her years after graduating in 2008, she’s leveraging her keen eye for all things beautiful, cohesive, and vibrant in her current role as a senior designer at Big Red Rooster, a design firm located in Atlanta. Read on to learn more about the campaigns she has created and how service played a big part in her first post-grad job.

Tell us a little bit about your current job.

I’m currently a senior designer at Big Red Rooster, serving as creative account lead on various client accounts. I lead the conceptual creation of the design aesthetic and help see it through to production. Aside from my main creative role, I also assist in overall concept strategy, content creation, and some copywriting. The list of clients I’ve worked for includes Orangetheory Fitness, Mars Drinks, Rheem Manufacturing, ShopRite, and many more.

What led you to choose this career path?

I’d say it was kismet luck over the years that brought me to my current career. From the time in middle school when I was asked to join the art club, to loving my many English, communications, and art classes in college, design was always in my periphery.

I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and making things. Design happens to sit at the intersection and so—presto magic!—I was drawn to it.

How would you describe your design style?

My design aesthetic leans toward bold/ loud use of color, organic abstracted shapes, layered with artful use of typography.

It’s Vogue meets Target—refined yet approachable.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

Never knowing what the end result will be!

You can go into a project thinking you have a clear vision of what the end product will look like, and yet it’s always a surprise when it looks nothing like what you envisioned. The satisfying thing is that, even if you veer off of your original vision, you’re still solving the brand’s problem with the outcome.

What obstacles did you face when striving to attain your career goal?

I started my design career once I went back to graduate school, which meant that some of my peers who had received undergraduate degrees in design had a head start on me when I officially entered the workforce.

I felt I had to make up that time. I did this by taking on many freelance jobs to accelerate my experience in the field.

Do you have one campaign or project you’re particularly proud of?

I’m highly critical of my work, which makes this a hard question to answer! Overall, I’m proud of the tremendous growth in my design thinking and skills. I did enjoy the many campaigns created for the ShopRite grocery chain, which educated shoppers in a fun, lighthearted way. I saw my work impact people’s daily lives.

Looking back, what made you want to get involved with Omega Phi Alpha?

I’ve always been drawn to helping others and solving problems, so I got involved in OPA because I was able to foster that with other like-minded kick-butt ladies!

Did you hold any offices when you were an active sister?

Yes—I was service director.

Have you continued to do service since graduating?

After graduating college, my first “real” adult job was working with the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter. In this role, I was the event/program coordinator, managing all educational programming and events for the chapter. I did that for three years, including during graduate school. I still volunteer with the chapter when I can.

What career advice would you give to active sisters?

If you want it, charge forward and don’t let the doubt of others cloud your drive to achieve what you have in mind for yourself!

Gabie Kur (Alpha Mu), PR & Marketing Director

Which university/chapter did you belong to?

My alma mater is Kennesaw State University where I was a founding mother of the Alpha Zeta Chapter.

What is one of your favorite sisterhood memories from your time as an active?

We had a fun sisterhood retreat to Red Top Mountain in Georgia that was filled with many memory-making moments. We learned a tremendous amount about our fellow sisters and how we can better strive to uphold the principles of OPA. And I can’t forget about our electronic recycling service project! We would laugh nonstop in the freezing cold while recycling old, dated electronics that some of us had never even seen before.

How did your experience and learnings in OPA influence your life and/or your career?

Now that I am in the “real world,” let’s just say I wish everyone else knew the Robert’s Rules of Decorum—order please! I know how to work with many strong-minded individuals to achieve a common goal, and I use this daily in my job as my role is highly centered around collaboration.

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ALUMNAE NEWS

ALPHA KAPPA IS TURNING 10!

Alumnae Chapter Reports

Calling all Alpha Kappa Chapter alumnae! Come to the Alpha Kappa Convention, April 17–19, 2020, in Lawrence, Kansas. This 10th birthday celebration will be filled with ethical service events, social/sisterhood events, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Registration opens January 1 and closes March 17.

A discounted rate of $189 per night has been arranged at the SpringHill Suites in Lawrence (requires a two-night stay commitment).

Go to akomegaphialpha.com/alumna for details and updates on the event.

Nu Alumna is Elected First African American President at Pennsylvania Junior League

Phi alumnae at the alumnae breakfast before Girl Scouts badge day event

OMEGA IOTA Phoenix, AZ Omega Iota welcomed new alumnae from both Alpha Alpha and Phi chapters. In December, they held their annual event. In the past, they have done adopt-a-family and adopt-a-student. This year, they are doing adopt-a-student again with third graders. Each student will receive a book from Omega Iota’s book drive. Members were excited to incorporate the President’s Project into their annual event. They are also gearing up for District Summit in the spring. Alumnae also attended a breakfast prior to Phi’s Girl Scout Badge Day event in November.

What typically brings sisters to OPA is an interest in service. As lifetime members, many alumnae continue this passion long after college and apply the skills they learned as OPA sisters to organizations in their communities. So it comes as no surprise when sisters join organizations such as the Junior League.

Founded in 1901, the Junior League “encompasses more than 140,000 women in 291 leagues in four countries,” according to the group’s website.

The Junior League of the Lehigh Valley, located in eastern Pennsylvania, recently announced the election of their first African American president, Laureen Hobbs Pellegrino. She is a Nu Chapter alumna and 1994 Georgia Tech graduate.

Originally from New York, Laureen now lives in Pennsylvania and works as a process engineer. She holds a BME in mechanical engineering and an MBA. Laureen is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She once held the position of vice president at Nu. Laureen’s other service leadership roles include being a leader and lifetime member with the Girl Scouts, past board member and a lifetime member of the Society of Women Engineers, and board member on Nazareth Center for the Arts and Nazareth Borough Planning Board Commissions.

“My platform for the upcoming year is retention, engaging members past and present, and providing training and leadership opportunities for our members,” Laureen said. Her term as president began in September 2019.

Omega Tau sisters Mary Morrison, Cady Mulkey, Jennifer Villamar, Pamela Mudd Conlan

OMEGA TAU Houston, TX Omega Tau has been busy working with the Houston Rodeo ROPES (Reading Opens the Path to Education Success) program in support of the 2019 President’s Project, Literacy. Members collected new and gently used books appropriate for Pre-K through high school reading levels. The books will be donated to Houston school students. Sisters were encouraged to bring their donated books to their second service project, the CCSC Jingle Bell Express program on December 10. At Jingle Bell Express, sisters put together holiday food packets that were given to 2,500 children and their families who have demonstrated financial need. Without their help, many families would be without holiday celebrations.

As we approach a new year (and new decade!), now is the perfect time to find a way to serve in your own community. You don’t have to make a big commitment; just do what you can. No act of service is too small.

> Don’t see your alumnae chapter report? Email your update to chevron@omegaphialpha.org by February 15 for the spring Chevron. > No chapter in your area? Contact alumnae@omegaphialpha.org to learn how to start or reinstate a chapter near you. > Have a tip for a story on an alumnae chapter or sister doing awesome stuff? Tell us at chevron@omegaphialpha.org.

Mary Harrison (Phi), Chevron writer

Compiled by Mary Harrison (Phi), Chevron writer

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CHAPTER REPORTS

Active Chapter Reports For a list of all active chapters, please visit omegaphialpha.org/chapters/active-chapters

Fall/Winter Service: We completed many of our service projects this semester, since it is quickly coming to a close. We brought a Thanksgiving meal to one of our local forest stations to show our appreciation and support!

Fun Fact: We recently got matching letter shirts to wear to service projects and other events!

Contact: epsilon@omegaphialpha.org

Sigma sister Pauline Woods volunteers with La Paz at their first annual Taco Festival

school kids. On Halloween, we went to a local daycare and read to children of all age groups.

Fall/Winter Service: Donating items to our school’s food pantry. Our potential new members are doing Operation Christmas Child this year.

Fun Fact: Our local mascot is the duck!

Contact: sigma@omegaphialpha.org

Alpha sisters at Relay for Life 2019

ALPHA Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, OH • Founded 1967 36 Actives • 16 New Members Fall/Winter Service: Volunteered at the Aurora House and Brookdale Nursing Home, participated in Relay for Life, and also worked with the Girl Scouts by helping with a Cookie Drop, among other service activities.

Fun Fact: We have a secret support sister, Elsie, who will reveal herself at the end of 2019!

Contact: alpha@omegaphialpha.org Gamma sisters at past service events

GAMMA Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI • Founded 1967/Re-chartered 1993 21 Actives • 11 New Members President’s Project: Sponsoring local children in a literacy program. Our donations get them a new book each month!

Fall/Winter Service: We designed fun bookmarks for kids, helped with Operation Christmas Child, learned self-defense moves, cleaned up the park we sponsor, and participated in many other service activities. We also took a trip to a local cider mill, held an OPA sister photo shoot, and a “Sistersgiving” event.

Contact: gamma@omegaphialpha.org EPSILON Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN • Founded 1973 17 Actives • 8 New Members President’s Project: Reading to students at a local elementary school.

Nu Chapter at BOLT 5K

Nu Chapter

NU Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA • Founded 1988 21 Actives • 4 New Members President’s Project: Books for Africa Fall/Winter Service: Volunteered at Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship, a Hot Chocolate 5K, and Shakespeare’s Tavern, plus many more that we are excited for!

Fun Fact: We started having “Spill the Tea Tuesdays” to catch up during the week and spend time together during lunch.

Contact: nu@omegaphialpha.org RHO Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY • Founded 1993 79 Actives • 36 New Members President’s Project: Literacy Fair Fall/Winter Service: We held a literacy fair and made bookmarks and posters to promote it. We also had our Hope Heart Institute annual mud volleyball tournament with a total of 12 teams participating.

Fun Fact: We are in first place for our campus green initiative that motivates people to make greener choices like recycling, donating, and using public transportation.

Contact: rho@omegaphialpha.org SIGMA The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN • Founded 1993 13 Actives • 9 New Members President’s Project: Reading to elementary

Chi members at various service projects

CHI University of South Carolina Columbia, SC • Founded 1998 57 Actives • 14 New Members President’s Project: Promoting literacy by working with local schools and underprivileged kids to help make reading fun.

Fall/Winter Service: Participated in an Anatomy Fashion Show to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and working in our university’s garden to grow fresh vegetables for the dining halls.

We hosted a holiday event called “Bra-la-la-la-la,” where we raised money and collected bras and pads for women in Pakistan.

Fun Fact: We have our very own mascot, Izzy the elephant, who is given to a different sister every week to celebrate that sister’s accomplishments and passion!

Contact: chi@omegaphialpha.org

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CHAPTER REPORTS

Omega sisters

OMEGA Rutgers University • New Brunswick, NJ Founded 2000/Re-chartered 2015 66 Actives President’s Project: Partnering with Rutgers Reach Out and Read Program on campus. The books we donated will be given to the Eric B. Chandler Health Center for children.

Fall/Winter Service: Our sisters donated clothes and other items at Christmas, assisted a swim team of teens with special needs (primarily autism), as they are training for the Special Olympics. One of our sisters is going on an alternative winter break trip to Nashville to help women who have suffered, or are currently suffering from substance abuse and domestic violence, rebuild their lives.

Fun Fact: Our last Bid Day was at a bowling alley!

Contact: omega@omegaphialpha.org ALPHA ALPHA Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ • Founded 2000 42 Actives • 19 New Members President’s Project: Donated books and made sight words kits for local elementary schools. (See page 4.)

Fall Service Plans: We focused on our new members and getting them involved as much as possible. We participated in a local 5K with an organization called Girls on the Run, held our second annual Loved Ones Weekend, and hosted a Live Museum to support diversity among our chapter and community.

Fun Fact: Alpha Alpha Chapter has 13 executive board positions.

Contact: alpha_alpha@omegaphialpha.org ALPHA GAMMA Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK • Founded 2004 32 Actives • 15 New Members President’s Project: We held a literacy event for the kids who live on campus with their parents. (See page 4.)

Fall/Winter Service: Team bonding workshop, Kindness Rocks, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, volunteer at the Iron Gate Food Bank in Tulsa, and writing letters to soldiers.

Fun Fact: We voted to have a diversity chair!

Contact: alpha_gamma@omegaphialpha.org

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CHEVRON

ALPHA ZETA Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA • Founded 2006 12 Actives • 16 New Members President’s Project: Look for a Book Fall/Winter Service: We partnered with local organizations that are meaningful to us.

Fun Fact: Alpha Zeta had a great fall semester! We more than doubled our chapter!

This growth allowed us to add a few more leadership positions back into our chapter.

As a chapter, we have all become closer, and this has improved our efforts in service projects and sisterhood events. We cannot wait for what is in store for next semester!

Contact: alpha_zeta@omegaphialpha.org ALPHA KAPPA University of Kansas Lawrence, KS • Founded 2010 46 Actives • 26 New Members President’s Project: Reading to the elementary school kids of the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. (See page 4.)

Fall/Winter Service: For our communityat-large project, we volunteered at Hidden Valley to help them winterize.

Fun Fact: We’re the first gender-inclusive chapter!

Contact: alpha_kappa@omegaphialpha.org

Alpha Gamma and Alpha Kappa sisters in Oklahoma

OK FOR SOME SISTERHOOD BONDING On November 16, Alpha Kappa sisters from University of Kansas headed south to Stillwater, OK, to visit Alpha Gamma sisters at Oklahoma State University. On Saturday, they attended the KU vs. OSU football game, where the OSU Cowboys emerged victorious, but everyone won since they made new friends! After the game, all the sisters gathered at a retro diner, and later, they went to Ultimate Air trampoline park for some active fun, and then the AG sisters introduced the Alpha Kappa members to Braun’s Ice Cream, an Oklahoma classic. Alpha Kappa is grateful to Alpha Gamma for their hospitality and can’t wait to see them at the Heartland District Summit!

Alpha Lambda sisters having fun at a service project.

ALPHA LAMBDA North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC • Founded 2010 50 Actives • 24 New Members President’s Project: Literacy (See page 4.)

Fall/Winter Service: We focused on giving back to the Earth in both the Raleigh and NC State communities through trash cleanups like the Big Sweep, and planting and harvesting at the campus Agroecology Education Farm. We served at one of our favorite yearly events, the Moonlight in the Garden fundraiser. We made holiday cards for the UNC Rex Hospital and participated in Operation Christmas Child.

Fun Fact: We took our largest new member class this fall semester, and we are so excited to grow our sisterhood!

Contact: alpha_lambda@omegaphialpha.org ALPHA MU Boston University • Boston, MA Founded 2011 • 53 Actives President’s Project: Book Drive for Children’s Books (See page 4.)

Fall/Winter Service: We had a wide variety of service plans for our sisters. We are happy to continue to volunteer with our favorite organizations, including the St. Francis House, Community Servings, the Red Cross Food Pantry, and Cradles to Crayons. We are excited for new service opportunities through the Gifford Cat Shelter, Franklin Park Zoo, Hyde Square Task Force, Boston Health Care for the Homeless program, and Hope Lodge.

Alpha Mu Chapter is geared up for service!

Fun Fact: Alpha Mu started because a few friends wanted to join a sorority called OPA, which was the name of one of the friend’s grandpas. Turns out it was a real thing, and here we are!

Contact: alpha_mu@omegaphialpha.org ALPHA NU Texas State University San Marcos, TX • Founded 2013 27 Actives • 14 New Members President’s Project: (See page 4.)

Volunteered at PODER, a community center for the San Marcos Housing Authority.

PODER provides tutors and mentors to local youths, providing homework assistance and a meal after school. >>

CHAPTER REPORTS

IN MEMORIAM Omega Phi Alpha extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of OPA sisters who have left us.

Bless our sisters forever!

Karen Knoppow (Gamma) 1949–2019 Beloved OPA sister Karen Knoppow, 70, passed away in August 2019. She pledged Gamma Chapter at Eastern Michigan University in 1968 and graduated in 1971.

Karen held several national OPA positions including vice president (1973–74; 1998– 2000), publications secretary (1976–78), alumnae administrator (1978–79), and treasurer (1991–95).

In 1991, Karen was appointed to chair the Long-Range Planning Committee. Also at that time, she was approached to help recolonize Gamma Chapter, which had closed in 1974. Karen jumped at the chance and began laying the groundwork for the future colony. She consulted with university administration, contacted the APO chapter for help, rallied Alpha sisters to post flyers and attend meetings, and contacted Gamma alumnae to inform them of the new colony.

corner. We are now officially recognized on EMU’s campus and can attempt to recolonize there.”

Gamma again became a chapter on Jan. 17, 1993. Karen said in the Chevron, “I can’t tell you how excited I was. I felt like a little child waiting for Santa Claus to come. And he brought us…the return of Gamma Chapter.”

More recently, Karen attended the 2014 Digging for Diamonds event in Ohio, where she became a diamond-level alumnae society member. She also hosted a lunch at her home for the attendees.

Friends say she made an incredible difference in the lives of many young people as a devoted math teacher for the Detroit public schools.

Her students from some of the poorest areas of the city would win local and statewide math competitions. Her latest job was as principal for the Toledo Board of Jewish Education.

Karen wrote in the Chevron, “When I graduated in 1971, Gamma Chapter had more than 60 sisters. Just four years later, the chapter didn’t exist. I made a promise to myself that I would someday try to recolonize my chapter. That day is just around the

A Michigan native, Karen lived in Perrysburg, OH. Services were held at the Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham, MI, in August. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Jewish National Fund.

Fall/Winter Service: Worked with Health Promotion Services on one of their events.

HPS works with the Student Health Center to offer prevention and educational services on a variety of health issues, such as violence, nutrition, stress and time management, sexual health, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.

Fun Fact: We adopted a park in San Marcos, TX, and plan to have monthly cleanups.

Contact: alpha_nu@omegaphialpha.org

ALPHA OMICRON University of Florida Gainesville, FL • Founded 2014 39 Actives • 12 New Members President’s Project: Worked with Books for Africa, an organization that collects monetary and book donations in order to help end the book famine in Africa. (See page 4.)

Fall/Winter Service: Alpha Omicron will be on winter break for the next month; however, we have a lot in store for the spring!

Taylor Grider (Rho) 1999–2019 Members of Rho Chapter (Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY) were saddened by the loss of Taylor Grider, a sister and a friend, who passed away in October 2019. An online post described Taylor as someone with a “heart for serving those around her.”

A biochemistry junior from Russell Springs, KY, Taylor brought joy and love to the chapter.

She always had a smile on her face and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. “The pride she felt for Omega Phi Alpha radiated from her,” the post went on to say.

Taylor was a true leader, taking on chapter positions such as parliamentarian, Rho Chi Leader, Nations Service Committee head, and Standards Board member. She will be truly missed by the Rho sisters, and always remembered for her kindness. Memorials can be made to Gideons International.

Fun Fact: We enrolled a service board as a new method to help the service director plan projects. We are working out the kinks, but it has been a wonderful addition so far!

Contact: alpha_omicron@omegaphialpha.org Compiled by Catherine Ferrell (Alpha Gamma)

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILFORD, CT PERMIT NO. 80

National Office PO Box 955 East Lyme, CT 06333 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Save the Date Digging for Diamonds 2020 JULY 16–19 IN NEW YORK CITY Embassy Suites by Hilton New York Manhattan Times Square located at 60 West 37th Street—in the heart of New York City.

THE TENTATIVE SCHEDULE INCLUDES: Thursday 5 p.m.—Welcome reception Friday morning—Service project Saturday morning—Alumnae Society Induction Ceremony, followed by an early lunch Sunday morning—Farewell breakfast Enjoy sightseeing each day with your family and friends. Negotiated room rates are $219 (single room, king bed) and $239 (king room with a sleeper sofa).

All rates include tax and a complimentary hot breakfast and evening reception.

More details to come by email and OPA social media channels in February when registration opens. Save the date and start making plans now.

Make this a family trip or a girls’ long weekend in The City.

Questions? Please email alumnae@omegaphialpha.org