The Value of Mentorship Campus Total: What It Is and Why It Matters
Melody Chang
OPERA, REPRESENTATION AND EDUCATION
A Centennial Collaboration
BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST
At the 1983 National Convention, each collegiate chapter was given a small (6” x 4”) square to be stitched with the chapter’s date of installation, school name and a symbol representative of the school or chapter. Chapters were asked to submit their squares by the summer of 1984. The squares would then be stitched together to create a wall hanging commemorating the collegiate chapters and establishments at the time of Alpha Chi Omega’s 1985 centennial, with the Fraternity’s coat of arms in the center and open motto in the lower righthand corner.
Jody Bayer Martindill (Alpha, DePauw University), a former Alpha Chi Omega headquarters executive secretary, mapped out the overall design, followed up with chapters and painstakingly stitched together the needlepoint squares (and occasional cross stich square) to assemble this lasting keepsake.
Many of the squares were designed and stitched by collegiate chapter members. Some were created by alumnae. Jody herself made several of the squares for inactive chapters. Together, through this two-year collaboration, sisters created a meaningful piece of art that reflected the “state of the Fraternity” as it marked 100 years of sisterhood.
The completed wall hanging was unveiled at the 1985 Centennial Convention in Indianapolis and was prominently displayed at Alpha Chi Omega headquarters for many years. Today it is stored in the archives to best preserve it for posterity. Perhaps it will make another appearance during the Fraternity’s sesquicentennial in 2035!
Collaboration
It’s recruitment season as I write this letter, and there’s no better Alpha Chi Omega event – or really, any event – to demonstrate the power of collaboration. You have your VP recruitment and event chairs guiding potential sisters through each day to get to know our members. There’s the VP recruitment information and the CRIB crunching numbers between parties. Each sister who meets a PNM is building a connection and showcasing our experience. And beyond the collegiate members, countless alumnae are supporting the process by volunteering, writing recommendations and sharing about Alpha Chi in their communities.
LYRE SPOTTING
JENNIFER MORALES (GAMMA UPSILON, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON) PLACED IN THE TOP 12 AT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’S MRS. 2024 PAGEANT.
With their individual skills and collective efforts, members come together each year across campuses to grow our sisterhood. As a sister shared with me once about recruitment, “It goes to show that if you need something done well, just call on a group of Alpha Chi Omega women.”
In recruitment and beyond, each member of Alpha Chi Omega has a particular role to play. Each of us leverages our unique skills and passions to move the organization forward. But we can’t do it alone. The key is collaboration. It takes all of us coming together to make this organization the powerful, transformative and everlasting sisterhood that it is and will continue to be.
Loyally,
LAUREN FILIPPINI ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY)
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
EDITOR, THE LYRE
THE LYRE MADE A TRIP TO LAKE TAHOE WITH GAMMA ZETA (KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE DIANE (MILLER) HARRINGTON (LEFT) AND CINDY (DITZLER) HIMMELBERG
EDITOR’S NOTE
The fall 2024 issue’s Foundation campaign report had two errors. We have updated the digital version of The Lyre and regret the errors.
First, Past National President Judy Evans Anderson (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) was accidentally omitted from the campaign donor listing. We are very grateful for her gifts to the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign at the Scarlet Impact level ($25,000$49,999).
Second, there was a typo in the name of one of the endowed funds created during the campaign. The correct name of the fund is the Suzy Ball Gunter Memorial Fund Benefitting Let’s Talk Love, not Love’s Talk Love as originally printed. This fund supports Alpha Chi Omega’s domestic violence awareness rotational program, in honor of our late Alpha Mu sister Suzy.
Contributors
ZORA DERAHM
ZETA PHI (CORNELL UNIVERSITY)
This year, Zora is serving as president of the Cornell Student Assembly – the youngest person to serve in that role in school history! She shares about her leadership role and the impact of Alpha Chi Omega in helping her seek the heights on page 5.
KORI WHITENER FELLOWS, PH.D.
ALPHA PHI
(THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN)
Kori is the president and owner of KWF Solutions, LLC and a long-time Alpha Chi Omega volunteer, most recently completing service as the Foundation Board of Trustees chair. She continues to give back to Alpha Chi Omega, including at the local level when she joined the planning committee for the Alpha Phi centennial celebration. Read about the Texas-sized event on page 10.
STAFF CONTRIBUTORS
National President Jennifer Daurora
National Vice Presidents
Leslie Abramsky Block
Kristin Miller Edwards
Dr. Cassie Gerhardt
Dr. Jennifer Wilhoit Lane
Kelli Rodriguez
Chief Executive Officer
Katie Lampinen Gaffin
Senior Director of Education and Engagement
Amy Colvin Mustafa
Director of Marketing and Communications
Amanda Spice
Marketing and Communications Manager
Lauren Filippini
The Lyre is published quarterly.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Lyre 5635 Castle Creek Parkway N. Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46250-4304
KELSEY ATKINSON , ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE GROWTH
ARIANNA BRADLEY , DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT
SALLY CUTLER , HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST
MORGAN ELAM , FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
EMILY FLOYD , EVENTS MANAGER
GINA FOX , DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE GROWTH
EMILY ROSE JACOBSEN , DIRECTOR OF HARM REDUCTION
RACHEL HALEY , ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF HARM REDUCTION
MEGAN HATFIELD , ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES
LAURA KNOBEL , ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT
AUTUMN MCBRIDE , ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES
AMY COLVIN MUSTAFA , SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT
KENDALL SUESS , HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
EMMA WILLE , MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
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.
Seeking the Heights Together in Alpha Chi Omega
BY KATIE GAFFIN (DELTA ZETA, CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY), CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
When thinking about what to share in this quarter’s Corner Office column, I was excited to focus on the topic of collaboration, as I witness it across the Alpha Chi Omega Enterprise on a daily basis! Whether it be our staff team working to serve our members, our volunteers collaborating in service to others or our strategic governance model at work – Alpha Chis have collaboration in mind. It truly “takes a village” to support the important and vital work of our beloved sisterhood. And by championing each other’s ambitions and goals, Alpha Chi Omega members create a community where personal and collective success flourishes.
From the moment a new sister joins Alpha Chi Omega, she steps into an environment that fosters meaningful connections. Through shared experiences—philanthropic, academic and social—members build relationships that form the foundation for future collaborations. These friendships provide more than emotional support; they also become avenues for growth, mentorship and opportunity. Alpha Chi Omega’s network spans far beyond the collegiate experience, offering lifelong connections in various fields. When one sister succeeds, the impact resonates throughout our entire community, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and motivation. We feature stories of our sisters and their pursuits and recognize their success often – including in this issue of The Lyre!
Professional and personal development are key aspects of collaboration within Alpha Chi Omega. Sisters offer mentorship, internships and job opportunities to collegiate members, bridging the gap between academic life and professional aspirations. These relationships can be life-changing, providing guidance and resources that may not have been accessible otherwise. Collaboration within Alpha Chi Omega transcends competition—
when one sister advances, she brings others with her.
Teamwork is integral to achieving Alpha Chi Omega’s goals, both individually and as chapters. From organizing philanthropic events to hosting academic workshops, sisters work together to achieve shared objectives. In doing so, they cultivate leadership skills, learn effective communication, and understand the value of mutual respect and accountability. Teamwork teaches members to navigate challenges as a unit, allowing them to develop solutions together. These experiences not only strengthen the chapter but also equip each sister with the tools to thrive in group settings throughout her life and career.
At the core of Alpha Chi Omega’s collaborative spirit is the belief in empowering each other to seek the heights. Our open motto embodies the idea that success is a shared journey. By offering support, resources and opportunities, sisters ensure that no one is climbing alone. The heights each member reaches are both personal and collective, as the achievements of one sister enhance the strength of the whole. Whether in academic pursuits, leadership roles or professional careers, Alpha Chi Omega members know that collaboration is the key to unlocking their potential.
Ultimately, the collaborative environment within Alpha Chi Omega fosters a culture where success is not only possible but inevitable. Through friendships, professional networks and a commitment to teamwork, sisters build each other up, ensuring that they all rise together. In seeking the heights, Alpha Chi Omegas demonstrate that true success is best achieved through the support and strength of others.
KATIE GAFFIN
Building Connection and Community
SERVING AS CORNELL’S YOUNGEST STUDENT ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT
BY ZORA DERHAM (ZETA PHI, CORNELL UNIVERSITY)
Just over 200 days into my college experience, I decided to run for president of the Cornell Student Assembly. When I made that fateful decision, I made a commitment to fulfilling my potential as a leader, took a leap of faith in myself and wondered what I could potentially accomplish. Most people who decide to run for the highest elected undergraduate office do so as rising seniors, making my goal to represent the Cornell community at a younger age audacious and, to be honest, nervewracking. I saw running for office as one of the most powerful ways to advocate for my classmates, to be their voice and to amplify their unique perspectives. I was thrilled when I won, becoming the first freshman ever elected president of the Cornell Student Assembly.
As the saying goes, all politics are local, and campus governance is no different. As president of the Student Assembly, my goals have been to focus on issues that impact the Cornell student community and to work on projects that can support the everyday campus experience. I spend time getting to know constituents that normally don’t have the interest or the time to attend Student Assembly meetings. My outreach entails meeting these constituents where they are and not expecting them to come to me. I devote time to speaking with student athletes where they practice, attending student club meetings to learn about their organizations’ mission and goals, and meeting fellow participants in Greek life to become knowledgeable about their chapters’ issues. I love learning about
everyone’s wishes for the future of our campus community and painting a brighter picture of Cornell through the eyes of others.
Being Student Assembly president has given me a chance to gain leadership experience, develop strong communication skills and become an efficient manager of my time. Student government also offers real-world skills such as learning how to work with people with differing agendas, worldviews and approaches to problemsolving. Through my work in student government, I am enriching my Cornell journey beyond the classroom, making connections with people that I might have never had an opportunity to meet otherwise and working with people who share my sense of service to others.
In my time as an Alpha Chi Omega, I am often reminded of valuable lessons about creating and maintaining a community to make the places we call home stronger and more unified. There is not a night in the house when I am not enjoying conversation about matters great and small, serious and lighthearted, and more with my sisters. Before and after formal events my sisters help me get ready and help me calm my nerves. There is nothing more fun than a night drive around our neighborhood before bed. The house and sisterhood are beautiful reminders of how strong community that truly cares about you can be. I consider myself very fortunate to be a real, strong woman surrounded by women who inspire and support me as I seek to better our university and home away from home.
ZORA DERHAM
Counting the Cost of Financial Abuse
BY MEGAN HATFIELD (ZETA SIGMA, MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES
In the 32 years that Alpha Chi Omega has embraced our commitment to domestic violence awareness, we’ve had the opportunity to shed light on varying types of domestic abuse. This October, our efforts were focused on financial abuse, which is a devastating and often hidden form of domestic violence. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), financial abuse occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases. It’s been cited as the most common reason a victim stays in an abusive relationship.
A staggering 3/4 of Americans don’t recognize financial abuse as a form of violence, which illustrates the importance of our work. The Center for Financial Security defines financial abuse as “controlling a person’s ability to acquire, use and maintain economic resources,” which can look several ways:
• Controlling how money is spent, such as not sharing what resources are available or what is happening with shared money, not allowing access to banking information or accounts, giving an “allowance” with oversight of spending, requiring permission to buy things or holding back money for necessities
• Interfering with work, such as not allowing a partner to work or telling them where to work, showing up and disrupting work, keeping someone from getting to work or incessantly begging a person to quit
• Forcing someone into debt, such as by racking up credit card debt, opening new accounts and credit cards in the partner’s name, or saying they will pay the bills and not doing so
While this is by no means a comprehensive list of ways financial abuse is exerted, nor does someone need to recognize all these signs to be in an abusive relationship, they showcase examples of relationship red flags. Similar to other forms of abuse, financial abuse can occur subtly and progress with time. It also leaves a devastating impact. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the cost of domestic violence over a female survivor’s lifetime is $104,000, which includes medical costs, lost work productivity, property loss and more.
As Alpha Chi Omegas committed to ending domestic violence, we know that education and support are keys to empowering survivors. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is one of the greatest resources we can share with victims of domestic violence. For more information on financial abuse, safety planning and supporting someone experiencing financial abuse, visit thehotline.org/resources/financialabuse/. For additional ways to support survivors, reach out to your local domestic violence shelters or organizations to see how you can best support their work.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by phone at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting “START” to 88788.
HONORING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS
MONTH 2024
Whether you volunteered at your local domestic violence shelter or agency, hosted a philanthropy event, tabled to bring awareness on campus, amplified our message on social media or anything in between, we are beyond proud of our members’ efforts this Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Thank you for your support of Alpha Chi Omega’s national philathropy.
Theta Omicron (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) hosted Alpha Chi Cafe on campus and raised funds for its long-standing partnership with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.
On October 17, headquarters hosted a DVAM webinar with our partners at the One Love Foundation, co-led by One’s Loves youth mobilization manager and Alpha Chi Omega sister, Gabi Schutt (Kappa Rho, University of North Carolina at Charlotte)! Participants learned about the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and explored their own financial boundaries.
Kappa Omicron (High Point University) held a “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” campaign, featuring a screening of The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson, followed by an impactful speaking engagement by Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister Denise Brown.
Our members had access to new infographics this year related to financial abuse. Some members and friends shared them on social media, while others printed and used them for campus tabling and philanthropy events!
Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University) hosted multiple fundraising and awareness campaigns leading up to its annual Walk a Mile event, which raised $30,000 for its local shelter, DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team).
Alumnae Book Club
2025 List
Are you looking for a way to connect with literary-loving alumnae across the country? If so, the Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Book Club is the place for you! Our 2025 selections were just announced, and we hope you’ll join us for monthly discussions in the “AXO Alumnae Book Club” Facebook group. We look forward to reading alongside you soon!
JANUARY
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Discussion Dates: January 27-31
JULY
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Discussion Dates: July 21-25
FEBRUARY
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
Discussion Dates: February 24-28
AUGUST
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Discussion Dates: August 25-29
MARCH
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Discussion Dates: March 24-28
APRIL
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Discussion Dates: April 21-25
SEPTEMBER
Go as a River by Shelley Read
Discussion Dates: September 22-26
OCTOBER
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
Discussion Dates: October 20-24
MAY
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Discussion Dates: May 26-30
JUNE
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Discussion Dates: June 23-27
NOVEMBER
Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo
Discussion Dates: November 17-21
DECEMBER
Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
Discussion Dates: December 15-19
Social Justice Institute 2024 Recap
BY AUTUMN MCBRIDE (TAU, BRENAU UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES
As part of Alpha Chi Omega’s diversity, equity and inclusion work and commitment to domestic violence awareness and prevention, the Social Justice Institute (SJI) experience was created and launched in summer 2023. The 2024 SJI experience offered another transformative journey for participants from May to June.
Over six weeks, participants delved into diverse topics such as building bridges to healing and leveraging their unique talents to support their communities. Through 75-minute sessions, they engaged in both small-group discussions and large-group conversations, fostering growth, understanding and a commitment to supporting domestic violence survivors. Our Social Justice Institute cohort exemplifies the vital role of leaders in tackling the ongoing need for awareness, survivor support and resources related to the widespread impact of domestic violence.
VOLUNTEER FACILITATORS
Skilled Alpha Chi Omega volunteers, dedicated to advancing inclusion, led the SJI sessions:
• Ahjah Johnson (Delta Rho, University of Arkansas)
• Amelia Gentile-Mathew (Kappa Lambda, University of San Diego)
• Michelle Anderson (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University)
• Allison Burkman (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota)
• Melissa Ramirez (Beta Omega, The University of Toledo)
• Danielle Robello (Kappa Lambda, University of San Diego)
“ This program has provided me with education and information that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
– RILEY SARSANY (KAPPA, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON)
A DIVERSE GROUP OF 25 INDIVIDUALS, COMPRISED OF 13 COLLEGIANS AND 12 ALUMNAE, WERE CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE. WHEN ASKED TO REFLECT ON THEIR SJI EXPERIENCE, MANY PARTICIPANTS SHARED THE INVALUABLE IMPACT OF THE RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY THEY FOUND IN SJI.
“I’ve been wanting to do more in the fight against domestic violence. ... Now that I have a new set of contacts and ideas, I feel that I’ll be much better able to put my money where my mouth is.”
– PAIGE DYE (ALPHA NU, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI)
Additionally, the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Community Violence Intervention Center, both with Alpha Chi Omega alumnae working or volunteering there, contributed their expertise and resources to the program.
CONTINUED COMMITMENT
Alpha Chi Omega remains steadfast in our dedication to fostering a more inclusive membership experience and our commitment to domestic violence awareness and prevention. Members are encouraged to educate themselves on these topics and join Alpha Chi Omega in taking part in change. To learn more, visit the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page on alphachiomega.org.
Sisters passionate about creating change are in luck! In 2025, the Social Justice Institute will transition to the Keys to Service program. This new name more accurately describes the intended outcomes of the program and reflects Alpha Chi Omega’s history of generosity, compassion and commitment to creating lasting impact in our local communities. Stay tuned for details via email and social media!
LEFT: CENTENNIAL EVENT ATTENDEES; RIGHT: CUSTOM CENTENNIAL BOOTS; PHOTOS BY MEL / FILMS THIRTY FOUR MELBALDERRAMASILES1992@GMAIL.COM
Celebrating 100 Years of Sisterhood – Texas Style
BY KORI WHITENER FELLOWS, PH.D., (ALPHA PHI, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN) CENTENNIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
With excitement and joy, more than 300 Alpha Phi chapter sisters from The University of Texas at Austin celebrated 100 years of sisterhood September 20-23, 2024. Alumnae and collegians gathered to commemorate the chapter’s founding on September 13, 1924, by 12 real, strong women – including aptly named founder Texas Settle. The first women’s organization to openly exist at The University of Texas, the chapter began a rich history of excellence marked by trailblazers and history-makers, including 10 Alpha Chi Omega Award of Achievement winners.
The festivities kicked off with collegiate members welcoming alumnae home with an inspiring door chant, house tours and a birthday reception. Nametag buttons featuring original composite pictures were a highlight, and sisters enjoyed finding those pictures, exploring old rooms, seeing how the house has changed and eating birthday cake! The fun continued Friday night with a Decades Reunion party at Pershing Hall featuring curated spaces for each decade of sisters to gather and reminisce, as well as a video booth to capture laughter and memories.
Shopping and football marked a beautiful Saturday, as sisters spent the day at the Kendra Scott Give Back event in honor of 100 years of Alpha Phi. Alumnae hosted tailgate parties throughout campus and cheered the Longhorns
to victory, while others enjoyed a game-watching party at local alumna Dubravka Romano’s home, where they welcomed Alpha Chi Omega National President Jennifer Daurora (Delta, Allegheny College) to Texas.
On Sunday, a celebration brunch was held at The Otis Hotel to conclude a weekend of connection and commitment. The brunch was highlighted by Jennifer Daurora’s welcome message and the Centennial Plaque Ceremony; a sharing of history and achievement by Dr. Kori Whitener Fellows; a spotlight on alumnae involvement from Stacey Farrell and Marlene Small; and an inspirational message from Alpha Phi alumna, Award of Achievement honoree, and Enron whistleblower, Sherron Watkins. In true Texas style, the Centennial Planning Committee gifted the national organization custom cowboy boots to commemorate 100 years of Texas Alpha Chi (pictured above). Handmade by Mario Garcia, the boots feature burnt orange elements specific to Alpha Phi’s 100 years and The University of Texas at Austin.
The brunch concluded with a milestone pinning ceremony for 40 women led by Past National President Donna Chereck. In addition, sisters were remembered with a memorial tree. The celebration closed with a toast written by Katy Copley, featuring a celebration of Texas Alpha Chi and the iconic Hook ‘em Horns!
The milestone weekend’s success was thanks to the Centennial Planning Committee, led by alumnae co-chairs Teresa Taylor and Stacey Farrell and collegiate co-chairs Sarah Jane Nicholson and Samantha Wiedemann.
Convention’s Impact
lives while creating handmade philanthropic jewelry, shining light, and giving back to local and global causes in the community.” Sisters spent time together creating 45 special bracelets for donation, which HopeAnchor & Crew plans to gift to Indianapolis-area women who have been affected by domestic violence.
T A K E A P E
E K
I N T O T H E
chapter consultant
“Traveling and connecting with others has truly opened my eyes to just how many incredible women are part of our sisterhood. From networking and building new friendships to supporting collegians as a consultant, I’m so grateful for this opportunity!”
“I have gained confidence not only in facilitating discussions and workshops, but also in my networking capabilities! I have truly felt myself grow personally and professionally in just a short period of time.”
“My favorite travel moment so far was when I was waiting to board a flight for another visit. A women stopped me and noticed the AXΩ letters on my bag. She told me she is an Alpha Chi as well and the chapter I was visiting next was hers!”
INSPIRED BY EMI’S EXPERIENCES? WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHAPTER CONSULTANT ROLE?
High-Achieving Chapters
ACHIEVEMENT IN ACADEMICS
Congratulations to these collegiate chapters that received a chapter average GPA at or above 3.5; a * denotes those that received a 3.5 average multiple terms.
Alpha (DePauw University)
Beta (Albion College)
Delta (Allegheny College)
Theta (University of Michigan)*
Lambda (Syracuse University)
Omicron (Baker University)
Rho (University of Washington)
Tau (Brenau University)
Alpha Pi (University of North Dakota)
Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama)*
Alpha Chi (Butler University)*
Beta Delta (College of William & Mary)*
Beta Eta (Florida State University)
Beta Omicron (Florida Southern College)*
Beta Sigma (University of Georgia)*
Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University)
Gamma Theta (University of Maryland)
Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University)*
Delta Epsilon (Southeast Missouri State University)
Delta Mu (University of Massachusetts)*
Delta Chi (William Woods University)
Delta Omega (University of Kentucky)
Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Epsilon Chi (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Zeta Eta (Bradley University)
Zeta Rho (Northwood University)*
Zeta Upsilon (Case Western Reserve University)
Zeta Phi (Cornell University)
Theta Iota (Baylor University)
Theta Omega (Marquette University)*
Iota Lambda (Texas Christian University)
Iota Omega (Carthage College)
Kappa Phi (Loyola Marymount University)
Lambda Mu (Trinity College)
ACHIEVEMENT IN PHILANTHROPY
Congratulations to these 10 collegiate chapters with the highest average service hours per member! We’re proud of these real, strong women making a difference in their communities.
Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union)
Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon)
Alpha Chi (Butler University)
Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University)
Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston)
Delta Pi (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
Epsilon Lambda (The University of Texas at Arlington)
Iota Sigma (Southern Methodist University)
Iota Phi (Quinnipiac University)
Lambda Mu (Trinity College)
NEW CONSULTANT TEAM MEMBER!
Alpha Chi Omega headquarters is thrilled to add Kate McGhee to our 202425 chapter consultant team. With a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition, Kate brings strong leadership and experience, having served the Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin) chapter as president and VP risk management. She also led communications for the chapter’s centennial celebration and volunteered as Panhellenic advisor in the months following her graduation.
Dates to Remember
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY –
JANUARY 24-26, 2025
Leadership Academy is Alpha Chi Omega’s premier training for chapter presidents and executive board officers. The weekend training combines innovative learning sessions with sisterhood to inspire new officers when they return to their chapters. (Open only to designated officers)
ALUMNAE CHAPTER OFFICER RETREAT –
FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Alumnae chapter leaders will connect and grow during education sessions, small group discussions and more virtual opportunities that will leave them inspired to continue seeking the heights! (Only open to alumnae chapter officers)
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WEEK –
DISCOVERY EXPERIENCE –
JANUARY 25-26, 2025
The Foundation will welcome select donors to Discovery Experience in Indianapolis to see their gifts in action during Leadership Academy, one of the many Real. Strong. Women. Experience programs funded by the Foundation. (Open only to select donors)
FEBRUARY 10-14, 2025
The goal of Healthy Relationships Week is to foster the development of healthy relationships and, in turn, prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. Part of our commitment to DVA, the week focuses on encouraging individuals to define what love means to them through the Love Is… campaign.
ALPHA CHI NIGHT OUT –
FEBRUARY 13, 2025
MACDOWELL MONTH –FEBRUARY
2025
Alpha Chi Omega honors our Founders’ heritage as musicians and our first philanthropic project, the MacDowell artists’ residency program, through MacDowell Month. During February, our members are encouraged to be patrons of the arts and attend or participate in exhibitions, concerts and other events.
FIND MORE EVENTS, REGISTRATIONS AND DEADLINES AT ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG > NEWS AND RESOURCES > EVENTS.
COLLEGIATE GROWTH ACADEMY –
FEBRUARY 21-23, 2025
This annual training is an opportunity for VPs recruitment, VPs recruitment information, and VPs public relations and marketing to acquire new recruitment and marketing strategies as well as strengthen retention and belonging within their chapters. (Open only to designated officers)
HERA DAY –
MARCH 1, 2025
Since 1911, Alpha Chi Omega has celebrated Hera Day, in honor of our patron goddess, by providing service to others. How will you make a difference in your community?
INTERNATIONAL BADGE DAY –
We invite alumnae to connect and gather for Alpha Chi Night Out. Whether it is a night out with sisters or a virtual night in, the goal is to engage as many members as possible worldwide in a day of fun and sisterhood.
MARCH 3, 2025
National Panhellenic Conference organizations encourage members to wear their badges and proudly share their sorority affiliation with their communities.
ST. LOUIS AREA ALUMNAE, SAVE THE DATE!
SIGMA SIGMA, THE ALUMNAE CHAPTER IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, WILL CELEBRATE ITS CENTENNIAL YEAR ON MARCH 1, 2025! CONTACT ALPHACHIOMEGASTLOUIS@GMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Academic Assistance 101
HOW THE FOUNDATION’S SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS EMPOWER REAL, STRONG WOMEN
BY MORGAN ELAM (EPSILON ZETA, AUBURN UNIVERSITY), FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Each spring, the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation awards academic assistance grants to collegiate and alumnae members to help offset costs of pursuing a college degree. These grants, made possible through the generosity of our donors, help members reach their full potential while in school, both academically and personally.
The need for academic support continues to increase as tuition and education-related costs rise each year, but the Foundation’s academic assistance grants are there to help ensure that financial challenges don’t stand in the way of a fulfilling sorority experience.
The impact donors play in the academic assistance process is profound and measurable in the number of grants awarded and the testimonies of gratitude from recipients.
FOUNDATION TIP:
WE KNOW TERMINOLOGY CAN GET CONFUSING! “ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE” REFERS TO ALL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS (MERIT-BASED ACADEMIC GRANTS) AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS (NEED-BASED ACADEMIC GRANTS).
“I attended Carnegie Mellon on an ROTC scholarship for my tuition and books, but room, board and living expenses were still nontrivial. I cobbled together a few grants, a handful of small scholarships and a little bit of part-time work on campus. Every little bit really does help and get you that much closer. My sorority experience was really foundational for me as a woman majoring in a male-dominated field of study. It gave me new dimensions in learning about leadership where I wasn’t talked over or around, and it gave me the experience of leading, negotiating and learning in a space where everyone chose to be there and together.
“Fast forward, Kappa Nu chapter launched an initiative to raise funds for a permanent scholarship. I remembered how much those small individual scholarships did for me, and every day there’s some reminder of how much my sorority experience has shaped me. I really wanted to be able to pay it forward a bit to a new generation of women. My husband and I opted to direct our giving dollars that year to endow an annual scholarship for a Kappa Nu sister. We aren’t billionaires by a long shot but wanted to put our money where it mattered, into something that we hope helps other women seeking that same foundational leadership and sisterhood experience.”
- EILEEN WRUBEL (KAPPA NU, CARNEGIE MELLON)
By contributing to academic assistance funds, donors are investing in more than just academic success— they’re empowering the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. You can join the community of donors making education accessible for Alpha Chi Omega women today. Every gift directly impacts a sister on her journey toward graduation and beyond.
To learn more and support the Foundation’s academic assistance, scan the QR code to visit the Special Funds page of the Foundation website and click on “Scholarships” or “Educational Assistance.”
Inspired to create a lasting impact? Contact the Foundation at foundation@alphachiomega.org to learn more about scholarship and educational assistance grant endowment opportunities.
400,000
$396,269 $ $ $ $
300,000
200,000
$203,806
THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF DONORS, THE TOTAL AMOUNT GRANTED IN ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE HAS INCREASED MORE THAN 51% FROM 20202024!
100,000
2023-24 Academic Assistance Recipients
ADELE FIEVE DREW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Blake Lyster (Iota Sigma, Southern Methodist University)
ALICE LOHRMAN ANDREWS MICHIGAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Lilli Bernier (Zeta Rho, Northwood University)
Hope Donovan (Gamma Xi, Western Michigan University)
ALPHA CHI CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Alayna Barton (Alpha Chi, Butler University)
Jordan Diller (Alpha Chi, Butler University)
ALPHA CHI EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Allison Apmann (Iota Omega, Carthage College)
“I am grateful to be a grant recipient! It means a lot to me that you made the decision to continue your commitment to the sisterhood of Alpha Chi Omega by uplifting the next generation, and I am incredibly honored to be a direct beneficiary of your thoughtfulness. Thank you so much for your support of my education!”
Hope Donovan (Gamma Xi, Western Michigan University)
Madi Flythe (Theta Lambda, Clemson University)
ALPHA CHI SCHOLARS FUND
Maggie Bradley (Epsilon Phi, Georgia Institute of Technology)
Heather Renee Broyles (Beta Lambda, University of Arizona)
Maddie Bulman (Sigma, University of Iowa)
Margaret Ann Cielesz (Theta Iota, Baylor University)
Miranda Emerick (Alpha Chi, Butler University)
Abigail Gan (Theta Iota, Baylor University)
Julia Harrison (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State University)
Lydia Lee (Delta Nu, Iowa State University)
Madi Lee (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota)
Michelle Lee (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University)
Ashleigh Mauler (Gamma Zeta, Kansas State University)
Natalie Maxhimer-Rodriguez (Omicron, Baker University)
Grayson Pitt (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt University)
Caitlyn Rayne Pratt (Iota Pi, Houston Christian University)
Kathryn Reardon (Lambda Pi, University of Mississippi)
Melis Sahin (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University)
Stephanie Tian (Delta Mu, University of Massachusetts)
Avery Tucker (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
Nina Whitney (Zeta Rho, Northwood University)
Brianna Nicole Young (Delta Lambda, Ripon College)
ALPHA DELTA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Lily Grace Effinger (Beta Tau, Miami University)
ALPHA GAMMA ALPHA GEORGIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Maggie Bradley (Epsilon Phi, Georgia Institute of Technology)
ALPHA KAPPA CENTENNIAL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANT
Bridget Collins (Alpha Kappa, University of Oregon)
Allison Waters (Alpha Kappa, University of Oregon)
ALPHA UPSILON SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Natalie Davis (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
Avery Kathryn Jung (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
Mary Lavorato (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
Catharine WeiMei Stockstill (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
ALPHA ZETA UNDERGRADUATE FUND IN MEMORY OF KAY ROH
Brooklyn Riley (Zeta Sigma, Missouri State University)
ANGELA COSTLEY HARRIS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Nidhi Gundimeda (Theta, University of Michigan)
ANGELS OF PI CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP
- MELIA ALEXA LACHINSKI (ALPHA LAMBDA, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA)
Chloe Loera (Pi, University of California, Berkeley)
ANNABELLE GRANT PARSONS
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Braquelle Blanchard (Chi, Oregon State University)
Fiona Finnigan (Chi, Oregon State University)
ANNE FOLRATH GERHART
CARLA HENKE MATTSON FUND
Anna Cashatt (Phi, University of Kansas)
Lauren Gadkari (Sigma, University of Iowa)
Natalie Maxhimer-Rodriguez (Omicron, Baker University)
ANNE PEEL HOPKINS FUND
Ida Jamshidi (Theta Iota, Baylor University)
BARBARA EGERTON BRADY TILLERY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Kaya Johnson (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
BEL LARUE NEAL FUND
Karinn Elizabeth Johnson (Alpha, DePauw University)
Tam Thanh My Ngo (Alpha, DePauw University)
Matigan Williams (Alpha, DePauw University)
“Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity to lighten the financial burden that comes with pursuing my education. This means so much to me as I will be able to spend less time working and more time studying and being involved in service on campus. My family and I are so incredibly grateful. Thank you again!”
BETA CHI SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF KATHERINE IONE REDMOND
Courtney Janae St Onge (Beta Chi, Willamette University)
Yahaira Vazquez (Beta Chi, Willamette University)
BETA EPSILON CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF MARY BETH KNOX
Julia Harrison (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State University)
BETTY THOMAS MARSHALL - THOMAS VAN PATTEN
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Kate Beckemeier (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
BONNIE HOUSE ANDREWS FUND
Kate Beckemeier (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
Parker Sikora (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
Grace Sojka (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
BRANDOLYN DICKEY
HENDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Grace Caroline Humble (Gamma Epsilon, Oklahoma State University)
BROOKE FESSLER GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR EPSILON KAPPA
Isabella Cramner (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
BURNETTE GRIMES JONES
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Izzy Maddaloni (Omega, Washington State University)
- JULIA KATHRYN RONEMUS (EPSILON CHI, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL)
CAROL EDMUNDSON HUTCHESON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Phoebe Bunting (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the grant awarded to support my studies. Your generous contribution will play a pivotal role in enabling me to pursue my passion. Thank you for investing in my future and empowering me to make meaningful contributions to my field.”
- JAYLENE SOSA (BETA ETA, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY)
Meredith Grimm (Beta Eta, Florida State University)
Tam Thanh My Ngo (Alpha, DePauw University)
Brooklyn Riley (Zeta Sigma, Missouri State University)
Jaylene Sosa (Beta Eta, Florida State University)
CAROLINE SHACKELFORD FULMER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Mary Lavorato (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
CATHY SMITH BORAGNO SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Nicole Kirkorian (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine)
CHAVEZ-CURRIE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Grace Judith Johnston (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
CHERYL MAIZE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND FOR DELTA OMICRON CHAPTER
Emily Phan Le (Delta Omicron, Portland State University)
CLAUDIA STEELE BAKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Stephanie Tian (Delta Mu, University of Massachusetts)
“Thank you so much for allowing me to be a recipient of this grant. This grant has given me so much hope and peace for this upcoming academic year. My financial situation during my college education has been less than desirable, and being able to have the support that you have given pushes back so many emotional and financial barriers.”
- ASHA BROWN (BETA NU, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH)
COURTNEY STEWART ASHLEY KNIGHT NELSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Clara Oscarson (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
DANIELA CAMARENA-ROMERO FUND FOR ALPHA OMICRON CHAPTER
Lane Elizabeth Gray (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University)
DARLINE REILEY COOLEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Isaura Funes (Beta Chi, Willamette University)
DEE DEE BYCHAK STOLSHEK MEMORIAL FUND
Victoria Katherine Field (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
DELTA EPSILON 50TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Natalie Maxhimer-Rodriguez (Omicron, Baker University)
Alexis Paige Olsen (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina)
DELTA KAPPA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Scarlett McDowell (Delta Kappa, Sam Houston State University)
DELTA OMEGA DELTA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Jenna Kung (Theta Iota, Baylor University)
DENSLOW SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Veebha Havaldar (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University)
DIANE KASKEWSKY PERREAULT EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANT
Harper Irene Glisczinski (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)
DONNA SMITH CHERECK SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Kayla Obst (Alpha Phi, The University of Texas at Austin)
DOROTHEA DEKAY SCHICK SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Chloe Liebentritt (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
Aliya Oceguera (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
DOROTHY KNAUSS UEHLING FUND
Phoebe Clark (Kappa, University of Wisconsin - Madison)
Riley Sarsany (Kappa, University of Wisconsin - Madison)
EDNA HOFFMAN BOWMAN FUND
Nancy Trnka (Gamma Tau, Oklahoma City University)
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND IN HONOR OF KAPPA OMICRON
Sarah Beychok (Kappa Omicron, High Point University)
ELEANOR SMITH FOX EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Grace Helen Brendel (Kappa Chi, Florida Gulf Coast University)
ELLEN SCHALK-FEILD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Isabella Cramner (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
Elizabeth Farmer (Beta Nu, University of Utah)
Priscilla Hasjim (Iota Nu, University of California San Diego)
Amanda Kraft (Delta Omicron, Portland State University)
Hannah Leyhew (Iota Chi, Middle Tennessee State University)
Savannah Matherly (Zeta Omega, Western Carolina University)
Caroline O’Neill (Omega, Washington State University)
EPSILON CHI CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Julia Kathryn Ronemus (Epsilon Chi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
EPSILON KAPPA SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF CHRISTIAN NEIL BEHLE
Danielle Alam (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
Rachel Snegg (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
EPSILON PSI CHAPTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP
Nicole Kirkorian (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine)
ERICA LYN BOWDEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Lillian Martinez-Ross (Beta Lambda, University of Arizona)
ERNESTINE FISCHER LAMBERTUS FUND
Allison Apmann (Iota Omega, Carthage College)
Maddie Bulman (Sigma, University of Iowa)
Caitlin Fish (Iota Psi, Elon University)
Nidhi Gundimeda (Theta, University of Michigan)
Michelle Lee (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University)
FLORENCE ARMSTRONG SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Natalee Grace Coates (Iota Omicron, University of Lynchburg)
FLORENCE STAIGER LONN EDUCATIONAL FUND
Macie Faye Barker (Alpha, DePauw University)
Amanda Bedony (Gamma Chi, Stetson University)
Sarah Benitez Mendoza (Iota Pi, Houston Christian University)
Brynn Busta (Sigma, University of Iowa)
Isabella Cramner (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
Gianna Foisy (Beta Phi, Bowling Green State University)
Saki Fukuda (Alpha, DePauw University)
Tatiana Garcia (Beta Eta, Florida State University)
Paige Handy (Zeta Lambda, University of Virginia)
Lexi Harwick (Theta Omega, Marquette University)
Hayley Koon (Alpha Eta, University of Mount Union)
Destiny Kramer (Theta Iota, Baylor University)
Molly Lucas Lukas (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
Izzy Maddaloni (Omega, Washington State University)
Natalie Maxhimer-Rodriguez (Omicron, Baker University)
Tam Thanh My Ngo (Alpha, DePauw University)
Nikol Nikolova (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt University)
Aliya Oceguera (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
Grayson Pitt (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt University)
Lauren Roncone (Alpha Eta, University of Mount Union)
Kate Smith (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt University)
Jaylene Sosa (Beta Eta, Florida State University)
Sarah Stucky (Rho, University of Washington)
Cassandra Lynn Swanson (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota)
Jessica Wenner (Iota Psi, Elon University)
Olivia Florence Zimmerman (Zeta Tau, Villanova University)
FLORIDA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Ashley Pendleton (Delta Chi, William Woods University)
“I am so grateful to receive this scholarship. I will never be able to say ‘thank you’ enough. The relief I already feel is immense, and I know this scholarship will help me be successful in my upcoming school year. I am so proud to be a Gamma Iota, and I am so honored to receive this. Thank you so much.”
- MADDIE K. AVERGONZADO (GAMMA IOTA, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA)
FRANCES TUTTLE CASBARIAN
ALPHA TAU SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Sara Lauren Allen (Alpha Tau, University of New Hampshire)
GENEVIEVE M. RASCO
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Alexis Glaser (Beta, Albion College)
GERTRUDE GALBRAITH
“I am so grateful for your support! These funds are so helpful and allow me to focus on my schoolwork instead of worrying too much about finances. This year I will be starting my first year of medical school at Cornell. I will be the first physician in my family. This would not be possible without financial help from scholarships. ”
- SARAH STUCKY (RHO, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON)
FOUNDERS’ FELLOWSHIP FUND
Lilli Bernier (Zeta Rho, Northwood University)
Grace Manes (Theta Psi, Columbia University)
FRANCES PATTON WILSON
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Macie Faye Barker (Alpha, DePauw University)
Saki Fukuda (Alpha, DePauw University)
Paige Rhea Hart (Alpha, DePauw University)
Chloe Mei Krueger (Alpha, DePauw University)
Sammie Pinnick (Alpha, DePauw University)
Claudia Servaes (Alpha, DePauw University)
WIEGMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Madison Wilson (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota)
GLORIA MAE NELSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR ALPHA LAMBDA
Melia Alexa Lachinski (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)
Megan Leigh Ramnarace (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)
HANNAH KEENAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Lindsey Fischer (Delta Nu, Iowa State University)
Jacqueline Sierra Maze (Gamma Chi, Stetson University)
Reagan Alyse Nieves (Delta Omega, University of Kentucky)
Abbie Petrucelli (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt University)
HARRIET THWING HOLDEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Meredith Ann Kaufmann (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)
Elliana Pahlman (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)
Brylie Aaryn Prawl (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)
HELEN B. STEG SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Katie Regnerus (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University)
Jadyn Sayles (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University)
HELEN LEYTZE RADCLIFFE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Zoe Alana Parsons (Nu, University of Colorado Boulder)
HONORABLE HARRISON W. EWING FELLOWSHIP
Ainsley Carpenter (Theta, University of Michigan)
Ellie Elander (Kappa Chi, Florida Gulf Coast University)
“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support through the Patricia O’Brien Frechette Scholarship. I am truly honored and appreciative to have been selected as a recipient of this award. Thank you so much, and in my future I hope to give back to the Alpha Chi Omega community in meaningful ways just as you have done.”
Chelsea Mansulich (Zeta Psi, Loyola University New Orleans)
Lily Rafanan (Epsilon Omega, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo)
Camille Weindorf (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia)
Matigan Williams (Alpha, DePauw University)
HORTENSE OSMUN MILLERHORTENSE MILLER ADAMS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Annie Abigail Murphy (Theta, University of Michigan)
HOWARD AND JEANNE KARR EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Allison Apmann (Iota Omega, Carthage College)
Lilli Bernier (Zeta Rho, Northwood University)
Madi Flythe (Theta Lambda, Clemson University)
Alexis Paige Olsen (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina)
IOTA IOTA ALUMNAE CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Sarah Stucky (Rho, University of Washington)
IOTA LAMBDA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Sydney Sharrers (Iota Lambda, Texas Christian University)
IOTA PHI CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP
Avery Kantor (Iota Phi, Quinnipiac University)
JAN CRANDALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Isabella Joy Nelson (Phi, University of Kansas)
JANE BIRD LOHSE SCHOLARSHIP
Devyn Carmichael (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
- JENNYFER PARK (GAMMA, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY)
Kelly Lynn Kozol (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
“I am deeply grateful for being a recipient of an Alpha Chi Foundation scholarship. This support not only alleviates my financial burden, but it also motivates me to excel in my studies. Thank you for believing in my potential and investing in my future.”
- ELIZABETH WILLIAMS (EPSILON ZETA, AUBURN UNIVERSITY)
JANE GRABOWSKI SEIFERT HALL OF COMMITMENT GRADUATE FUND
Kira Cooley (Kappa Sigma, The University of Southern Mississippi)
JANET H RADFORD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Gabi Parks (Gamma Iota, University of Florida)
JANET MARIE BRADLEY BROWN BALL BREECE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Emily Butch Bennett (Iota Chi, Middle Tennessee State University)
JEANNE SCHARNBERG STAFF SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Kaylee Ashlyn Arsenault (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Chloe Eades (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Caroline Weaver Flora (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Mia Fox (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Sydney Hollars (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Laina Lillge (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Chloe Liebentritt (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
Victoria Lukyan (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Elia Makinson (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Lucy Lauren Muntel (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Nour Razzouk (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Marissa Anne Richmond (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Corinne Smith (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Amelia Marilyn Tungett (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
JEANNETTA LAND FUND
Paige Armstrong (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Elizabeth MacKinnon Campbell-Work (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Corinne Cheramie-White (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Kayly Cofer (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Reilly Cate Ferguson (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Emily Lunsford (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Elizabeth Williams (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
JESSIE FANYO PAYNE FUND
Armani Rose Benson (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
JEWEL PATTERSON HOWARD SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Mary Lavorato (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
JO ANN C KENT EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND FOR GAMMA CHAPTER
Christina Vargas (Gamma, Northwestern University)
JOAN ROSSIN STEPHANS GRADUATE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Macie Edwards (Delta Chi, William Woods University)
JOAN ROSSIN STEPHANS
UNDERGRADUATE
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANT
Paige Corsi (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)
JODY BAYER MARTINDILL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Macie Faye Barker (Alpha, DePauw University)
Tam Thanh My Ngo (Alpha, DePauw University)
JOHN EDWARD HURLEY, JR. SCHOLARSHIP
Anna Cashatt (Phi, University of Kansas)
Taylor Durst (Phi, University of Kansas)
Lily Reeder (Phi, University of Kansas)
JONES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Karinn Elizabeth Johnson (Alpha, DePauw University)
Mallory Mundy (Alpha, DePauw University)
JUDITH THOMAS VIGOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Grace Manes (Theta Psi, Columbia University)
JUDITH ZIEGLER PHILLIPS FUND IN HONOR OF GAMMA LAMBDA
Lily Reiter (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)
JULIE ANN TAMBORINO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Tessa Neal (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina)
JULIE CAIN BURKHARD BETA SIGMA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Hannah O’Kelley (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia)
Gracie Zimmerman (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia)
KAREN E. WEIR MEMORIAL FUND
Izzy Maddaloni (Omega, Washington State University)
KUERGELEIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR DELTA CHI AT WILLIAM WOODS
Lexi Clifford (Delta Chi, William Woods University)
Macie Edwards (Delta Chi, William Woods University)
LARETTA MATTHEWS GARLAND SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Gracie Zimmerman (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia)
LAUREN SNOW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR CHI CHAPTER
Annika Laido (Chi, Oregon State University)
LAVONE WOHLBIER BARTINE/ LISA BARTINE FERGUSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Ashley Pendleton (Delta Chi, William Woods University)
Abby Peters (Delta Chi, William Woods University)
“I was worrying about the next academic year and just talking to my family about it when this email came in! I cannot express my gratitude to Alpha Chi as this grant has helped me immensely. It relieves so much of my stress for the upcoming year, and the blessing came at just at the right time! Thank you so much!”
- MAHNOOR ZAHID (ALPHA, DEPAUW UNIVERSITY)
LILLIAN POLLACK CAWLEY FUND IN HONOR OF GAMMA LAMBDA
Hailey Reynolds (Iota Tau, California State University San Marcos)
Maggie Shaw (Zeta Chi, Muhlenberg College)
LINA BAUM VAN ROY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Caitlyn Rayne Pratt (Iota Pi, Houston Christian University)
LISA HANCOCK REHRIG EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Maddie Ross (Epsilon Omega, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo)
LOVELIKEPIPER NURSING FUND
Emily Brown (Phi, University of Kansas)
Caitlyn Rose Cobb (Phi, University of Kansas)
MARGARET COATES SAWYER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Fiona Finnigan (Chi, Oregon State University)
MARIAN MCKEE SMITHROSALIE MCKINNEY JACKSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Jenna Abdel-Rahim (Iota Rho, Loyola University Chicago)
Alexa Beck (Kappa Omicron, High Point University)
Helaina Elizabeth Behm (Beta Phi, Bowling Green State University)
Lilli Bernier (Zeta Rho, Northwood University)
Campbell Blum (Delta Epsilon, Southeast Missouri State University)
Lindsey Fischer (Delta Nu, Iowa State University)
Nidhi Gundimeda (Theta, University of Michigan)
Veebha Havaldar (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University)
Eden Faith Niebrugge (Upsilon, Millikin University)
Marlie Nochomovitz (Beta Lambda, University of Arizona)
Tina Valenza (Zeta Eta, Bradley University)
MARILYN PADDOCK BLANCH FUND FOR GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER
Maddie K. Avergonzado (Gamma Iota, University of Florida)
MARION MORITZ FUND
Mikaela Lawrence (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
Aliya Oceguera (Xi, University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
MARJORIE CARTER BRECKNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Hayley Koon (Alpha Eta, University of Mount Union)
MARSHA KING GRADY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Grace Judith Johnston (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
MARY EMMA GRIFFITH
MARSHALL FELLOWSHIP FUND
Molly Lucas Lukas (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
Mahnoor Zahid (Alpha, DePauw University)
MARY FRANCES GUILBERT
MARIANI-BIGLER CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND
Priscilla Hasjim (Iota Nu, University of California San Diego)
Amanda Kraft (Delta Omicron, Portland State University)
MARY MCMURTRY WINKLER
FUND FOR EPSILON ZETA CHAPTER
Paige Armstrong (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Corinne Cheramie-White (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
MARY STARKWEATHER FAUST SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Campbell Blum (Delta Epsilon, Southeast Missouri State University)
Nina Whitney (Zeta Rho, Northwood University)
MERLYNN HARRIS PITCHER
BETA NU/BETA XI FUND
Asha Brown (Beta Nu, University of Utah)
Elizabeth Farmer (Beta Nu, University of Utah)
MIRIAM DECKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Phoebe Bunting (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University)
Lexi Harwick (Theta Omega, Marquette University)
Brianna Ma (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine)
Bekah Seamans (Alpha Eta, University of Mount Union)
NU NU ALUMNAE CHAPTER FUND
Lane Elizabeth Gray (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University)
OMICRON CHAPTER CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Natalie Maxhimer-Rodriguez (Omicron, Baker University)
“Thank you for your financial support towards my education at Texas A&M University. Alpha Chi Omega has blessed me with a multitude of opportunities and relationships that will support my success in the long run. I will use these funds to continue working hard next year while maintaining my 4.0 GPA. Thank you again.”
- DANIELLA BRIA PETERSON (ZETA NU, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY)
“I am so very grateful to be a scholarship recipient! I will attend law school so that I can build a larger table for women to sit. The magnitude of joy that our sisterhood has brought me has truly changed my life.”
- CHELSEA MANSULICH (ZETA PSI, LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS)
PATRICIA O’BRIEN FRECHETTE SCHOLARSHIP FOR KAPPA CHAPTER
Riley Dreher (Delta Nu, Iowa State University)
Taylor Durst (Phi, University of Kansas)
Harper Irene Glisczinski (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island)
Brianna Nicole Young (Delta Lambda, Ripon College)
Haley Young (Delta Lambda, Ripon College)
PATRICIA O’BRIEN FRECHETTE SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR GAMMA CHAPTER
Stella Bishop (Gamma, Northwestern University)
Jennyfer Park (Gamma, Northwestern University)
Emma Marie Salem (Gamma, Northwestern University)
Christina Vargas (Gamma, Northwestern University)
Maya Mei Wong (Gamma, Northwestern University)
ROBINETTE FAMILY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Ava Bozzo (Delta Pi, University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
ROVIRA FAMILY TRUST LEADERSHIP AWARD
Victoria Katherine Field (Epsilon Kappa, California State University, Fullerton)
RUTH PADDOCK MAUGER FUND
Chloe Eades (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
Mia Fox (Alpha Mu, Indiana University)
SALLY CALLAHAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Megan Leigh Ramnarace (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)
SHAWN MARGARET DONNELLEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Samantha Guillote (Zeta Psi, Loyola University New Orleans)
Chelsea Mansulich (Zeta Psi, Loyola University New Orleans)
SIGMA CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Maddie Bulman (Sigma, University of Iowa)
Brynn Busta (Sigma, University of Iowa)
Kaitlyn Goodman (Sigma, University of Iowa)
SUSAN ESCO CHANDLER FUND
Libby Ingham (Beta Lambda, University of Arizona)
SUSIE AND JOHN L. ADAMS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
FUND IN HONOR OF ALPHA
PHI CHAPTER
Kayla Obst (Alpha Phi, The University of Texas at Austin)
TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Anna Neupert (Kappa Tau, University of Connecticut)
THETA PSI CHAPTER
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Fabiola Villanueva (Theta Psi, Columbia University)
THETA PSI CHAPTER FUND IN MEMORY OF RACHEL SWETT
Grace Manes (Theta Psi, Columbia University)
THETA UPSILON CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Noelle Sarafian (Theta Upsilon, University of South Carolina)
UPSILON CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Audrey Louise Soetermans (Upsilon, Millikin University)
Colby Ronald Wygal (Upsilon, Millikin University)
VIRGINIA KELLY KARNES SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Kate Beckemeier (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
Samantha Paguia (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
Parker Sikora (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
Grace Sojka (Alpha Beta, Purdue University)
WESCHE STRASSER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Emilee Siebenthal (Alpha Eta, University of Mount Union)
ZETA NU CHAPTER 25TH ANNIVERSARY FUND
Angela Moreno (Zeta Nu, Texas A&M University)
Daniella Bria Peterson (Zeta Nu, Texas A&M University)
ZETA PHI CHAPTER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Melanie Calderon (Zeta Phi, Cornell University)
Katie Lynn Pelletier-Hoblock (Zeta Phi, Cornell University)
Natalina Josetta Putrino (Zeta Phi, Cornell University)
ZETA PI EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND
Ashley Hung (Zeta Pi, Arizona State University)
2023-24 Leadership Circle
THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION IS PLEASED TO HONOR LEADERSHIP CIRCLE DONORS WHO SUPPORTED THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.® FUND. WITH GIFTS OF $1,000 OR MORE DURING THE 2023-24 FISCAL YEAR.
*INDICATES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE SILVER ($2,500)
**INDICATES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE GOLD ($5,000)
***INDICATES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE PLATINUM ($8,500+)
Susie Baker Adams, Alpha Phi*
Judy Evans Anderson, Alpha Lambda
Jari Askins, Psi
Mary Kacmarcik Baker, Delta Mu
Sylvia Baker-Moore, Delta Zeta
Sheri Baldwin, Phi
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
LaVone Wohlbier Bartine, Alpha Lambda
Ruth Ann Bartlett, Beta Sigma**
Emilie Van Hook Beagle, Upsilon***
Marjorie Whitman Beardsley, Rho
Dr. Caryn Beck-Dudley, Beta Xi*
Dalia Nazzal Begin, Epsilon Lambda
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 Bellomy Bonenfant, Gamma Chi*
Diane Polin Boone, Beta Tau*
Cathy Smith Boragno, Delta Sigma**
Kami Singley Borden, Epsilon Zeta
Maya Lippert Botvinick, Epsilon Kappa
Erin Peterson Boyce, Alpha Chi
Cindy Hayden Braaten, Alpha Gamma
Jennifer Vanek Bradway, Mu
Mikelle Holt Brady, Alpha*
MaryAnn Plichta Brown, Beta Delta
Patricia Bruner, Beta Delta
Diane Bryant, Delta Rho
Christine Tornga Bush, Theta
Kathy Wise Butkiewicz, Alpha Chi*
Cheryl Jones Buxton, Beta Epsilon
Lorraine Riffle Caron, Beta Sigma
Harriet Carratt, Beta Eta
Heather Carrio, Psi***
Tanya Rash Case, Alpha Gamma
Megan Castles Sittig, Delta Rho
Kathleen Whittemore Castro, Alpha Psi
Monica M. Cepero, Beta Eta
Jenny Winterstein Champlin, Psi*
Susan Esco Chandler, Psi***
Donna Smith Chereck, Alpha Phi*
Zohra Choudhry, Zeta Theta
Dr. Elise Margaret Christopher, Gamma Iota
Melissa Chruszch, Alpha Pi
Inja McGehee Chung, Alpha Psi
Caitlin Cobb, Psi*
Suzanne Artenian Cobb, Epsilon**
Heather L. Coleman, Delta Psi**
Kathy Warner Connelly, Delta Zeta
June Smith Cook, Alpha Mu
Kathryn DiLeo Copple, Beta Psi*
Jenn Grenzebach Cornell, Zeta Lambda
Holly Michaels Cowx, Gamma Iota***
Julie Aldag Crawford, Kappa
Ashlee Townsend Cribb Woliver, Epsilon Phi*
Betty Adams Crouch, Alpha Nu*
Nancy Swanner Crowther, Alpha Sigma
Jan Culver, Beta Tau
Leslie Peterson Cunningham, Gamma Rho*
Jan Wenzinger Curschman, Beta Phi
Sally Mathis Cutler, Alpha Chi
Judith Greig Danziger, Beta Epsilon
Jennifer Rose Daurora, Delta
Mary Gratton Davids, Chi
Sally Saunders Davis, Alpha Psi
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
Shawn M. Donnelley, Zeta Psi*
Sharon Goff Drescher, Epsilon Upsilon
Judith Westwood Dresser, Alpha Rho
Jean Chapuran Durling, Beta Tau
Laura Lasmanis Easter, Theta Rho
Barbara Elfring Eaton, Beta Epsilon
Ronda Eckhardt, Nu
Kristin Miller Edwards, Beta Epsilon*
Sandy Dohner Edwards, Alpha Upsilon
Susan Marie Eich, Zeta Upsilon
JoEllen Breshock Eidam, Alpha Beta
Tracy Back Embree, Theta Omicron
Pam Bergmeyer Engelhard, Delta Epsilon
Alex Ercolani, Gamma Chi
Diane Ellis Erdman, Kappa*
Rita Poetter Evans, Beta Sigma
Kaye L. Evleth, Delta Psi***
Rosemary Fairhead, Delta Rho
Stacey Anderson Farrell, Alpha Phi
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*
Angela D. Freeland, Zeta Eta
Amy Jo Gabel
Katie Lampinen Gaffin, Delta Zeta*
Shannon Gallagher-Bolton, Pi
Patty Renick Garrard, Beta Eta
Mary Werries Gendry, Upsilon
Traci Simpson Gerdes, Gamma Chi*
Cassie Gerhardt, Alpha Pi*
Anne Folrath Gerhart, Alpha Nu
Stacia Baughman Giese, Delta Rho
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**
Pam Haymes Graham, Alpha Phi
Linda Mohs Granato, Kappa
Suzanne Smith Grant, Alpha Phi
Leigh Vivevette Grantham, Epsilon Zeta
Carrie Gray, Alpha Mu
Cindy 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
Sherrie Crouch Hald, Theta Nu
Ann Weston Hallse, Iota***
Liza Pugliese Hallsten, Alpha Omega
Jane Hamilton-Merritt, Gamma Mu
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
Jenni Boethin Hendricks, Delta Omicron
Amanda Williams Hene, Beta Sigma
Lynne Biggio Herndon, Alpha Upsilon***
Lindsay Hicks, Alpha Chi
Deirdre Reason Hill, Epsilon Zeta
Kristin Himsel, Alpha
Deirdre Hirner, Alpha Nu
Bonnie Andrews Hockema, Alpha Beta
Lisa Draper Hoegerman, Epsilon Psi
Sharon Ponder Holbrook, Iota
Janis Rose Hurter, Zeta Omicron
Eileen Ishizue, Delta Sigma
Dr. Jennifer Jackson, Gamma Iota
Lisa Pettett Jeran, Zeta Upsilon*
Ginger Sears Johnson, Zeta Omicron*
Margaret Jones Johnson, Omicron
Dawn deGraffenried Jones, Alpha Omega
Joann Joyce, Epsilon Mu
Judy Judson, Gamma*
Alissa Kaiser, Iota Sigma
Eve Kampmeinert, Alpha Zeta
Amy Kates, Zeta Phi
Steven Katz
Krista Diane Kauper, Zeta Omicron
Jan Kendall, Delta Sigma
Melanie Brammer Kilgore, Delta Upsilon*
Kelly Lynn Kilgour, Kappa Nu*
Elizabeth Kinder, Zeta Eta
Stephanie Marie King, Theta Tau*
Donna McGrath Klinge, Epsilon Kappa*
Carolyn Easterling Knapp, Psi*
Julie Black Kolman, Delta Kappa*
Kristin Koppen, Delta Chi**
Suzanne Rizer Kuch 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 Rose Magliocchetti, Alpha Tau*
Esther Thall Lawson, Alpha Delta
Sharon Albert Lease, Gamma Tau**
Carolyn Spears Lee, Delta Rho
Diane Lee, Gamma Zeta
Shirley Smith LeForge, Delta Theta**
Yvonne Lentz-Kelley, Nu
Ellen Jones Lewis, Omicron
Merlene Sweet Lewis, Gamma Iota*
Molly Borgmeyer Lindner, Delta Chi
Lee Bradford Lucas, Gamma Chi
Carol Susan Lutz, Epsilon Chi
Barbara Schultz Lynch, Alpha Beta***
Jessica Levey Mace, Gamma Tau
Thomasina Pierce Madden, Zeta Eta
Katy Harrison Madsen, Psi
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
Mary Wightman McKane, Alpha Beta
Courtney McKenna, Gamma Sigma
Susan Terry McLendon, Gamma Phi*
Dina Chu Mead, Delta Mu
Judy Meador, Gamma
Michelle Lee Merrick, Gamma Zeta
Karen Aunan Miley, Alpha Lambda
Nicole Collier, Epsilon Lambda
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*
Amy Colvin Mustafa, Beta Phi
Jolie Napier-Vea, Iota Tau
Jackie Rohlmann Neuschaefer, Theta Omega
Beverly Wood Nichols, Alpha Nu
Kimberly Fulton Nightingale, Sigma
Jenny French Nirh, Alpha Gamma
Jean Schertz Noellsch, Alpha Nu
Laura Tubbs Noteware, Beta Psi
Shawn Lampkin Nutter, Gamma Zeta
Laura Lent Obert, Delta Nu
Joyce Avrett Oliver, Beta Sigma
Janet Hamblin Olsen, Gamma Eta
Ann Olson, Alpha Pi*
Theresa O’Neil, Delta Mu
Alarie Sims Ornburn, Delta Chi
Esther Ocampo Ousborne, Epsilon Rho
Frances Dyck Pastuszenski, Epsilon Psi
Jennifer Lynn Patterson, Beta Phi
Melissa LaRoche Patterson, Gamma Xi
Joan M. Perry, Zeta Lambda
Lynn Petrelli, Epsilon Lambda
Kim Wood Phillips, Alpha Beta
Suzanne Pierce, Alpha Omicron
MerLynn Harris Pitcher, Beta Xi***
Audra Levi Priluck, Epsilon
Susan Pontz Pyke, Gamma Xi
Michelle McCain Race, Zeta Eta
Melissa Perez Ramirez, 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
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
Linda Douglass Roush, Epsilon Xi
Suzanna Dillard Rubottom, Iota Lambda
Danielle Haynes Russell, Alpha Chi
Jane Sabatino
Babs Sandeen, Epsilon Psi*
Courtney Schmidt, Alpha
Judy Kuergeleis Schmuck, Delta Chi
Melissa Schoen, Phi**
Judy Hendricks Schubert, Alpha Mu
Alma Gates Scroggins, Alpha Upsilon
Donna Socia Seegers, Epsilon Eta
Jane Grabowski Seifert, Gamma Omega
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
Ann Jennings Shepard, Mu**
Jane Shoppell, Delta Upsilon
Amy Sis Short, Delta Kappa
Margi Richey Shostedt, Alpha Lambda
Sheri Shoup, Alpha Phi*
Julie Lanaghan Showalter, Iota
Kara Wehby Shuror, Epsilon Lambda***
Stephanie York Sibley, Gamma Nu
Mari-jean Oswald Siehl, Alpha Omicron
Karen White Siladi, Delta Zeta
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
Smitty Smith, Gamma Pi*
Carolynn Snyder, Beta Zeta
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**
Kathy Bowen Taylor, Alpha Chi
Melissa Ford Taylor, Alpha Upsilon
Anne Teaford-Cantor, Alpha Psi***
Jennifer Terry, Zeta Lambda
Jane Elizabeth Thessin, Beta Theta***
Jan Marshall Thomson, Alpha Gamma
Diane Tolliver, Epsilon Omicron
Adrienne Torre, Beta Lambda
Beth Trerotola, Gamma Delta**
Tori Trobak, Alpha Lambda
Marianthe Papas, Beta Phi***
Marcelle St.Germain Tyburski, Alpha Iota
Janice R. Van Ekeren, Delta Nu*
Carmen Lee Vance, Alpha Nu
Priscilla Blackie Varner, Theta Sigma
Lauren Symcox Voth, Iota Sigma
Nancy Spanich Waiss, Omega*
Jen Gibson Wallach, Iota Chi
Maggie Dulay Ward, Epsilon Theta
Teresa Nash Warner, Psi
Sara Pirk Watkins, Alpha Lambda
Erin Heichelbech Weesner, Gamma Mu
Lee Yoder Welborn, Epsilon Phi
Mary Seybold Welch, Alpha Beta
Lynette Lemon Wert, Psi
2023-24 OLIVE CIRCLE
Thelma Simmons Wever, Omicron
Tricia Wiese, Delta Nu
Margaret L. Wilcox, Delta Chi
Lark Will, Delta Iota*
Mary Lou Braddy Williams, Psi
Julie Dawson Williamson, Beta Epsilon
Susan Johnson Wilson, Beta Lambda**
Mary McMurtry Winkler, Epsilon Zeta
Julie Crider Wisbrock, Phi*
Corinne E. Wolffe, Zeta Eta*
Lynda Sardou Wood, Epsilon
Katherine Berryman Woolard, Delta Sigma
Eileen O’Shea Wrubel, Kappa Nu*
Megan Lucie Wunderlich, Iota
Diane Claes Young, Epsilon Tau*
Penny Passaro Zamkov, Lambda*
Dina Zemke, Zeta Phi
Miriam Abascal Zimms, Gamma Chi
Mary Zinn, Nu
Anonymous, Alpha Beta*
Anonymous, Alpha Beta**
Anonymous, Kappa Lambda***
The Foundation is pleased to recognize its first members of Olive Circle, a community of donors 30 years old and younger who make annual gifts to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund. of $500 or more. This special group of young alumnae is committed to furthering the work of Alpha Chi Omega through the support of the Foundation.
MEGAN CASTLES SITTIG, DELTA RHO
MORGAN ELAM, EPSILON ZETA
ELAINA LATIMER MAHONEY, GAMMA ZETA
NICOLE COLLIER, EPSILON LAMBDA
ELLYSSA MORGAN, RHO
Are you a young alumna interested in joining Olive Circle?
Members of Olive Circle receive all the benefits as other members of Leadership Circle, including invitations to quarterly webinars, special communications throughout the year and opportunities to connect with Foundation and Fraternity leaders. The first 77 members of Olive Circle will also receive an exclusive olive badge dangle to proudly display their commitment to Alpha Chi Omega.
Scan the QR code or visit give.alphachiomega.org/OliveCircle to join!
APPAREL
Transforming Spaces in the Summer
BY KENDALL SUESS (GAMMA EPSILON, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY), HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
When classes end and collegians move away from campus for the summer, the National Housing Corporation (NHC) begins its work on capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects at many Alpha Chi Omega facilities. A CAPEX project involves using funds from long-term planning to acquire, improve or maintain long-term assets in the chapter facility. The NHC’s summer projects can range from new common area paint to full-scale renovations of a facility. During these projects, the NHC works closely with designers, architects and a local chapter project team, which is commonly made up of the chapter president, vice president facility operations, chapter advisor and facility operations advisor.
In the early stages of a project when the NHC begins meeting with the chapter project team and interior designer, plans are made for the ideas, vision and goal of the project. The interior design team then takes the ideas and presents design selections and plans. In addition, the NHC and chapter project team collaborate monthly before and throughout a project to discuss design elements such as colors, patterns, furniture styles, lighting and more to ensure the collegiate members feel at home in their updated space.
This summer was a busy time for the NHC! We’re excited to highlight some of our CAPEX projects at facilities across the country, all in service of the NHC’s mission to enhance the Real. Strong. Women. Experience by providing safe and competitive facilities where members connect, lead, grow and serve!
ZETA NU (TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY)
This summer, Zeta Nu’s facility received new common area furniture and flooring on the first floor. The NHC and chapter project team worked with Raegan Ford Interiors to bring the vision to life. Check out the living room design selections and the finished product!
LIVING ROOM DESIGN BOARD BY RAEGAN FORD INTERIORS FOR THE ZETA NU SUMMER PROJECT
BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY)
The Beta Eta chapter facility is currently undergoing a 4,000 square foot expansion and full-scale renovation that began this past summer and has a projected completion of summer 2025! During this past recruitment, the collegiate members were able to display the future exterior rendering of the facility as well as share fun design elements such as paint swatches, patterns and fixtures that will be installed during the renovation.
FRONT EXTERIOR OF BETA ETA BEFORE
RENDERING OF THE FUTURE FRONT EXTERIOR OF BETA ETA
BOARDS DISPLAYED DURING RECRUITMENT SHOWING DESIGN ELEMENTS THAT WILL BE INCORPORATED DURING THE BETA ETA RENOVATION
ZETA NU’S LIVING ROOM BEFORE
ZETA NU’S LIVING ROOM AFTER
BETA PHI (BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY)
Beta Phi chapter received upgrades to first floor common area furniture in the chapter room, study room and entry way.
LAMBDA (SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY)
Lambda chapter received new paint, flooring and furniture for its formal living room, TV room and piano room!
BETA PHI’S TV ROOM BEFORE
BETA PHI’S TV ROOM AFTER
FORMAL LIVING ROOM AT LAMBDA AFTER
FORMAL LIVING ROOM AT LAMBDA BEFORE
THETA UPSILON (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA)
Theta Upsilon chapter had a renovation to the front facade of its facility including expanding and covering the second-floor balcony, adding architectural elements to the new roof and painting the exterior siding. The serving area, guest bathrooms and entry way flooring were also upgraded.
KAPPA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE)
Kappa Rho chapter received new furniture in its common area and study room. The university also renovated the kitchen space, painted common areas, added decorative wallpaper and upgraded light fixtures.
KAPPA RHO’S LIVING ROOM AFTER
KAPPA RHO’S LIVING ROOM BEFORE
THE FRONT FAÇADE OF THETA UPSILON BEFORE THE FRONT FAÇADE OF THETA UPSILON AFTER
Building Belonging
BY AMY COLVIN MUSTAFA (BETA PHI, BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY), SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT, AND EMILY ROSE JACOBSEN (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF HARM REDUCTION
Alpha Chi Omega annually administers to collegiate members the Alpha Chi Sisterhood Survey, partnering with Dyad Strategies, a research consulting organization that supports colleges, universities and national organizations in their data collection initiatives. Alpha Chi Omega’s Sisterhood Survey focuses on collecting data on the sisterhood experience, member development outcomes, attitudes and beliefs around health and safety topics, the housing experience and general demographic information. The sisterhood experience is measured using the sisterhood schemas which include belonging, support and encouragement, accountability, common purpose and shared social experiences.
In the past three years since the Alpha Chi Sisterhood Survey started, Alpha Chi Omega has seen significant gains in key areas of sisterhood, in particular in the area of belonging. Belonging is about sisters feeling appreciated for who they are, connected, included and having sisters that are a great source of encouragement. In fact, the average belonging score has risen a tenth of a point (three standard deviations) in the last two years. These gains align with our national efforts to focus on boosting belonging and affinity.
An interesting component of belonging is that there is not one single type of collegiate chapter that has the strongest belonging score. The 15 chapters with the
highest belonging scores range from membership sizes of 22 to 498, are chapters at both public and private institutions, and are located throughout the country. Meaningful sisterhood is built across Alpha Chi Omega experiences!
The Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama) chapter president, Mary Gibbons Miller, shared that belonging is fostered through connecting at the chapter facility and a big/little program that prioritizes time to get to know each other. She adds, “We have a strong new member period in which new members get connected to older members in the house in a variety of ways. We also have many sisterhood events throughout
THE AVERAGE BELONGING SCORE HAS RISEN A TENTH OF A POINT IN THE LAST TWO YEARS – INDICATING AN INCREASED SENSE OF BELONGING IN OUR CHAPTERS!
ALPHA UPSILON CHAPTER SISTERS
the semester, ranging from fun dress-up parties to casual movie nights and even workout classes! Our executive board members strategically plan events at the beginning of the semester that will allow for our members to relax and have fun together amidst busy school schedules and extracurricular activities.”
The Theta (University of Michigan) chapter also has a high sense of belonging, formed through activities like sleepovers before game days, programming across member classes and chapter-wide meals. In prioritizing a transparent and open environment, the Theta chapter president, Nidhi Gundimeda, shared, “In order to build belonging, I strongly believe that Theta chapter has always taken it back to our people. We consistently rely on feedback from our members and intentional conversations to understand where our programming is able to support every member, or what we can work on to reach that point.”
Nidhi adds, “I feel like we truly create connections among sisters as a result of our intentionality and thoughtfulness – caring about the details. It is making sure all members, regardless of how they were recruited, are on the composite every single year. It’s our Symphony Awards – the weekly shoutouts so many members give and receive just for being themselves. It is the constant support and love for each other at our best, and the compassion and empathy especially when we need it most. For these reasons and so many others, Theta is so proud to have created a chapter full of encouragement, connection and belonging today and every day.”
Our collegiate chapters continue to focus on building meaningful, authentic connections. Nationally, Alpha Chi Omega has placed a significant emphasis on belonging, from sessions at Leadership Academy and Collegiate Growth Academy to webinars and resources shared with collegians and advisors. The impact of this focus is evident in our gains in the sisterhood schema scores.
We each have experienced connection and hold meaningful memories of feeling a sense of belonging as Alpha Chi Omegas. From our collegiate and/or alumnae chapter experiences to volunteer teams we’ve served on to Alpha Chi events and programs to the chapter reunions or new member class gatherings, Alpha Chi Omega has had a tremendous impact on each of our lives. Continuing to utilize the Alpha Chi Sisterhood Survey to drive organizational strategies means more Alpha Chi Omega sisters will have an even more meaningful sisterhood experience.
THETA CHAPTER SISTERS
Empowered Together
NON-EXECUTIVE AND COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ROLES HELP OUR CHAPTERS AND MEMBERS SUCCEED
BY EMMA WILLE , MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
In every chapter, there are leaders among the members, extending beyond the executive board. These women step up behind the scenes, assisting in some of the most crucial processes. While they might not hold the highest titles like president, they are key to Alpha Chi Omega’s success. These non-executive and committee roles not only benefit the chapter, but they also give sisters the opportunity to develop leadership skills and take on exciting new responsibilities. Together, they demonstrate that collaboration and teamwork are key to achieving our goals.
For many women, gaining leadership experience is one of the many reasons they choose to join a sorority. And for Regan Hadley (Delta Omega, University of Kentucky), Alpha Chi Omega proved to be a great environment to grow her skills. “It felt like a safe and supportive space where I could step into a leadership role and grow with the encouragement and trust of my sisters,” she says. A current junior, Regan began as the assistant vice president recruitment in January 2024. She helped manage all things recruitment, assisting in the continuous open bidding planning and process, teaching recruitment strategies and, most importantly, supporting members during recruitment.
Regan knows how demanding recruitment can be, so showing up for her sisters was the most meaningful part of her role. “Whether it was drama, stress or someone just needed a hug, I made it a priority to be present for all members of the recruitment team,” she says. “Recruitment truly is a team effort, and the hard work of every member is essential. I helped put team members in places where they could succeed, and I would check in if they were struggling.”
REGAN CELEBRATING HER EFFORTS ON BID DAY
Collaboration was essential to Regan’s role. She worked hand in hand with the chapter’s VP recruitment. She explains, “We collaborated on purchasing décor, selecting outfits for the rounds and securing sponsorships from brands like Hello Molly, which sponsored a sisterhood event during the work week.”
REGAN (CENTER) TOOK A QUICK BREAK DURING RECRUITMENT FOR A PICTURE
And that’s not where the collaboration ends; Regan worked with numerous other chapter members to make sure recruitment went perfectly. She assisted the vice president facility operations in making sure the house was clean and organized before recruitment began, and she collaborated with the vice president public relations and marketing to brainstorm social media ideas, like TikToks. Regan’s teamwork and passion were critical to the success of Delta Omega’s recruitment.
Her contributions not only benefitted the chapter but also her personal growth. “After work week I felt empowered, and I knew that I wanted to contribute to the recruitment team,” she says. “I wanted to give back to the chapter that had given me so much and make a positive impact. This stemmed from the strong sense of belonging and support that I had found within Alpha Chi Omega, and I was eager to pay it forward.”
Another member who has been able to grow her skills in non-executive leadership roles is Karsyn Dickerson (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama). Karsyn has taken on several of these kinds of positions, including assistant vice president risk management, nominating committee sophomore representative, nominating committee chair and homecoming chair. Now as a current senior she reflects on what these opportunities have given her. “These leadership roles have been essential to my personal growth and collegiate success, helping me develop skills and confidence that will stay with me far beyond graduation. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deeper belief in my abilities as a leader,” she says.
Along with leadership skills, she also explains that working with her sisters has helped build connections that will support her for a lifetime. Each one of Karsyn’s roles allowed her to work closely with different groups of sisters. “One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was serving as one of our chapter’s homecoming chairs,” she shares. “I enjoyed collaborating with the freshman class to bring energy and engagement, and our hard work paid off with Alpha Upsilon securing its fifth consecutive win of the Kathleen Kramer Homecoming Spirit Cup!” By collaborating with her sisters, Karsyn showed that leadership takes everyone to succeed. With graduation approaching, Karsyn is looking forward to taking everything she has learned from these chapter roles into the professional world.
Both Regan and Karsyn exemplify how every member can contribute to Alpha Chi Omega’s success, regardless of their title. By stepping up and embracing teamwork, members support their chapter, their sisters and their own personal growth. Through collaboration and dedication, they demonstrate that we must work together in order to seek the heights.
KARSYN (CENTER) ON HER BID DAY – THE START OF HER LEADERSHIP JOURNEY IN ALPHA CHI
KARSYN
From Childhood Best Friends to Chapter Presidents
BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
When Taylor Browning walked into her kindergarten classroom, she sat down in her assigned seat next to Arden Robbins, who quickly told her, “We’re best friends now.” Fifteen years later, they still are but never could have imagined the ways their friendship would grow – all the way to helping establish their respective Alpha Chi Omega chapters and serving as chapter presidents during the same term!
Taylor and Arden grew up just minutes apart in the small town of Ingomar, Mississippi, building their friendship at school, during church programs and as stunt partners in high school cheerleading. Arden describes herself as a “wild, talkative” kid while she says Taylor was a “sweet rule-follower.” When they decided on colleges in 2021, they were comforted by the fact that they’d be less than two hours apart, with Taylor
“I know when Alpha Chi decided to establish in Oxford, they probably never saw this storyline coming.”
ARDEN (LEFT IN BOTH PICTURES) AND TAYLOR (RIGHT) HAVE BEEN BY EACH OTHER’S SIDES FROM KINDERGARTEN TO TODAY AS CHAPTER PRESIDENTS OF TWO ALPHA CHI OMEGA CHAPTERS IN MISSISSIPPI.
choosing the University of Mississippi and Arden heading to Mississippi State University.
During their first semester of college, the Epsilon Upsilon chapter of Alpha Chi Omega was being reestablished at Mississippi State, and Arden was drawn to the founding member experience. She joined fall 2021 and quickly got involved on committees, helping build a new legacy of Alpha Chi Omega at the school.
Meanwhile across the state, Taylor was getting involved on campus but says she could tell she was “missing that last piece to the puzzle of college.” The spring of her first year, Alpha Chi Omega was tabling on campus in advance of establishing the Lambda Pi chapter at Ole Miss. Taylor asked Arden if she should look into the experience and remembers her answer: “Yes, 1,000%.”
Arden began nudging Taylor toward Alpha Chi Omega and letting the establishment team know about her, though she also knew her best friend had to make her own decision to join. “That was my dream for her because I knew what it would do,” Arden says. “I felt like she could benefit so much from Greek life and having those connections with women who shared her values.” Taylor kept Arden updated throughout the Alpha Chi recruitment process – and Arden even attended one of the Lambda Pi chapter’s recruitment events – and they were both thrilled when Taylor accepted her bid as a sophomore during Lambda Pi’s 2022 establishment!
Joining Greek life is a wonderful opportunity during college – but being a founding member is a once-in-alifetime experience. It takes someone who is willing and wanting to leave a mark and help shape the experience for future members. This includes helping establish structures, traditions and a presence on campus, as well as recruiting future classes to carry on the legacy of the new chapter. While both Taylor and Arden say their chapter sisters and staff consultants were instrumental to their success, having each other was an unexecpted bonus.
“You have to lean on other people who have been in your shoes, and Arden is one of the only other people in the country who knows what it’s like to be a founding
member of an SEC chapter and literally build it from the ground up,” Taylor says. They frequently ask each other for advice and share the joys and challenges of their experiences.
But as incredible as the story is, that’s not where it ends. As Taylor puts it, “I know when Alpha Chi decided to establish in Oxford, they probably never saw this storyline coming.” Because not only did Taylor and Arden decide to share the founding member experience in Alpha Chi, they also decided to lead their chapters, all the way to the highest collegiate role!
The best friends both pursued leadership positions on committees and the executive board, with Taylor serving as Panhellenic delegate and Arden as vice president recruitment. Each woman individually set her mind on being president of her chapter – and then found out the same was true for her best friend! Taylor remembers texting Arden about how nervous she was before her speech to the chapter about why she should be president and getting this response from Arden: “You’re not going to believe this … I’m also slated for president.”
“It was just the craziest mix of emotions,” Arden says looking back on the process. “We were like, ‘This is the best day ever … and now I’m terrified.’” Taylor adds, “We’re both like, ‘What if neither of us gets it or one does and the other doesn’t?’”
When all was said and done, both Taylor and Arden were elected presidents of their chapters for the 2024 school year. And they still sometimes can’t believe it. Arden says, “This is absolutely crazy. … The odds of this happening are just unreal.”
Just like when they were navigating the founding member experience, the women have leaned on each other for support and idea-sharing in the chapter president role. Arden explains, “Sometimes I think that as president, we have so many questions in our mind of what the best way to do something is. And we bounce ideas like that off of each other and share what works. Our individual chapters are so different, even though they’re both in similar phases of establishment, so it’s also interesting to hear different things that work for different people.”
As many leaders have felt and as Taylor’s predecessor shared during officer transitions, it can feel lonely at the top – so Taylor is grateful to “have that support system just an hour and a half down the road … or when we’re home for break, less than five minutes away.”
As they prepared to wrap up their terms, they shared a few things they are walking away from their collegiate experience with.
For Arden, it’s the love she’s given and received from Alpha Chi Omega – knowing she’s gained tenfold the
amount that she’s put into the Epsilon Upsilon chapter. “I’m just so passionate about this organization for so many reasons,” she says. “I feel like the amount of dedication and commitment and love and time I gave to Alpha Chi was absolutely unreal, but what I have received back is that much more, through the friendships I’ve made and mentors I have and things I learned about myself.”
“My biggest takeaway would be the confidence and strength I got out of this,” Taylor says. “I was the most scared, anxious freshman on this college campus. I was texting her [Arden] that I wanted to transfer or go home. Then I joined the chapter, and now I truly have the mentality of ‘I can move anywhere, do anything, work anywhere.’”
And in the spirit of true sisterhood and lifelong friendship, Arden is always cheering Taylor on. “That’s the thing that makes me so happy about all this … it’s really full circle of all the things you could want for your best friend.”
WHO DO YOU KNOW?
If you know a young woman who plans to participate in recruitment on her campus, our online recommendation form is the best way to let the chapter know! Our members are the best resource for real, strong women into the Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood. helping recruit remarkable
Collaboration in the Classroom
BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
For more than a decade of our lives, we spend countless hours in classrooms, learning from teachers who leave lasting impressions on us. Whether it’s unlocking our passions, creating an environment for teamwork or simply just being there to listen, we can think of a teacher who made an impact. For many of the students at New Palestine High School in Indiana, that teacher is Gina Iacobucci (Gamma Mu, Ball State University).
Gina always knew she wanted to study history, so when she started at Ball State University, she chose to double major in history and social studies education, hoping that a career path would become clear. It wasn’t long before her love for teaching clicked, especially as she joined Alpha Chi Omega, where she built some of her favorite memories. Gina credits her sorority experience with helping her develop the confidence and communication skills she would later use in the classroom.
“The recruitment process really helped me grow my public speaking skills, network with others and feel comfortable starting conversations with just about anyone,” she says. Finally, her career choice became clearer than ever when she began student teaching. “I myself really loved learning, and I want my students to love learning,” she says.
After graduation in 2016, Gina started teaching U.S. history and government at New Palestine High School. Immediately she jumped in and worked hands-on with her students, whether through debating arguments for a mock trial or creating a puzzle game to teach gerrymandering. “Every day is different, and my school district gives me a lot of freedom to present materials
in ways that I think would work best for the students in front of me” she says. Gina gets creative when it comes to working with her students; she actively listens to what they need and tailors each lesson to meet them where they are. This collaboration gives her students the opportunity to learn in new and exciting ways! In addition to her day-to-day classroom activities, she has brought her coursework to life by taking her students to hear oral arguments at the Indiana Court of Appeals through a program called Appeals on Wheels.
But Gina’s commitment to her students doesn’t stop at the end of the school day! Gina leads We the People, an extracurricular academic team that allows students to learn more about the U.S government. “In this team, students split up into small groups and
GINA WITH HER 2022-23 TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS AT THE SCHOOL AND DISTRICT LEVELS
analyze constitutional issues by applying constitutional principles, lessons learned from history and political philosophy. Through the course of the semester, they write papers that they present to judges at the competition. After listening to the papers, the judges test their knowledge and opinions,” she says. Leading this group takes a lot of time, with competition prep and practices outside of school hours; however, it is all worth it for Gina since she herself benefited from the program when she was in high school.
Now in her seventh year working with We the People, she says students gain a wide range of skills. “Every year, students come in with little knowledge about the U.S. government, but they leave with deep understanding of the issues, political efficacy and hope for the future, not to mention skills to help them in their futures like research and writing ability, public speaking, open mindedness and teamwork,” she says. By working together, Gina helps her students find new opportunities and prepares them for the future.
For Gina, teaching is the perfect blend of her love for history and her desire to collaborate with others. “Being a teacher is the greatest job,” she says. “I get to talk about things I enjoy all day, with 17- and 18-yearolds who are interested, engaging and funny.” Last year, Gina’s hard work was rewarded when she was named Teacher of the Year for her building and district, and one of the top ten finalists for Indiana 2024 Teacher of the Year. Gina truly exemplifies taking collaboration and education to new heights!
Going forward, Gina can’t wait to keep inspiring others and continue to put what she learned from her Alpha Chi experience into practice. “When I think of Alpha Chi Omega, I think of real, strong women –women who are confident, driven and bold. These are characteristics I strive for, and ones I hope my daughter will emulate someday as well. I look to these qualities in my professional life as I’ve worked [toward] excellence in education.”
GINA IACOBUCCI
The Power of the Alpha Chi Network
BY ARIANNA BRADLEY (KAPPA XI, UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA), DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT
You’ve heard the stats. We know the data. Mentorship is essential for career growth, and its importance cannot be overstated. Yet nearly two-thirds of women report not having a mentor.
With thousands of sisters sharing a commitment to empowering women, there is no reason why every Alpha Chi shouldn’t have a mentor! No matter where you may be in your career or stage of life, having support from a trusted mentor for advice and accountability can be a gamechanger when working toward personal and professional goals.
That’s where Women & Wisdom comes in! Women & Wisdom, Alpha Chi Omega’s online network of real,
WOMEN & WISDOM OFFERS …
• Mentor programs
• Networking connections
• Virtual events
• Interest groups
• Job board
• Business directory
WHAT HELP CAN YOU FIND OR OFFER?
• Professional connections
• Meeting virtually or in person
• Answers to industry-specific questions
• Informational interviews
• Resume reviews
• Career advice
• And more!
strong women, provides opportunities for collegiate and alumnae members to make connections through seeking support, coaching and guidance in their careers. Research has found that 87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered by their mentoring relationships and have developed greater confidence. But don’t take our word (or the data’s) for it – let some of our sisters tell you how the powerful Alpha Chi network has changed their trajectory.
Kayley Wachter, a junior from our Alpha Pi (University of North Dakota) chapter, was recently matched with a mentor through Women & Wisdom. “I decided why not try it? … I wanted to hear a perspective from a female who has been in the business industry and hear what it’s like for them and the challenges that they face.”
To no one’s surprise, our sisters are smart and ambitious, which is exactly why Kayley’s first impression of her mentor was, “Wow she’s educated, and she knows her stuff.” Kayley met with her mentor alongside another mentee. “She talked to both of us collegians about what we want to do in the future and gave us tips. She introduced new books for us to read and some very important life lessons.”
Brianna Thompson (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve University) was on the job hunt when she was
KAYLEY WACHTER BRIANNA THOMPSON
matched with a mentor through Women & Wisdom. “It’s difficult to find a mentor when you are not already in a company that has an initiative set up for that.” Brianna was looking for a way to connect with a more experienced alumna, and Alpha Chi gave her just that! “She taught me to be more resourceful, more bold and to reach back into my own network to ask for support without fear or embarrassment.”
The best part about Women & Wisdom is that all of the sisters on the network want to support each other. As Brianna shares, “We all joined Alpha Chi likely because we align with the values of the organization and we believe in creating a real, strong community of women on whom we can rely for support and encouragement. At the end of the day, people really do want to help one another.”
Kayley adds, “I wish collegians knew that it’s not scary or hard. I feel like a lot of collegians can be nervous to talk to alumnae when in reality, alumnae want to help us and give back to Alpha Chi Omega.”
What makes connecting with a sister so special?
“Being able to connect with a more experienced sister, or providing support to a more inexperienced sister, really solidifies our bonds and our community as a whole,” says Brianna. “You can learn a lot across the conversations, and at the end of the day, we joined AXΩ to be part of something bigger, and there’s a different type of mentoring experience to be had when you share that type of connection.”
Kayley continues to stay in touch with her mentor today. “I do think the big thing for me is how we still
JANUARY IS MENTORING MONTH!
Sign up for New Year Connections by January 2 to be matched with a sister for a virtual meeting. Scan the QR code to access the form!
Join us January 30 on Zoom for a networking event to learn outreach tips and meet new sisters. RSVP for the event at womenandwisdom.org.
communicate. ... It’s amazing to see that she still cares and that she is still here to help me when needed.”
Brianna recommends sisters take advantage of the oneto-one and small group mentoring programs, webinars and resources Women & Wisdom provides. “I love hearing new perspectives and stories, and if I can help anyone, no matter where they are, that’s important to me. All of the things I learned through my mentor and my peers helped me find my current job and do my best work, so I’m very grateful!”
Kayley adds, “Women and Wisdom is an amazing program that I hope to give back to one day because it helped me meet new people and network, and my mentor gave me amazing professional lessons and advice. ... Hearing advice from women who were once in my shoes opened my eyes. It’s amazing to see the support I have from real, strong women all across the country.”
Ready to start your mentoring journey? Sign up today at womenandwisdom.org.
“[My mentor] taught me to be more resourceful, more bold and to reach back into my own network to ask for support without fear or embarrassment.”
A Life-Saving Connection
BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
On August 17, 2024 a helicopter touched down at NYU Langone Health in New York City carrying donated lungs. The story of who those lungs were going to and how they arrived is one of strength, hope and the power of connection.
Jennifer Hart Dunlea was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at age 2. For two decades, she and her mother Laurel Wyner Dunlea (Epsilon Rho, University of Delaware) have fought for a better life for Jen. CF is a progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs. There is no cure, and while medications have helped a small number of those with the disease, many others with different mutations of CF don’t have that option. Other treatments have helped control Jen’s symptoms, but ultimately, a lung transplant was her only hope.
Jen received her first transplant in 2015, but her body began to reject the donated lungs after five years, and she went back on the transplant list. All they could do was wait for another set of lungs. “You have that sweet spot, that window where you’ve got to be sick enough to get on the list, but then you have to be well enough and strong enough to survive an organ transplant surgery, so it’s a catch-22,” Laurel explains. “That’s why it’s so important that everybody is signed up to be organ donors.”
Laurel explains that she had long kept Jen’s medical journey private, but with mounting bills, she and Jen finally decided to share the story via the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). They hoped to raise both awareness and funds so that Jen could be close to her doctors at NYU before and after transplant surgery for a successful recovery. Little did they know that when Laurel shared out the updates, she was rebuilding a connection that would lead to a rare direct organ donation.
When Laurel and Jen moved to Philadelphia from their home in California for Jen’s first double lung transplant, Laurel reunited with several of her Epsilon Rho chapter sisters for the first time in decades. As Laurel shared the medical journey with sisters in person and online, she says the bond of Alpha Chi Omega was easy to pick back up. “They were so concerned and supportive,” she says of the Alpha Chi Omegas who reached out. “If it hadn’t been for Jen’s COTA fundraising campaign, the awareness of Jen’s declining health, the dire need for a transplant and being in a New York hospital near her doctors would never have happened.”
One of those Epsilon Rho sisters was Bridgit Riley, who had been following the COTA updates. In August, Bridgit’s son Luke received a message about the passing of one of his FBI colleagues. That family was looking to donate their loved one’s organs to a member of the FBI family – including the lungs. By a stroke of luck, Luke saw the message before he went off grid and shared it with his extended family to see if they knew someone in need of organ donation.
Bridgit immediately forwarded Laurel the message. “I was anxious,” Bridgit says. “I didn’t know if it was ‘false hope’ and not much about the transplant process but felt a sense of urgency.” When Laurel called back, she told Bridgit, “There is no such thing as false hope.”
That set a flurry of activity into motion – and quickly, as there is a very small window of time for organ donation. Looping in Jen’s medical team. Confirming that blood type and body size were a match. Reaching out to Jen’s stepuncle, a former
BRIDGIT AND LAUREL CIRCA
2024
FBI employee, to connect with the representative for the donor family.
So many things had to align – and they did. Just a day after Bridgit reached out, Jen and Laurel received the lifechanging news: Jen was a match, and the family agreed to the donation. Jen was wheeled into an operating room in the late afternoon, and a helicopter delivered the lungs 3 hours later. After a 10-hour surgery, the transplant was complete, and Jen’s body could begin the process of accepting the lungs and healing. As Laurel says of the whirlwind two days, “It was just meant to happen.”
Laurel kept Bridgit updated throughout the process. “This was an emotional roller coaster I was happy to be on,” Bridgit says. “I was excited and relieved for Jen, thankful that I was put in a position to help be a conduit with my son Luke in her transplant process, and also grateful to the family who were grieving their loss but made the decision to donate the organs, Jen’s uncle for his service and all the other people involved in her care.”
Laurel echoes that gratefulness, particularly for the donor family. “To have someone who is going through such heart-wrenching times but wants to make sure that the organs go to somebody else so that they can get this gift of life – it’s amazing to have people like that.”
According to the U.S. government’s organ donor statistics, there are more than 103,000 people on the national transplant waiting list; another person is added every 8 minutes. Laurel points out that Jen’s “number” on the list may have not come up when she was healthy enough
to receive a transplant – making this direct donation all the more powerful. Without these lungs and Bridgit’s message, Laurel says, “I’m sure Jen would still be waiting.”
Laurel and Jen have fundraised and advocated for organ donation, including being the faces of the 2016 Mother’s Day spring campaign with the Gift of Life Donor Program Foundation in Philadelphia, and plan to continue to do so after Jen recovers. Next steps for Jen are in-patient rehab, followed by outpatient treatment. “Jen still needs to raise funds to be near her transplant team for a successful recovery,” Laurel adds.
“Some people say to me, ‘I don’t know how you do it,’ and I say, ‘Because you have to.’ I never gave it another thought. There’s nothing more important to me in this world,” Laurel says. “Even though we’ve gone through this journey, I feel blessed. She’s my best friend, and I adore her. I would have, of course, preferred Jen to have a life without CF, but those were the cards we were dealt.”
Laurel is also grateful that she’s been able to reconnect with Bridgit and other Alpha Chi Omegas. “We’ve just been in our own little world, especially since COVID with Jen being immunosuppressed in rejection. We had been in isolation for the last four years. ... It’s just been nice, all the support and the well wishes and love that I’m feeling from all our friends all over the country.”
Bridgit has also been reminded of the powerful Alpha Chi Omega bond, sharing, “I would have done this for anyone if I had known their story or need, but the Alpha Chi Omega connection made this possible, and the ripple effect has strengthened even more bonds with a larger group of sisters looking out and supporting each other.”
Bridget volunteers as a recruitment information advisor for the Theta Tau (Rutgers University) chapter and shared the story with some of the current collegiate members. “They are all pulling for Jen as part of the broader Alpha Chi Omega family. They can see the connection to Alpha Chi and the bond that continues beyond college.”
You can find out more about Jen’s story, organ donation and the family’s fundraiser on the Children’s Organ Transplant Association website at https://cota.org/cotaforjenslungs/
JEN AND LAUREL ON THE DAY OF HER DISCHARGE IN OCTOBER
Alpha Chis Experience the Olympics
BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
This summer, the world fixed its attention on Paris, France as the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics took place. While millions of Americans tuned in on TV or streaming services, some Alpha Chi Omegas got to see the action unfold in person. As the Games connected so many around the world, so too did it for our sisters – in different ways!
Flo Robbins (Kappa, University of Wisconsin-Madison) grew up in France but came to the United States for college. She explains that she chose an American university for her undergraduate experience for a few reasons: her parents are American, an American school would allow her to study both German and environmental studies, and she wanted “the full ‘American experience,’ which to me included school spirit, Greek life and great academics.”
Flo was back home in France this summer and was able to see several Olympic events in person! She and her family took in the Opening Ceremonies and dozens of sporting events throughout the Games. Flo says, “Being able to attend various gymnastics events was the highlight of my summer because I have been watching the Games on TV since I was a kid. I loved seeing Simone Biles and the other women of Team USA, as well as witnessing Kaylia Nemour win her gold medal on bars for Algeria.”
While Flo says she and her friends were apprehensive about Paris hosting the Olympics and causing massive crowds and expenses, the reality was much more positive. “The city was cleaner than usual, the energy was amazing, the tourists were respectful and my dayto-day life did not change much at all,” she says. “I loved
seeing so many French people come together and show pride for our country and athletes, and it was amazing to meet so many visitors from all over the world.”
Emily Spezzatti (Gamma Tau, Oklahoma City University) also lives in France. This past spring, she served as a small group leader for Alpha Chi Omega’s Spring Small Groups, hosted by the Women & Wisdom program. While she cherished the virtual connections she made during the experience, the Olympics allowed Emily to make a deeper connection with one of her small group members, Lisa Franklin (Gamma Sigma, University of Rhode Island), in person!
AT THE WOMEN’S SOCCER FINAL OF THE UNITED STATES VS. BRAZIL
FLO
Emily explains, “Lisa told me that she and her family would be coming to Paris for the Olympics and asked if we could meet. She and her husband, Rick, met my husband, Antoine, and me for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Crêperie le Petit Josselin. … We discussed our families and careers, shared travel stories and more. I was especially thankful to Lisa and Rick for providing an occasion for my husband to practice his English. Antoine works in French, and we converse with most of our friends in French. Though we try to speak mostly English at home, it’s always helpful when he gets the chance to practice with others.”
The lunch date happened on a special day for Lisa – her wedding anniversary. Lisa adds, “Meeting Emily and Antoine and sharing our stories was a great way to celebrate our anniversary in the city of love.”
The value of connection is something that is shared by both the Games and Alpha Chi Omega, and it was on full display this summer. “The alumnae network continues to be the best resource that Alpha Chi has provided me – it truly is the gift that keeps on giving,” Emily says. “I’ll always remember meeting Lisa in Paris and look forward to keeping in touch!”
AS SHARED ON SOCIAL
Our Lambda Pi chapter at the University of Mississippi shared this on Instagram from member Kaitlyn Frisk:
“This summer I had the once-in-alifetime opportunity to not only attend the gymnastics Olympic trials in Minnesota but also the 2024 Paris Olympics! In June my family and I flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota and watched both the men and women’s gymnastics trials (and of course I had to get a picture with the Pommel Horse King [Stephen Nedoroscik] himself).
In July we were off to Paris! We watched Simone and Suni win their gold and bronze medals in the women’s all-around final, I’ve truly never felt more patriotic then when the national anthem played and two American flags were being raised to the top of the stadium.”
LISA (LEFT) AND EMILY OUT TO LUNCH IN PARIS WITH THEIR HUSBANDS
Making an Impact on Families, Students and Soldiers
BY EMILY FLOYD (THETA UPSILON, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA), EVENTS MANAGER
In the New York Times “Connections” game, players must find four words in a set of 16 that are similar in category – sports teams, zoo animals, serving utensils. But what about real-life connections between the words “Redhawk,” “Greek Life,” “Neonatal” and “U.S. Army?”
Those four words are just a few used to describe Dr. Beth Flanigan (Delta Lambda, Ripon College). A proud member of the Ripon Redhawk community, Beth felt right at home when she entered Ripon’s campus her freshman year of college. She was familiar with the Greek life system, as her mother was a sorority woman, and her grandmother and great aunt joined Alpha Chi Omega at Washington University in St. Louis. Beth says joining Alpha Chi and having that special connection with her grandmother strengthened the shared memories between generations.
After graduating from Ripon College with a pre-med degree, Beth received her master’s degree in public health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and spent time in Guatemala before making her way to the Washington, D.C. area. There, she enrolled in Uniformed Services University, where she completed medical school while serving on active duty in the military. “There was a special connection between myself and the other members of my graduating class,” she explains. “20% of USU students were women, so it was comforting to have that connection in what was a male-dominated field at the time.”
Although medical residency and Greek life may not sound like they have a ton in common, Beth notes that both programs are bigger than yourself. There’s a sense
of belonging and service to others in both groups; both have shared values and goals so that you can connect with others for a similar purpose. You lean on one another and help each other through whatever journeys you’re experiencing.
In 2002, Beth graduated from medical school and began her residency with the National Capital Consortium, working at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She and her husband also decided to expand their family and welcomed two children. It was her own parenting journey that inspired Beth to pursue neonatology and pediatrics.
“We discovered at 2 months old my son had a very serious heart condition that was not detected during pregnancy. It was a very emotional and scary time for our family, and we were unsure of the outcome at times. Watching the sacrifices the doctors and medical staff made to help my family during this unprecedented time was so important to me,” she says. “I had the dean of students and numerous professors visit our family, and I felt the love and desire to help my family during this dark time. Luckily, we had a great team of doctors and the best-case scenario, and our son survived. After, I knew I wanted to make a difference for a family in a similar situation like the medical professionals made a difference in my life.”
Now, Beth is the chief of clinical operations at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, as well as an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Her days are never the same – she is a practicing neonatologist and works with patients to deliver babies under her care.
As a chief in the pediatrics department, Beth oversees clinical care, policies and procedures to ensure the
hospital is up to date in and adhering to evidencebased practices. She educates her faculty and staff and collaborates with multiple disciplines in the hospital to work together for the same goal. The hospital is also a teaching hospital, so she works with residents and medical students on pediatric and neonatal care.
There are many facets to her career, but Beth says the part she is most proud of is knowing that she is making the same difference for a family that someone made for hers all those years ago. In times of turmoil and heaviness, she wants to bring light and support. A few years ago, Beth met a woman in premature labor whose baby unfortunately did not survive. Several years later, Beth was called to a room for a delivery and saw the same mother. Beth recalls the patient was calm and measured as she said, “I know I’m going to be OK because Dr. Flanigan is here.” What could have been feelings of trauma and fear from previous experiences gave way to relief in the trust the patient had in Dr.
Flanigan and her team. The delivery was successful, and the mom took home a beautiful baby at the end of her stay. Beth says, “It feels extra special to spend those moments with these families, and seeing them go home is such a great feeling.”
While her days are long and sometimes challenging, Beth finds reasons to smile and leans on her colleagues. She enjoys teaching and watching the medical students respond to childbirth and what the body experiences. She says there is no better feeling than applying her skills and seeing a newborn turn a corner in a positive light. For those who might aspire to a similar career, Beth has these words of advice: “Don’t give up. The road might not be straightforward; it might be curvy, have obstacles, but if it’s your passion, work for it and keep going. There might be a bad moment, day, period of time, but keep going for what you want and say ‘yes’ to opportunities that you might not have thought otherwise.”
BETH SERVED 18 YEARS OF ACTIVE DUTY IN THE U.S. ARMY
DR. BETH FLANIGAN
Opera, Representation and Education
BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
When Melody Chang (Omega, Washington State University) decided to study opera in college, she pursued more than just opportunities to share her mezzo-soprano voice on stage. She also invested time in learning all other aspects of putting on a show – stage management, costumes, administration and more.
Today, Melody combines her well-rounded understanding of opera with her belief in the power of education and her commitment to advocacy. As the executive director of the Asian Opera Alliance, she is leading the charge to increase Asian representation in opera and address stereotypes of roles and shows. In that capacity and several other professional and volunteer roles, Melody is putting action behind her conviction that education can change the world.
MELODY PERFORMING IN A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS WITH THE SPOKANE VALLEY SUMMER THEATRE IN 2023; PHOTO BY DYLAN K. JOHNSON
THE ART OF OPERA
Today, Melody is a leader in the arts world, but she would never have guessed that’s where her path would take her. Raised by an engineer and an accountant, Melody was a competitive ice skater and soccer player as a child, and while she learned to play an instrument in fourth grade, she says her family wasn’t musically inclined.
“I was supposed to be the next engineer. I had gone to robotics camp growing up and gone to my dad’s office playing around with the hardware,” she says. Melody hadn’t done much singing until college, when she joined the chorus for an opera. “I called him after my first semester and said, ‘Dad, I’m switching my major to opera.” Her parents were surprised but supportive. Melody was all in, finding that the art was a new challenge in which she thrived. She says the inspiration for her passion was “the richness of everything that goes into an opera, how textured and layered things are. And then there’s the whole aspect of singing un-mic’d over an orchestra.”
In opera, singers and orchestras perform for the entire length of the show. Melody explains that opera singers must be in incredible shape to make their voices heard over instruments. She says, “All of that together fascinated me, and I found that I loved singing on stage – not necessarily as the star, but I loved just being around that.”
For those Alpha Chi Omegas in similar college programs, Melody shares this advice: “Learn everything you can. Take every opportunity. Make sure to protect your time and take care of yourself – but say ‘yes’ to helping with lighting design. Say ‘yes’ to helping unload things. You’re never too big to help with the small tasks. The more you do that, the more you will learn about the ins and outs of this industry.”
It’s what Melody did during college. Though she loved performing, she knew she didn’t want to sing as a fulltime career, so she threw herself into studying every aspect of putting an opera together. She brought those skills to her professional life, working right out of
college for the Best of Broadway series in their national tours in Spokane, Washington. Melody loves the teamwork aspect of theater, whether she’s performing or behind the scenes. She explains that the work isn’t glamorous, but it’s worth it: “People see all the galas and the pictures, but really, it all runs on a couple of very overcaffeinated people taking naps in the corner on the couches.”
Following that first job were positions at various arts and media organizations, primarily in marketing. However, when COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the arts industry, Melody had to get creative. At her marketing job with Inland Northwest Opera, she brought out all her skills – including her penchant for “taking things apart and putting them back together” that started in childhood – to build a traveling opera truck! Melody had taken up a hobby of rebuilding cars during the pandemic, so when her boss came to her with the idea to take opera on the road, she got to work.
MELODY IN THE ROLE OF BLOODY MARY IN SOUTH PACIFIC WITH THE SPOKANE VALLEY SUMMER THEATRE IN 2024; PHOTO BY DYLAN K. JOHNSON
“We bought a 16-foot box truck and started redoing the floor. … We tuned up the engine and had a stage created custom for it,” Melody explains. “And then we just set out doing public performances of our education programs and recitals.”
It was just the beginning of her creativity. Melody soon had the chance to bring her toolbox of skills to another organization, setting her on a path to make change.
ADVOCATING FOR REPRESENTATION
In May 2021, a group of Asian-identified opera professionals came together to form the Asian Opera Alliance. The Asian Opera Alliance exists “to uplift one another and to advocate for greater Asian representation in opera, while striving for broader equity.” Melody serves as the organization’s executive director and works hand in hand with opera companies to provide consultation on shows, particularly those
like Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, to accurately and respectfully portray Asian characters instead of falling into long-performed stereotypes.
“Our idea is we want to call in, not call out,” she says. Melody values the collaboration between the Asian Opera Alliance and opera companies that have invited her to share resources and expertise. She advises on all parts of the production, from performers to costume design to donor engagement, always keeping in mind the needs of current and future Asian opera professionals and the industry as a whole. “No detail is too small when it comes to making sure artists feel safe.”
For example, for a recent run of Madama Butterfly that Melody was consulting on, it was the first time that the actress playing the title role (who had played it countless times before) had kimono padding under her kimono costume, making it more authentic. Choreography for the chorus members also avoided unnecessary shuffling, bowing and giggling that perpetuates stereotypes of Asian women.
“It doesn’t come from a place of hatred; it comes from years and years of media reinforcing these stereotypical images of Asian people,” Melody says. “And the fact that these singers, who have done this all over the world in some of the biggest houses, that this is the first time [they are performing in a culturally sensitive version of the show], it makes me sad, but also very happy that we’re making the change now.”
Melody brought this experience to her recent performance in the role of Bloody Mary, a Tonkinese vendor in Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, with the Spokane Valley Summer Theatre (SVST). Melody works as the marketing and communications director for SVST and the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center (ICSVPAC) that it is building, and she performs with the company when she can.
“It wasn’t a role I ever wanted to play because it was very stereotypical, but we did dramaturgical work and additional research on how to portray her in a nonracist manner,” Melody says. “We educated the cast on where in the South Pacific this would have taken place
and actual cultural customs that would have been important to her. … I just loved that and really getting to sink my teeth into her.”
The Asian Opera Alliance also offers master classes and mentorship to its members, hosts resources and a database of Asian opera professionals, and publishes data on the demographics of casting in the major opera companies.
Melody explains, “In this industry, it’s really tough to put yourself out there. You are your own instrument. So it’s really important to see ourselves reflected, and it’s really important for other people to know that Asian opera singers are a big deal. Just the fact that we look different doesn’t mean we can’t do the job.”
All of this supports the organization’s mission of advocating for representation of Asian-identifying performers in all roles and across industry positions – and in turn, moving the opera industry toward a more inclusive and equitable experience for all. “It’s
“ You’re never too big to help with the small tasks. The more you do that, the more you will learn about the ins and outs of this industry.”
about how your company as a whole treats artists and people, and it’s not just Asian people,” Moldy says. “We [the Asian Opera Alliance] go from the lens of trying to make it better for ourselves, but in turn making it better for everyone else.”
EDUCATION AS THE KEY
Melody’s work underscores one of her core beliefs: the power of education.
“I believe education is the solution to all the world’s problems,” Melody says. She is the former board president of Communities in Schools, an organization
MELODY IN THE ROLE OF WANDA IN ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE WITH THE SPOKANE VALLEY SUMMER THEATRE IN 2023; PHOTO BY DYLAN K. JOHNSON
dedicated to providing support to students to empower them to stay in school. She led the nonprofit after the COVID-19 pandemic, helping students get access to community resources so they wouldn’t fall behind academically. Access to and equity in education are cornerstones of what she does.
In her current professional roles with the SVST and ICSVPAC, Melody is proud of her work to help close the gap between local theater and national tours. The plan is for the performing arts center to have a yearround conservatory to provide education and training. “They are really going to change a lot of lives with this performing arts center,” Melody says.
Melody’s commitment to increasing access to arts education is also reflected in the scholarship she started in 2021 for first-generation BIPOC music or theater students to purchase materials to pursue their art, such as repertoire books and recital dresses, which are not typically covered by traditional scholarships.
When it comes to arts and theater education in particular, Melody says the benefits extend throughout life. Kids get experience accessing and processing through emotions as they act out a character. “I feel it’s a little practice run for when you have to work through it yourself. It gives you emotional intelligence,” Melody says. “You live your whole life as yourself. But in theater, even if you’re just in the chorus, even if you’re a tree, at least you get to play a tree, and you understand from a tree’s point of view.”
And an arts education is not just for those with aspirations to perform as a career. Melody says that although she’s seen the SVST act as a “springboard for young arts to really hone their craft and get where they want to go in this industry … not all of those kids are going to go on to be on Broadway. But they’re going to be given skills like public speaking.”
An introvert herself, Melody gained similar skills from her theater work – and from Alpha Chi Omega! She says her ability to keep a conversation going, to be charismatic and to present herself all came from sorority recruitment.
From helping her feel less alone on campus to making lifelong friends and finding community in alumna life, Alpha Chi Omega has provided Melody a network of support. “The alumnae group puts together a group of sisters to come see my shows, everything I’m in. The ongoing support is really lifelong.”
As an advocate, performer, theater professional and more, Melody is making change in the opera and theater industries – and she’s excited to see where she goes from here. “It’s the little things, like remembering how people respond, remembering how artists feel. No matter what I do, my goal is to make sure artists feel safe,” she says. “I’m very optimistic.”
Campus Total
WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
BY GINA FOX (IOTA PHI, QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE GROWTH, AND KELSEY ATKINSON (BETA LAMBDA, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COLLEGIATE GROWTH
The sorority experience continues to be a critical development opportunity for young women entering their collegiate years. Membership provides lifelong learning, networking and connections. It is essential to the sustainment of Alpha Chi Omega that our organization continues to grow and thrive, and one of the driving factors of that growth is collegiate chapter recruitment. Without its members, Alpha Chi Omega cannot function.
Whether new members join a chapter through primary recruitment or the continuous open bidding (COB) process, the addition of new Alpha Chi Omegas brings innumerable benefits. On any college campus, Alpha Chi Omega is an advocate for growth and strongly believes that to see continued success and prosperity, all chapters should have a growth mindset. To better understand how chapters can contribute to a campus’s growth, we first need to understand where opportunities are.
On every campus where a Panhellenic organization is present, a campus total is set. Total is the allowable chapter size as determined by the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), which includes both new and initiated members. Total is evaluated every academic term and is set by a group of highly trained NPC volunteers called release figure methodology (RFM) specialists. These volunteers work hard to understand the history of a campus and set total at a number that provides the campus with the greatest opportunity for growth. Establishing total on campus helps all Panhellenic groups take the most members possible, ensuring that all chapters in the community have a healthy number of new members.
RFM specialists set total in the following ways:
1. Average or median chapter size
2. Largest chapter size
3. Midpoint between median and largest chapter size
4. Largest chapter size plus, up to 20 women
When setting campus total, no method is better than another. They are all used strategically depending on what is determined to be best for the campus community.
Chapters should always want to grow and reach campus total, as continued growth is how an organization and a Panhellenic community continue to prosper. Striving to be at campus total allows chapters to sustain the sorority community, be competitive on campus, have more people share in the work of the chapter by serving in officer or committee roles, create a larger budget to enhance the chapter experience, continue to afford and maintain a chapter facility (whether that is a house, suite or lodge and all that comes along with this) and of course share the incredible experience of being in a Panhellenic organization.
Being at campus total is important not only for an individual chapter but also for the overall health of the Panhellenic community. At some campuses, fewer women are going through the primary recruitment process year over year, which leads to a decrease in total over time. This results in challenges in many areas of the country with sustaining chapters that have low membership numbers and in shrinking Panhellenic communities, which will continue to shrink due to decreases in college enrollment.
When college campuses are noticing a decline in interest in primary recruitment, NPC has some requirements for setting total in the hopes of sustaining Panhellenic communities:
• If a campus experiences greater than a 2% decrease in the open house pool (number of potential new members registered for recruitment) over the previous year, total must be set at midpoint or higher. Here, the campus is recognizing that interest in recruitment is decreasing, so to combat this, they are making sure total is set higher, which provides
(RUTGERS UNIVERSITY) MEMBERS AND NEW MEMBERS CELEBRATED A COB BID DAY THIS FALL.
BOTTOM: NEW AND LIFETIME MEMBERS OF SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) CHAPTER AT FALL BID DAY.
an opportunity for some chapters to take members after the primary recruitment process.
• If a campus only has two Panhellenic chapters, total must be set at 40 as a minimum. This ensures the chapters have an adequate number of members to continue chapter operations and support the chapters’ longevity.
• On a campus where there are chapter facilities, if half of the chapters are not consistently able to fill their facility, total must be set at largest chapter size. This is strategic because the campus recognizes the importance of a facility; if total were set too low, chapters may be unable to successfully fill and maintain their facilities.
As many Panhellenics are making a shift to increase campus total, continuous open bidding has become an increasingly popular method for supplementing primary recruitment. COB allows for chapters that are under campus total to recruit to campus total outside of the primary recruitment process. Alpha Chi Omega believes that COB is a critical part of chapters’ ability to grow, remain financially healthy and continue to bring great members into Alpha Chi Omega. COB allows all chapters on campus to close the gap in terms of membership numbers.
In addition to the financial and housing benefits COB creates, COB also offers a way for chapters to identify
excellent members of Alpha Chi Omega who might not have been interested in the primary recruitment process. This allows for chapters to grow and build their networks in new ways. In the past chapters may have only participated in the COB process if they struggled in primary recruitment. That is no longer the case. Setting total higher on campuses allows for many, if not all, groups to participate in the COB process and bring more members into their organizations. It is an exciting opportunity!
When chapters are only a few spaces below total, it doesn’t take many new members to grow back to total. But if COB is neglected year over year, the gap can grow to an unattainable number, leading that chapter to eventually fall far below total.
Alpha Chi Omega is leading the way when it comes to promoting Panhellenic growth. A particular point of pride is that our current National President, Jennifer Daurora (Delta, Allegheny College), previously served as the NPC’s Total Setting Method Team chair. In this role, she helped spearhead the growth of many campuses and college Panhellenic Councils.
While the process of recruiting new members sometimes falls on the shoulders of just a couple chapter members, it shouldn’t. All chapter members should strive to consistently have a growth mindset, not only for their own chapter but for all Alpha Chi Omega chapters. By wanting the organization to grow, they are expanding their own network and promoting the sorority experience for all Panhellenic organizations nationwide. Members should be encouraged to speak positively about their chapter experience around campus, wear letters or merchandise to promote Alpha Chi and utilize the universal Suggest a Sister link (available at the QR code here, on our website and the @AlphaChiOmegaHQ Instagram Linktree) to recommend potential new members across the country.
Together, Alpha Chi Omegas can continue to seek new heights when it comes to growing our sisterhood and the entire Panhellenic community.
TOP: THETA TAU
Real, Strong Women
Don’t
Haze
BY RACHEL HALEY (OMICRON, BAKER UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF HARM REDUCTION
Traditions, ceremonies and initiations are common practices closely tied to the fraternity and sorority experience. However, these rituals are not exclusive to just our industry, and neither is the issue of hazing. When any group deviates from making healthy choices rooted in organizational values, it leaves space for unhealthy behaviors – like hazing – to creep in, unintentionally or not. Student organizations, marching bands, performing troupes, athletic teams and church groups have reported incidents of hazing. Hazing is deeply connected to dangerous dynamics of unity, solidarity or loyalty. Toxic mentalities, attitudes and beliefs for joining or belonging to a group can begin to form as early as junior high. A national survey, reported in 2000 as “Initiation Rites in American High Schools,” found nearly 47% of students are exposed to some form of hazing before ever stepping foot on a college or university campus; of those that did experience hazing, only 1 in 10 labeled it as such.
While hazing is often viewed as a men’s issue, women’s organizations do partake in hazing at similar rates as men’s groups, but in different ways that can have a lasting, negative effect on members. Research conducted by The Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research has shown that men’s fraternities tend to engage in behavior that is physical and violent, while sororities use psychological and emotional tactics. Sorority-centric hazing activity is typically described as “subtle hazing”; examples include name calling or silent periods. Subtle hazing can be viewed as less harmful and more acceptable behavior, which means it can be less obvious and go unreported by those who experience or witness it.
Because hazing is a women’s issue, Alpha Chi Omega is doing its part to put an end to it. Each September, we renew our commitment to building healthy
connection and living our values during National Hazing Prevention Week. Inspired by our risk management philosophy, Alpha Chi Omega focused this year’s efforts on “making positive choices reflective of dignity and respect.” Chapters showed support by leading programs, hosting events and facilitating workshops on hazing prevention. The NHPW Challenge annually honors a chapter that shares its commitment to promoting healthy sisterhood throughout National Hazing Prevention Week. Join us in celebrating Delta Lambda (Ripon College), pictured above, as the NHPW 2024 Winner!
As of the Lyre’s print date, there is no federal definition or laws against hazing, but strides continue to be made on Capitol Hill. This September marked a pivotal moment in the movement against hazing when the Stop Campus Hazing Act received bipartisan support, passing through the U.S. House of Representatives. This brings us one step closer to creating safer campuses, increasing transparency on reporting and expanding protection of student safety. Alpha Chi Omega stands in support of this legislation and the advocacy for a comprehensive prevention and reporting framework that is on the horizon.
Although National Hazing Prevention Week has ended, we know our work to eliminate hazing continues. We are proud of each action our sisters take year-round to make an impact on the global issue of hazing. By treating sisters with the dignity and respect they deserve and putting their well-being first, we can exemplify the best of what it means to be an Alpha Chi Omega.
Sisters at the Scales of Justice
BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Alpha Chi Omega sisters are seeking the heights in every career! For this issue, we connected with four members serving as judges (two in the same county!) about their journeys and advice. Some common threads you’ll find: the importance of doing the right thing even when it’s not popular, the feeling of being “on” 24/7 and the ability to make a difference.
HON. DANIELLE R.A. GIBBONS
EPSILON KAPPA (CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON)
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DCourt of California, County of Los Angeles and was then appointed early to the position, where she’s been presiding over criminal court for cases ranging from murder to drug possession.
Danielle explains her current job handling preliminary hearings. “They look a little bit like a trial, except there’s no jury. There are witnesses, and people come to court and testify, and I have to decide more likely than not that this crime occurred, more likely than not this defendant is responsible for it,” she says. “If it meets that preponderance of the evidence – ‘more likely than not’ – then I hold them to answer, and I send them off for another arraignment, and now they’re heading toward trial.”
Balancing efficiency, temperament and patience is key to Danielle’s success. She adds, “My job is not to be popular. My job is the make the right call and have the courage to do the right thing.”
Danielle says one of the biggest surprises of being a judge is the isolation she can feel. “If you’re not in court, up in the front on a bench, you’re in your chambers away from people,” she says. “So I tend to sit out on the bench at least all morning to show everybody I’m there, I’m ready.” Doing so also allows her to chat with lawyers and to be visible to the public. “There are a lot of eyes on you. We just have to be constantly aware, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when not at work.”
For those considering law school, Danielle points out its skyrocketing costs and suggests focusing on improving grades and getting involved in the community and legal profession. Doing so will hopefully unlock financial aid and scholarships, like the one Danielle received from the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.
anielle always knew she was going to be a lawyer – “I was a very argumentative child, always had to have the last word,” she says – but becoming a judge was not on her radar until much later in her career. Over her years practicing law, with a focus on criminal defense and juvenile representation, several judges suggested Danielle consider a career on the bench. She first applied to become a superior court commissioner, handling cases involving domestic violence, restraining orders, civil harassment and more. Shortly after, she won election to be a judge of the Superior
Alpha Chi Omega helped form the woman Danielle became. “Having that bond in college with other likeminded, success-oriented, amazing women was a big part.” And the sisterhood shows up still today. “You know, when you surround yourself with good people, it sticks. You don’t have to see each other all the time, you don’t have to talk to each other all the time. But when you do, it’s like you never didn’t see them.”
HON. SHERRI D. KOCH
BETA RHO (AMERICAN UNIVERSITY)
ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT COURT OF MARYLAND
Throughout her law career, Sherri has been motivated by her desire to make a positive impact. It’s what inspired her through 20 years as a prosecutor, a job she always knew she wanted. “I felt like I could make a lot of decisions, the right decisions, based on law,” she says. And when it was time for a career change, the same motivation carried her into serving as a judge. She recalls, “I started wondering, ‘What’s my next venture?’ And I really wanted to continue giving back to the community. … It was a natural progression.”
Sherri now serves as a judge for the District Court of Maryland, where she presides over trial court for everything from criminal to civil cases, small claims to traffic violations to landlord/tenant disagreements, and more. “Every day I can have a different docket,” she says. She is also the one assigning some of those dockets in her role as administrative judge of the Montgomery County court. And as if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she serves on a DUI problem-solving court and teaches a class at American University.
American University’s Beta Rho chapter is Sherri’s chapter of initiation – through the National Alumna Initiate Program! Sherri is a long-time friend of now-National Vice President Leslie Abramsky Block (Theta Tau, Rutgers University), who had asked Sherri to speak to a collegiate chapter about her work on domestic violence cases. Later, Leslie asked Sherri if she wanted to become an Alpha Chi.
Sherri’s undergraduate institution didn’t have a Greek system, and she says the experience “felt like something I had missed out on.” She was thrilled to accept Alpha Chi Omega membership in 2012 as an alumna.
Sherri is happy to pass on some advice she shares with the students she interacts with. She suggests aspiring law students consider a gap year, using it to gain perspective and explore their options. Even in law school, she advises students to keep their options open – you never know what area of law might inspire you. But most importantly, Sherri shares this advice, not only for students, but for all our sisters: “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do what you want to do.”
HON. CONNIE R. QUIÑONES
EPSILON PSI (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE)
SUPERVISING JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Athread throughout Connie’s life and career has been a commitment to helping others. She is a frequent volunteer at local schools’ career days, she moderates a teen court and she provides mentorship to students, all in service of “demystify[ing] the challenge of becoming a judge, especially for women and other marginalized people.” In college, she joined Alpha Chi Omega because she wanted to be part of a group of women who cared about others, and she is an active member of the Gamma Pi Gamma (Long Beach, California) alumnae chapter today.
This passion for helping people underscored the more than two decades Connie spent as a criminal defense attorney prior to her judgeship, which included more than 140 criminal jury trials and thousands of court motions. “Being able to communicate and understand people is a great skill that is only learned by being amongst them on a regular basis,” she says. “My experience as a trial attorney gave me a great advantage when I became a judge.”
For the past three years, Connie has been the supervising judge of the South-Central District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. She oversees 30 judges that preside over criminal, civil, juvenile, family and dependency cases, keeping the courthouse running. She also still sits on the bench to cover cases for her colleagues and conduct overflow preliminary hearings.
“I do not take anything about being a judge for granted, and I try to do what is ‘right’ every day,” Connie says. “Not everyone is happy with my decisions, but I am not here for a popularity contest.” One of the most rewarding parts of being a judge has been knowing she could make someone feel heard on one of the worst days of their life.
For those interested in following in her footsteps, Connie shares a reminder to keep the goal in mind: “Apply for the job because you are committed to the community you serve, not just to get the ‘robe.’”
HON. CAROLINA A. LAMAS
ALPHA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA)
JUDGE OF HENNEPIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, MINNESOTA
Carolina never knows exactly how her day will go when she walks into district court in Hennepin County, Minnesota. She knows generally she’ll preside over felony cases, which include murder, criminal sexual violence and domestic abuse. “With jury trials, you really don’t ever know what’s going to happen,” she explains. “If I’m scheduled for trial, we’ll start picking a jury that morning. But then they’ll resolve, and so maybe I’m trying another case. … But I really like that because it keeps me interested and engaged.”
As a judge, Carolina says her priority is to “provide a courtroom where people can feel heard.” She explains, “Especially in cases that are really heavy, where people are
angry at each other, [I hope to] just be able to provide a well-controlled environment for people to express that. No one’s going to walk out happy because you can’t undo what’s been done, but at least maybe they can feel that they were heard and that the process is fair.”
It’s emotional work, made more so by the isolation of the role, which is one thing Carolina didn’t expect when she first started as a judge 11 years ago. “It’s interesting because you’re around people all day, but the people that you’re around all day aren’t your peers.” She makes it a point to connect with her colleagues and share experiences.
Carolina has made additional connections – with others and her Peruvian heritage – in Minnesota’s Hispanic Bar Association, which she joined early in her career as a lawyer. She later served as the board president and now gives back as a mentor.
“I really hated law school,” Carolina says, laughing. “I think everyone assumes that everyone else is just having the easiest time, and that’s not the case. Most people are just getting through it, and being able to listen to law students that are going through that and tell them that’s where you were too can be really valuable.”
She encourages those considering a law career to make sure that’s really what they want to pursue before committing to law school, which could include observing court, clerking or volunteering. Students and colleagues have reached out throughout Carolina’s career asking to learn more and watch her calendar. “Showing up and watching can really make all the difference.” It was actually Carolina’s internship at a domestic violence advocacy center after her freshman year, taking notes for the victim advocates, that made her first consider law!
Carolina joined Alpha Chi Omega in college and saw her experiences with the sorority and the law intersect and come full circle. When she was working as the executive director of the Neighborhood Justice Center, she was asked to give a presentation to a sorority chapter about legal rights. It turned out to be her chapter of Alpha Lambda!
From experiences to friendships, Carolina is proud to say Alpha Chi Omega “has been a really big part of my life.”
The Embrace of Sisterhood
BY LAURA KNOBEL (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT
In an increasingly connected digital world, with people and information at our fingertips, it sometimes conversely feels we are more disconnected than ever before. COVID-19 lockdowns just a few years ago only exacerbated the sense of isolation many were already feeling.
This contradiction and pervasive feeling of loneliness are such universal experiences that in 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community”; it encouraged Americans to connect deeply and intentionally with others independently and in groups, for the sake of our own health and the longevity of our communities.
Caitlyn Kneafsey (Iota Alpha, Alumnae Initiates) felt this acutely. Like many ambitious young women, she spent her first years of adulthood throwing herself fully into her academics and career, earning two undergraduate degrees – first, a Bachelor of Arts degree in visual communications from Savannah College of Art and Design and then a Bachelor of Science degree in fitness administration and management as an out-of-state, online student at the University of Minnesota Crookston while living in New Jersey. “It wasn’t until my late 20s that I started to realize how disconnected I became from my own goals and community,” she shares.
Exacerbating Caitlyn’s sense of loneliness, she had moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she currently works as an associate director of advancement and alumni services at Emory University, right before the onset of the pandemic. “I began to realize just how out of
touch I became with the world around me…[and] how difficult it had become to not only connect with people on a personal level, but on a charitable and entrepreneurial level as well,” she says. “That’s where Alpha Chi Omega came into the picture.”
Our digital world came in handy as Caitlyn scrolled TikTok during collegiate recruitment season. Though she hadn’t had access to sorority membership at either of her undergraduate institutions, Caitlyn says, “I spoke with some friends who went through [recruitment] when they were in school. To hear them discuss their lifelong friendships and the communities they were
CAITLYN KNEAFSEY
a part of made me curious if there was an option for adults outside of college.”
Caitlyn soon found that there are opportunities to join sororities as an alumna member, including Alpha Chi Omega’s National Alumna Initiate Program (NAIP). As she researched the options available to her for alumna initiation, Alpha Chi was the clear frontrunner. In her application for membership, she wrote, “Alpha Chi Omega has shown that they accept women in all walks of life and empower their members to be strong, resilient and successful. ... It would be an honor to become a member.”
The NAIP panel volunteers were impressed with Caitlyn’s application and interview, and quickly worked to get her connected to members of the Alpha Gamma Alpha alumnae chapter in Atlanta for a group sponsorship. Each woman who met Caitlyn could tell she met all of Alpha Chi Omega’s National Membership Standards and would make an exceptional sister.
After being approved for membership and participating in a new member education experience, Caitlyn initiated
SPONSOR A POTENTIAL ALUMNA MEMBER!
IS THERE A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE YOU’D LIKE TO INVITE TO OUR COMMUNITY OF SISTERS?
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SPONSOR HER FOR MEMBERSHIP!
alongside the spring 2023 new member class at Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology) collegiate chapter, joined Alpha Gamma Alpha and Rho Chi Rho (Alumnae Initiates) alumnae chapters right away, and immediately showed the same commitment to our Fraternity that she has shown to her career. “I have started to make so many new friends and even worked on the board of our alumnae chapter as secretary,” she says.
Caitlyn managed to turn a scroll on social media into real-life connections and community when she made her dream of sorority membership a reality. Alpha Chi Omega members responded in kind by welcoming her with open arms.
“One of my favorite memories is attending my first holiday party, which was really my first event at all!” Caitlyn recalls. “I was so nervous that I was going to be off to the side or not really fit in, but the women [of Alpha Gamma Alpha] made me feel right at home. It didn’t matter if we were different ages or came from different backgrounds. I instantly felt embraced, and I am so grateful for that moment of acceptance.”
An Alpha Chi Omega connection is made even more special when sisters find out they have other things in common. It turns out that the Alpha Gamma Alpha alumnae chapter president, Dr. Bridget Guernsey Riordan (Gamma Mu, Ball State University), recently retired from Emory University after 30 years of service. Though she and Caitlyn overlapped only briefly as colleagues, their new connection as sisters remains. Caitlyn shares that Bridget “always goes out of her way to reach out and check in. It makes you feel like no matter what, someone has your back.”
It’s clear that for Caitlyn, joining Alpha Chi Omega not only helped her overcome her feelings of disconnection, but also taught her a meaningful lesson about the importance of community. She says, “If the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that while we can overcome an isolating, lonely world, we shouldn’t have to.”
THEN AND NOW
Chapter and National Leadership
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.
At both the local collegiate and national levels, Alpha Chi Omega’s leadership structure and roles have grown and evolved along with the Fraternity as a whole. What worked in the organization’s earliest days is clearly not the same as what Alpha Chi Omega and our members need today – and so we developed. There’s no doubt, though, that strong leadership and a spirit of collaboration have sustained Alpha Chi Omega for nearly 140 years and will continue to do so for many years to come!
The Early Years
BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST
AT THE COLLEGIATE
CHAPTER LEVEL
While we know that Founder Estelle Leonard was elected as the first chapter president, there is little information available about other early chapter leadership positions. Alpha (DePauw University) chapter minutes from 1886 show, however, that important items found their way onto the agenda –adopting a constitution and bylaws, setting expectations for attendance at meetings, accepting Fraternity songs and assimilating new members. This small but growing membership was laying the foundation for the Fraternity’s future.
Just a few years later, in January 1891, minutes from the Alpha chapter reference the election of chapter officers, including president, vice president, corresponding secretary, treasurer, chaplain, house stewardess, Panhellenic representative and house committee members.
AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
According to the first Alpha Chi Omega history, published in 1911, the Grand Council was created in 1898 “to be the balance in the internal fraternity mechanism which has maintained a true adjustment in fraternity policies and the countless matters which must be dealt with in the two-year intervals
between conventions.” This seems to be a very formal way of saying that the Fraternity’s growth necessitated a more formalized national officer structure!
The Grand Council was originally composed of five members elected by the Grand Chapter (now known as the national convention delegates), including the grand president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and editor of The Lyre. The positions of historian and inspector were soon added. This history book also states, “Aside from performing the duties naturally incumbent upon officers of their respective titles, the Grand Officers are constantly occupied with a vast amount of committee work of various descriptions.” It sounds like the Grand Council members had plenty of responsibilities to attend to and were very hands-on in their leadership!
This example of Grand Council business from 1911 shows how involved our early leaders were with chapter business at the local level: “Recommendation that Kappa [University of Wisconsin] grant more authority to their chaperone, that they be reprimanded for their discrepancies in reports ... and that they bind their LYRE files at once.”
Today
AT THE COLLEGIATE CHAPTER LEVEL
Today, our collegiate chapter officer structure is much broader and reflective of the complexity of the collegiate experience. Chapters are led by an executive board that includes the chapter president and 14 other officers that manage distinct areas of chapter operations, each vitally important to our undergraduate members’ Alpha Chi Omega experience, including:
• Chapter relations and standards
• Finance
• Risk management
• Ritual and fraternity appreciation
• Recruitment
• New member education
• Public relations and marketing
• Membership programming
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Panhellenic relations
• Intellectual development
• Facility operations
• Philanthropy
• Recruitment information
EARLY LEADERS OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA, WHO SERVED AT VARIOUS TIMES BETWEEN 18941908; PHOTO FROM THE 18851916 HISTORY BOOK
AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
Alpha Chi Omega is now led by the six members of the National Council – the National President and five vice presidents. These visionary leaders are elected for two-year terms by the convention delegates and direct the Fraternity, carefully considering Alpha Chi Omega’s past while moving the organization forward through the creation and direction of the strategic plan. Operating under a governance model, today’s National Council members are responsible for the duty of care, duty of loyalty and fiduciary responsibility. Not surprisingly, their roles have expanded to focus on matters of overall impact to the Fraternity, with
day-to-day chapter operations guided by a strong base of local and regional volunteers with staff support.
Today’s National Council members are initiates of chapters across the country and bring their own unique backgrounds and experiences to their roles on the National Council. The leadership provided by the National Council, alongside the Foundation Board of Trustees and the National Housing Corporation Board of Directors (who are recruiting for candidates now – see page 68!), as well as the collaborative work of all our volunteers, ensures that Alpha Chi Omega continues to provide a relevant, meaningful experience to prospective and lifetime members.
THE 2024-26 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA
THE 2024 EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) EXECUTIVE BOARD
Lizabeth (Liz) Smith
Alpha Chi Omega volunteers serve in many different capacities, all of which make a difference in the lives of our sisters nationwide. Read about Liz Smith (Pi, University of California, Berkeley), a collegiate advisor with the Pi chapter and a National Panhellenic Conference RFM specialist.
WHAT DOES ALPHA CHI MEAN TO YOU?
Alpha Chi captured my heart from the first day of recruitment in 1983 and has remained there ever since. Joining Alpha Chi Omega put me on a journey that not only fulfilled my desire for meaningful friendships and leadership opportunities but also allowed me to grow personally, academically and socially. Today, Alpha Chi means more than what it has done for me and what it has brought to my life. It means everything it has done for the women I have had the pleasure to mentor and advise over decades.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED AS AN ALPHA CHI OMEGA VOLUNTEER?
The beloved Jo Sicking Hurley (Phi ’57) was my chapter advisor when I was president of Pi in 1986. Barbara Cattolica (Pi ’67) was retiring as Pi’s longstanding recruitment advisor two years after I graduated; she was a powerhouse, and every recruitment team felt lucky to have her in their corner. I jumped at the chance to be the advisor that those advisors had been to me, to be a trusted resource, a mentor, a champion for young women. And I have enjoyed doing just that for decades.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM SERVING AS A CHAPTER ADVISOR?
I have learned so much over the years – and continue to learn every day. I have learned that mentorship is needed and appreciated. Having someone to reach out who will listen, empower, collaborate, offer a resource or just cheer them on is so valuable to our young collegians.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART?
LIZ SMITH
My favorite part is working directly with young collegiate leaders. Year after year, I get to watch them grow into their roles, figure out solutions to tough issues and drive success for the chapter. I appreciate being challenged by the new thinking they bring, the new approaches to old and new problems they undertake. To get to play a part in their development and provide vital support that helps them stay resilient through the long process of planning, training and execution is one of the great joys in my life.
WHAT
ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ALUMNA WHO IS READY TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE FIRST TIME?
I would say, “Dive in!” Volunteering with Alpha Chi is so rewarding. Think about what you are passionate about, how much time you have, how you’d like to make an impact, and if you’d like to work with collegians or alumnae. You can choose a role that best suits you to start.
WHY SHOULD ALUMNAE BECOME VOLUNTEERS FOR ALPHA CHI OMEGA?
Alpha Chi Omega made my collegiate experience at UC Berkeley so much richer, so much more fulfilling. Becoming an alumna volunteer has continued to enrich my life in many ways. Getting involved as a volunteer can bring you this further enrichment as well, and introduce you to women who will make you proud to call yourself an Alpha Chi.
If learning about Liz’s experience as a volunteer inspired you to serve, log in to my.alphachiomega.org and select “Profile” and then the “Volunteer Interest” tab. Fill out your Volunteer Interest Form to get started!
Have You Considered
Board Service?
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for Alpha Chi Omega? If you are skilled at seeing the big picture and collaborating to solve complex challenges, Enterprise board service may be for you. We invite members to explore serving on an Alpha Chi Omega 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. Each year depending on terms, some of the boards request recommendations for new volunteers. While each board governs a different entity with a specific focus area, all boards share the need for strategic thinkers and visionary leaders. The following board positions are open at this time for terms beginning August 1, 2025:
• One Foundation trustee
• Up to four National Housing Corporation directors (three current directors are eligible for reappointment)
While previous volunteer experience with Alpha Chi Omega is a benefit, it is not required. Expertise from professional roles, leadership in other organizations and other personal experiences is valuable. Alpha Chi Omega needs candidates who are dedicated to the Real. Strong. Women. Experience and skilled in board governance and strategic planning. The Enterprise is seeking more alumnae members 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 their experience with prospective candidates and answer questions. Please email Erin West, executive manager, at ewest@alphachiomega.org to arrange a call with a board member.
If you know an alumna sister who can make a difference as a national board leader, please continue reading the following pages to learn about the specific duties of each board and how to submit recommendations. We also highly encourage selfrecommendations! Thank you for considering this impactful volunteer opportunity.
BOARD APPLICATION TIMELINE
February 16, 2025: Deadline to submit a recommendation for Foundation and NHC roles
March 16, 2025: Deadline to submit materials to be considered a candidate
March-May, 2025: Recommendations and candidate information reviewed; interviews held; candidates selected for the Foundation and NHC
June-July 2025: Onboarding and training
August 1, 2025: Term of service begins (3 years for Foundation, 2 years for NHC)
OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLEGIANS: NNC
Ahead on page 70, collegians will find an opportunity to apply for the National Nominating Committee (NNC). The NNC is an important national-level volunteer group, charged with identifying women to serve on the National Council. The 2024-26 NNC, elected at the last convention, is seeking one collegiate member and one alternate collegiate member to join the six alumnae currently serving.
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
March 16, 2025: Applications due March - May 2025: Applications reviewed; interviews held; candidates selected June-July 2025: Onboarding and training August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026: Term of service
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?
• Fundraising leadership
• Strategic planning
• Professional areas (academia, finance, human resources, law, sales, etc.)
• Nonprofit board governance
Do you embrace women’s empowerment, equity and inclusivity?
Are you interested in volunteering and giving back to Alpha Chi Omega?
THE
ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS LOOKING FOR YOU !
As one of the boards comprising the national leadership of Alpha Chi Omega, the Board of Trustees (BOT) is a group of alumnae focused on ensuring 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 diverse women of all ages, ethnicities, races and societal backgrounds 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 monthly 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. Diversity of board members is a key priority.
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.
NOW SEEKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
NHC Board Service
If you have been looking for a way to serve Alpha Chi Omega and believe you have the leadership and vision to shape its future, the National Housing Corporation (NHC) would love to learn more about you. The NHC Board of Directors, one of the boards that make up our sisterhood’s national leadership, seeks 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?
• Have you served on nonprofit boards and have board, organizational, policy and resource development expertise?
• Do you have an understanding of the needs of today’s collegiate members?
• Do you have the business acumen and analytical skills to think creatively and address challenges and opportunities?
• Do you generally understand nonprofit governance and believe in the fundamental partnership between board and staff?
• Do you work in the areas of real estate, property management, legal and/or finance?
• Do mission, values and policies drive you?
• Do project management, organizational behavior, legal and risk exposure fall into your wheelhouse of transferable skills?
• 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 monthly 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 contribute 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. Committing to diversity, equity and inclusion, we encourage all interested members to consider serving.
If you have the vision, skills and talent to further the NHC’s mission, submit a recommendation now!
DATES TO REMEMBER:
February 16, 2025: Recommendations due March 16, 2025: Candidate materials due
March-May 2025: Recommendations and candidate materials reviewed; candidates interviewed; board members selected
June-July 2025: Transition and onboarding
August 1, 2025: Service begins (3 years for Foundation, 2 years for NHC)
NNC Collegiate Members
As a collegiate member of Alpha Chi Omega, you have the opportunity to select the future leadership of the Fraternity by serving on the National Nominating Committee (NNC). Collegiate women bring an important perspective to the process of slating the candidates for National President and the five national vice presidents. The NNC is seeking diverse women of all ethnicities, races and backgrounds who have the passion to help shape and guide the future of Alpha Chi Omega. The NNC needs your voice to represent collegiate members nationwide!
THE NNC IS CHARGED WITH:
• Requesting nominations to serve on the National Council from the membership
• Facilitating the interview process of National Council nominees
• Evaluating women who have demonstrated the vision, skills and dedication to be elected leaders of the Fraternity
• Creating and presenting to the convention body a slate of candidates to serve on the National Council
The work of the 2024-26 NNC will culminate in summer 2026 when the slate of candidates is presented to the 2026 convention delegates for election to the National Council.
HOW ARE NNC COLLEGIATE CANDIDATES CHOSEN?
In accordance with Fraternity policies, five NNC alumnae members and one alumna alternate were elected by the 2024 convention voting delegates. During the first year of their term, these six alumnae select one collegiate member and one alternate collegiate member to serve on the 2024-26 NNC. Students serve on the NNC for a one-year term beginning August 1, 2025.
Qualified applicants should be:
Scan the QR code to apply by March 16 or visit the Volunteer Opportunities page on the Alpha Chi Omega website to access the application.
• Alpha Chi Omega collegiate members (at the time of application) who remain in good standing for the duration of their term
• Knowledgeable about important issues of the Fraternity and/or campus culture
• Able to participate in all NNC conference calls and one in-person meeting
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality about prospective nominees and the deliberations of the committee applications
Individuals interested in applying should complete the online application available in early January on www.alphachiomega.org/volunteeropportunities. Please submit your application via online form no later than March 16, 2025.
Questions? Contact Mary Kacmarcik Baker, Ed.D. (Delta Mu, University of Massachusetts), chair of the National Nominating Committee, at nncaxo@gmail.com.
Note that applicants do not need to be nominated in order to apply. All qualified collegians are encouraged to apply.
1 EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY)
Sisters prepare to welcome their new class of sisters when recruitment wraps up.
2 GAMMA XI (WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY)
There’s always time for a photo during pre-recruitment week!
3 THETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA)
Sisters work hard during recruitment but always make time for fun.
4 KAPPA OMICRON (HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY)
Sisters take a minute for a picture in front of their chapter facility before recruitment starts!
5 GAMMA UPSILON (UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON)
Members of Gamma Upsilon eagerly await the arrival of their new sisters on Bid Day.
6 EPSILON KAPPA (CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON)
The Epsilon Kappa chapter enjoyed a Camp AXO themed Bid Day!
7 EPSILON CHI (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL)
Let’s celebrate! These sisters couldn’t wait to welcome their new members home.
8 EPSILON ETA (STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY)
Sisterhood was in full bloom at the Epsilon Eta chapter’s Bid Day.
Members celebrate Bid Day with a My My Miss American Alpha Chi theme.
10
Omicron chapter delivered during recruitment, welcoming home new sisters!
11
There’s nothing quite like Bid Day hugs!
12
Sisters take a photo with one of Beta Eta’s newest members!
9 EPSILON LAMBDA (THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON)
OMICRON (BAKER UNIVERSITY)
ALPHA BETA (PURDUE UNIVERSITY)
BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY)
Sisters raised AXΩ letters high to share their excitement on Bid Day.
These Alpha Chi Omega sisters had the berry best Bid Day!
15 DELTA NU (IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY)
New members were feeling all the love during Bid Day.
16
Kappa Chi members had a picture-perfect Bid Day.
13 SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA)
14 LAMBDA NU (NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY)
KAPPA CHI (FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY)
ALUMNAE NOTES
1 KAPPA UPSILON KAPPA (MID-MISSOURI)
Sisters enjoyed a beautiful summer day and time together.
2 OMICRON PHI OMICRON (ZETA PI ALUMNAE)
Sisters hosted a Rushing Our Seniors happy hour, where they invited Zeta Pi (Arizona State University) seniors to introduce them to what life as an alumna is like.
3 GAMMA PSI GAMMA (SACRAMENTO, CA)
Members and family gathered for a BBQ full of fun and sisterhood!
4 IOTA UPSILON IOTA (WILLIAMSBURG, VA) AND ZETA PHI ZETA (RICHMOND, VA)
Sisters from both alumnae chapters and their province alumnae chair, Heather Childers Racer (Gamma Omicron, Marshall University), enjoyed a trip to the New Kent Winery in Virginia.
5 GAMMA THETA GAMMA (LOS ANGELES, CA)
The alumnae chapter welcomed Debbie Perry into the bond at her Alumna Initiation Ceremony in September. Welcome to Alpha Chi Omega!
6 SIGMA SIGMA (ST. LOUIS, MO)
More than 50 sisters gathered for the Fall Sigma Sigma Night, where they celebrated the national awards the chapter has received since 2006.
7 GAMMA ETA GAMMA (EUGENE, OR)
To kick off the programming year, chapter members enjoyed a production of The Mousetrap at the Very Little Theatre, followed by dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
8 ZETA IOTA ZETA (CHARLOTTE, NC)
Members kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month by attending Safe Alliance’s Breakfast of Hope fundraiser, which raised more than $300,000 to support the organization.
9 TAU UPSILON TAU (ALPHA PSI ALUMNAE)
Tau Upsilon Tau meets mostly virtually, so it was a joy for co-president Karen Lynch and VP Communications Kyra McCullough to meet in person at the Rose Bowl.
10 MU MU (KANSAS CITY, MO)
Mu Mu’s 19th annual Silence the Violence event was a massive success, raising more than $30,000 and seeing more than 100 sisters, family and friends enjoy the evening at the Silo restaurant at Canyon Farms Golf Club.
11 BETA OMEGA BETA (PHOENIX, AZ)
During its Founders’ Day Luncheon, the alumnae chapter recognized several membership milestones, including 75 years of sisterhood for Annabel Allen (Alpha Beta, Purdue University).
12 ALPHA EPSILON ALPHA (WASHINGTON,
DC)
To celebrate Alpha Epsilon Alpha’s 90th anniversary, chapter members gathered at the student union building of the University of Maryland, welcoming their collegiate sisters from the Gamma Theta chapter as well.
13
Our two Cleveland alumnae chapters met up to celebrate Founders’ Day.
14
Sisters gathered back in April for a Women & Wisdom event in St. Louis, Missouri.
15 EPSILON ZETA (AUBURN UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE
Fourteen sisters traveled in from five states for a weekend on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where they enjoyed shopping, high tea, carriage rides, bicycling and plenty of sisterhood time.
16
These Delta Psi sisters from the 1979-83 member classes reunited back at campus, including a sleepover at the chapter facility!
GAMMA OMICRON GAMMA (EAST CLEVELAND, OH) AND ALPHA NU ALPHA (WEST CLEVELAND, OH)
ALUMNAE IN ST. LOUIS, MO
DELTA PSI (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA) ALUMNAE
17 MEDICAL STUDENT SISTERS
Malena Long (left, Alpha Upsilon, University of Alabama) and Lily Wilson (right, Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University) are first-year medical students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine. They were delighted to learn that they are both Alpha Chis when matched for a case presentation.
18 DELTA KAPPA (SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE
This summer, these Delta Kappa alumnae met up in Wimberly, Texas for their annual reunion.
19 MU (SIMPSON COLLEGE) ALUMNAE
Alumnae shared their Alpha Chi pride at Simpson College’s homecoming this fall.
20 ALPHA ETA (UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION) ALUMNA AND COLLEGIANS
Victoria Byler, a licensed trauma therapist and founder/ owner of Revive Counseling LLC, returned to her chapter to give a presentation on normalizing mental health discussions, practicing mindfulness and seeking support. Victoria shared, “It’s a privilege to be able to give back to the community that shaped me and to help others achieve their goals and seek the heights.”
In Memoriam
Reported to headquarters between August 1 and October 31, 2024
Name, Initiation Year, Month and Year of Death
Alpha (DePauw University)
Margaret Ackels Crawford, 1927, August 1999
Anne Harvey Dabbs, 1948, January 2022
Marian Miner Moore, 1947, September 2024
Judith Gibson Stone, 1951, January 2024
Gamma (Northwestern University)
Edith Cecilia McDonald, 1945, September 2024
Marilyn Ross Thomas, 1950, June 2005
Delta (Allegheny College)
Helen Davis Towns, 1917, September 1992
Epsilon (University of Southern California)
Jean Atherton Rogers, 1968, July 2024
Eta (Bucknell University)
Allison Lawrence Grimm, 1987, November 2022
Barbara Jaffee Horner, 1956, August 2023
Joan Carter Medlin, 1948, September 2024
Meridel Berola Wesely, 1963, May 2024
Louise Powell Whitney, 1965, March 2022
Theta (University of Michigan)
Suzanne Rhoads Cross, 1944, August 2024
Florence Gates Rickard, 1939, October 2024
Kappa (University of Wisconsin)
Joyce Campbell Beals, 1949, October 2024
Lois Johnson Held, 1953, February 2023
Phyllis Mark Mott, 1958, September 2024
Sara Sinaiko, 1971, August 2024
Nu (University of Colorado Boulder)
Carolyn Cahal Holder, 1960, August 2024
Lois Nelson Kellogg, 1940, February 2009
Anne McLean Springer, 1938, April 1989
Julia Jones Thomas, 1943, November 2006
Xi (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)
Kathryn Louise Patton, 1940, December 1998
Pi (University of California, Berkeley)
Nanci Getschine Lewis, 1954, March 2022
Rho (University of Washington)
Caroline Ahrens Belch, 1935, December 2011
Virginia Kirby Bergstrom, 1933, November 2012
Elizabeth Boone Bonvillian, 1938, July 2019
G. Marilyn Ives Breindl, 1950, January 2018
Zoe Sitton Carlile, 1944, August 2018
Mary Mercer Castellini, 1943, July 2020
Jean Elizabeth Chaloupka Carter, 1930, January 1978
Helen Argenti Christian, 1949, July 2019
Nora Doe Clark, 1944, April 2009
Ellen Ingram Clausen, 1939, September 2000
Marguerite Tannler Cogswell, 1942, May 2002
Muriel Nattrass Davis, 1943, June 1977
Madora Hicks Doherty, 1938, October 1988
Virginia Hess Eisenlohr, 1944, March 2006
Lynne Watson Erickson, 1953, October 2014
Ruth Lauber Fearon, 1942, October 2013
Martha Sweazey Gaby, 1944, March 2017
Patricia Huber Galvin, 1936, July 2019
Barbara Field Gordon, 1947, May 2014
Patricia Aiken Haynes, 1943, April 2014
Nancy Delzer Hevly, 1950, March 2022
Katherine McKean Hoagland, 1939, June 2017
Virginia Helen Hulse, 1936, May 1989
Elsie Huskinson Istas, 1947, December 1997
V McGillicuddy Johnson, 1939, July 2015
Doreen Lidgate, 1943, April 2019
Mary Murray Lund, 1936, November 1986
Jolene Leggatt Mathews, 1943, December 2001
S Hoge McGough, 1934, December 2009
Emma Ness McGoun, 1940, May 1983
Doralee Heady Morgan, 1948, April 2012
Patricia Sweazey Nelson, 1945, October 2023
Jeanne Heffernan Noftsger, 1943, November 2000
Dorothy Kinney Pennington-Medina, 1942, December 2000
Elinor Reid Reilly, 1937, March 2005
Virginia Lyon Riva, 1948, September 2019
Shirley Flint Sells, 1948, February 2020
Harriett Dustin Sierer, 1940, October 2018
Helen Cameron Simpson, 1943, November 2015
Joan Morse Sprake, 1948, September 2015
Virginia Oass Steffensen, 1944, November 2018
Marilyn Crothers Swanson, 1949, June 2017
Janet Swanson Tehan, 1949, July 2021
Betty Rogstad Thornhill, 1948, January 2009
Georgia Bigelow Thwing, 1952, November 2001
Maywood Mitchell Tyrell, 1940, November 1999
Sally Meyers Ursic, 1946, November 2018
Betty Stambaugh Wallsten, 1949, September 2006
Janice Trosper Wendler, 1944, October 2004
Sigma (University of Iowa)
Patricia Mary Brandt, 1953, October 2024
Upsilon (Millikin University)
Beverly Angell Harper, 1948, December 2014
Cleo Ward Jones, 1958, September 2024
Kimberly Kay Walden, 1991, September 2024
Phi (University of Kansas)
Cynthia Ann Clifton, 1960, October 2024
Anne Elizabeth Hall, 2001, September 2024
Chi (Oregon State University)
Joan Dietz Cline, 1974, September 2024
Alice K. Daley, 1929, May 2005
Gretchen Hohn Olson, 1967, November 2023
Psi (The University of Oklahoma)
Grace Ward Boulton, 1947, February 2024
Jean Yarborough Hartsuck, 1958, August 2024
Margaret Flood Moore, 1943, August 2024
Shirley Kramer Schuessler, 1957, August 2024
Omega (Washington State University)
Elva C. Bond, 1938, March 2002
Pamela Dodd Corpman, 1964, November 2022
Catherine Lohrenz Desmeth, 1936, August 1995
Eileen Mae Fairchild, 1932, December 1995
Alice Margaret Lemon, 1937, December 1995
June Gallaher McKellar, 1951, December 2022
Loyce Haden Piercey, 1937, December 2014
Doris D. Rosenkranz, 1937, January 2009
Christine Adelman, Stratton, 1967, June 2024
Margaret Hayne Vander Stoep, 1944, May 2022
Alpha Beta (Purdue University)
Sally Hicks Combs, 1950, January 2022
Virginia Royce Richardson, 1938, May 2005
Ellen Klinstiver Seabrook, 1971, August 2024
Alpha Gamma (The University of New Mexico)
Janet Ruth C’ De Baca, 1977, August 2023
Alpha Delta (University of Cincinnati)
Carol Heepke Allgood, 1945, April 2019
Marjorie Mathews Dale, 1932, March 1997
Elizabeth Ann Reichle Lieder, 1950, October 2024
Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union)
Nancy Freshwater Aldridge, 1934, January 2010
Goldie Lasse Art, 1933, April 2010
Claudia Ferguson Ashelman, 1939, August 2016
Dorothy Cheney Benjamin, 1942, October 2005
Gwendolyn Hufler Clevenger, 1931, March 2009
Louise Schmittle Dew, 1939, September 2003
Frances Farwick Engelberg, 1934, July 2012
Mary Scofield Fischer, 1941, April 2011
Gwynne Williams Galpin, 1943, May 2014
Thelma Shultz Greiner, 1938, May 2020
Alice Mae Tarvin Holder, 1943, May 2016
Laverne Withers Hughes, 1935, May 2006
Betty Lynn Jones, 1940, February 2015
Evelyn German Jones, 1938, October 2023
Alice Dulabahn Kellogg , 1941, March 2016
Jean Newton King, 1941, May 1997
Eleanor Schneider Lukes, 1940, November 2002
Evelyn Mae MacBurney, 1941, May 2009
Miriam Brooks Manfull, 1943, February 2005
Martha Sheatsley Moench, 1935, January 2003
Margaret Treiber Reed, 1935, January 2008
Ethel Wilcoxon Shilliday, 1942, May 2015
Mary Lou Schmutzler Shollenberger, 1949, October 2024
Florence McEwan Sieg, 1941, June 2008
Alice Williams Stimmel, 1939, September 2001
Diane Nock Syfer, 1959, August 2024
Inabel Mayhew Walvoord, 1941, June 1996
Marion Spanagel Webb, 1928, March 2002
Alpha Lambda (University of Minnesota)
Nancy Christiansen Jensen, 1954, March 2024
Marjorie Gustafson Rupp, 1949, September 2024
Alpha Mu (Indiana University)
Marilyn Robinson Gallagher, 1946, December 2016
Alma Freyn Lathem, 1940, September 2024
Frances Shropshire Pyle, 1939, May 2013
MJ Gavin Schenck, 1950, September 2023
Alpha Nu (University of Missouri)
Gale Seaman Richards, 1961, January 2023
Alpha Xi (University of Montana)
Helen Hales Elliott, 1947, September 2024
Joan Louise Wyant, 1947, October 2024
Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University)
Martha Ann Gessner, 1946, September 2024
Margaret Lynn Koegle, 1949, August 2024
Alpha Rho (University of Idaho)
Fleta Williams Adams, 1945, April 2016
Shirley Ball Ambrose, 1949, October 2020
Theodora Zilka Anderson, 1936, February 2002
Betty Farrens Barnhill, 1943, February 2001
Margaret Weber Baumgartner, 1947, July 2024
Phyllis Hines Billing, 1943, December 1994
Mary Harding Blanton, 1950, September 2022
Dorothy Louise Blocher, 1952, February 2005
Margaret Tomlinson Borresen, 1941, June 2012
Inez Brown, 1938, June 1991
Pearl Sloan Bullock, 1939, June 2009
Viola Dissault Bullock, 1924, December 1998
Frieda Downing Burden, 1947, June 2008
Sara Landers Burgess, 1952, April 2023
Lois Lipps Carpenter, 1936, February 2000
Mary Lyons Chenoweth, 1949, November 1993
Dorothy Bennett Cochran, 1937, March 2018
Marjorie Kerby Cojerean, 1948, August 2020
Dona Harding Colley, 1944, August 2016
Aurrel Laxton Coughlan, 1929, November 2001
Helen Cray, 1929, June 1972
Inez Equals Davis, 1933, November 2005
Emmalyn Ball Degen, 1947, September 2017
Virginia Weber Demond, 1943, November 2016
Ruth Howard Doane, 1939, January 2012
Joyce Cooke Evans, 1945, February 2023
Marjorie Dempsey Fitch, 1936, January 2014
Bette French, 1942, May 2001
Jean Miller Gaille, 1944, July 2012
Marian Elizabeth Greenberg, 1943, February 1985
Joan Greif Hagedorn, 1946, April 2009
Doris Norell Hale, 1931, September 2005
Kristin May Harris, 1984, August 1990
Elizabeth Hale Hindman, 1940, January 1996
Elizabeth Simpson Hoye, 1944, July 2017
Audrey Oberg Hunter, 1937, July 1996
Rosemarie Jager Iverson, 1950, March 2019
Geraldine Fritzley Jones, 1951, July 2000
Barbara Smith Josephson, 1943, December 2021
Eileen Thomson Kaufman, 1948, March 2014
Grace Jones Keegan, 1945, September 2004
Edith Seyfert Kinucan, 1948, October 2008
Martha Tucker Kuykendall, 1945, October 2019
Kathryn Weber Law, 1946, October 2015
Catherine Church Luscher, 1950, December 2017
Mary Updike Lyman, 1925, January 1985
Alberta Spencer McCaffrey, 1943, October 1985
Beverly Kennedy McCarter, 1944, March 2019
Miriam Hansen McNair, 1944, June 2016
Mildred McNichols, 1924, June 1995
Maxine Merrill McNutt, 1940, February 2009
Geraldine Langer Meeks, 1933, November 2009
Iona Penwell Mickey, 1924, January 1996
Anna Handel Miller, 1947, September 2014
Bonnie Schwendiman Mortensen, 1946, November 2013
Barbara Greene Mossman, 1951, February 2018
Helen Munea, 1926, February 1989
Eileen Mae Nelson, 1947, April 2005
Betty Pyles Nesby, 1947, October 2019
Verda Mylander Newell, 1947, September 2024
Geraldine Elder Nyman, 1940, December 2011
Doris O’Connell, 1943, February 1997
Lauretta Gibbs O’Shea, 1941, August 2009
Bettilou Field Pierce, 1952, April 2011
Doris Anderson Ransom, 1948, February 2004
Virginia Allyn Rice, 1939, August 2011
Inez Sherwood Robertson, 1930, June 1994
Margaret Eke Robinette, 1947, April 2009
Helen Hillman Smith, 1940, July 1999
DO YOU HAVE AN ALPHA CHI OMEGA MEMBER TO REPORT AS DECEASED?
EMAIL EDITOR@ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG WITH HER NAME, CHAPTER AND DATE OF DEATH, ALONG WITH A COPY OF THE OBITUARY IF AVAILABLE.
HEADQUARTERS WILL UPDATE OUR DATABASE AND INCLUDE HER NAME IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE.
Marion Harding Smith, 1950, August 2013
Betty Goodwin Spencer, 1933, July 1996
Geneal Copper Stearns, 1945, October 2015
Dorothy Varner Sullivan, 1942, June 1996
Sylvia Holte Thompson, 1937, February 2010
Shirley Gustafson Thorpe, 1945, November 2022
Margaret Norris Thorson, 1946, June 2009
Carol Rounds Toevs, 1949, November 2022
Marilyn Daigh Toevs, 1945, June 1999
Shirley Couper Torkelson, 1943, April 2020
Norma Kathleen Tovey, 1949, October 2002
Bernadean Reese Tudder, 1948, November 2007
Marjorie Moline Waller, 1950, June 2017
Lois Fredrickson Warner, 1929, March 1970
Irene Glahe Wellman, 1941, February 1985
L Williams Weza, 1948, August 2013
Gail Tracie Williams, 1956, September 2024
Dorothy Benson Zimmerman, 1947, December 2009
Alpha Sigma (Ohio Wesleyan University)
Helen Allison, 1926, March 1999
Lenora Bartlett, 1931, September 1991
Anna Jenkins Bell, 1932, November 1992
Mary Hunter Bontley, 1936, July 2016
Marjorie Smith Brown, 1929, March 2010
Mary Wilt Clark, 1933, April 2008
Gloria Webb Davis, 1954, April 2024
Barbara Light Edridge, 1938, January 2005
Grace Weatherby Evans, 1931, August 1995
Pauline Wild Freed, 1931, February 1991
Mary Handshy Gorman, 1934, April 2002
Jane Lee B. Goshorn, 1937, March 2000
Marjorie E Hawk, 1930, August 1991
Margaret Beamer Hazzard, 1932, May 1977
Trudi Egan Hendricks, 1964, May 2020
Dorotha Cruikshank Hipkins, 1924, May 1983
R Horton, 1931, June 1981
Gladys Price Howe, 1926, October 1998
Ruth King Hoyt, 1935, June 2008
Neva Lucas Humphreys, 1935, September 2012
Ruth Hessler Jack, 1946, November 2023
Phyllis Walter Jeffers, 1936, October 2009
Martha L Kerr, 1938, March 1991
Evelyn Payne Kidd, 1936, April 2007
Annette Lewis Lawson, 1931, April 2010
Ruth Hedge Layton, 1936, June 1993
Ann-Elizabeth McClelland Lee, 1937, August 2006
Muriel Morris Lewis, 1931, April 1992
Elizabeth Baker Lombard, 1931, April 2007
Ruth Louise McKay, 1931, May 2007
Priscilla Bacon Millhiser, 1931, March 2008
Lois Devendorf Pearse, 1937, July 1994
Dorothy Hess Pflug, 1931, May 1967
Florence Pritchard, 1935, January 1938
Miriam Curtis Rinderle, 1933, September 2008
Geraldine Shaw Rowan, 1924, June 1994
Charlet Cellars Snell, 1928, October 2004
Marian Elizabeth Spring, 1935, February 2008
Jean St Lawrence, 1932, August 2004
Ethel Casner Taylor, 1924, July 1995
Barbara Evans Thayer, 1937, September 1976
Mary Sandmeyer Thoman, 1934, September 1983
Juanita Amyx Thomas, 1938, December 1993
Jane Nicholson Tod, 1929, August 2009
Betty Thompson Wagner, 1935, April 1999
Pauline Werner Wasson, 1929, September 1968
Gladys Jenkins Wheeldon, 1930, January 2007
Kara Alkire Wilkinson, 1955, June 2024
Audrey Stater Williams, 1934, August 2005
Charlotte Brown Williamson, 1936, January 2010
Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama)
Judith Liles Hart, 1966, May 2022
Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin)
Sue Brooks Baxter, 1960, July 2017
Cathy Foster Burch, 1985, July 2024
Mary Elizabeth Daily, 1949, November 2017
Margaret Frances Goldau, 1966, September 2024
Mary Boggs Greenlaw, 1963, May 2024
Coleen Raley Heath, 1946, June 2019
Carolyn King Waller, 1953, October 2024
Jean Langston Wells, 1930, August 2008
Alpha Chi (Butler University)
Karen Sargent Lang, 1980, July 2024
Margaret Orner Milhon, 1949, July 2017
Alpha Psi (UCLA)
Patricia Farley Morris, 1953, August 2024
Beta Gamma (Louisiana State University)
Barbara Bruchhaus Purdy, 1955, May 2019
Beta Delta (College of William & Mary)
Betty Chesson Morton, 1956, August 2024
Gwendolyn Batten Perkins, 1950, August 2024
Virginia Weston Slaughter, 1945, October 2024
Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University)
Marjorie Pattee Athey, 1957, February 2021
Alice Jean Galinski,1960, September 2024
Josephine Johnson Underdown-Bartz, 1932, January 2000
Beta Zeta (Whitman College)
Anita Pinkerton Belcher, 1956, October 2023
Nina Rippe Guenther, 1951, July 2024
Macile Sutliff Powers, 1938, January 2009
Audrey J. St Mitchell, 1931, November 1992
Edna Lind Story, 1931, September 1986
Wilma Morton Turner, 1935, March 1995
Beta Kappa (University of Wyoming)
Wilma Wadsworth Halterman, 1957, August 2021
Beta Lambda (University of Arizona)
Audrey Luann Dufford, 1933, January 1985
Kimberly Klesner Riley, 1991, March 2020
Beta Nu (University of Utah)
Darl Frederickson Hilton, 1956, September 2024
Tonia Stallings Jensen, 1955, August 2024
Beta Xi (Utah State University)
Afton Packard Doud, 1937, July 1998
Gloria Evans Murray, 1947, June 2024
Geniel Andersen Pond, 1958, August 2024
Lucille Taylor Wennegren, 1949, August 2024
Beta Rho (American University)
Maryanne Reisinger Probus, 1948, December 2020
Beta Sigma (University of Georgia)
Sara Proffitt Masters, 1946, August 2024
Beta Tau (Miami University)
Anne Ferguson Davin, 1948, August 2024
Alice Fair Loughead, 1951, July 2024
Karen Kieldsen Watson, 1960, August 2024
Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University)
Donna Wilson Porter, 1947, July 2024
Beta Chi (Willamette University)
Cherie Raines Bonesteele, 1947, August 2023
Beta Omega (The University of Toledo)
Elaine Buffington Braun, 1960, November 2022
Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University)
Elizabeth Gibbons Cummins, 1971, January 2024
Ann Leighty Lehew, 1951, August 2024
Helen Louise Shields, 1955, September 2024
Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University)
Barbara Ann Allison, 1963, October 2024
Ramona Sue Perkins, 1955, October 2024
Gamma Theta (University of Maryland)
Jane Blunt McGrath Collins, 1949, September 2024
Carole Lee Windham, 1958, April 2024
Gamma Kappa (Idaho State University)
Mary Perkins Walker, 1950, October 2008
Gamma Lambda (Kent State University)
Gail Rybold Allison, 1955, May 2024
Carol Moeller Holland, 1950, October 2024
Gamma Mu (Ball State University)
Virginia Ruble Bowers, 1950, August 1994
Joanne Reed Davis, 1950, December 2015
Gamma Nu (San Diego State University)
Patricia Whelan Akin, 1952, May 2023
Barbara Ann Cofer-Stoefen, 1972, April 2024
Gamma Xi (Western Michigan University)
Susan Walinske Reller, 1984, August 2024
Gamma Pi (University of Tampa)
Joyce Elaine Corbett, 1964, October 2024
Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University)
Tommy Brantley Palmer, 1955, September 2024
Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston)
Jane Redmond Bass, 1966, April 2024
Marilyn Holub Goolsby, 1961, July 2024
Gamma Psi (Wichita State University)
Linda McFarland Mitts, 1960, July 2022
Delta Epsilon (Southeast Missouri State University)
Judy Jett Duncan, 1963, September 2024
Delta Zeta (Central Michigan University)
Christina Irwin Krupka, 1981, July 2024
Delta Kappa (Sam Houston State University)
Annabeth Purdy Mann, 1959, September 2024
Delta Nu (Iowa State University)
Barbara Hahn Wood, 1962, September 2024
Delta Xi (Denison University)
Linda Koerner Woodworth, 1967, July 2023
Delta Rho (University of Arkansas)
Ann Sly Porter, 1968, October 2022
Epsilon Zeta (Auburn University)
Shirley Reese Crawford, 1974, July 2024
Patricia Parrish Stutts, 1971, September 2024
Epsilon Eta (Stephen F. Austin State University)
Charlotte Watts Eddleman, 1967, September 2024
Zeta Eta (Bradley University)
Imelda Corral, October 2008
Zeta Rho (Northwood University)
Tamela Jane Savage, 1983, August 2024
Theta Lambda (Clemson University)
Christa Nicole Bauer, 2004, October 2024
Iota Alpha (Alumnae Initiates)
Claire Baggesen, 2020, September 2023
#AXOThankful
During the season of thankfulness, we asked our sisters on social media what they were #AXOThankful for. We’re wishing you notes of happiness, joy and peace this season!
“The chance to be VP PRM for Lambda Pi”
- KAITLYN FRISK
(LAMBDA PI, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI)
“I was thankful and honored my Zeta Eta sisters welcomed my baking talents with pref desserts and initiation celebration cakes”
- VALERY MILLER GALLAGHER (ZETA ETA, BRADLEY UNIVERSITY)
“This amazing sisterhood!”
- ERICA JOHNSON (EPSILON THETA, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO)
“My sisters for encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone to try new things”
- ALEX DANZ
(THETA SIGMA, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA)
“The leadership opportunities and sisterhood I’ve received from Alpha Chi”
- JILL TANORI
(ALPHA GAMMA, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO)
“Thankful for the Alpha Chi Omega chapter consultants team!”
- KATHRYN EDWARDS (KAPPA CHI, FLORIDA
GULF COAST UNIVERSITY)
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.
The Impact of Your Gifts
When you join the Life Loyal Roll, you’ll support the Foundation’s mission to enhance the lifetime experiences of our members – and dream big about the future of Fraternity programming.
Through your gifts at the Life Loyal Roll level, you’ll make a lasting impact on the future of Alpha Chi Omega and in the lives of our sisters. Transformational programs and experiences that make up the Real. Strong. Women. Experience help our members gain life skills like confidence and leadership ability, self-awareness and interpersonal relationship skills, and comfort with vulnerability and bridging difficult topics.
Only with support from donors will Alpha Chi Omega continue to:
• Promote mental well-being for our sisters through programs that facilitate authentic conversations about mental health
• Empower our members to build healthy relationships through programming like Let’s Talk Love while increasing awareness of domestic violence
• Create communities of support where sisters encourage sisters to discover their most genuine selves through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING A GIFT TO THE FOUNDATION AT THE LIFE LOYAL ROLL LEVEL!
alphachiomega.org
