From collection The Lyre Collection
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results in pages
Metadata
Volume:
127
Number:
3
Date/Date Range:
03/00/2025
Era:
2020s
21st Century
Language:
English
Publication Type:
The Lyre
Reference Date:
00/00/2025
The Lyre of Alpha Chi Omega, Vol. 127, Issue 3, Spring 2025
THE
THE
REACH FOR
YOUR GOALS
ISSUE
lyre
Introducing the
PICTONA
Foundation's
ACHOLLY HILL
Growing Our
Circle Initiative
Announcing
the Collegiate
Chapter Award
Winners
Herreras
hite house
PICKLEBALL CHAMPION, INSTRUCTOR AND ADVOCATE
Alpha Chi Omega
SPRING 2025
REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.
VOLUME 127. ISSUE 3.
Reaching for Goals,
National President Style, 1975
BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER
UNIVERSITY)
A
dele Fieve Drew (Alpha Lambda, University
of Minnesota) served as National President
from 1970-76, a time of rapid change and busy
but rewarding days for Alpha Chi Omega volunteers.
Adele attempted to demystify the National President
position in a column in the spring 1975 issue of The
Lyre entitled "The National President? What Does She
Do All Day? A Day in the Life of
"
And what a day it was! From a 5:30 a.m. delivery to
THE 1974-76 NATIONAL
an 11:15 p.m. phone call, Adele's day was full of phone
COUNCIL; ADELE DREW IS
conversations, responding to mail, listening, planning,
THIRD FROM LEFT
advising and more. During this particular day:
THE DRESS WORN BY ADELE
Adele carved out time to support volunteer efforts.
IN THE PHOTO ABOVE, ON
DISPLAY AT THE 2024 NATIONAL
CONVENTION
7:30 A.M.
Call from an officer who had forgotten all
about the different time zones. She was
most entbusiastic about her idea.
Adele faced challenging circumstances with resolve.
She took a moment to appreciate the good things
happening in Alpha Chi Omega.
2:00-4:00 P.M.
The financial reports received are
responsible for over an hour at the adding
11:20 A.M.
Conference with the lady responsible for
machine in an effort to see how it is
the installation of our newest chapter:
possible to continue our services in these
always a special thrill.
days of rising costs without raising dues
and fees. It does not look possible.
There was time to bond with the postal carrier (no
email yet, so loads of mail, it seems)!
And, at the end of the day, she expressed gratitude.
2:00 P.M.
My friendly mailman comes to the door
11:45 P.M.
Unable to sleep, reflect that this must, this
as there is far too much for the mailbox to
MUST be the most rewarding possible
hold. He makes little jokes about persons
kind of volunteer work!
who do not use enough postage.
Clearly Adele relished her role as National President
and the goals she - and Alpha Chi Omega - were
energetically reaching for each day with a
combination of grace, humor, persistence and
FIND MORE UNTOLD STORIES ON THE
resilience.
ALPHA CHI OMEGA HISTORY WEBSITE. VISIT:
ALPHACHIOMEGA.HISTORYIT.COM
SPRING 2025 | VOLUME 127: ISSUE 3 | THE REACH FOR YOUR GOALS ISSUE
REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.
IN THIS ISSUE
2
LETTERS AND LYRES
5
CORNER OFFICE
6
PERSPECTIVES
8
AXQ NEWS
12
AWARDS
Celebrate collegiate chapter award
winners who were recognized at
Leadership Academy
16
FOUNDATION
SELKIRK
The Growing Our Circle initiative
20
HOUSING
24
COLLEGIATE CORNER
26
ON CAMPUS
31
LIFE
Introducing our Women's
Wellness Series
37
CAREER OUTLOOK
48
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
50
ALUMNA INITIATE
SPOTLIGHT
Growing our sisterhood through
alumnae chapter sponsorship
54
ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNA
41
56
ARCHIVES
Sylvia Herreras Whitehouse (Epsilon Kappa, California State
58
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
University, Fullerton) wasn't a college athlete, and she only
59
INDUSTRY INFO
picked up a pickleball paddle 10 years ago. Now she's collecting
medal after medal at the senior level of the nation's top
60
BUSINESS
pickleball championships! If you've been interested in taking up
62
AXO CONNECTION AND
the sport, Sylvia has some tips to get started!
IN MEMORIAM
THE LYRE
1
EDITOR'S DESK
Reach
Contributors
for Your
KELLY BECK
Goals
ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA SORORITY
Kelly is the 2023-25 chair of the National Panhellenic
Conference (NPC) and previously served as national
S editor of The Lyre, I have the privilege
president of Alpha Sigma Alpha. In the spirit of
A
of talking to dozens of women each
promoting the sorority experience, we share her recent
year about their passions, dreams and
announcement of NPC's updated vision, mission and
accomplishments. As we discuss their goals - the
values on page 59.
ones they are pursuing and the ones they've
achieved - I often find myself asking if they are
SALLY CUTLER
doing what they thought they would be. And
ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY)
almost always, the answer is a
Sally worked as the Alpha Chi Omega headquarters
resounding "No way!"
historian and archivist from 2022-25. She continues to
share her love of Alpha Chi history in this issue with
Alpha Chi Omegas are lifelong
articles on the inside of the front cover and on page 56.
learners, committed to living
and growing as their most
authentic selves. So when an
experience, person or piece
of information shows them
a new path, they allow their goals to evolve.
Refocusing and refining, they build upon the
lessons they've learned so far, seek support along
the way and continue on their redrawn path to
seek new heights.
Each of us is reaching for a goal, whether that's
personal, professional, communal or otherwise.
And while our goals may be unique, we all share
one thing in common: a sisterhood that believes
in us and encourages us to pursue our passions
and better ourselves along the way.
LYRE SPOTTING
Loyally,
Iota Upsilon Iota (Williamsburg, Virginia) members
celebrated the chapter's 26th anniversary in January and
Lauren Filippini
brought along The Lyre!
Alpha Chi (Butler University)
Marketing and Communications Manager
SEEKING YOUR STORIES
Editor, The Lyre
Alpha Chi Omega wants to know what kind of stories you
are interested in reading about in The Lyre. Let us know
P.S. I can't get away with not sharing my current
what you want to see - or share your personal story or the
goal: more connection time, less phone time.
name of a sister seeking the heights - by emailing
Let's get to know each other!
editor@alphachiomega.org
2
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
ELLE ROTTER
JESSICA VELTE
ALPHA CHI (BUTLER
GAMMA IOTA (UNIVERSITY OF
Alpha Chi Omega
UNIVERSITY)
FLORIDA)
National President
Elle is a sophomore studying
Jessica is a first-year Ph.D. student
Jennifer Daurora
journalism and strategic
in plant pathology, focusing on
communication with the hopes of
phytobacteriology, the effects of the
National Vice Presidents
becoming a writer for a newspaper in
microbiome on plant health and
Leslie Abramsky Block
Kristin Miller Edwards
Indianapolis or St. Louis. She enjoys
disease management using biological
Dr. Cassie Gerhardt
reading, crocheting and spending
controls. She seeks to make an impact
Dr. Jennifer Wilhoit Lane
time with her sorority sisters, friends
in the health and sustainability of
Kelli Rodriguez
and family. Read her article about
agriculture. She writes about how her
Chief Executive Officer
chapters' philanthropic and service
Gamma Iota sister has impacted her
Katie Lampinen Gaffin
initiatives, found on page 28.
journey on page 6.
Senior Director of Education and
Engagement
TAYLOR SAWYER
TRICIA WIESE
Amy Colvin Mustafa
GAMMA IOTA (UNIVERSITY OF
DELTA NU (IOWA STATE
FLORIDA)
UNIVERSITY)
Director of Marketing and
Communications
Taylor is a second-year Ph.D.
As a recruiter-turned-career coach,
Amanda Spice
student in plant breeding, focusing
Tricia helps people feeling stuck in
Marketing and Communications
on prediction and simulation of
their job searches through resume
Manager
strawberry growth and development.
reviews, interview prep, negotiations
Lauren Filippini
She is passionate about increasing
and more. She shares her top tips to
access to healthy fruits and building
enhance your resume on page 37.
The Lyre is published quarterly.
recognition of the role fresh produce
POSTMASTER: Send address changes
plays in long-term health. She shares
JODI MCDONALD WILSON
to The Lyre
about her academic pursuits and the
GAMMA DELTA (UNIVERSITY OF
5635 Castle Creek Parkway N. Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46250-4304
support of a sister on page 6.
DENVER)
Submission Deadlines
After years hiking to raise money
DR. ELLEN THOMPSON
Fall issue July 1
for MS research and treatments, Jodi
Winter issue - October 1
GAMMA OMICRON (MARSHALL
penned a love letter to the sorority
Spring issue - January 1
UNIVERSITY)
sisters who accompanied her up the
Summer issue - April 1
A past Alpha Chi Omega Real.
mountains and on her journey. You
317-579-5050
Strong. Women. of Distinction Award
can read it on page 34.
alphachiomega.org
recipient, Ellen is the director of the
editor@alphachiomega.org
Cardiology Training Program at
Members of the Alpha Eta (University
Our Mission
Marshall's School of Medicine and
of Mount Union) chapter's centennial
Through the Real. Strong. Women.®
maintains a practice. She focuses on
planning committee also contributed a
Experience, Alpha Chi Omega
cardiac imaging and education, and
recap of their event on page 9.
cultivates impactful communities
where women are inspired to
in this issue, she shares her top heart
connect, lead, grow and serve.
health tips for women on page 32.
STAFF CONTRIBUTORS
FCA
FRATERNITY COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION
MORGAN ELAM, FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
LAURA KNOBEL, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT
AUTUMN MCBRIDE, EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
NPC
national panhellenic conference
KENDALL SUESS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
THE LYRE
3
WHO DO YOU KNOW?
Our members are the best resource for
helping recruit real, strong women
into the Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood.
If you know a remarkable young woman who
plans to participate in recruitment on her
campus, our online recommendation form is
the best way to let the chapter know!
MY.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/RECOMMEND
CORNER OFFICE
Past, Present
I knew Alpha Chi Omega provided me with a safe
and affordable housing experience to grow and strive
for excellence. As an alumna, the bonds of sisterhood
and Future
became even stronger with Gamma Psi Gamma
alumnae chapter in Sacramento. That is when I realized
Alpha Chi Omega was an organization I wanted to
Dreams
devote my time and philanthropic dollars to.
While volunteering with the Foundation's For Now,
BY JANIS ROSE HURTER
Forever campaign, I had the pleasure of working
(ZETA OMICRON, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY),
alongside Faythe Luther Vorderstrasse (Alpha Rho,
NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION PRESIDENT
University of Idaho), a member of the Foundation's
first Board of Trustees and its second president. We
ometimes, it's hard for me to believe that the same
S
roomed together at one meeting, and she said to me,
woman who put liquid soap in the dishwasher as
"What's your 'next'? You have so much passion, and
a collegiate house manager is now the president of
how will you make the world a better place?" I decided
the National Housing Corporation. But that is the beauty
to apply for our Foundation's Board of Trustees because
of Alpha Chi Omega - the memories and life lessons take
I wanted to impact our organization - striving to make
you to places you couldn't dream of.
Leadership Academy accessible for four officers per
chapter versus only one. Every dollar matters, and I
I learned about home
want to pay it forward.
ownership and property
management as a collegian
Alpha Chi Omega's network of sisters has been
at Zeta Omicron chapter
incredible. Past National President Lynne Biggio
at Vanderbilt University
Herndon (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama)
in the early 1990s. I
shared insights about the NHC, investment, audit
smile now at some of my
and strategic planning while we both served on the
mistakes, like the soap,
Finance Advisory Committee, which are valuable in
which resulted in bonding
my NHC role today. As I transitioned into the NHC
time with the officers,
president role, Donna McGrath Klinge (Epsilon Kappa,
Amy Dunlap and Debbie
California State University, Fullerton) spent time with
Kleckner Day, who helped
me weekly. She transferred her knowledge and expertise
JANIS ROSE HURTER
me mop up the kitchen.
and encouraged me to embrace my leadership style and
Then, I had to ask for
desires for the years ahead. Mentorships are priceless,
forgiveness for trying to save the chapter money by
and I am deeply grateful to the many sisters who have
ordering bulk paper goods, not realizing we didn't have
inspired me.
space to store it all.
Our Alpha Chi Omega memories transcend time and
I also spoke weekly at chapter meetings about my
generations. It is a testament to the enduring human
recycling collection goal to raise funds for Safe Haven
spirit, the power of community and the limitless
Family Shelter. I attempted to make the "house fairy
potential we've cultivated through living our Real.
committee" (aka moving furniture) all about fun. I
Strong. Women. Experience. As we strive to fulfill our
created a monthly meal plan so that we maximized our
dreams, let us draw inspiration from the past, embrace
money. Sharing my experiences and tribulations with the
the present and look forward to a future filled with
incoming house manager and my senior-year roommate,
possibilities.
Katheryn Shaffer Ray, was another leadership moment as
I empowered her to improve the role.
THE LYRE
5
PERSPECTIVES
agriculture. One year, Taylor was VP facility operations
Support in
and had been working at the UF blueberry lab. I had
been her assistant but wanted to be more involved
in the chapter and was interested in running for the
Seeking the
executive board. She introduced me to the president of
our local housing corporation, Brittany, who happened
to also be the president of the Florida Blueberry
Heights
Growers Association. I [talked] to Brittany about
my interest in plant pathology. She said she knew
a professor that I should reach out to - a blueberry
W
hen Fessica Velte and Taylor Sawyer first met
pathologist! Soon after, I worked at the UF Plant
in the Gamma Iota (University of Florida)
Diagnostic Center and fell in love with the work.
chapter, they couldn't have imagined the way
their friendship would intertwine. Not only did they both
Taylor: My sister, Jessica, and I share a special
hold the role of vice president facility operations, but they also
connection in our research areas; her focus on plant
continued on to Ph.D. programs at the University of Florida
pathology complements my work as a breeder. Our
in plant sciences. Taylor and Fessica share how the bond of
shared expertise allows us to support each other in
Alpha Chi Omega has connected them from their collegiate
meaningful ways. Jessica has been a constant source
days to today as they collaborate and cheer each other on in
of encouragement and inspiration throughout my
their work to improve food security.
academic journey. Having her by my side, especially
during challenging times, has been invaluable to my
Jessica: I joined the Gamma Iota chapter of Alpha Chi
success. Her professionalism, work ethic and kindness
Omega my freshman year of college. I became friends
motivate me to push through obstacles in my personal
with Taylor, and we later learned of our interest in
and professional life. I am incredibly proud of her
UFIFAS
JESSICA VELTE
TAYLOR SAWYER
6
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
field collecting data, nothing was more comforting than
walking down the hallway to Jessica's room, where we'd
catch up, share a laugh or enjoy a meal together. Jessica's
"I've carried with
support was unwavering, and her excitement for me
when I submitted my application to my Ph.D. program
me the core values
and was accepted made the moment even more special.
People like Jessica are the ones who make life sweeter.
I learned during my
time in Alpha Chi:
Jessica: Taylor probably doesn't realize how much she
has helped me with my transition into grad school.
the true meaning of
We work mainly in the same building (when she's not
out of town for strawberry season), and we talk all the
friendship, the strength
time. She has been instrumental in giving me advice on
how to navigate balancing classes and research as well
of sisterhood and the
as normal grad school dilemmas that all students go
through. We still get to collaborate on things together,
incredible power of
except now it's at club meetings and about research, not
on VP FO responsibilities. Our studies overlap in many
women uplifting one
cases, so it's wonderful to be able to talk about our
research and vent about long days when you have field
another."
work or are stuck working on the lab bench. Having
her support makes me feel like I have a sister here in
Gainesville that has my back. The relationships I've
made from Alpha Chi Omega will truly last a lifetime.
Through the highs and lows, my sisters have always
accomplishments and always try to be her biggest
been so supportive of me pursuing my dreams.
cheerleader, like watching her research win first place
at the University of Florida's 8ᵗʰ Annual Plant Science
Taylor: Since graduating, I've carried with me the core
Symposium. Witnessing her success not only fills me
values I learned during my time in Alpha Chi: the true
with pride to be her sister but also inspires me in my
meaning of friendship, the strength of sisterhood and
own research goals.
the incredible power of women uplifting one another
- values that drive my ambition and remind me of the
Jessica: I'm in a field that I am very passionate about
potential we unlock when we support one another.
and working on research that aligns with my aspirations
to improve food security. A Ph.D. is a big commitment,
Fessica is a first-year Ph.D. student in plant pathology,
and there will be highs and lows of both grad school
focusing on phytobacteriology, the effects of the microbiome
and research. Science is hard, which is what makes it so
on plant health and disease management using biological
rewarding when you have a breakthrough or new idea.
controls. She seeks to make an impact in the health and
I have great support from my Gamma Iota sisters, like
sustainability of agriculture, especially considering problems
Taylor.
such as chemical resistance in fungal and bacterial diseases.
Taylor: Our bond goes beyond academia and is deeply
Taylor is a second-year Ph.D. student in plant breeding,
rooted in our shared experience in Alpha Chi Omega
focusing on prediction and simulation of strawberry growth
during undergrad. Living together in the house and
and development. She is passionate about increasing access to
serving in the same officer role, VP facility operations,
healthy fruits and building recognition of the vital role fresh
is a time I will always treasure. After long days in the
produce plays in long-term health.
THE LYRE
7
CELEBRATING
A
Century of Sisterhood
FOR BOTH COLLEGIATE AND ALUMNAE CHAPTERS!
ALPHA CHI CHAPTER
SIGMA SIGMA CHAPTER
BUTLER UNIVERSITY
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
FOUNDED
FOUNDED
FEBRUARY 28, 1925
MARCH 15, 1925
OMEGA
CHI
ALPHA
FRATERNITY
ALPHA
CLI OMEGA FRATERNITY
\\\
Tα avwrata
Ta averata
100 YEARS
100 YEARS
LET THE CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE!
Alpha Chi chapter sisters - save the date! The Alpha Chi chapter's centennial celebration
will be held September 13, 2025. Contact axoalphachi100@gmail.com for more information.
Stay tuned for a recap of the Sigma Sigma centennial celebration that took place March 1!
AXQ NEWS
104 in 2024: Alpha Eta's
Centennial Celebration
BY THE ALPHA ETA
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
n early 2018, a committee formed to plan
I
Alpha Eta's Centennial Celebration. The committee
planned a beautiful weekend for the fall of 2020
to celebrate 100 years of Alpha Chi Omega at the
University of Mount Union. Of course, by mid-2020 we
knew that our celebration could not happen the way it
ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIANS OF ALPHA ETA CHAPTER AT
had been planned. We delayed, rescheduled, postponed,
THE CENTENNIAL EVENT; PHOTO BY CHLOE BIRD
rescheduled again and finally decided to cancel. In fall
2023 at our annual meeting, a group of Beta Psi Beta
Our celebration concluded on Sunday, when we hosted
(Alliance, Ohio and Alpha Eta Initiates) alumnae chapter
the Alpha Eta collegians and alumnae for brunch and
members brought up the idea of a belated centennial
our official centennial program. Earlier in 2024, the
celebration, and from there the plan came to fruition.
local house corporation sold the Alpha Eta house to the
university, and management transitioned to the National
A group of 14 sisters worked diligently from then on to
Housing Corporation. The NHC and the university then
host "104 Years of Sisterhood" from October 11-13, 2024.
worked together on a complete remodel of the house. Part
On Friday night, we met for the reunion dinner at a local
of our program was the rededication of the house, which
venue and were joined by more than 100 sisters ranging
was especially meaningful because two of the members
from the member class of 1952 to the member class of
responsible for building the house in the 1960s were there
2024. Sisters sang songs, made toasts, viewed composites
to celebrate with us. We hosted a memorial ceremony for
and other chapter memorabilia, and truly enjoyed being
sisters who had passed, distributed four scholarships to
together. The committee organized an auction, which
current Alpha Eta collegians, honored sisters with their 50-
over the course of the weekend helped to raise close to
year pins, heard from National President Jennifer Daurora,
$2,000 for our scholarships and chapter programming.
celebrated Alpha Eta being recognized with the National
Council Trophy at convention and honored sister Marcia
The University of Mount Union is known for our
Thomas on 72 years of membership in Alpha Chi Omega.
football program, so on Saturday Beta Psi Beta organized
a homecoming tailgate with alumnae and collegians. We
Looking back on the weekend, we can't think of a better
again had sisters of all ages join us for fun and football.
way to have celebrated 104 years of Alpha Eta at the
And of course, we all loved to see a Raider win!
University of Mount Union. Sisters that had not seen each
other in decades got to exchange hugs, and our newer
sisters (collegians and the two alumnae initiates that Beta
Psi Beta sponsored) saw a bigger picture of what the Alpha
Chi Omega experience is. This weekend was magical, and
one that we will all remember for a very long time. One
hundred years is an amazing milestone, and we are so
thankful that we got to spend time celebrating all of our
sisters past and present.
THE LYRE
9
AXQ NEWS
AXO Events
A
lpha Chi Omegas have been busy the past few months! As part of the Real. Strong. Women. Experience,
several national events provided our members with leadership training, personal growth and connection.
Enjoy some highlights and then visit alphachiomega.org/blog to read about the events in detail!
More than 550 collegiate officers kicked off their terms
COLLEGIATE GROWTH ACADEMY focuses on
with LEADERSHIP ACADEMY in January! From a
recruitment, retention and marketing. After the event
competitive game of Ritual trivia and a policy review
February 21-23, collegiate officers took valuable lessons
session that crowned sisters either a "Bylaw Baddie" or
back to their chapters, including the importance of year-
"Serving Safety" to analyzing case studies and learning
round recruiting and how to market to today's PNMs.
how to lead empathetically, the weekend was packed
with innovative sessions, sisterhood and discovering how
Love is
celebrating healthy relationships! From
to turn aspirations into achievements.
February 10-14, sisters from coast to coast honored
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WEEK. This time of the
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
year is a meaningful reminder to reflect and celebrate the
ways we nurture and grow healthy relationships in our
lives - be it with family, friends, sisters or ourselves!
near
NEW
www
Alpha Chi Omega alumnae chapter officers gathered
virtually on February 2 for learning, connection and
growth at the biennial ALUMNAE CHAPTER OFFICER
RETREAT! More than 150 sisters representing 96
alumnae chapters enjoyed large group trainings, panel
From candle-making to mini-golf, arts events to dinner,
discussions and breakout conversations on topics
read about the fun had by all during ALPHA CHI
ranging from planning intentional events to maximizing
NIGHT OUT, celebrated on Galentine's Day, February 13.
leadership potential. Special highlights included a
Alumnae, mark your calendar for February 12, 2026 to
welcome from CEO Katie Gaffin and an exclusive session
celebrate #AXONightOut next year!
with National President Jennifer Daurora, with fun and
giveaways sprinkled throughout the day!
STAY CONNECTED WITH ALPHA CHI!
April is SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH. Members will continue their philanthropic
commitment by sharing education, participating in Denim Day and supporting survivors.
The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's DAY OF GIVING is 1 day, 8 hours and 85 minutes of
EXPLORE
generosity, starting on April 3. All gifts to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund will make a direct
MORE ON THE
impact on our sisterhood.
EVENTS PAGE!
Spring Into Book Club!
oin thousands of Alpha Chi Omegas who share a love of reading in our virtual book club. Questions will be
J
posted toward the end of each month in the "AXO Alumnae Book Club" Facebook group so you can share
your thoughts and connect with sisters. Here's what we're reading next!
How far will you go
The
to find your story?
EMILY HENRY
New York
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF
Times
HAPPY PLACE
Bestseller
House
REESE'S
of
BOOK
CLUB
The
LARGE
Lost
FUNNY
PRINT
Eve
Bookshop
a
NOVEL
Sadeqa Johnson
STORY
Author of Yellow Wife
EVIE WOODS
APRIL 2025
MAY 2025
JUNE 2025
THE HOUSE OF EVE
THE LOST BOOKSHOP
FUNNY STORY
BY SADEQA JOHNSON
BY EVIE WOODS
BY EMILY HENRY
Two women from different worlds
"On a quiet street in Dublin, a
Daphne loves her own love story
are brought together by secrets,
lost bookshop is waiting to be
with fiancé Peter until he informs
love and the choices that will shape
found A vanishing bookshop
her he is actually in love with
their futures. The novel follows
casts it spell on three strangers
his childhood best friend, Petra.
Ruby, a bright young woman with
who learn all too quickly that
Stranded, alone and working
dreams of escaping her Philadelphia
their own lives are just as exciting
her dream job in Waning Bay,
neighborhood, and Eleanor,
as the ones in the books they
Michigan, Daphne finds herself
a Howard University student
love. This heartwarming novel
roommates with Petra's ex, Miles.
navigating the pressures of race,
transports readers from a past
As they formulate a plan to post
class and marriage in Washington,
world of hardship to a future of
misleading photos of their summer
D.C. Rich in historical detail and
hope through the transformative
adventures, Daphne and Miles
emotional depth, The House of Eve
power of books.
end up in a comical situation that
is a powerful story of motherhood,
slowly transforms into a deeper
DISCUSSION DATES:
ambition and resilience.
connection, challenging their
MAY 26-30
perceptions of love, friendship and
DISCUSSION DATES:
starting over.
APRIL 21-25
DISCUSSION DATES:
JUNE 23-27
THE LYRE
11
AWARDS
2025 Collegiate Chapter
Award Recipients
C
ongratulations to the collegiate chapters that were recognized with Alpha Chi Omega's 2025 national
awards! Winners were announced at Leadership Academy in January so that chapter officers could
celebrate in person. We are so proud of our chapters' hard work and dedication to the Real. Strong. Women.
Experience during the 2024 calendar year. Individual award recipients will be announced in the coming months.
NATIONAL COUNCIL TROPHY
This award is presented annually to the collegiate chapters that displayed the most significant achievements in chapter
management, member support and development. These chapters exemplify the ideals and mission of Alpha Chi Omega.
ZETA SIGMA
THETA LAMBDA
IOTA PHI
(MISSOURI STATE
(CLEMSON UNIVERSITY)
(QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY)
UNIVERSITY)
Theta Lambda chapter incorporated
Iota Phi chapter focused on
Zeta Sigma chapter prioritized
connection, creativity and education
fostering belonging and developing
innovative programming and
to create impactful experiences for
programming to help promote
intentional connection to strengthen
members. Sisters came together
personal development. Chapter
sisterhood. The chapter created Pearl
in camaraderie at events like
leaders planned programming
Groups, strategically grouping sisters
gameday gatherings, trivia nights,
and initiatives based on member
from different classes to foster diverse
sweatshirt making, themed retreats
feedback, which included workshops
connections. The chapter brought
and philanthropic bracelet making.
on leadership development, career
sisters together to connect, learn or
Leaders focused on celebrating
planning and mental health
celebrate at events like a clothing
individual members through sister
awareness. Members are regularly
swap, risk management Jeopardy,
of the week recognition, senior
recognized for their achievements
a love language social campaign, a
spotlights and an arts showcase
in academics, leadership and service
Real Strong Women's Weekend and
where members presented their
during weekly chapter meetings. The
a service day. Zeta Sigma focused
visual art, music or writing to
chapter built strong relationships
on creating ways to support each
the chapter. The chapter hosted
among sisters through mentoring
other, from working to break down
workshops and programming like
opportunities, Founders' Day
barriers around talking about mental
a vision board night, academic
celebrations and fun sisterhood
health to recognizing members for
mentoring, stress management and
events like paint classes, bouquet
accomplishments and contributions
career readiness to help members
making, game nights and more.
through carnation passes at chapter.
explore and reach their goals.
12
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
CONTINUING EXCELLENCE AWARD
This award is presented annually to the collegiate chapters with sustained success after winning the National Council Trophy
within the past five years.
АЛО
ALPHA
CHI
the
ALPHA UPSILON
BETA SIGMA
EPSILON LAMBDA
(THE UNIVERSITY OF
(UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA)
(THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
ALABAMA)
AT ARLINGTON)
Beta Sigma chapter focused on
Alpha Upsilon chapter worked
creating strong bonds within the
Epsilon Lambda chapter created a
to enhance the membership
sisterhood and learning together.
more collaborative sisterhood and
experience at every stage of
Members connected and had fun
made a significant impact on the
sisterhood. Programming was
at Monday night dinners before
community. To address members
offered to help sisters explore
chapter meetings, craft nights,
feeling detached from the chapter
involvement on campus, learn
salsa dance lessons, a Founders'
during the summer, each executive
important life skills, prepare for
Day game night and so much
board member reached out to
internships and post-grad jobs,
more! The chapter also learned
a small group of sisters in June,
and more. By prioritizing member
together with workshops focused
July and August. This initiative
feedback, the chapter implemented
on study tips, relieving stress and
significantly improved summer
changes to operational procedures
healthy relationships. Members
retention. Members prioritized
like room selection and positive
of the executive board focused
collaboration by implementing
points and hosted programming
on delegation and organization
practices such as having two
that sisters were most interested in
through monthly roster meetings,
chairs for each day of recruitment.
like paint classes, movie nights and
improved communication in
Additionally, officers collaborated
leadership trainings. The chapter
weekly chapter and exec board
on programming efforts, including
also connected to the greater
meetings, and regular meetings
a joint self-care day hosted by the
University of Alabama community
with advisors. Throughout the
vice president risk management and
by encouraging members to get
year, the chapter raised awareness
the vice president diversity, equity
involved in more than 100 on-
about the prevalence of domestic
and inclusion. The chapter not only
campus organizations, hosting
violence and sexual assault while
raised awareness about domestic
swaps and events with other
actively supporting their local
violence in the community but also
organizations, and raising awareness
shelter through fundraising efforts
raised more than $48,000, making
for domestic violence through
and weekly volunteer shifts at its
its largest donation to date to
philanthropic events.
thrift store.
SafeHaven of Tarrant County.
Continued on next page
THE LYRE
13
AWARDS
CHAPTER PROGRESS AWARD
This award is presented to the chapters that have displayed significant growth and progress in the areas of chapter operations,
member support and development in the past calendar year.
NU
BETA DELTA
IOTA SIGMA
(UNIVERSITY OF
(COLLEGE OF WILLIAM &
(SOUTHERN METHODIST
COLORADO BOULDER)
MARY)
UNIVERSITY)
Nu chapter has made strides
The Beta Delta chapter has
The Iota Sigma chapter
in many areas of chapter life,
progressed in many areas including
demonstrated progress in
demonstrating a commitment to
academics, chapter programming,
operations, recruitment, retention
growth, inclusion and well-being.
inclusivity and wellness. Chapter
and programming. The chapter
Leaders shifted to a more supportive
leaders encouraged members to
executed two formal recruitment
and empathetic approach in both
pursue intellectual development
cycles in one calendar year as the
harm reduction and accountability
beyond class through initiatives like
campus transitioned to fall formal
through educational workshops,
a chapter book club and educational
recruitment. Welcoming two large
explanation of how policies connect
programs focused on career
new member classes required
to member safety and addressing
exploration. The chapter achieved
substantial operational organization
behavior concerns through a lens of
the highest sorority GPA for the
and strategic planning by chapter
care. With more than 400 members
academic year. Leaders organized a
leaders. The chapter prioritized
in the chapter, officers implemented
variety of programs for sisters that
building stronger connections
voluntary affinity groups based
ranged from learning about relevant
among sisters through activities
on member feedback to foster
issues like healthy and unhealthy
such as craft nights, workout classes,
deeper connections through
relationships to getting active
mystery dinners, coffee dates and
shared interests, backgrounds
through a pickleball tournament.
retreats. Members continue to learn
and characteristics. The executive
Sisters were encouraged to share
together through workshops focused
board also increased the number
events and endeavors outside of
on wellness and diversity education.
of social and sisterhood events and
Alpha Chi at chapter meetings,
The chapter's dedication to service
was strategic about offering a mix
which helped create a culture where
was evident in its signature event,
of small, medium and large events
sisters supported each other at dance
Alpha Chi Couture, which raised
throughout the year to help sisters
shows, half marathons, research
more than $210,000 to support
better connect.
presentations and more.
domestic violence awareness
initiatives.
14
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
ADDITIONAL COLLEGIATE CHAPTER AWARDS
SEEKING THE HEIGHTS -
SEEKING THE HEIGHTS -
CHAPTER GROWTH
MEMBER WELLNESS
This award is presented to the chapters that have performed
This award is presented to the chapters that have been
exceptionally in marketing and promoting the sorority
outstanding in providing wellness activities, promoting mental
experience to potential new members and welcoming new
health programming, and educating on and implementing
members into Alpha Chi Omega.
harm reduction strategies to support the safety and well-being
of their members.
Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union)
Alpha Iota (University of Vermont)
Beta Eta (Florida State University)
Alpha Mu (Indiana University)
Delta Epsilon (Southeast Missouri State University)
Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology)
SEEKING THE HEIGHTS -
CHAPTER OPERATIONS
SEEKING THE HEIGHTS -
REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE
This award is presented to chapters that have surpassed
expectations in all aspects of chapter operations and
This award is presented to the chapters that have proven
management, ensuring that Alpha Chi Omega's policies and
exceptional dedication to providing programming and
processes are consistently upheld by both chapter leadership
educational opportunities to their members.
and members.
Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University)
Alpha Nu (University of Missouri)
Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University)
Iota Sigma (Southern Methodist University)
Epsilon Upsilon (Mississippi State University)
Kappa Phi (Loyola Marymount University)
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD
SEEKING THE HEIGHTS -
This award is presented to the chapters that have worked to
MEMBER RETENTION
educate members on issues related to diversity and inclusion
This award is presented to the chapters that have made
internally as well as participate in diversity and inclusion
exceptional strides in creating and maintaining programming
efforts in their community and on campus.
and events for sisters at every stage of collegiate membership
that strive to connect them to each other and to Alpha Chi
Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston)
Omega.
Epsilon Zeta (Auburn University)
Theta Omicron (Massachusetts Institute of
Theta (University of Michigan)
Technology)
Beta Eta (Florida State University)
Zeta Upsilon (Case Western Reserve University)
CHAPTER INNOVATION AWARD
This award is presented to the chapters that bost a signature
event or initiative within the calendar year that is both
creative and innovative.
Epsilon Zeta (Auburn University)
Zeta Nu (Texas A&M University)
Zeta Sigma (Missouri State University)
THE LYRE 15
FOUNDATION
Growing Our Circle
EXPANDING OUR
IMPACT TOGETHER
BY MORGAN ELAM (EPSILON ZETA,
AUBURN UNIVERSITY), FOUNDATION
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
GROWING
he Foundation exists to help fulfill the promise
OUR
T
of the Real. Strong. Women. Experience that
CIRCLE
Alpha Chi Omega makes to its members. This
mission is realized through the Foundation's support of
the Fraternity Grant request.
Every year, the Fraternity submits a grant request to
the Foundation for the total cost of its educational and
philanthropic programs eligible for funding under IRS
guidelines. The Foundation's goal is to fund the request fully;
however, the Fraternity's need significantly outweighs the available
funding in most years.
THE FRATERNITY
Leadership Circle donors, who give $1,000 or more annually to the Real. Strong.
GRANT FUNDS
Women. Fund, play an important role in the Fraternity Grant process. Their gifts
A VARIETY OF
make up a significant portion of the Foundation's annual unrestricted fundraising
EDUCATIONAL
and are critical to our ability to fund the Fraternity Grant request. (To learn more
PROGRAMS FOR
COLLEGIANS
about Leadership Circle and its benefits, check out the "All About Leadership Circle"
AND ALUMNAE
article on page 19!)
INCLUDING
LEADERSHIP
In February, the Foundation launched Growing Our Circle, an initiative to increase the
ACADEMY, WOMEN
Foundation's ability to fund the Fraternity Grant through ambitious growth in annual
& WISDOM, MENTAL
giving to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund through the Leadership Circle program.
HEALTH RESOURCES,
ROTATIONAL
PROGRAMS AND
MORE!
Growing Our Circle aims to expand this circle of support through three goals:
1. More than double the number of Leadership Circle donors to 850
2. Increase the level of annual giving by Leadership Circle members
3. Reach a new generation of donors through the addition of the Olive Circle
Increased participation in Leadership Circle leads to more dollars for the Real.
Strong. Women. Fund and the Fraternity Grant, which means that the Fraternity
can continue to develop and expand its programs each year. Keeping our programs
relevant and accessible ensures a strong and thriving future for our sisterhood.
16 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
As part of Growing Our Circle, the Foundation has
introduced two new recognition levels within Leadership
ALPHA
CHI
OMEGA
Circle - Olive Circle and Leadership Circle Platinum.
OLIVE CIRCLE
Our Millennial and Gen Z sisters are the future of the
Foundation's support! Olive Circle, which recognizes
donors aged 30 and younger who make annual gifts
of $500 or more to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund,
provides an opportunity for those sisters to directly
engage with Foundation leadership and other top
donors. Joining Olive Circle is a great opportunity for
young alumnae to begin their legacy of giving while
MEGHAN LACY (CENTER) AND RACHEL LACY (RIGHT),
connecting with like-minded sisters.
INAUGURAL OLIVE CIRCLE MEMBERS, WITH THEIR MOM
AND PAST NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER, JILL SABATINO
"Giving back to Alpha Chi Omega is important to
LACY (GAMMA MU, BALL STATE UNIVERSITY)
me because it was such an integral part of my college
experience. During COVID, some of the only times I got
part. Our philanthropic disposition and values were never
to see my friends was during chapter meetings through
meant to end once we graduated. No amount is too small
Zoom. Giving back means that I might be able to make
or unseen. Any gift is worthwhile as it all helps to create
someone else feel like they found their home and safe
the unique, impactful Alpha Chi Omega experience."
place as it did for me.
- RACHEL LACY
It means a lot to be a part of a giving community
SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA)
alongside other Alpha Chis. A big part of Alpha Chi
Omega is being able to be charitable, and it's nice to
As a special thank you, the
know that I'm able to make an impact."
first 77 members of Olive
Circle will receive an olive
- MEGHAN LACY
Swarovski crystal dangle
ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY)
to add to their badge,
proudly displaying their
"I was inspired to join Olive Circle and support the
commitment to Alpha Chi
Foundation as a young alumna because I believe giving
Omega!
THE OLIVE CIRCLE DANGLE
back isn't reserved for when you're older and have a
more substantial income. It is an opportunity I have the
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE PLATINUM
means to participate in now and an organization that
I believe in and can tangibly see the benefits of. Giving
Created in honor of our founding year, Leadership
back to Alpha Chi Omega through my time and my
Circle Platinum recognizes donors who give $8,500 or
treasure is important to me because it is a tangible way
more annually to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund.
to uphold the values that drew me to join Alpha Chi in
the first place while ensuring a meaningful experience is
The Foundation was proud to welcome 30 sisters into
continued for all members - present and future.
the inaugural Leadership Circle Platinum class in 2024.
These especially generous sisters go above and beyond
To other young alumnae who may be interested in giving
in their commitment to Alpha Chi Omega, inspiring
back to Alpha Chi Omega, just start - that is the hardest
and leading the way for others.
Continued on next page.
THE LYRE
17
FOUNDATION
THE OLIVE CIRCLE RECEPTION AT THE
2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION
FOUNDATION TIP: ALL GIFTS
TO THE REAL. STRONG.
WOMEN. FUND COUNT
TOWARD LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
QUALIFICATION AND CAN BE
MADE AS A SINGLE ANNUAL
GIFT OR THROUGH MULTIPLE
GIFTS DURING FOUNDATION
INITIATIVES (DIRECT MAIL,
DAY OF GIVING, FOUNDERS'
DAY CHALLENGE OR STAR
BOOTH) THROUGHOUT
THE FOUNDATION'S FISCAL
YEAR (AUGUST 1-JULY 31).
STAFF
RECURRING CREDIT CARD
GIFTS TOTALING MORE THAN
$1,000 PER YEAR ALSO COUNT
TOWARD LEADERSHIP CIRCLE.
Join Our Circle Today!
Will you help us grow our circle and fulfill our promise of
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
the Real. Strong. Women. Experience?
BY THE NUMBERS:
DURING THE 2023-24 FISCAL YEAR,
By joining Leadership Circle, you empower the next
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE DONORS GAVE
generation of real, strong women, supporting them in
MORE THAN $1 MILLION TO THE REAL.
becoming better leaders, volunteers and helpers in their
STRONG. WOMEN. FUND.
communities. Together, we can grow
our circle and expand our impact.
25% OF THE 2023-24 FISCAL YEAR
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE MEMBERS HAVE
BEEN MEMBERS EVERY ONE OF THE NINE
Scan the QR code to join Leadership
YEARS SINCE THE GIVING CIRCLE WAS
Circle today!
CREATED.
For alumnae aged 30 or younger, visit
112 CURRENT LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
give.alphachiomega.org/OliveCircle to
MEMBERS ARE ALSO FOUNDATION
join Olive Circle, the Foundation's community of donors
PARTNERS, THE FOUNDATION'S
COMMUNITY OF MONTHLY DONORS.
committed to furthering the work of Alpha Chi Omega!
For questions about Leadership Circle or the Growing
Our Circle initiative, please contact the Foundation at
foundation@alphachiomega.org or 317-579-5050, ext. 0290.
All About
OUR CIRCLE
Leadership Circle
GRIMO
SPOWING OUR CROWING drysigning OUR CIRCLE
BY MORGAN ELAM (EPSILON ZETA, AUBURN UNIVERSITY),
FOUNDATION COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
New this year,
CIRCLE
Circle
eadership Circle is a community of the
L
Leadership
Foundation's most engaged and generous
Circle donors
OUR
sisters who invest $1,000 or more annually in
also have access to
the Real. Strong. Women. Fund. They have a unique
the Leadership Circle
GROWING
opportunity to empower the philanthropic, educational
Boutique, where they have
and leadership initiatives of Alpha Chi Omega.
the opportunity to purchase
exclusive Alpha Chi Omega merchandise and swag,
THE LEVELS
curated just for Leadership Circle donors.
The Foundation is proud to offer additional recognition
levels within Leadership Circle:
DISCOVERY EXPERIENCE
In addition to other benefits, Leadership Circle
Olive Circle: $500 (for ages 30 and younger)
members at the Silver level and above are invited to
Leadership Circle: $1,000
attend Discovery Experience, a unique donor-centric
Leadership Circle Silver: $2,500
experience held alongside Leadership Academy.
Leadership Circle Gold: $5,000
Leadership Circle Platinum: $8,500
Discovery Experience is a special opportunity for
Leadership Circle donors to see their dollars at work.
THE BENEFITS
Throughout the weekend, attendees spend time
Leadership Circle donors receive invitations to
connecting with collegiate officers, participating in
quarterly webinars with Fraternity and Foundation
exclusive programming with the National Council and
leaders, opportunities to engage with other members
Board of Trustees, and networking with fellow donors.
of Leadership Circle, and special communications and
recognition throughout the year.
For more information about Discovery Experience,
please contact Madeline Jenkins, director of
development and engagement, at
mjenkins@alphachiomega.org.
NOW OPEN!
Leadership Circle Boutique
AN EXCLUSIVE ALPHA CHI OMEGA MERCHANDISE BOUTIQUE
JUST FOR LEADERSHIP CIRCLE AND OLIVE CIRCLE DONORS
SHOP AT THIS URL OR SCAN QR CODE
my.alphachiomega.org/LeadershipCircle/Boutique
HOUSING
HOUSING SPOTLIGHT:
Vice
Presidents
Facility
Operations
DELTA ZETA (CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY) SISTERS
TOGETHER IN THE CHAPTER FACILITY
BY KENDALL SUESS
JULIA ESCH
(GAMMA EPSILON, OKLAHOMA STATE
(DELTA ZETA, CENTRAL MICHIGAN
UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
UNIVERSITY)
WHAT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DID YOU
T
he vice presidents facility operations (VPs FO)
at Alpha Chi Omega chapters work closely
GAIN DURING YOUR TIME AS VP FO?
with the National Housing Corporation
I learned how to be a confident communicator. While
(NHC) or their local house corporations (LHCs), as
working with multiple companies as well as our house
well as house directors, to ensure that chapter facilities
management, I represented my chapter and the legacy
are well-maintained, safe and provide a comfortable
of our home. This gave me an opportunity to expand
living environment for members.
on being a professional communicator and an advocate
for my community of women! I learned so much about
Each VP FO plays a crucial role in helping maintain
myself and my capabilities, and even more so, I learned
the facility. Responsibilities typically include
how loyal the members of Alpha Chi Omega are. As
coordinating with the house director on repair and
I enter into my next phase of life, I'm grateful to my
maintenance reporting, managing chapter budgets for
chapter for trusting me with this position and allowing
facility-related items, coordinating housing agreements
me to show myself the responsibility I am capable of.
and oftentimes working with kitchen staff to create
menus. This role is important in creating a supportive
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF
home for Alpha Chi Omega members, enhancing their
overall experience within the chapter.
BEING YOUR CHAPTER'S VP FO?
My favorite part of being VP FO was the wonderful
The VP FO role also offers members an opportunity
women I worked with in my chapter. I got to see their
to grow! Looking beyond college, skills like problem
leadership ability and deep loyalty to our facility. It was
solving, teamwork and budgeting help our members
an honor to collaborate with my sisters!
with professional development and prepare them for
their future careers.
Let's hear from some of our 2024 VPs FO, Q&A style!
20
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
FORMER VP FO LAUREN ANDERSON AND DELTA
FORMER VP FO CLAIRE SCHIE WITH EPSILON PHI
OMEGA SISTERS IN THE CHAPTER FACILITY
SISTERS IN FRONT OF THE CHAPTER FACILITY.
LAUREN ANDERSON
CLAIRE SCHIE
(DELTA OMEGA, UNIVERSITY OF
(EPSILON PHI, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF
KENTUCKY)
TECHNOLOGY)
HOW DID SERVING AS VP FO HELP WITH
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPACE IN THE
YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
CHAPTER FACILITY AND WHY?
It taught me that you can't always prepare for
We are fortunate to have a space called the Media Room,
everything! I'm the type of person where I have my
with big, comfortable couches and a projector. It played
whole life planned out and want to be in control of
a pivotal role in building the lifelong relationships I
every situation, but I quickly learned that that can't
cherish. As an out-of-state student, I initially struggled to
always be the case, which is OK. This role put me in
find a sense of home at Georgia Tech. I missed the simple
situations where I didn't know what to do, and I had to
moments of sitting on the couch with my family and
figure out how to solve that problem. It also taught me
watching TV while doing homework. I knew I had found
to reach for my goals and go above and beyond them by
my place in Alpha Chi Omega when I realized I was
pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I now have the
sharing those same moments that I longed for with my
communication, time management, organization and
family back at home, now with my sisters.
confidence to help me with what gets thrown my way.
HOW DID SERVING AS VP FO HELP WITH
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPACE IN YOUR
YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
CHAPTER FACILITY AND WHY?
This experience taught me to set meaningful goals
My favorite space would have to be the living room
and work diligently to achieve them. Collaborating
couches or the kitchen table; they are always where I
with people in diverse roles helped me develop
see the most people. I have had some of my favorite
the confidence to stand my ground and effectively
conversations there and gotten to know so many people
communicate my ideas. Rarely do we get to see the direct
that I didn't know before I moved into this house.
impact of our work on a community, but this role gave
I've never had spaces like this before, so being able to
me that privilege. Listening to the needs of my chapter
experience this in my chapter house has truly been one
and coming up with solutions that made a real difference
of my favorite memories of my college experience.
has instilled a deep confidence in my ability to create
positive change, wherever life takes me.
Continued on next page
THE LYRE
21
HOUSING
FORMER VP FO RILEY SCHRAG AND ZETA SIGMA SISTERS
FORMER VP FO PAIGE GIARRUSSO AND LAMBDA PI
IN THE CHAPTER FACILITY
SISTERS IN THEIR CHAPTER FACILITY
RILEY SCHRAG
PAIGE GIARRUSSO
(ZETA SIGMA, MISSOURI STATE
(LAMBDA PI, UNIVERSITY OF
UNIVERSITY)
MISSISSIPPI)
HOW DID SERVING AS VP FO HELP WITH
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF
YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
BEING YOUR CHAPTER'S VP FO?
Being VP FO taught me so much about teamwork,
My favorite memory as VP FO was Move-In Day. After
staying organized and handling a variety of
months of hard work preparing the house for our first
responsibilities. I've learned how to be a better leader,
group of live-in members, it was so rewarding to see
stay organized and communicate with all kinds of
everything come together. It was also amazing to begin
people. I've learned how to manage projects and work
forming relationships with my sisters and, of course, see
with others, which I know will come in handy in the
their beautifully decorated rooms!
future. It's been such a rewarding experience!
WHAT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS HAVE YOU
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPACE IN YOUR
GAINED FROM YOUR TIME AS VP FO?
CHAPTER FACILITY AND WHY?
I gained many professional skills, such as budgeting,
My favorite space is the living room because it's where
problem-solving and time management. But what I
our sisterhood comes to life. This space is filled with
value the most is working with my fellow executive
memories and laughter, and it's where we truly connect
board members, improving my communication
as a chapter. It represents everything I love about
and teamwork skills. This role has also boosted my
Alpha Chi Omega!
self-confidence by teaching me to trust myself and
my abilities, take accountability, and improve my
communication skills.
THE NHC VALUES THE ROLE VPS FACILITY OPERATIONS PLAY IN HOUSING AND APPRECIATES THEIR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OVERALL SUCCESS AND WELL-BEING OF THEIR CHAPTERS. THIS COLLABORATION
FOSTERS A SUPPORTIVE AND THRIVING COMMUNITY AT OUR MEMBERS' HOMES AWAY FROM HOME!
22 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
Welcome
T
he National Housing Corporation (NHC)
welcomed Gamma Xi (Western Michigan
University) and Sigma (University of Iowa)
to the NHC,
chapters this past winter as the facilities transitioned over
from being managed by local house corporations (LHCs)
to the NHC.
Gamma Xi
Both chapters have been on their campuses since the
1900s, and their LHCs oversaw all of the facilities'
and Sigma!
operations for many decades. The NHC appreciates the
dedication and hard work of the alumnae volunteers
of these LHCs, whose commitment has made these
BY KENDALL SUESS
chapter facilities welcoming homes for many Alpha Chi
(GAMMA EPSILON, OKLAHOMA STATE
Omega members over the years.
UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
OF HOUSING
The NHC looks forward to collaborating with Gamma Xi
and Sigma for many years ahead, continually enhancing
the housed member experience. Here are some historical
A SKETCH OF
facts about the newly transitioned chapters!
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
THE GAMMA
XI FACILITY
FROM THE
THE
ORIGINAL
ORIGINAL
BLUEPRINTS
SIGMA
IN THE 1960S
CHAPTER
FACILITY
THE
THE
CURRENT
CURRENT
GAMMA XI
SIGMA
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
FACILITY
FACILITY
GAMMA XI
COMPLETED
IN 2008
(WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY)
SIGMA
Gamma Xi was established at Western Michigan
(UNIVERSITY OF IOWA)
University on April 21, 1951. Originally founded as a
debate society in 1916, it was one of the first sororities
Our Sigma chapter was founded at the University of Iowa
at the university and became part of Alpha Chi
on June 13, 1911. The original Sigma house, a cherished
Omega in 1951. Located on Fraternity Village Dr. in
home for many years, was destroyed in April 2006 by a
Kalamazoo, Michigan, the chapter house has been
devastating tornado in Iowa City, Iowa. In 2008, the LHC
home to Alpha Chi Omega sisters since 1969 and can
completed the construction of a new, impressive four-
accommodate 40 live-in members. Recently, the chapter
story facility for members. This chapter house, located
has hosted events such as big/little reveal, Family
on E. Washington St., can accommodate up to 46 live-in
Weekend and various philanthropy events at the facility.
members.
THE LYRE
23
COLLEGIATE CORNER
cancer. Even in her mourning, she still chose to show
Pedaling for
up for her students and continue to be a source of
positivity. Her strength inspired Avery.
a Purpose
After her freshmen year at UT Austin, Avery applied
for the Texas 4000, dedicating her entire journey to
the teacher who made the largest impact in her life.
BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND
According to the Texas 4000 website, the event is the
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
world's largest annual bike ride, with several routes
participants can follow from Austin to Anchorage.
5
258. That's how many miles stretch between
The organization selects UT Austin students like Avery
Austin, Texas and Anchorage, Alaska on the Sierra
for an 18-month program that helps them train for
route. For Avery Wong (Alpha Phi, The University
the bike ride and empowers them to volunteer and
of Texas at Austin) that number also represents a life-
raise funds for the fight against cancer. The riders are
changing experience. Over the course of 70 days, she
self-sufficient for the 70-day journey and rely on the
made that journey to not only impact her own life but
generosity of local communities for places to sleep
also make a difference for others.
along the way.
Growing up in Austin, Avery remembers her first
After countless hours of training and raising funds,
interaction with the organization Texas 4000 for Cancer
Avery was ready to take on the Texas 4000 in the
when she was in eighth grade riding in the car with her
summer of 2024. Her team took the Sierra route,
parents. "I saw this group of college-aged cyclists biking
hugging the southwest desert and along the Pacific
around Austin with jerseys proclaiming, 'Fighting Cancer
coast, eventually entering Canada in Vancouver. As you
Every Mile," she explains. The group piqued her interest,
can imagine, the journey wasn't always easy.
since her dad had been biking Avery's whole life.
"Every day brought struggles," Avery recalls. "Sometimes
"Every year my dad would do a two-day charity bike
it was finding out our accommodations for that evening
ride from Houston to Austin. As a kid, it was a dream
fell apart; some days our ride included a 12-mile steady
to be able to do a bike ride like that with my dad one
day. Back then, it felt like an unattainable goal since I
was barely biking without training wheels," she says. So,
when she saw the young group of college
students biking together for one
mission, the dream of following
in her father's footsteps felt like
maybe one day it could be real.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Soon Avery found herself in high
school, where she developed
a close relationship with her
AVERY'S ROUTE FROM
teacher, Mrs. Kirsten Mulligan.
TEXAS TO ALASKA
"She is a contagious, energetic ray of sunshine," Avery
says. "Even on the longest days of the year, she never
failed to energize my day, put a smile on my face or
make my difficult days a little better." In the fall of
Avery's senior year, Mrs. Mulligan lost her husband to
AUSTIN, TEXAS
24 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
When things felt nearly impossible during the ride,
Avery kept reminding herself why she took on this
LIZE
challenge. On day 35, in Portland, Oregon, Avery's dad
gave her the surprise of a lifetime by joining her on
her route. Biking together, Avery felt like her dream
all those years ago finally had come true. "He found us
halfway on our route into Portland, and I got to finish
the last 25 miles with him," she says. "As a kid, I always
watched my dad cross the finish line of various bike
rides. It was my dream to one day be able to do those
rides with him."
Finally, after 70 grueling days, Avery biked across the
finish line in Anchorage, Alaska. Waiting at the end
of the route were the people who had motivated her
for the entire journey: her dad and Mrs. Mulligan. The
feeling was surreal, especially since Avery didn't have
any idea what to expect after the 5,258-mile journey.
"There were a lot of emotions," she says. "On one hand, I
was happy that the ride ended because I was exhausted,
AVERY WONG
but at the same time, I had just spent every waking
climb in dry, desert heat; other times the struggle was
moment for 70 days with the same 24 people, and
living a nomadic lifestyle; and in some moments, the
within hours we went our separate ways."
struggles were inevitable accidents on the road that
come with biking alongside cars or in areas of no cell
Avery's journey was much more than just a physical
service." However, these obstacles only kept pushing
challenge. Through it all, she was able to honor the
Avery forward, helping her grow with each and every
ones she holds close and raise awareness for the fight
mile. In fact, some of the most challenging days turned
against cancer. And while the ride may have ended in
out to be filled with the best memories.
Anchorage, the lessons and experiences will stay with
her for a lifetime.
On day 11 of the trip, the team faced the most
challenging ride yet, biking from Page, Arizona to
AVERY ARRIVING IN ALASKA
Kanab, Utah. With a 10-mile climb, ferocious headwinds
and over 100 degrees of heat, everyone was completely
exhausted. Looking forward to their next rest stop,
Avery had no idea what was in store. "We stayed with
the sweetest couple; they welcomed our team wearing
Welcome
funny circus hats and the biggest smiles," she says.
"We had initially planned on stopping there as a rest
Alaska
stop, but as we stayed longer at their house, we started
puzzles, did some laundry and got some access to Wi-Fi.
Historic Alaska Highway Gateway
State
BRAGADO
But even more than the amenities they offered, they
showered us with love. After asking nicely, we ended
up spending the night at their house and slept on
their roof. We got to fall asleep under the Milky Way
surrounded by the Zion canyons."
THE LYRE
25
ON CAMPUS
Four
Programs,
LET'S TALK LOVE WITH BETA PSI (LOUISIANA TECH
Limitless
UNIVERSITY)
Impact
collegiate years. In 2023-24, 98% of participants reported
that Let's Talk Love gave them the knowledge and tools
to build healthy relationships in the future.
FULFILLING THE REAL.
STRONG. WOMEN.
ALCOHOL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
EXPERIENCE PROMISE
ASTP is an interactive program acknowledging that
THROUGH ROTATIONAL
college students may choose to drink and focusing on
PROGRAMS
evidence-based education to encourage steps toward
reduced risks. Its goal is to educate students about alcohol,
BY AUTUMN MCBRIDE (TAU, BRENAU UNIVERSITY),
increase their ability to critically examine their drinking
EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
patterns and eventually implement the skills they learn.
S part of the Real. Strong. Women. Experience,
Participants explore our risk management philosophy,
A
more than 18,000 Alpha Chi Omega collegians
learn how alcohol affects the body, and understand blood
annually participate in educational programming
alcohol levels and tolerance. The program incorporates
through four rotational programs: Let's Talk Love, Alcohol
each chapter's Sisterhood Survey data on drinking
Skills Training Program (ASTP), Kaleidoscope and InTune.
behaviors to identify strategies to reduce risk. After
The goal is for every member to experience each program
completing ASTP, 86% of participants think differently
before graduating. Facilitated by more than 80 generous
about their drinking behavior. The health and safety
Alpha Chi Omega volunteers, these programs empower
of our members is paramount to the Alpha Chi Omega
members to pursue their ambitions, foster personal
experience, and we are proud to offer this valuable
growth and create meaningful change.
educational program for our members.
LET'S TALK LOVE
GAMMA OMICRON
(MARSHALL UNIVERSITY)
Launched in 2016, Let's Talk Love educates collegiate
AFTER ASTP
members on dating violence, sexual assault and healthy
relationships. It teaches members to recognize unhealthy
relationships, identify warning signs, intervene when
someone needs help and be a supportive friend. We
proudly partner with the One Love Foundation, a leading
organization in relationship abuse prevention and
education, for part of the curriculum.
The knowledge gained and conversations had through
Let's Talk Love impact our members beyond their
26 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
individuals as a result of InTune. InTune continues to
be a valuable and interactive program that encourages
tackling challenges and provides opportunities for
meaningful growth.
THETA (UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN) AT KALEIDOSCOPE
ROTATIONAL PROGRAM IMPACT
KALEIDOSCOPE
Our rotational programs are an investment in the next
generation of real, strong Alpha Chi Omega women.
Kaleidoscope, Alpha Chi Omega's newest rotational
Through the generous support of the Alpha Chi Omega
program, explores the ever-changing lens through which
Foundation, these programs come at no additional cost to
each sister views the world. Before attending in person,
our collegiate chapters.
members complete Collective Endeavors in The Heights
TAKE A PEEK INSIDE
Learning Center, which introduces three key concepts:
Members have shared
INTUNE WITH
Reflect, Welcome and Commit.
the invaluable impact
TWO ACTIVITIES
of our programming. "I
OUR CHAPTERS
The in-person program builds on these concepts
wish everyone on campus,
EXPERIENCE!
through discussions on valuing differences, engaging
not just our sorority, was
in compassionate conversations, and understanding
required to participate
PRIORITIES
IDENTIFICATION
unconscious bias and microaggressions. Participants also
in this training," said one
ACTIVITY
brainstorm ways to foster inclusivity in their chapters and
ASTP participant. "I think
"WHEN WE WORK
make personal commitments to developing spaces where
it would prove to have
TO BE VULNERABLE
all members are respected, are included and feel a sense of
significant effects on the
WITH OURSELVES
belonging.
world if programs like this
AND OTHERS, IT
one were implemented for
MAY FEEL LIKE
WEAKNESS, AND
From 2023-24 assessment data, 86% of participants
more people, and more
IT MIGHT BE
shared that participating in Kaleidoscope increased
often! So thankful for this
UNCOMFORTABLE
their motivation to make positive change in their
educational experience!"
AT FIRST. THAT IS AN
chapter and community.
ACT OF COURAGE,
We are excited to see the
WHICH ALLOWS US
impact of our rotational
TO CONNECT AND
INTUNE
DREAM TOWARD A
programs for years to come!
BETTER FUTURE."
Activity-based and chapter-driven, InTune helps members
embrace vulnerability and understand how their priorities
Feeling inspired by the impact
OWNING OUR
align with and contribute to those of Alpha Chi Omega.
of our rotational programs?
STORIES ACTIVITY
The program's progression is rooted in our values of
Consider making a gift
"DON'T LET YOUR
wisdom, devotion and achievement.
to the Foundation's Real.
INTERNAL VOICE
TELL YOU YOUR
Strong. Women. Fund, which
DREAMS OR
Members complete a pre-survey to assess chapter
helps support our rotational
REALITIES ARE NOT
strengths and areas for growth, allowing facilitators to
programming efforts!
WORTH IT. WRITE
tailor the program to best address the chapter's specific
WITHOUT FEAR!
needs. Members explore Dr. Brené Brown's "The Power
Are you interested in
ANYTHING FROM
of Vulnerability," delve into dream making and dream
facilitating one of our rotational
YOUR BUCKET LIST
DREAMS TO YOUR
managing, create a chapter-wide action plan and more!
programs? Email volunteer@
BIG AND AUDACIOUS
alphachiomega.org for more
FUTURE GOALS ARE
In 2023-24, 81% of participants said they had grown as
information.
WORTHWHILE."
ON CAMPUS
Alpha Chis at Work
COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS
chapter. She ran for this position with the intention of
supporting others in her community.
MAKEADIFFERENCE FOR
DVA AND THEIR LOCAL
"It's always been instilled from my parents and people
COMMUNITIES
around me that giving back is important," Amelia says.
"Doing what I can to help others succeed has been
BY ELLE ROTTER
something that I've always strived to do. I knew that I was
(ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY)
going to try my best to support the people around me,
especially members of my own community."
A
ccording to the National Domestic Violence
Hotline, women ages 18 to 34 experience the
The Alpha Chi chapter raises money for the Julian
highest rates of intimate partner violence.
Center in addition to the Alpha Chi Omega and One
The Hotline's website also states that nearly one in five
Love Foundations. The Julian Center is a women's shelter
women have been raped in their lifetime.
in downtown Indianapolis that aims to equip survivors
of domestic violence to live a life free from abuse.
Alpha Chi Omega's national philanthropy is domestic
Alpha Chi members also volunteer at Thrifty Threads, a
violence awareness. Each chapter hosts events and raises
thrift store and donation center where women supported
money year-round to increase awareness about these
by the Julian Center can shop for free.
shocking statistics and donate to
THERE ARE TWO
various organizations such as the
During Amelia's term as VP philanthropy, the chapter
MAIN WAYS OF
Alpha Chi Omega Foundation,
achieved about 2,000 hours of community service
GIVING BACK TO
the One Love Foundation
YOUR COMMUNITY:
AMELIA MOOR TABLING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
and local women's shelters
FUNDRAISING/
AWARENESS WITH ALPHA CHI CHAPTER
that support women escaping
DONATING MONEY
dangerous relationships.
AND COMMUNITY
SERVICE. BOTH
ARE IMPORTANT
Ten Alpha Chi Omega chapters
AND HELPFUL,
were recently recognized with the
DEPENDING
Achievement in Service award for
ON WHAT THE
the highest average service hours
ORGANIZATION
per member. Each demonstrates
NEEDS. MONETARY
DONATIONS
the importance of service and
CAN HELP
philanthropy in its own unique
ORGANIZATIONS
way. Find out more about three
FUND PROGRAMS,
and how their members are
SERVICES OR
actively making a difference in
INFRASTRUCTURE.
their communities.
MEANWHILE,
HANDS-ON
VOLUNTEER
ALPHA CHI
WORK CAN HELP
(BUTLER UNIVERSITY)
ORGANIZATIONS GET
DAY-TO-DAY TASKS
Amelia Moor is the outgoing vice
DONE so THEY CAN
president philanthropy for her
ALPHA
FOCUS ON THE
GREATER NEED.
IOTA SIGMA
(alphachi)
(SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY)
COUTURE
Ashley Isabelle decided to run for vice president
philanthropy to become more involved in her chapter.
Iota Sigma chapter donates specifically to the Genesis
Women's Shelter, on top of the Alpha Chi Omega and
One Love Foundations.
"We try our best to stay actively involved in philanthropy,"
Ashley says. "The girls care a lot about it [because] the
cause that we support is directly related to everybody.
With [domestic violence] being something that impacts
our age group, realistically and unfortunately, it's sadly
easy to relate to."
IOTA SIGMA MEMBERS AT COUTURE
At the end of 2023, Ashley joined the models and retailers
and raised more than $20,000. In addition, she led the
committee for Alpha Chi Couture, which is a fashion show
chapter in educating the college community about
and silent auction co-hosted by the Iota Sigma collegiate
domestic violence. Amelia's favorite memory from her
chapter and the Beta Kappa Beta alumnae chapter in
term was running Healthy Relationships Week, which
Dallas. This experience inspired Ashley to run for VP
celebrates the development of healthy relationships
philanthropy with the hopes of running the event in 2025.
in hopes of preventing domestic violence and sexual
assault.
"Our committee is huge," Ashley says. "Our chapter
members are always willing to help out, which is just a
"[We] focused on things like de-stressing, being with
blessing. My committee for Couture is [about] 30 girls,
each other, moving our bodies and promoting health in
and to have 30 girls who want to volunteer to help out
that way," she says. "We did events, not only on campus,
is great, and I love that they want to get involved."
but also just within our sisterhood, to promote healthy
relationships. That was probably one of my favorites
The event is typically run during Mom's Weekend, which
because it wasn't as much [about raising] money; it was
encourages families and alumnae to attend the event.
more advocating for education on campus."
Models that walk in the fashion show are active members
of the chapter, people from other campus organizations
Amelia reflected on the impact that she made
and women from the Genesis Women's Shelter.
throughout her term by underlining the importance
of education and awareness of domestic violence on
"We have a scene dedicated solely to women at the
Butler's campus.
Genesis Women's Shelter, which is always super
awesome," Ashley says. "I also love that because it's nice
"[We focus] more on awareness and perspective of
to meet [the women] and know that the money is going
what other people go through," she says. "A large part
to something real."
of our sorority's mission is to promote authenticity
and making sure people have the resources to be
Alpha Chi Couture is the chapter's biggest philanthropy
as successful as they can, whether that means they
event of the year. In 2024, it brought in more than
feel comfortable being themselves [or] they have a
$200,000. Besides Alpha Chi Couture, Iota Sigma hosts
supportive community around them."
events year-round to continue raising money, including
an event called Paint Wars and tabling events throughout
THE LYRE
29
ON CAMPUS
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In 2024, Iota Sigma
T
raised around $220,000 that went toward raising domestic
DONUT
violence awareness and supporting women in need. On
LET
top of this, members from the chapter also worked more
HUF
Donut let
than 1,800 service hours for the year.
love hurt
In addition to getting to meet and work with some of
the women at the Genesis Women's Shelter, members
LAMBDA MU CHAPTER MEMBERS AT THEIR DONUT LET
of the Iota Sigma chapter were also able to volunteer at
LOVE HURT PHILANTHROPY EVENT
the shelter's thrift shop, where the women and children
from the shelter can shop for free.
Hope is also the president of Annual Community
Event Staff (ACES), which offers service opportunities
"Our members love to be able to go actually in person,"
for the college. Throughout her term she coordinated
Ashley says. "We support the shelter monetarily, but it
service events for both Lambda Mu and Trinity, like
was nice for them to be able to actually go in person
a Thanksgiving food drive, blood drives, Sponsor a
and do tangible work."
Snowman gift card drive and Halloween on Vernon.
LAMBDA MU
"I have always loved community service. It's something
(TRINITY COLLEGE)
that I've been heavily involved with since I was in
elementary school, and that was something that I knew
Hope Bettencourt, the outgoing VP chapter relations
going to Trinity that I wanted to be able to continue,"
and standards for Lambda Mu chapter, attributes her
Hope says. "I would say that Halloween on Vernon is my
love of service and community work to growing up in
favorite event of the year. It's fun to see all of the kids go
Martha's Vineyard, a tight-knit community she says is
trick or treating. I like getting to put on an activity for
very passionate about taking care of everyone. Hope was
the kids and get to engage with them."
looking for the same experience at Trinity.
The small Lambda Mu chapter completed 168 service
"Philanthropy was something that was heavily emphasized
hours this past semester and raised $4,420 for various
during recruitment. When I was talking to people,
organizations including Interval House, RAINN and
everyone in our chapter stressed the importance of
the One Love Foundation.
[domestic violence awareness]. I knew immediately that
was something that I wanted to be a part of," Hope says.
"Everyone in our chapter is someone who is passionate
about service," Hope says. "There's always someone that's
The two main events that Lambda Mu hosts every year
willing to step up, and people always come to chapter with
are Donut Let Love Hurt, an event where members
good ideas about more ways that we can get involved.
sell donuts while tabling and talking about domestic
Being able to do whatever we can to help is something
violence, and Swirls for the Girls, another fundraiser
that sticks with all of us when we do our service."
where they sell ice cream. Proceeds from both of these
events last year went to Interval House, a domestic
violence shelter in Hartford, Connecticut.
Community service and philanthropy are core values of
"Donut Let Love Hurt is super fun because we do it every
Alpha Chi Omega. Working in the community to increase
year during homecoming weekend," Hope says. "We get
domestic violence awareness is a passion that sisters share,
all the parents and alums to come. It's super fun to see the
whether that is through raising money or hands-on
alums that want to give back to the community."
service. These chapters prove that when we come together,
we can make a difference.
30
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
LIFE
INTRODUCING THE
Momen's Wellness Series
ave you ever had trouble finding information on a health
H
concern specific to women? Have you ever wanted to
advocate for your wellness but weren't sure how to talk to
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
your doctor or take the first step? Do you know what to do to prepare
ONLINE WITH ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S
NETWORK OF REAL, STRONG
yourself for a healthy life?
WOMEN!
Introducing the Women's Wellness Series, an exploration of health
MAKE YOUR ACCOUNT OR LOG
and wellness topics for sisters, by sisters. Within the Alpha Chi Omega
INTO WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG,
network of more than 250,000 members are professionals who want
AND THEN NAVIGATE TO
to offer their expertise and support. They're ready to help you break
GROUPS > WELLNESS SEEKERS.
through the noise of a million Google search results for "What does
JOIN THE GROUP so YOU CAN
this [insert symptom] mean?" and equip you with knowledge to take
EXPLORE RESOURCES AND
charge of your wellness - all while talking to you as a friend and sister.
CONNECT WITH SISTERS ABOUT
HEALTH AND WELLNESS.
The aim of this series is to provide you with the information you need
to lead the life you want, to gain confidence in advocating for your
WE'RE EXCITED TO LEARN AND
GROW TOGETHER!
health needs and to understand that you are not alone. In addition
to learning from our experts, we've also built a community group in
Women & Wisdom where we will share the articles (like the one on
the next page from cardiologist and professor Dr. Ellen Thompson) and
other resources from the Women's Wellness Series and create a space
for sisters to come together.
Are you an expert in the health and wellness field and want to share
with sisters? Email mentoring@alphachiomega.org. We'd also love to
hear from members about the topics they want to learn more about.
READY TO GET STARTED? TURN THE PAGE TO LEARN ABOUT WOMEN'S HEART HEALTH!
THE LYRE 31
LIFE
Heart Smart Sisters:
Understanding
Cardiovascular Health
BY DR. ELLEN THOMPSON
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RISK
(GAMMA OMICRON, MARSHALL UNIVERSITY),
FACTORS: THE CLASSIC FIVE
CARDIOLOGIST AND PROFESSOR
Sisters, think of risk factors like pieces of a puzzle - the
more pieces you have, the clearer the picture becomes of
ight now, in your
your heart health. Let's break down the five major risk
R
workplace, your
factors that every woman should understand, track and
chapter house, or
discuss with her healthcare provider.
your gym, you probably
Hypertension
know several women
affected by heart disease.
Those numbers you get at every doctor's visit
It might be your big sister
matter! Normal blood pressure is generally below
who just had a baby,
120/70 mmHg. High blood pressure puts stress on your
your favorite professor
heart and blood vessels, and it often has no symptoms,
who manages high blood
which is why it's called the "silent killer." The good
pressure or that amazing
news? It's highly manageable through lifestyle changes
alumna who seems to do
DR. ELLEN THOMPSON
like regular exercise and limiting salt intake, as well as
it all while dealing with a
medication when needed.
family history of heart problems.
Cholesterol
Here's the reality, sisters: cardiovascular disease is the #1
There are different types of cholesterol, and you
killer of women in America. Many of us think of heart
should know your numbers for each. LDL (the "bad"
disease as something that happens to older men, but
cholesterol) is the culprit clogging up arteries. The
the truth is it affects women of all ages - and many of
lower your LDL is, the better. Ask your doctor about
us don't even know we're at risk.
your target, because it changes depending on how many
Although some form of heart disease affects 1 in 2 women
other risk factors you have, but striving for less than
in their lives, up to 80% of heart disease is preventable.
100 mg/dL will keep you on solid ground. HDL (the
That's right - the choices we make today, even in college
"good" cholesterol) helps keep things flowing smoothly,
and early career years - can dramatically impact heart
and the higher it is, the lower your cardiac risk. Your
health for decades to come. The good habits we make
total cholesterol should ideally be below 200, but what's
now can literally add decades to our lives.
really important is the balance between your HDL and
LDL. Regular testing, especially after age 20, helps you
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to heart health, it
stay on track. Diet and exercise will help cholesterol,
could literally save your life or the life of a sister you love.
though some cases will require medicines.
So, let's dive in and learn how to keep our hearts strong.
32 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
Now, let's focus on two action items that can start
Diabetes
making a difference today:
Diabetes and pre-diabetes aren't just about sugar -
Know Your Numbers
they can double your risk of heart disease, and many
young women have pre-diabetes without knowing it.
Blood Pressure: check at
Watch for things like excess weight around your middle,
least yearly, more often if it's
0000
extreme thirst or family history. Regular screening is
elevated.
key, especially if diabetes runs in your family.
Cholesterol: get tested every
Smoking
4-6 years (more frequently if
you have risk factors).
Smoking affects everything from your blood pressure
Blood Sugar: ask your
to how well oxygen moves through your body. And yes,
doctor if you need screening,
vaping and e-cigarettes count too.
especially if diabetes runs in
your family.
Family History
Movement is Medicine
If you have a close relative who had early heart disease
(before 55 for men, before 65 for women), your risk is
The good news? You don't need to become a marathon
higher.
runner to protect your heart.
Think of these factors as early warning signs -
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per
opportunities to act. Small changes in diet, exercise and
week (that's just 30 minutes, 5 days a week).
lifestyle can make a big difference in managing these risks.
Find activities you actually enjoy - dancing
counts! So does brisk walking between classes
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE RISK?
or running errands.
There are multiple lifestyle interventions that have been
Add some strength training twice a week.
proven to reduce cardiovascular disease; these have been
Break it up into smaller chunks if needed -
laid out well by the American Heart Association, in
three 10-minute walks count just as much as
their "Life's Essential 8" program, along with actionable
one 30-minute session.
items for each.
The "Essential 8" are:
Healthy Eating
Lose Weight
Fitness
Cholesterol
Quit Nicotine
Diabetes
Sleep
Blood Pressure
WE'VE COVERED A FEW OF THE BASICS, BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO DISCUSS ABOUT WOMEN'S
CARDIOVASCULAR CONCERNS. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE ABOUT WOMEN'S HEALTH AS PART
OF THIS SERIES! NEXT UP, TALKING ABOUT HORMONES AS WE EXPLORE HOW THEY AFFECT WOMEN'S
BODIES AND WHAT HAPPENS DURING DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE.
THE LYRE
33
LIFE
HIKE 2022
HIKE MS 2022
HIKE MS 207
HIKE MS an 2022
MS 2022
SOME OF JODI'S GOLDEN GIRLS AT A HIKE MS EVENT
A Love Letter to
Jodi's Golden Girls
BY JODI MCDONALD WILSON
Hike MS is a National Multiple Sclerosis Society event
(GAMMA DELTA, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER)
and is accessible for novice and experienced hikers.
It takes place at Keystone Resort in the Colorado
t's hard to believe it's over! After 12 years of
mountains, and the hike routes are 2, 3, 6 or 9 miles.
I
gathering in the beautiful Colorado mountains for
Money is raised for research providing the MS
four days, our time together has come to an end.
treatments we have today.
After graduating from the University of Denver, a few
Over the next 11 years, our Alpha Chi sisters gathered
Alpha Chi sisters and I remained in the Denver area.
for four days each July for the hike. Several of our hikers
During lunch one day, one of my sisters mentioned that
participated in the challenging longest route, but many
she was thinking about doing a hike in the mountains
chose the shorter routes. I cheered them on from the
to raise money for multiple sclerosis (MS). I had been
base. We needed a team name, and one sister suggested
diagnosed with MS in 2001 and had shared this with
Jodi's Golden Girls. We also had team accessories: red
them previously. It was at this lunch that we decided to
cowboy hats, red sunglasses, red and white polka dot
recruit other sisters to participate in the July 2012 hike.
socks, and red bandanas. Because of these, we became
As word spread, we ended up with 13 sisters from all
recognizable and befriended many hike participants.
over the US.
We met one couple from Wyoming our first year and
34
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
have continued the friendship; Jonna has become an
"honorary" Alpha Chi Omega sister. Our JGG team has
raised more than $130,000 and has received the Most
Spirited Award.
"Our Alpha Chi
Our sisterhood went beyond the hike itself. A rental
house would be booked and groceries purchased, and
sisterhood has
we would meet to enjoy gourmet meals together,
prepared by our amazing sister chefs Hibbard, Howes,
certainly been a
Cosby and Lex. We'd sing Alpha Chi Omega and old
familiar songs with Gilbert, Candy, Carla and Katie.
We'd dance with DJ Huggins. We'd share old composites
treasured gift."
and pictures, laughing at "Who is this?" with Raber,
Hanes, OB, Paddock and Liz. We'd play cards and take
short hikes locally. It was definitely the very best of
times.
Jodi's Golden Girls will be revered in Keystone for
JODI'S GOLDEN GIRLS: SANDRA GILBERT
many hikes to come. Our red cowboy hats and polka
EVANS, SUSAN HIBBARD ALLESHOUSE,
dot socks made us legendary and will be missed on the
CAROL HANES HARRAWAY, LEXIE EVANOFF
BUDDIG, AMY COSBY STEPANIK, JONNA
trail. We won't be wondering ever again, "What color
PATTON, JODI MCDONALD WILSON, SANDIE
are the shirts this year?" Surely some year scarlet and
HOWES LAKOTKO, MARY RABER MUSSON, PAM
olive green will be popular. But seriously, JGG, I have so
HUGGINS, CANDY TYRRELL LOESBY
much affection for you all, especially our core team who
(NOT PICTURED: CARLA DIRE CAPSTICK AND
were with us for 12 years. We were joined occasionally
LIZ HANFORD ALDRIDGE)
by other University of Denver sisters of the '70s, and I
salute them too. Mary Keathley and Christina Carro,
our first-class hike coordinators from the National MS
Society, deserve a shout-out too. They have bonded with
our crazy team, and as my MS symptoms have worsened
over the years, with the support of Keystone Village,
they provided me with a wheelchair our last year.
July 2023 was our final year in Keystone. I live in
Florida now, so instead of traveling out to Colorado,
we're planning to gather Jodi's Golden Girls for the MS
walk here as we continue to fundraise. Our Alpha Chi
sisterhood has certainly been a treasured gift.
JGG, my admiration for your devotion and generosity
to the cause knows no bounds. You all are truly the
251
most unselfish group I know. It has been the joy of my
life to know you. I will always be in your debt, and I
look forward to sharing an MS walk with you in the
future.
THE LYRE
35
Women & Wisdom
JOIN THE
5,000+
+
ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S NETWORK FOR
SISTERS ON
REAL, STRONG WOMEN
THE NETWORK
Women & Wisdom is Alpha Chi Omega's program focused on
your professional and personal development.
TODAY!
Find connections, mentorship, career advice and more all on our
online network of sisters!
"WE JOINED AXQ TO BE PART OF SOMETHING
BIGGER, AND THERE'S A DIFFERENT TYPE OF
MENTORING EXPERIENCE TO BE HAD WHEN YOU
SHARE THAT TYPE OF CONNECTION."
Scan the QR code or visit
womenandwisdom.org to
start building your
network today!
CAREER OUTLOOK
WORK HISTORY
How To
This will be the longest section of your resume.
List your experience in reverse chronological order,
Elevate Your
including company name, title, dates (month and years)
and a bulleted list of four to six responsibilities or
accomplishments from each.
Resume Today
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS
BY TRICIA WIESE
AND OTHER
(DELTA NU, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY)
Include degree, college/university, professional
certifications and any organizations you were involved
have been a recruiter and
I
in, including Alpha Chi Omega.
career coach for 25 years,
and the number one
TAILORING YOUR RESUME
thing I hear from candidates is
Save your general resume as "Your Name-Resume-Date"
that they need help with their
and revisit it every 6-12 months to reflect your ongoing
resume. Resumes don't have
accomplishments. When you find a position to apply
to feel difficult. I have helped
to, copy that file and save it as "YourName-Resume-
thousands of job seekers land
TRICIA WIESE
Position-Company-Date."
their "right" job, and there are
several simple things you can do to elevate your resume
To elevate your resume, tailor it by looking for the job
today.
description's key skills, competencies or requirements
Recruiters and hiring managers may only look at your
section. Weave those skills into your resume by
resume for less than 2 minutes before deciding whether to
showing how you have them.
move forward with you or reject you. In that short period
of time, they are looking for specific details.
Before applying, don't forget
to save your resume as a
PRO TIP: AFTER EACH
PDF to preserve formatting!
BULLET POINT ON YOUR
CONTACT INFORMATION
RESUME, ASK YOURSELF,
Your contact information should be at the top and include
By implementing these tips,
"SO WHAT?" THIS WILL
your name, city and state, phone number, professional
HELP YOU IDENTIFY THE
you can transform your
IMPACT.
email and hyperlinked LinkedIn profile. A location on
resume into a powerful
your resume is key; some companies must hire within a
marketing tool that
certain area or time zone - don't let the bots opt you out
positions you as the ideal candidate. Remember, your
by omitting a city or state.
resume is often your first impression - it should reflect
not only your qualifications but also your attention to
OBJECTIVE OR
PRO TIP: A LINKEDIN
detail and understanding of the employer's needs. With
SUMMARY
PROFILE SHOULD
personalization, a clear structure and strategic keywords,
INCLUDE ALL THE
you'll stand out in even the most competitive job markets.
Highlight your skills and
SAME THINGS AS YOUR
accomplishments in two
RESUME (AND MORE!),
to four sentences and
PLUS A PROFESSIONAL
Ready for a resume review? Request one from an alumna
PHOTO. LINKEDIN
in our Women & Wisdom network. Find more professional
state the position you are
SHOULD ALSO BE USED
development tips and opportunities to connect at
seeking. This is a quick
TO MANAGE YOUR
womenandwisdom.org.
way to personalize your
PERSONAL BRAND
resume to a job.
AND CONNECT WITH
OPPORTUNITIES.
THE LYRE
37
CAREER OUTLOOK
Leading
from the
Heights
BY LAUREN FILIPPINI
(ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING
AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
T
hey go by many titles - chief executive officer,
executive director, president. But at the top of
SUSAN GEORGE
every company is one individual responsible for
directing teams of employees to carry out the mission.
encouraging them to ask for payment for their content,
It's no surprise that Alpha Chi Omegas hold many of
and later she started brokering brand deals. Finally,
these roles at businesses, nonprofits and organizations
Susan founded Mediary Marketing.
worldwide. In this issue, we hear from two of them - one
who created her own company and CEO role and another
Susan's company handles creator management, brand
who has spent her career leading community-focused
deals, organic content, paid media, event strategy and
teams - as they share advice to help you seek the heights.
more, focusing on women- and minority-owned brands.
"It's been interesting to develop that business side
SUSAN GEORGE
of myself that I didn't necessarily know I had in me
OMEGA
and combine it with what I love," Susan explains. "It's
(WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY)
community and bringing people together." Susan says
she loves social media for its ability to be an equalizer,
FOUNDER AND CEO OF MEDIARY
to provide new pathways for artists and business owners
MARKETING
to succeed outside of traditional routes like record deals.
Susan George never thought she'd be CEO of her own
company. Her dream was to be a musician, which she
pursued in college as she wrote and performed her own
music. Some of her first fans were her Alpha Chi Omega
sisters, who would gather around the piano in the
"The more I
chapter house to listen to Susan play. After recording an
album and performing around Seattle, she soon realized
she needed to do some personal branding and social
challenge myself, the
media marketing if she wanted to get her name out
there.
more I am realizing
At that point, Susan was on the forefront of social
what I'm capable of."
media, first blogging and later live streaming on
TikTok. She formed an online community and found
herself giving advice to other social media influencers,
38
ALPHA CHI OMEGA
As she's built her business, Susan has created her own
from Alpha Chi Omega to appreciate the power of
rules - or more accurately, decided there are no rules!
women coming together for a common goal and has
"The most freeing part is that I can make the agency
seen that play out in her professional life, including the
feel and do whatever we want." She explains that her
leap she took to found her company.
definition of professionalism is "doing what you say
you're going to do and being very transparent with
"It [being a CEO] is something that's completely taken
the client." In managing her team of mostly women,
me by surprise. I never in a million years thought I
Susan likes to ask what they are passionate about so
would do this," Susan says. "But the more I challenge
she can tailor assignments to work that makes them
myself, the more I am realizing what I'm capable of."
happy - while also admitting that she's still working on
assigning the less-than-fun aspects of business!
LYNNE FUGATE
DELTA PI
Managing a company that focuses on social media
means constantly adapting to changes and trends. But
(UNIVERSITY
one thing holds true: "The most important thing that
OF TENNESSEE,
I've seen to be successful across platforms, regardless
KNOXVILLE)
of the changes, is authenticity," Susan says. When she
CEO OF GIRL
and her team are working with clients to build organic
SCOUTS OF
content, she asks, "How can I help them say what they
SOUTHERN
would say to a customer in the most authentic way, and
then translate that to social media?"
APPALACHIANS
"Take the call." It's the
Leading Mediary Marketing while continuing her
advice that Lynne Fugate
music career and devoting herself to her family has
gives any Alpha Chi
taught Susan to, in her words, "fight for time to listen to
Omega sister, and it's the
myself." This self-care work includes writing three pages
advice that has shaped
of whatever is in her mind each morning, as well as
her own career. As Lynne
reading books by entrepreneurs and taking time away
explains, she couldn't have
from her phone. "It's learning to put up boundaries so
charted the course of her
I can hear myself and what I want and where I want to
life, but staying open to
go, because in all of
possibilities has allowed
SUSAN GEORGE
the complexities that
her to take on incredible
come along with being
projects and make a
a woman and having
difference. This includes
LYNNE FUGATE
a family and having
spending 25 years as a banker; working as executive
dreams, no one else
director of Nine Counties. One Vision., the Southeast's
will have the answer
largest citizen-driven strategic planning effort; and
that will feel right for
currently serving as a member of the Knoxville,
me."
Tennessee City Council.
For sisters who want
Today, Lynne is the chief executive officer of Girls Scouts
to follow in Susan's
of Southern Appalachians (GSCSA), which serves 46
footsteps, she shares
counties across three states. While the organization is
simple but powerful
in the business of empowering girls, Lynne explains that
advice: "Be fearless."
her role is running the organization as a business. "I'm
She says she learned
not the person that impacts the lives of the girls," she
THE LYRE
39
CAREER OUTLOOK
explains. "I set the stage and provide the foundation
for the people who do using my education and
background to make sure this council is financially
"I understand
solvent and using best practices to deliver the mission."
there are women
Female empowerment is a thread that runs through all of
Lynne's life - including the Girl Scouts, Alpha Chi Omega,
and her own upbringing and motivation. She explains, "I
who paved the
understand there are women who paved the way for me,
and I want to be doing that for girls." In fact, Lynne points
way for me, and I
out that The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega and the Girl
Scout Law share a lot in common, most notably the value
want to be doing
of female friendship and creating a network.
that for girls."
Lynne is a former chapter advisor and province
chairman for Alpha Chi Omega, but she says that her
leadership role in college made the most lasting impact.
"Being rush chairman was the best training for any job
I've ever had in my life," she explains, highlighting the
skills she developed in multitasking, communication,
event planning and being able to find something in
LYNNE FUGATE WITH HER HUSBAND AND SONS
common with anyone.
In addition to dedicating herself to her family,
community involvement is a hallmark of Lynne's life,
and she encourages sisters to get involved locally with
what they are passionate about. "Life is richer if you are
involved and engaged in the community," she says. She
encourages women to be multi-faceted, so that "if any
one of the parts of your life ever hits a bump - and life
will give you a bump - you've got other parts of your
life that are positive to offset that, and other friends and
community connections."
One of those challenges we all experienced was the
COVID-19 pandemic, and Lynne led her team at
GSCSA through what she views as one of her proudest
accomplishments as CEO. Not only did the council
remain in a good financial state through the pandemic,
it provided virtual programming almost immediately,
highlighting to the girls the power of creativity with
new badges and projects to be done in their own homes.
Spoken like a true leader, Lynne sums up her current work
and her lifetime of achievements with one powerful idea:
"When I step back and think about what my career is, it's
all helping people achieve what they want to achieve."
REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.
At
the
Top
SELKIRK
SPORT
of
PERFORMANCE
Her
SLABS OPTIMAL
Game
SELKIRK
BY LAUREN FILIPPINI
(ALPHA CHI, BUTLER
UNIVERSITY), MARKETING
USA
AND COMMUNICATIONS
MANAGER
REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.
LEARN ABOUT THE SPORT THAT'S SWEEPING
THE NATION - PICKLEBALL - FROM TOP
PLAYER AND ALPHA CHI OMEGA SISTER
SYLVIA HERRERAS WHITEHOUSE.
ine medals at the US Open
to a wiffle ball) across the court with their paddle, and
N
Pickleball Championships.
a rally begins, with players attempting to return the
ball over the center net so that their opponents miss
Four medals at the USA Pickleball
or hit it out of bounds. More technically, the ball must
National Championships.
bounce one time on each side after the serve, it cannot
bounce twice throughout the rally, and it must bounce
Two championship wins at the
once if it's within 7 feet of the net (in the non-volley
Huntsman World Senior Games.
zone or "the kitchen). Points are scored after every
rally, regardless of the serving team, and most non-
Sylvia Herreras Whitehouse (Epsilon Kappa, California
tournament games are scored to 11, win by 2.
State University, Fullerton) is a pickleball powerhouse.
She's won the top titles in the senior (50+) age group in
While the sport of pickleball began back in 1965, it saw a
the nation's most prestigious tournaments for amateur
surge in popularity in 2020 as people looked for outdoor
players and recently advanced to the pro level. She has
activities they could safely play during the COVID-19
a sponsorship with Selkirk Sport. A certified instructor,
pandemic. Sylvia had been playing for a few years by then,
Sylvia shares her mastery of the sport as a teaching pro.
having made the switch from tennis after she realized she
could likely play pickleball for longer.
And a decade ago, she had never even picked up a
pickleball paddle.
"I thought that this is something I could do later in my
years just because in tennis, the courts are a lot bigger
"Someone I played tennis with wanted to try pickleball,
and you have to move a lot more. In pickleball, the
and I said, 'Oh that sounds so weird," Sylvia says.
court is shorter and smaller, and if anything, you have
"Finally, I just tried it and fell in love with it. And I've
to take three steps to the kitchen line," she explains.
really accomplished a lot considering I never played a
college sport."
Sylvia says that as soon as she started playing, she "wanted
to be the best" but found it challenging to build her skills
because there were so few dedicated pickleball courts to
play on. Putting hundreds of miles on her car traveling
FROM NOVICE TO
across Florida to play, she improved her skills while being
part of the growth of the sport. "I just really focused
MEDALIST
because this is something I fell in love with," she says.
Pickleball has been sweeping the nation the last few
years, but for those who haven't hit a "dink shot" or
As her skills progressed, Sylvia took her competitive
tried to avoid "the kitchen" to return a volley, here's a
spirit to the tournament circuit and started a winning
quick primer.
streak for herself. She looks back laughing on her first
tournament win: "The first tournament I played in, I
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping
was so disappointed because they gave you a pin instead
pong, the sport is played on a court in either a singles
of a medal. So to be honest, I went online and bought
or doubles format. One player serves the ball (similar
myself a gold medal because I was so excited," she recalls.
Continued on next page.
42 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.
"But it's an awesome feeling when you're on that stand
tournaments - the World Senior Games, the US Open
and know that all your hard work has paid off. And
and the National Championship - over a seven-month
when you don't win, it's fun still to cheer and learn and
span at the 5.0 amateur level for ages 50+ in doubles
take notes."
(mixed and women's).
Amateur pickleball players are rated on a scale of
"The game is evolving. It's constantly changing. Every
1.0 to 5.5 to help place them for tournaments, and
time I come back from a tournament, I am thinking
they are further divided into age categories. Over the
about what I've got to do [to improve]," she says,
years, Sylvia has medaled at more than a dozen of the
pointing to things like trying out new grips on the
most prestigious competitions; she says her greatest
paddle to add topspin and practicing harder shots
accomplishment has been winning gold in three major
instead of her go-to strategy of perfect placement.
LOVE OF THE GAME
Pickleball is known as a sport for
everyone, which is one of the things Sylvia
loves most about it. "What's great about
it is it's multigenerational," she explains.
"You know, I can play with my son, and
my son hates it because I'm better than he
is! It's grandparents able to play with their
kids and their grandkids."
Sylvia is excited about the younger
generation picking up the sport and
making changes. She explains that while
some older folks come to pickleball from
tennis and think the strategy is to hit the
ball as hard as they can, younger people
are bringing a more nuanced approach,
one that Sylvia likens to a chess game with
strategic placement of players and hits.
She has taken her love of the game to a
job as a teaching pro at Pictona in Holly
Hill, Florida (where the photos in this
story were taken), and has her certificate
for instruction from the International
Pickleball Teaching Professional
Association. When she's training players,
especially those new to pickleball, she
often identifies the skills they have from
other sports or even playing musical
instruments to apply them to pickleball.
"I love to be able to teach what I love and to help
Sylvia is excited to see the growth the sport and hopes
people get better," Sylvia says. "I know how it's helped
the momentum continues while still keeping its roots
me to feel better about myself, to meet new people."
in fun, friends and fitness. "Right now, it's becoming too
commercialized. It used to be like a local store, a small
Even at her advanced skill level, Sylvia tries to get in
mom-and-pop shop, and it's becoming like a Costco.
I
some games just for fun - though she says that can be
hope it doesn't lose that," she says.
a challenge! "It's hard for me to play [recreationally]
because I've played tournaments so much and I always
For anyone interested in trying pickleball for the first
want to go out there and win, so it's hard for me to turn
time, Sylvia has some advice on the next page to get
off that button," she says. "And then what happens when
started. She also points out that, with the boom of the
I play? They don't hit to me!"
sport, many towns have free or low-cost courts to try it
out. And if there isn't a court near you, make it happen!
She says, "If their town doesn't have courts, they need to
lobby for courts - - dedicated courts or painting lines on
WHAT'S NEXT -
the tennis courts." Sylvia says it was a grassroots effort
by many passionate pickleball players to get as many
FOR SYLVIA AND THE
courts as the country has today.
SPORT
Whether she's competing, playing for fun or teaching,
Sylvia plans to retire from competition soon, citing
Sylvia is in it for the love of the game. One of her
10 years of the mental and physical toll that she's
favorite moments, in the early morning hours before
experienced playing at the highest levels, as well as the
tournaments, is hearing the distinctive sound of the
cost and travel of competitions. "Now I feel I can rest
pickleball hitting the paddle. "It's music to my ears," she
on my laurels. I've worked really hard," she says. She also
says. "I hear that sound, and it makes me excited. It's
plans to continue teaching.
joyous."
Continued on next page.
THE LYRE
45
REAL. STRONG. WOMAN.
Ready to Play Pickleball?
FROM THE
Coach's Playbook:
SYLVIA SHARES HER
TOP TIPS FOR
PICTONA
GETTING
STARTED IN
THE SPORT.
AXQ
TIP 1: Learn the rules, particularly how to keep score.
"That's usually the hardest aspect of learning how to play, and I [as a
coach] don't want to waste your money on how to keep score." Check
out online resources from organizations like USA Pickleball or go on
YouTube. "It's easier to understand when you see it visually."
TIP 2: Train up.
Injuries happen when you go from couch to court with nothing in
between. Sylvia recommends working on stamina and muscle strength,
and suggests brisk walks and stretching as preventative measures.
"Don't walk out on the court cold without a warm-up regimen."
LOOKING FOR A COURT?
TIP 3: Take an introductory class or join a beginner league.
USA Pickleball and the Global
Your community rec center or local pickleball facility can help you
Pickleball Federation have
gain fundamentals and confidence. Get a feel for the game and play
partnered with Pickleheads on a
with other players at your level.
tool to help players locate nearby
courts. Type in your location to find
TIP 4: Learn to block.
options near you, with information
"It's pretty much the first thing I teach women. It is not a nice
about the types of courts (indoor VS.
gentleman's sport. It's basically guerrilla warfare out there now, which
outdoor, dedicated pickleball court
is intimidating to new players. Pickleball of old used to be a chess game,
VS. lines overlaid on a tennis court)
where you are strategic and move players around; now, it's a checkers
and fees.
game, just whacking the ball back and forth."
Visit pickleheads.com to start
searching online or download the
mobile app!
46 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
TIP 5: Learn strategy, not just how to slam the ball.
In pickleball, keep the ball below your opponent's knee
"As women, we're up against guys who have longer
or lob above their paddle."
arms and are more powerful. So we have to be a little
bit more crafty."
TIP 7: Practice the fundamentals.
"Mastering the fundamentals and correct court
TIP 6: Place your shots.
positioning will enable you to play with anyone."
"The whole idea is you have to keep the ball low and
slow, meaning a low bounce and soft pace. This buys
TIP 8: Play people at your level or better.
you and your partner time. Think about baseball -
That's how you learn and grow!
you've got to keep the ball away from the strike zone
where they have a chance to hit a zinger right at you.
TIP 8: "Remember, pickleball is fun, social and fitness!"
FROM THE
Player's Perspective:
"I wanted to be the best.
I just really focused
because this is something
I fell in love with."
PICKLEBALL
EL
BIOFREE
NATIONAL
/
NAL
SELKIRK
T
See you ON THE COURT!
9
THE LYRE
47
II
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Rooted in
really, really bad situation, and I finally took a chance
on myself and went to community college," she says.
Resiliency
Shortly after taking that leap of faith, she made the
transition to Brown University in 2022. Entering their
undergraduate program in her late 20s, she knew
BY EMMA WILLE,
her experience would be unique, and she wanted
MARKETING AND
to make the most of it. Corinne says, "I remember
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
attending an activities fair, where you could meet all
the organizations. And I remember seeing these big
C
orinne LePage (Zeta Theta, Brown University)
letters and thinking, 'What is this?' I never ever thought
arrived at Brown University like any average
I would join a sorority." But Alpha Chi Omega changed
college student does, nervous about navigating
her mind.
the transition in life. However, she is not your average
college student. Taking on multiple volunteer roles,
Corinne is passionate about domestic violence
leading her chapter as vice president philanthropy and
awareness and supporting victims of abuse. One way
starting new projects on campus, it's safe to say she
she found to channel her passion when she arrived
isn't shy of taking on responsibilities. Corinne, who is a
at Brown was volunteering at Sojourner House, a
first-generation, non-traditional student, has made an
Providence agency that supports survivors of domestic
impact in the community that will last a lifetime.
violence and sexual assault. Volunteering at Sojourner
House has meant more to Corinne than just following
Currently studying environmental science and critical
her passion and doing good in the community.
Native American and Indigenous studies, Corinne never
thought she would attend college. "I was at a point in
"For me, this is a very integral part of my life because I
my life where I was like, 'I need to do something.' And
lived through that [domestic violence], unfortunately,"
I never thought I would ever go to college. I was in a
she explains. "I remember being in a position where I
had absolutely nothing, all my stuff was gone, and an
CORINNE LEPAGE
organization like this helped me get back on my feet."
At the activities fair, she immediately noticed that
the Zeta Theta chapter frequently worked with the
Sojourner House to support Alpha Chi Omega's
national philanthropic mission of domestic violence
awareness. After a few conversations, Corinne's view of
joining a sorority started to shift. "I filled out the formal
recruitment interest paper the day it was due," she says. "I
really didn't have any interest in any of the other sororities,
only Alpha Chi. And going through the rounds I just
thought, 'They're so down to earth.'I felt really welcomed,
and I didn't expect to be because I'm older."
Corinne accepted a bid to the chapter and continued
her domestic violence awareness work with her new
sisters. And her commitment to the cause extends even
further! In 2023, after assisting with a few programs
that Sojourner House had already, Corinne had an idea
48 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
care and mental wellness, each class was different. For
example, one featured succulent planting, with themes
of resiliency since that plant can adapt to withstand
extreme conditions.
"The beauty of these
As the workshops progressed, Corinne learned the
workshops is
true impact a project like this could have. "At first
it was a little slow, and then we got a regular group.
that they transcend
It was unique because we had a Spanish speaking
women's group, and we had a translator since I do not
language."
speak Spanish. But after a while it didn't even matter,"
she says. "The beauty of these workshops is
that
they transcend language. Anyone can be doing these
workshops, and it's just like a beautiful thing."
The workshops became so popular that she eventually
to start her own program, something the organization
had to turn people away. After the original 10
had never seen before. "I thought these services were
workshops, Corinne began talking to the volunteer
great, but I couldn't see myself doing them if I was there
coordinator at Sojourner House about making this a
getting services," she explains.
full-time program.
Corinne's idea would blend her passion for
Along with running these workshops, Corinne also
environmental science and her advocacy. With funding
oversaw the creation of a pollinator garden at the
from the Royce Fellowship, a program through Brown
nonprofit drop-in center, where people are able to visit
University that allows students to create a project that
and enjoy the calming effects of nature. With this garden
benefits the community, Corinne began to lay plans for
comes the work to maintain it, and Corinne was able
a program at Sojourner House rooted in the power of
to tap into sisterhood for help, with the Zeta Theta
plants that would help domestic violence survivors in
chapter officially partnering to help keep the garden
their recovery process.
going, even after Corinne graduates. This garden gives
sisters the opportunity to do hands-on volunteering to
While she was able to secure the fellowship, she soon
benefit domestic violence awareness. "Volunteering is also
realized she may need a little more help from the
important to the [chapter members], and getting out
community. "I decided to go speak to Dr. Rebecca
there and being able to volunteer in person makes you feel
Cardinal, who runs the greenhouse at Brown
like you're doing something impactful," Corinne says.
University," she explains. "At this point I had never
met her, and I made an appointment with her. In the
The results of Corinne's work don't just make a
first 5 minutes I met her, I just spilled my guts on this
difference in the community; they have also made an
huge project idea. And she agreed within those first 5
impact on her. "I'm so happy I did this because not only
minutes. I will never forget, she said, 'This is awesome. I
am I supporting others that have experienced similar
will help you."
things to myself, but I'm also learning new things," she
says. Looking ahead to the future, she hopes to one
With the support of Dr. Cardinal, licensed social
day create a nonprofit and travel across the country to
workers, volunteer coordinators and other community
host workshops to support domestic violence survivors.
members, Corinne finally kicked off her project with
Through her empathy and dedication, Corinne will
a series of 10 horticultural therapy workshops. While
continue to make a difference, one plant and one
all were built around underlying themes of trauma
survivor at a time.
THE LYRE
49
ALUMNA INITIATE SPOTLIGHT
Strengthening Our
Sisterhood
BY LAURA KNOBEL
commitments outside of class were a priority over
(IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), ASSISTANT
joining most extracurricular activities on campus."
DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT
Fortunately, Lauren didn't let the suggestion pass her
A
S a sales operations advisor for a tech company
by. She began to research joining a sorority after college
in Chicago and a self-described "empty nester,"
and soon learned that many organizations offer a path
Lauren Woodruff (Iota Alpha, Alumnae
to alumna initiation, including Alpha Chi Omega.
Initiates) had already found a few things to fill her
spare time, including pursuing her MBA and attending
The National Alumna Initiate Program (NAIP) extends
concerts and Chicago Cubs games with her husband,
our membership experience to real, strong women in
Henri. But still, something was missing.
our communities who identify with our mission and
values, care about our philanthropic initiatives and
"Much of my time when
are not already members of another national sorority.
my son was in school
Since formal record-keeping began in the 1980s, we have
was spent volunteering
welcomed more than 960 women to our sisterhood
with Boy Scouts and
through alumna initiation.
sports activities.
It was
non-stop. After my son
Although she didn't personally know any Alpha Chis,
graduated, I remember
Lauren felt called to apply for membership. "As
looking at my husband and
someone who loves music and has previously
asking, 'What do I do with
performed, Alpha Chi's musical roots really resonated
all of this extra time?"
with me, along with the commitment to raising
Lauren shares. "I explored
awareness and prevention of domestic violence, [as I
joining some local
LAUREN WOODRUFF
have] a close friend who has been affected by it," she
groups, but for various
shares. "I just knew Alpha Chi was my top choice!"
reasons, nothing really worked out. I was eager to find
a community where I could develop a meaningful
When a candidate applies for membership without
connection with others and also give back, making a
knowing an existing member, NAIP panel members
difference."
may connect her with alumnae in her community
who are willing to meet her and consider sponsoring
One day over lunch, a coworker said the five magic
her for membership. Each of Alpha Chi Omega's 170+
words that Lauren needed to hear: You should join a
alumnae chapters across the country have the awesome
sorority!
responsibility of extending the Real. Strong. Women.
Experience to sisters in their community; when a
"At first, I chuckled because I only associated sorority
chapter partners with NAIP, that experience can include
involvement with college, and let's be honest, my
welcoming brand-new sisters into the bond.
undergrad college days were well behind me!" Lauren
recalls. "Joining a sorority was something I had always
"Our chapter, Iota Lambda Iota (Lake County, Illinois),
wanted to do during my collegiate years, but my family
had never sponsored an alumna initiate, but some
50 ALPHA CHI OMEGA
Omega
Alpha
sisters were familiar with NAIP through convention
and reading about it in The Lyre," says Jan Curschman
(Beta Phi, Bowling Green State University), alumnae
chapter president.
"Words cannot
"Some of us had in the past had casual conversations
about encouraging daughters and friends to go through
express how
the alumna membership process," Jan says, but the
chapter hadn't yet formally sponsored any candidates.
strengthened our
So, the chapter members were intrigued and excited
when NAIP panel members reached out inviting sisters
sisterhood was by
to meet Lauren, and Jan arranged for Lauren to attend
an upcoming gathering.
coming together to
The connection felt meant to be. "From the very
embrace Lauren as a
first conversations with Lauren, we knew she was a
wonderful candidate and would also be enriched by
new member."
Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood," Jan shares. "It was just
such a good fit; she genuinely embraced the notion
of being in our beloved sorority, aligning with our
philanthropy, values and mission."
The feeling was mutual for Lauren. "Jan Curschman
Jan recalls that Founders' Day event fondly: "I'm glad
reached out to me, and honestly, it felt like we were old
[Lauren] was on my [trivia] team when it came time to
friends right from the start!" she says. "Jan invited me to
knowing our history. She took the initiative to learn as
the Founders' Day dinner for Iota Lambda Iota. I was a
much as she could about Alpha Chi Omega and in turn,
bit nervous on the way there, but as soon as I stepped
refreshed the seasoned sisters' memories graciously."
into the room, I felt like I was in a room of friends.
Everyone was so incredibly welcoming!"
After a successful first meeting and receiving a group
LAUREN (CENTER) WITH MEMBERS OF IOTA LAMBDA IOTA ALUMNAE CHAPTER AFTER HER INITIATION
ALUMNA INITIATE SPOTLIGHT
sponsorship from Iota Lambda Iota, Lauren was
The effort undertaken
approved to continue in the membership process and
by chapter members to
took part in the Dedication, an online educational
make the day special
experience that prepares all new members for initiation
did not go unnoticed
alongside reflection and review meetings with a
by Lauren. She says, "I
member of the NAIP panel. Then, it was time for the
had such an incredible
Initiation Ceremony.
initiation experience!
I'm truly thankful for
Iota Lambda Iota was provided with the supplies needed
my new sisters who
to host the ceremony by headquarters and was coached
went out of their way
through the experience by NAIP volunteers. "There's
to make the day so
always a learning curve when trying new experiences,
memorable."
but our NAIP panelist Mary Kay Gillam (Epsilon Iota,
LAUREN AND JAN
University of Northern Iowa) was awesome in answering
As Lauren continues
questions and guiding us through the process, even
to get to know her new sisterhood post-initiation, she
clarification the night before," Jan says.
discovers new and unexpected connections that show
Alpha Chi Omega was calling out to her all along.
In addition to welcoming a new sister and alumnae
chapter member, the opportunity to reconnect with
"For 20 years I looked at a hanging in my
our Ritual by hosting the Initiation Ceremony is a
dermatologist's office, wondering what this strange
meaningful reason why many alumnae chapters choose
harp thing was on the wall. Turns out she's also an
to sponsor NAIP candidates.
Alpha Chi, and for 20 years I was looking at the lyre!"
Lauren shares. "I also work at the same company as Jan's
"It's been years since most of the women have been
daughter. What are the odds? I think Alpha Chi was
through initiation and/or Hall of Commitment, and we
always meant for me, but at the right time."
found it wonderful to hold a ceremony for Lauren," shares
Jan. "[In attendance] we had a 60-year member, a province
Jan agrees. "Lauren is already a role model for what it is
collegiate chair, a headquarters staff member, the great-
to be a real, strong woman, and we're proud to call her
granddaughter of Olive [Burnett Clark] wearing Olive's
our sister."
everyday badge, a woman who wrote the music to 'Song
of My Sister' and another sister who sings with Chicago
As for what's next? Both Lauren and Iota Lambda Iota
Master Singers, and all had special roles in her ceremony."
are looking toward more partnerships with NAIP in the
future.
Jan adds, "Words cannot express how strengthened our
sisterhood was by coming together to embrace Lauren
"In addition to connecting with my new sisters and
as a new member."
making a difference for others, I hope I can in some
way (big or small) help promote the alumna initiate
program to other women," says Lauren.
"YOU SHOULD JOIN A SORORITY!"
WHO WILL HEAR THESE MAGIC
"Now that 13 [Iota Lambda Iota] members have
WORDS NEXT? WHETHER YOU
HAVE ONE OR MANY WOMEN TO
participated in the Ritual, sisters have come to
INVITE TO THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA
appreciate our new sister Lauren and her fresh
SISTERHOOD, SCAN THE QR CODE
perspective of what it means to be an Alpha Chi
TO SPONSOR CANDIDATES FOR ALUMNA INITIATION
Omega," shares Jan, adding, "We're already talking about
THROUGH NAIP!
who might be our next alumna initiate."
52
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