THE THE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE ISSUE Terri Exploring the Fall Membership Valenti Experience AMERICA'S FIRST 2020 FEMALE PROFESSIONAL Award Winners FOOTBALL OFFICIAL Alpha Chi Omega FALL 2020 REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. VOLUME 123. ISSUE 1. Untold Stories ALTA ALLEN LOUD: THE LONGEST-SERVING - FRATERNITY PRESIDENT An initiate of the Beta chapter at Albion College, Alta Allen was just 16 when she joined Alpha Chi Omega and 19 when she was elected Grand Secretary of the Fraternity in 1897, a role similar to today's national vice presidents. Following in the footsteps of her biological sister, Janette Allen Cushman (Beta), who served as Grand President from 1891-93, Alta became the Fraternity's eighth president - and holds the record for the longest time in office. She served from 1907-10 and again from 1912-19. While Alpha Chi Omega was still in its earliest stages, Alta drove important changes that have left their mark on the Fraternity to this day. During her tenure, a new position of chapter advisor was created; the secret motto was adopted; our patron goddess, Hera, was selected; and the National Council Trophy was established. Alta also broke through barriers for women, taking a job as a college professor and serving as president of the Albion City Hospital Board. After her untimely death at only 55 years old, National President Ethel Mead Van Auken (Lambda, Syracuse University) recalled "the fine and true and beautiful ideals for which she [Alta] unwaveringly stood." FIND MORE UNTOLD STORIES ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA HISTORY WEBSITE. VISIT: #AXOuntald ALPHACHIOMEGA.HISTORYIT.COM FALL 2020 VOLUME 123. ISSUE 1. THE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGELSSUE REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. IN THIS ISSUE 2 LETTERS AND LYRES 4 PERSPECTIVES 6 CORNER OFFICE 7 AXO NEWS 12 AWARDS 2020 chapter and individual award recipients 24 FOUNDATION 28 HOUSING 30 ON CAMPUS The collegiate membership experience in our "new normal" 34 COLLEGIATE CORNER 36 LIFE Work-life balance and DEI efforts 40 CAREER OUTLOOK 43 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 46 52 ALUMNA INITIATE Terri Valenti broke into the almost SPOTLIGHT entirely male industry of football 54 ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNA officiating - and reached its very 56 INDUSTRY INFO highest levels. 58 BUSINESS Meet the volunteers on our four national boards 65 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 66 AXO CONNECTION AND IN MEMORIAM THIS IMAGE AND COVER IMAGE BY CHRISTY WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY THE LYRE 1 EDITOR'S DESK Relearning What LETTERS This article has brought a lot of joy to me, my friends and my Change Means loved ones. My dad was proud and showed our colleagues. It has truly made an impact on have always had a complicated relationship with change. I like the perspective of women in I stability and predictability, knowing that the next 10 steps I take this field, and I can't thank you will get me exactly where I want to be. But this summer as I've enough. dived into this issue's theme of "Champions of Change," I've learned that BRIEA BALEY (KAPPA PSI, WESTERN change is necessary and can yield beautiful, powerful OREGON UNIVERSITY) ABOUT THE results. SUMMER 2020 ARTICLE "LEADING THROUGH THE FLAMES" THAT Real, strong women are making positive change HIGHLIGHTED HER EXPERIENCE AS across the country - whether it's disrupting the A FOREST FIREFIGHTER male-dominated world of football officiating like Terri Valenti (page 46) or building a brighter future after a disaster like Carrie Tergin (page 54), both of I received my Lyre magazine last whom you'll read more about in this issue. night, and it is the first one I have read COVER TO COVER. Every Change will come for us whether we want it to or not. The COVID-19 single article was SO well written, pandemic has meant our traditional ways of doing things are no longer it's designed SO well, and is full possible. But from this time has come phone calls with sisters we haven't of great information. I loved that spoken to in years, Zoom reunions with our member classes we've articles and photos showcased SO never been able to gather with in the same room since college, and the many different sisters, from SO discovery of our own skills in adaptability, persistence and creativity. many different chapters and all walks of life. Thank you SO much As we hear from our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) for all of your hard work on sisters, their fellow sisters of other identities and collective chapters this issue. It's fabulous, and I'm calling for a more equitable and inclusive sorority experience, Alpha Chi already looking forward to the Omega responds with learning, with a promise to change and with a next one! commitment to tangible steps to make our organization a place where RACHEL (HAWKINS) SHUCK women of all backgrounds and lived experiences feel safe and welcome to (OMICRON, BAKER UNIVERSITY) call Alpha Chi Omega their home. ABOUT THE SUMMER 2020 ISSUE So while a small part of me still clings to the comfort of stability, I am EDITOR'S NOTE committing myself to embracing change and to modeling what I do after the real, strong women who are champions of change on their campuses, In the summer 2020 Alumnae in their communities and throughout the world. Initiates Spotlight, we incorrectly identified Michelle Hawes' Lauren Filippini chapter of initiation. Michelle, Alpha Chi (Butler University) who is co-chair of the National Editor Alumna Initiate Program, is an initiate of the Beta Xi (Utah State University) chapter. The Lyre regrets the error. 2 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Contributors Alpha Chi Omega National President Lynne B. Herndon National Vice Presidents Jari Askins Mikelle Holt Brady Cassie Gerhardt Jill Sabatino Lacy Mari-jean Oswald Siehl Chief Executive Officer Katie Lampinen Gaffin SAVONNA HILL STEFANIE KRIEVINS Senior Director of Education and ZETA XI (UNIVERSITY OF Engagement Stefanie works with leaders Amy Colvin Mustafa NORTH CAROLINA AT and teams who have plateaued GREENSBORO) in their growth and need to Director of Marketing and Communications After joining Alpha Chi Omega grow their trust, conflict and Amanda Spice as an upperclasswoman when she accountability skills in order transferred to UNCG, Savonna to get new results. She is an Editor got involved immediately in experienced executive coach Lauren Filippini her chapter and on campus. She who creates changemakers The Lyre is published quarterly. shares about the confidence and inside of organizations. She has support she found in real, strong worked with Alpha Chi Omega's POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Lyre women who are inspiring her to professional staff and is an 5939 Castle Creek Parkway N. Dr. use her voice to unite people for industry consultant to Greek- Indianapolis, IN 46250-4343 change. Page 4 letter organizations. Page 38 Submission Deadlines Fall issue July 1 Winter issue - October 1 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Spring issue - January 1 Summer issue - April 1 ALLISON SUMMERS AJAZI (ALPHA OMICRON PI FRATERNITY), 317-579-5050 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES alphachiomega.org editor@alphachiomega.org ARIANNA BRADLEY (KAPPA XI, UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA), DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT Our Mission ALLISON FOSTER (GAMMA CHI, STETSON UNIVERSITY), Through the Real. Strong. Women. ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Experience, Alpha Chi Omega cultivates impactful communities LAURA KNOBEL (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), where women are inspired to ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT connect, lead, grow and serve. ELIZA PAYNE (DELTA CHI, WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY), HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR FRATERNITY MADELINE PLESAC (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY), COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT MADISON SMITH (IOTA PSI, ELON UNIVERSITY), EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES COORDINATOR NPC JEN WALLACH (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), national panhellenic conference DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES THE LYRE 3 PERSPECTIVES Never Underestimate the Power of Sisterhood BY SAVONNA HILL (ZETA XI, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, AT GREENSBORO) I have always said that once I got to college, I When you aren't in a sorority, it can be easy to misjudge would join a sorority. I first attended a small the purpose of being in one. There are many stereotypes private university that didn't have Greek life on about sorority members. From personal experience, I campus. So at first, I never had the opportunity to be can say with confidence that sorority women are some in one. After two years, I decided to transfer to a public of the most intelligent, hospitable, involved and caring university and was SO excited to see that the school women that I have ever met. During recruitment, when offered Greek life! I was unsure what to expect from I walked through the doors of the Alpha Chi room, it going through recruitment and meeting the sorority didn't take me long to realize that Alpha Chi Omega members, especially since at the time, I was already in was the sorority for me. Not only are all the women my third year of college. I was at a new school, halfway passionate about their friendships and sisterhood, but done with my college career and had to start all over about their philanthropy as well. Many people may not socially. There were many doubts begging to hold me know that within every sorority, there are organizations back from signing up, but I ignored my worries and I that the sisters support and fundraise for on a daily signed up for recruitment. Boy, am I glad I did! basis that go along with their personal philanthropy. I believe the sorority experience can give you SO many As someone who has always been involved in amazing things. One of the first things I heard from a my community and in promoting volunteerism, sister when going through recruitment was that you get Alpha Chi's philanthropy drew me in even more to out what you put in. Once I got a bid from Alpha Chi, I loving everything this sorority stands for. Domestic never forgot those words! I knew that I wanted to be as violence awareness is a topic that is hard for many to involved as I could be. I am only in my first few months talk about. Compared to other world issues, DVA is a as an Alpha Chi, and I have already had the pleasure topic that at times isn't talked about enough. Going to be the assistant recruitment chair, social media through the recruitment process and seeing the Alpha chair and a member of the Scarlet Ribbon Leadership Chi sisterhood share their passion for supporting DVA Council. inspired me even more to want to be a part of the change for women who have to go through domestic When you surround yourself with uplifting and violence. I believe that the sisterhood that comes along encouraging people, you never get a chance to doubt with being in a sorority shows how impactful women yourself. You are always challenged, loved and cared for. can be when we come together. That is why I am proud Ever since I joined Alpha Chi, I have learned to never to be a part of a sisterhood that stands behind the underestimate the power of sisterhood! statement of being real, strong women. 4 ALPHA CHI OMEGA "When you surround yourself with uplifting and encouraging people, you never get a chance to doubt yourself." I had many doubts before joining Greek life. Coming movement for racial justice. While the site is still in from a multi-ethnic background, I was unsure if I had progress, I hope to eventually unite voices from all the "right look" to join a sorority. I was afraid to be over and create a space where anyone can share the myself in fear that I wasn't the type of girl that was personal experiences, thoughts, resources, pictures, wanted. But Alpha Chi is special. This sisterhood pushes you to be yourself. This sisterhood brings out the My Alpha Chi sisters inspired me to want to help o confidence in you that sometimes gets lost. They push who may not know how or where to start speaking you to be proud of who you are. Despite what you look about issues in the world. They have truly shown n like, what background you come from, sororities bring that we are all stronger together and have reminde women together from all over the world. me of how powerful your voice can be when you p yourself out of your comfort zone and use it! When real, strong women come together, we can make change. The love that this sisterhood has brought me has inspired me and given me the confidence to SAVONNA SHARES THAT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED I use my voice. I am working on a website called Unite SUBMITTING A RESOURCE, ARTWORK OR WRITTEN Our Voices, which will not only provide educational PIECE FOR UNITE OUR VOICES, YOU CAN EMAIL resources, but will also give opportunity to those who USEYOURVOICESNOW@GMAIL.COM. want to speak out and contribute their voices to the THE LYRE CORNER OFFICE A Call to Action BY LYNNE B. HERNDON (ALPHA UPSILON, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA), NATIONAL PRESIDENT T he start of the school year is always an exciting their respective chapters while also maintaining health time. We welcome new members to the and safety amid a pandemic. The national organization Alpha Chi Omega Real. Strong. Women. will need to partner with NPC groups and campus Experience in both the fall and spring. It also reminds administrations to ensure the sorority experience me of the day I opened my bid card and ran to the steps attracts women of color to join. Our alumnae play a of the Alpha Chi Omega house. And then my journey critical role. If you are already working with a collegiate began. I have made lifelong friends across the country and chapter, thank you. If you are not, I encourage you to have served in many volunteer roles at both the local and engage with the chapter nearest you. From personal national level. Little did experience, it is incredibly rewarding, and I know our I know when I served as collegians need your wisdom, guidance and leadership chapter president at The as they address the challenges of COVID-19 and the University of Alabama opportunities related to diversity, equity and inclusion. that I would later be elected National President There are many competing priorities and goals facing for Alpha Chi Omega the Fraternity today. I want to share with you Alpha Chi Fraternity. I am honored Omega's highest, overarching priorities for the next 12 and humbled to serve as months. your National President these next two years. Sustain the collegiate experience. Pursue and execute strategic collegiate growth Now more than ever, initiatives. we need our sisterhood and our Real. Strong. Women. Advance diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives Experience. We are in challenging times as a country, and outcomes. on our campuses and as individuals - from the COVID-19 pandemic to systemic racism and civil unrest. Mission statements unite organizations, and I find I truly believe that together, each of us, collegians Alpha Chi Omega's mission statement SO relevant: and alumnae, can lead during these difficult times. "Through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, We can help our sisters and our friends navigate and Alpha Chi Omega cultivates impactful communities be instrumental in change. We accomplish this by where women are inspired to connect, lead, grow and promoting conversation, respecting and appreciating serve." We all have a role to play in the ongoing success the differences and social identities (race, religion, of Alpha Chi Omega and in leading through this socioeconomic background, etc.) that make each of us challenging time. I urge you to do all that you can to unique, and ensuring that all women who meet our help sustain Alpha Chi Omega and ensure that the Real. membership standards have an opportunity to join Strong. Women. Experience impacts all of our members Alpha Chi Omega. in a positive and memorable way. We all have a call to action. Our collegians will need to Loyally, work tirelessly to create an inspiring and inclusive Real. Strong. Women. Experience on each campus and in If 6 ALPHA CHI OMEGA AXQ NEWS Compared to an estimated 35% of heterosexual Domestic women, 61% of bisexual women will be victims of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. For Violence lesbian women, the estimate is 44%. Additionally, a marginalized identity presents further and barriers to those looking for safety. For victims who identify as LGBTQ+, obstacles in leaving an abusive Oppression relationship are often heightened due to external phobias and potential outing. For victims who identify as women of color, obstacles can include existing cultural and institutional barriers. BY ALLISON SUMMERS AJAZI, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP To serve those affected by domestic violence this INITIATIVES October, check in with your local shelters and service providers for how you can best support their efforts. We Ipha Chi Omega and its members work encourage you to read more about the barriers faced by A together to raise domestic violence awareness survivors on their journey to safety by checking out the and provide support and education to help resources below. If you or someone you know is in an those in their communities build healthy relationships unhealthy relationship, these are just a few culturally and fight against unhealthy ones. Each October during competent national hotlines that support survivors: Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we focus our educational efforts on one critical issue. This October, The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800- we ask our members to reflect on and support 799-7233 (SAFE) or www.ndvh.org populations disproportionally oppressed through Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence domestic violence. As women dedicated to ending Resource Project: 202-833-2233 or dvrp.org domestic violence, we must fight the oppression of The National Center on Violence Against survivors and to understand their experiences. Women in the Black Community: 844-77-UJIMA or ujimacommunity.org Everyone holds a variety of identities including race, StrongHearts Native Helpline: 844-762-8483 or class, gender, sexuality, religious beliefs, age, cultural strongheartshelpline.org background and more. While anyone can become REFERENCES: a victim of intimate partner violence, it is a crime "FACT SHEET: BARRIERS TO SAFETY FOR WOMEN OF largely connected to the oppression of marginalized COLOR" FROM THE YWCA'S WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE identities and through power and control. Intimate CAMPAIGN partner violence, which covers domestic violence, "INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE" FACT SHEET FROM THE sexual violence, stalking and psychological harm, is an OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME AND ITS 2018 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK RESOURCE GUIDE overwhelmingly gendered crime, with women making up 86% of victims. Certain identity groups of women experience violence at a disproportional rate. DEFINITIONS MARGINALIZED: RELEGATED TO AN UNIMPORTANT Native women face the highest rates of violence, OR POWERLESS POSITION WITHIN A SOCIETY OR double the rate of the general population. GROUP Black women are three times more likely than OPPRESSION: UNJUST OR CRUEL EXERCISE OF white women to die from domestic violence. While AUTHORITY OR POWER making up 8% of the population, they account for OUTING: THE PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF THE COVERT 22% of domestic violence-related homicides. SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY OF A PERSON AXO NEWS Meet the 2020-21 Chapter Consultants e're thrilled to announce the consultant team that will serve our W collegiate chapters in the next academic year. Given the changes on college campuses in response to COVID-19, these real, strong women will provide remote support (and on-the-ground support when health and safety guidelines allow) as they work with each of our 146 chapters and add to the legacy of Alpha Chi Omega by establishing on new campuses. Focusing on areas such as leadership development, chapter operations and recruitment, these nine sisters are instrumental in continuing the Real. Strong. Women.@Experience FIRST-YEAR CONSULTANTS Holly Brown Sierra Camuto Autumn Jordan DELTA OMICRON BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE TAU (BRENAU UNIVERSITY) (PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY) UNIVERSITY) In college, Holly held three chapter Sierra served her chapter during Autumn earned her bachelor's executive board roles: vice president her collegiate experience as the new degree in health science, finance, vice president chapter member education assistant and concentrating on pre-occupational relations and standards, and chapter as chapter president. She earned therapy. For her chapter, she served president. She earned a Bachelor of a bachelor's degree in business as vice president recruitment and Science degree in psychology, with a management. chapter president. minor in secondary education and child and family studies. DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE 2021-22 CONSULTANT TEAM? APPLICATIONS WILL GO LIVE THIS FALL AND ARE DUE DECEMBER 1, 2020. GRADUATING MEMBERS AND ALUMNAE ARE BOTH ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR EMAIL OR SEND A MESSAGE TO COLLEGIATEEXPERIENCE@ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG TO BE KEPT IN THE 8 ALPHA CHI OMEGA LOOP! Jordan Maynard Macie Morris Avery Wilson DELTA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF BETA PSI (LOUISIANA TECH SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) ARKANSAS) UNIVERSITY) Holding a Bachelor of Science Macie graduated with a Bachelor of Along with leading her chapter as degree in business administration Arts degree in psychology. During vice president chapter relations and management and a minor in her collegiate experience, she served standards and as chapter president, marketing, Jordan served her chapter her chapter as COB chair, vice Avery also helped women find their as vice president recruitment, president new member education home as a recruitment counselor. in addition to facilitating the and chapter president. She has a Bachelor of Business Dedication to new members. Administration degree in marketing. SECOND-YEAR CONSULTANT Emily Wind Natalie Zepeda Holly Grajera ALPHA NU (UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI) DELTA PI (UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, DELTA OMEGA (UNIVERSITY OF KNOXVILLE) KENTUCKY) Emily holds bachelor's degrees in Completing terms as PACE chair and Holly is back for a second year after anthropology and international chapter president, Natalie shared working with chapters across the studies with an emphasis in peace her leadership with her campus country and helping to establish studies. She served her chapter as Panhellenic Council as president our newest chapter, Lambda Xi the vice president chapter relations and with the National Panhellenic at Augusta University. A former and standards and volunteered Conference as a member of the vice president public relations and as a liaison for the Panhellenic Student Advisory Committee. She marketing and chapter president, Association to connect women with holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in she holds a Bachelor of Science campus health centers. interdisciplinary studies, focusing on degree in agricultural and medical neuroscience. biotechnology, with a minor in classics. THE LYRE 9 AXQ NEWS Alpha Chi Omega is Growing! e are SO excited to W announce that Alpha Chi GET TO KNOW THE CAMPUSES Omega will be establishing THAT WILL BE HOME TO a new chapter at Chapman University in OUR NEW CHAPTERS! spring 2021! We can't wait to meet the real, strong women on this campus in Orange, California. CHAPMAN In addition, we also continue to look UNIVERSITY forward to the reestablishment of our Gamma Sigma chapter at the University of Rhode Island in spring 2021 and FOUNDED IN 1861 7,656 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS a new chapter at the University of 65 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS Mississippi in fall 2021. MASCOT: PETE THE PANTHER EIGHT OTHER SORORITIES IN THE CAMPUS PANHELLENIC COUNCIL Three new chapters over the next year - ALPHA CHI OMEGA ESTABLISHING IN SPRING 2021 it's a great time to be an Alpha Chi Omega! If you know a potential new THE member attending any of these schools, tell her about Alpha Chi Omega and UNIVERSITY the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is founding membership. We are OF RHODE ISLAND looking for both upperclasswomen and freshmen. Please send an email to FOUNDED IN 1892 14,687 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS recommendations@alphachiomega.org 97 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS to recommend her to the recruitment MASCOT: RHODY THE RAM team, and be sure to include her name 10 OTHER SORORITIES IN THE CAMPUS PANHELLENIC COUNCIL and contact information. And don't ALPHA CHI OMEGA ESTABLISHING IN SPRING 2021 forget to follow along with our new chapters on social media! THE Note: Dates are planned assuming campus, UNIVERSITY of local and state guidelines related to MISSISSIPPI 1848 COVID-19 allow establishments to proceed. The health and safety of students, campus staff, and Alpha Chi Omega staff and FOUNDED IN 1848 17,418 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS volunteers is our priority. 90 UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS MASCOT: LANDSHARK TONY 10 OTHER SORORITIES IN THE CAMPUS PANHELLENIC COUNCIL ALPHA CHI OMEGA ESTABLISHING IN FALL 2021 10 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Sister Outreach Team "Finding common ground with sisters I didn't A S the new coronavirus swept through the country this year, Alpha Chi Omega has know was easy and been committed to continuing the Real. Strong. Women. R Experience, even when sisters could comfortable." not gather in person. With a heavy reliance on social media and email communication, the Fraternity provided programming and opportunities for virtual connection. However, with SO many valued sisters who do not participate in computer-based communication, a sister, positive, patient and showed tremendous Alpha Chi Omega realized the need to ensure these perspective. Finding common ground with sisters I women still felt the bonds of sisterhood, especially didn't know was easy and comfortable. One example as they could be feeling more isolated during the stands out for me. When discussing how she was COVID-19 pandemic or are unable to leave their spending the newfound time on her hands, a sister homes. And thus began the Sister Outreach Team! explained that while she and her husband had never been big movie-goers, they found a list of Academy From May through July 2020, the Sister Outreach Award-winning films and began a movie-watching Team (SOT) brought together 65 women to check in binge. We realized we both love any movie featuring on our alumnae across the country and spread the joy Tom Hanks. Alpha Chis know a national treasure when of sisterhood. Each volunteer was provided a list of they see one! alumnae, born primarily between 1925 and 1964, to call. On each call, our volunteers let their sisters know ERICA BAKEMAN RALSTON Alpha Chi Omega is thinking of them and shared with (IOTA) UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, them resources and opportunities for connection. RIVERSIDE) But even more importantly, the SOT calls gave our alumnae sisters time to ask questions, share stories and I spoke with a sister who is in assisted living and not reminisce on their experiences in Alpha Chi Omega. A allowed to even leave her room. The most excitement few of our SOT volunteers shared their favorite calls: she gets is opening her window for fresh air. So my call made her day. I heard about her entire family and her SALLY MATHIS CUTLER long career as an artist. It made my day speaking with her and we set up a time for another call. (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY) During my calls I found encouraging recurring themes. The women were, in every case, happy to talk with THE LYRE 11 AWARDS 2020 Award Recipients Alpha Chi Omega is thrilled to recognize the individuals and chapters that have been selected as 2020 award recipients. While award winners are usually shared at our national convention, the cancellation of the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic gave us the opportunity for virtual recognition on July 28 at Lyre Lights: A Night of Celebration. Congratulations to all the women who are taking Alpha Chi Omega to new heights! COLLEGIATE CHAPTER AWARD RECIPIENTS Chapter awards are presented to up to three chapters based on size: small (fewer than 100 members), medium (101-175 members) and large (176 or more members). SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - CHAPTER LEADERSHIP Small: Alpha Pi (University of North Dakota) Medium: Beta Delta (College of William & Mary) Large: Alpha Nu (University of Missouri) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - CHAPTER RELATIONS AND STANDARDS Small: Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University) Medium: Gamma Pi (University of Tampa) Large: Theta (University of Michigan) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - CHAPTER FINANCE Small: Delta Kappa (Sam Houston State University) Medium: Zeta Tau (Villanova University) Large: Beta Sigma (University of Georgia) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - RISK MANAGEMENT Small: Delta Epsilon (Southeast Missouri State University) Medium: Iota Phi (Quinnipiac University) Large: Theta Lambda (Clemson University) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - RITUAL AND FRATERNITY APPRECIATION Small: Gamma Xi (Western Michigan University) Medium: Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University) Large: Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - RECRUITMENT Small: Delta Chi (William Woods University) Medium: Epsilon Lambda (The University of Texas at Arlington) Large: Delta Omega (University of Kentucky) 12 ALPHA CHI OMEGA SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - NEW MEMBER EDUCATION Small: Zeta Upsilon (Case Western Reserve University) THE CHAPTER INNOVATION Medium: Lambda Nu (Northeastern University) AWARD HONORS A SPECIFIC Large: Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University) CHAPTER PROGRAM OR INITIATIVE THAT HIGHLIGHTS SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY WITHIN THE CHAPTER. DELTA MARKETING ZETA (CENTRAL MICHIGAN Small: Alpha Omega (Birmingham-Southern College) UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER Medium: Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University) CREATED THE "GIRLS WITH Large: Epsilon Omega (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo) GOALS" PROGRAM, WHICH HEIGHTENED THE CHAPTER'S FOCUS ON INTELLECTUAL SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMMING DEVELOPMENT AND HELPED Small: Kappa Xi (University of West Florida) RAISE ITS AVERAGE GPA BY A Medium: Epsilon (University of Southern California) TENTH OF A POINT. Large: Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama) THE DIVERSITY AND SEEKING THE HEIGHTS PANHELLENIC INCLUSION AWARD IS GIVEN TO A CHAPTER THAT HAD Small: Iota Chi (Middle Tennessee State University) A SIGNIFICANT EVENT OR Medium: lota Sigma (Southern Methodist University) INITIATIVE IN THE AREA OF Large: Kappa Tau (University of Connecticut) DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, AND PARTICIPATED IN SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION EFFORTS ON ITS CAMPUS. THE Small: Kappa Mu (The University of Texas at Tyler) ALPHA NU (UNIVERSITY OF Medium: Theta Psi (Columbia University) MISSOURI) CHAPTER CREATED Large: Beta Eta (Florida State University) A DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE TO HELP EDUCATE SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - FACILITY OPERATIONS MEMBERS AND HELP ENSURE EVERY ASPECT OF CHAPTER Small: Kappa Nu (Carnegie Mellon University) OPERATIONS MAKES MEMBERS Medium: Epsilon Nu (Boise State University) FEEL SAFE, ACCEPTED AND Large: Delta Rho (University of Arkansas) EMPOWERED. A SISTER SERVED AS AN ACCESSIBILITY LIAISON SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - PHILANTHROPY FOR THE PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION, AND THE Small: Delta Omicron (Portland State University) CHAPTER HAS SET A GOAL Medium: Epsilon Kappa (California State University, Fullerton) WITH ITS LOCAL HOUSING Large: Iota Rho (Loyola University Chicago) CORPORATION THAT ITS FACILITY MEETS FULL ADA CHAPTER INNOVATION AWARD REQUIREMENTS. Delta Zeta (Central Michigan University) DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD Alpha Nu (University of Missouri) THE LYRE 13 AWARDS COLLEGIATE CHAPTER PROGRESS AWARD The Chapter Progress Award honors chapters that display significant growth and progress in the areas of chapter management, member support and development. SMALL: BETA PHI (BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY) LARGE: EPSILON OMEGA (CAL POLY, SAN LUIS OBISPO) COLLEGIATE NATIONAL COUNCIL TROPHY The chapters selected as National Council Trophy winners best exemplify the mission and ideals of Alpha Chi Omega. They are selected because they have proven to be exceptional in all areas of chapter operations and management. SMALL: DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY) The Delta Chi chapter was selected for the National Council Trophy for its commitment to a membership experience that encourages sisters to learn and grow through exceptional programming and creating a strong sisterhood rooted in the bonds of Alpha Chi Omega. Members are unified in their goals and work cohesively to make progress toward them. The Delta Chi chapter operates on a high level, including strong utilization of committee members, frequent and clear communication with all sisters and continued training of leaders, all of which ensure an exceptional membership experience. 14 ALPHA CHI OMEGA MEDIUM: ALPHA (DEPAUW UNIVERSITY) The Alpha chapter earned the National Council Trophy due to its infusion of the values of Alpha Chi Omega into all aspects of chapter operations to ensure sisters are learning and growing throughout their membership experience. The executive leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that the chapter works together to meet goals through delegation of tasks across the executive board and through more than 40 different non-executive chapter leadership positions. The sisters of Alpha chapter stay connected to each other through various programming and events throughout the year that create a strong sisterly bond and cohesive chapter unit. LARGE: BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY) The Beta Eta chapter was chosen for the National Council Trophy because of its strong working relationship between members, executive board leaders, advisors and campus professionals through consistent communication and transparency. With membership support and development as an important focus of the chapter, Beta Eta has ensured sisters grow and succeed in all value areas of Alpha Chi Omega from being a new member through senior year. Members are active in the chapter, involved in campus activities and dedicated to academic studies, which showcases to the entire Florida State University community how Alpha Chi Omegas are seeking the heights. THE LYRE 15 is AWARDS ALUMNAE CHAPTER AWARD RECIPIENTS SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - COLLEGIATE CHAPTER SUPPORT Gamma Theta Gamma (Los Angeles, California) Omicron Phi Omicron (Zeta Pi Alumnae) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - INNOVATION Beta Kappa Beta (Dallas, Texas) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT Xi Omega Xi (Beta Omega Alumnae) Pi Pi (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - MEMBERSHIP GROWTH Delta Omega Delta (Orange County, California) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - PHILANTHROPY Sigma Sigma (St. Louis, Missouri) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - PROMOTE ALPHA CHI EVERYDAY * Gamma Psi Gamma (Sacramento, California) Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - RITUAL AND FRATERNITY APPRECIATION Lambda Omicron Lambda (Ocala, Florida) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - SISTERHOOD Beta Zeta Beta (Houston, Texas) Rho Phi Rho (Gamma Omicron Alumnae) * Is * 16 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ALUMNAE CONTINUING EXCELLENCE AWARD MU MU (KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI) Mu Mu continues to advance and innovate its operations and membership experience in ways that reflect Alpha Chi Omega's mission and vision. From a traveling lyre trophy to welcome bags with Kansas City information Supports and treats for new members, it is clear that Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence sisters feel a connection with their alumnae chapter and have an increased pride in their Alpha Chi Omega membership because of it. Mu Mu is actively engaged with the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's Community Impact program and THESE AWARDS ARE PRESENTED has raised more than $88,000 using this program to benefit the TO THE CHAPTERS THAT BEST Foundation and its local domestic violence shelter. Mu Mu has EXEMPLIFY THE IDEALS AND MISSION OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA THROUGH received the Continuing Excellence Award 21 consecutive times! ALL AREAS OF ALUMNAE CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT. THE CONTINUING EXCELLENCE AWARD IS FOR A CHAPTER THAT HAS RECEIVED THE NATIONAL COUNCIL TROPHY OR ALUMNAE NATIONAL COUNCIL CONTINUING EXCELLENCE AWARD TROPHY AT LEAST ONCE DURING THE LAST FIVE YAERS. NU NU (DENVER, COLORADO) With a large and strong executive board, with leaders who are also involved with the local collegiate chapter, and with national volunteers and planning committees for chapter events (which have grown by 50% in attendance), Nu Nu chapter members are fully engaged in the functions of the chapter and the Fraternity. Communication with potential and current members through social media, newsletters, monthly interest groups, a printed membership directory and a phone tree ensures that all sisters feel connected across miles and generations. Nu Nu honors meaningful Fraternity dates with formal events and seeks the heights through innovative approaches to chapter management. THE LYRE 17 AMY DUBOIS RIETH EMERGING LEADER AWARD JESSICA SCHULTE (ALPHA NU, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI) This award honors a newly initiated member who has embraced the ideals of Alpha Chi Omega and who has shown great potential to serve her chapter, her campus and her community. Jessica held multiple committee positions in her chapter throughout her first year, actively gives back through volunteerism both in her hometown and on campus, and is always willing to take on new challenges. She does all of this while treating others with a genuine kindness and respect that is unmatched. ESTELLE LEONARD OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD MOLLY SHANNON (ZETA SIGMA, MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY) This award honors a senior who is actively involved in her chapter, on her campus, and in her community; who clearly lives the values of Alpha Chi Omega; and who is the personification of what it means to be a real, strong woman. Molly served as president for Missouri State University's Panhellenic Board, and under her leadership, the board received the 2019 STAR Award for Public Affairs and Commitment. She leads with humility and genuine passion and always makes time to lend a helping hand to any chapter sister or community member. OUTSTANDING COLLEGIATE ADVISOR AWARD KRISTIN HATHAWAY (IOTA LAMBDA, TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY) This award honors an Alpha Chi Omega advisor who embodies a real, strong woman; guides and supports the chapter she advises; and serves as a role model to chapter members. Kristin has served as chapter advisor for Alpha Nu at the University of Missouri for three years and is also a Panhellenic specialist. As a chapter advisor, Kristin is always thinking of ways to better the chapter and serve the community. She provides a support system to the executive board members and inspires all members to follow their dreams. 18 ALPHA CHI OMEGA OUTSTANDING CHAPTER ADVISORY BOARD AWARD DELTA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS) AXO This award honors an Alpha Chi Omega collegiate advisory board demonstrating the most effective leadership to a collegiate chapter. The Delta Rho advisory board members meet regularly with their individual officers and are present at chapter meetings and events to support not just the officers but also the entire membership. The volunteers making up the board embody what it means to be an advisor, and members say the growth and success their chapter has had would not be possible without them. OUTSTANDING FRATERNITY/ SORORITY ADVISOR AWARD EMILY BRITT, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY This award is presented to a campus-based professional advising fraternity and sorority life at an institution with an Alpha Chi Omega chapter and honors an individual who supports and mentors the women of Alpha Chi Omega. Emily Britt (Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity) is both a champion and partner for the Delta Omega chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, providing wise insights and leading by example. Through her mentorship and support, she motivates the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega to continue to seek the heights. YOUNG ALUMNA AWARD NIKI MCCANN (ZETA SIGMA, MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY) This award recognizes outstanding service to Alpha Chi Omega by a young woman who has been initiated in the past 12 years. Niki is the chapter president of Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) alumnae chapter and a member of the Member Assistance Committee. She has served as a Zeta Sigma advisory board member, a Leadership Academy facilitator, and a fraternity and sorority life financial aid liaison. Her nominator says, "She thrives on fueling the passion of others and appreciates every little service rendered." Niki is also a former Fulbright Scholar to Germany, a Junior League member and an elementary school teacher. THE LYRE 19 ALUMNA APPRECIATION AWARD TERESA MOORE (GAMMA OMICRON, MARSHALL UNIVERSITY) This award is presented annually to an alumna who has given many volunteer hours to Alpha Chi Omega faithfully and unselfishly through the years. Teresa has been a loyal Alpha Chi Omega volunteer since shortly after her college graduation. She has served on the Gamma Omicron house corporation board, on the Gamma Omicron advisory board as both a chapter advisor and recruitment advisor, as an alumnae chapter president and as a province collegiate chair. She has also been involved interfraternally, serving on the Greek Housing Board at Marshall University and coordinating recruitment workshops for the fraternity/sorority community there. Her nominator wrote, "I am privileged to be the one writing this nomination, but I do SO on behalf of the hundreds of women whose lives Teresa has touched through the years." OUTSTANDING DEDICATION AWARD MERLYNN PITCHER (BETA XI, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY) The Outstanding Dedication Award recognizes an alumna who currently gives many volunteer hours to Alpha Chi Omega faithfully and unselfishly. MerLynn is a prolific volunteer who has given of her time, talents and treasures generously across the Enterprise over many years. She began as a collegiate leader in the Beta Xi chapter, then served as an alumnae chapter president, house corporation president for Beta Chi (Willamette University) and Beta Nu (University of Utah), National Nominating Committee member, collegiate Ritual and Panhellenic advisor and a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees from 1993-96 and again from 2010-15. She currently serves as a Foundation Ambassador and on the Beta Xi advisory board. One nominator said, "I cherish her search for endless knowledge, her devotion to Alpha Chi Omega and her faith, and all that she has accomplished with and for our Fraternity." 20 ALPHA CHI OMEGA AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT CARRIE TERGIN (ZETA SIGMA, MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY) This award is presented annually to one or more alumnae members who have gained national recognition in their chosen profession and/or field of study. Carrie is the mayor of Jefferson City, Missouri; a third-generation small business owner; and member of the Missouri State University Board of Governors. Her nominator states, "Carrie has a heart for public service... she credits her leadership ability to her days as a collegiate Alpha Chi Omega. I am proud to call this remarkable woman a sorority sister." In the past year, Carrie has remained a calm and steady leader for Jefferson City through major flooding, a direct hit from a tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic. Editor's Note: Read more about Carrie's leadership in the Accomplished Alumna section on page 54! LHC VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD MINDY STEWART SMITH (SIGMA, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) This award recognizes the outstanding volunteerism of an individual local house corporation (LHC) board member who has demonstrated a positive impact on the work of the LHC and the collegiate chapter. Mindy has served on the Alpha Lambda (University of Minnesota) house corporation board for three decades and has worked through some of its biggest, most complicated projects while remaining patient and open-minded. Throughout her time serving, she has overseen maintenance of landscaping, sewage, major appliances and systems to make the chapter facility safer, more cost-effective and more energy efficient. THE LYRE 21 AWARDS LHC/CHAPTER COLLABORATION AWARD GAMMA RHO HOUSE CORPORATION BOARD AT TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY This award recognizes a local house corporation that has demonstrated a positive working relationship with the collegiate chapter, has conducted work to address the facility needs of the collegiate chapter and has made a concerted effort to maintain a safe and competitive chapter facility. The Gamma Rho House Corporation Board planned, fundraised for and completed construction of a new 10,500 square foot lodge along with the input, support and help of the active collegiate chapter members. The new lodge is updated for the modern chapter member experience while incorporating historic pieces of the old lodge as an homage to the history of the chapter. VISION AWARD DR. LORI HART, SPEAKER FOR THE CATALYST AGENCY The Vision Award recognizes an individual, not a member of Alpha Chi Omega, for his or her significant contribution to the Greek movement. Dr. Lori Hart has been instrumental in helping to guide Alpha Chi Omega through our work in harm reduction. She is widely known as a leading expert in issues of risk in higher education, and she has helped make not only Alpha Chi Omega but other sororities and fraternities better through her outstanding work. CORPORATE AWARD HERFF JONES This award honors a corporation or business that demonstrates generosity to Alpha Chi Omega through financial contributions or support and also serves a vital role in furthering Alpha Chi Omega's mission. Herff Jones, the official jewelry company of Alpha Chi Omega, has been an outstanding partner to Alpha Chi Omega over many years. As they assist members in ordering badges, jewelry and other merchandise, the Herff Jones team has been responsive and supportive of Alpha Chi Omega H E R F F through their excellent service orientation. H N E S TM 22 ALPHA CHI OMEGA what they Mandy Harris Congrats, 2020 graduates! No matter where you celebrated your graduation this spring, know that Alpha Chi Omega is always here for you wherever life takes you! FOUNDATION Become a Foundation Partner BY MADELINE PLESAC (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT F oundation Partners is the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's recognition program honoring donors who make monthly recurring gifts to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund. When you join Foundation Partners, you join a special community of donors who play a key and consistent role in helping to make an impact on our sisterhood. Recurring gifts are the backbone of the Foundation, helping ensure we can plan for and depend on a steady stream of support to sustain the life-changing work of the Foundation and Fraternity. With your support, we're able to prepare confident leaders and changemakers through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience - providing women with the skills and conviction to effect change on their campuses and in their communities. "As soon as the Foundation Partners giving BENEFITS TO YOU: program was introduced, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I give to the Alpha Chi It's easy! Giving monthly is an easy way to plan and Omega Foundation because I have seen first- budget your gifts. hand how the educational experiences and opportunities provided to our collegiate and It's efficient! You'll reduce our administrative costs, alumnae sisters make a difference. putting more of your gifts to work helping our sisters succeed. Through Let's Talk Love, Leadership Academy and Women & Wisdom, I've watched our It's rewarding! Foundation Partners receive regular members grow, learn and be able to use the tools updates about the impact of their giving and early and knowledge gained to enhance their lives. I access to special giving initiatives. give monthly SO programs like these can keep making an impact for years to come." Join Foundation Partners with a monthly gift to the Real. Strong. Women. Fund at give.alphachiomega.org. KATHLEEN TUCKER (GAMMAI IOTA, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA) 24 ALPHA CHI OMEGA THANK YOU TO THOSE AS Leslie Prideaux, Sigma FOUNDATION I N 2019-20. Melissa Ramirez, Beta Omega Karen Rayburn, Zeta Lambda LIST AS OF JULY 14, 2020 Jill Richardson, Alpha Chi Mallory Rissmiller, Gamma Zeta Bryanna Anderson, Kappa Tau Cathy Gillig, Gamma Mu Colette Livermore, Delta Lisa Roane, Delta Allison Aprahamian, lota Sigma Katie Glick, Alpha Beta Omicron Maria Robinson, Epsilon Theta Carol Argabright, Alpha Anna Goodman, Pi Pat Logan, Alpha Beta Gail Roper, Beta Sigma Kira Ayish, Beta Nu Marsha Grady, Alpha Upsilon Megan Long, Theta Sigma Lizett Ross, Beta Nu Cindy Ballard, Zeta Rho Jeannette Graham, Nu Erica Loroff, Zeta Rho Danielle Russell, Alpha Chi Paula Barnes, Delta Rho Beth Grant, Gamma Mu Thomasina Madden, Zeta Eta Amanda Salemno, lota Omicron Bonnie Biggs, Epsilon Chi Kristen Guthrie, Beta Omicron Stephanie Maddox, Beta Sigma Alessia Satterfield, Xi Megan Blackwell, Alpha Kappa Mary Ellen Haley, Delta Chi Lia Mahoney, Delta Omicron Vicky Sauer-Lamb, Epsilon Xi Amber Blakley, Alpha Chi Rachel Haley, Omicron Crystel Maldonado, Kappa Tau Courtney Schmidt, Alpha Stephanie Blaske, Delta Omicron Julie Hall, Theta Psi Lauren Malone, Beta Chi Christine Self, Gamma Rho Leslie Block, Theta Tau Liza Hallsten, Alpha Omega Donna Marano, Kappa Nu Samantha Shaw, Theta Pi Christine Bornand, Zeta Nu Jackie Hamlin, Delta Kappa Kelcie Marr, Delta Chi Mari-jean Siehl, Alpha Omicron Maya Botvinick, Epsilon Kappa Sandra Hammitt, Gamma Rho Ann Marshall, Beta Eta Marlene Small, Epsilon Lambda Jenn Brackett, Gamma Sigma Chelsea Hardy, Gamma lota Julie Marshall, Gamma Rho Alice Snedeker, Epsilon Phi Arianna Bradley, Kappa Xi Michelle Hawes, Beta Xi Liz Martin, Gamma Omicron Carolynn Snyder, Beta Zeta Ashley Brooks, Gamma Rho Lorraine Hawley, Beta Sigma Yvette Martinez, Zeta Nu Kara Speciale, Zeta Sigma Gloria Buchanan, Delta Kappa Angel Hayes, Gamma Pi Michele Mattoon, Rho Dana Spurr, Delta Epsilon Riley Carroll, Epsilon Kappa Amanda Hene, Beta Sigma Margaret Maxwell, Beta Lambda Andrea Stephenson, Gamma Phi Caitlin Cavanaugh, Alpha Lindsay Hicks, Alpha Chi Jenna Mayo, Epsilon Zeta Brooke Stites, Kappa Lambda Jenny Champlin, Psi Deirdre Hill, Epsilon Zeta Molleigh McCann, Epsilon Kristin Stolz, Alpha Beta Susan Chandler, Psi Jessica Hill, Omicron Kelly McCormack, Theta Tau Desirae Storey-Smidt, Gamma Pi Jordyn Chew, Epsilon Kappa Kristin Himsel, Alpha Anne McInnis, Delta Psi Amy Strasburger, Gamma Mu Elise Christopher, Gamma lota Lisa Hoegerman, Epsilon Psi Courtney McKenna, Gamma Lynne Strasser, Alpha Eta Kara Clevenger, Gamma Rho Catherine Hoffman, Theta Phi Sigma Tammy Sullivan, Beta Psi Caitlin Cobb, Psi Susan Hogle, Alpha Chi Dina Meek, Alpha Phi Mendy Tarwater, Epsilon Stephanie Cohen, Theta Pi Robyn Holder, Beta Mu Maggie Molleston, lota Sigma Omicron Shelley Cooper, Delta Rho Olivia Holt, Alpha Kappa Jill Moran, Alpha Delta Bonnie Taylor, Epsilon Addie Crane, Alpha Upsilon Rachael Hood, Alpha Gamma Becky Moroneso, lota Lambda Christi Tennyson, Delta Chi Jennifer Crotty, Delta Mu Emily Rose Jacobsen, lota Chi Valerie Morrison, Theta Sigma Emeline Thompson, Alpha Janet Curley, Lambda Breanna Johnson, Beta Nu Diane Murphy, Epsilon Psi Brittany Todd, Alpha Upsilon Anne Curosh, Alpha Beta Stacy Johnson, Epsilon Psi Deborah Musa, Alpha Chi Tori Trobak, Alpha Lambda Sally Cutler, Alpha Chi Janelle Johnston, Omicron Amy Mustafa, Beta Phi Kathleen Tucker, Gamma Iota Jennifer Daurora, Delta Laura Kaiser, Delta Chi Megan Myers, Delta Kappa Jennifer Vasquez, Alpha Gamma Lindsay Davenport, lota Alpha Eve Kampmeinert, Alpha Zeta Jolie Napier-Vea, lota Tau Lindsay Vise, Omicron Tamsin Davies, Theta Psi Lisa Kerchinski, Beta Phi Karen Neylon, Alpha Nu Caroline Vreeland, lota Omicron Kitty deKieffer, Epsilon Kappa Joan Ketterman, Gamma Xi Bev Nichols, Alpha Nu Beth Waite, Delta Roya Dinbali, Gamma Rho Kelly Kilgour, Kappa Nu Dena Norrod, Delta Zeta Cassidhe Walker, Gamma Epsilon Danielle Durocher, Iota Pi Elizabeth Kinder, Zeta Eta Laura Noteware, Beta Psi Jen Wallach, Iota Chi Barbara Eaton, Beta Epsilon Natasha King, Delta Lambda Darcey O'Bryhim, Omicron Maggie Ward, Epsilon Theta Sonia Elliott, lota Alpha Laura Knobel, lota Alpha Ann Olson, Alpha Pi Melinda Ward, Epsilon Zeta Anna Farha, Delta Chi Erica Lagos Rebecca Olson, Theta Erin Weesner, Gamma Mu Kori Fellows, Alpha Phi Jessica Lahey, Gamma Zeta Kelly Ording, Delta Zeta Stacie Weffelmeyer, Delta Chi Jessica Flynn, Delta Chi Mary Beth Lake, Epsilon Phi Alarie Ornburn, Delta Chi Lee Welborn, Epsilon Phi Allison Foster, Gamma Chi Jennifer Lanham, Gamma Rho Meghan Paden, Gamma Mu Heather Wendt, Sigma Lorna Fox, Alpha Lambda Jean Larkai, lota Alpha Erin Parks, Alpha Chi Debbie Whitmore, Kappa Gina Fox, lota Phi Jennifer Lawler, Upsilon Jen Patterson, Beta Phi Sasha Williams, Epsilon Angela Freeland, Zeta Eta Lisa Lawless, Theta Omega Eliza Payne, Delta Chi Mary Winkler, Epsilon Zeta Lynne Fugate, Delta Pi Carolyn Lee, Delta Rho Joan Perry, Zeta Lambda Corinne Wolffe, Zeta Eta Amy Jo Gabel Shirley LeForge, Delta Theta Rachel Petricka, Delta Chi Amanda Wright, Omicron Katie Gaffin, Delta Zeta Ellen Lewis, Omicron Kim Phillips, Alpha Beta Robyn Yarbrough, Epsilon Kappa Suzanne Gartz, Beta Omega Denise Liberty, Theta Judy Phillips, Gamma Lambda Diane Young, Epsilon Tau Mary Gendry, Upsilon Christine Licata-Hoang, Alpha Cynthia Pittenger, Gamma Rho Penny Zamkov, Lambda Cassie Gerhardt, Alpha Pi Omicron Madeline Plesac, Alpha Beta Victoria Gigoux, Alpha Psi DaLynn Prather, Gamma Rho THE 25 FOUNDATION Founders' Day Challenge Through the Years Every year during the month of October, the Alpha Chi While the look of Founders' Day Challenge has changed Omega Foundation celebrates Founders' Day Challenge, over the years since the first campaign in the early 2000s, a month-long fundraising campaign that supports this tradition honoring our seven Founders and the the Real. Strong. Women. Fund and helps create founding of Alpha Chi Omega on October 15 is still opportunities for our sisters to be real, strong women celebrated today. Take a look back at the last five years of leaders and changemakers. Founders' Day Challenge and get excited for 2020! 2015 Founders Day 2016 2017 Challenge AXO supports DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS alpha Chi Omega L 25TH ANNIVERSARY 2018 2019 2020 7Daysfor 9, FFounders Founders' Day Challenge 2020 launches on October 1! When you give, you're not only impacting today's sisters but also honoring the history of Alpha Chi Omega. All gifts to Founders' Day Challenge will support the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's Real. Strong. Women. Fund. 26 ALPHA CHI OMEGA clear the path to make it just a little easier for whoever Challenging follows behind me. Where did my machete come from? I made it with my Alpha Chi sisters." the Status The knowledge and skills Jen gained as an Alpha Chi Omega - listening to sisters, creating a compelling Quo vision and motivating others to achieve a common goal - are the groundwork that helps her in her role today. In addition, she learned the importance of growing from her mistakes and that conquering anything alone BY ALLISON FOSTER (GAMMA CHI, STETSON or without buy-in truly impacts a leader's ability to achieve success. UNIVERSITY), ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Throughout Jen's career, she has served as a change S a collegian, Jen Bradway valued her agent and has challenged the status quo, encouraging A friendships with her sisters in the Mu women and underrepresented groups to set high goals. (Simpson College) chapter. She learned how She realizes that there can be a barrier between the to be a strong leader as chapter president and was given social network of senior leaders and individuals trying opportunities to learn from her mistakes, preparing her to "break in." As a result, she encourages her senior for an incredible future. leadership peers to diversify who they spend time with while offering advice to those Jen currently serves as a senior trying to advance to the next leader in finance at a Fortune level. 500 company. Throughout her career, she observed that while Jen resides just outside the Twin graduation rates for accounting Cities in Minneapolis-St. Paul, and finance were fairly gender- Minnesota. She knows that her balanced, senior leadership community and the world have roles in these fields were been impacted by the death predominately held by men. As of George Floyd and believes she advanced in her career, Jen that serving as a champion identified women in leadership of change and pushing the roles to serve as role models. She status quo translates to a moral realized all she needed to know imperative to push for change was that reaching those roles was for underrepresented people. possible - and if she was going to go after senior roles, she would Jen says giving back to Alpha Chi focus on bringing other women Omega is a result of receiving with her. the gifts of humbleness, vulnerability, self-awareness, Jen was the first woman to hold resilience and confidence as an a vice president position at her company and continues undergraduate. The environment of support, acceptance to break the glass ceiling in each subsequent role she and forgiveness that she had is what she wants for has taken on. To explain her trailblazing roles as a other sisters. She is committed to supporting Alpha Chi female leader, Jen describes herself as being the first Omega's efforts to develop women leaders - just like one to go through the forest with a machete SO I can herself - who can positively change the world. THE LYRE 27 Preparing to Return Home BY ELIZA PAYNE (DELTA CHI, WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY), HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR COVID - 19 ADJUSTMENTS The National Housing Corporation (NHC) continued PLEASE FOLLOW to partner throughout the summer and fall with GUIDELINES staff from the Fraternity and Pearl Stone Partners in UPON ENTERING Alpha Chi Omega's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PLEASE WASH / A detailed resource was sent to chapter leadership SANITIZE to guide them through the process of reopening the YOUR facility and what the fall term would look like for HANDS members living in chapter houses. Branded signage (see PLEASE examples on this page) was also shipped to chapters WEAR A FACE COVERING to mark spaces in accordance with the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as well as to educate on symptoms of COVID-19. Personal protective PLEASE equipment and sanitization materials were also sent to MAINTAIN 6' PROPER facilities in efforts to continue to keep our members SOCIAL healthy and safe during their time on campus. DISTANCING ZETA SIGMA NHC TRANSITION Alpha Chi Omega REAL STRONG WOMEN Amidst the uncertainty and trying times that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought us, the National Housing Corporation found a bright spot of cheer as it transitioned our Zeta Sigma chapter to an NHC property this spring. NOTICE The chapter was established in 1982 at Missouri State HAND University in Springfield, Missouri. The facility was constructed in 1990 and currently houses 55 members. SANITIZER Prior to the chapter's transition to the NHC, the facility was managed by a devoted local house corporation STATION (LHC), with some members having supported the chapter and facility since their beginnings. 28 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ALPHA CHI OMEGA When you enter the chapter house, you are immediately greeted by a beautiful staircase and an open foyer space. With the common rooms located on the first floor, members are easily able to gather for meals, studying, chapter meetings and socializing with each other. Prior to the transition, the LHC had completed several large-scale projects to the facility, including updating the dining room flooring and furniture in the main common areas. The NHC worked in partnership with the LHC in Springfield for a year to ensure a successful and smooth transition for the facility and the members of the Zeta Sigma chapter. Barbara Blowers (Gamma Psi, Wichita ALPHA CHI OMEGA State University), who served as the most recent LHC president, shared the following: "Zeta Sigma chapter has been fortunate since its establishment in 1982 to have a dedicated group of alumnae serving on its local house corporation as well as advisory board. When some expensive environmental concerns became apparent at the Zeta Sigma house, we were SO fortunate and grateful for the assistance the National Housing challenges that COVID-19 has caused. Their support Corporation staff provided. At their first on-site visit during this process has been tremendous. to assess the problem and develop solutions for the short and long term, the possibility of the local house I look forward to Zeta Sigma sisters being able to enjoy corporation transferring control to the NHC was our sisterhood at Missouri State University and as discussed. alumnae because of the strength, support and dedication of our national organization!" The NHC team worked tirelessly for the next two years to make the transition a smooth process SO the award- The NHC also looks forward to many more years to winning collegiate chapter could continue to have come at Zeta Sigma as we enrich its members' housed an excellent experience in a first-class facility without experience! concerns about the property. It is especially a relief for the NHC to have accepted the transfer with the current THE LYRE 29 is ON CAMPUS A Breakdown of the Collegiate "New Normal" BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR Alpha Chi Omega has 146 collegiate chapters, which means 146 individual plans for a collegiate membership experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data that follows is current as of August 5, 2020 based on information obtained by headquarters staff and volunteers. COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RESOURCES ALPHA CHI OMEGA STRUCTURES FOR THE FALL TERM HAS PROVIDED TO COLLEGIATE MEMBERS FOR A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE All institutions reported health and safety guidelines MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE: (see next page). Most are providing options for virtual learning for those unable to return to campus. Most are Mental health resources, including webinars also restructuring the term calendar for delayed starts, from our partners at The Jed Foundation and a early ends and/or eliminated breaks. discussion guide for volunteers and officers to check in on each other and their mental well-being Executive Board Planning Guide with priorities for the membership experience Chapter Guidelines for COVID-19 for meetings, events and other gatherings Opening AXO: Guidelines for Returning to the Chapter Facility including visitor policies, cleaning guidelines and mask requirements Updates to the Dedication (the new member education program) to allow for virtual learning in The Heights Learning Center Updates to the Event Planning Guide for COVID-19 considerations Suggestions for philanthropy and service activities during COVID-19 Updates to ceremonies to allow for virtual PRIMARILY OR COMPLETELY VIRTUAL participation LEARNING: 21 Recruitment resources with tips for virtual environments and connecting with PNMs virtually COMBINATION OF VIRTUAL AND ON-CAMPUS Video conferencing resources and suggestions LEARNING: 73 for converting chapter operations and sisterhood events to virtual formats PRIMARILY OR COMPLETELY ON-CAMPUS Zoom roundtable discussions for officers and LEARNING: 52 advisors throughout the summer 30 ALPHA CHI OMEGA HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES WE'RE RECRUITMENT STRUCTURES SEEING ON CAMPUSES Modifications to recruitment are needed this fall to Social distancing for classes and gatherings keep members and potential members safe. See page 56 Limits on or restrictions for large gatherings and for an explanation of each structure based on the NPC events Recruitment Contingencies Task Force report. Quarantines Negative COVID-19 test result prior to returning to campus; continued testing available Contact tracing Mask/face covering requirements Changes to term start and end dates and break schedules in an effort to limit student travel and exposure Alpha Chi Omega has also provided chapters with health and safety guidelines for events and housing; when these guidelines conflict with institution guidelines, chapters are instructed to use the more stringent. POLICY UPDATES FOR SUSTAINING THE MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE FULLY STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT IN PERSON: 0 A new collegiate membership status - Sustaining FULLY STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT WITH A Member - for those who are not on campus and do HYBRID OF VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON not plan to participate in any virtual membership ACTIVITIES: 30 activities but who would like to stay connected until returning to the chapter in the future PARTIALLY STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT WITH A Allowance for an undergraduate member to be HYBRID OF VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES: 1 reinstated to collegiate membership after she has resigned FULLY STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT HOSTED Removal of credit hour minimums to go through VIRTUALLY: 48 recruitment or to remain an active collegiate member - for the 2020-21 academic year PARTIALLY STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT HOSTED Removal of the academic ranking or GPA VIRTUALLY: 0 requirement for potential new members to be eligible to join Alpha Chi Omega and for collegiate CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT HOSTED VIRTUALLY members to remain active in the chapter (given OR IN A HYBRID MODEL: 2 they are in good academic standing with the college/university) - for the 2020-21 academic year DEFERRED RECRUITMENT (WINTER OR SPRING Sustaining of the 2019-20 national dues and fees TERMS): 38 amount for the 2020-21 year UNKNOWN: 27 THE LYRE 31 s AM AN Senior Alpha Chi Omega Send-Off A S COVID-19 shuttered campuses and paused the in-person experience for our collegiate 2020 members, our graduating seniors felt the change most acutely. Alpha Chi Omega knew we had to recognize the Class of 2020 in a new way, to acknowledge all they've done for their chapters and to welcome them into the lifelong alumnae experience. In mid-May, we hosted the Senior Send-Off on Instagram Live. More than 4,000 sisters tuned in that night (and many more later) as then-National President Angela SENIOR Costley Harris wished our newest and soon-to-be alumnae a happy graduation and shared that amid the uncertainty of the future, Alpha Chi Omega would always be there for them. Senior Send-off X Joining Angela was Stasia Foster (Alpha Upsilon, The alphachiomegahq University of Alabama, pictured in the bottom frame to May 12 was live the right), who shared her perspective as a young alumna with these sisters. Here is a portion of her speech: "It's extraordinary that you all have gone from student to graduate during such a unique time in history. A time where you've been expected to be more than just a student, but a good human being. The very human being and woman that has been blossoming and taking shape inside of you during all of the moments in between. Perhaps she is your silver lining in the wake of the unknown. I encourage you to continue to embrace her - the woman you're becoming without your accomplishments, as she will forever be your driving force to new heights. You'll always have Alpha Chi Omega. It's now engrained in who you are Congratulations for not only becoming a college graduate, but for becoming far more than any degree could ever recognize. A real, strong woman." 4,807 views 21 comments 32 A L PH A CHI OMEGA D Up Next Our First Virtual Initiations BY JEN WALLACH (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES hen you think back to your Initiation While I am certain W Ceremony, it likely does not involve a no one ever imagined DID YOU computer screen with many tiny boxes Alpha Chi Omega KNOW? of sisters' faces and PowerPoint slides. But for nearly hosting initiation 1,400 of our newest sisters, that is exactly what they virtually, the outcome IN JULY, ALPHA CHI experienced at their initiation. was something no one OMEGA HOSTED could have imagined OUR FIRST VIRTUAL This past summer, sisters all across the country were either. What better ALUMNAE INITIATION affected by the ever-changing landscape caused by testament to the CEREMONY AS WELL! TWENTY-SIX the COVID-19 pandemic. Campus shutdowns, facility breadth and depth of ALUMNAE WOMEN closures and shelter-in-place orders left sisters who our sisterhood than FROM ACROSS THE would have typically been spending time together in being initiated with COUNTRY ENTERED person, going to new member meetings and preparing 600 other women THE BONDS OF for initiation together instead sitting at their homes from various chapters SISTERHOOD VIA with computers or phones, trying to figure out how to across the country ZOOM. WE'RE SO EXCITED FOR THESE finish out their classes for the term. And COVID-19 left who are experiencing NEW SISTERS TO 93 of our chapters without a way to host their initiation the same things you CONTINUE TO LIVE ceremonies in person. are? How incredible AND GROW AS REAL, to be a part of a STRONG WOMEN. Alpha Chi Omega knew we had to let these new sisterhood that even a members know how special they are to us and make pandemic can't halt? certain they got an impactful, meaningful initiation I have participated in experience just like the rest of our sisters. We never numerous Initiation Ceremonies over the years, and envisioned hosting nationwide, virtual Initiation while these ceremonies looked different than any other, Ceremonies on the Zoom video conference platform, I think they were just as special. but that is exactly what we did. To the summer 2020 virtual initiates, welcome. Our National Council hosted three virtual Initiation Welcome to a sisterhood of real, strong women who are Ceremonies - each with hundreds of sisters in SO excited to support you as you connect, lead, grow and attendance. Not only did we have the first ever national serve. virtual ceremonies, we also had the largest single ceremony in the history of our Fraternity, with more than 600 sisters being initiated together. THE LYRE 33 COLLEGIATE CORNER A Panhellenic Pitch for Mental Health Resources BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR T he Mental Wellness Advocate program will soon be a reality at the University of Iowa, thanks to efforts by Chloe Olszewski (Sigma, University of Iowa) and a team of Panhellenic women. Chloe and other members of the university's Panhellenic Council attended the 2020 Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values (AFLV) Central conference, where they participated in the CAMPUSPEAK PITCH competition. For this "Shark Tank" style competition, teams proposed solutions they believed would make a significant and long-term CHLOE OLSZEWSKI impact on issues facing college students. Chloe, joined by Madeleine Ackerburg (Chi Omega Fraternity), Audrey Patterson (Delta Delta Delta Fraternity) and Sheyanne shared its goal of creating a Mental Wellness Advocate Koethe (Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity), focused their pitch program to encourage empathic communication and on mental health programming - and walked away with comfortable support in the university's Panhellenic the competition's grand prize! community by training peer mentors for each chapter. The $15,000 prize will provide CAMPUSPEAK resources "We chose this topic because as leaders within the Greek to train advocates and provide them with tools and community, we recognized a real need for day-to-day knowledge to address mental health challenges in support for our Panhellenic sisters," Chloe says. She their chapters. Advocates will serve as liaisons between explains that everyone faces challenges in their personal, individuals, the chapter and university resources. academic and professional lives, which can get in the way of achieving their full potential if they don't get "We all know life can be stressful and overwhelming, help. sometimes to the point that we don't know what to do or where to go to receive the help we need," Chloe says. "No one should have to face the struggles of life without "The Mental Wellness Advocate will be known as the support, love and friendship, and how lucky are we that person in their member class who has those answers we belong to organizations that have all that and more and can walk the fine line between being a sister and in our founding?" she says. "Now our collective challenge mentor, a person who can listen to the struggles of their is using that founding and core beliefs to build a support sisters and help them reach out for the help they need." system that can cater from chapter-wide matters to more personal ones." Chloe says working with her team of Panhellenic women has been one of her favorite college experiences. At the PITCH competition, the University of Iowa team 34 ALPHA CHI OMEGA "No one should have to face the struggles of life without support, love and friendship, and how lucky are we that we belong to organizations THE PITCH TEAM: (LEFT TO RIGHT) CHLOE, MADELEINE, that have all that AUDREY AND SHEYANNE and more in "The ability for each of us to still wear our chapter's badge but also represent our community as a team was our founding?" incredible," Chloe says. "I really think it solidified the idea that we as Panhellenic women can and should be lifting each other up. We are all Panhellenic women trying to change the world, SO why not do it together?" Chloe also knows her Alpha Chi Omega experience was And Chloe herself has been changed by the Alpha Chi instrumental in her team's success. She drew inspiration Omega experience. from MyJourney, the Fraternity's collegiate member education program based on our values of wisdom, "Alpha Chi Omega has given me more than I could ever devotion and achievement. have dreamed for," she says. "The women I have been SO honored to call my sisters truly inspire me every single "The MyJourney programming was a great starting day, and the experiences have led me to where I am and point that I brought up to members of our group," she to become the strong woman I am today." says. "The opportunity to check in with your member class in an intimate setting and allow each other to be comfortable enough to share how you are truly feeling is an aspect of being in a sorority I never thought possible." THE LYRE 35 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion AN UPDATE ON ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS more than 90 action items were brainstormed. From T he spring 2020 Lyre shared Alpha Chi Omega's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion there, a prioritized plan was developed and shared with (DEI) on a broad scale. While the organization all members via email and available to the public on has been working actively on matters related to DEI our website and social media. since 2015, we have also learned from our country and from passionate member feedback that we have In no way intended to be all inclusive nor a final step, much work to do to move Alpha Chi Omega and the the plan lists Alpha Chi Omega's highest priorities fraternity/sorority industry forward, specifically as for DEI work at this time. We recognize the desire for DEI relates to our BIPOC sisters and potential new swift action and change and will be transparent on our members. Fostering a culture of anti-racism begins progress. Further, we know that thoughtful, impactful with understanding, knowledge and acknowledgement and thorough work takes time. of racism's continued insidious existence, as well as a commitment to organizational change. Some items in the plan have already been completed, including establishing a volunteer DEI Work Group Alpha Chi Omega has two desired outcomes from our of collegians and alumnae; forming an internal DEI work - to increase diversity in our membership staff DEI advisory committee; creating the new vice throughout every level of the organization and to president diversity, equity and inclusion (VP DEI) nurture and develop a membership experience that position for collegiate chapter executive boards (with is increasingly equitable and inclusive for members, resources available before the 2021 election cycle); volunteers and staff. Alpha Chi Omega is committed to removing the requirement to invite PNMs who receive being on the forefront of the challenging conversations recommendations to the second round of recruitment, and the hard work necessary to achieve these goals. thereby providing more equity in access to membership; and developing initial DEI trainings and education for During the month of June, board members and staff advisors, volunteers and members. management thoughtfully considered Alpha Chi Omega's recent DEI initiatives and outcomes. As a result of input from membership and staff, the March 2020 recommendations from a DEI consultant and the 2018 report from the Diversity & Inclusion Study Group, 36 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega "Alpha Chi Omega has two desired outcomes from our DEI work - to increase diversity in our membership throughout every level of the organization and to nurture and develop a membership experience that is increasingly equitable and inclusive for members, volunteers and staff. Alpha Chi Omega is committed to being on the forefront of the challenging conversations and the hard work necessary to achieve these goals." Other action items are in various stages of progress, thus far, can be found at alphachiomega.org/inclusion from planning to implementation. These items include This webpage also includes a link to a form where developing a strategy to bring diversity to the four members can share feedback on our efforts and their Enterprise boards; reviewing membership selection ideas for resources and initiatives that we can provide as practices and the legacy policy to evaluate barriers part of our commitment to the Real. Strong. Women. to membership; transitioning one of our collegiate Experience. rotational programs to focus on social justice; and developing and implementing a bias reporting incident In addition to DEI work related to race, we also process for chapters, volunteers and staff. continue to focus on other areas and social identities that our members hold, including but not limited The full list of priorities, as well as educational resources to sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious belief, and an exploration of Alpha Chi Omega's DEI work socioeconomic status and (dis)ability. We continue to learn and explore new avenues to increase diversity and create inclusive and equitable DEFINITIONS environments where members can feel safe and confident to connect, lead, grow and serve as real, strong BIPOC: BLACK, INDIGENOUS AND women. We look forward to sharing more updates with PEOPLE OF COLOR our sisterhood. SOCIAL IDENTITY: ONE'S SENSE OF WHO THEY ARE BASED ON THEIR MEMBERSHIP IN VARIOUS GROUPS THE LYRE 37 LIFE your sisters. Create I see you, empty nester. Your kids are out of the house, Work-Life and you're both excited and terrified for all this time to focus on you and your relationships. Balance Needless to say, COVID-19 has thrown a huge wrench into any plans we had for 2020. In spring 2020, the pandemic hit the economy hard and directly for about by Being three months. It seemed logical that we could transition out of it in three months. Unfortunately, an economic and health disaster takes many more months to recover the Boss of and rebuild from. This is also true for our lives. As we seemed to have Your Life endless time at home, we were left to face some of the habits that were bad before quarantine. Work-life balance has been a popular topic for many years, yet SO IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE few have achieved it. BALANCE BEFORE If you didn't have it before COVID-19, you can still have COVID-19, YOU WON'T it after. There's an opportunity here for you to use this HAVE IT AFTERWARD disruption to create the life you really want. This comes WITHOUT THESE TIPS. from a place of love and learning these lessons the hard way, but here's where I've got to give you some straight BY STEFANIE KRIEVINS talk. Other people most likely won't respect your T o all the Alpha Chi Omega sisters: I see you boundaries if you don't respect your own first. doing your best right now. You don't have to do it all, and if you don't do it, it may not get done. And. That's. OK. I see you, momma. You're trying to work from You're putting too much pressure on yourself to home, keep your kids fed and educated, and get today's have it all together. laundry folded. Now that we've set some ground rules, let's talk about I see you, ambitious career woman. You're climbing the possibilities. that ladder, mostly confident yet still unsure when the climbing stops and the joy begins. Your job is to refine your definition of "work-life balance" and make it personal. I'm looking for flow and I see you, new graduate. You're piecing together your integration. I run my own business. Contrary to popular side hustles, trying to find a career you love and feeling belief, that does not always mean I set my own hours lied to about what the "real world" is like. and am my own boss. My 10-15 clients are my bosses, and I work to align to their needs most days. I see you, undergrad. You've been SO excited to get back onto campus, but now you're not sure if you'll be sent But I also have parameters to keep me sane, centered on home again or how much more time you'll get with my own mission, and create space for the multiple roles 38 ALPHA CHI OMEGA You may not be the boss of your own business, but you're always the boss of your own life. Always. Being the boss means setting the rules, following them and doing the same for others SO that you get the results you're seeking. 1. Know what your needs are. Ask for what you need from those around you. I worked with a client who felt SO frustrated at the end of the day right as she walked in the door. Her husband and daughter were bombarding her with requests that felt like a burden after a long day of always being "on" with her team. In our coaching she realized that all she really needed was 15 minutes to herself before transitioning to being a wife and mom. 2. Take full responsibility for the decisions you make in your career and life. As Beyoncé says, "I'm not bossy. I'm the boss." 3. Delegate and free yourself from the obligation to do it all. I have a girlfriend who feels guilty when her toilet is dirty. Does her husband or daughter feel guilty about it? Heck no. She works more than her husband, but guess who's cleaning the toilet? Yep, her. 4. Have integrity with yourself by following through on promises you make to yourself. I hold in life: CEO of a five-member team; executive coach; salesperson; wife; woman and a human that runs Alpha Chi Omega sister, I see you and I am you. I don't on coffee, mascara and the Holy Spirit. have all of this figured out either. But I do know that when I feel pulled in too many directions, I'm hangry No meetings on Monday before noon or Friday and my life feels more like a burden than a joy, that it's after 1 my time to ask for help. I invite you to do the same. Staying really focused on work all day SO I feel accomplished and productive when 5:30 hits and I Stefanie Krievins works with leaders and teams who can check out have plateaued in their growth and need to grow their Working out three times a week trust, conflict and accountability skills in order to get new Prioritizing my work SO I know what's always #1 results. She is an experienced executive coach who creates and what gets delayed when other priorities come changemakers inside of organizations. Visit up wrw.stefaniek.rievins.com. THE LYRE E 39 CAREER OUTLOOK Women & Wisdom Updates HERE'S WHAT'S NEW her life and career paths. We will feature alumnae of WITH ALPHA CHI diverse backgrounds who have been successful in their fields, who have overcome personal and professional OMEGA'S PREMIER setbacks, who are champions of change or who have NETWORKING stories they hope will inspire other sisters. AND MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE Our Women & Wisdom Series encompasses a myriad of topics, SO an online survey is available on our website to hear what sisters would be most excited to learn in BY ARIANNA BRADLEY (KAPPA XI, UNIVERSITY upcoming sessions. We hope you'll share what you want OF WEST FLORIDA), DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME to learn with us! ENGAGEMENT, AND MADISON SMITH (IOTA PSI, ELON UNIVERSITY), EDUCATION AND The Women & Wisdom Series would not be possible LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES COORDINATOR without the real, strong women who are willing to share their wisdom with other Alpha Chi Omegas. WOMEN & Because of our amazing network of sisters, we are able WISDOM SERIES to help each other as we continue to seek the heights. If you'd like to be a featured speaker in our Women The journey to seek the heights never ends for & Wisdom Series, fill out our online form or email our sisters. Because it is important for sisters to mentoring@alphachiomega.org to share your interest. have opportunities for personal and professional development throughout their membership, we added a virtual series to our Women & Wisdom program this June. READY TO NETWORK AND GROW? The Women & Wisdom Series is an extension of our mentoring program and offers virtual opportunities for learning and enrichment. Sessions give sisters the space VISIT to explore relevant life skills and career advancement ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/ topics and to hear from accomplished women leaders. WOMENANDWISDOM Through online webinars, Alpha Chi Omegas will share TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR their wisdom in educational sessions, panels and sister WOMEN & WISDOM PROGRAM, spotlights. SIGN UP FOR THE ONLINE The spotlight interviews, aptly named "Tune In PLATFORM, SUBMIT THOUGHTS sessions" as a nod to our musical heritage, will feature FOR THE WOMEN & WISDOM an alumna member in a conversational interview that SERIES AND MORE! will allow her to share the wisdom she has gained along 40 ALPHA CHI OMEGA IN JUNE, MARLA EBERT (EPSILON ZETA, AUBURN UNIVERSITY) WORKED WITH HEADQUARTERS STAFF TO LEAD TWO VIRTUAL SESSIONS WITH LESSONS FROM HER ROLE AS A CAREER CONSULTANT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA. HERE'S WHAT SHE SHARED: "I had the absolute pleasure of participating in the Women & Wisdom Series by facilitating workshops to current Alpha Chi Omega members. With the ever-changing climate of our country at the time due to COVID-19, we (the lifetime engagement staff and Marla) decided two webinars focusing on career development would benefit the women joining the sessions. The first was focused on perfecting a resume and other job search documents including a cover letter and reference list. The second webinar took a deeper dive into the world of networking and how to create lasting relationships with alumni via Linkedin. We MARLA EBERT had a diverse range of women attend each session, from current Alpha Chi Omega collegians to alumnae competitive profile and how to network with other preparing for a career change, and even women who Alpha Chi Omegas and alumni from their unique had unfortunately recently lost their jobs due to institutions through the professional platform. COVID-19. Attendees were extremely engaged and asked challenging yet insightful questions at the conclusion of During the resume workshop we wanted to focus on each workshop. different types of resumes depending on the possible life stage of each attendee. I also explained how to make Overall, we felt these two topics were important to all experiences transferrable to any industry, especially cover during the Women & Wisdom Series as our those who serve in an Alpha Chi Omega leadership or members and alumnae needed empowerment and a volunteer position. reminder to focus on the actions they can control in their careers during a time that could possibly feel very As we continued into the networking workshop, we out of their control." dove into LinkedIn by overviewing how to build a THE LYRE 41 CAREER OUTLOOK - Women & Wisdom Women & Wisdom NEW WOMEN & WISDOM PLATFORM Women & Wisdom has a new home! To meet the ever-changing needs of our members, we have shifted the Women & Wisdom program to a new online platform. This SO EXCITED YOU JOINED WOMEN & WISDOM! platform offers a more robust experience that will allow Wisdom USER VIEW sisters to find empowering connections with other real, strong women through virtual networking and community. SISTERS IN BUSINESS, Members are encouraged to join Women & Wisdom: SISTERS FINANCE & SALES BUSINESS, Alpha Chi Omega's Network of Real, Strong Women. FINANCE & SALES AREER GR.O Sisters in Business, Finance & Sales Join all AT&T 5GE On this new online platform, available via computer or 08:41 93% NEWS POSTS MEMBERS mobile app, Women & Wisdom brings our sisterhood together through resources and features that allow Women & Wisdom personal growth and professional advancement at any News & Posts stage of membership. Those features include: Member Directory A running feed of sisters' news and posts, interesting content, photos and Make a Connection share what's conversations Jobs & Internships An online member directory of alumnae and collegians, allowing you to Photos connect with your Alpha Chi Omega sisters Groups Events A mentorship program, giving you the opportunity to be mentored by others or offer mentorship to fellow alumnae and collegians Business Directory Resources A job and internship board with current opportunities, posted by NED Alpha Chi Omega sisters USER VIEW ADMIN VIEW your Professional groups allowing you to engage with Alpha Chi Omegas sharing similar careers, interests and more Info & Support want to Events posted by sisters and Alpha Chi Omega, including pop-up engagement, coffee meetings, virtual gatherings around the world, webinars hosted by subject matter experts within our networks and other organic engagement opportunities created for and by you A business directory to feature Alpha Chi Omega-owned or -supported businesses that may feature special sister offers We cannot wait to add you to our network of real, strong women. Start engaging in Women & Wisdom to find mentoring, events and groups that will inspire personal growth, professional advancement and connections with sisters. To join, visit alphachiomega.org/womenandwisdom. 42 ALPHA CHI OMEGA MAKING A DIFFERENCE Sisters Fighting COVID-19 FROM CREATING GUIDELINES TO CARING FOR PATIENTS TO HELPING GRIEVING FAMILIES, THESE SISTERS ARE WORKING TO COMBAT THE PANDEMIC. BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR JESSICA SCHINDELAR "A priority of the CDC from day one has been to ensure they (healthcare providers) can work as safely (DELTA, ALLEGHENY COLLEGE) as possible," Jessica explains. "At the end of the day, all Communication lead for the CDC's COVID-19 5,600 of us that are currently working on the response Health Systems and Worker Safety Task Force are really working around the clock to make sure healthcare workers are protected and are able to do When healthcare providers and other essential their jobs safely." workers set out each day to fight the pandemic, they're relying on guidance provided by an Alpha Chi For the first time in her 12 years at the CDC, Jessica and Omega sister. Jessica, who is the associate director for her colleagues are working remotely. "We've really built communications within the Division of Healthcare a team that has allowed our communications staff to Quality Promotion at the Centers for Disease do a lot of great work while still balancing their lives," Control and Prevention Jessica says. "Making sure my team feels supported in (CDC), led the agency's the work they do while they're still at home and have internal task force from families to take care of, making sure they can eat dinner January to July that was with their families at the end of the day, is something dedicated to developing really important to me." recommendations and guidance to protect The value of a supportive team is something Jessica workers and minimize the learned from Alpha Chi Omega, where she says she impact of COVID-19 on gained much from being surrounded by strong women. healthcare systems. She also found her calling to public health. "At its core, public health is really about caring for others and "Our work is about helping them realize their fullest, healthiest lives, and translating and making I think my experience in Alpha Chi really established sure the information that desire for me to help others and be surrounded by developed within our task force to protect workers gets strong women," she says. into their hands, is accurate, is consistent, is clear and is something they can act on," she explains. Jessica also offers practical advice to sisters, as she points out that COVID-19 is still a real concern. She reiterates Within the 300-person cross-functional task force, the CDC's guidance to wash your hands, wear a face Jessica led the team of 16 communications professionals covering and maintain social distance. in a wide variety of efforts that included toolkits, fact sheets, social media posts, instructional videos for safely "You're protecting everyone around you and your putting on personal protective equipment and more community by doing very simple things." than 100 web pages for healthcare providers. THE LYRE 43 MAKING A DIFFERENCE VIVIAN FELDMAN, MSN, AGNP-BC, CCRN-CSC (THETA TAU, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY) Nurse practitioner in the Cardiac Surgery Department of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center When the COVID-19 crisis hit New York, Vivian Feldman jumped to the front lines caring for patients. She served in "pop-up" intensive care units (ICUs) in the operating rooms, the catheterization lab and the cardiac surgery ICU, converted for patients with COVID-19. Since she had spent THE WALL OF INSPIRATION seven years as an ICU nurse before the pandemic, Vivian served as both a nurse and a nurse practitioner during this time. meaningful," she says. "In the midst of other duties, hearing the 'extubation song' over the loudspeaker gives "Under tremendously challenging conditions, I saw me a happy pause. An extubation is when a breathing amazing things around me," Vivian says, reflecting on tube is removed - basically when a patient goes from her experience during the first months of the pandemic. being ventilator-dependent to breathing on their own. "The selflessness and heroic dedication of my colleagues When this happened, the hospital played a song on continues to leave me speechless." the overhead loudspeaker SO everyone could celebrate! Those are the moments I hold on to." Vivian explains that medical providers of all Another moment of joy came from the hospital's Wall skillsets and abilities of Inspiration - which was supported by Alpha Chi came together to fight Omega sisters. A wall in the hospital's lobby was the virus, teaching her a filled with messages from people around the country valuable lesson: "Never sharing support and encouragement with frontline underestimate the ability workers. Vivian was contacted by her friend Marsha of a dedicated group Grady (Alpha Upsilon, The University of Alabama), with a mission." She also the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation's chief development points out that working officer, asking how she could provide support, and collaboratively was a Vivian suggested sending a letter. skill she learned from Alpha Chi Omega. "She put out a rallying call to sisters all over the country," Vivian says. "I received a deluge of supportive letters! Every Now back in her regular role, she spends some days in night on my way into work I would pick up the mail. I'd the clinic and others working with patients remotely via read the wonderful messages of support from sisters across video visits. During her time in the ICU, Vivian says her the country while riding the hospital-provided shuttle to hardest moments were related to the uncertainty of not work. It felt like I was putting on my armor as I prepared knowing what each day would hold, especially when to do battle." safety recommendations were changing almost daily. However, there were rewarding moments too. "Seeing one of my patients wake up and recover was 44 ALPHA CHI OMEGA MAXINE MAZUR ALPHA TAU (UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE) Co-director of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home Losing a loved one is painful; not being able to say been not knowing how to provide comfort when she goodbye in person or hug friends and family at a has to stay physically distant from the families of those funeral is devastating. Maxine and her staff at Kapinos- who have lost loved ones during the pandemic. Mazur Funeral Home in Ludlow, Massachusetts, have done their best to help their community through "All the natural things people do - just gather and circle the unprecedented situation of losing someone to around each other and touch and hug and simply be COVID-19. present - all of those things needed to go away," she says. "The most important part of this was, and still is, to try After her husband, a licensed funeral home director, to find a way to help families through a difficult time passed away in 2014, Maxine was allowed by the state to when they can't be physically present." continue to own and run the three-generation family business alongside a co-director. From taking the initial One way her team has worked to bridge the gap is call that someone has passed to hosting the service, offering tribute blankets to families, with photos and Maxine's team is prepared 24/7 to support families and memories of their loved one stitched into the fabric. friends during their difficult times. However, Maxine says doing SO during a pandemic is a whole new "Whenever we could, we tried to make sure we could experience. get them one of those SO it could be a warm memory for family," she says. With Massachusetts being an early hotspot For those sisters who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, for the virus, restrictions, Maxine gives the following advice: "Many of us don't specifically regarding feel like we have control of the situation. Accepting the gatherings, were put in situation is what it is might help bring people some place quickly. peace. And in whatever way you are comfortable, you pick a time and a place and a way that is good for you "It {guidance] was and your family to think about and honor and celebrate sometimes changing the life of the person you lost." three or four times a day. You always keep in mind And Maxine stresses that it will take truly everyone doing the right thing for to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I can't everybody for the right reasons," Maxine explains. "So emphasize enough please be safe," she says. "A mask is little was known and it was moving SO quickly here. It a whole lot better than getting sick. The impact is very, was vitally important to keep everyone safe." very real. Anything we can do as Alpha Chi Omegas to help instill a real sense of seriousness and responsibility With personal protective equipment difficult to find, for others is really important." Maxine was amazed by the state funeral director association and local businesses stepping forward to provide masks and disinfectant to staff working with the deceased. But for Maxine, the hardest thing has THE LYRE 45 REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. HITH Wilson NFL Longer S Making the Call STARTING HER REFEREE CAREER IN LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUES, TERRI VALENTI HAS CLIMBED TO THE HIGHEST RANKS AS PROFESSIONAL AMERICAN FOOTBALL'S FIRST FEMALE OFFICIAL - AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LABOR OF LOVE. BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR hen Terri Valenti (Gamma Iota, University W of Florida) had finished her first season of officiating high school football, she knew she had found her passion. "I said to the president of the [officiating] association, 'I love it. This is SO much fun. I want to get to the NFL," she recalls. "I said that in December of 1999. Now, did I really think I was going to get there after I understood how it works? No. But I always said I'm only going to keep going if I'm having fun and it's worth it." PHOTO BY CHRISTY WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY THE LYRE 47 REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. Not only did Terri continue to have fun as a football being outside. I loved the exercise. I loved having official, she kept rising through the leagues, eventually to study the rules. I loved that it required a lot of being hired by the United Football League (UFL), judgment and understanding the big picture. So I just making her the first female in the United States to kept doing it year after year. And it grew." officiate a professional football league. And in 2017, she made it to the National Football League (NFL) as a She traveled each weekend to games across the Bay Area replay official. in California, all while balancing her teaching job and caring for her family, including her youngest son who It took Terri 18 years to reach football's highest level. was just a year old then. Soon she expressed interest in And it all started with officiating local games. moving up to higher levels of football. Terri explains that just as a football player gets recruited to play in GETTING INVOLVED college, an official expresses interest in moving up the levels, is scouted, applies and then is hired. In 1999, the oldest of Terri's five sons began playing high school "And then after that, it's an football, and Terri learned that upside-down funnel, getting there was a shortage of referees narrower and narrower as you in her area. move up, with the NFL at the top," she says. "They needed help; they needed officials," she remembers. Each level of football has a different set of rules and, for And even though there were officials, different mechanics - very few female officials then, the gameday responsibilities Terri didn't think it was unusual by each official and the for her to join the ranks since way in which they position she had been around the sport themselves during the game to her whole life, from cheerleading make the call. as a child to marching in the band during high school and "At one time, I was officiating college. She called an old friend four different rule books she knew was an official, and and four different sets of he helped her find her local mechanics," Terri says. "It association to sign up. takes a lot of focus to juggle. PHOTO BY CHRISTY What you're doing on Friday "They were receptive but said WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY isn't what you're doing on they just had a female drop out, Saturday." just as a heads-up," she says. But that didn't deter Terri, who was used to being one of the few women in the REACHING THE room during her engineering classes in undergraduate PROFESSIONAL RANKS and graduate school. So she completed her training with the association and was assigned to games. Terri continued to rise through the levels of football and in 2009 was hired by the UFL as U.S. professional "I loved it," she said. "I loved the whole process. I loved football's first female official. She later would officiate 48 ALPHA CHI OMEGA for the American Football League (AFL) Arena Bowl and the Italian Football League Championship. She was TERRI'S TYPICAL named the AFL's Official of the Year in 2015. But she kept the NFL as her goal. SUNDAY GAMEDAY "Because of my journey, my age, I didn't know where it THE WEEK BEFORE: PREPARE FOR GAME would take me," she says, noting she was 38 when she THROUGHOUT WEEK. first started officiating. "I really wanted to get to the BOOK FUTURE TRAVEL. NFL." COMPLETE WEEKLY OFFICIALS' TEST ON GAME RULES. Terri continued on in her officiating career, even SET UP GAMEDAY MEETINGS. working as a replay communicator for the NFL Super REVIEW PAST GAME AND ALL TRAINING VIDEOS FROM LEAGUE Bowl in 2015. OFFICE. Instant replay is a newer addition to the game of SATURDAY: football, first adopted by the NFL in 1986. With the TRAVEL TO THE GAME CITY AND game moving SO fast, a team's head coach or the replay ATTEND PREGAME MEETING WITH official can call for a review of a play that has already OFFICIATING CREW. been called or completed. At this point, all reviewable aspects of the play in question will be reviewed from SUNDAY PRE-GAME: different angles to determine if the call is sustained or ARRIVE AT STADIUM AT LEAST 3 overturned. HOURS BEFORE KICKOFF. TEST ALL REPLAY EQUIPMENT. MEET WITH EACH MEMBER Each of the NFL's 17 crews of officials has one official OF REPLAY TEAM TO REVIEW assigned to instant replay. This official is responsible RESPONSIBILITIES AND HOW for stopping the game to review plays that resulted REVIEWS WILL BE HANDLED. in a score or a turnover and to stop the game, when required, after the 2-minute warning and during SUNDAY DURING THE GAME: overtime. The replay official is the go-between for the WATCH GAME IN PROGRESS. on-field referee and the NFL's central operations in New TEST EQUIPMENT AT PROPER TIMES. York. This official is assisted by a team of NFL gameday FOLLOWING EACH PLAY, PULL SPECIFIC SHOTS ONTO PERSONAL employees, including the replay communicator, the job SCREEN FOR CLOSER REVIEW. Terri worked in 2015. AS NEEDED, REVIEW CHALLENGES FROM COACHES OR STOP THE Finally, in 2017, Terri got the call - the NFL had hired GAME FOR AN OFFICIAL REVIEW. her to join an officiating crew as a replay official. And TAKE NOTES. after nearly 20 years pursuing her goal to get to the NFL, Terri arrived for her first game with a simple SUNDAY POST-GAME: mindset: COMPLETE ALL GAME REPORTS. RETURN HOME THAT NIGHT OR MONDAY. "At that point, it's a game. You get in the zone," she recalls. "Yes, I was doing a role I had never done before. There's no replay I had participated in as the replay official up to that point. But I knew what my job was. THE LYRE 49 REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. AT THE TOM BENSON HALL OF FAME STADIUM, TERRI IS INCLUDED IN A DISPLAY RECOGNIZING HER AS THE NFL'S FIRST FEMALE REPLAY OFFICIAL. They train you. It's a game. You just do it." Terri says the job has been very rewarding, pointing specifically to the places she's traveled and the officials Terri believes her strength as an official lies in her she's worked with across the country. "It's just an knowledge of the rules, which makes her an ideal replay incredible friendship and family that we've developed." official. THE NFL: A PLACE "I mentally train every day. We are tested constantly. I constantly have my nose in the rule book," she says. FOR REAL, STRONG "There are always these plays that happen that have WOMEN never happened before, and you're waiting for it to come to you, and you want to nail it." Terri is quick to acknowledge that even though there are few women in the officiating industry, the ones who During the NFL season, Terri travels nearly every have worked before her were instrumental in paving weekend to officiate in stadiums across the country. her way. "Game day is a very all-business kind of day," she says. "I'm on the whole time." "I didn't lay the groundwork SO much as the women 50 ALPHA CHI OMEGA before me," she says. "I've reaped the rewards by "As a female official, I feel like I've been very fortunate," advancement through other women who have gone she says. "I want to say I have it all. I have a family. I before me. It's really crucial for me to pay homage to have children. I have my education. I have my career. I them." have my own self, my own space. You can have it all; you just maybe can't have it all at once. You have to feed it But she knows all eyes are on her as one of the few to at different times and let it grow." make it to the highest ranks. And Alpha Chi Omega did the same for Terri. "In any endeavor where you're the first one, you're scrutinized much harder," she points out. "You have "I had a wonderful [collegiate] experience because I felt to work twice as hard to get half as much. You're like Alpha Chi fed me what I needed," she said. "It gave remembered - for good or bad." me a home base. It gave me a support system to come home to at the end of the day. It also allowed me to be One place Terri will be specifically remembered is at the the kind of collegian I wanted to be." Tom Benson Hall of Fame stadium, where Terri's hiring as the first female replay official is commemorated in Terri joined Alpha Chi Omega outside the formal a display, along with the headset she used in her first recruitment process, which took place during football game. season when she was marching with the band. She credits Alpha Chi Omega for its priority of academics, allowing her to focus on her degree while still enjoying the benefits of sisterhood. After graduation, Terri focused on her family and her career, moving often due to her husband's job in the Navy. But 30 years later, and after settling Bay Area, she found out the Zeta Iota chapter at Stanford University was being reestablished. "I was getting involved, [asking] how I could help this chapter get started," she says. "Then I got hired by the NFL and couldn't help as much, but they always let me help when I could." Terri now serves as the risk management advisor for the chapter. "Alpha Chi has always allowed me to give what I could give, without guilt," she says. "I think that's really powerful and allows someone like me to balance a lot of things in my life It can enter and reenter their life at whatever pace they need it to be, and I think that's valuable." HIHHH PHOTO BY CHRISTY WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY THE LYRE 51 ALUMNA INITIATE SPOTLIGHT Seeking the Heights and Finding Alpha Chi BY LAURA KNOBEL (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE INITIATES), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT M onika Salita (Iota Alpha, Alumnae Initiates) Although she was curious, she says her nerves got the is wise beyond her years. better of her and she never quite got up the confidence to attend recruitment events. A native of Washington state and the daughter of Polish immigrants, Monika studied abroad But as she considered her next step later in life, she in college, and then her passion for language and thought back to her time in college and recalled friends exploration took her across Europe after graduation as who were sorority women and who stuck out to her as a teacher. She speaks three languages, holds dual college "bright, uplifting, welcoming and engaging." degrees, has completed multiple professional certificates and works full-time as a marketing program manager. In addition to professional and personal development, Monika realized she wanted to "grow friendships with But still, she says, "I knew I wanted more from my life." other like-minded women who shared my values. A sorority provides the opportunity to do all of this as Exploring and learning independently wasn't enough a part of one organization with the backing of a rich for Monika - she sought connection. "I got to thinking history." of organizations that could offer me an experience to use my professional skills to give back to an When it came time to research sorority membership organization and mentor others," she says. through an alumna initiate program, in addition to our national philanthropy of domestic violence awareness As an only child, Monika had headed off to the and our musical heritage, a few key things about University of Washington without much perspective of Alpha Chi Omega really spoke to Monika. what college would be like, let alone how to navigate the overwhelming experience of sorority recruitment. "First, I found strength and encouragement in the Real. Strong. Women. tagline. I know that when I was an 18-year-old college freshman, I certainly did not feel strong, and [that was] one reason why I never went through formal recruitment," Monika shares. "Secondly, the open motto rang out to me as the encouragement I needed in my personal life - the subtle, resounding call to aim high and always try my best." Perhaps most importantly, she got the same feeling that many members have about our sisterhood: "Alpha Chi Omega simply felt like home." MONIKA 52 ALPHA CHI OMEGA MONIKA (THIRD FROM LEFT) WITH NEW SISTERS AT HER INITIATION On Hera Day 2020, Monika found herself Note: Read more on the MONIKA IS ONE OF "appreciat[ing] every little service rendered" as sisters team on page 11). MORE THAN 235,000 of the lota lota (Seattle, Washington) alumnae chapter SISTERS LIVING OUT came together at a member's home to host the Alumna "I am excited about OUR MISSION TO Initiation Ceremony. Monika recalls, "I was enamored what the future holds for CONNECT, LEAD, with the history and Ritual. I was SO appreciative of me in this organization," GROW AND SERVE. IS all the hard work my new sisters put into making my Monika says. "You get as THERE A WOMAN IN YOUR COMMUNITY initiation such a touching and memorable experience." much out of Alpha Chi YOU THINK WOULD Omega as you put into MAKE A GREAT As one might expect, Monika quickly got involved it. The notion that 'It's ALPHA CHI OMEGA? in Alpha Chi Omega in a myriad of ways after her not for four years, it's for LEARN MORE AT initiation, with no plans to stop anytime soon. Already life' is evident." ALPHACHIOMEGA. an active member of lota lota and Rho Chi Rho ORG/NAIP. (Alumnae Initiates) alumnae chapters, a participant Alpha Chi Omega is in the Women & Wisdom program and a Foundation fortunate that a woman donor, she also recently joined the volunteer ranks and like Monika went seeking the heights and landed in our became a member of the Sister Outreach Team. (Editor's sisterhood. We can't wait to see what she does next. THE LYRE 53 ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNA Leading Through has made me the leader I am today. I do find times now when I'm leading that I can correlate things I learned from the sorority. I wouldn't trade it for anything." Crisis With that spark ignited, Carrie returned to her hometown of Jefferson City to lead the family business, BY LAUREN FILIPPINI Carrie's Hallmark. And as time passed, she found herself (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR wanting to see changes in the community. "I didn't think about running, to be honest," she irst there was a flood. Then an EF-3 tornado F says. "Others saw those qualities [in me], and I think tore through the city. Next came the COVID-19 sometimes as women, we recognize what other women pandemic, along with a major hailstorm. have to offer. I was encouraged to run for office." Jefferson City, the capital of the state of Missouri, has Carrie ran for and was elected to the City Council, experienced more natural disasters and crises in two serving three two-year terms. However, she lost the years than most cities see in a century. And still, its election for her fourth term. But that very night, she citizens are strong - #JCStrong, specifically, according to was approached by many who were glad she lost, since Carrie Tergin (Zeta Sigma, Missouri State University), it freed her to run for mayor. who has led the city as mayor through it all. "I remember thinking, 'Are you crazy? I just lost an "This is just life, and you pick up and you go on," Carrie election!" she recalls, laughing. reflects. "And I don't care how many times you have to pick up. You just keep going, and you encourage each But a year later, she was elected mayor by a large other and help each other out." margin, making her the second female mayor in Jefferson City's history. She says she loves when she Growing up, Carrie never pictured herself as a mayor, meets people who doubt that she, a young woman, is let alone as a mayor leading through crisis. She says one actually the mayor, as well as when she meets moms of her first sparks of leadership ability came through her who point her out to their daughters as inspiration. time as a collegiate Alpha Chi Omega, where she served as VP pledge education, "I'm not the first [female mayor], and I won't be the now a position called VP last," she says. "I know that we're making the way for new member education, more women in leadership." and found joy in guiding the chapter's newest Once elected, Carrie quickly set her plans for the city members and inspiration into action. Her initiatives have ranged from leading the from her advisors. Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign for safer driving to championing public health to improving infrastructure. "I wouldn't be where I am One of Carrie's proudest accomplishments has been the without what I learned in progress made on the Bicentennial Bridge, which will Alpha Chi," Carrie says. "It connect the city to the Missouri River over the train 54 ALPHA CHI OMEGA And suddenly, national news outlets like the TODAY Show were calling. "You always see those mayors on TV [after disasters], "The benefit of already and you feel for them and hope it's never you," Carrie says. "And when it is, when the worst does happen, you having gone through a have no other choice. You have to go on. You have to lead." disaster is you realize Carrie says the city quickly determined that the tornado whatever comes your way, wouldn't define them, and the idea of #JCStrong would. Everyone came together, checking on friends and family you can face it. And you've and beginning the long recovery process, which is still ongoing more than a year later. built up the trust in the "We're still in the heart of it," Carrie says, referencing the schools, businesses and homes that are boarded up community. They've heard or being rebuilt. But she adds, "Things are just things. The first calls people made when the tornado passed me talk about staying calm were, 'Are you OK?' You realize very quickly what really matters in life, and it's not stuff." and doing their part." And now with COVID-19 still ravaging the nation, Carrie can look to her leadership experience in the aftermath of the tornado for guidance. "The benefit of already having gone through a disaster is you realize whatever comes your way, you can face it," she explains. "And you've built up the trust in the tracks that have long separated the two. community. They've heard me talk about staying calm and doing their part." And while these projects are well in motion today, all efforts grounded to a halt when the tornado barreled Carrie emphasizes the importance of taking care of her into the city in May 2019, just a month after Carrie own mental health as key to her leadership, whether began her second term as mayor. Just before midnight, that's yoga, painting or her faith. And she tries not to an EF-3 tornado, with winds up to 160 mph, tore look back to the disasters, but forward to the future of through the city, bringing down historic homes and this historic town. local businesses. Carrie credits advanced warning, as well as people being at home in the evening, for the fact that "Now we have an opportunity for the next 100 years," there were no fatalities and very few injuries. However, she says. "We have this chance to rebuild Jefferson City when the sun came up, the destruction was everywhere. for the next generations to come." THE LYRE 55 INDUSTRY INFO Fall Recruitment Changes DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR T he National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and Alpha Chi Omega believe that sororities are an essential part of the college experience - regardless of how that experience is delivered. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, NPC created a Recruitment Contingencies Task Force to research and implement policies that remove the barriers to recruiting and joining. The task force, made up of representatives from some NPC organizations, including Alpha Chi Omega's option of a fully structured recruitment with social Senior Director of Collegiate Experience Jen Patterson distancing guidelines in place, a hybrid model of a (Beta Phi, Bowling Green State University), met virtual and in-person recruitment. With this structure, throughout the spring and released a report on May 11. the open house round was a pre-recorded video that The report outlines three key priorities: 1) adapt and potential new members would watch, followed by one change to survive, 2) marketing the sorority experience or two virtual rounds, an in-person preference round and 3) growth in membership. and an in-person bid day. Without a doubt, the fall term has been and will A similar option was available in the form of a partially continue to be very different for recruitment and the structured recruitment hosted with social distancing collegiate membership experience due to gathering guidelines in place. Starting with a virtual Panhellenic restrictions and social distancing. The guidance and fair, the process allowed chapters to schedule one or policies set forth by the task force seek to preserve and two virtual events, followed by an in-person preference grow the sorority experience. round and a virtual bid day. RECRUITMENT FORMATS Some College Panhellenics selected a fully structured recruitment hosted virtually, either due to in-person To address the need to recruit new members in the fall, classes being canceled or campus restrictions in place. the NPC task force determined six possible structures The open house round was a pre-recorded video for from which College Panhellenics could select when PNMs, followed by one or two virtual rounds, a virtual establishing their recruitment schedules. (Editor's Note: preference round and a virtual bid day. See page 30 for a breakdown of Alpha Chi Omega chapters.) A partially structured recruitment hosted virtually For those campuses returning as normal in the fall, was an additional option. After a virtual Panhellenic fair, the recruitment process could proceed in person chapters could schedule one or two virtual events and as normal, with consideration for gathering size then host a virtual preference round and a virtual bid day. restrictions and social distancing guidelines. And finally, College Panhellenics could choose a Campuses returning in the fall were also given the continuous recruitment hosted virtually or in a 56 ALPHA CHI OMEGA LPHA hybrid model with social distancing guidelines in allows for broad promotion of the sorority experience place. There was no formal schedule, and any in-person and provides the right to market that experience to events adhered to local and campus safety guidelines. prospective members in the spirit of Panhellenic unity. Chapters had the opportunity to recruit to total. The numerous recruitment-related videos and social media As Alpha Chi Omega's 146 collegiate chapters either posts you may have seen this summer from chapters, navigated these scenarios this fall or began to consider members and headquarters are a result of this new policy the impact for the upcoming terms should health and are likely to continue as more opportunities for and safety measures still be needed, headquarters staff membership - including continuous open bidding and provided support. Members of the collegiate experience deferred recruitments - are available. We also thank all team hosted individual calls with chapter recruitment the alumnae who have shared the benefits of sorority teams to discuss formats and changes, and numerous membership with incoming and current college students, resources - from virtual pre-recruitment week schedules as well as filled out recommendation forms. to tips for making connections virtually - were shared. Additional policy changes included Financial Alpha Chi Omega also extends sincere thanks to the Transparency, which requires chapters to share financial tireless work of recruitment specialists, Panhellenic information with PNMs prior to extending a bid, and specialists and chapter advisory boards as they worked Options in Determining Total, which required College with chapters to welcome thousands of PNMs to a new Panhellenics to use the fall 2019 total for this recruitment. type of recruitment and to welcome home all the real, strong women who joined Alpha Chi Omega this fall. While there is always room for healthy competition when it comes to recruitment, the Panhellenic spirit OTHER NPC CHANGES is strong as Alpha Chi Omega works with the 25 other NPC groups to promote and preserve the sorority This summer, NPC also added a new policy, Promotion experience. With 5 million sorority women sharing of the Sorority Experience. With the uncertainty the benefits of membership, we have great hope in our of the fall term, NPC sought to make it easier to collective future. communicate the value of the sorority experience and encourage PNMs to sign up for recruitment. The policy Details and resources are available on npcwomen.org. THE LYRE 57 BUSINESS Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity National Council National Board Announcements INTRODUCING THE WOMEN WHO WILL LYNNE B. JARIASKINS SERVE THE ALPHA CHI HERNDON National vice president, OMEGA ENTERPRISE National President, serving serving 2020-22 Psi IN THE NEXT YEAR 2020-22 Alpha Upsilon (The University of ON OUR FOUR (The University of Alabama) Oklahoma) VOLUNTEER BOARDS DID YOU KNOW? The DID YOU KNOW? Jari three words Lynne uses has served in all three to describe herself are branches of government driven, decisive and fair. in Oklahoma. MIKELLE HOLT CASSIE GERHARDT JILL SABATINO MARI-JEAN BRADY National vice president, LACY OSWALD SIEHL National vice president, serving 2020-22 Alpha National vice president, National vice president, serving 2020-22 Alpha Pi (University of North serving 2020-22 | Gamma serving 2020-22 Alpha (DePauw University) Dakota) Mu (Ball State University) Omicron (The Ohio State University) DID YOU KNOW? Mikelle DID YOU KNOW? Cassie DID YOU KNOW? Jill is says her solo travels have works with fraternities president of the Lacy DID YOU KNOW? Mari- provided her with the and sororities on a daily Foundation, supporting jean loves this quote by opportunity to learn basis as the associate vice Indianapolis in efforts to John Glenn: "We are about herself. president and associate become a world-class city. more fulfilled when we dean of students at the are involved in something University of North bigger than ourselves." Dakota. 58 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Alpha Chi Omega Foundation Board of Trustees MARY PAT LAMBKE JANIS ROSE LINDSAY FERRELL KORI WHITENER Chair, serving 2020-21 HURTER VISE FELLOWS Beta Epsilon (Michigan State Treasurer, serving 2018-21 Secretary, serving 2018-21 Trustee, serving 2020-23 University) Zeta Omicron (Vanderbilt Omicron (Baker University) Alpha Phi (The University of University) Texas at Austin) DID YOU KNOW? Mary Pat DID YOU KNOW? Lindsay was one of just a few DID YOU KNOW? Janis moved 11 times before DID YOU KNOW? Kori female sales executives in is the assistant coach graduating college - living earned a doctorate of her industry. of the women's soccer in the Omicron chapter philosophy in human program at Sierra College house for three years was resource development. and teaches spin cycling, her longest stay in one Pilates and water aerobics. home by the time she graduated. In addition, National President Lynne B. Herndon and National Vice Presidents Cassie Gerhardt and Fill Sabatino Lacy will serve on the Board MAREE TONYA TATUM ANNE TEAFORD- of Trustees. MAGLIOCCHETTI Trustee, serving 2020-23 CANTOR Trustee, serving 2020-23 Beta Lambda (University of Trustee, serving 2019-22 Alpha Tau (University of Arizona) Alpha Psi (UCLA) New Hampshire) DID YOU KNOW? Now the DID YOU KNOW? Anne DID YOU KNOW? With a director of international loves to cook (and eat) career in finance, Maree affairs for the National foods from across the named one of her dogs Geospatial-Intelligence globe, especially spicy Market Volatility - Tilly Agency, Tonya has spent dishes from India, for short! more than 30 years in U.S. Thailand and the national security roles. Mediterranean. THE LYRE 59 BUSINESS Alpha Chi Omega National Housing Corporation Board of Directors DONNA MCGRATH ALICE SNEDEKER JENNIFER DAURORA KLINGE Secretary/treasurer, serving 2019- Director, serving 2020-22 Delta President, serving 2019-21 21 Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute (Allegheny College) Epsilon Kappa (California State of Technology) University, Fullerton) DID YOU KNOW? Jen's DID YOU KNOW? Alice is a patent grandfather gave her a quote to DID YOU KNOW? Donna litigation attorney, utilizing live by: "Live every day to the describes herself as loyal, her undergraduate degree in fullest because we are only here passionate and trustworthy. mechanical engineering. on a visit." LINDSAY HICKS MOLLY MUETHING NANCY SPANICH WAISS Director, serving 2020-22 Alpha IRONMONGER Director, serving 2020-22 | Omega Chi (Butler University) Director, serving 2019-21 Alpha (Washington State University) Beta (Purdue University) DID YOU KNOW? Lindsay is an DID YOU KNOW? Nancy is avid reader, often gravitating DID YOU KNOW? In Molly's a certified Aging Services toward non-fiction books. career, she's worked with a Professional, which benefitted developer building modern, her volunteerism for Bayview niche, green projects in Austin. Retirement Community. In addition, National Vice President Mikelle Holt Brady will serve on the Board of Directors. 60 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Pearl Stone Partners Board of Managers MELISSA FORD TAYLOR DIANE DAVIS MURPHY Chair, serving 2020-22 Alpha Secretary/treasurer, serving 2020- Upsilon (The University of 22 Epsilon Psi (University of Alabama) California, Irvine) DID YOU KNOW? Melissa's DID YOU KNOW? Diane's dream favorite books are the Harry job would be to become a park Potter series. ranger. BONNIE BROOKS KRISTIN KOPPEN Manager, serving 2020-23 Alpha Manager, serving 2020-23 Delta Chi Psi (UCLA) (William Woods University) DID YOU KNOW? The best trip DID YOU KNOW? Kristin's hobbies Bonnie has taken was to Exuma include kayaking, walking in the Bahamas to swim with the and chasing after her nine pigs. grandchildren. In addition, National Vice President Fari Askins will serve on the Board of Managers. THE LYRE 61 BUSINESS ALPHA CHI OMEGA ENTERPRISE Beyond 2020 Strategic Framework T throughout our history, Alpha Chi Omega has led the sorority industry as a strategic, mission-driven organization, guided by the best practices in strategic planning available at the time. On July 31, 2020, the Enterprise's 2015-20 Strategic Plan came to an end. Never before have a strategic approach and designated Its framework allows for priorities been SO important than March 2020, as the country, our sisters and the organization confronted shifting priorities and the COVID-19 pandemic. The work of the strategic plan that had been completed up to that point - in the continual monitoring of mindset of the focus areas of Discover, Grow, Engage and Sustain - ensured Alpha Chi Omega was secure, with structures in place to weather the uncertainty, progress given the changes while at the same time able to be flexible and adaptable to the changing membership experience. we will undoubtably "It is the strategic accomplishments of the 2015-20 plan face, with all objectives that positioned us to adapt SO quickly to the urgent needs of COVID-19 across the member experience, including steadfastly rooted in the collegiate and alumnae chapter operations support, collegiate chapter finance, recruitment, the alumnae growth and sustainment of experience, fundraising and housing/LHC support," says Angela Costley Harris, National President at the time. "I the Real. Strong. Women. am incredibly proud that the foundation we laid could guide us in those initial weeks and still to this day." Experience. Work on the next strategic approach was well underway before the pandemic, but the importance of this work became increasingly apparent over the last few months as the Enterprise planned, as best it could, for the fall term and for the "new normal" that will extend into the future. Alpha Chi Omega is pleased to share the Beyond 2020 Strategic Framework. 62 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Unlike previous strategic plans, Beyond 2020 intentionally has no end date as Alpha Chi Omega THE VISUAL IMAGE REPRESENTING heads into this new year in the mindset of adaptability. BEYOND 2020 FOR THE ENTERPRISE Its framework allows for shifting priorities and IS THE LYRE, WITH THE OUTER LYRE continual monitoring of progress given the changes we REPRESENTING THE FRATERNITY AND will undoubtably face, with all objectives steadfastly THE THREE STRINGS REPRESENTING THE rooted in the growth and sustainment of the Real. FOUNDATION, THE NATIONAL HOUSING Strong. Women. Experience. CORPORATION AND PEARL STONE Each Enterprise board will work collaboratively with PARTNERS, EACH OF WHICH PLAYS A the professional staff to identify annual priorities CRITICAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING THE from among the framework's goals, objectives and FRATERNITY'S REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. strategies and define success through entity-specific EXPERIENCE. tactics and associated metrics. Each entity - Fraternity, Foundation, National Housing Corporation and Pearl Stone Partners - will monitor progress through a tracking mechanism executed by the headquarters staff and provided quarterly to its governing board. Annual priorities, as well as mid-year and year-end strategic accomplishments, will continue to be made available to the membership via the Alpha Chi Omega website. The Alpha Chi Omega lifelong Real. Strong. Women. Experience is a brand promise that changes the conversation about how women think and act about the idea of sorority. We offer an experience that respects and responds to the hopes, dreams, fears and realities of today's women in today's world. Through this Beyond 2020 Strategic Framework, Alpha Chi Omega will continue to lead by defining how a sorority will thrive and be defined, today and in the future. Learn more on the About Us section of the website, where members can log in to review the objectives and strategies of the framework. THE LYRE 63 is BUSINESS Are you passionate about Alpha Chi Omega? Do you value strategic thinking and guidance? Do you have experience in any of the following? Strategic planning Fundraising leadership Professional areas (academic, finance, human resources, law, sales, etc.) Nonprofit board governance Do you embrace women's empowerment, diversity and inclusivity? Are you interested in volunteering and giving back to Alpha Chi Omega? THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES I S LOOKING FOR YOU! As one of the boards comprising the national leadership of Alpha Chi Omega, the BOT is a group of alumnae focused on continuing the future of Alpha Chi Omega. SEND NOMINATIONS Coming from across the country, they vary in age and experiences in order to TO: represent our members. The BOT is seeking diverse women of all ages, ethnicities, races and societal backgrounds who have the experience and passion to help shape the bcarson@alphachiomega.org future of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. The Foundation's mission states: or Alpha Chi Omega Foundation The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation strives to realize and sustain the educational and Attn: Board of Trustee philanthropic values of Alpha Chi Omega through successful fundraising and stewardship. Nominations Generous gifts from our members and friends enhance the Real. Strong. Women. 5939 Castle Creek Pkwy N Dr Experience and empower our members to impact their communities and world positively. Indianapolis, IN 46250 With virtual monthly meetings, the Foundation Board of Trustees is responsible for DATES TO REMEMBER: the strategic guidance of our professional staff team as well as our mutual fundraising and stewardship efforts. Together, they provide financial resources to our Fraternity December 15, 2020: programs that comprise the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, including grants and Nominations due scholarships. For a detailed description of trustee responsibilities, please visit www.alphachiomega.org/become-a-volunteer. January-March 2021: Application reviews, NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED! candidate interviews and election Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by a member. All nominations should include the candidate's resume and letter of interest. Candidates will be screened for April-July 2021: their expertise in the areas of board governance, finance, fundraising and leadership Transition and onboarding as well as matched to the current needs of the board. Diversity and inclusivity are key priorities. August 1, 2021: Alpha Chi Omega Volunteer three-year term FOUNDATION commences 64 ALPHA CHI OMEGA VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Jensy Patterson Richards SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) CURRENT VOLUNTEER ROLES: PRESIDENT OF DELTA PSI DELTA (SARASOTA, FLORIDA) "Alpha Chi Omega and ALUMNAE CHAPTER, ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR, VARIOUS all she is reinforces the SHORT-TERM ROLES best of me, has helped me What do you do in your main volunteer role? to grow and be adaptive, As president of Delta Psi Delta, I work with my treasurer and the previous president to create and has challenged me meaningful activities for the alumnae chapter in when I've asked to be." Sarasota. The group is small and has been active for many years, with many members active since the early 1990s. Our activities include luncheons, a book club, a bridge group and helping Hope Family Services, a local domestic violence crisis center. What is your favorite Alpha Chi Omega memory Why is volunteering with Alpha Chi Omega as a collegian? I think my favorite memory is that of important to you? As one of many, I always feel living in the chapter house. What a great community of working as a servant leader is a way to create a better women - all diverse but with a common bond. We all life with and for others. Alpha Chi members have had challenges along the way, and I like to think that no a shared passion built on diversity, experiences and one felt lost. It really was like home while at school. an opportunity to grow based on the core values of Alpha Chi Omega. Why should alumnae become volunteers for Alpha Chi Omega? Alpha Chi Omega displays a sense Who is an Alpha Chi Omega role model that you of forward thinking and wisdom for what needs to come look up to? This is a difficult question but after next. Working on committees with sisters, I find these reflection I think the whole AXO membership. I tenants are always part of our practice. Being a volunteer had the opportunity to volunteer as a facilitator for offers one the opportunity to work with purpose, a Leadership Academy for three years. shared vision, compassion and energy. Working with peer alumnae as And all along the way there is a felt facilitators, AXO staff, Foundation appreciation for what one may do volunteers and trustees, and the and support for what one may need. collegians taking on new executive Volunteering fosters leadership, roles in their chapters, I stand in personal growth, new friends, new awe. The women who make up this experiences and a sense of positive organization are agents of positive change. change, effective leaders on all levels, open to new ideas, share a common Visit the Alumnae page on purpose/vision and demonstrate a alphachiomega.org to learn more about caring beyond compare. volunteering and the opportunities available. THE LYRE 65 2/17/2020 Center Against $25,440.36 1 3 2 4 COLLEGIATE NOTES 1 BETA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA) 3 ALPHA MU (INDIANA UNIVERSITY) In February, the Beta Lambda chapter awarded a check to The chapter was selected as the Chapter of Excellence o Emerge! Center Against Domestic Violence. Presenting of the 22 Panhellenic chapters on campus and received the check are Chapter President Mackenzie Brown and award before the campus was closed in the spring. VP Philanthropy Ariana Heiner. The donation allows the chapter to adopt a room at the shelter for a year while also 4 DELTA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS supporting the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. At the Fraternity & Sorority Life Banquet, the chapte received two major awards: the Change Maker Award 2 ALPHA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF given to the chapter that makes a difference and igni Additionally, we'd like to recognize a few of our collegiate chapters and members who received fraternity/sorority life awards for the 2019-20 year from their colleges and universities. Even though in-person award ceremonies were canceled due to COVID-19, we're proud of the impact these women had on their campus communities. CHAPTERS REPORTING CAMPUS AWARDS MEMBERS REPORTING CAMPUS AWARDS TO HEADQUARTERS: TO HEADQUARTERS: Rho (University of Washington) - Excellence in Vidhi Dave (lota Xi, University of California, Risk Management Riverside) - Hall of Fame Gamma Xi (Western Michigan University) - Alex Ercolani (Gamma Chi, Stetson University) - Chapter of the Year Advisor of the Year for Gamma Chi chapter Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University) - Greek Brooke Lapke (Phi, University of Kansas) - Chapter of the Year Outstanding Sorority & Fraternity Senior Award, William R. Nelson Panhellenic Leadership Gamma Chi (Stetson University) - Chapter of the and Involvement Award, and David A. Ambler Year, Scott Miller Philanthropy Cup, Excellence in Outstanding Campus Leader Award Risk Management Award, Alumni Relations Award Ashley Martinez (Gamma Chi, Stetson University) Delta Kappa (Sam Houston State University) - - Sorority Member of the Year Most Outstanding Service Event Melissa Sagun (lota Xi, University of California, Epsilon Lambda (The University of Texas at Riverside) - Community Member of the Year Arlington) - Top Chapter Madison Schatz (Rho, University of Washington) - Epsilon Tau (Virginia Tech) - Sorority of the Year Chapter President of the Year Theta Pi (University of California, Davis) - Victoria Thalassinos (Gamma Pi, University of Balanced Leaders Award Tampa) - Sorority Woman of the Year lota Lambda (Texas Christian University) - Outstanding Program Award, Chapter Growth Award lota Xi (University of California, Riverside) - Leadership Pillar Award lota Psi (Elon University) - Living and Learning at Elon Award THE LYRE 67 AXO CONNECTION 1 3 Carrie Tergin Mary Ann Beahon Nancy Yaeger Krystin kwort 2 4 Sherry McCarthy Adelle DuSold ALUMNAE NOTES 1 ALPHA OMICRON (THE OHIO STATE 3 GAMMA XI GAMMA (LUBBOCK, TEXAS) UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE The alumnae chapter hosted the Hall of Commitment Katie Blodgett married Cameron Bouchard on May 25, via Zoom video conferencing for graduating seniors of 2019 in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by Alpha Chi Omega the Gamma Rho (Texas Tech University) chapter. Nancy sisters of all generations. Irish Harman (Gamma Rho) reminded the newest alumnae of their resiliency and their unique collegiate 2 ALPHA UPSILON experience. (THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA) 4 KAPPA UPSILON KAPPA (MID-MISSOURI) In February, 19 sisters from the 1970 member class returned to the chapter house for their 50-year Sisters have stayed connected virtually during the membership milestone pinning ceremony. The women pandemic in many ways, like this Zoom scavenger hunt. were also able to attend games of the men's and They were tasked with finding everything from lyres to women's basketball teams for the university's Adapted toilet paper around their homes! Athletics Program, long supported by Alpha Upsilon chapter members. 68 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 1 3 IU NewsNet 2 4 USC ACCOLADES 1 BETA (ALBION COLLEGE) ALUMNA 3 EPSILON RHO (UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE) ALUMNA Deanna Behring received the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Albion College, recognizing Liza Conlon Davidson was named the New Jersey alumni demonstrating excellence in career Employee Assistance Professional of the Year by achievements and contributions to community and the New Jersey Employee Assistance Professional humanity. She is the assistant dean and director of Association. Liza is an employee assistance professional international programs at Penn State's College of with New Directions Behavioral Health on the United Agricultural Sciences. States Postal Service Contract. 2 ALPHA MU (INDIANA UNIVERSITY) 4 EPSILON (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN ALUMNA CALIFORNIA) ALUMNA During senior year, Mary Kate Hamilton was named a Chapter Advisor Jill Stuart was named a 2020 recipient 2020 All-American winner by the Sportscasters Talent of the President's Award by the University of Southern Agency of America. In addition, she was the highest- California Alumni Association. The award recognizes ranked woman in the award standings! the leadership contributions of a volunteer over years. THE LYRE 69 AXO CONNECTION In Memoriam FILA Reported to headquarters between May 1 and Fuly 31, 2020 Name, Initiation Year, Month and Year of Death Alpha (DePauw University) Kay Kenna McMaster, 1954, April 2018 Beverly Boigegrain Rodgers, 1954, July 2020 Shirley Groves Roman, 1949, May 2020 Charlotte Crandall Shumway, 1946, December 2019 Gamma (Northwestern University) 5 Violet Gustafson Butler, 1947, March 2020 Epsilon (University of Southern California) Nancy Hayes Zubair, 1969, February 2020 5 BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY) ALUMNA Theta (University of Michigan) Anna Mueller Heininger, 1942, September 2012 Gail Morgan (second from left) was elected 2020- Maxine Peterson Howard, 1936, November 2019 21 president of Film Florida, a state-wide nonprofit lota (University of Illinois at Urbana- entertainment production trade association that Champaign) represents all aspects of the business, including Elizabeth Hiatt Erbeck, 1934, January 2018 Carroll Imle Mears, 1963, May 2020 film commissions, industry, labor, associations and Mary Howard Suker, 1947, May 2020 education. Elizabeth Robinson Eisner, 1940, May 2020 Kappa (University of Wisconsin) Ruth Tappins Schonenberg, 1943, November 2013 Lambda (Syracuse University) 6 BETA ETA (FLORIDA Charlotte Rockwell Stone, 1938, June 2020 STATE UNIVERSITY) ALUMNA Mu (Simpson College) Vera Pratt Moser, 1946, December 2011 Monica Cepero has been Xi (University of Nebraska - Lincoln) appointed by the governor Martha Morrison Gillespie, 1953, April 2020 to the Florida Commission Omicron (Baker University) on Human Relations. The Shirley Scheurer Connelly, 1944, May 2020 commission was created in 1969 Margaret Davis, 1934, February 2011 and is responsible for enforcing Pi (University of California, Berkeley) the Florida Civil Rights Act and Joan Mae Spaulding, 1955, June 2020 addressing discrimination issues Emma Cunningham Thomas, 1943, October 2017 through education, outreach and Rho (University of Washington) partnerships. Monica works as Betty Edwards Arnold, 1937, October 2011 the deputy county administrator Alice Harrison Bates, 1912, June 1971 Beatrice McGough Bearg, 1930, August 1989 in the Office of the County Phyllis Culver Boyker, 1930, October 2009 Administrator for Broward Jean Trowbridge Burke, 1940, September 2005 6 Caroline Vaile Burrow, 1934, May 2007 County. Nancy Phelps Campbell, 1946, November 2013 Janet Tucker Clevenger, 1938, March 2012 Florentine Faubert Connolly, 1921, March 1994 Joan Hilby Cox, 1954, June 2016 Billie Orphan Crosby, 1942, November 2018 Hertha Wiegman Curran, 1917, April 1976 70 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Theodosia Whalley Davis, 1927, October 1989 Catherine Argenti Stevenson, 1946, May 2017 Staci Byram Wyman, 1987, March 2009 Eleanor Manion Daviscourt, 1931, May 1994 Beryl Browne Stewart, 1911, October 1953 Gladys Cole Dawe, 1919, March 1976 Betty Rotermund Stewart, 1942, December 2017 Alpha Beta (Purdue University) Jacqueline Sigman Dean, 1951, November 2013 Helen Wilson Sutcliff, 1916, February 1985 Jean Wille Oliver, 1972, May 2020 Merwyn Peterson Donley, 1943, September Bess Will Suttles, 1914, March 1965 2014 Idamae Gulliver Tarbox, 1920, April 2000 Alpha Gamma (The University of New Lura Jeffers Douglass, 1913, September 1970 Doris Cook Teufel, 1942, March 2003 Mexico) Marguerite East Dubois, 1925, March 1985 Mary Ottesen Tubbs, 1912, June 1968 Elsie Myer Bell, 1943, April 2020 Marie Odland Finlay, 1951, July 2015 Geneva Rickert Tucker, 1917, January 1977 Mildred Stone Fleming, 1918, March 1965 Hazel Hawks Tupper, 1910, November 1991 Alpha Delta (University of Cincinnati) Helen Butcher Frykholm, 1937, June 2016 Muriel Bennett Van Berkem, 1933, March 2010 Crystal Fogle Ruehlmann, 1946, December 2015 Clara Jessup Ganty, 1922, February 1980 Lovina Dunbar Wagner, 1917, April 1986 Charlotte Conklin Gates, 1932, January 2003 Ann Rosmond Weatherwax, 1956, January 2010 Alpha Epsilon (University of Pennsylvania) Dorothy Rollefson Gayton, 1939, July 2002 Phyllis Anderson Welts, 1945, November 2010 Elizabeth Worthington Eather, 1945, April 2007 Estelle Tucker Geraghty, 1937, August 2005 Claribel Colby Wiedemann, 1923, September Janet Shand Jones, 1948, June 2020 Eva Reed Graham, 1920, April 1993 1954 Dorothea Manning Liddell, 1943, May 2020 Ivesa Beach Hall, 1912, July 1969 Sally Spike Windom, 1948, May 2002 Mary Porter Purcell, 1919, April 1991 Madelyn Backlezos Handy, 1951, July 2012 Naomi Thomas Wirth, 1926, December 1996 Margaret Lienau Harper, 1938, August 2013 Margaret Grandjean Wolf, 1927, February 1961 Alpha Zeta (Washington University in St. Mary Abrams Haskell, 1940, November 2013 Donna Brainerd Wyard, 1912, March 1981 Louis) Edna Pusey Henderson, 1912, March 1944 Arden Mueller Fisher, 1947, April 2020 Adeline Titcomb Hook, 1914, December 1972 Sigma (University of Iowa) Helen Bennett Paust, 1944, May 2020 Dorotha Viers Inglis, 1919, July 1999 Virginia Wenger Bagni, 1953, May 2020 Vera Shigley Johnson, 1950, January 2014 Carol Sutton Edwards, 1949, May 2020 Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union) Geraldine Vanderspek Kangley, 1927, June 2000 Patricia Hauser Putz, 1949, July 2020 Dorothy Gabriel Binau, 1947, January 2007 Virginia Nitteberg Kinney, 1944, December Jacquelyn Weiser Cunningham, 1949, July 2020 2015 Phi (University of Kansas) Frances Castleman Kintner, 1946, May 2015 Virginia Powell Bennett, 1948, July 2015 Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon) Margaret McCullock Lang, 1913, February 1971 Jane Pecinovsky Fowler, 1955, May 2020 Clare Wiley Pitcairn, 1947, June 2017 Winifred Fargo Larrison, 1916, June 1981 Barbara Bowdish Houghton, 1952, May 2020 Linda Jill Proper, 1988, June 2009 Deanna Doell Magley, 1960, October 2016 Alpha Muirhead Magwood, 1929, June 1998 Chi (Oregon State University) Alpha Lambda (University of Minnesota) Mildred Durgan McBroom, 1930, June 2014 Marjorie Carlsen Chandler, 1949, July 2020 Nadine Johnson Jackson, 1946, July 2017 Karen Ewbank McInnes, 1957, December 2016 Wilma Feike Hulbert, 1945, July 2020 Barbara Orrett McLean, 1920, March 2005 Mary Walker Marion, 1950, April 2020 Alpha Mu (Indiana University) Adeline Charlier Meresse, 1934, May 2012 Peggy Taylor Rudolph, 1943, June 2018 Patricia Heath MacLeod, 1942, April 2020 Katherine Pomeroy Meyers, 1943, April 2017 Cynthia Harrington Nicholson, 1949, July 2020 Marian Rose Morley, 1926, October 2000 Psi (The University of Oklahoma) Jeanne Horney Simons, 1952, July 2020 Virginia M. Muirhead, 1930, February 1998 Mary Roberts Edwards, 1943, March 2020 Ann Appleby Nashem, 1924, June 1994 Vicki Mason White, 1967, December 2001 Alpha Xi (University of Montana) Agnes Hobi Nelson, 1911, February 1993 Dorothy McKenzie Allen, 1945, January 2016 Constance Phillips Palmerlee, 1921, July 2002 Omega (Washington State University) Frances Ullman Gallagher, 1930, February 2004 Harriet Learned Proper, 1914, February 1979 Donna Johnson Agather, 1942, March 1956 Mary Hotvedt Larson, 1937, October 2008 Mary Porter Purcell, 1921, April 1991 Diane Aubrey Bailey, 1979, August 2010 Eleanor Speaker Robinson, 1933, December Mary Crippen Robinson, 1913, March 1982 Josephine Broom Barnett, 1938, February 2013 2009 Connie Labbitt Roe, 1943, April 2014 Bonnie Ferguson Blair, 1955, March 2014 Esther Thomsen Rubidge, 1922, May 2004 Betty Wissler Dahlin, 1950, July 2020 Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University) Helen Hoonan Sealy, 1938, August 2005 Shirley Wylie Dodson, 1944, September 2014 Nancy Lou Heft Siegel, 1951, May 2020 Minnie McGinnis Shinn, 1911, July 1983 Helen Kirk Eldenburg, 1942, July 2020 Mabel Furst Snyder, 1914, October 1980 Grace Burns Ferris, 1951, May 2015 Alpha Rho (University of Idaho) Jean Thompson Spirk, 1940, January 2014 Janice Busch Jackman, 1968, February 2018 Marjorie Ring Butts, 1945, December 2006 Jean Hynes Springgate, 1943, February 1973 Marci Kettrick James, 1987, March 1967 Kathleen Jones Chandler, 1943, October 2017 Margaret Rippon Starling, 1942, September Darlene Schmidt McLellan, 1941, August 2016 Shirley McDowell Crowley, 1946, June 2017 2003 Sherry Rumery McManus, 1947, March 2013 Lorraine Gartner Cushing, 1943, March 2007 Lillian Hammond Oldfield, 1933, November Frances Williamson Davis, 1935, August 2008 2001 Marian Krussman Dykman, 1943, March 2012 Elna Schmitz Polis, 1938, December 2008 Mary Knudson Goold, 1954, March 2015 Donna Paul Poor, 1945, December 2013 Dorothy Sowder Henry, 1925, August 1995 Norma Gjertsen Stone, 1944, September 2015 Wanda Jones, 1945, April 2003 Roberta Leback Tetz, 1948, January 2018 Wanda Ricks Kerr, 1937, August 2009 Krystal Woodward Warwick, 2002, November Betty Downing McQuade, 1941, September 2013 2004 Joyce Callison Wickline, 1943, December 1990 Leile Estes Poppleton, 1966, April 2006 Patricia Smith Woodruff, 1947, June 2016 THE LYRE 71 IN MEMORIAM Georgette Brunner Sundberg, 1937, November Mary Spivey Crocker, 1942, April 2003 Beta Tau (Miami University) 2010 Mary Jane Dews, 1942, July 2005 Geraldine Klein Helfrich, 1954, May 2020 Margaret Joanne Tucker, 1944, November 2013 Twyla Bair Drace, 1945, May 1991 Alice Theis Ulrich, 1950, May 2020 Mary Lawton Ellis, 1942, November 1997 Alpha Sigma (Ohio Wesleyan University) Mary Padgette Ferry, 1941, February 2004 Beta Upsilon (Duke University) Diane Elizabeth Karel, 1967, May 2020 Mary Lindenthaler Frazier, 1948, April 2002 Florence Craig Bunn, 1946, July 2020 Frances Alter Patrick, 1958, June 2020 Nancy Baxter Fugate, 1951, May 2020 Elizabeth Prizer Nothstein, 1942, July 2013 Frances Reeves Gerstman, 1961, September Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama) 2012 Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University) Norma Anderton Jones, 1966, July 2020 Gypsy Sandra Golden, 1961, November 2011 Eloise Dunn Manhart, 1945, July 2020 Barbara Cotlin Lacy, 1951, May 2020 Janna Vecchiotti Gorcoff, 1950, December 2008 Nancy Link Meacham, 1961, September 2013 Sylvia Vergason Hall, 1955, November 2006 Marilyn Batdorf Smith, 1949, June 2020 Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin) Mary McCall Hardee, 1940, December 2019 Marilyn Scheid Van Den Bossche, 1951, May Beverly Coffey Cowsert, 1974, July 2020 Lillian Garcia Harry, 1943, September 2013 2020 Lillian Josephine Davis, 1967, April 2020 Nancy Lee Henderson, 1958, February 2014 Dolores Reeves Hayter, 1946, July 2020 Patricia Pinkston Johnson, 1948, February 2001 Beta Chi (Willamette University) Jane Hollow Lange, 1960, May 2020 Sallie Moore Jones, 1961, December 1998 Susan Johnson Howsley, 1967, March 2011 Leuan Woods Jones, 1968, January 2006 Lisa Ives Jooste, 1985, February 2018 Alpha Chi (Butler University) Elizabeth McDonald Lewis, 1944, January 1995 Donna Thorne Host, 1950, June 2020 Launa Thornton Orr, 1944, November 2007 Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University) Bonnie Jo Moore Pappas, 1961, March 2002 Susan Carver Clark, 1966, April 2020 Alpha Psi (UCLA) Marion Carson Persons, 1937, July 2020 Gloria Angier Leckman, 1949, March 2020 Pauline Poitevint, 1939, June 2003 Beta Omega (The University of Toledo) Nancy Tyler Pittenger, 1940, January 2020 Ellen Perry Powell, 1968, March 2017 Lois Hurdelbrink Harvey, 1946, June 2020 Cordalayne Simonds Vandyke, 1948, July 2020 Norma Jean Prater, 1951, December 2019 Gloria Smith Prevatt, 1943, June 2020 Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University) Alpha Omega (Birmingham-Southern Carol Ann Rotundo, 1960, May 2002 Eleanor Mauzy Anderson, 1947, March 2020 College) Peggy Tarilton Sandell, 1950, October 2006 Dudley Dovel Shearburn, 1948, June 2020 Paula Penelope Shills, 1966, January 2000 Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University) Marcy Mackintosh Snelling-Hallstrand, 1942, Barbara Brinkman Greek, 1979, July 2020 Beta Gamma (Louisiana State University) June 2020 Blanche McHugh Collins, 1943, August 2019 Barbara Wickham Stephenson, 1944, July 2020 Gamma Kappa (Idaho State University) Dorothy Townsend Holladay, 1953, May 2020 Linda Roberts Taylor, 1958, January 2015 Kimiko Shimada Camara, 1950, December 2012 Elsie Garcia Thompson, 1943, June 2002 Marie Spevak Christofferson, 1950, August 2012 Beta Delta (College of William & Mary) Lillian Brown Trotta, 1945, November 2015 Katharine Lavery Minor, 1952, January 2012 Gloria Iden Giannestras, 1944, February 2020 Nancy Palmer Tucker, 1953, May 1998 Joyce Vittetoe Vickers, 1968, January 2016 Charlotte Timmerman Hilton, 1943, November Patsy Ann Yon Warinner, 1957, April 2017 2018 Nell Register Washington, 1939, March 2009 Gamma Mu (Ball State University) Lou Donald Williams, 1943, July 2009 Elizabeth Walker Hartigan, 1950, May 2020 Beta Zeta (Whitman College) Helen Atwater Wisenbaker, 1943, January 2015 Barbara Hughes Atherton, 1935, May 2008 Gamma Pi (University of Tampa) Marguerite Cobb Beaver, 1947, November 2016 Beta Theta (Lawrence University) Mary Fink Wagner, 1954, March 2020 Mary Jane Corkrum Davis, 1935, April 2008 Lois Huyck Snorf, 1945, May 2020 Mary Alice Witherow Green, 1955, July 2010 Gamma Rho (Texas Tech University) Jacqueline Casey Hardin, 1942, January 2015 Beta Kappa (University of Wyoming) Suzanne Simpson McClure, 1978, June 2020 Jean Marshall Irvine, 1940, January 2012 Betty Kirkpatrick Drake, 1939, May 2015 Deborah Smith Severe, 1974, June 2020 Joanne Chetlain Johnson, 1950, December 2016 Sallie Ernst Edwards, 1961, June 2020 Irmal Kinnison Jones, 1930, August 1999 Margaret Kinkade Hansel, 1960, April 2020 Delta Rho (University of Arkansas) Betty Schomburg Skillern, 1942, January 2015 Donnell Nicoll Tompkins, 1961, June 2020 Patricia Jean Holifield, 1964, June 2020 Barbara Young Spencer, 1936, June 2010 Mary Birkenbach Patrick, 1977, March 2020 Beta Mu (Pennsylvania State University) Beta Eta (Florida State University) Joan Dey Kraft, 1951, May 2020 Epsilon lota (University of Northern Iowa) Peggy Crews Anderson, 1966, November 2007 Janet Ours Musco, 1956, May 2019 Tracee Johnson Kirkpatrick, 1974, May 2020 Bobbie Strickland Bass, 1947, March 2008 Martha Atwater Bass, 1944, December 2019 Beta Nu (University of Utah) Epsilon Psi (University of California, Irvine) Jean Andrews Blackwell, 1948, July 2009 Suzan Maycock Hawes, 1960, May 2020 Celine Gonzales Lehner, 1981, March 2020 June Goodwin Blome, 1942, October 2016 Betty Jean Braddock, 1954, June 1992 Beta Xi (Utah State University) Zeta Kappa (New Mexico State University) Geraldine Lynn Brock, 1947, December 2016 Edna Stewart Morrell, 1938, September 2016 Patricia Ratigan Conroy, 1988, May 2020 Elizabeth Bush, 1934, May 2020 Katherine Jenkins Seely, 1943, February 2007 Dolly Leite Chapman, 1948, October 2011 Sharon Thompson Ward, 1944, March 2017 Dorothy Carter Cofer, 1946, December 1974 Donna Lee Cox, 1960, October 1997 Beta Omicron (Florida Southern College) Jeannine Butler Crist, 1948, June 2003 Fancheon Kirby Boone, 1947, February 2020 72 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Committed to Change ALPHA CHI @BUTLERAXO As we mourned the loss of George Floyd and countless other Black people and as Americans from coast to coast demanded change and an end to Alpha Chi chapter is committed to racial injustice, the women of Alpha Chi Omega joined the call to action diversity, equity, and inclusion. The values of Alpha Chi Omega with social media posts, fundraisers and education. lead us to recognize the responsibility we have to use our voices and our platform to denounce injustice and racism. We hear you, we stand with you, ALPHA ETA DELTA RHO and we support you. Black Lives Matter. @AXOALPHAETA @ARKANSASAXO BE HER BADGE WHAT IT MAY Change starts with all of us. Black Lives Matter. Visit the link in our bio for more resources. it doesn't stop here EPSILON PHI all sisters @GT_AXO created Our chapter has begun the check out this website made by process of change. We have our very own, @inikajain! #BLM learned, listened, petitioned, and and see where you're registered to vote!!! protested. But it doesn't stop here. LINK This is only the beginning. iN 3:01 EPSILON OMEGA @AXOCALPOLY what can i do? THETA PI @DAVISALPHACHIOMEGA S 2 8 2 Thank you to everyone who helped us raise a total of $2832.28 benefitting the Black Lives Matter movement! These funds have been split between these three organizations: NorCal Resist, LGBTQ Freedom Fund, and Black Visions Collective. KAPPA Our sister @skyemairead. addicks @AXOWISCONSIN created these handpainted stickers in light of important The women of Alpha Chi Omega social events. The proceeds will be acknowledge our privilege and the donated to Greenaction. power of our platform, and decided to use it to raise money for the Black Lives Matter movement. I AM NO LONGER ACCEPTING THE THINGS 2 CANNOT CHANGE. THETA TAU ) AM CHANGING ZETA PSI THE THINGS L @AXO_LOYNO @ALPHACHIRUTGERS CANNOT ACCEPT. #BLM A FORUM ON RACIAL INJUSTICE Thank you @annalevvy @julianazukerman @ggage6_8 and everyone else with murals on State Street for using your artistic abilities to help mobilize change. T Hosted by ITALIA MOORE AND SUNDERLAND SHANDS Do MONDAY JUNE 8TH 6PM-8PM CT ZOOM Please join us in having these hard uncomfortable conversations to FOLLOW US ON The Theta Tau chapter of end systemic racism with AXO's Alpha Chi Omega is devoted to own sisters. We must continue to advocating for the change our SOCIAL MEDIA be actively anti-racist. nation SO desperately needs. #BlackLivesMatter #BLM @AlphaChiOmegaHQ ORGANIZATION Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity U.S. Postage 5939 Castle Creek Parkway North Drive PAID Indianapolis IN 46250-4343 Indianapolis, IN Permit N. 1643 alphachiomega.org Save the Date! 'FOUNDERS DAY CHALLENGE 11 OCTOBER 1-31, 2020 Want more details? Email 1foundation@alphachiomega.org g Alpha Chi Omega FOUNDATION REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.