ARCHIVES
THEN AND NOW
1955
Alpha Chi Omega Chapter Consultants Have you ever thought about what Alpha Chi Omega was doing 10, 20, 50 years ago? How have things changed for our members and organization? How have they stayed the same? Taken from previous Lyre magazines, the “Then and Now” series offers a glimpse into what life was like for Alpha Chi Omegas throughout history. The chapter consultant program is an unparalleled professional opportunity for our real, strong women looking to make Alpha Chi Omega a part of their careers and gain unique experience directly relevant to their future endeavors. Each year, the consultants — representing chapters from across the country — make an immediate and lasting impact on our collegiate chapters. What started with a single consultant has grown into a large and impactful part of the Alpha Chi Omega experience. 62
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST, AND MICHELLE CRITCHFIELD (OMICRON, BAKER UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE GROWTH
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ince 1955, Alpha Chi Omega has employed consultants to provide on-site coaching and support to our collegiate chapters. The program began with one consultant, Charlene Moore (Chi, Oregon State University), after the hiring was approved by the National Council. At the time the position was titled “traveling secretary.” According to the December 1955 issue of The Lyre (pictured), “Those who can qualify will have a chance to travel, to get acquainted with various colleges or universities, the opportunity to work with college girls, plus the satisfaction of being of service to the Fraternity.” According to Burnette Grimes Jones (Omega, Washington State University), national collegiate vice president at the time, “A traveling secretary is a counsellor and friend. She can stay with a chapter for a much longer period than a visiting officer and therefore is not only able to give helpful ideas but can stay long enough to see them integrated in the chapter. She is young enough to be an understanding friend to every girl in the chapter. She can see the collegiate viewpoint as well as the Fraternity national picture.”
During her visits, some of which lasted as long as six weeks, Charlene focused on scholarship, recruitment support and new member programming. Job requirements for the position included campus and chapter leadership, academic excellence, and strong recommendations from university leaders and chapter advisors. Faythe Luther Vorderstrasse (Chi, Oregon State University) carried the program forward the next year, visiting 78 collegiate chapters.
