THE THE INNOVATION ISSUE yre Introducing the Refreshed Vision, Missions and Brand Advocating for the Sorority Experience Muriel Médard A LEADER IN NETWORK CODING Alpha Chi Omega SPRING 2020 VOLUME 122. ISSUE 3. REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. Untold Stories FROM THE HISTORY WEBSITE MARY JANET WILSON Early in Alpha Chi Omega's history, two major innovative strides were made, the first being to elect an alumna Grand President (now called the National President). Born in 1867, Mary Janet Wilson (Alpha, DePauw University) graduated with a liberal arts degree in 1893 before serving as Grand President from 1896-98. Up until that time, the collegiate Alpha chapter president served in both positions. The second significant innovation was the creation of the Grand Council (now called the National Council) as the governing body of the Fraternity. This was adopted during the 1898 National Convention. Mary's last year as Grand President was also her first year in the role of The Lyre editor. She proposed quarterly meetings be devoted to the reading and discussion of The Lyre to encourage chapters to be better informed. In 1919, Mary moved to her brother on his Fresno county apricot ranch. She then moved to Navelencia, California, to assist Reedley, California, where she resided until her death in 1956. FIND MORE UNTOLD STORIES ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA HISTORY WEBSITE. VISIT: #AXOuntald ALPHACHIOMEGA.HISTORYIT.COM SPRING 2020 VOLUME 2. ISSUE 3. THE INNOVATION ISSUE REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. IN THIS ISSUE 3 LETTERS AND LYRES WebSite 4 PERSPECTIVES (Seplis ) 6 CORNER OFFICE Interest into can & Rikar. Canandra build 7 AXO NEWS themop The refreshed brand, The Heights, #healthyAXOlove 18 CONVENTION 24 FOUNDATION 28 HOUSING 30 COLLEGIATE CORNER This Australian sister is getting the full American experience. 32 ON CAMPUS 33 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 34 LIFE Learn about alumnae chapter innovations and AXO's efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion. 40 46 ALUMNA INITIATE Muriel Médard is making a name in SPOTLIGHT the traditionally male-dominated field 49 ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNAE of electrical engineering. 52 MAKING A DIFFERENCE PHOTO BY LILLIE PAQUETTE, COURTESY OF MIT An innovator of her time, this sister changed Florida car seat laws. 54 INDUSTRY INFO 58 ARCHIVES 60 AXO CONNECT & IN MEMORIAM COVER PHOTO BY BRYCE VICKMARK, COURTESY OF MIT THE LYRE 1 EDITOR'S DESK A Refreshed Lyre Design LETTERS Inspired by the fall Lyre's photo of two Rho (University of Washington) chapter sisters making history as female I hope you're enjoying the new look of your Lyre! editors of the 1956 campus newspaper, Marcia VE When Alpha Chi Omega's brand was refreshed Zinn (Gamma Zeta, Kansas State University) sent news this year, I was thrilled to extend the look into the of the journalistic accomplishments of her biological magazine. Along with an article starting on page and chapter sister, Wanda Eggers McGee. In the photo, 7 detailing the updates, you'll see elements of our Wanda is celebrating the All-American rating that the new visual identity in Collegian, for which she was the editor in fall 1961, the next 70+ pages, from earned from the Associated Collegiate Press Critical patterns to graphics, Service. Wanda went on to careers in journalism, home colors to fonts - all economics, group facilitation, writing and kinesiology, bringing you a more all while raising two sons. enjoyable reading experience! LYRE SPOTTING A key element of the Alpha Chi Omega refresh announcement was new mission and vision statements - all leaning into our identity as real, strong women. Amid all the visual changes, The Lyre stays connected to that identity, allowing you to connect with the news and stories of real, strong women. I'll point to the Fraternity mission statement as you dive into this issue: "Through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, Alpha Chi Omega cultivates WHILE CRUISING THE WINN SIKES (GAMMARHO, impactful communities where women are inspired DUORO RIVER THROUGH TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY) to connect, lead, grow and serve." It is my hope SPAIN AND PORTUGAL, BROUGHT THE LYRE ON A SALLY DAVIS (ALPHA TRIP DOWN THE DANUBE that The Lyre inspires you as one more way you can PSI, UCLA), JOAN LUTZ RIVER, INCLUDING THIS live out your own journey as a real, strong woman. (NU, UNIVERSITY OF STOP AT THE BOTANICAL COLORADO BOULDER) GARDEN AT THE Lauren Filippini AND PAT LOGAN (ALPHA UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA IN Editor BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY) AUSTRIA. Alpha Chi (Butler University) TOOK THE LYRE TO LAMEGO, PORTUGAL. THE WOMEN MET THROUGH GAMMA TAU GAMMA (NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA). 2 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Contributors Alpha Chi Omega National President JULIE CAIN BURKHARD CAITLIN AMERINE MACKEY Angela Costley Harris National Vice Presidents BETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF DRISCOLL Jari Askins GEORGIA) THETA OMICRON Mikelle Holt Brady (MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF Jennifer Daurora Our National President from 2000- TECHNOLOGY) Lynne Biggio Herndon 04, Julie has served as the chairman Jill Sabatino Lacy of the National Panhellenic Caitlin works as an engineer at Editor Conference (NPC) and as the SpaceX in Los Angeles. She also Lauren Filippini director of development for the serves as an advisor for the Theta Senior Director of Education and Fraternity and Omicron (MIT) chapter and is Engagement Amy Colvin Mustafa Sorority Political a member of the Gamma Theta Director of Marketing and Action Committee Gamma (Los Angeles, Communications (FSPAC) and the California) Amanda Spice Fraternity and chapter. She The Lyre is published quartlerly. Sorority Action loves traveling Fund (FSAF). the world and POSTMASTER: Send address changes Page 54 spending time to The Lyre 5939 Castle Creek Parkway N. Dr. with sisters! Indianapolis, IN 46250-4343 Page 4 DONNA SMITH CHERECK Submission Deadlines Fall issue July 1 ALPHA PHI (THE UNIVERSITY OF Winter issue - October 1 TEXAS AT AUSTIN) BETTY HEMMETER Spring issue - January 1 BETA THETA (LAWRENCE Summer issue - April 1 Along with serving as our National UNIVERSITY) President from 2004-08, Donna has 317-579-5050 devoted her volunteering to the No matter where she's lived, alphachiomega.org editor@alphachiomega.org sorority experience, including as Betty has remained connected Alpha Chi Omega's NPC delegate, to Alpha Chi Our Mission as the advocacy Omega. She Through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, Alpha Chi Omega chairman for shares how she cultivates impactful communities NPC's executive gives back to where women are inspired to committee and the Foundation connect, lead, grow and serve. currently as a through planned FRATERNITY director on the giving. COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION FSPAC board. Page 24 Page 54 NPC national panhellenic STAFF CONTRIBUTORS LAURA KNOBEL (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT MADELINE PLESAC (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT ALLISON SUMMERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES JEN WALLACH (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES THE LYRE 3 PERSPECTIVES Signs of Sisterhood BY CAITLIN AMERINE MACKEY DRISCOLL THETA OMICRON (MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) T his year marked my family's 100th year of Alpha Chi Omega, and I wanted to celebrate by sharing some stories about this century of sisterhood. My great-grandmother, Gladys Amerine Crook (Alpha, DePauw University), was initiated in 1919. She was a music major, playing the organ and piano, and taught music after college. Imagine what it must have been like to be a female college student as women fought for the right to vote! She was one of the first women to receive a scholarship reserved previously for men and the first woman in her town to own a car. She was very active in Alpha Chi Omega throughout her life and even met AX some of our Founders. Gladys' daughter and my grandmother, Carol Crook Colvin (Alpha), was initiated in 1945. World War II ended her senior year of high school, SO the optimism on campus must have been contagious. This also was an era of growth for women, as many entered the workforce for the first time and norms big and small CAITLIN (LEFT) WITH HER GRANDMOTHER CAROL began to change: my grandmother remembered the first time seeing her aunts wear pants! She went on to write jingles for the radio and to teach while raising to her precious badge. three children. I knew the importance of Alpha Chi Omega to my I loved hearing my grandmother's college stories. She grandmother starting from a young age, when she'd told me about waking up the sisters in the house by show me stories in The Lyre with pride. What left the playing her French horn. She served as standards vice greatest impression on me was her member class's yearly president and remembered punishing herself and her letter: each member sent a letter about her life to the best friend, the chapter president, for riding back to class agent, who would make copies and send out the the house with a man after an event (an act she knew collection to all. These letters kept them updated on was against the rules but decided to do because it was each other's lives and saw them through tragedies and pouring rain). I treasure the mementos I have from triumphs, heartbreaks and weddings, illnesses and new her college days, from the always full dance cards generations. 4 ALPHA CHI OMEGA of these women are Alpha Chi Omega sisters - a ratio that is hard to believe is just a coincidence. I have been welcomed by an alumnae community that has made me feel right at home. And I am SO blessed by my class's monthly email thread, where we support each other through our happiest and hardest moments, just like my grandmother did. My great-grandmother may have had some linkling of the amazing legacy she started 100 years ago. Her meticulous scrapbook makes me think she wanted someone following her to have tokens of our lifelong sisterhood. Alpha Chi Omega provides a bond that links the past and future, those who are gone and those who are yet to come. I miss my grandma every day. But every laugh and CAROL (BOTTOM ROW, SECOND FROM RIGHT) WITH HER memory I share with Alpha Chis is like one shared with EXECUTIVE BOARD her, and in that way she is not truly gone. I am honored to continue my family's Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood This lifelong bond was why I wanted to join a sorority. I into its second century, and I can't wait to meet my next will never forget the joy I felt when I called my grandma sisterly sign. on bid day and told her I was an Alpha Chi Omega. We both cried, knowing the special bond we shared. I loved telling her about formals, chapter, getting a big sister, and all the fun and excitement that Alpha Chi brought into my life. As I recounted my tales, they sparked memories for her, and I learned more about her college A STRONGER TIE days. We loved singing Alpha Chi songs and going through old boxes, finding treasures like her own birth Gladys wrote a poem entitled announcement in The Lyre and handwritten notecards "A Stronger Tie" to read at of her initiation lines, a reminder of how our traditions her daughter Carol's initiation banquet. have endured with barely a word changed. Below is an excerpt: My grandma passed away four years ago, and I wasn't Well, finally the news came down the wire lucky enough to meet my great-grandmother. But I That she bad chosen the golden lyre believe the bond of sisterhood does not end when And I murmured low as I breathed a sigh, people pass away. Some believe that their loved ones "Thanks be to Alpha, she's an Alpha Chi." who have left this earth can send messages of love through symbols and "signs." I believe my grandma's And now my daughter's my sister too and great-grandma's sign to me is Alpha Chi Omega. We share a new bond; it's right that we do. She wears my pin - what stronger tie It is too perfect the ways Alpha Chis have been placed Can bind us together than dear Alpha Chi? in my life. On my college visit, my assigned host was an Alpha Chi - who would become my big sister! I work in a company with a small percentage of women, and 10 CORNER OFFICE A Plan for Our Future you can see all the details by visiting the Strategic Plan BY KATIE LAMPINEN GAFFIN page of alphachiomega.org. Priorities for each fiscal year (DELTA ZETA, CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY), are posted annually, along with biannual postings of CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER plan achievements. Alpha Chi Omega has a lot to be proud of, especially mid the day-to-day activities for our considering the very real and compelling industry A headquarters staff and volunteers, we are challenges Greek-letter organizations are facing. diligently working on the development of our Establishing a steady path forward can be difficult Beyond 2020 Strategic Framework. Alpha Chi Omega's when the unexpected disruption to plans is seemingly boards and professional staff are collaborating to build becoming the new normal. Careful consideration of out the strategies, objectives and priorities that will set the importance of adaptability will continue to be part our course for the next of the framework moving forward. This will allow our chapter of Alpha Chi next plan to remain nimble and flexible when trying Omega, carrying on the times are upon us. legacy started 134 years ago by seven women. In addition to building out the strategic framework, we equip ourselves with the best possible team, As we work on the because when the unexpected arrives, having the right development of this people - and having a strong and dedicated sisterhood comprehensive plan, - allows us to take those challenges and turn them we are not approaching into triumphs. How will we best position Alpha Chi it from a blank slate. Omega to be responsive to the changing environment Yes, we want to develop and to the challenges our members face? How do we new initiatives and set perpetuate lifetime engagement? How do we celebrate ambitious goals. But all of our accomplishments? innovation also means looking back and learning from where we've been. For me, our new vision statement is an inspiring guide as we seek to answer these questions and the many We have come a long way under the direction of the more to come: "Alpha Chi Omega shapes the future 2015-20 Strategic Plan, and it's hard to believe we are through the powerful, transformative and everlasting in the fifth year already. Through our focus areas of connections of real, strong women." Discover, Grow, Engage and Sustain, we've pushed ourselves to reach new heights. You may recall that the 2015-20 Strategic Plan sought to envision what we aspired to "be" as an organization, versus a plan comprised of lists of what we wanted to "do." The accomplishments from the current plan are many, and 6 ALPHA CHI OMEGA AXQ AXQ Alpha Chi Omega REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. VISION, MISSIONS AND BRAND AXQ REFRESHED AND REFOCUSED FOR AXQ REAL, STRONG WOMEN With the excitement of a new year comes a refreshed vision, missions and brand for Alpha Chi Omega! Founded in 1885 by seven visionary young women, Alpha Chi Omega is an organization built by and for real, strong women. Today's generations of Alpha Chi Omega sisters share the core values our organization was founded upon and use them to impact our campuses, our communities and our world in positive ways. Aligning with strategic plan priorities and designed to represent the Alpha Chi Omega member AXQ experience, this brand refresh remains true to our identity AXQ rooted in the strength of real, strong women while reflecting the changing needs of today's women. Honoring our traditions and Ritual, we have refreshed our brand in a way that preserves our history and positions Alpha Chi Omega in a strong place for the future. Through our words and actions, we will share with the world who Alpha Chi Omega is and what we do, providing the Real. Strong. Women. Experience to our members. AXQ AXQ AXO NEWS VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS ALPHA CHI OMEGA VISION Alpha Chi Omega shapes the future through the powerful, transformative and everlasting connections of real, strong women. Alpha Chi Omega REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. FRATERNITY MISSION STATEMENT Through the Real. Strong. Women. R Experience, Alpha Chi Omega cultivates impactful communities where women are inspired to connect, lead, grow and serve. FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation strives to realize and sustain Alpha Chi Omega the educational and philanthropic values of Alpha Chi Omega FOUNDATION through successful fundraising and stewardship. Generous REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. gifts from our members and friends enhance the Real. Strong. Women. Experience and empower our members to impact their communities and world positively. NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION MISSION STATEMENT The National Housing Corporation enhances the Real. Strong. Alpha Chi Omega Women. Experience by providing safe and competitive NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION facilities where members connect, lead, grow and serve. REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. PEARL STONE PARTNERS, LLC MISSION STATEMENT Pearl Stone Partners delivers comprehensive human resources services and supports employees and those who direct them to enhance the Real. Strong. Women. Experience. Pearl Stone Partners 8 ALPHA CHI OMEGA SUB - BRANDS THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE The Real. Strong. Women. Experience provides structured programming and a community environment that empowers women to take on Alpha Chi Omega issues and challenges that help them live as real, REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE strong women. is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS Alpha Chi Omega and its members work together to raise domestic violence awareness and provide support and education to help those in their local Alpha Chi Omega communities build healthy relationships and fight against unhealthy ones. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. ALPHA CHI OMEGA VISUAL BRAND The Alpha Chi Omega brand refresh is the visual REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. TAGLINE expression of the vision and mission statements to the world. The innovative 2020 brand creates a We reinforce the use of "Real. Strong. Women." as our more cohesive look and feel, with a reimagined lyre tagline, celebrating the forward-thinking women who and updated logos, color palette, patterns and fonts. established this focus over a decade ago. Rooted in our The brand is the visual representation of exciting bonds of sisterhood, we discover, celebrate and support the things to come for our collegiate and alumnae unique journeys that make members into the real, strong members, reinforcing who we've always been while women they are meant to be, setting a new bar for what a preparing for our exciting future. woman's fraternity can be. LYRE LOGO The refreshed lyre has been updated in an incremental, but evolutionary and powerful way. Strong, clean and easy to read, the logo retains the use of the The new lyre will be our official version, but lyre and our Real. Strong. Women. tagline to demonstrate previous iterations will not lose their significance or our continued commitment to empower each Alpha Chi emotional connection for members. While the lyre Omega member to take on issues and challenges that help has been updated, no iteration of the lyre will be her live as a real, strong woman. considered off-brand or out of date. THE LYRE 9 AXO NEWS COLORS AND PATTERNS Named for items relevant to our Ritual and heritage, the refreshed colors are flexible in order to appeal to multiple audiences. Additionally, the patterns you see in the color swatches below will inspire creativity in our members' and chapters' designs. AXQ AXQ AXQ Alpha Chi Omega AXQ AXQ Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega AXQ AXQ AXQ Omega 2. 20 SCARLET: THE COLOR OF OLIVE: THE COLOR OF OLYMPUS: A NOD TO OUR VEGA: THE BRIGHTEST OCTOBER, ONE OF THE OCTOBER, ONE OF THE GREEK HERITAGE, THE STAR IN THE LYRA (LYRE) OFFICIAL COLORS OF THE OFFICIAL COLORS OF THE MYTHICAL HOME OF THE CONSTELLATION, PLACED FRATERNITY FRATERNITY GREEK GODS, INCLUDING IN THE SKY BY ZEUS HERA IRIS: A REMINDER OF OUR HERA: OUR PATRON LYRE: OUR BADGE, GREENCASTLE: THE RITUAL GODDESS, GUARDIAN OF THE FIRST MUSICAL LOCATION OF OUR WOMEN INSTRUMENT PLAYED FOUNDING IN 1885 BY THE GREEK GODS, REFLECTING OUR MUSICAL HERITAGE AXQ AXQ EBONY: A NOD TO OUR CHORD: A NOD TO OUR TWO ADDITIONAL PATTERNS MUSICAL HERITAGE, THE MUSICAL HERITAGE, INCORPORATING OUR COLOR OF THE FLAT/SHARP A GROUP OF NOTES BRAND PALETTE KEYS ON A PIANO SOUNDED TOGETHER, AS A BASIS OF HARMONY 10 ALPHA CHI OMEGA GRAPHICS The graphic elements that make up the patterns, along with a few more options, can be used to add excitement to any design! Graphics, patterns and logos, as well as the brand guidelines, can be found in the Resource Center of alphachiomega.org under "Marketing Tools." OUR CHERISHED OUR SYMBOL, THE BELOVED RED LYRE, CAN BE CARNATION IS DISPLAYED IN REIMAGINED ANY COLOR OF FOR TODAY. OUR PALETTE. Alpha Chi Omega AXQ THE GREEK MARK IS A BALANCED TEXT IN OUR BRANDED FONTS REPRESENTATION OF THE THREE ALLOWS OUR NAME TO BECOME GREEK LETTERS THAT MAKE UP PART OF YOUR DESIGN. OUR NAME. THE MONOGRAM IS SURROUNDED BY THREE RINGS THAT REFLECT THE THREE THE THREE STRINGS OF STRINGS OF OUR POINTING TO THE LYRE CAN BE USED LYRE. THE THREE AS A GRAPHIC ELEMENT STARS OF IN DESIGNS. OUR COAT OF ARMS, THESE STARS ARE PULLED FROM THE EACH PATTERN PATTERNS. ELEMENTS OF CAN BE THE FLORAL USED IN ANY PATTERNS COMBINATION TO ARE CREATE UNIQUE AVAILABLE DESIGN. AS PART OF YOUR CREATIVE VISION. THE LYRE 11 AXO NEWS Leadership Academy 2020 BY ALLISON SUMMERS MANY OFFICERS MADE TIME FOR WELLNESS AT A LATE- ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND NIGHT YOGA SESSION! LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES HERE ARE SOME TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR n January 24-26, chapter presidents, vice COLLEGIATE OFFICERS: presidents chapter relations and standards, vice presidents risk management, and vice "Leadership Academy has prepared me for the presidents public relations and marketing challenges I'll face as the head of my executive board. attended Alpha Chi Omega's annual premier training I feel like a new person and hope to instill that within for executive board officers held in Indianapolis, my chapter members when I communicate all the skills Indiana. I've gained." - Taylor Navan (Kappa Chi, Florida Gulf Coast University), Chapter President Steve Whitby of The Catalyst Agency gave the opening keynote focused on health, safety and creating change. "I got to meet other VPs PRM who understood, have Programming spurred conversation on leadership, been through and had solutions to lots of the same bystander intervention, confrontation, sisterhood, issues I've had in my chapter. They encouraged me in inclusive leadership and action planning. Headquarters my role and gave me a new confidence." - Rebecca staff rolled out the refocused backstops, highlighted Moss (Delta Rho, University of Arkansas), VP Public Alpha Chi Omega's mental health resources and shared Relations and Marketing the refreshed brand. Lindsay Boccardo of Lindsay Boccardo Training and Coaching gave the closing "I learned SO many keynote, inspiring participants to lead their chapter innovative ideas for BY THE equipped with tools to navigate stress and avoid standards. It also taught me NUMBERS burnout. Beyond their leadership and role-specific to be a confident leader and training, collegians connected throughout the weekend lead with passion. Going 571 during a T-shirt swap, headquarters tours, snack breaks, to Leadership Academy COLLEGIATE late-night restorative yoga and officer roundtables! taught me more about OFFICERS myself than I ever thought Four lead facilitators guided volunteers through the I would get. I am SO excited 86 VOLUNTEERS curriculum. Both alumnae members and nonmembers to bring all of the new ideas involved in higher education served as breakout to my chapter and help our 173 facilitators, and additional volunteers from the chapter organization reach new EDUCATIONAL relations and standards and risk management specialist heights!" - Anna Weir SESSIONS teams were paired with them to co-facilitate sessions. (Gamma Mu, Ball State Two collegiate interns served as event support and shared 680 University), VP Chapter SNACK BREAK their wisdom as past chapter presidents and attendees. Relations and Standards PRETZELS 12 ALPHA CHI OMEGA THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY VOLUNTEER LEAD FACILITATORS: (LEFT TO RIGHT) CHRISTINE NATAL (BETA ETA, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY), MEGHAN WARD-BOPP PADEN (GAMMA MU, BALL STATE UNIVERSITY), TORI TROBAK (ALPHA LAMBDA, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA) & JE'NELL GRIFFIN (GAMMA NU, SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY) A LARGE PART OF THIS WEEKEND'S SUCCESS IS DUE TO OUR VOLUNTEERS, WHO HAD MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THE EVENT: "Leadership Academy goes beyond routine training and allows us to dig deeper and more critically into the most important skills that a leader can use in her position, but more importantly beyond, and it is the type of innovative program I hope to one day see across all fraternal organizations. Leadership training is critical to both the short- and long-term success and development of sorority." - Ashly Huff (Kappa Delta Sorority), Breakout Facilitator for VPs Risk Management THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY COLLEGIATE INTERNS, "Leadership training gives our women the tools to KENE ORAKWUE (LEFT, DELTA MU, UNIVERSITY OF inspire growth and development. Getting to spend time MASSACHUSETTS) AND VICTORIA THALASSINOS (GAMMA with collegians and see how much drive they have to PI, UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA) make their chapters better and us a better organization is wonderful. These women are the future of Alpha Chi Omega, and it is truly an honor to get to work with themselves to be vulnerable with each other about the them." Leigh Fouts (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio challenges they may face in their new role, in addition State University), Chapter Relations and Standards to making a commitment as a group to be a resource Specialist and support service to each other throughout their term. I feel inspired by Alpha Chi Omega to continue "One of the major highlights of the weekend was to give back to the fraternal community." Johnny "JP" hearing the stories of the women during our small Peters (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.), Breakout group breakout sessions. The chapter presidents allowed Facilitator for Chapter Presidents THE LYRE 13 AXO NEWS Introducing The Heights Learning Center BY JEN WALLACH in the area of collegiate chapter officer training with (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE the launch of Alpha Chi Omega's first online learning UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF management system, aptly named The Heights EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES Learning Center. Ipha Chi Omega sisters are always seeking the The Heights has allowed us to move our collegiate A heights. We are always looking to hone our officer training from pre-recorded and live webinars to craft, do that thing we're passionate about even interactive online learning modules. These modules are better and soar to new heights. Similarly, our Fraternity between 5-8 minutes and can be taken at any time, from leadership is consistently looking for ways to do that any device. Instead of just listening to information, sisters thing we're passionate about better (hint: our thing is interact with the learning content in a variety of ways; Alpha Chi Omega!). modules require objects to be clicked, information to be sorted, scenarios to be assessed and more. We know that Each year, we strategize and plan ways to expand our information is best learned when applied to real-world reach and enhance the experience we're providing to scenarios, and these newly created learning modules our members. As part of the Real. Strong. Women. allow our members to better engage with the content. Experience, we're excited to have expanded that reach A SCREENSHOT OF A MODULE EXPLAINING THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS Hover over Sisterhood each officer to learn who she is! When you're done, click the NEXT arrow below. 14 ALPHA CHI OMEGA LEARNING PATH GETTING IN TOUCH PERSONAL WITH OUR OWN CONFRONTATION ACCOUNTABILITY BEHAVIOR A SCREENSHOT OF THE LEARNING PATH FROM THE "ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONFRONTATION" TRAINING Collegiate officers can easily access The Heights right that. After many months of research, planning and from the Alpha Chi Omega website. Once logged in, testing, we know The Heights will allow us to continue based on their officer role, they can enter any assigned to provide structured programming and a community training module from their computer, tablet or phone. environment that empowers women to take on issues These officers not only have access to materials providing and challenges that help them live as real, strong women. training on the day-to-day responsibilities of chapter leadership, but many other things, including conflict management, accountability and confrontation, how to be an ally, inclusivity, event planning, the basics of facilitation and more. Some call these things "soft skills," but we like to think of them more as "power skills" - skills to help our members hone their power and confidently lead their chapters to new heights. For now, the online learning opportunities are limited The Heights to collegiate executive board officers, but future plans for LEARNING CENTER The Heights include building out more opportunities for both collegiate and alumnae members that focus on the areas of wisdom, devotion, achievement and commitment. We are SO excited about all the possibilities this online learning tool creates for current and future sisters. While much about Alpha Chi Omega has stayed the same Alpha Chi Omega since 1885, our members' learning needs have certainly REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE evolved, and this platform was created in response to THE LYRE 15 AXO NEWS HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WEEK - FEBRUARY 10-14, 2020 Communication is key. BY ALLISON SUMMERS SELECT THE HEALTHIEST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION BEHAVIOR: EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES OPTION A OPTION B The goal of Alpha Chi Omega's Healthy Relationships Week is to foster the Asking someone, "Did you OR Asking someone, "How development of healthy relationships have a good day?" was your day?" and, by SO doing, prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. This year, Alpha Chi Omega members around Guessing how OR Asking what's new or the world gathered to celebrate healthy someone is feeling how things are going relationships and the importance of healthy communication. Using "I," "you," and "we" OR Asking questions of when talking to someone how someone feels, On campus, collegians tabled to share what their thoughts tips on how to communicate and to are or what's going on share what "love is..." to them. They also in their life discussed communication behaviors and practiced active listening as part of the Providing space for active OR Program with Purpose, Communication Communicating on listening the fly is Key! As part of Healthy Relationships Letting someone know OR Diving into your Week, alumnae members gathered for what you need in that thoughts all at once Alpha Chi Night Out through in-person moment hangouts as well as online meet-ups! ANSWERS: Open and honest communication OPTION B - ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS. is a cornerstone to every healthy OPTION B - DON'T TRY TO BE A MIND READER. relationship. OPTION B - CONVERSATIONS ARE A TWO-WAY STREET. OPTION A - SET ASIDE TIME TO TALK. Alpha Chi Omega challenges you to OPTION A - TELL SOMEONE WHAT YOU NEED FROM THEM. evaluate your relationships with family, ADAPTED FROM ONELOVE FOUNDATION friends or romantic partners to see where you can work to have healthier communication. Start reflecting with a NEED TO CONNECT WITH A PEER ADVOCATE brief quiz! ABOUT A RELATIONSHIP? TEXT "LOVEIS" TO 22522. 16 ALPHA CHI OMEGA SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH - APRIL 2020 We believe survivors. April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month. To recognize this month, Alpha Chi Omega provides CALL 800-656-HOPE (4673) TO BE opportunities and digital resources for education CONNECTED WITH A TRAINED and awareness initiatives focused on sexual assault STAFF MEMBER FROM A SEXUAL prevention in partnership with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). ASSAULT SERVICE PROVIDER IN YOUR AREA. During this month, members also support the victims and survivors of sexual assault by wearing denim for Denim Day or hosting an event on campus or in their community with educational information to promote The memoir gives the power back to Chanel Miller, awareness. a young woman who was sexually assaulted by Brock Turner, as she tells her story. At the time of Brock's trial, Join our Alumnae Chanel's anonymous victim impact statement became Book Club in instantly viral, but despite the overwhelming evidence reading Know against Brock, he was sentenced to just 6 months in a My Name county jail. Chanel's memoir reclaims her identity in in April. this story of trauma and shows the power of words. It will transform the way we think about sexual assault, ove speaking truth and the reality of healing from trauma. DELTA KAPPA (SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY) HONORING DENIM DAY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SUPPORT SURVIVORS here HA OMEGA THE LYRE 17 CONVENTION Explore New Horizons ALPHA CHI OMEGA PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT BALTIMORE 2020 NATIONAL CONVENTION BALTIMORE, MD REGISTER FOR THE 2020 National Convention! VISIT WWW.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/CONVENTION TO BOOK YOUR SPOT IN BALTIMORE. SEVERAL OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE SO YOU CAN TAILOR YOUR EXPERIENCE TO YOUR NEEDS. FULL-TIME PART-TIME PART-TIME APRIL 27: REGISTRATION BY-DAY À LA CARTE REGISTRATION DEADLINE REGISTRATION REGISTRATION Explore new horizons with everything If your schedule doesn't Are you interested MAY 27: LATE convention has to allow you to enjoy all in attending only a REGISTRATION offer! This three-day three days, you can couple meals? Or do DEADLINE (ADDITIONAL registration includes register for single days. you just want to attend $50 LATE FEE APPLIES) entrance to all Select the day (Friday, educational sessions? The educational sessions, Saturday or Sunday) part-time registration AFTER MAY 27: ON-SITE keynote speeches, you want to join us, and option allows you to REGISTRATION ONLY national chapter you'll be registered for all choose which events of (ADDITIONAL $50 LATE meetings, meals and on- that day's meals, sessions convention you'd like to FEE PLUS $25 ON-SITE site activities. and events. experience. FEE APPLY) TRAVEL AND HOTEL ARE NOT INCLUDED IN CONVENTION REGISTRATION. A ROOM BLOCK HAS BEEN RESERVED AT THE BALTIMORE MARRIOTT WATERFRONT AND CAN BE ACCESSED FROM OUR WEBSITE. 18 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Off-Site Excursions Excited to explore Baltimore while you're in town for convention? Join sisters from across the country for one of our Friday off-site excursions. You can add these excursions during your convention registration. STAR SPANGLED AX BANNER TOUR VOLUNTEERS Engage and interact with Baltimore history! NEEDED Participants will take Are you planning on attending chartered transportation convention in Baltimore? Have to Fort McHenry, best you considered serving in a known for its role in the War of 1812 and the location at which Francis volunteer role? You can do both! Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814. Participants will Volunteers are needed for greeting walk through the star-shaped fort, stand upon the ramparts where sisters during registration, setting "the rockets' red glare" were witnessed and see a film depicting the up, supporting sisterhood activities events that inspired Key's poem. Participants will continue to the and serving as educational session Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum. Built in 1793, this was hosts. the home and business place of Mary Pickersgill, the maker of the flag hoisted over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. Participants If you've never attended will explore the interior of the house and the first-floor exhibition convention, I highly recommend gallery, which includes a variety of artifacts from the era. Cost: $150 it! I went for the first time in 2014 and loved it SO much I've ADVENTURES gone back every time since! I IN ART served as the national chapter meeting coordinator at the 2018 Enjoy a cultural afternoon convention and am thrilled to be visiting two of Baltimore's returning to the role for 2020. I finest museums! First, enjoyed working with the staff at participants will explore headquarters to plan the chapter the city's critically meetings and loved organizing acclaimed "architectural jewel," the American Visionary Art Museum. the ceremony to recognize our Nestled at the base of historic Federal Hill, the museum - the national milestone members. repository of artworks created by self-taught artists - includes six galleries, each exploring a central theme. Participants will then Hope to see you in Baltimore! roam the Walters Art Museum, where philanthropist Henry Walters bequeathed his art gallery and collection to the city of Baltimore in Sasha Williams (Epsilon, 1934. The Walters is recognized internationally as one of the finest art University of Southern California), museums in America and houses extensive collections of Western and 2020 convention volunteer Eastern art representing 5,000 years of artistic creativity. Cost: $135 Email volunteer@alphachiomega.org TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT BALTIMORE; with questions or interest. BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM THE LYRE 19 CONVENTION Friday, June 26 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Optional Activities: Excursions, Service Project 12 P.M. Registration, Star Booth, NHC Table, History Area, Mentoring Area and Vendors Open 2-4 P.M. Alumnae Initiation 4-5 P.M. Mentoring Meet-Up 5-5:30 P.M. Delegates Meeting (Mandatory for Delegates) 5:45-6:15 P.M. First-Time Attendee Kickoff Event 6:30-8:30 P.M. Welcome Dinner Award Winner Photo Opportunity (Immediately Following Dinner) 8:45-9:45 P.M. Volunteer Meetings (PCC, PAC, CEV, LHC) 9:30 P.M. Foundation Major Donor Reception (By Invitation Only) Collegiate Experience Fireside Chats Housing Office Hours Pearl Stone Partners Office Hours Vendor Shopping 10 P.M. Sisterhood Gathering (Optional) 20 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ROLE-SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL TRACKS ALUMNAE CHAPTER OFFICERS AND ALUMNAE VOLUNTEERS Explore new horizons for the alumnae chapter experience through unique approaches to member recruitment, innovative alumnae engagement tactics, and creative programming across generations and lifestyles. Look forward to opportunities for personal development, intentional goal-setting, networking and more. Contact lifetimeengagement@ alphachiomega.org with questions. COLLEGIANS AND PHOTO BY GREEKYEARBOOK COLLEGIATE VOLUNTEERS Chart your course to success with sessions Saturday, June 27 that include discussions about how we can impact and support the mental wellness of our sisters and explorations of the concept of sisterhood and how we create a sense 7:30-8:30 A.M. Networking Breakfast (Optional) of belonging within our chapters. Plan to 7:30-8:30 A.M. Heritage Society Breakfast (By Invitation Only) engage in meaningful conversations and Province Meetings leave with tools to further support the 9-11 A.M. National Chapter Meeting #1 collegiate experience. 11:30 A.M. - - 1 P.M. Sisterhood Luncheon LOCAL HOUSE CORPORATION 1:30-2:30 P.M. Keynote Speaker REPRESENTATIVES 3-5:30 P.M. Educational Breakout Sessions (Role-Specific The National Housing Corporation Tracks Available) (NHC) will offer sessions specifically 6-7 P.M. NHC Reception (By Invitation Only) for local house corporation (LHC) 7:30-9 P.M. Reunion Night Dinner representatives, with topics that may include best practices, accountability, 9:30 P.M. Past Consultant Reception (By Invitation Only) reporting processes, recent policy Past National Council Reception (By Invitation changes, Pearl Stone Partners updates Only) and the new online reporting system. 10 P.M. Sisterhood Gathering (Optional) Questions? Contact Director of Housing Laura Eisler at leisler@alphachiomega.org. THE LYRE 21 CONVENTION CONVENTION CHOIR CALLOUT RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR ALPHA CHI OMEGA AS A MEMBER OF THE CONVENTION CHOIR. WE'RE LOOKING FOR SINGERS OF ANY LEVEL TO HELP LEAD THE CONVENTION BODY IN SONG THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND. IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO ATTEND CONVENTION AND WOULD Sunday. June 28 LIKE TO JOIN THE CHOIR, EMAIL VOLUNTEER@ ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG 7:30-8:30 A.M. Networking Breakfast (Optional) Consultant Interest Session 9-11 A.M. National Chapter Meeting #2 Convention Photo (Immediately Following the Meeting) 12-1:30 P.M. Foundation Luncheon 2-3 P.M. Educational Mix-Up 3:15 P.M. Educational Breakout Sessions (Personal Development Topics) 4:30 P.M. Educational Breakout Sessions (Personal Development Topics) 7:30 P.M. Carnation Celebration Appreciation Reception Educational session details will be available soon on www.alphachiomega.org/convention and in the summer Lyre. 22 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Star Booth ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION To the sister who welcomed you home on bid day To the sister who asked you to volunteer To the sister who stood by you on your wedding day To the sister who inspires you to seek the heights. Say thank you by honoring these sisters during the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's Star Booth. With each $10 gift, you'll add a star to honor someone in your life and be part of sustaining the Alpha Chi Omega experience for future generations of sisters. Your gift will support the Real. Strong. Women. R Fund, which is the best way to impact all Alpha Chi Omegas. STAR BOOTH WILL OPEN FOR ONLINE GIVING IN MAY 2020. THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 National Convention sponsors! OLYMPIAN SPONSOR TECHNOLOG P O N S O R H billhighway greekbill HERFF I N E S TM GOELZER RESEARCH RELATIONSHIPS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT RESULTS MEAL SPONSOR SYNERGY Reinventing Your HR 30 A Trusted HR Partner for YEARS GEICO #MemberDiscount HEALTH & WELLNESS SPONSORS findgreek. FRATERNAL LAW PARTNERS GABRIEL GROUP GILL GRILLING THE LYRE 23 FOUNDATION Why I Support the Foundation Through Planned Giving BY BETTY HEMMETER (BETA THETA, LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY) give to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation Celica McClure Pardee. I because it's always been an important part of my life - no matter where I live or what stage of Back in New Jersey again, life I'm in. we had our son and my Monmouth County Club I joined Alpha Chi Omega at Lawrence University in had another baby shower for Appleton, Wisconsin. At Lawrence, we had a living me. After about six years, we room in the Panhellenic wing of our dorm and a shared thought it was time to move kitchen, where as a new member, I baked chocolate chip closer to our parents, SO we cookies each Friday. My senior year, I was treasurer of headed for Illinois with a the Beta Theta chapter and bought us a new piece of sixth-grade daughter and equipment: an adding machine - that was 1969! When a kindergarten-aged son in 1984. I joined the Gamma I look back on my experience as a collegiate member, I Lambda Gamma chapter in Naperville/Glen Ellyn. have great memories. That chapter really kept me busy, and along the way I become the province alumnae chair for our area. After graduating, I got married and we moved to Iowa City, Iowa, and each day I drove past the Alpha Chi As you can see, in each place I've lived, Alpha Chi Omega chapter house at the University of Iowa on my Omega played an important role in my life. Why way to work. We moved to New Jersey for my husband's wouldn't I give back to our sorority of real, strong job, and I discovered the Monmouth County Alumnae women? I've enjoyed all the groups in all the places I've Club. They welcomed me with open arms and even had lived, their friendships and their altruisms. a surprise baby shower for me when I was expecting my first child! My husband and I give to Alpha Chi Omega by making a yearly donation from an IRA account. If you are 72 After New Jersey, we went to Wichita, Kansas. Right years old or older, you are required to take a yearly away my New Jersey alumnae club sisters put me in RMD (required minimum distribution) from your IRA, contact with Ruth Miller Winsor (Phi, University and a charitable gift can help satisfy that requirement. of Kansas), a Past National President! I jumped in If you are 70 1/2 years old or older, you can also take and started volunteering with a holiday project and advantage of the option to make a QCD (qualified attended my first national convention. I loved it! charitable distribution) from your IRA directly to a The other highlight from Wichita was receiving an qualified charity such as the Foundation without having autographed copy of The Symphony from the author, to pay income taxes on the money. 24 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Discovery Experience 2020 BY MADELINE PLESAC (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation was honored to welcome a special group of donors to Indianapolis in January for the second Discovery Experience. This Foundation event, held in conjunction with Leadership Academy, is an opportunity for Foundation donors to see the impact of their gifts on our sisterhood. At the event, donors met with their chapter's collegiate officers, experienced Foundation-funded programs, and enjoyed time with Fraternity and Foundation leaders. In addition, they heard from Steve Whitby, this year's opening keynote speaker. Invitations to Discovery Experience were extended to donors who gave $2,500 or more to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund or $5,000 or more to any program or fund during the 2018-19 or 2019-20 fiscal years. BETTY WITH ANNE HOLMSTROM (SIGMA, "Discovery Experience provided me an opportunity to see UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) where my dollars are going when I give to the Foundation," said one Foundation donor. "I loved connecting with new sisters - both collegians and alumnae - and getting a taste of the programming we provide our members. I'm reminded of It really is a win-win and you help future my lifelong connection to Alpha Chi Omega!" generations of sisters make this world a better place! To learn more about giving to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, visit alphachiomega.org/axo-foundation. Visit alphachiomega.org for detailed information about contributing through DISCOVERY EXPERIENCE ATTENDEES, THE NATIONAL your IRA, recent changes to the SECURE Act COUNCIL AND HEADQUARTERS STAFF MEMBERS passed by Congress and further opportunities for planned giving. As always, consult your tax advisor to determine the best options for you. FOUNDATION Reintroducing the Community Impact Program BY MADELINE PLESAC (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT At Alpha Chi Omega, we think globally and act locally when it comes to philanthropy. Our organization has adopted several national causes over the years, but for over 25 years, all our chapters Community - collegiate and alumnae - have worked to end domestic violence. Impact Program Through the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's Community Impact IN THE LAST 10 YEARS (CI) program (formerly known as Local Philanthropic Initiatives, or LPI), collegiate and alumnae chapters can fundraise through the MORE THAN Foundation for local domestic violence agencies and other local $6 MILLION nonprofits. was raised by collegiate and alumnae chapters to benefit BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE CI PROGRAM: nonprofits in their communities. 375 LOCAL Ability to accept tax-deductible donations (donations to NONPROFITS chapters are not tax-deductible) received Community Impact funds raised by Ability to use the Foundation's new online fundraising Alpha Chi Omega chapters. platform, CrowdChange, at no cost MORE THAN Chapter receives Alpha Chi Omega Foundation giving 100 CHAPTERS + recognition for the total amount raised received Alpha Chi Omega Foundation giving credit and recognition. 11,000 DONORS made tax-deductible donations through the CI program for local nonprofits. Increase your chapter's local impact! Email us at foundation@alphachiomega.org for more information. Alpha Chi Omega FOUNDATION REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. 26 ALPHA CHI OMEGA alphachiomega.org/recommend Know someone who would make a great sister? As a member of Alpha Chi Omega, you are our best resource for helping recruit real, strong women into our sisterhood. If you know an outstanding young woman who plans to participate in recruitment on her campus, be sure to take advantage of our convenient online recommendation form to let the chapter know. Visit alphachiomega.org/recommend to create and submit a recruitment recommendation form. While you're there, view our helpful videos, FAQs and other resources to discover what's new with recruitment! HOUSING Springing into a New Decade with the NHC BY ELIZA PAYNE (DELTA CHI, WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY), HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR t is hard to believe we BEFORE @@@@@@@@@@@@@ AFTER I 00000 388 are halfway through 398 @@@ 088 8@0 the first semester of a 8886899888889 new decade! The National Housing Corporation (NHC) EE is delighted to share some recent facility renovations at our Alpha Chi Omega properties through our Facility Focus feature! BEFORE AFTER BETA (ALBION COLLEGE) The Beta chapter at Albion College welcomed a refresh to its living room, including paint and new furniture. Mixed among the new accessories in the room are décor pieces showcasing the long history of the Beta chapter. 2/3 28 ALPHA CHI OMEGA BEFORE AFTER LHC SESSIONS AT CONVENTION The National Housing Corporation is excited to announce that educational sessions will be offered specifically for local house corporation (LHC) representatives at convention in Baltimore! Sessions will be offered on Saturday, June 27 from 3-5:30 p.m. as part of the convention schedule. See page 21 of this issue for possible topics and convention details. Please remember to register and book travel. We look forward to seeing many LHC ZETA CHI representatives at these educational (MUHLENBERG COLLEGE) sessions! Questions? Email leisler@alphachiomega.org. For the Zeta Chi chapter, the NHC upgraded several areas of the chapter facility this year, including the living room, study room and front porch. The chapter also received updated paint and window treatments throughout the space. BETA TAU (MIAMI UNIVERSITY) Our Beta Tau sisters had a very exciting start to their year, as the university completed a major renovation on their suite. The NHC provided furniture, paint and additional upgrades to this facility space to complete the transformation - just look at these pictures of the completed space! Welcome home, Beta Tau! THE LYRE 29 COLLEGIATE CORNER The Full American Experience BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR hen Issy Rushton was 15, she traveled W 7,000 miles from her home in Queensland, Australia to the state of Oregon. On this six-month high school exchange program, Issy "fell in love with everything to do with the U.S." and decided she wanted the American college experience. "In Australia, we don't live on campus, we don't have Greek life, we don't have college sports," she explains. "You go to class and go home." After researching 40 U.S. colleges and convincing her parents, Issy chose to attend the University of South Carolina for her full undergraduate degree. In 2017, she boarded a plane and set out for one of the most American traditions - sorority recruitment. "I knew right from the start I wanted to go through recruitment," she says. "I basically knew absolutely nothing though." Issy quickly fell in love with the Theta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. "The connection I had in Alpha Chi from round one was something different," she explains. "I felt I could be me and be vulnerable, especially as a freshman coming in from a different country. It was my home right from the start." Issy didn't realize when accepting her bid what she does now as a junior - the impact Alpha Chi Omega would have on her life. "Joining Alpha Chi my freshman year really allowed me to make leaps and bounds in joining other organizations and being successful in my studies," she says. "It has really become the foundation for me in terms of friendship and development. I found my feet and my ABOVE: ISSY RUSHTON RIGHT: ISSY SAYS LIVING IN THE THETA UPSILON CHAPTER HOUSE IS ONE OF HER ability to lead through Alpha Chi." FONDEST COLLEGE MEMORIES. FAR RIGHT: ISSY WITH HER SISTERS DURING RECRUITMENT Issy was voted Panhellenic delegate her freshman 30 ALPHA CHI OMEGA year, setting her on a course for leadership roles and opportunities. I think the opportunities for growth involvement in everything from being a university and experience in America really allow college students ambassador to helping found The Big Event project on especially to find their passion." campus. And in 2019, she became president of the Theta Upsilon chapter. Case in point: While Issy entered college as a psychology major, she fell in love with criminal law and got involved "I definitely did not ever expect to one day become a in American politics. She's planning to pursue law school chapter president," Issy says. She points out valuable - in the U.S. - and hopes to work on criminal justice lessons from her chapter leadership experience, like the reform through politics. importance of being a support system and listening. "I think it's easy in a leadership role to take charge and While Issy has fully embraced the American experience make decisions, but it takes a special person to sit down now, she won't forget the organization that shaped her: and hear differing opinions from people. It's important "I attribute all the success I've had - not only within to make everyone feel like a someone. I live by that." Alpha Chi but also on campus and in the community - to being in a sorority." After transitioning out of her officer role this year, Issy is taking her leadership skills to the student government. At print time, she was in the last weeks of her campaign for student body president! Issy explains that these opportunities she's had in college are distinctly American. She says that in Australia, her drive and work ethic were often perceived as faults. "One of the biggest reasons I love America is I have been able to take charge of my future and what I want to do," she says. "It's an incredible thing to be able to go through those open doors and grab those ON CAMPUS Technology Transforms Collegiate Chapter Life BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR Alpha Chi Omega was founded by seven young women who wanted to create something that was the first of its kind (Alpha) and that they expected to be the last of its kind (Omega). Our visionary approach to our Fraternity continues as we tailor the Real. Strong. Women. Experience to the needs of today's collegians, using all the technology available to us that wasn't even dreamed about 1885! BEFORE TODAY Officers learned through handwritten Through a combination of online or printed officer handbooks. handbooks, The Heights Learning Center modules and Resource Center guides, officers are well-prepared to lead their chapter. Only cash or checks were accepted for Collegians can collect donations philanthropy events. and sell tickets for events via the CrowdChange website through the Community Impact program. Advisors need to live near the Women can advise from miles away collegiate chapter they worked with. using phone calls, emails and video chats, providing support to our officers whenever they need. Congrats AXO Recommendation letters for potential With the online recruitment new members were sent via postal recommendation form, the process mail to a chapter to organize and is streamlined for collegiate chapters, process manually. and alumnae are automatically notified if the women join the chapter. The first traveling secretary, Charlene Our 15 chapter consultants travel by Moore Simpson (Chi, Oregon State train, car and plane to reach every University), took trains her first year one of our collegiate chapters each to visit nine chapters, compiling her year. reports on a portable typewriter. 32 ALPHA CHI OMEGA VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Jenna Williamson ALPHA PI (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA) CURRENT VOLUNTEER ROLES: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FACILITATOR 2019 & 2020 What do you do in your primary volunteer role? What have you learned from that experience? As a leadership development specialist, I work with "I believe it is through valuable chapters and members through all leadership growth opportunities, which means assisting with officer connection that we are allowed to transitions, executive board retreats, chapter retreats remain curious. This curiosity drives and document reviews. I've learned that growth is an us to grow. Continued growth allows ongoing opportunity and Alpha Chi Omega has the potential to develop this far beyond the collegiate us to make commitments to change, experience. to ourselves, to one another and to the communities we are a part How did you become a volunteer? of. Over time this leaves a legacy of As a junior, I joined Alpha Chi Omega late in the game; this meant my collegiate member experience impact. Alpha Chi Omega is about was condensed and it drove me to seek opportunities impact through valuable connection." beyond the couple of collegiate years I had experienced. Embracing the Real. Strong. Women. mentality, I reached out to headquarters shortly before going into alumna status and a staff member helped me get into the right volunteer role. What is your favorite Alpha Chi memory Who is an Alpha Chi Omega role model as an alumna? you look up to? Creating new friends across the country through my There are many and they all have the shared attributes volunteer experience and experiencing that initial of passion, commitment and awkward hello blossom into generosity. My role models are commonality is one of my favorite the women who put the values memories/must-dos. The bonds of of Alpha Chi Omega into action, sisterhood stretch far and wide if the women who daringly lead, the you cast yourself into the universe women who practice conviction and are willing to receive; you never and dedication, the women who are know who you can meet. Finding humble and kind, the women who likeminded women who support are brave and face challenges head each other from near and far has on, and the women who build each to be one of my favorite alumna other up. experiences. THE LYRE 33 LIFE Innovating the Alumnae Chapter Experience BY LAURA KNOBEL (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT F or Alpha Chi Omega's alumnae chapters, there's Hall of Commitment is a great opportunity to draw in something to be said for the tried and true. members young and old, as Ritual reminds sisters of Sisters love a good holiday dinner, sending treats the bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Invite sisters from any to their local collegiate chapter sisters or gathering chapter of initiation to participate in the ceremony if for happy hour. But as we enter a new decade and they didn't have the opportunity when they graduated. Alpha Chi Omega continues to change with the Consider toasting the new alumnae with brunch or times, alumnae chapters are looking to the future and Dream Cake following the ceremony, offering them discovering new ways to recruit, engage and host sisters. discounted dues for their first year of alumnae chapter Discover how a few chapters transform the alumnae membership. Milestone celebrations for 50-, 60- and 75- experience and allow their efforts to spark ideas for year members can also be hosted in conjunction with your chapter! Hall of Commitment. RECRUITMENT ENGAGEMENT Many alumnae chapters cite recruitment as their Networking face to face is great, but some impressive biggest challenge. Through personal connection and methods of engaging sisters need not involve meeting the wonders of technology, getting local sisters looped in person. Virtual alumnae chapters stay connected in doesn't have to be a mammoth task. There are two through social media, video conferencing, email and main approaches to recruitment: ongoing and seasonal. online fundraisers. Rho Phi Rho, a virtual alumnae Instead of waiting to put a sister on the mailing list chapter for Gamma Omicron (Marshall University) until after she pays dues, Lambda Omicron Lambda alumnae, utilizes both technology and "snail mail" to (Ocala, Florida) regularly reaches out to alumnae across connect across miles. Annually, each chapter member a three-county region through newsletters and digital can choose to be matched with a "secret sister" to send invitations to events. This keeps the alumnae chapter small gifts and cards through the mail tailored to her experience inclusive. interests. Everyone loves getting something in the mail that isn't a bill or advertisement! For a more seasonal approach, Delta Zeta Delta (San Mateo, California) ramps up phone calls and social Fortunately, Alpha Chi Omega values are a common media communication over the summer, inviting sisters denominator among members regardless of age or to its annual "Back to School" pizza night in the fall. location. Revisiting special moments of the Ritual, Sisters wear their college colors and share memories sharing favorite memories from collegiate years or from their collegiate experience, making it a welcoming supporting a philanthropic endeavor are all guaranteed space for all alumnae regardless of their chapter of to please. initiation. Beta Omicron Beta (Miami, Florida) considers other 34 ALPHA CHI OMEGA COLORA BETA OMICRON BETA HOSTS ALL SORTS OF EVENTS, DELTA ZETA DELTA HOSTS "BACK TO SCHOOL" NIGHT, FROM DINNER TO A FINANCIAL PLANNING SESSION. BRINGING TOGETHER SISTERS OF ALL GENERATIONS, LIKE THESE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER ALUMNAE! universal topics, such as financial planning, when Club specifically for older members to connect. hosting its seminar series. A financial planner and an estate planner presented to chapter members and Sisters in various life stages would also benefit from provided guidance on savings, wills and more. The having like-minded support systems: new graduates, Resource Center on the Alpha Chi Omega website singles, young parents, stay-at-home moms, working offers several Programs with Purpose for alumnae, professionals, empty nesters and retirees all have with participant and facilitator guides available for unique schedules and needs. Consider staggering your download. Conveniently, educational events like programming schedule with happy hours, playground these can be hosted in-person or virtually (or both) meet-ups, free babysitting nights, morning walking or by including a call-in or webinar component. Virtual running groups, mid-week lunches, weekend coffees engagement can revolutionize your alumnae chapter, and virtual book clubs to accommodate a variety keeping sisters engaged in spite of distance, bad weather of schedules and lifestyles. By taking an innovative and busy schedules. approach to in-person programming, every member can find something meaningful. PROGRAMMING Even chapters that have celebrated their centennial A frequently asked question from alumnae chapter are innovating the alumnae chapter experience. Share officers is how to meet the needs of chapter members your chapter's unique ideas and keep the conversation across the generations. Large membership is a good going with fellow alumnae chapter officers in the problem to have, but it's challenging to find activities in Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter Leadership group which all members want to participate. on Facebook. We can't wait to see how our alumnae chapters continue to innovate in this new decade. Many alumnae chapters have created a young alumnae For assistance and ideas, connect with your province liaison position to connect recent graduates. Mu Mu alumnae chair (PAC) or email lifetimeengagement@ (Kansas City, Missouri) has subcommittees that plan alphachiomega.org. Inspired to join an alumnae programming for their multigenerational chapter. chapter? Visit the Find Us page on alphachiomega.org Alpha Gamma Alpha (Atlanta, Georgia) offers a Hera to locate one nearby. THE LYRE 35 LIFE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion HOW ALPHA CH I OMEGA IS LEARNING AND LEADING BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR he Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega asks our We are leaders in change, and we are prioritizing DE&I T sisters to "see and appreciate all that is noble for our organization and each individual member. Each in another." There are no limitations to this step may be small, but the small steps lead us in the charge, no asterisks or exceptions. We are right direction and compound to create a real impact. asked to recognize others and honor what makes them unique. WHY HAVE WE MADE THIS A FOCUS? Another way to look at this: We know that diversity is valuable, and that varied perspectives are what make Diversity, equity and inclusion have become hugely us a stronger Alpha Chi Omega. By appreciating each popular and prevalent topics in our society - from other for what makes us different, we create an inclusive higher education to workplace environments and space where each sister is safe to be herself. everything in between. According to the Census Bureau, minorities (those classified as of any race other But we also acknowledge that diversity, equity than non-Hispanic, single-race whites) will make up a and inclusion (referred to as DE&I in this article) majority of the U.S. population by 2042. are challenges - for us, for the entire sorority/ fraternity industry and for our world as a whole. As the campuses that host our collegiate chapters admit Our organizations were founded in a time in which a more diverse student body, they are also calling on sameness was a standard, and by the nature of our campus organizations to create inclusive environments. recruitment process, selection (albeit a mutual one) They know that our organizations can be home to is inherent in how we continue. Today, we see further women of all backgrounds and experiences, and they are challenges through individual members' choices, challenging us to respond. whether that is wearing a costume that appropriates another culture, using racial slurs or other disparaging But we respond not just because we are asked to. language, expressing disagreement with national We know the value that an inclusive membership policies, or more broadly refusing to create inclusive experience brings to Alpha Chi Omega. For a sisterhood spaces and resisting efforts to change. founded on trailblazing ideals and a willingness to push the envelope, we know we can only improve when These challenges, however, do not mean we do not we bring in diverse voices and create an environment try. In fact, it is in the trying and the striving to do where those voices are welcomed and honored. better that we learn more about what is at the core of Alpha Chi Omega - our values of wisdom, devotion Our current collegians are part of Generation Z, the and achievement - and we define and redefine what it most racially diverse generation in history. Research means to be a real, strong woman. shows that these women care about diversity to a 36 ALPHA CHI OMEGA greater degree than previous generations, choosing to The National Council also determined there was a engage with diverse groups of friends and supporting need to bring in experts - experts who cared about the efforts to specifically include those who differ from future of Alpha Chi Omega - and engage in an open them. They believe that the problems of this world can dialogue about what it means to provide an inclusive only be solved when diverse voices come together to the membership experience. A call for members for the table. And they are looking for an Alpha Chi Omega Diversity and Inclusion Study Group (DISG) was that reflects this. made in late 2016 and saw more than 100 applications submitted for consideration. "To say there was a And a quick note: While race is a key part of how passion for this cause is an understatement," says Chief we look at diversity, Alpha Chi Omega's DE&I work Executive Officer Katie Lampinen Gaffin. also includes a variety of other areas - ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual Ultimately, 13 members of diverse backgrounds orientation, opinion, and mental or physical ability, to and lived experiences were chosen and tasked with name just a few. exploring issues facing Alpha Chi Omega in the areas of diversity and inclusion, reviewing current data and National President Angela Costley Harris points out, programming, and making recommendations. "Diversity of thought and idea is one of the most powerful tools we have to advance Alpha Chi Omega The DISG met throughout 2017 and 2018, focusing forward in a way that is relevant for all current and their efforts on such areas as programming, policy, future members." communications and language. As a result of their dedication, the group delivered a comprehensive report WHERE HAVE with findings and recommendations across five areas of focus (in the red box on this page) to the National WE BEEN? Council in 2018. Staff and volunteers have begun In the early 2010s, in response to increased campus reviewing these recommendations and implementing concerns about diversity and seeing the need for our them in the work they have already been doing and are own action, Alpha Chi Omega took a stand. The 2015- now planning for the years to come. 20 Strategic Plan set forth a specific objective: "Increase membership diversity." "Our intention in this work is to facilitate the hard conversations that members and leaders want to have," Angela says. "For example, when I wanted to discuss how to increase diversity in volunteer roles without crossing into tokenism, we had a mechanism in place to have that conversation with experts on that topic." S AREAS OF FOCUS WHAT ARE DATA COLLECTION AND ASSESSMENT WE DOING NOW? Alpha Chi Omega contracted with Jessica Pettitt, ORGANIZATIONAL POLICY, LANGUAGE speaker on inclusivity and author of Good Enough Now, AND PRACTICES to engage in DE&I work. Jessica has worked with fraternities and sororities across all types of Greek COLLEGIATE PROGRAMMING councils and most recently spoke to Alpha Chi Omegas ALUMNAE PROGRAMMING at the 2017 Volunteer Summit and the 2018 National Convention. MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS THE LYRE 37 LIFE "Sisterhood is at the root of our membership, but how a learning path on diversity and inclusion. With we do sisterhood and what it means to each of our sessions like "Being My Sister's Ally" and "Embracing members is completely individualized," Jessica explains. Diversity in Alpha Chi Omega," the program provides "So how do you address that? One person at a time." our collegians with a safe environment and guided questions to have honest conversations about these Knowing this, Jessica facilitated focus groups with topics and how they relate to their Alpha Chi Omega our collegiate members in 2019 to learn about the experience and beyond. membership experience for the following identities: LGBTQA; financial challenges, difficulty and In addition, you may have noticed posts on our instability; non-Christian; Catholics, Protestants and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts that have Christians; non-white; white, middle/upper class come from our new social media strategy focused and heterosexual; and those with on honoring and learning about disabilities. the diversity of our membership. We'll be highlighting a wide Staff and volunteer range of holidays (as leaders also participated we did for Bodhi in a webinar series Day on January led by Jessica. 20) and heritage These included recognition training on social events (like justice, cultural Hispanic misappropriation, Heritage Month unconscious bias September 15 - and working October 15) with across difference, member stories among other topics. and education. We're dedicated "You have a lot of to creating a space volunteers and staff for members to express who are hungry for this," their identities as well as to Jessica says of her work with educate their sisters. Alpha Chi Omega. Also on social media, for the last several years we've Tangible changes have already been implemented. Our shared messaging regarding cultural appropriation national training programs - Leadership Academy, through the "My Culture is Not Your Costume" Collegiate Growth Academy, Volunteer Summit and campaign. Around Halloween, we ask members to convention - have included a diverse set of speakers think before choosing their costumes, providing as well as programming regarding the real-world them some questions to ask themselves in order to be application of a diverse and inclusive membership. respectful of other cultures. Facilitators for these events also receive resources regarding these topics before they lead discussions, thus And finally, our chapter awards program now includes fostering an open environment. a Diversity and Inclusion Award. Our collegians are prioritizing DE&I work in their chapter experiences, The MyJourney program, our premier collegiate and headquarters wants to recognize those efforts. member experience, has been updated to include Jessica applauds the national Fraternity for its 38 ALPHA CHI OMEGA willingness to listen to, learn from and share the best practices of the collegiate membership, who face these DE& I issues head-on. DEFINITIONS She also points out a challenge (and a benefit) that Adapted from the Alpha Chi is continuing to learn more about: "The University of Houston Office of Student Life hardest part of doing DE&I work in a national association is that each local chapter has a completely Diversity: psychological, physical and social different culture and a completely different experience, differences that occur among any and all and rolling one thing out doesn't fit everybody," she individuals says. "But the skills from diversity, equity and inclusion impact everybody." Equity: the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all, while WHAT ARE WE PLANNING at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full FOR THE FUTURE? participation of some groups; different than Jessica continues, "You can have a consistent experience "equality," which is evenly distributed access to where people can be individually seen. That's the real resources and opportunity that may or may not work that Alpha Chi is trying to do." result in equitable outcomes As we continue to get to know our members, Inclusion: the act of creating involvement, individually and as a collective organization, we environments and empowerment in which any know that our work on DE&I is never done. Staff and individual or group can be and feel welcomed, volunteers throughout the Enterprise are working respected, supported and valued to fully diligently to identify areas for improvement and new participate initiatives, with input from the collegiate focus groups and feedback from our members in mind. Our national boards are actively working on succession strategies involving DE&I to better reflect our membership. In addition, we are intentionally members need individually, as unique chapters and as a attracting and including women who represent our national organization, and we are taking action. diverse membership in volunteer roles and leadership appointments. We continue to learn and explore new avenues to increase diversity and create inclusive and equitable As an Indiana-based company, Alpha Chi Omega joined environments where all members can feel safe and Indiana Forward, a coalition of businesses, advocacy confident to develop into real, strong women. The groups and other organizations, in a bipartisan effort to focus group responses, DISG recommendations and pass a bias crimes law in the state. While the measure continued open dialogue with all members continues did not pass in the legislature, Alpha Chi Omega stands to teach us about the challenges and needs of this time ready to join together and advocate for policy changes. - as well as to inspire us to continue building the Real. Strong. Women. Experience. Jessica points out that although DE&I is an incredibly difficult conversation, Alpha Chi is not shying away from it. We are asking questions to learn what our THE LYRE 39 REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. Engineering the Future ofTechnology BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR ow many times each day do H you stare at your phone waiting for an app to load? Or press the button to connect to Wi-Fi when you walk into your local coffee shop? You may have heard of 5G and hold onto the hope that it can solve your frustrating mobile phone experiences. For Muriel Médard (Theta Omicron, Massachusetts Institute of Technology), 5G technology is part of her everyday - and it's not SO simple as pressing a button your phone. Muriel is a leader in network coding - whether that's commercializing the technology in her businesses, inspiring the next generation in her classrooms or fighting for spaces for women in her field. 40 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 4 MODIFS of per (d(vvi) to [acuss]=1 Genera 7. TLO Interest Cachin PHOTO BY LILLIE PAQUETTE, COURTESY OF MIT THE LYRE is 41 REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. THE STUDY OF models. To illustrate network coding, she explains, TECHNOLOGY "Instead of giving you three numbers, I tell you three equations from which you can recover those numbers. Muriel is the Cecil H. Green Professor in the electrical Having those representations provides you a really engineering and computer science department at powerful way to make communications more robust." MIT, where she teaches such classes as "Engineering the Internet." Her focus is on communications and For example, you are given the equations X+Y, X-Y networking, both the information theory side and the and 2X+Y. Now, if any one of those equations gets implementation side of the field. lost, you can recover it from the other two, versus a standalone number that has no link to be found again. "I find that having the theoretical background really Muriel and her teams then use these equations in helps in making novel designs, and at the same time, electrical networks, where they can be modified as part having the application and understanding of the of transport protocols. She explains, "It's just like the context makes for much better theoretical problems," transport of goods and the infrastructure of setting up she explains. trucks and trains that convey items from point A to point B. What network coding does is it makes use of Her theoretical mindset started when she chose to the fact you aren't transporting crates of oranges, you're study engineering in college. "I liked the rigor of math transporting data." and the creative aspects of literature, and engineering has both," Muriel points out. "It's almost a myth that She continues, "You can't take apples and oranges you they're really a divergent set of skills. I don't find that in are transporting and mix them, or it makes a really my experience." Case in point: In addition to bachelor's nasty puree. But you can mix equations and pull them degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering and apart again. And there are good reasons for mixing a doctorate in electric engineering, she also holds a them, since it gives you flexibility." Bachelor of Arts in Russian literature! So what does that mean for us? Enter 5G. As for the implementation side of her work, Muriel leads the Network Coding and Reliable THE FUTURE OF 5G Communications Group at MIT's Research Laboratory for Electronics. And outside of the university, she With 5G, we hope for faster internet, fewer interruptions is the co-founder of three companies working to and a more seamless experience on our cellphones. commercialize network coding. Code On provides However, Muriel is quick to note that 5G is "a little deeper consultancy, technical services and intellectual property than it sounds." She explains that the formal definition rights related to random linear network coding; of 5G will come from the standards body called 3GPP, Steinwurf focuses on fast implementation of codes industry players who will set the standards for use of the for reliable communication; and Chocolate Cloud technology. Informally, however, she explains that people is devoted to flexible, reliable and fast cloud storage expect 5G to bring lower delays and more robust services technologies. to streamline communication on their mobile devices. "[Starting a business] is a whole different skill, especially "Your car doesn't go, 'What do you think, should I be because it wasn't a very standard business format of adding a little bit of oxygen to the mix?' Well, I don't 'here's a product," she says. "For most people, this is a know, you're the car, figure it out," she says in another little more opaque." helpful metaphor. "So why am I having to look at how many bars I have? Why isn't my phone automatically Muriel provides some helpful analogies when it comes using Wi-Fi as much as possible and only using data to understanding network coding and her business when it needs to?" 42 ALPHA CHI OMEGA O research and the myriad leadership roles in university and professional settings, Muriel continues to see challenges - for herself and others - in getting women to the table. ENGINEERING: TUT MAKING IT A Diploma WOMAN'S WORLD 111. One of the few women in her field of electrical engineering, Muriel is quick to point out that the number of women in STEM fields is not at all where she Munich thought it would be at this point. Thomas "For the profession to remain unbalanced is just not workable," she says. "And it's not only that there's not enough women going into it (engineering), but it's also that the profession is not working out for them. It's a huge loss of talent." IN JANUARY, MURIEL RECEIVED AN HONORARY DOCTORATE - A DOKTOR-INGENIEUR, EHRENHALBER Muriel is often one of the only women in a room - FROM THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH IN or on a team. Not only does this isolation make it RECOGNITION OF HER OUTSTANDING RESEARCH IN difficult for a woman to find her place, it also breeds an COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION THEORY. environment that is "very resistant" to women. She explains that sexist behavior is fairly common and Muriel expects her area of expertise, network coding, pervasive in everything from hiring committees to to be an instrumental part of this change in creating a awards panels as women are evaluated within the field. seamless connection, as long as that formal standards For example, a female engineer will often be asked how body responds to the demands of the public to have much of her work was contributed by her advisor or her this technology. "Being able to try to shepherd the boss; a man will not receive these questions. technology to implementation and adoption is very rewarding," she says. "Challenging but rewarding." "It takes a more collective and institutional and societal courage to call people on it," Muriel says. "You have to The rewards of her work are tangible, as well. Muriel call them out. We need a zero-tolerance approach to has continually been recognized by the Institute of these things." Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the world's largest technical professional society. She was elected Even in college, Muriel was frequently the only woman as a fellow of the IEEE in 2009 for "contributions to in her classes. She says Alpha Chi Omega provided wideband wireless fading channels and network coding," much-needed support. "Having that sisterhood to me and in 2017 earned the Edwin Howard Armstrong was everything," she recalls. "And having those friends Achievement Award from IEEE's Communications for life has been utterly amazing." Society for "pioneering work in the fields of network coding, wireless communications and optical Even more amazing for Muriel has been the fact networking." that she now gets to share this sisterhood with her THE LYRE 43 2/3 REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. daughter, Josephine Simmons, a collegiate member of the Kappa Nu (Carnegie Mellon University) chapter. "I encouraged her to look at Alpha Chi, but I didn't want to be pushy," Muriel laughs. "I was SO thrilled when she told me she chose it." "For the profession to remain unbalanced is just Mother and daughter even share the same executive board position experience, with Josephine now the not workable. And it's vice president intellectual development and Muriel not only that there's not having served as the equivalent vice president scholarship in her college days. enough women going into it (engineering), but it's also Amid her numerous professional accolades and business ventures, Muriel says what she is most proud of is her that the profession is not ability to raise her children while progressing in her career. She offers advice to working mothers: working out for them. It's a huge loss of talent." "You need to realize it's going to be really messy," she says. "One of the issues with the word 'balance' is it's really contingent on a level of poise and grace, which we definitely try to project. But let's face it, it's just not there. It's expecting that things will be messy and there is no right way of doing it, and not letting people make "So many people end up having to pick and choose," she you feel guilty but to do what's right for you and your adds. "Being able to have a family and have a career - family." that's really been the highlight." MURIEL (CENTER) REUNITING WITH HER THETA OMICRON MURIEL (RIGHT) WITH HER DAUGHTER, JOSEPHINE CHAPTER SISTERS IN SAN FRANCISCO SIMMONS, WHO IS ALSO AN ALPHA CHI OMEGA 44 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ALPHA ZETA You are invited to a celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Alpha Zeta Chapter at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. 100TH RSVP to Charlotte Mastin Ellis 314-623-8523 | cellis57us@yahoo.com ANNIVERSARY 8914 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis, MO 63144 OF THE FOUNDING OF In observance of this milestone, any Alpha ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S Chi sister may contribute to the purchase of ALPHA ZETA an engraved brick to be displayed in the Pathway Brick Garden at Alpha Chi Omega CHAPTER Headquarters in Indianapolis. To donate to the brick or to support the event with a monetary donation, please contact Charlotte Ellis. COMMITTEE MEMBERS WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Sheila Cawns, Charlotte Ellis, MAY 1:30 PM ALUMNI HOUSE Eve Kampmeinert, Nancy Mange, 3 TO Barb Passanise 6420 FORSYTH 2020 4:00 PM CLAYTON, MO 63105 of Century 1920 2020 ALPHA CHI OMEGA FRIDAY 17TH 6-8P SOCIAL EVENT @ JUPITER STUDIOS SATURDAY APRIL 18TH 10A HALL OF COMMITMENT 10:45A DEDICATION OF CENTENNIAL GARDEN 11A LIGHT BRUNCH AXQ ABOVE @ ALPHA ETA CHAPTER HOUSE* ALPHA ETA CHAPTER 1-3P TOURS OF THE MOUNT UNION CAMPUS - 7 P SOCIAL HOUR & CASH BAR 1920-2020 7 P RED CARNATION BANQUET ABOVE @ ALLIANCE COUNTRY CLUB FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT AXO MU100@GMAIL.COM AXO AXQ MO ALPHA ETA ALUMNA INITIATE SPOTLIGHT I t's 2017, and Jane Havens Nelson is about to be wheeled into surgery. Her family looks on, equal parts encouraging and concerned. Jane - who has three Alpha Chi Omegas in her family but is not a member herself at the time - lights up with a smile and says to her daughter Julie Nelson Liberio (Sigma, University of Iowa), "Don't worry. I'll be a real, strong woman like the Alpha Chi Omegas." Jane, the 98-year-old mother of one Alpha Chi Omega and the grandmother of two more, has been well acquainted with the strength of this sisterhood, and it seems Alpha Chi Omega women are just as drawn to her. Even in her retirement community, she met Susan Moses Overstreet (Delta Epsilon, Southeast Missouri State University) and they became fast friends. With three Alpha Chi Omegas in the family, many copies of The Lyre were coming to Julie's house, SO she started giving them to Jane to share with Susan. Little did Julie know, Jane was reading them cover to cover before passing them along. JANE NELSON Back in 1984, when Julie left for college at the University of Iowa, Jane was nothing but supportive of The Oldest her daughter joining the Sigma chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. "We would come to Parents' Weekend every year and meet all of Julie's sorority sisters," Jane recalls. New When it came time for Jane's granddaughters, Lauren Liberio and two years later Emily Liberio, to participate Member of in recruitment at the University of Missouri, Julie and Jane secretly hoped they would also choose Alpha Chi Omega. When they got the calls that Lauren and Emily Alpha Chi would both be members of the Alpha Nu chapter, "We were freaking out!" Julie shares. Omega After years of love for Alpha Chi Omega, Jane officially entered the sisterhood by joining the lota Alpha (Alumnae Initiates) chapter in November 2019. Of BY LAURA KNOBEL course, Jane's experience as an alumna initiate will be a (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), bit different than her daughter's and granddaughters'. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME But that doesn't bother Jane, as she already knows the ENGAGEMENT benefits of lifetime membership in Alpha Chi Omega, and she can hardly wait. "I'm ready," she said confidently 46 ALPHA CHI OMEGA before her initiation ceremony. "[The retirement profession while raising a son, but when Julie came community] took us on a trip to Target, and I was SO along Jane decided to retire from teaching and focus on happy because I needed white socks." homemaking. She remained active with many hobbies, including gardening, beekeeping, cooking and canning. After growing up in Chicago, Jane attended the After her children were grown, she continued to put her National College of Education (now part of National high energy to good use, assisting two elderly women Louis University) during World War II, graduating and caring for her three grandchildren SO Julie could in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in education and work. landing a job at an elite private elementary school. For over 20 years she established herself in the teaching Jane's alumna educator, Loy Holt (Iota Alpha, Alumnae Initiates), took note of Jane's work ethic right away: "I knew she'd be a great student. She had a plan and I JANE WITH HER DAUGHTER AND GRANDDAUGHTERS - loved that about her. She had many questions and loved THREE GENERATIONS OF ALPHA CHI OMEGAS reading about our Founders. Where many of us may use the computer to fill in questions, Jane wrote everything out long hand. It was her way of learning and worked for her. Jane studied all of the time." Julie, Lauren and Emily are all incredibly proud of Jane for her commitment to the alumna education process. Lauren notes that as she approaches graduation and the end of her collegiate experience, Jane's Alpha Chi Omega story is just beginning. "I've realized how happy it makes her at this time in her life, and it feels SO fun and special." At Jane's alumna initiation ceremony on November 24 in Chicago, a dozen Alpha Chi Omegas joined together to officially welcome Jane as a sister. "Jane was very anxious and excited before the start of the initiation!" says Emily. "She made sure to wake up with plenty of time to get herself ready." Julie shares, "It (the ceremony) rebonded us. The older sisters shared with the younger sisters about their experiences with Alpha Chi Omega." The ceremony was followed by tea, Dream Cake and sisterhood. Jane was overjoyed to experience the ceremony and receive THE LYRE 47 ALUMNA INTIATE SPOTLIGHT THE ALPHA CHI OMEGAS WHO ATTENDED JANE'S ALUMNA INITIATION CEREMONY her badge, which she proudly wore every day that week, Lauren. "She lives our values every day. She's a leader." including to the family Thanksgiving dinner. "Mom now calls herself 'the oldest new member," adds Julie. Emily adds, "Jane lives her life to the fullest. She is one of those people that can just make you feel SO much On the experience of welcoming her grandmother to better and knows what to say for each situation she is Alpha Chi Omega, Emily says, "It is a very unique and the wisest, kindest, most thoughtful individual you will special bond that we all share now. Growing up, I had ever meet!" always heard my mom rave about her experience as an Alpha Chi Omega. Whether she was running into a Loy echoes all of these sentiments: "[It's clear that] sorority sister at the grocery store or meeting a fellow people around Jane are really like family, and she's one sister out and about, they always had an immediate of those people you can talk to about anything. But connection. It is something more than just a title, it is she really loves to talk about Alpha Chi Omega. She SO special because it's the bond we share." was meant to be an Alpha Chi Omega." When asked what makes Jane a real, strong woman, her Jane's description of a real, strong woman? "She thinks family describes her as a kind, wise, accepting friend to positively." Well, each sister who is fortunate enough all. They emphasize her passion for learning as much as to meet her is positive about one thing-if anyone is a she can and constantly striving for improvement. "She's real, strong woman, it's Jane. always been an Alpha Chi, she just didn't know it," says is 48 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNAE Environmental Innovators THESE SISTERS ARE RETHINKING THE WAY WE APPROACH THE CHALLENGES OF PROTECTING THE EARTH. BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR Kara Allen ZETA OMICRON (VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY) SENIOR ADVISOR FOR POLICY AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS AT THE NEW YORK STATE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY "P pople are concerned about climate change, can understand and doesn't leave them feeling like but I don't think there is an appreciation for impending doom but instead feeling empowered?" what it actually takes to address the climate crisis," says Kara Allen. "We want to galvanize people A major way Kara accomplishes this is by promoting to be part of this [change] and make it something they the benefits of clean find exciting. There are a lot of benefits." technologies. Whether it's a new job market for the As the state of New York sees its climate law - the most building and installation ambitious of any major economy at the time of its of offshore wind turbines, signing - go into effect this year, it's Kara's job at the the cost savings for an New York State Energy Research and Development energy efficient building Authority to create and implement the policies that will or the improved air quality make the law a reality. when renewable energy sources replace fossil fuel "The policies and the technologies we're deploying are plants, the rewards for the innovative, and we have to be, as part of the broader state and the individual are climate conversation," she says. numerous. With such objectives as having 100% carbon-free At night, Kara is an adjunct instructor at New York electricity by 2040 and reducing greenhouse gas University, teaching such classes as "Energy: Past, emissions by no less than 85% by 2050, it's a tall order. Present and Impacts" and "Foundations of Clean But Kara is excited about the unprecedented challenges Technology." She finds it encouraging to see the next she'll face, including creating buy-in from the public. generation rise to the challenge of addressing climate change. "Part of the challenge is a lot of the conversation is based in science, and for a lot of people, science wasn't "It is incredibly rewarding to help them size the their favorite subject in school," she points out. "So challenge and see how they can approach it in their how do you take science and put it in terms people lives," she says. "It's encouraging to have the students THE LYRE 49 ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNAE come to class and build that army to go forward and help solve this from whatever angle they feel Amber Sparks compelled." PI (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY) CO-FOUNDER OF BLUE LATITUDES Kara's students keep her pushing forward in her work, along with her time spent as a board member for n the Gulf of Mexico, multicolored fish dive and the nonprofit Solar One, which designs and delivers I weave through coral attached to the beams education, training and technical support to increase of an oil rig. It's unorthodox, but it's the ocean sustainability in urban environments. Another ecosystem that Amber Sparks and her company, Blue motivator is her friends, many of whom are Alpha Chi Latitudes, hope to replicate. Omegas. After graduating with "When you work in a space that can be challenging a bachelor's degree in day to day and requires a certain mentality to look marine science, Amber at the data and say, 'Let's go make good out of this,' I spent time working with very much rely on good, positive friendships," she says. Google as an ocean curator, "Having good friends keeps you motivated." engineering layers in Google Earth and Google Maps to provide education on ocean science and the complexities of our waters. Then during her graduate school program at the Scripps Institution "It's encouraging to of Oceanography, she and her co-founder, Emily Hazelwood, teamed up on a thesis project on the idea of have the students repurposing decommissioned oil rigs in California. come to class and "When we finished our thesis project, we realized these were incredible marine ecosystems and actually build that army to go provided a really interesting and innovative solution forward and help solve to some of the challenges associated with offshore decommissioning," Amber explains. this from whatever When an ocean-based oil well dries up, the oil company angle they feel is responsible for decommissioning the oil rig, which traditionally includes capping the well and then compelled." removing everything from the ocean floor. Removing the platform jacket - the steel scaffolding that supports the drilling infrastructure - is a costly process. That's where Blue Latitudes comes in. Amber explains that the galvanized steel of the platform jacket is a valuable host to marine life. As environmental consultants, Amber and her team perform an environmental impact assessment of each 50 ALPHA CHI OMEGA oil rig, determining the value of the existing and future "So many people want to return and restore the oceans underwater ecosystem. If the rig is a viable candidate for back to their original glory," Amber says. "But the reality repurposing into an artificial reef, the oil company can is we use our oceans. I think there is a way to use them either topple the steel structure onto the ocean floor or without using them up. That's what our company is cut it low enough for ships to pass over. aiming to do, finding silver linings in our oceans." It's a win-win, as the oil company can save millions of It's a career Amber never expected for herself - dollars from not needing to fully dismantle its rig, and partnering with offshore oil and gas companies, in the U.S. through the Rigs-to-Reefs federal program, running her own federally certified women-owned the state receives half those cost savings for marine small business and being named to the 2018 Forbes 30 preservation and conservation - and creates an artificial Under 30 list in the energy sector for her work with habitat for marine life. Blue Latitudes. "How can we think differently about ocean "I would not be where I am today if I had thought management where it's not us (marine scientists) about it too much," Amber explains. "Naiveté is an asset. against them (oil companies)?" Amber asks. "Can we You don't have to have everything figured out, but you find a way to work together?" get something started and go for it and move from one failure to the next without any loss of enthusiasm. The data points to yes. A 2019 report showed that the That's how I define success." Rigs-to-Reefs program has preserved more than 24 acres of habitat and saved 56,000 fish lives. And Blue Latitudes is doing work across the world, from Mexico to Malaysia. BELOW PHOTO BY JOE PLATKO; HEADSHOT PHOTO BY SCOTT SPORLEDER MAKING A DIFFERENCE Turning Tragedy into Triumph AN INNOVATOR OF HER TIME, PEGGY FARMER HELPED PASS FLORIDA'S FIRST CAR SEAT LAW TO PROTECT THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN LIKE HER OWN. BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR hile every state now has some variation on Thanks to her persistence, W a law requiring children to be in car seats, Frankie began to walk this was not the case just a few decades and talk around age 4 - ago. In most states, a child could be held by a passenger and eventually earned or transported in any type of carrier. a master's degree - and Peggy began to turn her Such was the situation in Florida in 1975 when Peggy personal experience into Farmer (Beta Eta, Florida State University) and her a mission. She learned husband went for a drive. It was her 4-month-old son about a Kentucky Frankie's first time in the car, and the parents were pediatrician who helped admiring their baby while stopped at a red light when pass a car seat law in his a truck lost its brakes and slammed into their car from state, SO she ordered a behind. tape of his talk and began researching. Armed with facts about infant death rates Peggy's head hit the windshield, and Frankie, who and automobile accidents, she began her work. "When was in a simple plastic carrier, flew out of the car. "We I started getting those facts out and telling people that couldn't find him, actually," Peggy recalls, adding that Kentucky passed legislation and we could do this too, they later located him 200 feet from the car. Frankie we started a movement," she explains. was critically injured with skull fractures and brain contusions. Peggy spoke across the state, visiting pediatricians, educators, newspaper editorial boards and parents. She A public health nurse, Peggy devoted the next five years even passed out bumper stickers to doctors offices that to caring for her son full-time. Along with her nursing said "Love your kids? Buckle them up. Car seats save expertise and intense research, she leaned on her lives." collegiate Alpha Chi Omega volunteering, when she and her sisters helped a local boy with head injuries from "My mission was to tell my story SO people could an accident to learn motor skills. "Do you believe I had understand the reasoning (of a car seat law) and to that experience before we ever had any type of tragedy prevent them from having a heartbreak like we had," in our own family?" she recalls. she says. And in 1983, the Florida legislature passed 52 ALPHA CHI OMEGA "It's never too late to be a child's advocate." its first child car seat law. Over the next few years, the state's death rate for babies in automobile accidents decreased by two-thirds. IN THIS PHOTO FROM THE DAYTONA NEWS JOURNAL ON JANUARY 22, 1984, YOU CAN SEE PEGGY HELPING FIT A CHILD IN A CAR SEAT AT THE But the passage of the law didn't signal the end of EASTER SEAL SOCIETY. Peggy's advocacy. While Florida drivers were required to use a car seat for children, many were not able to afford one. Peggy started a toddler car seat safety program, raising money to place hundreds of car seats with families who could not buy one. She left applications for the program with pediatricians, the health department and food stamp offices to connect low-income families with a seat for free. Peggy was also appointed to a two-county safety council and started Operation Child Saver, which was a car seat loaner program based out of the airport for Florida visitors renting a car who couldn't travel with a car seat. Spurred to action by her own child, Peggy's impact on children living in and visiting Florida is hard to quantify. "It's never too late to be a child's advocate," Peggy points out. "Speaking up for children just brought such purpose to my life." THE LYRE 53 INDUSTRY UPDATE Advocating for the Sorority Experience BY JULIE CAIN BURKHARD (BETA SIGMA, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA), PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT; DONNA SMITH CHERECK (ALPHA PHI, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN), PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT; AND LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR oining Alpha Chi Omega promised us that we were joining something J bigger than ourselves. That means our chapters of initiation, our chosen alumnae groups and a sisterhood of 280,000 initiated women, to name just a few. Beyond the circle of Alpha Chi Omega, we also joined a network of sorority women - the 5 million members of the 26 National Panhellenic Conference groups - as well as millions of fraternity men. Our experiences as sorority women have given us challenges to freedom of association and the right of a sense of belonging and lifetime friendships, have single-sex organizations to exist, advocacy became a shaped us and galvanized us to make change, and have key focus of NPC. As NPC's advocacy chairman from connected us to sisters and brothers across the world. 2015-19, Past National President Donna Chereck (Alpha In order to protect these experiences for generations to Phi, The University of Texas at Austin) led the effort come, we must advocate. to ensure the 2016 adoption of NPC's Government Relations Platform. It states: A PANHELLENIC FOCUS "The National Panhellenic Conference is the As a member of the National Panhellenic Conference premier advocacy and support organization for the (NPC), Alpha Chi Omega stands alongside our advancement of the sorority experience. As such, NPC Panhellenic sisters to advocate for the sorority monitors legislative and regulatory issues on the state experience. Advocacy is an opportunity to safeguard and national level that impact it and its 26 member our rights and to promote the values on which were organizations. NPC encourages civic engagement from founded. our members. We call on sorority women to display conviction by supporting our core principles, defending From its beginning, NPC encouraged women to use the experience, and advocating in support of positions their voices in their communities and to tell their related to three legislative pillars that comprise the NPC story. As colleges and universities have ramped up their government relations agenda." 54 ALPHA CHI OMEGA The pillars are the preservation of the sorority ADVOCACY RESOURCES experience, the promotion of college affordability, and THE FRATERNITY AND the advancement of student and campus safety. SORORITY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE With these stated goals and the formally adopted Advocacy Building Blocks, NPC can respond in timely and impactful ways to the needs of the While fraternity and sorority leaders have long been sorority experience, with support of all 26 member advocates, these efforts were formalized in 2005 with organizations. the creation of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC). The FSPAC's mission is to exist and function as a bipartisan organization that provides financial support to candidates who defend and enhance the fraternity/ sorority experience. Contributions and support are provided to those women and men, regardless of their political affiliation, who believe in the benefits and personal growth opportunities provided by fraternities and sororities. The focus of the FSPAC will always be about supporting the issues that defend and advocate for the fraternal, single-sex experience. Alpha Chi Omega was one of the four women's organizations that joined four men's organizations to comprise the initial FSPAC board in 2005. Today, 70 fraternity and sorority alumni members make up the board as they represent 23 FRATERNITY of the 26 NPC organizations and 20 of the 64 North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) organizations. & SORORITY Since its founding, the FSPAC has raised POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE $4.1 million in support of its efforts; Alpha Chi Omega is continually in the top three women's organizations for fundraising amounts, with more than $230,000 raised to date. A Campaign Contribution Committee evaluates requests from members of Congress THE THREE COLLEGIANS - ALEX MURRAY (BETA ETA, FLORIDA STATE for funding, and the entire board votes UNIVERSITY), SIANA CARSRUD (EPSILON NU, BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY) whether to fund a member on the basis AND ALLISON APRAHAMIAN (IOTA SIGMA, SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY) - WHO REPRESENTED ALPHA CHI OMEGA AT THE 2019 HILL of their support of the fraternity/sorority VISITS experience. THE LYRE 55 INDUSTRY UPDATE ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S with advocacy efforts. In 2001 before the FSPAC was ROLE IN ADVOCACY founded, Alpha Chi Omega leaders proposed that NPC women join the men from the NIC in their visits to Alpha Chi Omegas have a long history of advocacy members of Congress - for what would later become work - from campaigning for a woman's right to vote, the annual Hill Visits, the most visible of the advocacy to supporting the March of Dimes, to passionately initiatives of the Fraternal Government Relations championing our philanthropy of domestic violence Coalition (FGRC). Each year the FGRC sponsors awareness. Our members are devoted volunteers and the Hill Visits, providing more than 200 collegians donors to our altruisms and to the sisterhood that is and alumni the opportunity to lobby members of Alpha Chi Omega, ensuring the experiences we treasure Congress regarding the advancement of the fraternal exist for generations to come. Our support of the NPC's experience. Alpha Chi Omega was the first sorority Government Relations Platform and Advocacy Building to bring a collegian to the Hill Visits and continues Blocks, as well as the FSPAC, is a continuation of today to sponsor several alumnae and collegians each Alpha Chi Omega's values. year for this event, as they join with their fraternity and sorority peers to make more than 400 visits to Alpha Chi Omega is a leader, which extends to our work members of Congress every April. In addition to discussing the value of the fraternity/ sorority experience, in 2019 attendees shared their support for two legislative acts: Report and Educate ADVOCACY About Campus Hazing (REACH) and Educational Notification and Disclosure of Actions risking Loss of ACRONYMS Life (END ALL) by Hazing. They also advocated for the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act to ensure FGRC: Fraternal Government Relations that Constitutional freedom of association rights Coalition, a collaborative effort between the are preserved for single-sex organizations on college NPC, NIC, FSPAC and FSAF that advocates for campuses. It's a continual priority of Alpha Chi Omega federal public policies to allow fraternities and to share about the benefits of the sorority experience sororities to continue their role in transforming for millions of women across the nation. today's students into leaders Further leading the way, Past National President Julie FSAF: Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund, a Burkhard (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) served 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that raises as the first woman president of FSPAC in 2010-11. contributions to support initiatives specifically Alpha Chi Omega was also one of the first to support for the legal defense of the sorority/fraternity the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act, which experience, as well as polling, surveys, research would allow nonprofit student housing entities to use and public relations charitable contributions to build and maintain safe and secure student housing. FSPAC: Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee, the largest political action WHAT CAN committee focused solely on higher education WE DO? issues Even with all these structures and organizations in place committed to advocacy work, the support of individual sorority members is crucial. As a beneficiary of the sorority experience, you have an important story NPC LEADERS MEETING WITH U.S. REPRESENTATIVE ELISE STEFANIK (FIFTH FROM LEFT) to add to the collective narrative. Share it with your communities and your lawmakers. Every voice is needed to demonstrate the power of the sorority experience. For actionable steps, sisters are encouraged to complete any surveys that Alpha Chi Omega distributes on behalf of the FGRC, FSPAC and the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund (FSAF). Your experience and opinions are important in shaping advocacy work. Additionally, financial gifts to the FSPAC or FSAF are crucial in ensuring this work can continue. For more information on the work being done to ensure the future of single-sex organizations, freedom of association for all students and education regarding the perils of hazing, you can visit the Advocacy page on the About Us section of alphachiomega.org and the NPC Government Relations page on the Priorities section ALPHA CHI OMEGAS AT THE 2019 HILL VISITS of npcwomen.org. More specific information on the FSPAC can be found at fspac.org. If you'll be at the 2020 National Convention, you can talk with Donna and Julie in person and learn Visit youtu.be/5e8vWV5omqo for a video to more during their educational session on advocacy Alpha Chi Omegas from Donna and Julie on and government relations; contact them directly at gifts to FSPAC. donnachereck@gmail.com and julie.burkhard@gmail.com. THE LYRE 57 is ARCHIVES THEN AND NOW alphachiomega.org THE LYRE COVER INTRODUCING 2008 THE UPDATED WEBSITE Have you ever thought about what Alpha Chi Omega was doing 10, 20, 50 years ago? How have things changed for our members and our THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA organization? Taken from previous lyre Fall/Winter 2009 Volume 112 Issue I Lyre magazines, the "Then and Now" series offers a brief glimpse into what life was like for Alpha Chi Omega throughout the decades. In 2008, Alpha Chi Omega launched an updated website to better meet the needs of our members and all those who were interested in learning more about Alpha Chi Omega. With a stated goal to "keep it simple," the site introduced the ability to change your username and password, and it integrated emerging social media sites like Flickr and Delicious. A new look. A new experience. A new alphachiomega.org pg. 10 20 THE WEBSITE AFTER THE BRAND REFRESH Log Out Register in P > O DONATE Alpha Chi Omega REAL. STRONG WOMEN ABOUT US JOIN US FIND US COLLEGIANS ALUMNAE STAY CONNECTED RESOURCE CENTER FOUNDATION HOUSING A New Easy Way to Submit Photos! Members are invited to submit photos for our asset library by uploading them to our new platform. LEARN MORE Chi Real. Strong. Women. FAVORITES B WE ARE SISTERS, LEADERS AND Find a Chapter ii Donate CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE. 1 Merchandise Contact Us Recommend a Member Resource Center LEARN MORE While members still type in "alphachiomega.org" to reach our website, much has changed in the 12 years between these photos of the homepage. Today, a simplified menu bar helps you navigate around the site, which also includes information about the Foundation and National Housing Corporation. The Favorites section brings you to the areas you most frequently need to access, and a slider at the top of the page allows for rotating highlights. With our refreshed branding, the site is as visually appealing as it is useful! THE LYRE 59 AXQ CONNECT Real Strong Women 1 3 2 4 COLLEGIATE NOTES 1ZETA OMEGA 3 DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY) (WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY) The chapter hosted Apple Pie with Alpha Chi, when In the fall, the chapter hosted the Great Ribbon Race, members invited their professors over to their chapter raising $3,000 for its local domestic violence shelter as house and served them pie and coffee. The chapter well as awareness about healthy relationships. enjoyed getting to know their professors outside the classroom. 2 KAPPA CHI (FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY) 4 LAMBDA XI (AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY) Seana Perkins (left) became the third generation of her Our newest chapter at Augusta University loves to family to join Alpha Chi Omega. Her mother Kelli Ryan spread Alpha Chi pride around campus! Perkins (middle, Delta Xi, Denison University) and her grandmother Melinda McEntee Shaw (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University) were thrilled to welcome her to membership. 60 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Alisha Che JULIE GRACE 5 7 6 8 5 GAMMA IOTA (UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA) 7 IOTA SIGMA (SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY) The best way to celebrate the holidays is with your big or little sister by your side, as these women from Dressed in red, the lota Sigma chapter was thrilled to Gamma Iota show! meet SO many women during recruitment. 6 LAMBDA MU (TRINITY COLLEGE) 8 IOTA XI These Lambda Mu women enjoyed the society of their (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE) sisters at the Carnation Gala. These Iota Xi members couldn't wait to find new sisters at recruitment. THE LYRE 61 AXO CONNECT counces 9 11 10 12 9 ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY) 11 KAPPA OMICRON (HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY) Endless fun was had at the Alpha Chi chapter's bid day this January. This group of real, strong women is ready to lead the Kappa Omicron chapter as its executive board. 10 THETA IOTA (BAYLOR UNIVERSITY) 12 ALPHA GAMMA (UNIVERSITY OF NEW A selfie with sisters is the perfect way to capture the MEXICO) memories of bid day. Seeking the heights took on a new meaning for the Alpha Gamma chapter's sisterhood event at one of the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 62 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 1 3 2 4 ALUMNAE NOTES 1 NU NU (DENVER, COLORADO) 3 MU MU (KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI) For Founders' Day, the Nu Nu chapter hosted collegiate The chapter hosted a fall party at Rose Brooks, the sisters from Nu (University of Colorado Boulder) as local domestic violence shelter. Residents and members they heard from the executive director of the local crisis decorated cookies, created turkey handprint artwork center about the signs of domestic violence. The chapter and played bingo. also collected food, clothing and toiletries for the center. 4 BETA OMEGA (THE UNIVERSITY OF 2 BETA BETA (INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA) TOLEDO) AND DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE Nearly 20 sisters gathered to share their love of Alpha Chi Omega at the chapter's Founders' Day Alicia Firstbrook-Stott (left, Beta Omega) met Laura dinner. Kaiser (Delta Chi) at the Kansas fall meeting of the Daughters of the American Revolution. THE LYRE 63 AXO CONNECT 5 7 6 8 5 EPSILON PI EPSILON (RHODE ISLAND) 7 KAPPA UPSILON KAPPA (MID-MISSOURI The chapter raised more than $2,000 for the Domestic The chapter welcomed three sisters from the Alpha Violence Resource Center of South County by hosting Nu (University of Missouri) chapter into alumna an event where sisters, friends and family created and membership with the Hall of Commitment ceremony. decorated boxwood trees. 8 ALPHA EPSILON ALPHA 6 DELTA PI DELTA (GULF COAST, FLORIDA) (WASHINGTON, D.C.) Three graduating sisters from Kappa Chi (Florida Twelve sisters from seven collegiate chapters gathered Gulf Coast University) were welcomed into alumnae for a Thanksgiving celebration in gratefulness for their sisterhood with the Hall of Commitment hosted by sisterhood. Delta Pi Delta. 64 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 9 11 10 12 9 RHO RHO (OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA) 11 MU PHI MU (MOBILE, ALABAMA) During a chapter dinner, these sisters met actor Matt The chapter's annual holiday party involved welcoming Damon, who had stopped for dinner while in town several new members - including an alumna initiate - filming his new movie, Stillwater. The sisters had a fun to Mu Phi Mu membership! lesson to share: Never miss an alumnae event because you never know what surprise could be in store! 12 ALPHA PI ALPHA 10 GAMMA PSI GAMMA (SACRAMENTO, (FORT WAYNE, INDIANA) CALIFORNIA) The chapter's annual holiday party included exchanging To celebrate the holiday season, the chapter held its gifts, collecting children's books for a local nonprofit annual cookie and ornament exchange this December. and even reading from a chapter journal from the 1950s! THE LYRE 65 2's AXO CONNECT AXO 13 15 14 16 13 DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS 15 EPSILON XI EPSILON (BALTIMORE, UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE MARYLAND) Delta Chi alumnae and collegians celebrated the After exchanging cookies amongst members of the holiday season at Sigma Sigma Night for the St. Louis, alumnae chapter, Epsilon Xi Epsilon sisters took the Missouri alumnae chapter. remaining cookies to the Beta Pi (Washington College) chapter for the collegians to enjoy as snacks during 14 NU XI NU exams! (SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA) 16 GAMMA GAMMA Making an Alpha Chi Omega gingerbread house was (NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK) just part of the festivities for the chapter's holiday celebration. Su Hilty (Kappa, University of Wisconsin - Madison) continued her tradition of hosting the alumnae chapter's holiday open house. 2/5 66 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 17 19 18 20 17 BETA KAPPA BETA (DALLAS, TEXAS) 19 ETA THETA ETA (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) Sisters took a tour of local holiday lights displays to In addition to a fun sock exchange at the holiday party, celebrate the season. the chapter collected supplies for the local YWCA. 18 ETA PI ETA (MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA) 20 DELTA SIGMA DELTA (ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA) The chapter gathered to celebrate the holidays this December. The chapter performed sweetheart ceremonies for two sisters - Erica Smith (Beta Delta, College of William & Mary) and Jennifer Lenhart (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University), both holding the candle - as they recently became engaged. THE LYRE 67 I's AXO CONNECT 21 22 23 21 INVERNESS, ILLINOIS ALUMNAE 22 IOTA LAMBDA (TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE Wendy McMannis (Gamma, Northwestern University), Judy Allen (Upsilon, Millikin University) and Medora Deanna Damon's wedding was the perfect opportunity Lethbridge Deason (Gamma Nu, San Diego State for an Alpha Chi Omega reunion, including the University) volunteer with the Women's Club of chapter's former advisor Paula Fultz (left, Gamma Rho, Inverness to raise funds for local nonprofits and Texas Tech University). Photo by Awake Photography. scholarships. 23 ZETA PHI (CORNELL UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE Cornell sisters of all ages gathered for a fun evening in New York City! 68 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 24 25 24 IOTA UPSILON IOTA 25 75-YEAR PIN (WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA) Nancy McClintock Kraft (Psi, The University of The chapter gathered for lunch to celebrate the 21st Oklahoma) received her 75-year pin in November from anniversary of its founding in January. members of Mu Mu (Kansas City, Missouri). THE LYRE 69 2/3 AXO CONNECT Alpha Chi Omes 1 3 2 4 REUNIONS 1 GAMMA OMICRON 3 BETA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA) (MARSHALL UNIVERSITY) The 2019 University of Arizona homecoming was the In October, five sisters continued their tradition of get- perfect reason to bring together SO many sisters from togethers by gathering in Waynesville, North Carolina. the 1980s. The festivities included brunch at the chapter They're looking forward to their next reunion in March house and a milestone pinning ceremony. - this time on a cruise! 4 THETA TAU (RUTGERS UNIVERSITY) 2 EPSILON ZETA (AUBURN UNIVERSITY) These sisters from the 1989 member class traveled from Ten sisters traveled to Iceland in October, stopping for three states for a reunion in Lavallette, New Jersey. this picture at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. The Their sisterhood gatherings happen quarterly! highlight of their trip was seeing the northern lights on the first and last nights of their tour! 25 70 ALPHA CHI OMEGA HEROES Better Better in the Morning Believe It Fern Ronay Ronay 1 2 ACCOLADES | BETA ETA 2 THETA CHI FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY) ALUMNA (LEHIGH UNIVERSITY) ALUMNA Lisa Brock (second from left) was joined by three Beta Fern Ronay recently published her second novel, Better Eta sisters as she was recognized by the Tampa Bay Believe It, which tells the story of a woman navigating Lighting hockey team as a Community Hero. She was through life's challenges with the guidance of a deceased honored for her work with at-risk youth and foster cousin. Fern's first novel is Better in the Morning. children in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. In Memoriam Psi (The University of Oklahoma) Beta Lambda (University of Arizona) Helen Jane Thompson Garrett, 1956, Phoebe Jane Conn, 1960, January 2020 September 2019 Lydia Kostyzak Dell, 1951, October 2019 Reported to headquarters between Mary Elizabeth Flood Hutton, 1940, November 1, 2019 and January 1, 2020 November 2019 Beta Mu (Pennsylvania State University) Name, Initiation Year, Month and Year of Death Suzanne Wright Riga, 1952, November 2019 Pauline Huber Church, 1942, December 2019 Carole Schmitzer Seney, 1954, December 2019 Alpha (DePauw University) Alpha Beta (Purdue University) Elaine Wussow Grant, 1953, August 2019 Kathleen Steele Atterholt, 1955, January 2020 Beta Nu (University of Utah) Elizabeth Ann Lovette, 1982, November 2019 Barbara Brown Gesse, 1963, December 2019 Carolyn Jenson Hesson, 1955, February 2018 Ruth Scribbins Urban, 1931, December 2019 Alpha Epsilon (University of Pennsylvania) Beta Sigma (University of Georgia) Beta (Albion College) Joanna Hill Warner, 1956, October 2019 Mary Douglass McGarity, 1938, August 2019 Jean Toncray Tourtellotte, 1941, August 2015 Mary Fisher San, 1942, December 2019 Alpha Zeta (Washington University in Saint Gamma (Northwestern University) Louis) Beta Upsilon (Duke University) Joan Nash Mandt, 1941, November 2019 Peaches Zbaren Dierl, 1939, November 2019 Elizabeth Lassiter Reck, 1950, November 2019 Virginia Harring Duffy, 1941, January 2020 Theta (University of Michigan) Sandra Heffley Flachsbart, 1963, November 2019 Beta Chi (Willamette University) Jean Corbett Auch, 1954, December 2019 Saundra Wagner Cecchini, 1956, December 2019 Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union) lota (University of Illinois at Urbana- Carol Young Morrow, 1958, November 2019 Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University) Champaign) Buena Pittard Stevenson, 1956, September 2019 Joan Stockdale Johnson, 1948, September 2019 Alpha lota (University of Vermont) Margaret Belsley Lee, 1958, November 2019 Dorothy Akers Cole, 1935, February 2013 Beta Omega (The University of Toledo) Margaret Goodheart Madden, 1948, December Lois Weber Bogusz, 1946, November 2019 2019 Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon) Marion Sten Cole, 1926, January 1999 Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University) Kappa (University of Wisconsin) Marjorie Durno Dahlbeg, 1939, March 1998 Judith Gill Scudamore, 1959, March 2019 Mayetta Johnson Behringer, 1939, January 2020 Elaine Henderson, 1929, June 1999 Catherine Bates Henkel, 1940, November 1987 Gamma Theta (University of Maryland) Nu (University of Colorado Boulder) Lucile Lowry Miller, 1932, December 1991 Mary Ellen Gray Wiley, 1961, November 2019 Lorna Steuart Koelmel, 1956, January 2018 Janice Seymour Welburn, 1944, January 2013 Gamma lota (University of Florida) Xi (University of Nebraska - Lincoln) Alpha Lambda (University of Minnesota) Doris Mobley LaFlam, 1953, December 2019 Barbara Ann Baker, 1964, June 2019 Jacquelyn Pankratz Olson, 1951, October 2019 Janice Thomson Mills, 1976, November 2019 Elsabe Luedke Slatin, 1942, December 2019 Rho (University of Washington) Gamma Lambda (Kent State University) Dorothy Buelow Fribrock, 1941, May 2018 Alpha Xi (University of Montana) Susan Walsh Knieriem, 1962, November 2019 Patricia Campbell Rutherford, 1955, December Grace Blom Snyder, 1925, August 2001 2013 Gamma Sigma (University of Rhode Island) Gloria Villata Woodward, 1943, January 2016 Alpha Sigma (Ohio Wesleyan University) Joan Plourde Phillips, 1962, January 2020 Susan Drake Sirl, 1960, December 2019 Sigma (University of Iowa) Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University) Cheryl Johnson Hildreth, 1957, October 2019 Alpha Chi (Butler University) Patricia Eleen Morton, 1958, October 2019 Shirley Smith Jacobson, 1950, January 2020 Mildred Marshall Roberts, 1946, December 2019 Jone Carlsen Porter, 1959, January 2020 Delta Pi (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) Beta Delta (College of William & Mary) Reita King Huckeby, 1980, November 2019 Tau (Brenau University) Jean Scribbins Duwe, 1937, December 2019 Wylna Marshall Clinard, 1953, April 2019 Delta Sigma (University of the Pacific) Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University) Lori Tancer Minden, 1987, July 2014 Upsilon (Millikin University) Mary Beth Moon Johnson, 1976, December 2019 Doris Parish Daws, 1943, October 2019 Epsilon Upsilon (Mississippi State University) Beta Eta (Florida State University) Susan Jacobs Wagner, 1974, November 2019 Phi (University of Kansas) Jacqueline Howard Knowles, 1957, October 2019 Shirley Miller Cyrus, 1958, November 2019 Carol Maas Orthoefer, 1958, October 2019 72 ALPHA CHI OMEGA #AXONightOut MARSHA LEWIS f JAMISON TAMPA, FL KIES f @AXOTAMPAALUMNAE #AXONightOut #healthyAXOlove #Loveis First, lunch at Gertrude's and Happy annual #AXONightOut! then a visit to the By Their There is nothing like a beautiful Creative Force exhibit. Perfect night outside with some real, way to celebrate Alpha Chi Night strong women. #healthyAXOlove Out and MacDowell Month! DENVER, CO @AXODENVERALUM Had a wonderful time at dinner, connecting with our sisters. Loved ZETA PI ALUMNAE HEATHER HALL seeing some new faces at this @AXO_OPO_VIRTUAL @HEATHERHALL3 year's #AXONightOut Another fun night out with my amazing@AlphaChiOmegaHQ sorority sisters! Cheers to happy relationships with everyone, including yourself! LIZETT ROSS @MISSLIZETTY HUNTINGTON, WV Celebrated #AXONightOut by @RHOPHIRHO_ACHIO strenghtening our relationships! #ASU grads from 1983 to 2019 represented & raised funds for #DVA #AXO #GoDevils #LITB The Alpha Zeta Alpha alumnae chapter had dinner to celebrate NASHVILLE, TN f #AXONightOut. @AXONASHVILLE #AXONightOut Eta Theta Eta spent the night making Members of Rho Phi Rho enjoyed Valentines for the women and a great dinner this evening! children being served by YWCA #AXONightOut #healthyrelationships FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @AlphaChiOmegaHQ NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity U.S. Postage PAID 5939 Castle Creek Parkway North Drive Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis IN 46250-4343 Permit N. 1643 alphachiomega.org MINUTES Save the Date! DAY OF GIVING APRIL 1, 2020 For more information, visit alphachiomega.org/empower Alpha Chi Omega FOUNDATION