THE THE UNIQUE JOURNEYS ISSUE are Domestic Violence Awareness Month Virtual Programming and Recruitment ecia Rodri guez EMPOWERING CHILDREN TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL Alpha Chi Omega WINTER 2020 REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. VOLUME 123. ISSUE 2. Honorary Members Since our founding, the majority of our sisters have joined Alpha Chi Omega as college students. As early as 1886, however, the Fraternity found a way to provide membership to women who had graduated college, originally called "honorary membership." Honorary membership was a common practice, reserved for those with significant contributions to leadership, arts and civics. Fifteen women were given this distinction by Alpha Chi Omega before the practice was discontinued in 1919 in accordance with National Panhellenic Congress standards. Still, the 1916 History shared that our honorary members were "the greatest creative and interpretative feminine musical artists" and gave chapters "an unique and enviable standing in the college and the community." Our first honorary member was Julie Rivé-King, a pianist who debuted at the New York Philharmonic. Only six months after the Fraternity's founding, she was invited by the Alpha (DePauw University) chapter and "signified to JULIE RIVÉ-KING (PHOTO CREDIT: Professor Howe her willingness to be one of us," according to chapter minutes. UNIV. OF CINCINNATI LIBRARIES) Known as "America's great master of the violin," Maud Powell was given honorary membership by the Alpha chapter. Maud was one of the few professional musicians of her time to earn a living with concert work alone. After giving a recital to members of the Alpha chapter, The Lyre reported in December 1897, "She endeared herself to all who met her, and when she left us we felt as if we were bidding good-bye to a sister indeed." MAUD POWELL The Greatest Pianist Marian Nevins MacDowell was initiated by the Zeta (New England Conservatory) chapter. Marian founded America's first artists' colony in 1908. Alpha Chi Omega was the first organization to sponsor a cabin there, called Star Studio, and it became Alpha Chi Omega's first altruistic project. In a GODFREY TURNER letter, Marian wrote, "I can never thank the sorority enough for the trust and Broadway faith you had in what seemed to most of the world a fantastic and impossible Please scheme." Marian's legacy, now called MacDowell, still operates today. MAUD POWELL Today, alumnae women are invited to the sisterhood through the National Alumnae Initiate Program. Our alumnae initiates are full lifetime members of the Fraternity with the same privileges as those initiated as collegians. Our more than 725 alumnae initiates are dedicated volunteers, donors and sisters. FIND MORE UNTOLD STORIES ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA HISTORY WEBSITE. VISIT: ALPHACHIOMEGA.HISTORYIT.COM MARIAN NEVINS MACDOWELL WINTER 2020 VOLUME 123. ISSUE 2. I THE UNIQUE JOURNEYS ISSUE REAL. STRONG. WOMAN. IN THIS ISSUE 2 LETTERS 4 CORNER OFFICE 5 PERSPECTIVES 6 AXO NEWS Founders' Day, Alumnae Book Club, DVAM, Shop Alpha Chi 12 FOUNDATION 23 HOUSING 28 COLLEGIATE CORNER Collegians share about virtual recruitment 33 ON CAMPUS 36 LIFE 40 CAREER OUTLOOK 44 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 52 ALUMNAE INITIATES SPOTLIGHT 46 54 INDUSTRY INFO After growing up in the foster Learn about the six umbrella organizations care system, Alecia Rodriguez is empowering children navigating the 57 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT system through her nonprofits. 58 ARCHIVES 60 ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNA Disney Channel's newest executive 63 BUSINESS 66 AXO CONNECTION AND IN MEMORIAM THE LYRE 1 EDITOR'S DESK 280,000 SISTERS HAD HUGE PRAISE FOR TERRI VALENTI, FEATURED IN OUR FALL 2020 COVER STORY. Journeys "I love fantasy football, SO the cover of the Lyre (magazine of @alphachiomegahq) caught my eye. Very I n October, I had a lovely phone call with Leah cool story about Terri Valenti, the first woman to be a Petty McConaghy and Dotty Garvin Tonjes, two professional football official. Was even more delighted Alpha Beta (Purdue University) alumnae who to see she also happens to be a Gamma Iota (my college contributed a story for this issue about the lifelong chapter, @ufaxo!). In 2017 she became a replay official bond they share with their member class of 1963. After for the NFL. Incredible story!" they told me how they use Zoom KRISTEN SOLTIS ANDERSON (GAMMA IOTA UNIVERSITY in 2020 to keep their decades of OF FLORIDA) VIA INSTAGRAM reunions going, I hung up the phone and started thinking of my own Alpha Chi Omega journey - and "I was able to hear her speak, and her story is fascinating. then quickly opened a fresh Word I didn't know she was an Alpha Chi. She's awesome!" document to capture some of it! LYNN BALTHROP EGNER (GAMMA ZETA, KANSAS STATE I reminisced on the moment I UNIVERSITY) VIA FACEBOOK opened my bid card with shaking hands to see the Alpha Chi Omega coat of arms peeking out of the envelope. I thought back on the strangers who became "How cool is that?! That's a real, strong woman." my sisters and best friends, the pride I felt leading my first event as a chapter officer, and the growth I KATHI KNOX WHEELER (DELTA ZETA, CENTRAL experienced during college. Then I followed my path MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY) VIA FACEBOOK after graduation - from Alpha Chi weddings to cross- country travels, all the way to my first day walking in the THE REFRESHED LYRE DESIGN IS STILL doors of headquarters, the very place I was initiated, as RESONATING WITH SISTERS. the new Lyre editor. There has been a sister at every turn. And I expect that to continue being the case years from "I've seen a lot of Lyre magazines over the years, and you now, just like Leah and Dotty. are doing a wonderful job. The articles are interesting. Typeface and font selections are fabulous. Photograph This issue's theme is "Unique Journeys," and Alpha Chi choices and arrangement are lovely. Keep up the good Omega is made up of more than 280,000 of them. Each work, and that tip of the hat was coming to you even woman comes to our Fraternity with her own dreams before the huge challenges of pandemic times." and passions. She shares her individual perspectives ROBYN DALTON (BETA ETA, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY) and grows in her own way. As she continues in her lifelong membership, she learns new lessons and leaves her stamp on our organization. And together, we share EDITOR'S NOTE a sisterhood. While each member is her own note, In the fall 2020 Lyre's Donor Spotlight, we come together as sisters to create a magnificent Jen Bradway's professional experience was symphony. misidentified. While there had been other women who held vice president positions at her company Lauren Filippini before her, Jen was the first to hold her specific vice Alpha Chi (Butler University) president role and subsequent roles she took on Editor later in her career. The Lyre regrets the error. 2 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Contributors Alpha Chi Omega ROXANNA GANDIA (GAMMA PI, National President Leah stayed connected in alumnae Lynne Herndon UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA) chapters in Virginia and Wisconsin. Alpha Chi Omega was instrumental Read pearls of wisdom from her National Vice Presidents in Roxanna's transition from a member class on page 38. Jari Askins Mikelle Holt Brady childhood in Puerto Rico to college Cassie Gerhardt life in Florida. She explains what KATHERINE (KATIE) SCHLINDER Jill Sabatino Lacy being a real, strong woman means (IOTA OMEGA, CARTHAGE Mari-jean Oswald Siehl to her on page 5. COLLEGE) Chief Executive Officer Katie is a project manager and Katie Lampinen Gaffin CHELSEA HARDY (GAMMAIOTA, analyst for the International UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA) Trade Centre, a joint agency of Senior Director of Education and Engagement An alumna initiate, Chelsea the United Nations and World Amy Colvin Mustafa volunteers for Alpha Chi Omega as Trade Organization. She designs a Ritual and fraternity appreciation and implements projects that Director of Marketing and Communications specialist and a program facilitator. develop economic opportunities Amanda Spice She shares how one program she in post-conflict or fragile settings. facilitated with collegians also She currently works on projects Editor changed her life on page 22. in the Horn of Africa, but has also Lauren Filippini carried out work in Guatemala, The Lyre is published quarterly. ISABELLE L'HUILLIER Peru, China and India. Read more (DELTA MU, UNIVERSITY OF on page 44. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Lyre MASSACHUSETTS) 5939 Castle Creek Parkway N. Dr. A public health and pre-med DOROTHY (DOTTY) GARVIN Indianapolis, IN 46250-4343 student in the class of 2024, Isabelle TONJES (ALPHA BETA PURDUE Submission Deadlines started her Alpha Chi Omega UNIVERSITY) Fall issue July 1 journey this fall and explains what Dotty founded, owned and Winter issue - October 1 virtual recruitment looked like on operated a technical writing Spring issue - January 1 page 32. company for 33 years. She loves to Summer issue - April 1 travel during non-pandemic times, 317-579-5050 LEAH PETTY MCCONAGHY but currently spends her free time alphachiomega.org (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE walking, doing yoga, reading and editor@alphachiomega.org UNIVERSITY) teaching people how to Zoom - Our Mission After traveling as a national important for her recent member Through the Real. Strong. Women. collegiate field advisor during class reunions, as detailed on Experience, Alpha Chi Omega 1966-67 and teaching social studies, page 38. cultivates impactful communities where women are inspired to connect, lead, grow and serve. STAFF CONTRIBUTORS ALLISON SUMMERS AJAZI, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND FRATERNITY COMMUNICATIONS LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES ASSOCIATION LAURA KNOBEL, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT KELLY ORDING, INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER ELIZA PAYNE, HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR NPC national panhellenic conference JILL RICHARDSON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS JEN WALLACH, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES THE LYRE 3 CORNER OFFICE Acceptance, Opportunity and Leadership BY DONNA MCGRATH KLINGE (EPSILON KAPPA, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON), NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION PRESIDENT e all have our Alpha Chi Omega story - Alpha Chi Omega's Real. Strong. Women. brand is W our unique journey - that has shaped who relevant, current and on point. What will it take for us we are today. Take a moment to think to be one of the organizations that not just makes it but about your story and who and what experiences had an thrives - is stronger, brighter and a beacon for others? impact on you. I believe future generations will look back to this time when Alpha Chi Omega used this unique opportunity As someone who sat at the to make meaningful changes to the facility experience table when the National and honor the promises we make to women. Alpha Chi Housing Corporation was Omega has an opportunity - a set of circumstances that formed 24 years ago, I know makes it possible to do something - and I know we are we have grown into much seizing it. more than we ever imagined. The mission of the National Gallup, Inc. studied past crises to determine what Housing Corporation is to is needed in times of anxiety and uncertainty. enhance the Real. Strong. Organizations that are mission-driven with a clear plan Women. Experience by providing safe and competitive and path forward, are brave in forging new ways, that facilities where members can connect, lead, grow and demonstrate compassion and empathy in times of need, serve. are stable while balancing agility and nimbleness, and that inspire hope and trust are those that successfully The words "safe" and "home" mean SO much more navigate challenge. These themes embody leadership today than even 12 months ago. Do we have places - helping oneself and others to do the right thing, setting where our undergraduate women want to call home? a direction, building an inspiring vision and mapping out Do we provide spaces where our young women feel where we need to go. safe not just physically but emotionally? Do we have environments where our members feel included and I am inspired by the following words - "We discover respected, and their diverse ideas and perspectives who we are in the struggle not in the sunshine." As the heard and welcomed? Are our shared living experiences president of the National Housing Corporation, I promise meeting the needs and expectations of our members? you that the seven of us who serve on the board are ready These questions make me pause and acknowledge - for the struggles and the opportunities that come with accepting the existence of something. them. We are acknowledging where we are, recognizing and acting on opportunities to be agents of change, and The COVID-19 pandemic has many organizations being the leaders Alpha Chi Omega needs at this critical regardless of their industry rethinking everything they time. Always at the forefront of everything we do is a do and rebuilding for the longer term. Some believe commitment to enhancing the Alpha Chi Omega member it is in times like these that "brands are made." Back in experience by ensuring that when Alpha Chi Omegas tell March, Nike went one step further and boldly stated, their stories, they had and will continue to have facilities "In times like these, strong brands get even stronger." that allow them to connect, lead, grow and serve. 4 ALPHA CHI OMEGA PERSPECTIVES Salsa Dancing and Sisterhood BY ROXANNA GANDIA (GAMMA PI, UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA) G rowing up in Puerto Rico, the importance of family is a cultural value that is instilled from an early age. For me, spending time with family (immediate and extended) was something we did at least once a week growing up. So when I moved to the States at 18 to go to the University of Tampa, I was searching for people I could call my new family, i.e. my new community. I went through recruitment in search of that new family and found it in Alpha Chi. It was an easy decision to join Alpha Chi because after meeting the sisters during the events, I knew it was where I belonged. The exact moment I knew I belonged was during the third round of recruitment, at that time known as Skit Day. The sisters had finished their skit, and we were in small groups talking. I was chatting with a group of sisters about how much I loved dancing when one of feel accepted and part of a family. Alpha Chi positively the sisters asked me what type of dancing I enjoyed. shaped my growth and development, even when things We found out that we both enjoyed salsa dancing and were tough. During my collegiate experience, I was able that she was also Latina. It felt welcoming to meet a to learn a lot about myself and find my voice. I attribute sister who identified as Latina, and I got very excited. finding my voice to growing and developing into a real, So, while talking about our Latinidad and salsa dancing, strong woman. we decided to just begin dancing some salsa steps in the middle of the round. It has been 16 years since I went For me, being a real, strong woman means through recruitment, and the fact that I still remember understanding the duality within ourselves. It means that experience shows how much of an impact being independent but also knowing when to ask for Alpha Chi has had on me. help. It means being a leader but also knowing when to step back and let others lead. It means finding and using Moving to the U.S. was a totally new experience and our voices to educate others and fight for ourselves, cultural transition. Alpha Chi helped make that but also using it to help others whose voices might be transition easier, since I had sisters who I could ask getting ignored by others. for help or seek advice from when I was experiencing something new or who I could spend time with when As a new mother of a soon-to-be 9-month-old baby girl, I felt homesick. From dancing salsa, to introducing I want to help her grow into a real, strong woman - a them to Puerto Rican food, to speaking Spanglish with real, strong woman who knows and is proud of her them, I knew I could count on my sisters to help me heritage, culture and legacy. THE LYRE 5 AXQ NEWS 135 Years of Real, Strong Women IN 2020, OUR COMMUNITY MEANS MORE THAN EVER BEFORE. BY JEN WALLACH (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES n 1885, Amy, Anna, Bertha, Bessie, Estelle, Nellie who served as secretary of state from 2005-09 and before I and Olive couldn't have possibly known what the that as the first female national security advisor from 2001- next 135 years would look like. 05. In 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party. In 1917, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman sworn in to Congress. In 1920, white women earned the right to There were many other significant moments in vote. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a women's history over the last 135 years, and changes in white man on a bus in Alabama, helping launch the Civil the landscape of the world have been plentiful. What Rights Movement. Katharine Graham became the first has remained is Alpha Chi Omega. female Fortune 500 CEO in 1972, leading the Washington Post Company. In the early 1980s, Sandra Day O'Connor Our mission statement says, "Through the Real. Strong. became the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court Women. Experience, Alpha Chi Omega cultivates and Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. impactful communities where women are inspired to 1997 saw Madeleine Albright become the first female connect, lead, grow and serve." These are more than U.S. secretary of state, followed by our own sister, Dr. just words. This mission is true today and it was true in Condoleezza Rice (Gamma Delta, University of Denver), 1885. While the world and the people in it have changed, Alpha Chi Omega continues to be an intentional, WHAT DID FOUNDERS' DAY LOOK LIKE relevant space created by women, for women. Many DURING THE PANDEMIC? sisters would identify the community that Alpha Chi Omega has created for them as one of the most impactful A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL PRESIDENT contributions to the people they are today. As the world LYNNE HERNDON has changed and grown since 1885, the need for that VIRTUAL TRIVIA EVENTS FOR ALUMNAE HOSTED BY women's-only space continues to increase. HEADQUARTERS A GUESS AT WHICH ENNEAGRAM TYPE (A POPULAR This year, on October 15, Alpha Chi Omega celebrated 135 PERSONALITY TEST) OUR FOUNDERS WOULD BE, years - 135 years of sisters all over the world connecting, SHARED ON SOCIAL MEDIA leading, growing and serving. While we might be doing A BLOG FROM THE 2020 ALPHA CHAPTER those things virtually or socially distanced, we are still PRESIDENT (PICTURED ABOVE) doing them. Our members are still creating change in their communities just like our Founders did in 1885. We are VIRTUAL AND SOCIALLY DISTANCED EVENTS WITH CHAPTERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY still creating impactful spaces for women to be together. We are still Alpha Chi Omega. 6 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Alumnae Book Club 2021 NEW YEAR, NEW BOOKS! The Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Book Club is an online club created specifically for our literature-loving alumnae! Every month, you have the opportunity to connect with alumnae all over the world about the books we're reading. The online group hosts vibrant discussions about our books and fosters new connections between sisters. For 2021, Alpha Chi Omega will be announcing our books throughout the year; here's a sneak peek of our first three. Visit the Alumnae page on alphachiomega.org to learn how to join! JANUARY 2021 FEBRUARY 2021 MARCH 2021 ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS BIG FRIENDSHIP: HOW WE KEEP UNTAMED BY GLENNON COMPLETELY EACH OTHER DOYLE FINE BY GAIL CLOSE BY HONEYMAN AMINATOU In honor of BIG UNTAMED Eleanor SOW FRIENDSHIP Women's Kick off the new AND ANN HOW WE History Month, year with this Oliphant GLENNON FRIEDMAN KEEP EACH we'll read fun story of an is completely fine OTHER CLOSE Untamed, which DOYLE ANN FRIEDMAN eccentric young GAIL HONEYMAN As we celebrate is part memoir, woman with a Healthy part call to carefully timed schedule. Will new, Relationships Week this month, action. It is the story of a woman unexpected friendships change her we'll explore this story of two learning how to live for herself, life of isolation and help her find friends and celebrate the power of instead of the world's expectations love? Find out with us! female friendships. of her. Two New Consultants The 2020-21 chapter consultant team has grown by two real, strong women! Now with 11 sisters, this team is doing outstanding work to support our current collegiate chapters and to prepare for our fall 2021 establishments at the University of Mississippi and the University of Rhode Island. Please welcome our two newest consultants! SIA TORTORELIS ALYSON VAN WINKLE SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) ZETA SIGMA (MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY) Sia earned a Bachelor of Arts in A former chapter president, Alyson biology and a Master of Arts in also served the Zeta Sigma chapter on teaching. In college, she served as vice the chapter relations and standards president intellectual development, board and as the assistant vice as well as sustainability chair, social president risk management. She media chair and representative on the graduated with a Bachelor of Science chapter relations and standards board. in public relations. After graduation, she volunteered as the Sigma chapter's intellectual development advisor. THE LYRE 7 AXO NEWS 2020 DVAM in Review THIS YEAR'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH FOCUSED ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OPPRESSION. BY ALLISON SUMMERS AJAZI, WEBINARS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP Nearly 500 people tuned into three webinars with domestic violence INITIATIVES organizations, national partners and activists. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread 1 Supporting Survivors: Panel Discussion across the nation, alarming statistics On October 1, emerged regarding the safety of survivors National and reminded us of the ever-important President Lynne Our Panelist Organizations need to support our local shelters and Herndon kicked service providers. As shared by the NATIONAL STRONGHEARTS off #AXODVAM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Native Helpline HOTLINE National Domestic Violence Hotline, for a conversation any external factors that add stress, with panelists isolation and financial strain can create UjIma casa de from the esperanza Against circumstances where a survivor's safety is National Domestic further compromised. Violence Hotline, Ujima, StrongHearts Native Helpline and Casa De Esperanza. With this knowledge, Alpha Chi Omega chapters pivoted their programming 2 Popular Culture and the 10 Signs of Healthy/Unhealthy and events to address our new realities Relationships as a nation and to learn more about On October 7, members joined the One Love Foundation to discuss populations disproportionally oppressed the 10 signs of healthy/unhealthy relationships in popular culture. And through domestic violence. on social media, our followers took quizzes to identify which TV and movie relationships were healthy! See how Alpha Chi Omega chapters used their creativity to meet the charge to educate others on domestic violence and oppression and to encourage healthy relationships, as well as how the Fraternity provided virtual programming throughout the month of October. Harry, Hennione & Ron Beth & Randall Eleanor & Chidi FROM HARRY POTTER FROM THIS IS US FROM THE GOOD PLACE WHICH ONE? WHICH ONE? WHICH ONE? Healthy Healthy Unhealthy Is Unhealthy Unhealthy HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS SOCIAL MEDIA QUIZ ADAPTED FROM #AXODVAM #AXODVAM #AXODVAM THE ONE LOVE FOUNDATION 8 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 3 Keynote: Beverly Gooden On October 22, Alpha Chi Omega hosted a closing keynote with Beverly Gooden, creator of the #WhyIStayed survivor-led social media movement. The Complexities of Domestic Violence Beverly Gooden @bevtgooden #WhylStayed VIRTUAL AND SOCIALLY DISTANCED EVENTS (TOP RIGHT) THETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA) RAISED AWARENESS WITH A PHOTOSHOOT Alpha Chi Omegas across the country found ways to raise FEATURING BUTTERFLIES AS A SYMBOL FOR awareness on their campuses and in their communities SURVIVORS. while staying safe during the pandemic, from virtual fundraisers to socially distanced tabling. Near the (NEAR RIGHT) KAPPA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH month's end, 56 chapters had raised more than $188,000 CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE) PLANNED A VIRTUAL CALLIGRAPHY CLASS TO ENGAGE ITS COMMUNITY through the Foundation's Community Impact program. AND RAISE FUNDS. domestic violence awareness month (FAR RIGHT) DELTA KAPPA (SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY) HOSTED A LUMINARY EVENT WITH ITS LOCAL SHELTER. Calligraphy Class THANK YOU! 10/22/2020 7:30 pm ET The organizations and people ZOOM we worked with this October, highlighted throughout these ask me how pages, are making a difference all year round. We appreciate their to sign up! support and encourage you to visit their websites and social media to @uncc alphachi learn more and engage with their efforts! IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR UNHEALTHY YOU NEVER DESERVE RELATIONSHIPS, TEXT "LOVE IS" TO 22522 AT ANY TIME TO CONNECT WITH CONFIDENTIAL ADVOCATES FROM LOVEISRESPECT.ORG. CALL/ TO BE MISTREATED. ONLINE CHAT WITH THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE AT THEHOTLINE.ORG OR 800-799-SAFE (7233). THE LYRE 9 AXO NEWS Featuring the largest selection of official Alpha Chi Omega merchandise! My Account Orders Inbox A Cart ALPHA CHI a Sign Up Log In Shop All Vendors Apparel Gifts Jewelry Decor Alumna Gallery ALPHA CHI Alpha Chi Omega STRONG WOMEN Introducing Shop Alpha Chi! THE NEWEST WAY asked Alpha Chi Omega, "Do you have an online store? TO FIND THE LATEST Where can I buy Alpha Chi Omega gifts?" With a BRANDED MERCHANDISE network of more than 400 currently licensed vendors, it's a challenge to narrow down the recommendation to just BY JILL RICHARDSON (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER one or two of those sites when members and friends of UNIVERSITY), ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF Alpha Chi Omega call headquarters to inquire. MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Working with Affinity Licensing, Alpha Chi Omega has A proud grandparent wanting to celebrate their created ShopAlphaChi.com to offer a one-stop shop granddaughter's initiation. that curates select items from participating licensed vendors. Check back often to see which items we are A sister looking for just the right gift for her big featuring on the home page, such as merchandise for sister's graduation. February's Healthy Relationships Week and domestic violence awareness. Current collections include: A new committee member trying to find inspiration for her chapter's philanthropy T-shirts. Apparel - T-shirts, sweatshirts and outerwear for any season A young alumna searching for the perfect blanket to add a Gifts - items to celebrate any Alpha Chi subtle touch of Alpha Chi pride in her new apartment. occasion Jewelry - bracelets, necklaces and more Are you looking for Alpha Chi Omega-branded apparel, Decor - items to bring a little Alpha Chi pride gifts, decor and more? Now you can find a broad array into your home or apartment of approved merchandise at any price point in one Alumna - merchandise tailored to alumnae convenient location at ShopAlphaChi.com! Gallery - additional items available for bulk orders Over the years, and as online shopping has grown into a Vendors - quick links to participating vendors' multi-trillion-dollar industry, members have repeatedly full websites 10 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Featuring the largest selection of official Alpha Chi Omega merchandise! My Account Orders Inbox H Cart ALPHA CHI a Sign Up Log In Shop All Vendors Apparel Gifts Jewelry Decor Alumna Gallery Champion + like SORT ALPHA CHI AXO ALPHA CHI AXO Featured Most Recent Price Low to High Price High to Low PRICE RANGE Alumnae Long Sleeve Shirt Alumnae Hoodie Sweatshir.. New! Alpha Chi Alumni Ch... New! Alpha Chi Alumna Cr... Less than $10 1 M&D Sorority Gifts M&D Sorority Gifts Campus Classics Campus Classics $10 to $20 $32.98 5 $42.98 $54.95 $21.95 $20 to $40 5 $40 to $60 2 Over $60 0 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ALPHA Ch OMFGA Alpha Chi Omega Stencil Crewneck The Social Life When you visit Shop Alpha Chi, you can be confident $29.99 you are shopping at Alpha Chi Omega-approved businesses committed to offering good customer service and quality products that appropriately use Alpha Chi ALPHA CHI Omega's trademarks. Plus, the royalties from each purchase help support Alpha Chi Omega's educational programming! Visit ShopAlphaChi.com to explore the largest selection of official Alpha Chi Omega merchandise today! The Social Life request THE MAJORITY OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S LICENSED VENDORS PRODUCE APPAREL, JEWELRY, DRINKWARE, DECOR AND OTHER COMMONLY BRANDED ITEMS, MANY OF WHICH YOU'LL FIND ON SHOPALPHACHI.COM A PORTION ARE NICHE Ready to explore Shop Alpha Chi but need to wait COMPANIES, CREATING A GREEK-INSPIRED LINE OF till pay day to order? You're in luck! Just like your FABRIC OR STATIONERY, FOR EXAMPLE. OTHERS, favorite Pinterest boards, you can create collections LIKE COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPHERS, ARTISTS OR of items you want to remember. Customers can save TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES, SERVE A DIFFERENT collections of merchandise they like, comment on COMMERCIAL NEED AND MOST OFTEN PROVIDE products or message vendors directly. Have a favorite PRODUCTS OR SERVICES FOR A CHAPTER RATHER THAN INDIVIDUALS. vendor and want to see if it is participating? You can search by vendor to see what merchandise is offered FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF LICENSED VENDORS, VISIT or search merchandise by style or price. When you WWW.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/MERCHANDISE. make an account, you can see what other users are recommending, consider other customers' vendor ON THIS PAGE, YOU CAN ALSO FIND MORE ratings and experiences, and conveniently track your INFORMATION ABOUT ORDERING BADGES, GUARDS, orders. DANGLES, MILESTONE PINS AND MORE THROUGH HEREF JONES, OUR OFFICIAL JEWELER. FOUNDATION Scholarship Recipients THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, THE FOUNDATION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO SISTERS. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WOMEN RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2020-21! ALEXA BARBARA ASHLEE KARLEY ERIKA NATALIE ARIS EMILY ADAMS AGUIRRE ALLEN ALLESHOUSE ANDERSON Beta Nu ARROYO Alpha Beta GARAYZAR Alpha Mu Kappa Omega Zeta Upsilon MerLynn Harris Theta Psi Claudia Steel lota Xi Ruth Paddock Alpha Chi Chapter Hannah Keenan Pitcher Scholarship The Rachel B. Swett Baker Fellowship Founders' Fellowship Mauger Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Endowment for Theta Psi Chapter DORY ASKINS ALYSHA LAUREN KIRA BARUCH LACEY EMILY CHLOE Theta Lambda ASSAF BAGDY Omega BEASLEY BONEBRAKE BREMER Anne Peel Hopkins Gamma Pi lota Psi Burnette Grimes Alpha Upsilon Beta Xi Alpha Mu Scholarship Lillian Pollack Cawley Ellen Schalk-Field Jones Scholarship, Alpha Chi Scholars MerLynn Harris Ruth Paddock Fund in Honor of Memorial Scholarship Karen E. Weir Fund Pitcher Scholarship Mauger Scholarship, Gamma Lambda Scholarship Alpha Chi Scholars Chapter Fund MARY BROWN RYAN LINDSAY HEATHER MONICA CHLOE LAUREN CAIN Zeta Omega BROWN- BUCHIGNANI BULLOCK BUNKLEY CABALLERO Alpha Pi Frances Patton Wilson EZELL lota Tau Psi Zeta Xi Theta lota Gertrude Galbraith Scholarship Alpha Omega Denslow Scholarship, Frances Ellen Schalk-Field Bonnie House Wiegman Scholarship, Mary Starkweather Alpha Chi Scholars Patton Wilson Memorial Scholarship Andrews Scholarship Alpha Chi Scholars Faust Scholarship Fund Fund Scholarship 12 ALPHA CHI OMEGA CASSANDRA KAYTLYN GRACE PAYTON CATO ALLIE RACHEL KATHERINE CAMPANOZZI CARLSON CASTILOW Alpha Upsilon CHAMBERS CHAPMAN CHEN Alpha Gamma Alpha Upsilon Beta Eta Honorable Harrison Epsilon Kappa Tau Iota Nu Marian McKee Miriam Decker Dorothea DeKay W. Ewing Fellowship Epsilon Kappa Alpha Gamma Alpha Alpha Chi Scholars Rosalie McKinney Scholarship Schick Scholarship Fund in Memory of Georgia Scholarship Fund Jackson Scholarship Christian Beble SARAH CHEN HAYLEE LAUREN CLAIRE JOHANNAH KELLY MAGGIE Gamma CHIARIELLO CHUNG CLARK COMISH CONLON CRAIG Patricia O'Brien lota Lambda Zeta Phi Gamma Zeta Upsilon Theta Upsilon Alpha Eta Frechette Scholarship The Robinette Family Alpha Chi Scholars Helen B. Steg Hannah Keenan Theta Upsilon Marjorie Carter for Gamma Chapter Legacy Scholarship, Fund Scholarship, Alpha Chi Scholarship Chapter Scholarship Breckner Memorial Alpha Chi Scholars Scholars Fund Fund Scholarship, Alpha Chi Fund Scholars Fund CEANNA SHANNON MIA MACKENZIE JAYCLYN BROOKE MIRANDA CUMMINGS CURRISTAN DANAHER DAVIS DEAN DELEHOY DELLA Kappa Omicron Beta Nu Theta Upsilon Psi Epsilon Kappa Epsilon Psi VECCHIO Marian McKee Frances Patton Wilson Theta Upsilon Fanet Marie Bradley Courtney Steward & Epsilon Psi Chapter Kappa Omicron Rosalie McKinney Scholarship Chapter Scholarship, Brown Ball Breece Ashley Knight Nelson 30th Anniversary Marian McKee Jackson Scholarship Alpha Chi Scholars Memorial Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Rosalie McKinney Fund Jackson Scholarship MARIE TATUM DEYO SOPHIA ISABELA SARAH LAUREN EMMA EDGAR CHARLOTTE Beta Lambda DIDIER DOBBS DOBSON DOWNES Beta Omicron DEMETRIADES Frances Tuttle Delta Omega Kappa Delta Epsilon Epsilon Zeta Florida Scholarship Zeta Omicron Casbarian Fund Bonnie House Patricia O'Brien Hannah Keenan Feannetta Land Zeta Omicron Andrews Scholarship Frechette Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Chapter Love & for Kappa Chapter Loyalty Fund THE LYRE 13 FOUNDATION HANNAH NICOLE HANNAH ARIELLE FAY YINA FINCH STEPHANIE AMAYA FOGG EHLINGER ESTESS FARMER Epsilon Zeta Beta Chi FLEGAL Alpha Psi Delta Chi Zeta Phi Delta Omicron Feannetta Land Darline Reiley Cooley Beta Eta Fudith Thomas Vigor Kuergeleis Scholarship John Edward Hurley, Hannah Keenan Scholarship Scholarship Lina Baum Van Roy Scholarship, Alpha Chi for Delta Chi Chapter Fr. Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholars Fund JULIA FORBES RACHEL EMILY KATHERINE MALLORY DANA PAYTON Beta Tau FREDERICKS GORDON GRAY GRIZZLE HAMILTON HANNA Alpha Delta Chapter Alpha Kappa Beta Eta Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Beta Chi Epsilon Tau Scholarship Fessie Fanyo Payne Dorothea DeKay Wesche Strasser LaRetta Matthews Beta Chi House Florence Armstrong Scholarship, Alpha Chi Schick Scholarship, Scholarship Garland Scholarship, Corporation Scholarship, Alpha Chi Scholars Fund Alpha Chi Scholars Alpha Chi Scholars Scholarship in Scholars Fund Fund Fund Memory of Katherine Redmond LIZ HANNAN SYDNEY GABBY MEGHAN SIERRA ERINN DENNISE Epsilon HANSEN HARPER HAYES HAZARD HERMSEN HERNANDEZ- Alpha Chi Scholars Alpha Lambda Nu Upsilon Beta Alpha Lambda PLASCENCIA Fund Harriet Thwing Helen Leytze Radcliffe Helen B. Steg Genevieve M. Rasco Ellen Schalk-Field Zeta Psi Holden Scholarship Scholarship, Alpha Chi Scholarship Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Honorable Harrison Scholars Fund W. Ewing Fellowship MICHELE JENNA KENZIE NANCY JOSA KERNS ABBY LARSON MIRANDA HUGHEY JOHNSTON KAPPERMAN KENNEDY- Alpha Chi Alpha Lambda LOMBRANA lota Alpha Phi Xi DELGADO Hortense Osmun Gloria Mae Nelson Epsilon Kappa Ellen Schalk-Field John Edward Hurley, Marion Moritz Omicron Miller/Hortense Memorial Scholarship, Epsilon Kappa Memorial Scholarship Fr. Scholarship Scholarship Miller Adams Alpha Chi Scholars Omicron Chapter Scholarship in Scholarship Fund Centennial Memory of Christian Scholarship Beble, Alpha Chi Scholars Fund 14 ALPHA CHI OMEGA PAIGE KAITLYN EDITH MARES CANDACE KRISTEN ROSE RACHEL MADONIA- MANNING Zeta Theta MARTIN MASELLI MCFARLAND MCNEAL FOSTER Zeta Psi Honorable Harrison Zeta Upsilon Kappa Pi Chi Zeta Nu Xi Shawn Margaret W. Ewing Fellowship Ellen Schalk-Field Bonnie House Annabelle Grant Zeta Nu 25th Jane Bird Lobse Donnelley Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Andrews Scholarship Parsons Scholarship Anniversary Fund Scholarship KAELA KIM MEG NICOLE GRACE ANNE ALEX LAUREN MILLER MONFORT MORELAND MORGAN MOYE MURPHY MUSSHORN Gamma Mu Zeta Nu Alpha Lambda Kappa Omicron Psi Beta Eta Delta Mu Gamma Mu Fund in Zeta Nu 25th Harriet Thwing Founders' Fellowship, Edna Hoffman Beta Eta Love & Jane Bird Lobse Memory of Kathleen Anniversary Fund Holden Scholarship Alpha Chi Scholars Bowman Scholarship, Loyalty Fund, Alpha Scholarship Rowland Fund Alpha Chi Scholars Chi Scholars Fund Fund JENNIFER THUY NIKOL CLAIRE NAOMI MOLLY AGATHA NGUYEN NGUYEN NIKOLOVA NORMAN NYARKO O'CONNELL ORLOVSKA Epsilon Lambda Epsilon Lambda Zeta Omicron Zeta Phi Chi Delta Chi Alpha Alpha Chi Scholars Alpha Chi Scholars Zeta Omicron Marian McKee Annabelle Grant LaVone Woblbier Bel LaRue Neal Fund Fund Chapter Love & Rosalie McKinney Parsons Scholarship Bartine/Lisa Bartine Scholarship Loyalty Fund Jackson Scholarship Ferguson Scholarship SOPHIA FRANKIE MAGGIE CASSIDY KELLY CELIA NICOLE PALACIOS PALMER PARKS PEARSON PELLEGRINO PETERSON PETROVIC Alpha Lambda Alpha Upsilon Beta Sigma Beta Nu Zeta Phi Beta Nu Delta Lambda Harriet Thwing Hannah Keenan Fulie Cain Burkhard MerLynn Harris Mary Emma Griffith MerLynn Harris Marian McKee Holden Scholarship Scholarship Beta Sigma Pitcher Scholarship Marshall Fellowship Pitcher Scholarship Rosalie McKinney Scholarship Jackson Scholarship THE LYRE 15 FOUNDATION ABBIE KATALINA KAYLAN ALYSSA LESLIE KATIE JENNA PYLE PHILLIPS PIEGER PINNIX POWELL PRIDEAUX PRIMROSE Gamma Mu Zeta Omicron lota Sigma Delta Mu Epsilon Nu Sigma Psi Fody Bayer Martindill Frances Patton Wilson Donna Smith Chereck Alpha Chi Scholars Jane Bird Lobse Ellen Schalk-Field Miriam Decker Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Fund Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Scholarship MEGAN BRITANY ALEXA ANN SOPHIE KARA RIFFE CAMRYN EMMA RIVERS RAFFUL REDDISH RICHARDS RICHARDS Delta Epsilon RIVENBURGH Gamma Rho Epsilon Eta Alpha Psi Chi Delta Epsilon Honorable Harrison Delta Epsilon Texas Scholarship Alpha Chi Scholars Miriam Decker Annabelle Grant Delta Epsilon W. Ewing Fellowship Marian McKee Fund Scholarship Parsons Scholarship 50th Anniversary Rosalie McKinney Scholarship Fund, Jackson Scholarship Alpha Chi Scholars Fund LAURA RIZZO REBECCA YSABEL ROSE TAYLOR ROTZ LINDSEY ROY SASHA BREI RUELAS Beta Nu ROCKMAKER Epsilon Kappa Upsilon Theta lota ROZMAN Epsilon Eta MerLynn Harris Zeta Pi Brooke Fessler Alpha Chi Scholars Honorable Harrison Lambda Marian McKee Pitcher Scholarship Lillian Pollack Cawley Graduate Scholarship Fund W. Ewing Fellowship Marian McKee Rosalie McKinney Fund in Honor of for Epsilon Kappa Rosalie McKinney Jackson Scholarship Gamma Lambda Jackson Scholarship Chapter ISSY MCKENZIE MICHELLE KAITLYN SARAH AUBREE KATIE SCOTT RUSHTON RUSSELL SALYER SCADINA SCHMIDT SCHRANDT Gamma Chi Theta Upsilon Epsilon Zeta Gamma Tau MANSFIELD Alpha Lambda Chi Alpha Chi Scholars Frances Patton Wilson Feannetta Land Ellen Schalk-Field Pi Gloria Mae Nelson Lauren Snow Fund Scholarship Scholarship Memorial Scholarship The Angels of Pi Memorial Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Scholarship 16 ALPHA CHI OMEGA HANNAH GABI SHUTT ABBIE SINGER LILLIAN MADISON BLAIRE JENNIFER SEVILLANO Kappa Rho Chi SMITH STEPHENS TAGGART TAMKIN Epsilon Kappa Alpha Chi Scholars Margaret Coates Alpha Lambda Epsilon Zeta Alpha Upsilon Delta Mu Epsilon Kappa Fund Sawyer Memorial Harriet Thwing Jeannetta Land Marsha King Grady Marian McKee Scholarship in Scholarship, Alpha Chi Holden Scholarship Scholarship Fund for Alpha Rosalie McKinney Memory of Christian Scholars Fund Upsilon Chapter, Jackson Scholarship Beble Alpha Chi Scholars Fund OLIVIA ASHLEY TRAN MACEY VAN RITA VEGA ALLISON KATIE VIZYAK HALEY TAYLOR Epsilon Psi ACKEREN Theta VENUTO Nu WAGNER Beta Eta Epsilon Psi Chapter Xi Theta Chapter Love Theta lota Nu Nu Alumnae Phi Beta Eta Love & 30th Anniversary Marion Moritz & Loyalty Fund Ellen Schalk-Field Chapter Scholarship Janice Crandall Loyalty Fund Scholarship Scholarship, Alpha Chi Memorial Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Scholars Fund Brittany LAUREN ANNIE LAUREN KAYLEIGH BRITTANY KIKU YONEDA ALYSSA ZENZ WAKE WANLESS WASISCO WIESMANN WONDERLY Epsilon Psi Delta Tau Beta Nu Epislon Beta Lambda Epsilon Omicron Delta Chi Cathy Smith Boragno Harriet Thwing Ellen Schalk-Field Miriam Decker Erica Lyn Bowden Epsilon Omicron Kuergeleis Scholarship Scholarship Holden Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Love & Loyalty Fund, for Delta Chi Chapter Alpha Chi Scholars Fund "Alpha Chi Omega has taught me how to be an effective and selfless leader. Thanks to the help of this scholarship, I will be DANIELLE KAYLA able to focus more on my studies and ZOIS ZREPSKEY Epsilon Kappa Beta Epsilon educational pursuits." Ellen Schalk-Field Hortense Osmun Memorial Scholarship Miller/Hortense Miller Adams Scholarship THE LYRE 17 FOUNDATION Creating a Community of Real, Strong Women ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION 2019-20 IMPACT REPORT T through structured programming, a lifetime of opportunities and an open environment that fosters strength and courage, we develop leaders and change-makers through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience. AS A DONOR, YOU'RE HELPING TO CREATE A COMMUNITY OF WOMEN THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT WHO positively impact the world. $ An ON BEHALF OF EVERY WOMAN WHOSE LIFE WAS IMPACTED BY YOUR $5,568,093 $1,117,197 GIFTS, WE THANK YOU FOR LEAVING TOTAL GRANTED TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS FRATERNITY an inspiring legacy FROM 13,354 UNIQUE FOR DONORS TRANSFORMATIONAL AND FOR HELPING TO SHAPE THE PROGRAMS FUTURE OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA." 55,000 8,000 FOUNDATION- FOUNDATION - MARY PAT LAMBKE, FUNDED FUNDED FOUNDATION CHAIR COLLEGIATE ALUMNAE BETA EPSILON EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES (MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY) 18 ALPHA CHI OMEGA $242,070 IN SCHOLARSHIPS YOU $28,467 MAKE IN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS THE $135,775 DIFFERENCE IN MEMBER ASSISTANCE GRANTS $115,168 IN CHAPTER EDUCATION GRANTS CONTRIBUTIONS BY PURPOSE Real. Strong. Women. Fund: $1,461,013 SCHOLARSHIPS AND Housing: $2,022,937 GRANTS Community Impact*: $908,415 The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation provides life- Fraternity programs: $545,038 changing financial support for sisters through all phas Scholarships and program endowments: $634,964 of life. Your gifts help fund scholarships and grants to sisters help them afford the rising cost of a college education This year, the Foundation provided critical grants for sisters struggling from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, awarding $124,660 to 250 sisters Additional assistance grants supported sisters facing financial crises due to job loss, medical situations and natural disasters. The Foundation also supports all collegiate sisters * The Community Impact program allows chapters to fundraise through the Foundation. These funds by providing chapter education grants to collegiate are granted to local charities, including domestic chapters to pay for leadership and educational violence agencies. programs. THE LYRE 19 FOUNDATION 2019-20 Leadership Circle Lauryn Ackley, Gamma Nu* Cheryl Buxton, Gamma Xi Mary Lynn Ferguson-McHugh, Alice Hawk, Omicron Susie Adams, Alpha Phi Heather Carrio, Psi Delta Sigma Susan Hayes, Beta Chi Sally Allen, Nu Tanya Case, Alpha Gamma Amanda Finch, Delta Pi Jennifer Healy, Alpha Kristen Anderson, Gamma Kathleen Castro, Alpha Psi Joyce Fleming, Omicron Omicron Iota Jenny Champlin, Psi Mary Ford, Alpha Beta Maureen Heekin, Alpha Judy Anderson, Alpha Lambda Susan Esco Chandler, Psi** Sherry Forsee, Delta Epsilon Omicron Tabitha Arias, Psi Donna Chereck, Alpha Phi** Allison Foster, Gamma Chi Anne Helliwell, Gamma Iota** Jari Askins, Psi Suzanne Cobb, Epsilon Sylvia Foster, Beta Eta Betty Hemmeter, Beta Theta Mary Augustiny, Gamma Heather Coleman, Delta Psi** Ellie Fox, Psi Martha Henderson, Alpha Phi Sigma June Cook, Alpha Mu Lorna Fox, Alpha Lambda Amanda Hene, Beta Sigma Mary Baker, Delta Mu Jenn Cornell, Zeta Lambda Angela Freeland, Zeta Eta Lynne Herndon, Alpha Sylvia Baker-Moore, Delta Ashlee Cribb Woliver, Epsilon Amy Jo Gabel Upsilon* Zeta Phi Katie Gaffin, Delta Zeta* Lindsay Hicks, Alpha Chi Sheri Baldwin, Phi Jennifer Crotty, Delta Mu Holly Galbraith, Beta Xi Deirdre Hill, Epsilon Zeta Julie Balk, Beta Nu Betty Crouch, Alpha Nu* Shannon Gallagher-Bolton, Pi Kristin Himsel, Alpha Cindy Ballard, Zeta Rho Nancy Crowther, Alpha Sigma Phyllis Gambill, Alpha Chi Bonnie Hockema, Alpha Beta Mary Jane Barger, Alpha Psi Jan Culver, Beta Tau Mary Gendry, Upsilon Lisa Hoegerman, Epsilon Psi Paula Barnes, Delta Rho Jan Curschman, Beta Phi Traci Gerdes, Gamma Chi Sharon Holbrook, Iota Constance Barsky, Delta Xi Karen Curtis, Delta Pi Cassie Gerhardt, Alpha Pi* Rachael Hood, Alpha Gamma LaVone Bartine, Alpha Jill Dale, Gamma Mu Anne Gerhart, Alpha Nu Emma Horn, Alpha Lambda Judith Danziger, Beta Epsilon Marykay Gillam, Epsilon Iota Gail Howell, Gamma Iota Ruth Bartlett, Beta Sigma Jennifer Daurora, Delta Robin Gladstein, Psi Janis Rose Hurter, Zeta Emilie Beagle, Upsilon** Mary Davids, Chi Laura Glenn, Beta Epsilon Omicron** Judy Benning, Epsilon Zeta Carol Davis, Pi Kathy Gore, Beta Lambda Carol Hutcheson, Epsilon Zeta Cathy Bessant, Theta Gwen Deal, Delta Chi Marilyn Grace, Psi Molly Ironmonger, Alpha Beta Bonnie Biggs, Epsilon Chi Kitty deKieffer, Epsilon Marsha Grady, Alpha Jennifer Jackson, Gamma Iota Diane Blackwelder, Omicron Kappa** Upsilon Lisa Jeran, Zeta Upsilon Erin Bley, Psi* Ann DiAntonio, Theta Pam Graham, Alpha Phi Alice Johnson, Beta Rho Leslie Block, Theta Tau Lambda Leigh Grantham, Epsilon Zeta Judy Judson, Gamma Jennifer Bonenfant, Gamma Polly Dobbs, Gamma Mu Sue Greathouse, Delta Psi Eve Kampmeinert, Alpha Zeta Chi Elizabeth Donaldson, Alpha Leslie Griffith, Kappa Amy Kates, Zeta Phi Cathy Boragno, Delta Sigma** Shawn Donnelley, Zeta Psi Martha Gschneidner, Delta Krista Kauper, Zeta Omicron Kami Borden, Epsilon Zeta Jean Durling, Beta Tau Nu Karen Kay, Delta Chi* Christine Bornand, Zeta Nu Kristin Edwards, Beta Epsilon Liza Hallsten, Alpha Omega Melanie Kilgore, Delta Maya Botvinick, Epsilon Susan Eich, Zeta Upsilon Katie Hanrahan Pierce, Beta Upsilon Kappa Elaine Ellertson, Beta Nu Rho Kelly Kilgour, Kappa Nu* Lynn Bower, Epsilon Kappa Tracy Embree, Theta Omicron Stephanie Hansen, Pi Natasha King, Delta Lambda Cindy Braaten, Alpha Gamma Diane Erdman, Kappa* Chelsea Hardy, Gamma Iota Flo Kirschbaum, Gamma Mikelle Brady, Alpha* Kaye Evleth, Delta Psi* Nancy Harman, Gamma Rho Donna Klinge, Epsilon Kappa Julie Burkhard, Beta Sigma Ann Farrow, Gamma Epsilon Julia Harris, Delta Rho Kristin Koppen, Delta Chi Sandra Burr, Beta Phi Jan Faulkner, Beta Eta Angela Harris, Alpha Beta* Suzanne Kuch, Nu** Christine Bush, Theta Judy Fecel, Alpha Beta Miek Hart, Sigma** Angie Kucharski, Gamma Kathy Butkiewicz, Alpha Chi* Kori Fellows, Alpha Phi** Michelle Hawes, Beta Xi Jill Lacy, Gamma Mu* 20 ALPHA CHI OMEGA THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION S PLEASED TO HONOR LEADERSHIP CIRCLE DONORS WHO SUPPORTED THE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. FUND WITH GIFTS OF 000 OR MORE DURING THE 2019-20 FISCAL YEAR. DONOR LISTING AS OF JULY 31, 2020 Jessica Lahey, Gamma Zeta** Ruth Moeller, Alpha Babs Sandeen, Epsilon Psi Melissa Taylor, Alpha Upsilon Mary Beth Lake, Epsilon Phi Maggie Molleston, Iota Sigma Vicky Sauer-Lamb, Epsilon Xi Anne Teaford-Cantor, Alpha Mary Pat Lambke, Beta Valerie Morrison, Theta Sigma Courtney Schmidt, Alpha Psi** Epsilon Diane Murphy, Epsilon Psi Judy Schmuck, Delta Chi* Christi Tennyson, Delta Chi* Bobbi Larsen, Xi Lynne Murphy-Gere, Alpha Judy Schubert, Alpha Mu* Jennifer Terry, Zeta Lambda Debbie Law, Alpha Chi Mu Christina Sechrest, Theta Sharon Theodore, Beta Lisa Lawless, Theta Omega Deborah Musa, Alpha Chi Omicron Epsilon Esther Lawson, Alpha Delta Amy Mustafa, Beta Phi Donna Seegers, Epsilon Eta Jane Thessin, Beta Theta** Sharon Lease, Gamma Tau* Jolie Napier-Vea, Iota Tau Nancy Selleck, Phi Marion Thompson, Chi* Carolyn Lee, Delta Rho Bev Nichols, Alpha Nu Willie Shafer, Xi Adrienne Torre, Beta Lambda Shirley LeForge, Delta Theta* Dena Norrod, Delta Zeta Jane Shannahan, Gamma Karen Toughey, Gamma Zeta Ellen Lewis, Omicron Laura Noteware, Beta Psi Betsy Shannon, Beta Tori Trobak, Alpha Lambda Jo-Ann Little, Gamma Sigma Joyce Oliver, Beta Sigma Kara Sheets, Gamma Epsilon* Virginia Ueberroth, Gamma Helen Lockhart, Alpha Janet Olsen, Gamma Eta Ann Shepard, Mu Eta Lambda Rebecca Olson, Theta Margi Shostedt, Alpha Janice Van Ekeren, Delta Nu Lee Lucas, Gamma Chi Ann Olson, Alpha Pi Lambda Lindsay Vise, Omicron Pamela Ludke, Delta Rho Alarie Ornburn, Delta Chi Sheri Shoup, Alpha Phi** Nancy Waiss, Omega Carol Lutz, Epsilon Chi Frances Pastuszenski, Epsilon Kara Shuror, Epsilon Lambda Maggie Ward, Epsilon Theta Barbara Lynch, Alpha Beta Psi Stephanie Sibley, Gamma Nu Teresa Warner, Psi Thomasina Madden, Zeta Eta Jen Patterson, Beta Phi Mari-jean Siehl, Alpha Edith Webb, Beta Rho Katy Madsen, Psi Joan Perry, Zeta Lambda Omicron Deb Wehrman, Delta Chi Maree Magliocchetti, Alpha Judy Phillips, Gamma Lambda Karen Siladi, Delta Zeta Mary Welch, Alpha Beta Tau Kim Phillips, Alpha Beta Janet Sinegal, Gamma Nu Heather Wendt, Sigma Yvette Martinez, Zeta Nu MerLynn Pitcher, Beta Xi** Sandy Singleton, Gamma Rho Lynette Wert, Psi** Suzanne Masters, Delta Pi* Tammy Porsche, Kappa Marlene Small, Epsilon Suzanne Wester, Beta Eta Patricia Mattingley, Beta Susan Pyke, Gamma Xi Lambda Thelma Wever, Omicron Zeta** Melissa Ramirez, Beta Omega Susan Smith, Gamma Sigma Jan Whitlow, Alpha Nu Michele Mattoon, Rho Mary Ramser, Alpha Omicron Mary Smith, Delta Rho Susan Wilcox, Beta Eta Carla Mattson, Alpha Nu Karen Rayburn, Zeta Lambda Bonnie Smith, Epsilon Zeta LouAnn Wilcox, Alpha Nu** Margaret Maxwell, Beta Susan Rehorn, Zeta Pi* Alice Snedeker, Epsilon Phi Susan Wilson, Beta Lambda Lambda* Jensy Richards, Sigma** Carolynn Snyder, Beta Zeta Mary Winkler, Epsilon Zeta Maxine Mazur, Alpha Tau** Bridget Riordan, Gamma Mu Joyce St. Clair, Alpha Mu Julie Wisbrock, Phi Virginia McCahan, Alpha Jennifer Riso, Epsilon Omega Aggie Steiner, Beta Eta Corinne Wolffe, Zeta Eta* Upsilon Lisa Roane, Delta Joan Stephans, Alpha Iota Kathie Woolard, Delta Sigma Kim McClure, Gamma Mary Ann Rokovich, Gamma Darlene Stevenson, Gamma Suzanne Wyness, Upsilon Omicron Eta Delta** Diane Young, Epsilon Tau Jane McGeehan, Alpha Beta Sandra Rosen, Omicron Karen Stewart, Beta Epsilon* Penny Zamkov, Lambda Anne McInnis, Delta Psi** Suzanna Rubottom, Iota Katie Stivers, Delta Psi Susan McLendon, Gamma Phi Lambda Kristin Stolz, Alpha Beta *LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Heidi Melin, Beta Chi Danielle Russell, Alpha Chi Shirley Stone, Beta Epsilon* SILVER ($2,500+) Michelle Merrick, Epsilon Xi Patty Russell, Alpha Beta Lynne Strasser, Alpha Eta **LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Karen Miley, Alpha Lambda Jane Salter, Delta Pi Suzie Symcox, Psi GOLD ($5,000+) Karen Moberley, Delta Omega Katie Samuels, Beta Psi Tonya Tatum, Beta Lambda THE LYRE 21 FOUNDATION DONOR SPOTLIGHT Lifelong fraternity appreciation specialist and still serve in this role today. I chose this specialty because I wanted to Tools from learn more about our Ritual since I didn't have the undergraduate experience. Since then, I've participated in many ceremonies and trainings and even served as a AXQ facilitator at Leadership Academy. I find great joy and teachings in Alpha Chi Omega's programs. In addition, BY CHELSEA HARDY I have worked with chapters in the Pacific Northwest (GAMMAIOTA, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA) and northern California and have experienced the Foundation-supported program Let's Talk Love. y Alpha Chi Omega experience started M differently than most. I joined Alpha Chi Experiencing Let's Omega as an alumna initiate in 2012. At the Talk Love gave me the time, I was a young professional in my early 20s looking confidence and tools I to make true connections outside of my college campus. needed to make change I didn't know what to expect but was welcomed with in my own life. Recently, open arms by my sisters. I opened up about sexual harassment I For a variety of reasons, Greek life at my school wasn't was experiencing in an option. After graduating, my mom (who is an the workplace. My first Alpha Chi Omega) suggested I look into the alumna complaint was in 2014, initiate program. I was living in Denver and reached and unfortunately, that out to the Nu Nu alumnae chapter to learn more. Right organization decided to away, I was welcomed into the chapter and surrounded "reinvestigate" my claim this year. What was different by women who cared about me and my well-being and this time was that I felt equipped with the tools to see who wanted to help me become an initiated member. I how certain individuals were trying to manipulate and am forever grateful for their kindness and willingness to change my story to suit them. This was something I take a chance on me. learned about in Let's Talk Love. I was able to directly call out that person for making me feel that way and One of the best parts of my experience is that I was had the courage to say it needed to stop. I wish I had a initiated into my mother's chapter at the University of program like Let's Talk Love while I was in college and Florida. She pinned me during the Initiation Ceremony, am grateful our collegiate women get to experience this and I can proudly say I'm a member of the Gamma lota program and gain tools they can use for a lifetime. chapter - go Gators! It is important to me that these programs and After initiation, I began volunteering as a Ritual and Alpha Chi Omega remain for years to come. In addition to donating my time, I make it a priority to LET'S TALK LOVE IS A FOUNDATION-SUPPORTED support the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation as a donor. PROGRAM DESIGNED TO EDUCATE MEMBERS I believe Alpha Chi Omega is the future of women's ON DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND organizations with its forward-thinking initiatives and HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. IT HELPS PARTICIPANTS its willingness to learn and grow. I am an Alpha Chi UNDERSTAND THE WARNING SIGNS OF UNHEALTHY Omega and cannot wait to see what this organization RELATIONSHIPS AND HOW TO BE A SUPPORTIVE has to offer in the future. FRIEND. 22 ALPHA CHI OMEGA HOUSING Returning Home in the Normal BY ELIZA PAYNE (DELTA CHI, WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY), HOUSING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR or.mal: conforming to a type, standard or N regular pattern; characterized by that which is considered usual, typical or routine. If you consult the Merriam-Webster dictionary, this is alpha the definition of "normal" you would find - and it is what we expect when students are moving back onto campuses in the fall and moving into their Alpha Chi Omega chapter facilities. We expect the normal. We expect to hug our friends and chapter sisters we haven't see all summer, expect to have our family members assist with move-in, expect to have fellow classmates over for study sessions, expect to connect with professors in the classroom. What we didn't expect was the curveball of 2020 and how COVID-19 has required every chapter and every academic institution to adopt a "new normal" for students. So what does that look like? How can we MOVE-IN LOOKED A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR prioritize safety of all while keeping students engaged AT DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY). and on track academically? We suddenly find ourselves needing to change traditionally normal procedures such as move-in and mealtimes for in-house members. both college/university and Alpha Chi Omega staff Members must create Zoom study groups instead of members. National Vice President Cassie Gerhardt meeting in person. We ask ourselves: How do we still (Alpha Pi, University of North Dakota), who is the create that feeling of home in our Alpha Chi Omega associate vice president for student affairs & diversity facilities with these new procedures? What does it look and associate dean of students at the University of like to prepare for COVID-19 in a sorority house and on North Dakota, stated that her institution had been campus? planning for students' return since May, and even then some plans "weren't finalized until just a few days The planning for students to move back onto campuses before students started returning to campus given across the country spanned many months and involved changes and updates in best practices." THE LYRE 23 HOUSING Cassie shares, "Move-in processes for our residence halls looked much different than 'normal' years. We facilitated key pick-up from a centralized, drive-thru location rather than a face-to-face process. Students had to schedule move-in times in order to limit the number of people in stairwells and elevators. Students were also asked to only have two guests join them to assist with move-in, and everyone was expected to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance. We also chose to remove welcome volunteers from the process in order to limit the density around the residence halls. AXO While it was different, students and family members understood why it had to be different, and most appreciated the measures we took to support health and safety." Many colleges and universities across the country limited the number of move-in helpers, and students sometimes had a certain timeframe they could move into their buildings. While there were many students who elected to complete their fall term virtually from the start, ALPHA TAU (UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE) thousands of students chose to return to campus to ROOMMATES WERE HAPPY TO BE BACK AT THEIR HOME be in person as much as possible. When discussing the AWAY FROM HOME. NOTE: MEMBERS ARE PERMITTED TO drive to return to campus, Cassie explains, "Students REMOVE MASKS WHEN IN THEIR OWN ROOMS. are looking for normal. Even if it is a 'new normal,' returning to campus for the fall semester was a bit closer to normal. Students left campus in mid-March more important than ever. Keeping members engaged and completed the spring semester from their homes or while being unable to gather in the same place has been other locations. Getting back to campus and their home a challenge for our collegiate members, but the women away from home was a step forward as they continue to at Alpha Tau, like many chapters, have gotten creative navigate the realities of the pandemic." through social media and virtual chapter meetings in order to maintain their sisterhood and morale. Olivia Gallo, vice president facility operations for the Alpha Tau chapter at the University of New Hampshire, The Rho chapter at the University of Washington had adds, "The main factors for women to move back into also been preparing for approximately six months for the house are the location of the house and the aspect members' return to the facility. Kelli Currie (Theta of being all together. Every year the women always say Pi, University of California, Davis), president of the they loved living in the house and are SO happy they did local house corporation for Rho chapter, shared that because you form lifelong friendships and relationships many changes have been made: "[We] have adjusted with members in our sorority. It really is a mini family, everything from occupancy to chores. Members and we all lean on each other and support each other have assigned bathrooms, meals are prepared in to- through the school year." go containers, all common areas are distanced and members must wear masks when outside of their In times such as these, those friendships and bonds are rooms." 24 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Wearing masks in all common areas is a requirement factories pausing production during the shutdown. for all Alpha Chi Omega facilities, as well as for many When outbreaks occur, [there is] increased demand for spaces on college and university campuses. delivered goods and a global impact on the availability of raw materials." Chapters have not been on their own in figuring out how to create safe living spaces. The National Housing Becky says finances and occupancy have been the areas Corporation spent the spring and summer months most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for chapter on consultation calls with chapter leadership teams facilities. She explains, "We are seeing reductions in and local house corporations, working together to rental income on average between 15-20% for the evaluate each chapter's individual circumstances, current academic year, coupled with increases to from move-in procedures to reduced occupancies to operational expenses due to required modifications requirements from college/university administrations. to facilities for social distancing, more cleaning and Staff also created detailed resources for vice presidents increased demand on certain supplies. Occupancy facility operations to guide them in making decisions numbers have fallen on average by 15% in the numbers for their members and maintained communication we are tracking, but some facilities have seen 50% or as campus situations continued to change this fall. As more reductions in tenants or even complete closures." we've worked with our chapter officers, we've been SO impressed with their leadership and commitment to While chapter and housing budgets are always a top creating a positive housing experience amid this "new focus, this year in particular has brought out a new normal." level of priority in the budgeting process. Projects that were on the docket to happen this year have been put Another resource for our chapters is CSL Management, on hold in a concentrated effort to preserve funding for a property management company that assists chapter facilities. As Kelli sums up, "We're frustrated by fraternities and sororities across the country. The the inability to make the improvements to the facility Alpha Chi Omega National Housing Corporation has that we would regularly plan for, but happy to have enjoyed a partnership with CSL for several years and created a budget that is sustainable for a couple of years has worked closely with its team during the pandemic of reduced live-in capacity, if needed." to ensure safety measures are being met along with daily operations. Becky Ratterman, director of facility "Challenging' is the first word that comes to mind, operations for CSL, says that while many of the day-to- but overall, it has been inspiring to see our industry day tasks are still the same, a lot has changed with the and the entire Greek community rally," Becky says. "We COVID-19 environment for their team. have been in this together, and the true meaning of the fraternal spirit has been on display throughout the past Becky adds that CSL has been focused on four areas in nine months." supporting its clients and the industry: 1) developing operational changes to encourage social distancing; 2) Our chapters, colleges and universities, local house collaborating with industry partners in areas of food corporations, vendors, the National Housing service, cleaning and supply management to ensure a Corporation team and other headquarters staff members safe and clean chapter facility; 3) enhanced financial and have come together this year to quickly adapt to the budget controls to reduce expenses and preserve cash "new normal" and create safe environments for our where possible; and 4) virtual education opportunities members to live and grow in, and for that we could not for house directors, volunteers and headquarters staff. be more thankful. It truly takes a village, and we are SO thankful for ours! The pandemic has also affected the housing industry in ways you may not think. Becky shares "The supply chain has certainly been disrupted by the pandemic given THE LYRE 25 HOUSING Facility Focus THESE PROJECTS WERE NEARLY COMPLETED BEFORE THE PANDEMIC AND WELCOMED OUR SISTERS BACK HOME THIS FALL. EPSILON ETA (STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY) This chapter facility saw several rooms upgraded during the spring, including the dining room and chapter room. BEFORE AFTER DELTA PI (UNIVERSITY OF AFTER TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE) Our Delta Pi sisters were welcomed back this fall with updated areas of the facility, including the dining room and the informal living room. BEFORE 26 ALPHA CHI OMEGA NOTE: THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN alphachiomega.org/recommend PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC. Know someone who would make a great sister? As a member of Alpha Chi Omega, you are our best resource for helping recruit real, strong women into our sisterhood. If you know an outstanding young woman who plans to participate in recruitment on her campus, be sure to take advantage of our convenient online recommendation form to let the chapter know. Visit alphachiomega.org/recommend to create and submit a recruitment recommendation form. While you're there, view our helpful videos, FAQs and other resources to discover what's new with recruitment! COLLEGIATE CORNER A LOOK INSIDE Virtual Recruitment T his fall, chapters traded door stacks for Zoom chat boxes and bumping for breakout rooms as recruitments across the country went virtual. And while Alpha Chi Omega had never experienced this setup before 2020, our numerous new members prove that the Real. Strong. Women. Experience still resonates with college women today! Che Omeg PREFER NCE ROUND ALLS When many colleges and universities shifted their From AXO Barbara teaching models to virtual (via videoconferencing (she/her) Everyone platforms) or hybrid (via a mixture of in-person and / ® Reactions virtual methods) for the fall term due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic, student activities including PNMS WERE WELCOMED TO SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) CHAPTER'S PREFERENCE ROUND WITH VISUALS AND sorority recruitment also shifted. MESSAGES IN THE CHAT WINDOW. The fall 2020 Lyre reported that as of August 5, 2020, not quite 33% (48 of 146) of our Alpha Chi Omega an Instagram account with tips and tricks for virtual chapters had planned a fully structured recruitment recruiting. hosted virtually, with the remainder planning for hybrid, deferred or partially structured versions. With the For our collegiate members, pre-recruitment weeks continued rise of cases of COVID-19 across the country held over videoconference allowed them to learn and especially on some college campuses, college everything from round specifics to how they could best Panhellenics saw the need to move to fully virtual connect with potential structures, sometimes giving our chapters a matter of new members (PNMs) days to switch their plans to virtual! As of September 18, through a screen - and FAST FACTS 2020, in the heart of fall recruitment season, 92% of our of course there was time 105 OF OUR 146 fall-recruiting chapters had completed or were planning to spend bonding and CHAPTERS HELD on a fully structured virtual recruitment. This decision participating in sisterhood RECRUITMENT THIS was in accordance with the National Panhellenic events! In fully virtual FALL. Conference (NPC) procedural guidance to conduct recruitments, the first remaining fall recruitments fully virtually. round did not involve 92% OF FALL- members meeting PNMs; RECRUITING CHAPTERS Alpha Chi Omega had already been working throughout instead PNMs watched HELD VIRTUAL the summer to provide support to our fall-recruiting videos introducing them RECRUITMENTS. chapters, including individual chapter consultations and to each chapter on their coaching, more than 60 new resources, webinars, and campus and ranked their 98% OF CHAPTERS MADE QUOTA. 28 ALPHA CHI OMEGA preference from those and any connections they made throughout the summer. Members scored PNMs based on their relationships and information submitted through the campus Panhellenic sign-up process. For the remainder of virtual rounds, PNMs joined parties hosted over videoconference. As PNMs entered their assigned parties, they were greeted by collegiate members, and the chapter shared speeches and videos related to each round's theme, such as sisterhood or philanthropy. Collegiate members and PNMs joined breakout rooms for more intimate one-on- EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) one discussions just like in a traditional, in-person recruitment! which is extremely helpful for their budgets during the pandemic. Sisters gained important life skills like The virtual format even allowed for creative new adaptability, creativity and building connections over activities. For example, some chapters shared about our technology, and we loved seeing sisters support sisters philanthropy of domestic violence awareness through a through mock recruitments with chapters and alumnae Zoom Whiteboard activity, where PNMs were asked to all over the country. fill in the prompt "Love is..." using the annotation tools built into the platform. Even preference ceremonies In an effort to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, NPC were modified for a virtual format, and members shared extended its guidance that all remaining Panhellenic how meaningful these ceremonies still felt even when recruitments (recruitment events through electronic bid they weren't in the same room. distribution) in the 2020-21 academic year be conducted virtually. Alpha Chi Omega agrees with this guidance Once bids were distributed electronically, it was time to and has already been working with deferred recruiting celebrate - in different formats as well! Some chapters chapters to prepare them for their recruitment events held bid day activities outdoors in shifts with smaller this winter and spring. For those chapters - and for groups to adhere to campus gathering size restrictions. any sister interested in the process - a few recruitment Others had contactless bid day bag drop-offs and officers and one new member from our fall-recruiting celebrated with new members over video, especially after chapters share their experiences on the following pages! the 26 member organizations that comprise the NPC agreed in early September that all chapter-sponsored bid day activities (i.e., gatherings or celebrations following THANK YOU, ALUMNAE! bid distribution) would be conducted virtually through October 9, 2020 as cases rose across the country. Even ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S SUCCESS THIS FALL RECRUITMENT SEASON WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT with masks or over a screen, it was easy to see the OUR SISTERS WHO SHARED THE VALUE OF THE SORORITY excitement on the faces of our newest members! EXPERIENCE WITH POTENTIAL NEW MEMBERS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA. FROM While this fall recruitment season sure looked different, OFFERING THEIR OWN TESTIMONIES TO COMPLETING Alpha Chi Omega saw great success - in fact, 98% of RECOMMENDATIONS TO PARTICIPATING IN VIRTUAL MOCK chapters made quota (the number of new members RECRUITMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR OUR COLLEGIANS TO PRACTICE VIRTUAL RECRUITING, OUR ALUMNAE HAVE each sorority may invite to membership during the BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING SUSTAIN THE REAL. STRONG. primary recruitment process)! Many campuses reported WOMEN. EXPERIENCE. how prepared their Alpha Chi Omega chapters were for the virtual format, and chapters saved money, THE LYRE 29 COLLEGIATE CORNER RECRUITMENT OFFICERS FROM THREE COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS SHARE WHAT THEIR VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT EXPERIENCE WAS LIKE! ALPHAIOTA (UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT) - VP RECRUITMENT INFORMATION KATIE HANISCH AND VP RECRUITMENT DEVON O'DONNELL ALPHA UPSILON (THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA) - VP RECRUITMENT MIKAYLA KING LAMBDA XI (AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY) - VP RECRUITMENT CODI KIMBALL HOW DID YOUR CHAPTER EDUCATE MEMBERS ON VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT? REAL Alpha lota: Prior to school starting, we held three workshops and REAL another three during STRONG REAL STRING pre-recruitment weekend. We staged a mock philanthropy round and REAL a mock preference round STRYING WOMEN in order to have our members, VP recruitment and VP recruitment REAL STRONG information practice with timing, technology, conversations and scoring. THE REAL, STRONG WOMEN OF THE LAMBDA XI CHAPTER CONDUCTED THEIR FIRST EVER RECRUITMENT VIRTUALLY! Alpha Upsilon: Things were constantly changing, but we worked very hard to virtual! We even got to invite our families to join our keep our members informed of all the changes through Zoom link one evening SO that we could practice the emails, in-house Instagram posts and live videos, and round on them, which was the best time! many Zoom calls. Pre-recruitment week consisted of many Zoom practices to help our Zoom team and HOW DID MEMBERS STAY ENGAGED AND members get acclimated with the changes and party CELEBRATE THEIR SISTERHOOD? flows just as they would be doing if we were having in- Alpha lota: We made sure to always have an open space person parties. where younger members were able to ask questions. We played fun games such as Kahoot! and hyped everyone Lambda Xi: Our chapter was established last fall on up by boosting their confidence with reassurance in campus, SO this was our first ever recruitment, and their abilities. it just SO happened to be virtual. Pre-recruitment weekend was SO much fun even though ours was Alpha Upsilon: I think the feeling of sisterhood was 30 ALPHA CHI OMEGA AXO Devon O'Do Closed Caption ROOMMATES AT THE ALPHA UPSILON CHAPTER SHONE BRIGHT ON SCREEN. THERE'S ALWAYS TIME FOR A DANCE BREAK WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CREATIVE WAYS YOU DURING THE LONG DAYS OF RECRUITMENT ENGAGED PNMS? WITH THE ALPHA IOTA CHAPTER! Alpha lota: During our philanthropy round, we created a fun, interactive activity for the PNMs to get engaged ultimately created when everyone got to see each other by playing a "word bubble" game. The PNMs opened up - whether on Zoom or in person (socially distanced their phones and clicked a link we provided that took with masks) - for the first time after being apart for them to a prompt that said, "What does a real, strong SO long. We used those feelings to portray the true woman mean to you?" sisterhood we have at Alpha Chi and to let the PNMs know that while things may be different, it doesn't Alpha Upsilon: We tried to engage with the PNMs as change the fact that the best part of being an Alpha Chi soon as they got on the Zoom by having a different is the genuine friends you make that will last a lifetime! background and setup for each round's welcome speech, as well as fun and upbeat music at the beginning of the Lambda Xi: Keeping morale high is no problem at all! Zoom to show our personality and set the mood. We had chapter members in different states all logging into Zoom to just be together. That feeling of sisterhood Lambda Xi: My favorite activity we did was using the is always present no matter where we are. chat feature for everyone to tell us who is a real, strong woman in their life. I got to read some answers aloud, WHAT WAS IT LIKE MEETING PNMS VIRTUALLY? and I felt like it was really special! Alpha lota: The first two rounds of virtual recruitment were in the form of a recorded interview of the PNMs. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CHAPTERS After the interview rounds, we had two rounds real- PLANNING FOR VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT? time over Zoom. These were a lot more natural than we Alpha lota: Making sure you have practiced mock expected, and we were able to continue scoring as usual. rounds in order to gauge the timing of the round was imperative for our success. Alpha Upsilon: It was honestly a really great experience. It was more about the conversations and relationships Alpha Upsilon: The best piece of advice I can give is with the women, and there were no distractions taking to make everything about the PNM. The more excited away from getting to know more about the PNMs. you are and unaffected by change you seem, the better experience the members and PNMs will have. Lambda Xi: We really just wanted to get to know all the real, strong women for who they truly are. Our Lambda Xi: You are still getting to add amazing women to chapter made it a priority to ask deeper questions to our sisterhood and Bond, and that's all that really matters. really get to know if the women could identify with our Virtual recruitment was some of the best moments of my membership standards. Alpha Chi Omega experience SO far. Wishing everyone who is recruiting virtually the best of luck! THE LYRE 31 COLLEGIATE CORNER conversation I had with each of them. Some of the best advice I was given when going through recruitment by my mother, a founding member of the Zeta Upsilon (Case Western Reserve University) chapter, and my Rho Gamma was that when talking to a sorority sister, imagine yourself having fun, but also studying, watching TV and going on late-night Target runs with her - then you should choose that group to grow with together. One of the most important factors for me, especially since all sorority experiences are virtual right now, is the importance of community CURIOUS ABOUT and academic support. I made VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT sure to ask the chapters I visited questions about study groups and learning together and could envision myself FROM A NEW MEMBER'S participating in the Alpha Chi Omega events. PERSPECTIVE One of the most defining personal moments I had MEET ISABELLE L'HUILLIER, A NEW MEMBER which revalidated my picking Alpha Chi Omega was on OF THE DELTA MU (UNIVERSITY OF bid day. My social media and text messages were flooded MASSACHUSETTS) CHAPTER, WHO SHARES with older sisters wishing me a "Happy Bid Day" and HER EXPERIENCE. welcoming me home. I felt that Alpha Chi Omega responded most thoughtfully to my questions during recruitment was organized SO that the recruitment, and I knew that despite being physically R potential new members submitted videos to distanced, I would meet some amazing women, all of the UMass Panhellenic Council on YouTube whom I look forward to meeting on campus, as soon as about who we are and why we were going through the safety permits. recruitment process. Each sorority then viewed our videos and made note of potential candidates. Each sorority chapter made a video that the PNMs viewed as well. Each PNM was in a group with a Rho Gamma, a woman who was disaffiliated from her chapter to help guide us through the recruitment process. We watched each chapter's video with her, she put our rankings in the recruitment database and, if we were lucky, we got to meet sisters from our list of top five sororities! Abby I was incredibly fortunate to meet several sisters at Alpha Chi Omega during both the values and preference rounds. I felt the most at home with the Alpha Chi DELTA MU SISTERS DURING A NEW MEMBER MEETING women because of the natural and comforting THIS FALL 32 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ON CAMPUS Virtual Programming HOW ALPHA CHI connectedness and belonging that every one of us felt OMEGA'S COLLEGIATE when we joined Alpha Chi Omega. MEMBERS ARE When we say programming is being done virtually, that GROWING AND means chapters are using a videoconferencing software CONNECTING DURING like Zoom, Skype or Google Hangouts to be together THE COVID - 19 with their sisters in a virtual space. While I'm certain PANDEMIC everyone would share that they would prefer to be in person physically with their sisters, the virtual video environment brings about some unexpected positive BY JEN WALLACH (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE side effects. For example, one-on-one conversations can STATE UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION be held with fewer distractions, small group discussions AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES can occur via breakout rooms and sisters can better see and hear each other during programming. T his summer, Alpha Chi Omega saw its first ever Existing programming was reviewed and reimagined national Initiation Ceremonies where hundreds to be executed virtually, and new programming of new members from collegiate chapters across was created to maximize the virtual membership the country joined together to be initiated by members experience. For programs with facilitation teams, of our National Council. How special to be initiated trainings were held to ensure each volunteer facilitator by our then National President, Angela Costley Harris! felt confident in their ability to facilitate programs in a Oh, I should mention that these ceremonies were done virtual space. entirely virtually. Here are just a few of the programs that have been I don't think anyone could have predicted what the updated for today's virtual environment: last nine months have brought about in terms of the Alpha Chi Omega membership experience. With A fully transitioned new member Dedication many campuses moving to virtual or hybrid formats, experience now combines 18 online learning modules where students are taking classes and participating in and nine meetings (hosted socially distanced or activities over the computer or in socially distanced virtually). This updated hybrid format allows members environments, Alpha Chi Omega recognized the need to learn our history and Ritual in a succinct and to adapt the Real. Strong. Women. Experience SO it can effective way and to bond with each other safely. See continue and thrive during the pandemic. page 35 for a sample of the new member programming. The answer of how to do that has come in many Our four rotational programs (ASTP, InTune, Let's forms over the past several months, and while the Talk Love and REPRESENT) moved from being membership experience of today's collegians certainly facilitated in person by volunteers who traveled all looks differently than it did 50 years ago or even one across the country to a combination of individual year ago, what has remained the same is the feelings of online learning and virtual video sessions for the entire THE LYRE 33 ON CAMPUS chapter. Our robust facilitation teams are still leading the virtual video sessions and have been trained in ways MEMBERS ARE LEARNING, to maximize the virtual setup to ensure the experience GROWING AND HAVING FUN is just as meaningful for our members. WITH OUR ADAPTED AND NEW VIRTUAL PROGRAMS! Behind Happy Faces, from our continued partnership with Ross Szabo, now includes five virtual workshops LET'S TALK LOVE: on mental health for advisors and volunteers "It was a really great experience for our supporting collegiate members. The advisor series was chapter and helped us bond and open up designed specifically to increase both awareness and to each other like never before." understanding of mental health. With the recent release of our nine peer-facilitated collegiate lessons - now "This was a really amazing and eye- adapted for a virtual delivery - we want our volunteers opening event. This is an experience to be prepared to navigate conversations around mental everyone needs to go through!" health with today's collegiate women and provide support to our sisters. REPRESENT: "I really enjoyed how engaging this Resources to support chapters in executing all workshop was and being able to connect Alpha Chi Omega ceremonies in a virtual with sisters I don't necessarily get to talk environment include virtual Ritual best practices, to often and talk about our personal Initiation Week event guidance and how to host a branding goals." virtual Initiation Ceremony. While we know that we cannot perfectly recreate the in-person initiation "I learned SO much and am leaving this experience, what we are able to do is to let our newest meeting with very valuable lessons. members know that their health and safety is a priority Seeing our chapter come together as one to us and that they belong in Alpha Chi Omega. and have a discussion - it feels like we haven't done that in forever!" All the other things! The programs listed above are just a few on the long list of programming and resources DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND created with ideas, best practices and how-to guidance OPPRESSION PROGRAM WITH to support chapters planning local activities! Members PURPOSE: can visit the Virtual Engagement page of the Resource "Facilitators find that Zoom can be Center on alphachiomega.org to learn more! helpful for sensitive topic discussions - people are more comfortable posting in We all know there is something special about this the chat than speaking." sisterhood. That something special permeates through everything we do - be it in person, socially distanced or THE DEDICATION: virtually. Alpha Chi Omega always rises to the occasion "Through The Heights, we are able to and provides a space for women to connect, lead, grow make every minute of our meetings and serve. matter. I believe the positive impact this program has on our new members is shown best through our retention this semester." 34 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Click on each insignia to learn more about it. A SAMPLE OF THE NEW DEDICATION Alpha Chi Omega EXPERIENCE Our Name - PDATED FOR VIRTUAL OR HYBRID Scarlet and Olive Our Colors DELIVERY WEEK 2 Drag and drop the letters of our name onto their corresponding explanation. In the second week of the Dedication, new A X S members learn about the insignia and traditions of Alpha Chi Omega and the chapter structure, Kai means "and" and including the executive board responsibilities and Our Founders wanted Our Founders were was added so that our to be the last music forming the first name meant "the their advisory support, via online trainings. Then, fraternity and chose fraternity in the School beginning and the this letter of the Greek of Music and chose the end." Kai was later in their new member meeting, the focus shifts alphabet to represent first letter of the Greek changed to that sentiment. alphabet. because it is a letter of to their local chapter history and forming bonds the Greek alphabet. with one another. WEEK 6 ETHNICITY SOCIOECONOMIC RACE As new members move STATUS into the sixth week of their RELIGIOUS OR experience, the online SPIRITUAL GENDER learning progresses to AFFILIATION SOCIAL the national structure of Alpha Chi Omega and the IDENTITY four entities it is comprised SEX AGE of. New members also learn WHEEL about diversity, equity and PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, inclusion and what they DEVELOPMENTAL SEXUAL mean for Alpha Chi Omega ORIENTATION (DIS)ABILITY members. Their new member FIRST LANGUAGE NATIONAL ORIGIN meeting focuses on social identity self-reflection and what their specific chapter does to foster a diverse, DIVERSITY inclusive and equitable 00 membership experience. Diversity refers to the psychological, physical and social differences that occur among any and all individuals. THE LYRE 35 LIFE The Season of Celebration ALPHA CHI OMEGAS COME FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS AND WALKS OF LIFE. TAKE SOME TIME TO LEARN ABOUT WINTER HOLIDAYS FROM VARIOUS FAITHS AND CULTURES AND HOW SISTERS CELEBRATE DIWALI Wish a sister who celebrates "Happy Bodhi Day," "Blessed Bodhi Day" or the appropriate translation in November 12-16,202 the language she speaks. "The Festival of Lights" is a 2,500-year-old celebration HANUKKAH for Hinduism commemorating the victory of good over December 10-18, 2020 evil. Celebrated over five days, Diwali includes traditions such as cleaning and lighting the home with lamps, An eight-day celebration for Judaism, the holiday setting off fireworks, praying, visiting family and friends, commemorates the rededication of the second temple and feasting. in Jerusalem and the miracle of menorah candles staying lit for eight nights with only a day's worth of "On the first day of Diwali, we shower, eat something oil. Traditions include lighting candles on the menorah bitter and then eat a traditional sweet to bid goodbye to after sundown, playing dreidel, and enjoying foods like the bad and start new. We pray, make sweets and before latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). sundown light diyas (clay pots) all around the house, windows and front doors." "For me, Hanukkah is a time of warmth and light that ~ Keyuri Parab Scotti (Epsilon Lambda, The University I can always look forward to as the days get shorter and of Texas at Arlington) colder in the winter. At MIT, I celebrated Hanukkah with friends and sisters in the AXO house. Each year a Wish a sister who celebrates "Happy Diwali" or "Shubh representative from one of our Jewish student groups Diwali" (Hindi). would bring over a menorah SO my sisters and I could BODHI DAY light the candles together outside. We celebrated with the broader Greek community on campus as December 8, 2020 (for Japanese Buddhists) or well, getting together with Jewish members of other January 20, 2021 (for Buddhists following the lunar sororities and fraternities to have doughnut-eating calendar - the eighth day of the 12th lunar month) contests or wear funny/ugly Hanukkah sweaters." ~ Hilary Vogelbaum (Theta Omicron, Massachusetts This Buddhist holiday recognizes the day the Buddha Institute of Technology) achieved enlightenment (translated as bodhi in Sanskrit) after forsaking his material lifestyle and committing Wish a sister who celebrates "Happy Hanukkah" or to meditation to seek answers regarding suffering. For "Chag Sameach" (Hebrew). this day, celebrants study the Dharma, light candles, meditate and share kindness with others. 36 ALPHA CHI OMEGA NU XI NU (SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA) ALUMNAE CHAPTER'S 2019 HOLIDAY PARTY CHRISTMAS LUNAR NEW YEAR December 25, 2020 (also a federal holiday) or January February 12, 2021 7, 2021 (for Eastern Orthodox Christians, primarily Russian, following the Gregorian calendar) This is the most important holiday in China and is also celebrated by people of other Asian heritages; the new While this holiday today may be marked by secular year begins with the first new moon and is celebrated traditions, it has its root in Christianity. The day for about 15 days until the full moon arrives. Those recognizes the birth of Jesus, on whose teachings and celebrating provide offerings to gods and ancestors, and life many Christian faiths are based. Religious traditions gift money in red envelopes (Chinese) or silk pouches include attending church and sharing meals with (Korean) as a sign of respect between elders and family and friends, and popular customs for this federal younger family members. This will be the Year of the holiday also include decorating a tree, singing carols and Ox, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac! waiting for Santa Claus to deliver toys to children. Wish a sister who celebrates "Happy New Year," "My mom, who is also an Alpha Chi Omega, and I have "xin nian kuai le" (Mandarin), "saehae bok mani a tradition of making homemade lefse (a traditional badeuseyo" (Korean), "gong hay fat choy" (Cantonese for Norwegian flatbread) every year when I come home for "Congratulations on the fortune") or the appropriate the holidays for Christmas." translation in the language she speaks. ~Allison Walker (Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University) Interested in sharing about your holiday traditions, whether they are religious, cultural, familial or just for fun? Email Wish a sister who celebrates "Merry Christmas," or "S editor@alphachiomega.org! Sources of educational content: rozhdyestvom Hristovym" (Russian). History.com and Huffpost KWANZAA December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021 Created in 1966 as a way to bring African Americans together, the cultural holiday is linked to several harvest celebrations in Africa. Activities include singing, dancing and lighting one candle each night to symbolize and reflect on the seven principles, which are ideals of African culture that contribute to community. Wish a sister who celebrates "Happy Kwanzaa" or "Habari Gani" (Swahili for "What is the news?"). BETA PSI (LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY) THE LYRE 37 LIFE THE ALPHA BETA Pearls of Wisdom NEW MEMBER CLASS OF 1963 from Lifelong Sisters BY LEAH PETTY MCCONAGHY (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY) AND DOROTHY (DOTTY) GARVIN TONJES (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY) O ur pledge class met again last month. We first made marks in science, education, business and art. Two met at Purdue's Alpha Beta chapter on Pledge earned Alpha Chi Omega's Award of Achievement. Night in January 1963. Little did we realize that this was only the beginning of gatherings that This year we planned to be in Williamsburg, but stretch over 57 years. because of COVID-19, we are meeting monthly by Zoom. Each meeting has a discussion topic. Last Our reunions began a few years after graduation and month's was, "What advice would you give to your have continued annually. They have taken place in our college-age self or to a young woman of today?" homes, hotels, B&Bs, rental homes and once even on a houseboat. We've crossed the continent from Vancouver Our pledge class of 1963 would like to share our to Hilton Head, Chicago to Santa Fe, Virginia Beach to pearls of wisdom with you: Laurel Lake in Kentucky. Smell the roses. Stop and enjoy the moment. There is a reason it is called the present. Life has brought joys and sorrows to share. Families have grown and faced challenges. Husbands, children Stop comparing yourself to others believing that and one of our own have been lost and mourned. you don't measure up. Find and build on your strengths and be grateful. Careers have brought struggles and successes. We have 38 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 2002 HILTON HEAD REUNION Always take the high road. You need to be able to look at yourself in the mirror. Believe in yourself. Go after your dream and have confidence that you can make a contribution. 2008 FT. WORTH REUNION Participate widely in activity around you - be involved. You will develop life skills. have to be Superwoman! People skills are as important as book skills. Guard your hope and joy - don't let anyone take it away! Stay open to opportunities and surprises. Balance your goals with gratitude along the way Given multiple choices, choose what you want to for what you already have and have done. do. That chance may not come around again. Place love at the center - love of Explore options before choosing a career and in God, self, family and friends. 2020 other aspects of life. MEETING BY ZOOM After college, live on your own SO that you know you can do it. Don't assume anything! Be better at negotiating based on your worth in the setting. Promote yourself! Get enough sleep! Sometimes things don't have to be done. They could wait. Trust your own good judgment. Ask for help; you don't THE LYRE 39 CAREER OUTLOOK AXQ A Career 180 AFTER DECADES OF SUCCESS IN SALES AND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT, AN ACCIDENT STOPPED JANE FLOYD'S CAREER - BUT LATER INSPIRED HER TO RETURN TO SCHOOL, FIND HER PASSION AND FORGE A NEW PATH IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY. BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), EDITOR Right after she graduated from college in 1978, occupational Jane (Meneely) Floyd (Beta Epsilon, Michigan therapy to State University) began to work in the technology relearn many industry, selling to the automotive companies daily aspects throughout Detroit. She notes that Alpha Chi Omega of life. My "springboarded" her personally and professionally. brain was so, SO jumbled... I "Alpha Chi was a huge impact for me," she says. "Being remember able to take on leadership roles when you're in college thinking, 'I'm made such a difference for who I became as a young angry about the working adult." disruption that's occurred in my Later, Jane worked for IBM evaluating organizations' life and feeling I processes and revising their strategic plans. She then have no control made her way to a major Midwest retailer, leading over that.'" a pilot program as the director of transformational initiatives with a focus on leadership and culture It was her neurologist who gave her the advice that change. changed her life and set her on a new path: The brain is a wonderful thing. Use it or lose it. "I loved working with people to see that their role within a job could be very different," she explains. "That really served as the inspiration for me to go back "They could take a more active and engaged role rather to school," she recalls. "I love school. It keeps you alive, than just wait to be told what to do in a job I loved it keeps you thinking." that work until one day, walking into work I had a terrible fall." Jane knew she didn't want to stop working after her injury; when thinking about a new career, she The cause of the fall was never really understood, but remembered she always thought about becoming a the end result for Jane was a traumatic brain injury. doctor. After dismissing the path of medical school and then shadowing a physician assistant, she realized "It stopped my career," she says. "I had to move into physical healthcare wasn't her calling. recovery mode, learn to walk again and participate in 40 ALPHA CHI OMEGA AXQ AXQ AXQ AXQ AXQ So she considered what she loved about her previous Jane leaned on the younger students in her graduate work. It was working with people to become the best classes to get her up to speed on the technology and versions of themselves - which lead her to pursue the new world at that time of online classes, and she, psychology. in turn, provided them with crucial insight gained over her life on topics like motherhood; losing a parent; and "When I looked back on my corporate work years, it balancing work, family and school obligations. was the same thing, just in a different setting - how do we learn with each other as a team, as a partnership? Step by step, Jane made her way through her master's How do we gain insight to our thinking and how does program and then on to her doctorate program before that affect our behaviors and actions?" she explains. graduating with her PsyD in clinical psychology in 2015. And her neurologist - the one who inspired her Jane wasn't sure if she could commit to a full doctorate a decade before to use her brain - was at the ceremony. at the time - "Who goes back to get a doctoral degree Jane recalls, "It was such a proud moment when my when they are well into their 50s?" she questioned - doctor, family members, friends and those who were SO she decided to pursue a terminal master's program SO instrumental in my success attended my doctoral at Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy graduation." University, where she could earn that degree in two years and transition to a doctoral program later if she "If I had realized when I started it would take me 10 wanted. years to complete, I may never have started," she adds. "But when I said to myself, 'It's one class and then I can But first were the prerequisites. She needed an make a decision," it was much more attainable If it undergraduate credit in abnormal psychology, SO she looks like it's too huge of a mountain, say to yourself, enrolled in a course at a local community college. 'What's the first step?" "There I was, sitting at college with students who were closer to my daughter's age and professors who were my age," she remembers. "And I thought, 'If I can do this, I'll just take the next step.' And I truly took it one step at a time." While going back to school after decades in the professional world may seem daunting, Jane said part of her success came from recognizing she was there as a student: "In chronological age, I may have been the same age as my professors, but I did not have their same knowledge, skillset and experience. I never took any role except 'I am here to learn, and I can learn from lots of different JANE WITH HER DAUGHTER KELSEY ON KELSEY'S WEDDING DAY. KELSEY IS AN people." INITIATE OF THE ALPHA (DEPAUW UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER. THE LYRE 41 CAREER OUTLOOK psychology practice, where she plans to work primarily with adults. Her practice will be completely telehealth (using a secure video session) for the near future, an "If it looks like offering for health services that was just emerging in recent years but has now accelerated during the it's too huge of a pandemic and associated social distancing. She's working to determine if she wants to do general mountain, say to therapy work or focus on areas like grief, life stage transitions, sleep disorders and career changes. yourself, 'What's the first "I will figure it out," she says. "That was my dad's saying. I'm pretty spiritual and a faith-based person, and I step?" know I will be placed where I can serve best. And I just can't wait to do it." Even though she is now working in a new field, Jane knows her previous experience is helping her in this career. For example, part of launching a business is After graduating, Jane completed several postdoctoral to market her practice, and she uses skills she learned residencies, including one at Duke University, from her corporate roles of networking, building Integrative Medicine that helped her realize the a brand, uncovering a market niche and, most importance of holistic patient care. importantly, being of help to those that need help. "Mental health and physical health really work "We all develop sets of skills over the course of a life, together," she explains about the approach. "The fact and we're exposed to good and difficult circumstances," that we're going through these times [of the COVID-19 Jane points out. "What can we learn from those pandemic] that are SO unpredictable creates such a circumstances and then how can we apply them to our double challenge. We as humans need some stability in current situation?" our lives, and much of what we'd consider to be stable and within our personal choice has been taken away Jane also notes that people tend to minimize their from us." potential, whether that's in career aspirations or life changes. She shares, "Be open to possibility. We can Jane shares her thoughts for taking care of your mental limit ourselves in SO many ways with our thoughts. health during the pandemic (and other times): "Be When those kinds of thoughts come up, stop and, in a aware of indicators like poor sleep, lack of motivation, healthy way, challenge that thinking." poor concentration, mood swings, isolative behaviors, higher feelings of anxiousness and recognize when you "I am SO grateful that I didn't allow myself to get stuck," might need help and please reach out to a provider. she adds. "I am far from perfect. I am still a work in Recognize that you're not alone. Recognize that while progress. Look for the possibilities, and if you can't see we are still in a tunnel with many unknowns, we'll them, get help from someone who can help you see come through it, even if we don't know when that will them." happen. Provide a focus of who you want to be and become despite what is going on and work toward that goal." In August, Jane held a soft launch of her new 42 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Women & Wisdom ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S NETWORK OF REAL, STRONG WOMEN YOUR ONE-STOP PLATFORM FOR PERSONAL GROWTH, MOBILE PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT, MENTORSHIP AND COMMUNITY APP Are you Access Women & Wisdom using an ALUMNA looking to network with sisters within and outside of your field? the mobile app so you can connect a COLLEGIAN wanting support from a sister to review your resume? and keep your a MEMBER exploring open job, internship or volunteer opportunities? network strong an ENTREPRENEUR hoping to promote your sister-owned business? while you're on a MANAGER seeking applicants to join your team? the go! a SISTER looking for empowering community or career advice? ALPHA CHI OMEGA With Women & Wisdom, you can find mentoring, events, groups, open opportunities,