THE THE GROWTH ISSUE re Growing Through Leadership and Exploration 2023-24 Consultant Team Phoeb Edalatpour ONE OF OUR REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. OF DISTINCTION Alpha Chi Omega SUMMER 2023 REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. VOLUME 125. ISSUE 4. Growth from the Start ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S SEVEN FOUNDERS WITH THE FIRST EIGHT NEW MEMBERS BY SALLY CUTLER Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham shared the (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), following description in one of the many scrapbooks HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST she created to capture her Alpha Chi Omega experience: "From my diary of October 23, 1885 Bess and Ollie G rowth has always been top-of-mind for had bought ribbons for our first pledged members. We Alpha Chi Omega - beginning with the seven pledged Leah Walker, Suda West, Ella Farthing, and Rose Founders, who quickly recruited new members Meredith before lunch, and after lunch Leota Fuqua and just days after the October 15, 1885 founding. Anna Ryan, and now we are after Minnie Shaffer. According to The History of Alpha Chi Omega, One Bertha continues, "After we had pledged these girls Hundred Years, "Within a few days Professor Howe Bessie Grooms asked us if we didn't want to go buggy suggested increasing the membership of the new riding. Of course we did, and had a lovely ride out into fraternity. On October 23, the first seven nominated the country ... When we came back, the seven Founders seven friends, discussed procedure with their mentor, tied great bows of ribbons on the front of our waists, and then took a buggy ride. The next day, they, and those we went over to the music hall to show Dean Howe. He they had chosen to join them, festooned with their was SO pleased he wore a small bow on the lapel of his colors, walked across campus to chapel service in coat, which he wore for some time in our honor." Meharry Hall for the first official display of their sisterhood to the cheers of fellow Greeks. University Note: Mary L. Jones joined the fun just after the seven President, Dr. Alexander Martin, welcomed 'the young and appears in the founding photo! ladies from the Music School, the Alpha Chi Omega." FIND MORE UNTOLD STORIES ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA HISTORY WEBSITE. VISIT: #AXOUntold ALPHACHIOMEGA.HISTORYIT.CON SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 125. ISSUE 4. THE GROWTH ISSUE REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. IN THIS ISSUE 2 LETTERS AND LYRES 4 CORNER OFFICE 6 PERSPECTIVES 8 AXO NEWS Consultant team announcement, Hera Day recap 18 AWARDS Individual collegiate awards, Seeking the Heights collegiate chapter awards 22 FOUNDATION 26 HOUSING EN 30 ON CAMPUS 32 COLLEGIATE CORNER 34 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 36 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 46 CAREER OUTLOOK 37 48 LIFE Ellen Thompson, M.D. (left); 50 INDUSTRY INFO Kelly Jean Thomas Craig Burtard, Our shared role in growing the Ph.D. (right); and Phoebe Edalatpour sorority experience 54 ACCOMPLISHED (on the cover) are three of our seven ALUMNA Real. Strong. Women. of Distinction. 56 ARCHIVES Learn how their Alpha Chi Omega 58 ALUMNA INITIATE experiences inspire them to make a SPOTLIGHT difference. 61 AXO CONNECTION AND IN MEMORIAM THE LYRE 1 EDITOR'S DESK LYRE SPOTTING Lifelong Growth A n organization's mission statement shares its goals and values, and Alpha Chi Omega's powerfully communicates what it stands for: "Through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, Alpha Chi Omega cultivates impactful communities where women are inspired to connect, lead, grow and serve." As we focus on one word of that statement for this issue, it's clear to me how growth has been both During a trip to Uganda in November, Jeanie Baltz (Delta a goal and a value in my experience. Like many, Rho, University of Arkansas) posed with The Lyre at the I joined Alpha Chi Omega to build connections Paraa Safari Lodge on the Nile River in Murchison Falls on campus, but I also was interested in the way National Park. a sorority - and in particular, this sorority with its tagline of "Real. Strong. Women." - would help me grow. I knew I needed help branching out, and I wanted a support system to push me to seek opportunities I might not think I could EDITOR'S NOTE handle. I met that goal of growth through taking on leadership roles, making difficult decisions and In the spring 2023 issue, the even performing in a group dance competition article "My 'Little Red Carnation' with no particular talent. Story" mentioned that the author of the poem "Little Red Alpha Chi Omega also instilled in me growth as a Carnation" was Margaret Rourke value, something I'm always striving for. Because from the Psi (The University of Alpha Chi Omega showed me the benefits of Oklahoma) chapter. It turns out growth, I am encouraged to do things that that one letter was inadvertently scare me. I know that growth is a journey, not a added to the author's name destination, and I can always adjust, adapt and decades ago when the poem was accept a new challenge to become the real, strong first published in an Alpha Chi woman I'm meant to be. Omega songbook, and ever since, the wrong sister has been I hope the stories about growth on these pages credited for writing the poem. encourage you and remind you that you have the support of sisters in any goal you are pursuing. The real author is Margaret Curry Rorke, a member and president of the Theta (University of Michigan) chapter in LAUREN FILIPPINI the early 1900s; she wrote the poem for the installation of the ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY) Delta Zeta chapter at Central Michigan University. Margaret MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER was a real, strong women, serving as the first woman EDITOR, THE LYRE 2 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Alpha Chi Omega CONTRIBUTORS National President Lynne Herndon National Vice Presidents Jari Askins TRACEY THOMSON Leslie Abramsky Block Kelli Rodriguez Currie BETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF Cassie Gerhardt GEORGIA) Jill Sabatino Lacy Tracey is a two-time Emmy Chief Executive Officer Award-winning writer who is the Katie Lampinen Gaffin creator and executive producer Senior Director of Education and of Disney's Secrets of Sulphur Engagement Springs. She was previously co- Amy Colvin Mustafa head writer on The Young and the Director of Marketing and Restless and associate head writer Communications on General Hospital and All My Amanda Spice Children. She shares her journey of growth through the television Marketing and Communications Manager industry on page 6. Lauren Filippini The Lyre is published quarterly. POSTMASTER: Send address changes STAFF to The Lyre 5635 Castle Creek Parkway N. Dr. CONTRIBUTORS president of her high school class, Indianapolis, IN 46250-4304 going on to become a lawyer who Submission Deadlines was admitted to practice before ARIANNA BRADLEY, DIRECTOR OF Fall issue July 1 the U.S. Supreme Court and LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT Winter issue - October 1 posthumously recognized in the Spring issue - January 1 SALLY CUTLER, HISTORIAN AND Summer issue - April 1 Saginaw County Hall of Fame. ARCHIVIST She was a prolific writer, with her ASHTON DAVIS, HOUSING 317-579-5050 poems appearing in the Sunday OPERATIONS MANAGER alphachiomega.org editor@alphachiomega.org edition of the Saginaw News. MADELINE JENKINS, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT Our Mission The Lyre regrets the error, and LAURA KNOBEL, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience, Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega's archives OF LIFETIME ENGAGEMENT cultivates impactful communities have been updated to reflect this AUTUMN MCBRIDE, ASSISTANT where women are inspired to information. Thanks to Karen DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY connect, lead, grow and serve. Nash Sommer and Lenore Jensen AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES Lemanski, both Delta Zeta chapter JEN WALLACH, DIRECTOR OF FRATERNITY COMMUNICATIONS sisters, who researched Margaret's EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATION life and encouraged recognition of INITIATIVES this remarkable sister. EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR NPC national panhellenic conference THE LYRE 3 CORNER OFFICE Your Impact on Sisters' Growth BY KORI WHITENER FELLOWS helps support others in need SO they can focus on (ALPHA PHI, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN), gaining strength and bettering their lives. Each time CHAIR OF THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION you make a gift to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, whether that be during Founder's Day Challenge, Day T o me, a bedrock of being an Alpha Chi Omega of Giving, the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. is a commitment to empowering growth in campaign, a housing campaign, a Community Impact ourselves and others. Throughout our lives, fundraiser or everyday giving to the Real. Strong. Alpha Chi is there to provide us tools, opportunities, Women. Fund - YOU make a difference. Your support encouragement, support and sometimes that is critical, and we can't do it without you. "push" we need to grow, learn and develop into real, strong women who make a Last summer at our "Together" national convention difference in the communities in Bellevue, Washington, the Foundation launched in which we live, lead, work the Common Bond. Uncommon Impact. campaign. and serve. This comprehensive campaign is focused on helping to provide critical resources to support Alpha Chi As the chair of the Alpha Chi Omegas at all phases of their Alpha Chi Omega Omega Foundation Board of lifetime experience. I hope you have had the Trustees, I have the incredible opportunity to get involved with the campaign, as it privilege of seeing how takes all of us to ensure a future of empowered growth much each of you helps your for all our members. If you haven't had the chance yet fellow sisters grow through to get involved, visit axouncommon.org and check it KORI WHITENER your gifts of time, talent, out! You don't want to miss out on being a part of this FELLOWS treasure, friendship, support historic event. and encouragement. I also have had the opportunity to watch many of your personal, transformational My favorite part of serving as the chair of the journeys, often facilitated by Alpha Chi Omega Foundation is that I get to say "thank you!" Through programs and experiences. These amazing growth your generosity and support, the Foundation had a experiences are partly or sometimes wholly funded record-setting fundraising year last year, which means and supported through the Alpha Chi Omega we can do MORE to help grow Alpha Chi Omega! Foundation. As such, I can be a spectator to your Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for successes and triumphs. giving of yourself SO that others can grow. Thank you for helping to empower your sisters to become real, Through your gifts to the Alpha Chi Omega strong women. And thank you for your commitment Foundation, you directly help others achieve their to a lifelong journey of growth as an Alpha Chi Omega goals. Your gifts provide foundational growth while empowering others to seek the heights. There is opportunities for our members through innovative, no way I can ever say "thank you" enough, but I won't supportive and crucial programming. You fund vital stop trying SO - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! scholarships and grants to your sisters. Your generosity 4 ALPHA CHI OMEGA WHO DO C YOU KNOW? Our members are the best resource for helping recruit real, strong women into the Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood. If you know a remarkable young woman who plans to participate in recruitment on her campus, our online G recommendation form is the best way to let the chapter know! EMY.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/RECOMMEND PERSPECTIVES Scenes From My Journey BY TRACEY THOMSON (BETA SIGMA, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA) E XT. SORORITY HOUSE - ATHENS, GA - reading under the covers LATE AFTERNOON (1996) long past when my mom 43 told me to turn off the A group of NEW MEMBERS line the sidewalk along lights. I would get lost in Lumpkin Street facing a stately brick home with its stories for hours, never white columned entry covered by a hand-painted imagining I would one "BID DAY" banner. They exchange nervous smiles, day make a career out of unsure of what to expect when the very thing that gave me such comfort. People a CHORUS OF CHEERS erupts from inside the always ask how I became a house, growing louder as a steady stream of SISTERS television writer. Looking TRACEY THOMSON pour out to greet the new member class. Hugs are back, it actually started in the shared, pictures are taken, commemorative T-shirts basement of that brick house on Lumpkin. are slipped on over cute dresses. It took me a while to warm up to the idea of being in Somewhere in the sea of excitement, the camera finds a sorority. I had gone through recruitment and joined a SHELL-SHOCKED NEW MEMBER looking a bit of a mainly because my sister was an active member of wreck. Her linen dress clings to her like a wet napkin Epsilon Phi (Georgia Institute of Technology) chapter thanks to a combination of Georgia humidity and at the time. So, in my mind, I had gotten a bid simply flop sweat. because I was a legacy. When I finally started to let down my guard and get to know the other girls, I discovered Worried this may have been a mistake, she turns how wrong I'd been to worry. Turns out, Alpha Chi was to leave only to find her heels SINKING down into the right place for me, and the friends I made at the the well-manicured lawn, effectively cementing her University of Georgia were instrumental in shaping who in place. I am today. During a chapter meeting my senior year, a sister mentioned I was a great storyteller. Those words stuck The shell-shocked new member? Yep, that was me - wet with me for years as I worked production jobs around napkin dress and all. Not the most auspicious start to Atlanta, first at Crawford Communications, then later at college, but a defining moment in my life nevertheless. CNN. Was she right? Did I have a story to tell? All I knew It was the first of many times I would have to learn to was that being in a control room for breaking news day stand in my discomfort - literally and figuratively. Not after day only made my anxiety worse. If I was going to an easy thing for most people, but especially difficult for stand in my discomfort, why not do it while pursuing someone with anxiety. something that truly made me happy? I'm not sure when my anxiety first started, but I do know I've never felt comfortable being the center of attention. Most of my childhood was spent with my nose in a book, 6 ALPHA CHI OMEGA CUT TO: LOS ANGELES - a city for people with big dreams. Most end up working jobs simply to afford the high cost of living, forget chasing the dreams that brought them out here in the first place. When I made the move, I didn't know anyone working in the industry, much less writing for television. Those first few years were like going through recruitment all over again - making small talk, trying to find somewhere you fit, learning to lean on friends in the absence of family. There were SO many times I questioned what I was doing TRACEY ON SET IN NEW ORLEANS WITH THE TIME with my life. Then, after interning and working my way MACHINE FROM SECRETS OF SULPHUR SPRINGS up, I got my first writing job on General Hospital. I went on to write soap operas (All My Children, The Young and The steady paycheck was terrifying and left me wondering if I Restless) for a number of years before taking a break to would ever be a working writer again. What I didn't expect have my first child. was how it would empower me to take even more chances. Without the pressure of weekly deadlines, I started writing For SO long, my identity had revolved around my career, for myself and discovering the stories I wanted to tell. and now here I was not working. Talk about standing in my discomfort. Making the decision to walk away from a In 2018, I sold my first pilot to Disney, a time-travel mystery series called Secrets of Sulphur Springs. In true DAY TIME DAYTIME Hollywood fashion, there would be many ups and downs before anyone would have the chance to see it. Production was shut down during our first season due to CBS the pandemic, and no one knew when or if we'd be back. Add in the fact I had just given birth to my second child YTIME the week prior, and I was in full-on panic mode. All the uncertainty really started to take a toll on me, SO much SO I eventually sought help from a therapist. Making that call was the hardest and best decision of my life. ME Slowly things started to turn around, the world started to open back up and we were able to complete production on our first season. Fast forward to the present, my CBS pandemic baby is now a lively 3-year-old and seasons 1-3 YTIME of Secrets of Sulphur Springs are streaming on Disney+ DA Oh, and those new members who stood on the sidewalk with me? They're still the people I turn to when my self- TRACEY WITH HER HUSBAND AFTER SHE WON HER FIRST doubt starts to creep in. As an added bonus, their kids are EMMY FOR THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS now some of my show's biggest fans. THE LYRI E 7 AXO NEWS 2023-24 Chapter Consultants oin Alpha Chi Omega in welcoming our chapter consultant team! Being a consultant means building key J professional skills like public speaking, project management, professional writing and communications - all while helping our members develop leadership and assisting chapters across the country to achieve success. FIRST-YEAR - CONSULTANTS TINA CLAIRE CAMERON EMILY ARCHER CREIGHTON DANIELS DAVISON Chapter: Epsilon Chapter: Iota Rho Chapter: Alpha Upsilon Chapter: Gamma Mu (University of Southern (Loyola University (The University of (Ball State University) California) Chicago) Alabama) Degree: Mathematics Degree: Bachelor Degree: Bachelor of Degree: Bachelor of education of Fine Arts in stage Science in biochemistry Arts in criminology and Leadership: Chapter management Leadership: Chapter criminal justice president, vice president Leadership: Chapter president, vice president Leadership: finance, Panhellenic vice president, Theatre philanthropy, university Homecoming chair, president of recruitment Student Association honors program mentor, CRSB representative, counselors, math executive board member respite care volunteer recruitment counselor, practicum teacher Dance Marathon participant MADISON DOBYNS KATHRYN MOLLY FISCHER MARISSA GHENT EDWARDS Chapter: Beta Lambda Chapter: Sigma Chapter: Zeta Pi (Arizona (University of Arizona) Chapter: Kappa Chi (University of Iowa) State University) Degree: Bachelor of (Florida Gulf Coast Degrees: Bachelor of Arts Degree: Bachelor of Arts Science in family studies University) in political science and in forensic psychology and human development Degree: Bachelor of Arts communication studies Leadership: Vice Leadership: Vice in political science Leadership: Chapter president chapter president membership Leadership: Vice president, vice president relations and standards, programming, service president chapter chapter relations and vice president Ritual and chair, recording secretary, relations and standards, standards, vice president fraternity appreciation, university first-year fraternity and sorority Ritual and fraternity 2022 convention page student and academic life experience mentor, appreciation, university peer mentor Congressional intern orientation leader 8 ALPHA CHI OMEGA SECOND-YEAR - CONSULTANTS NATASHA RAJA NICOLE STRAIGHT TORY WILEY SERENITY BAILEY Chapter: Beta Eta (Florida Chapter: Gamma Iota Chapter: Theta Iota Chapter: Delta Omega State University) (University of Florida) (Baylor University) (University of Kentucky) Degree: Bachelor of Degrees: Bachelor of Degree: Bachelor of Degrees: Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary Science in business Science in health science Business Administration medical services focusing administration- studies in marketing and on clinical professions marketing and Master of Leadership: Vice president management and Master of Leadership: Vice president International Business new member education, Business Administration diversity, equity and Leadership: Chapter assistant vice president Leadership: Vice president inclusion; philanthropy president, vice recruitment, university facility operations; chair; cultural chair; president membership admissions representative Panhellenic inter-sorority guardian ad litem; Crisis programming, Panhellenic chair; member of the Text Line counselor counselor, university national Diversity, Equity Greek ambassador and Inclusion Work Group First-Year Consultant Experience: Resident consultant at Lambda Pi (University of Mississippi) ALLISON EMMA EDGAR LAKIN SHELTON CHLOE SIMONE CHAMBERS Chapter: Beta Omicron Chapter: Gamma Zeta Chapter: Iota Tau Chapter: Epsilon (Florida Southern (Kansas State University) (California State Kappa (California State University) Degree: Bachelor of University San Marcos) University, Fullerton) Degree: Bachelor of Arts Science in elementary Degree: Bachelor of Degree: Bachelor of Arts in communications education Science in biology in theatre Leadership: Chapter Leadership: Chapter Leadership: Chapter Leadership: Vice president, vice president, vice president president, sales consultant president membership president Ritual and new member education, First-Year Consultant programming, advisory fraternity appreciation, elementary school Experience: Resident board volunteer vice president risk paraprofessional consultant at Gamma First-Year Consultant management, Foundation First-Year Consultant Sigma (University of Experience: Resident Scarlet Ribbon Leadership Experience: Traveling Rhode Island) consultant at Lambda Council member consultant Omicron (Chapman First-Year Consultant University) Experience: Traveling consultant THE LYRE 9 AXO NEWS Growing Through the Consultant Role hen they joined the 2022-23 chapter W consultant team, Serenity Bailey (Delta Omega, University of Kentucky) and Lakin Shelton (Gamma Zeta, Kansas State University) were looking forward to inspiring and empowering collegiate sisters while working for an organization they love. Now wrapping up their first year and looking forward to their second, they reflected on doing just that - and growing as sisters, professionals and real, strong women along the way. "Being a consultant means you are constantly having to adapt to a new environment, new people and new chapters," says Lakin, who traveled across the country SERENITY (LEFT) AND LAKIN AT THE LAMBDA PI CHAPTER'S visiting chapters, about her growth. "In order to really BID DAY dive into the culture of the campus or chapter, I really try to understand the women I meet and what makes This growth is thanks to the sisters they've met and them the people they are." worked with. As a resident consultant at our new Lambda Pi "Being constantly surrounded by real, strong women (University of Mississippi) chapter, Serenity also day after day is what has helped me grow into the grew while getting to know others, explaining, "I've woman I am today," Lakin says. Serenity echoes that: found growth in building intentional and meaningful "I'm surrounded by real, strong women who push relationships with various people ranging from alumnae me day in and day out to be better and do better, to and collegians to campus staff." Like Lakin, Serenity go after the things I want in life and to relish in the also strengthened her ability to adapt, pivoting as she opportunities that present themselves." learned the chapter's strengths and opportunities and practicing being proactive instead of reactive. Lakin and Serenity can't wait to see what new growth opportunities are ahead in their second years. To the Both women gained professional experience they never women who are joining them on the 2023-24 team and expected. "If you told me in May of 2022 I was going to to those considering the role in the future (hint: the move to Mississippi, help a chapter start at a university application will open in the fall), they share how much with a rich history of Greek life, provide 100+ new there is to look forward to. Serenity says, "You will be members with the Alpha Chi Omega experience and challenged, and you will grow immensely, but it will then watch the chapter come into its own, I would undoubtedly be some of the most rewarding work you never have believed you," Serenity says. Lakin adds will ever do." And Lakin adds, "Being a consultant has that she never thought she'd be comfortable leading given me friendships I will cherish for a lifetime and has workshops in front of hundreds of sisters but gained helped me grow into a confident woman with skills that the confidence and knowledge to do SO time and again. will help me for many years to come." 10 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 2023 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS - SAVE THE DATE! Alpha Omicron Alpha Pi THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA The Alpha Omicron chapter will To recognize the centennial of Alpha Pi, celebrate 100 years on September 15- a celebration weekend is being planned 17,2023 in Columbus, Ohio. Check out for November 17-19,2023 in Grand axocolumbus.com/centennial for details Forks, North Dakota. More details as they are available. can be found at https://oooaxoalum. square.site/alpha-pi-centennial or by emailing axo.alphapi100@gmail.com. CELEBRATING A Century of Sisterhood FOR BOTH ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS! RHO RHO CHAPTER ALPHA X I CHAPTER OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA FOUNDED FOUNDED MARCH 17, 1923 MAY 11, 1923 OMEGA OMEGA CHY 100 YEARS 100 AXO NEWS Hera Day of Service SISTERS SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES BY ARIANNA BRADLEY (KAPPA XI, UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA), DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME BRAWNY ENGAGEMENT arch 1 marks the celebration of Hera Day for M Alpha Chi Omegas. Hera Day honors our patron goddess, Hera, and is reminiscent of the Heraea, a festival of ancient Greece held in the spring to honor the wedding of Hera and Zeus. In Alpha Chi Omega traditions, we have observed Hera Day since 1911 with a mission of helpfulness to others. Each year on March 1, sisters volunteer their time in service to their communities and the well-being of others. This year, we it's a challenged alumnae to participate in one hour of service to others, individually or in groups, in honor of Hera Day. good day We asked alumnae to share about their service experiences as we captured the power of our collective sisterhood in to be living to benefit others. Nearly 100 hours of service were reported by alumnae, and we know even more sisters happy participated. Service activities included reading books to children, garden beautification projects, donating blood, working in food pantries, writing letters and more! TOP: THE COLLECTION OF DONATIONS FROM BETA PSI BETA; ABOVE: A LETTER THAT CHRISTINE MAILED OUT "I believe very strongly in the importance of giving back. I think if you're blessed with the gifts of money or time, you Gabriela went on to share, "Alumnae should participate should pay them forward to help others," says Christine in Hera Day of Service next year, and following years, Owens (lota Alpha, Alumnae Initiates). "I discovered an because our philanthropy involvement doesn't end after organization that I'm going to participate with regularly! graduation. There is SO much still that we are able to do I chose to write notes as part of the Love for Our Elders for our communities Participating in Hera Day realigns campaign." us as alumnae with our shared values of being Alpha Chi Omega women. Philanthropy is such a large part of our The Beta Psi Beta (Alliance, Ohio) alumnae chapter undergrad experience, and it is not something that we collected goods for the Alliance Area Domestic Violence should be stepping away from as alumnae." Shelter. "It was important for Beta Psi Beta to serve in honor of Hera Day because we see firsthand how our We hope alumnae will mark their calendars each year on local domestic violence shelter serves our community," March 1 to dedicate in service of others. "I think it's an says Gabriela Botzman (Alpha Eta, University of Mount easy way to show your lifelong commitment and to serve Union), alumnae chapter president. In all, the chapter the community!" adds Christine. How will you serve in donated $800 worth of goods! 2024? 12 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Summer Reading List F inish out your summer by joining Alpha Chi Omega sisters in reading and discussing these three books. Request to join the AXO Alumnae Book Club group on Facebook and look for discussion questions to be posted during the dates below - but you can always jump in later to share your thoughts! NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER MINDY'S LESSONS in CHEMISTRY BLACK An utter delight wry and vibrant readable." CLAIRE LOMBARDO, CAKE VIBRANT Most We Ever Had YEARS CHARMAINE Bonnie Garmus WILKERSON JULY 2023 AUGUST 2023 SEPTEMBER 2023 LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY BLACK CAKE THE VIBRANT YEARS BY BONNIE GARMUS BY CHARMAINE WILKERSON BY SONALI DEV After fighting against 1960s Byron and Benny are left with an Sixty-five-year-old Bindu Desai's standards of women and her all- interesting inheritance when their decision to move to a sophisticated male research team's doubts of her mother, Eleanor Bennett, passes retirement community to hide a abilities, chemist Elizabeth Zott away: a voice recording, a family shameful mistake from her youth unexpectedly finds herself as a single recipe and a black cake. While Byron also affects her son's ex-wife, Aly, mother and the reluctant star of and Benny listen to their mother's who lives with her. As the two America's favorite cooking show, story of a young girl who escapes figure out their new normal, Aly's Supper at Six. Elizabeth's scientific her home under accusations of daughter, Cullie, is fighting for approach to cooking ("combine murder, they learn new things about her place in the tech world and is one tablespoon acetic acid with a themselves, their mother and where forced to move forward with her pinch of sodium chloride") proves they came from. As the siblings last-minute dating app idea, even to be unique and crowd-pleasing. As work to find out more about their though she's never been on a first her following grows, Elizabeth isn't mother's history, can they regrow date. The Vibrant Years is a story just teaching women to cook; she's their previously close relationship about three generations of women daring them to be different. The and fulfill Eleanor's last request to who are empowering, laughing problem with changing the status "share the black cake when the time with and loving each other on the quo? Not everyone is a fan. is right"? journey to self-discovery. DISCUSSION: DISCUSSION: DISCUSSION: JULY 17-21 AUGUST 21-25 SEPTEMBER 18-22 THE LYRE 13 AXQ NEWS Learning and Connecting in Texas T his February, executive boards and advisors position to exchange ideas. The evening closed with an from collegiate chapters across Texas gathered address on the relevancy of sororities and the importance for a one-day retreat to collaborate, learn of collaboration from Deana Gage, past international Alpha Chi Omega news, share challenges and solutions, president of Alpha Phi Fraternity. and spend time with sisters. The event was hosted by the Epsilon Lambda (The University of Texas at "There is such value in a large chapter being able to Arlington) collegiate chapter and the Delta Eta Delta bounce ideas off of leaders from other large chapters, for (Arlington, Texas) alumnae chapter; supported by small chapters to compare challenges with other small the two Texas province collegiate chairs, Leslie Moss chapters, for new advisors to hear tips and successes (Gamma Rho, Texas Tech University) and Megan Hershfeld (Epsilon Psi, University of California, Irvine); and sponsored by Texas alumnae chapters and individual alumnae. The event saw more than 160 executive board leaders, 50 advisors, and many more volunteers and alumnae come together from all over Texas. National Vice President Jari Askins (Psi, The University of Oklahoma) opened the retreat with an update on Alpha Chi Omega. Headquarters staff shared about the importance of member retention, and attendees gathered in groups by 14 ALPHA CHI OMEGA SISTERS SHARE THE IMPACT OF THE EVENT Bluebonnel Ballroom "THIS WEEKEND PROVIDED A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO UNITE SO MANY AMBITIOUS AND TALENTED SISTERS THAT WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE STRIDES AS NATURAL LEADERS THROUGHOUT THEIR JOURNEY AS COLLEGIATE MEMBERS OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA AND BEYOND THESE FOUR YEARS. IT GOES TO SHOW HOW DEDICATED OUR YOUNGER SISTERS ARE AND THE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON THE WORLD WHEN THEY COME TOGETHER." - NIKKI MODHA (EPSILON LAMBDA, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON), CHAPTER ADVISOR FOR EPSILON LAMBDA "IT WAS SO BENEFICIAL TO HEAR IDEAS FROM OTHER COLLEGIATE WOMEN IN THE SAME POSITION THAT I AM. I LEARNED A LOT OF GREAT THINGS THAT I WAS ABLE TO TAKE BACK TO ZETA NU! TEXAS STATE DAY ALSO from veteran advisors," Megan explains. "Getting 150+ PROVIDED A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TEXAS women to any one place at any one time can feel A&M EXEC BOARD TO BOND. LEAVING THE STATE DAY, WE ALL CAME BACK VERY INSPIRED WITH A BUNCH OF nothing short of a miracle, but there is value in sisters EXCITING NEW IDEAS!" hearing from other accomplished, capable sisters; there is value in memories formed in hotel lobbies after - LAUREN WAX (ZETA NU, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY), hitting the delirious part of the day; there is value in CHAPTER PRESIDENT the laughter shared on long car rides home; and there is value in being reminded that Alpha Chi is bigger than "THE RETREAT WAS A REMINDER THAT I AM NEVER any one Monday meeting, exec board or chapter house." ALONE IN MY POSITION! I HAVE MY ENTIRE EXECUTIVE BOARD TO SUPPORT ME THROUGH THE Leslie adds, "This is the first time in almost 10 years that GOOD AND THE BAD AS WELL AS SO MANY TEXAS this group has been organized at this level. Our plan is SISTERS WORKING TO EXCEL IN THE NME PROGRAM it is not our last!" JUST LIKE MYSELF! THE RETREAT GREW OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD TOGETHER EVEN MORE, WHICH WAS JUST ANOTHER PLUS." Photos by Gabi Noble (Gamma Rho, Texas Tech University) - QUINCY BEATY (DELTA KAPPA, SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY), VICE PRESIDENT NEW MEMBER EDUCATION "I LOVED MEETING THIS NEW GENERATION OF ALPHA CHIS! COLLABORATING WITH OTHER CHAPTER ADVISORS AND VPS TO FOCUS ON THE UNIQUE PROBLEMS SMALLER CHAPTERS FACE IN PR AND MARKETING PROVIDED SO MANY GREAT IDEAS." - MEREDITH STROMBERG (GAMMA RHO, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY), PRM ADVISOR FOR EPSILON ETA (STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY) THE LYRE 15 AXO NEWS SAAM and Alpha Chi Omega OUR ROLE IN THE EFFORTS TO END SEXUAL ASSAULT BY JEN WALLACH (IOTA CHI, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Take AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES Back the pril 2023 marks the official 22nd anniversary of night A Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) - but did you know that its history can be traced Omega back even further? Even before its official declaration, SAAM was about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment and abuse. As long as there have been people who care about making the world a better place, there have been individuals advocating for sexual assault prevention. In the United States, movements for social change gained traction in the 1950s and 60s with the Civil Rights Movement and continued throughout the late 1900s as activists for ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY) PUT ON TAKE BACK THE NIGHT TO RAISE AWARENESS equal rights began to challenge the status quo. As part of our Fraternity's those in their communities about the philanthropic mission, Alpha Chi prevalence of sexual assault and how Omegas are dedicated to to advocate for themselves and others. educating ourselves on and raising awareness about the On April 18, Alpha Chi Omega, in prevalence of sexual violence collaboration with our national and supporting survivors. This partners at RAINN (Rape, Abuse & year, Alpha Chi Omega offered Incest National Network), hosted suggested areas of focus for our a RAINN Day webinar. RAINN members each week of April to Day is an opportunity for members ensure a holistic approach to sexual assault awareness of Alpha Chi Omega and their communities to and prevention: raising awareness, supporting survivors, demonstrate to their peers that they are allies in the action and advocacy, and reflection and remembrance. fight against sexual violence. Collegians, alumnae and Through Alpha Chi Omega educational programs such friends of Alpha Chi Omega joined the webinar to learn as The History of Sexual Assault Awareness, Challenging more about the services RAINN provides to survivors as Bystander Behavior and Supporting Survivors, members the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. learned about the history of SAAM, the realities of sexual violence and how they can take action to support On April 26, Alpha Chi Omegas recognized Denim one another and prevent violence in their communities. Day. The Denim Day campaign was developed by Members also engaged in tabling efforts, walks/runs Peace Over Violence, an organization that brings and other activities to raise awareness and educate awareness to victim-blaming and destructive myths 16 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. As the longest running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history, Denim Day encourages participants to make a social statement by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual violence. With April now behind us, we encourage you to consider how you can help your community year- round. Volunteer with a local care provider or research laws in your state and advocate for the changes you want to see! Take time to reflect and honor your own connection to this cause. The only person responsible for committing sexual assault is a perpetrator, but all of UPSILON (MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY) CHAPTER us can do something to make a difference for survivors. HOSTED A COLOR RUN FOR SAAM Through our work to end sexual assault, we continue our commitment to our national philanthropy of about sexual violence. The campaign began after a domestic violence awareness. ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt If you or anyone you know has been impacted by sexual that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she assault or if you have questions about sexual violence, you must have helped the person who raped her remove can reach out to RAINN via its 24/7 confidential chat at her jeans, thereby implying consent. The next day, botline.rainn.org or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline the women in the Italian Parliament came to work at 800-656-HOPE (4673). wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace SAVE THE DATE FOR ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S 62ND NATIONAL CONVENTION JULY 12-14, 2024 IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA More information coming soon! PHOTO BY SCOTT CRONE, COURTESY OF VISIT INDY THE LYRE 17 AWARDS 2023 Collegiate Individual Award Winners Congratulations to these women for their commitment and leadership in supporting Alpha Chi Omega and their communities. Join us in recognizing their hard work in building the Real. Strong. Women. Experience. GRACIE O'RORKE (RIGHT) WITH MAEVE EVANOVICH (LEFT) WITH KARA REX (CENTER) WITH CHAPTER NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT/ NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT/ ADVISOR KRISTIN HATHAWAY (LEFT) SECRETARY/TREASURER LESLIE SECRETARY/TREASURER LESLIE AND CHAPTER PRESIDENT PENELOPE ABRAMSKY BLOCK ABRAMSKY BLOCK MELISSAS (RIGHT) ESTELLE LEONARD AMY DUBOIS RIETH OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING SENIOR EMERGING LEADER FRATERNITY/SORORITY AWARD AWARD ADVISOR AWARD Honors a senior who best represents the Honors a real, strong woman who was Presented to a campus-based ideals of Alpha Chi Omega initiated no more than 12 months prior professional advising fraternity and GRACIE O'RORKE to being nominated sorority life at an institution with an Alpha Chi Omega chapter (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt MAEVE EVANOVICH University) (Beta Rho, American University) KARA REX (Pi Beta Phi Fraternity), Assistant Gracie has led the Zeta Omicron Shortly after being initiated, Maeve Director of Greek Life at the chapter as president and vice took on the role of sisterhood University of Georgia president finance. She has chair when chapter members maintained a rigorous course were in need of stronger bonds. Kara supports our Beta Sigma schedule while also staying active She worked with chapter leaders (University of Georgia) chapter, in several campus organizations, to rebuild members' connections helping members grow as real, She is a passionate, mature and by emphasizing kindness, support strong women. The chapter shares, confident leader who has been an and genuine friendship through "Kara goes absolutely above excellent role model to the chapter. teambuilding and sisterhood events. and beyond to support all 19 Her nominator shares, "She is Her nominator shares, "She has an Panhellenic chapters. She unites reliable, she is respectful and she is energy about her that can lift your SO many people from different resilient." spirits no matter what you may be backgrounds and chapters and leads dealing with in your life." them with one common goal of women supporting women." 18 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 2023 Collegiate Chapter Award Winners Congratulations to the collegiate chapters on the next few pages that are being recognized for their work throughout 2022. Please join us in applauding the chapter members and leaders for their successes in creating transformative and everlasting connections among sisters! CHAPTER PROGRESS AWARD Presented to the chapters that have displayed significant growth and progress in the areas of chapter operations, member support and development in the past calendar year ALPHA PI (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA) EPSILON TAU (VIRGINIA TECH) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - CHAPTER GROWTH Presented to the chapters that have performed exceptionally in marketing and promoting the sorority experience to potential new members and welcoming new members into Alpha Chi Omega ALPHA ETA (UNIVERSITY OF BETA ETA (FLORIDA STATE EPSILON CHI (UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION) UNIVERSITY) NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL) HOME THE LYRE 19 is AWARDS SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. EXPERIENCE Presented to the chapters with exceptional dedication to providing members with events, programming and activities OMICRON (BAKER ALPHA MU (INDIANA ZETA OMEGA (WESTERN UNIVERSITY) UNIVERSITY) CAROLINA UNIVERSITY) YOU'LL SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - MEMBER WELLNESS Presented to the chapters that have been outstanding in providing wellness activities, promoting mental health programming, and educating on and implementing barm reduction strategies to support the safety and well-being of their members BETA DELTA (COLLEGE OF BETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF DELTA MU (UNIVERSITY OF WILLIAM & MARY) GEORGIA) MASSACHUSETTS) SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - CHAPTER OPERATIONS Presented to the chapters that have exceeded expectations in all areas related to chapter operations and management to ensure that policies and processes of Alpha Chi Omega are being adhered to by chapter leadership and members ALPHA ETA (UNIVERSITY GAMMA XI (WESTERN GAMMA TAU (OKLAHOMA OF MOUNT UNION) MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY) CITY UNIVERSITY) 3 HOME MORE AWARDS TO COME! STAY TUNED TO @ALPHACHIOMEGAHQ SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE FALL LYRE FOR MORE AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS, INCLUDING MAJOR COLLEGIATE CHAPTER AWARDS, MORE INDIVIDUAL COLLEGIATE AWARDS AND INDIVIDUAL ALUMNAE AWARDS. SEEKING THE HEIGHTS - MEMBER RETENTION Presented to the chapters with exceptional strides in programming and events for sisters at every stage of collegiate membership DELTA ZETA (CENTRAL DELTA KAPPA (SAM HOUSTON EPSILON TAU MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY) STATE UNIVERSITY) (VIRGINIA TECH) CHAPTER INNOVATION AWARD Presented to the chapters that bost a signature event or initiative within the calendar year that is both creative and innovative BETA SIGMA EPSILON OMEGA THETA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA) (CAL POLY, SAN LUIS OBISPO) (CLEMSON UNIVERSITY) DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD Presented to the chapters that have worked to educate members on issues related to diversity and inclusion internally as well as participate in diversity and inclusion efforts in their community and on campus Pictured clockwise from top left: EPSILON (UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA) GAMMA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND) ZETA THETA (BROWN UNIVERSITY) ZETA CHI (MUHLENBERG COLLEGE) POUNDATION Growing Our Impact BY MADELINE JENKINS (ALPHA BETA, PURDUE UNIVERSITY), DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT The Foundation's Past Since its earliest days, Alpha Chi Omega has embraced service to others as an important expression of our core values and belief system. At the 1978 National Convention, the convention body voted to establish the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, and that's where the story really begins. The Foundation was created SO members and friends could financially support priority programs THE FIRST BOARD OF TRUSTEES and receive the benefits of making a charitable contribution. Helen Reckord (Alpha Rho, University of Idaho), Marian Smith (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri) and Our first trustees were true servant leaders: Dorothy Karen Miley (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota). Chambers (Alpha Omega, Birmingham-Southern These early leaders of the Foundation focused on College), Harriet Holden (Alpha Lambda, University of the business of fundraising, creating operational Minnesota), Barbara Horton (Gamma, Northwestern practices, establishing recognition levels and University), Jessie Payne (Upsilon, Millikin University), completing our first appeal - a direct mail campaign to more than 3,500 which raised more than $72,000! Growth 1978 1979 Delegates 1983 The 1985 Through the at the 1978 Total Foundation's The Second National Foundation Years: Convention first direct Century assets reach mail campaign unanimously The Impact of $500,000. approve the campaign launches creation of raises more with a goal the Alpha Chi than $72,000 of raising $2 the Alpha Chi from 3,553 million. Omega Omega Foundation. donors. Foundation CHI FOUNDA 22 ALPHA CHI OMEGA The Foundation's Present Today, Alpha Chi Omega continues to make an uncommon impact through support from generous donors and remains true to its mission of realizing and sustaining the educational and philanthropic values of Alpha Chi Omega through successful fundraising and stewardship. Growth has been a common theme for the Foundation each year since its founding in 1978. We've increased financial support for Fraternity educational and leadership programs, awarded more than 4,000 scholarships and grants to our sisters, and exceeded $5 million in gifts for the past two years! There are many ways to support the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, helping to sustain the vision our leaders had 45 years ago - and the work we do as real, strong women wouldn't be possible without all of us coming GIFTS TO THE FOUNDATION SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL together. PROGRAMMING AT EVENTS LIKE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS 11 "The unparalleled generosity of SO many members and friends has enabled our Foundation to truly be 'of assistance to those who may need our aid." III - Faythe Vorderstrasse (Alpha Rho, University of Idaho) as shared in the 1985-86 Annual Report 1999 1986 1992 1997 1988 The Pathway Total assets 1990 Domestic Foundation to the Future surpass $1 Sky of Fame The Circle violence total assets (later known campaign million. of 20 is awareness reach $5 is launched as Star created to and million. Challenge) is with a goal recognize 20 prevention launched. of increasing sisters who is adopted the general made gifts as Alpha Chi endowment of $1,000 Omega's to $2.5 or more to national million. CIRCLE support a philanthropy. summer training program OF20 for chapter Pathway advisors. TO THE FUTURE THE LYRE 23 POUNDATION The Foundation's Future: or Star Challenge while others like to give when it works best for them and their budget - all gifts are Ways You Can Make an appreciated! Uncommon Impact FOUNDATION PARTNERS As the Foundation has grown, so have its efforts to Each month, more than 200 donors support the provide funding and support to our sisters. Donors Foundation through a recurring monthly gift as part of can make gifts to programs they're passionate about our Foundation Partners program. Think of Foundation through many different avenues of giving. Partners like a Netflix subscription; once it's set up, you don't have to think about it, but you receive the Whether you choose to support our greatest needs benefits! As a Foundation Partner you can make a through a one-time gift to the Real. Strong. Women. recurring gift in an amount that works for you - and Fund, make a multi-year pledge to a specific amplify your impact in multiples of 12! campaign or program, or remember Alpha Chi Omega in your estate planning, you're making an impact LEADERSHIP CIRCLE and ensuring a bright and sustainable future for our Leadership Circle is a giving society of sisters who sisterhood. Here are a few ways you can give back to support the Foundation with gifts of $1,000 or more to Alpha Chi Omega: the Real. Strong. Women. Fund during the fiscal year. ONE-TIME FOUNDATION GIFT These engaged donors learn more about the impact of their gifts through exclusive quarterly webinars, We welcome all gifts to the Foundation and are newsletters, and visits from Foundation and Fraternity eager to meet each member where she's at with her leaders. Additionally, Leadership Circle donors receive ability to give back. While there are multiple options a special gift for their donations and invitations to for sustained giving, many donors choose to make exclusive events. Donors at the Silver ($2,500 or a one-time gift each fiscal year (August 1 to July 31). more) and Gold ($5,000 or more) levels receive even Some donors choose to give to our annual giving more benefits, like access to Discovery initiatives like Founders' Day Challenge, Day of Giving Experience. Leadership fornow forever Circle A CAMPAIGN FOR ALPHA CHI OMEGA 2004 Annual 2005 The Local 2012 2015 2015 2016 contributions Philanthropic The For Now, Foundation Foundation reach $1 Leadership Initiative program Forever total assets Partners is Circle is million per (known now as campaign exceed $20 established established year, and Community Impact) publicly million. total assets to recognize to recognize exceed $10 is established to launches monthly donors allow collegiate and with a goal of donors. million. making gifts alumnae chapters $7 million. of $1,000 to fundraise for local Foundation annually charities through to the Real. Partners the Foundation. Strong. Women. Fund. 24 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ENDOWMENT GIVING matching gifts from most employers. The Foundation partners with Double the Donation to make it easier When you establish an endowed fund, you're leaving for you to apply for your company's corporate a long-term legacy on Alpha Chi Omega and making matching gift program to match your donations. an impact right away. Academic, member assistance and chapter education grants are made possible PLANNED GIVING through endowment giving, and program-specific Through a planned gift to the Foundation, you'll leave a endowments help sustain educational and leadership legacy to our sisterhood that will help ensure our future. programs that make up the Real. Strong. Women. There are many options for planned giving including Experience. Donors can support existing endowed bequests, IRA rollovers, donor-advised funds, charitable funds or create a new fund through a gift of $25,000 gift annuities and more. Our Foundation team is happy or more from an individual or group. to talk about all the different options with you! NON -CASH GIFTS Your gifts to the Foundation directly impact every Not only are there many programs you can give to, collegiate and alumna member - and help us realize but there are also many non-cash giving options! the vision our early One of the most popular ways is through stock leaders had to sustain transfers. Gifts of appreciated securities are a great Alpha Chi Omega for way to have a meaningful impact while enjoying future generations of significant tax benefits. The Foundation also accepts real, strong women. gifts of cryptocurrency. If you have an appreciated To learn more about asset of any kind that you'd like to use to benefit the Foundation or Alpha Chi Omega, the Foundation would love to talk ways you can give, to you! reach out to the us by email at foundation@ CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS alphachiomega.org, Does your employer offer a matching gift program for by phone at 317-579- monetary gifts or volunteer hours? As a 501(c)(3), the 5050, ext. 0290 or by scanning the QR code to visit Alpha Chi Omega Foundation qualifies for corporate alphachiomega.org/Foundation/Giving-Opportunities BY THE NUMBERS As of the end of the 2022 calendar year 2018 2020 2022 The Foundation The Common Bond. 200+ Foundation total assets Uncommon Impact. Foundation Partners celebrates exceed $25 campaign publicly 40 years of million. launches with a goal of impact. raising $25 million. 328 Leadership Circle donors Common Bond $5,370,896 Uncommon Impact. total contributions 60,000+ Foundation-funded collegiate experiences THE LYRE 25 HOUSING Coming Together Over Meals ealtimes are an integral part of the college EDUCATE ALL THE WOMEN SO THAT THEY M experience, and we see that in many of our MIGHT UNDERSTAND AND PARTAKE IN chapter houses across the country. The quality THIS ACCOMMODATION? time and memories we make with our sisters around the dinner table are things we can hold onto for years to We had the privilege of working with Alpha Chi Omega's come. Having a great meal plan to offer our members is Alpha (DePauw University) chapter to research and something that the National Housing Corporation takes develop a halal dietary guide. We were able to share this pride in, and we work hard to partner with food service information via a virtual presentation with their kitchen companies that have a lot to offer. team and answer specific questions on how to prepare foods and ensure the traditions are honored correctly. We talked with staff at one of our food service partners, College Fresh, which provides services at many of our We were also made aware of a severe peanut allergy at a chapter houses. Mealtimes are an important way to chapter {of another organization] we partner with. The connect with sisters, grow independence as collegiate women were very concerned with waste in general, and women, learn about others and bring comfort in being SO they were using bulk peanut butter in their servery, away from home; College Fresh staff helped articulate leading to the member being worried about having a what exactly that means from their point of view. reaction. We worked with the chapter to help them understand that in this instance, the safety of their sister WE KNOW THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF was more important than the waste created by using MEALS PLANS COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN single portion peanut butter, and we stayed committed to reducing waste in other ways. PARTAKE IN. WHY SHOULD SORORITY WOMEN CONSIDER A LIVE-IN MEAL PLAN? WHAT EDUCATION DOES COLLEGE FRESH The live-in plan offers many perks. First, it's the best way PROVIDE TO MEMBERS ABOUT CHANGES to get a healthy variety of meals for an affordable price, IN FOOD SERVICE? and the customization of a personal chef is unrivaled. Getting together around the dinner table fosters It's imperative that we have the members' buy-in whenever friendships and builds relationships among the members. there are changes to their food service. To ensure that all The closeness of sharing a meal together, chatting about members' needs are accommodated and that everyone is your day and laughing with fellow sisters provides a sense fed and satisfied, we strive to maintain open and valuable of comfort and home. I rarely meet an alumna who had communication between our team and the chapter a live-in meal plan that doesn't reminisce about times members. The communication channels vary, from weekly with friends around the dinner table. face-to-face meetings with their chef, utilizing our app to provide meal reviews and suggestions, or contacting us via social media. No matter how members contact us, we TELL US ABOUT WHEN YOU HAVE always want to ensure they feel comfortable in providing WORKED WITH MEMBERS TO their feedback SO, in turn, we can provide them with ACCOMMODATE A SPECIAL DIET. HOW exceptional service. DID YOU TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO 26 ALPHA CHI OMEGA A DRAGON FAST FACTS ABOUT MEAL SERVICE FRUIT SALAD SERVED FORTY-NINE ALPHA CHI OMEGA CHAPTERS UTILIZE AT THETA A THIRD-PARTY FOOD SERVICE VENDOR TO OFFER A FULL MEAL PLAN. (UNIVERSITY OF NINE ALPHA CHI OMEGA CHAPTERS HAVE A HIRED, MICHIGAN) PRIVATE CHEF. CHAPTER; PHOTO MEAL SERVICES CAN ACCOMMODATE EVENT FOOD COURTESY FOR OUR MEMBERS INCLUDING FAMILY WEEKEND, OF COLLEGE PHILANTHROPY EVENTS AND PRE-RECRUITMENT WEEK. FRESH SNACK SHOPPING IS A GREAT WAY TO TURN GROCERY Usually food service is one of, if not the biggest, bills SHOPPING INTO A SISTERHOOD ACTIVITY FOR THOSE WITHOUT A MEAL SERVICE. the chapter pays. With that in mind, the decisions regarding food service are ones that should be made MOST FOOD SERVICE PARTNERS HAVE AN APP THAT with diligence. Cost, flexibility, responsiveness and ALLOWS FOR MENU VIEWING, MEAL RATING AND LATE presence on campus of a potential vendor should all be PLATE ORDERING RIGHT FROM YOUR PHONE. considered. In making food service decisions, make sure MEMBERS' FAVORITE MEALS: to talk to several groups to understand your options. BRINNER - BREAKFAST FOR DINNER BUILD-YOUR-OWN MEALS, LIKE PIZZAS AND RAMEN BOWLS WHAT IS IT ABOUT FOOD AND MEALTIMES ACAI BOWLS THAT BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND HELP THEM LEARN ABOUT EACH OTHER? Since the beginning of time, people have gotten together A special thanks to College Fresh staff for contributing to this to share food, stories and ideas. The opportunity to share article: Jack Dawson, president; Fake Waldeck.er, director of a meal with others is a special ritual. It's around the table, client services; and Megan Weinstein, employer brand and over good food, that we can get to know someone better marketing manager. and appreciate that human connection. ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE A DECONSTRUCTED SUSHI BOWL FROM THE NU ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN (UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER) CHAPTER; PHOTO COLLEGE FRESH AND ALPHA CHI COURTESY OF COLLEGE FRESH OMEGA OR ABOUT COLLEGE DINING EXPERIENCES IN GENERAL? College Fresh's partnership with Alpha Chi Omega is the true definition of partnership built on open communication and trust. We share a lot of the same values in that we are focused on what is good and right for the member experience. Enjoy your time at the chapter house. I know it sounds cliché, but the few years you have as an undergraduate will be among your most cherished memories. Having a meal plan only adds to those memories! HOUSING Facility Focus GAMMA SIGMA advisor and facility operations advisor, to share progress (UNIVERSITY OF RHODE and important updates on the renovation project. The National Housing Corporation also works with the ISLAND ) chapter project team on finishing touches to the facility such as furniture selections, lighting and décor. BY ASHTON DAVIS (ZETA XI, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT One of Alpha Chi Omega's latest reestablishments, GREENSBORO), HOUSING OPERATIONS MANAGER Gamma Sigma chapter, had major updates done to its facility, including all the common areas, bedrooms enovations allow for our Alpha Chi Omega and bathrooms; an elevator was also added with R facilities to be safe and competitive housing a new entryway. Here are some before and after for members. During the renovation process, pictures showing the work that the National Housing the National Housing Corporation works alongside the Corporation completed! chapter project team, typically made up of the chapter president, vice president facility operations, chapter FIRST FLOOR SITTING ROOM Wallpaper was part of the sitting room before BEFORE renovations (see photos on left), but the NHC made sure new wallpaper tied in the colors of the space and elevated the design for a modern aesthetic. FIRST FLOOR SUNROOM Relaxing in some Alpha Chi Omega branded chairs helps create a sense of home (see photos below). Did you know the NHC can have our Greek letters put on most pieces of furniture, including desks and beds? AFTER BEFORE AFTER 28 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Shop ALPHA CHI THIS SUMMER! SHOP THE LARGEST SELECTION OF ALPHA CHI MERCHANDISE! CHI CHI ALPHA CHI Alpha Chi Omega AXO SCAN TO SEE MORE OR VISIT AFFINITY LICENSED PRODUCT SHOPALPHACHI.COM ON CAMPUS Alpha Chis Explore the World SISTERS GAIN PERSONAL Riley Otis (Iota Psi, Elon University) traveled farther DEVELOPMENT THROUGH north last fall, spending her semester in London, T RAVEL England taking classes on media and completing an internship with The Wellness Traveler. BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND "I chose to study abroad because I wanted to experience COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER life from the perspective of a different culture," she says. "I was excited to learn about British politics and government, and I was coincidentally there during the I t's common advice that getting out of your change of power within the royal family, which was a comfort zone is an avenue for growth, and one of once-in-a-lifetime thing to experience." the most tangible ways to leave your comfort zone is to travel somewhere new! With the world opening Riley enjoyed the shift from her small Elon campus to up again, collegiate members have been able to study the huge city of London, where she could learn about abroad - exploring new places while learning about the country by visiting historical museums and sites cultures, customs and themselves. and navigating the iconic London Tube. Both Riley and Ilanah also appreciated the chance to visit other Before her fall semester abroad in Rome, Italy, Ilanah countries on weekend trips. Mangan (Alpha Chi, Butler University) had never traveled outside the United States. She had always "I made my way around Europe independently and wanted to see the world, and her sisters encouraged her with friends I made abroad while seeing and doing to study abroad. things I never thought possible for me," Ilanah says. "It "My Alpha Chi sisters were a big influence; many of them had studied abroad before me," she says. "They raved about how this experience totally changed their lives and was something they would never forget. They were also there for any questions, concerns or reservations I had about doing it and encouraged me to expand my horizon." Ilanah took classes in political science during her semester, and she learned about Italian and European cultures and histories, in addition to picking up some of the Italian language. She encourages sisters not to be dissuaded from a study abroad location just because of a language barrier! RILEY OTIS AT THE FAMOUS LONDON EYE 30 ALPHA CHI OMEGA semester. They were both also able to meet up with other sisters abroad too! To any Alpha Chi Omega collegians thinking of studying abroad, Riley and Ilanah resoundingly share - do it! "It was one of the best experiences of my life," Riley says. "I feel as though I gained a newfound sense of independence." Ilanah encourages sisters to choose a destination where you can both feel comfortable and push yourself to experience new things. "Trust yourself and make the most of every minute you're abroad," she says. "I don't think I would have had as much individual growth and development if I hadn't had this experience." SISTERS AROUND THE COUNTRY ILANAH MANGAN (RIGHT) WITH A FRIEND SHE MET ABROAD AND TRAVELED ACROSS EUROPE WITH GROW WHERE YOU GO - AND DO IT WITH SISTERS! WITH brought me a sense of freedom and maturity that I had MORE THAN 300,000 never felt before." INITIATED WOMEN, THE SISTERHOOD IS COAST TO COAST. THE DELTA This personal growth through travel is something OMEGA (UNIVERSITY both women found during their experience. Ilanah OF KENTUCKY) says studying abroad "forced me to be outgoing, meet CHAPTER REMINDED people, use the language and just become comfortable ITS FOLLOWERS ON with uncertainty and the unknown." Riley adds, "More INSTAGRAM OF THE SISTERLY LOVE SHARED than anything, I feel like I matured emotionally, and I BETWEEN MEMBERS OF consider it a big turning point in not only my college DIFFERENT CHAPTERS! experience but in my life as a whole. I came home feeling more confident in my abilities to make friends, DELTA OMEGA SHARED live independently and navigate unfamiliar territories." PHOTOS OF MEMBERS TRAVELING TO VISIT SISTERS, ALONG WITH THIS Encouraging them were their Alpha Chi Omega sisters! CAPTION: "WHETHER IT'S Riley remembers the day she received a package from NEW FRIENDS OR OLD, her Iota Psi sisters filled with letters about how much SIBLINGS OR RELATIVES, they missed her and hoped she was having a good time. THE RELATIONSHIPS WE "This made me feel SO loved and like my presence was HOLD WITH EACH OTHER truly missed," she says. Ilanah found that social media ARE ONLY STRENGTHENED BY SHARING THE BOND helped her stay connected to her sisters back home, OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA. EXCHANGING STORIES WITH including group chats, calls and her travel Instagram OUR GRANDMAS, VISITING ANOTHER CHAPTER'S HOUSE account that sisters followed to stay updated on her OR SIMPLY CATCHING UP OVER FACETIME ARE WAYS WE CONTINUE BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS REGARDLESS OF THE DISTANCE." COLLEGIATE CORNER Leading at Every Level DAY SCHOOL EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND FAII 2022 #AXO COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR veryone's journey in Alpha Chi Omega looks E different, but one thing is the same: every sister has the opportunity to develop and demonstrate her leadership skills. Whether this means being a SADIE PIRKLE mentor to new members, serving in an executive board position or taking on leadership roles within your have prominent leadership roles like the executive board campus, each offers a new way to grow your skills. that do tons of hard work, but I prefer to help in smaller ways that don't necessarily have a title associated with To learn more about the wide variety of leadership them. Whether it be keeping people's spirits up during experiences offered from Alpha Chi, we spoke to three long recruitment days or helping the new members feel collegiate sisters at different stages in their leadership welcomed on Bid Day, my time at Alpha Chi has helped journeys. me grow into a multifaceted leader. Sadie Pirkle (Zeta Eta, Bradley University) Audra: Alpha Chi Omega immediately stood out to Sabrina (Bean) Atkin (Epsilon, University of me, especially when I learned that first-year students Southern California) could run for executive positions. Just this semester, I Audra Nivens (Gamma Rho, Texas Tech University) had the privilege of attending Leadership Academy in Indianapolis [as vice president risk management] and HOW HAS ALPHA CHI OMEGA HELPED our Texas state conference. I also had the opportunity to YOU GROW YOUR LEADERSHIP ABILITIES? plan social events for 250+ people, which is more people than attended my entire high school! All of these Sadie: Alpha Chi Omega believes in its members - I experiences have helped me with organization, time have had the freedom to make mistakes and learn from management and confidence. them as a leader, and what better way is there to learn? I am lucky to be a member of an organization where WHAT SKILLS DO YOU THINK MAKE I feel like I can try out different ideas to lead with LEADERS SUCCESSFUL? active support from both headquarters and my chapter sisters. These experiences have made me far more Sadie: I believe that the secret to good leadership is confident as a leader. In addition to the confidence I asking questions. Through asking good questions, have gained, though, I have been empowered to run for leaders can see what members want to see, what more leadership positions and opportunities, including the root causes of issues may be, what could be Panhellenic president. done to work through ideas and how to create a healthier community. Asking questions allows a fuller Sabrina: This organization has helped me improve my understanding of people's thoughts and actions before leadership abilities by providing me with a variety of working through accountability. In addition, good different opportunities in which to lead. Obviously, we leaders follow through on their words. 32 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Sabrina: I used to think that being a leader meant being what you believe in. the person in charge, but I have come to find that a Also, be confident successful leader doesn't always need to be the top of the in your abilities and pyramid. I think it is more important to try and pitch in know that you are whenever possible and be a leader in less obvious ways capable of great things. simply for the success of the group. In terms of qualities of a leader, I think it is important to be approachable Audra: I was drawn and trustworthy SO that the people around you know to the "Real. Strong. that you have their best interests at heart. Women" tagline during recruitment. Audra: Good leaders are organized and confident. They Being a woman isn't listen and are willing to collaborate with others. They always easy, and I hate are reliable while also making sure the organization's being underestimated. needs are put ahead of their own personal interests. Alpha Chi Omega helps me see the WHAT DOES BEING A REAL, STRONG power and strength WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? in being a woman while AUDRA NIVENS helping other women in need. Sadie: Being a real, strong woman means choosing to put oneself into a community that is supportive, kind WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANY and encouraging. With this recipe of a community, SISTERS WHO HOPE TO BE THE FUTURE members are naturally empowered to be the best LEADERS OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA? versions of themselves - real, strong, compassionate leaders who build others up through hardships and Sadie: Finding a mentor is such an important way to conflict and, in turn, build themselves up. I am proud become a leader. You can achieve this by using Women to be a part of a community of real, strong women who & Wisdom or finding an inspiring leader within your have built each other up. chapter. In addition, it doesn't take a title to be a leader. Sisters want leaders who they can trust; taking time to Sabrina: To me, being a real, strong woman means learn about them builds that trust SO that your sisters pursuing your passions and sticking to your morals. feel like they can come to you with feedback. Then, Don't be afraid to speak your mind and stand up for taking that feedback and doing something with it will further the trust, and they'll know that they are safe with a leader like you. Sabrina: Don't be afraid to do things differently. Nobody has created change or done something incredible by simply going through life doing what everyone else is doing. Be your own person and take chances. If you want something to happen, make it happen. Take action to help make yourself, Alpha Chi Omega and society what you want them to be. Audra: Run for a leadership position! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Be prepared to work, and know it can be hard. However, the more you put into SABRINA (BEAN) ATKIN Alpha Chi Omega, the more you will get out of it. THE LYRE 33 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Through the Storm BY EMMA WILLE, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR A fter hearing that Hurricane Ian was nearing their campus in September 2022, collegiate members of Kappa Chi (Florida Gulf Coast University) chapter were in shock. The large hurricane was initially on track to hit Tampa, more than 100 miles away from their campus in Fort Myers. However, with only 24 hours' notice, the devastating hurricane shifted direction, leaving an impact on the Fort Myers community no one could have anticipated. For some members, this meant evacuating if they could, but most had no option to leave and had to bear the storm. The members of Kappa Chi quickly came together, demonstrating the true meaning of sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega, comforting sisters in times of need and KAPPA CHI MEMBERS DOING HURRICANE CLEAN-UP serving those in their community in the weeks following. members and even alumnae through the hurricane For members like Brooke Burch, who has lived in Fort and aftermath. Seana Perkins was one of the many Myers her entire life, the hurricane was devastating. "My members whose family quickly opened their home family lives in Fort Myers and my elderly grandparents to members, making sure everyone had a safe place live in Bonita Springs, SO we didn't have an option to go. "Without food, power or running water amidst to leave," she says. "My family had a home on the an uncertain tragedy, we were able to bond and spend beach, which unfortunately was washed away by the time distracting ourselves with board games. We were storm. We didn't even have enough notice to prepare extremely privileged that we could retreat to a space for the storm, SO we were not able to take any of our that was safe and dry," she says. belongings out before our home washed away." Hurricane Ian ultimately hit Florida as a Category With most sisters taking shelter in the local area, many 4 hurricane; the city of Fort Myers experienced its were anxious and worried about each other throughout highest recorded storm surge of more than 7 feet. After the storm. The severity of the storm limited access to any the storm passed, sisters began to see the devastation outside information or communication; with no internet around them. Not only was the damage physical, but and cell towers down, members were left in the dark. the emotional damage was also significant. While still "It was hard not knowing how other sisters were doing," working through the impact of the storm, members Brooke says. "My big, Millie, was a major support during jumped into action in any way they could. and after the hurricane. She was constantly asking if I was OK and what she could do to help". Current Kappa Chi President Ellie Elander knew that volunteering was not just an option - it was essential. Through the storm, the true bond of sisterhood shone "I volunteered at a food distribution site handing out as sisters quickly volunteered to house fellow chapter meals to families that needed them," she says. "It was 34 ALPHA CHI OMEGA extremely heartbreaking to see that many families that needed a hot meal because of the effects of the hurricane. It was also extremely powerful to see all of the members of the community come out and show support." Sisters volunteered any way they knew how: housing those who lost their homes, participating in local clean-ups and just making sure members in the community felt safe. Members of Kappa Chi weren't alone in their efforts to restore the community; Alpha Chi Omega's bond GAMMA PI MEMBERS, WITH MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF stretches beyond chapters. The members from Gamma TAMPA'S PHI DELTA THETA CHAPTER, RAISING DONATIONS Pi (University of Tampa) chapter jumped into action to FOR HURRICANE RELIEF help support their Florida Gulf Coast University sisters. Gamma Pi sisters spent time tabling with the university's something that helps me keep going," she says. "With a Phi Delta Theta chapter to collect food, monetary and life-altering experience like what I have lived through, product donations for hurricane relief. As a group they you need people by your side." even went door to door asking University of Tampa residents for donations to send to the Fort Myers area. Even though life is different after Hurricane Ian, sisters Their willingness to volunteer and support their sisters have been able to find a home with one another. Ellie from afar demonstrates the line of The Symphony, "to says that the chapter became a safe space for sisters to shed the light of love and friendship round me." escape what had happened. "It was a space to forget about the hurricane and just bond with sisters," she says. Kappa Chi members continued working to rebuild Ellie says that the storm helped them learn and grow, the Fort Myers area and also to comfort each other. and she reflected on how the hurricane put a lot of Returning to campus felt different after the storm; things into perspective for her. "As Alpha Chi Omegas many classes were completely online, and all campus one of our membership values is service. Our chapter is activities were cancelled for the semester. For Brooke, dedicated to helping our community in any way we can". it's still painful to reflect on what occurred, but with the support of her sisters, she finds comfort. "Even thinking about it six months after the hurricane, I still feel SO much pain. Having my sisters supporting me is "With a life-altering experience like what I have lived through, you need people by your side." KAPPA CHI MEMBERS SERVING THE COMMUNITY AFTER THE HURRICANE THE LYRE 35 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Gwen Jones KAPPA NU (CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY) CURRENT VOLUNTEER ROLES: Risk management specialist, risk management advisor for Lambda (Syracuse University) e are honored to spotlight one of Another thing I do is always specify the time zone. I W Alpha Chi Omega's volunteers in each started doing that with the first chapter I worked with edition of The Lyre. Our volunteers share in another time zone SO I wouldn't get confused, and their time and talent with the organization while I've continued the practice. developing skills to use in their role and beyond! Read about the experience of one of our risk management WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF volunteers. VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR ROLES? WHY DO YOU My favorite part of being a specialist and advisor is CHOOSE meeting and building relationships with both advisors TO REMAIN and collegians. I like seeing the growth in chapters that I've interacted with multiple times. INVOLVED IN ALPHA CHI WHO IS AN ALPHA CHI OMEGA ROLE OMEGA? MODEL YOU LOOK UP TO? I joined Alpha Chi I have looked up to every volunteer who's been in a Omega because I was position of authority over me. That includes advisors GWEN JONES looking for friendships when I was a collegian, the chapter advisors when I've in college. I stayed because with the leadership positions been a positional advisor and the lead risk management I held, I was able to help the chapter grow and improve. specialists. Each woman has invested in making sure I I became a much better leader in college because of succeed in my role. Their dedication has modeled the Alpha Chi, which has helped me a lot in my career and way for me as a volunteer. other activities outside of work. I choose to remain involved because I want other women to be able to WHY SHOULD ALUMNAE BECOME experience the same things I did. VOLUNTEERS FOR ALPHA CHI OMEGA? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM It's a great way to meet sisters from other chapters! YOUR EXPERIENCE SERVING AS A RISK Being connected to not just my chapter of initiation MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST? but all of Alpha Chi has been incredibly rewarding. I've enjoyed learning what each chapter's differences and The most useful thing I've learned is to use whichever similarities are and meeting people from chapters in communication and organization style works best other areas of the country. for the other person. Depending on the person, I've used email, texting, phone calls and Zoom calls. If you're inspired to get involved as a volunteer specialist When scheduling meetings, I've started asking what or another one of our many volunteer roles, log in to My organizational/calendar system the other person uses Alpha Chi, your member portal, to submit your volunteer SO there's less chance of forgetting about a meeting. interest form. 36 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 2023 Real Strong Women. OF DISTINCTION Meet the seven women being recognized for the way their Alpha Chi Omega experience has inspired them to become the best versions of themselves and to seek the heights! Real. Strong. Women. of Distinction are sisters who are doing great things across the globe and down the street. They are difference makers, risk takers and dream chasers. They're out to make a positive impact on their own lives and on lives around them. Among this year's recipients are STEM pioneers, philanthropic innovators and education leaders. In their efforts to impact countless people and communities, they draw on their skills, connections and growth from their Alpha Chi Omega membership and remind us all of the power of the Real. Strong. Women. Experience. TO REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. Ellen Thompson, M.D. GAMMA OMICRON (MARSHALL UNIVERSITY) A S the director of the cardiology am sure, is the only reason I was able fellowship at the Marshall to go through with medical school School of Medicine, Ellen applications and interviews and Thompson is teaching the next ultimately succeed in medicine." generation of cardiologists. The ripple effect of her work in this role and after In addition to her current cardiology 20 years practicing in noninvasive fellowship director role, Ellen co- cardiology is hard to quantify. founded the school's cardio-oncology program for chemotherapy and is "As one of my fellows from a small also the director of echocardiography. village told me, [this work] doesn't And continuing her commitment to just change one life, but the siblings, support underserved communities, the parents and the whole village," she started a tele-education program. Ellen says. "Then try to extrapolate the difference that all of these "I am keenly aware of the disparities new cardiologists have made, from in health and education, not only hometowns and families to their current patients and in rural America, but all over the world," Ellen says. communities. I really can't quite grasp it, but I know Through the program, Ellen's team met virtually with that another great benefit from my time at Marshall frontline practitioners to support them on complex [is] at least some lives were better because of it." cases for patients living too far from specialists. Though the program was put on pause when the Ellen could have taken her expertise anywhere, but pandemic started, Ellen looks forward to starting it up she chose to invest in the rural communities of again and even extending it internationally. Appalachia. As her nominator said, "She is a pillar to her community, and she chose to stay local after For any sisters who want to follow in Ellen's footsteps her training. She has been an asset to the rural or dive into a male-dominated profession, Ellen shares communities of West Virginia." In fact, right after her advice: "The secret to confidence is competence. graduating, Ellen started a rural outreach clinic in If you know you are right, own it!" She also believes her hometown to fill the need for more cardiologists that women in leadership there. Years before, Ellen took a huge jump from that roles have a duty to small town to Marshall University for college, and she help other women see credits Alpha Chi Omega for easing that transition and that there is a place for setting her path. them. "We can do that by modeling it It's each of "I am positive I would not be here without Alpha our responsibility to lift Chi Omega," Ellen says, reflecting on her journey. She the next generation on lived in the chapter house, found sisters to support our shoulders." and push her, and gained the self-assurance that she could reach her dreams. "The confidence I found, I 38 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Phoebe Edalatpour EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) Y ou have probably heard the curriculums in saying, "Empowered women addition to employing empower women." Phoebe local women to Edalatpour is a true example of collect plastic that saying in action - inspired and waste and educate encouraged by the women in her life to their communities make a difference for women across the about hygiene and world. sanitation. In less than a year, the women Phoebe knew from the start of college collected more than 4,000 pounds of that she wanted to be an Alpha Chi plastic waste! Omega, and she found the value of being part of groups of women, "Our employees also see benefits including her water polo team and her from this work beyond their sorority, at an engineering school with paycheck," Phoebe adds. "They learn more male classmates than female. She leadership skills as they take an active says her sisters are "one of my most significant support role in changing their communities for the better. systems and always will be." Also from her Alpha Chi Furthermore, 60% of these women have joined local experience, she gained experience in and a passion for investment clubs since starting work with us." philanthropy, which helped lead her to her current career. As the co-founder and executive director of the venture, Phoebe is responsible for program design, Last year, Phoebe founded a social impact business fundraising and training. She is working toward venture called Wi Yone Plastik, which empowers Sierra a master's degree in sustainable development Leonean women to change their relationship with and environmental engineering, and she uses her plastic by engaging them in programs to transform experience as a former Peace Corps Health Extension waste into valuable building materials. While volunteer to live in and build community in Sierra launching the pilot phase, Phoebe has been living in a Leone. rural village in Sierra Leone, working directly with the women involved in the program. As she works to empower women of Sierra Leone, Phoebe is proud to embody the characteristics of "Plastic waste affects everyone worldwide, but in the women who made her who she is - her mother's resource-scarce areas it can pose an even worse risk to determination, her stepmother's ambition, her health," she explains. "In rural Sierra Leone, women grandmother's compassion and her aunt's spontaneity. typically manage this waste and experience these "And just like each of my Alpha Chi Omega sisters," negative consequences." she adds, "I am a real, strong woman." Wi Yone Plastik has introduced community-led plastic waste collection programs and health education THE LYRE 39 REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. Kelly Jean (KJ) Thomas Craig Burtard, Ph. D. PHI (UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS) r. Kelly Jean (KJ) Burtard colleagues across STEM fields, acquired D is no stranger to the grant funding for undergraduate challenges facing women research and helped found the IBM and BIPOC individuals in the Diversity Matters business resource STEM field. But the adversity she group. experienced, including as a victim of discrimination and sexual misconduct "STEM advancement, specifically in the workplace, hasn't deterred her for women and BIPOC populations, - it has fueled her to seek the heights receives my continuous support and and bring others with her. engagement," she says. "My efforts are focused to improve diversity and In addition to those workplace inclusion programming to advance experiences, as a Native American the STEM workforce and pipeline of woman and first-generation collegian, students seeking advanced degrees." Dr. Burtard navigated many difficult endeavors in her pursuit of advancement within the These efforts parlayed into her work as deputy chief life sciences. She leveraged those hardships, often science officer of evidence-based practice at IBM and paired with failures, on her road to success as an currently as director of evidence development at executive clinical and health services informatics CVS Health She is driven to design and implement leader and continues to apply those indispensable life products and practices that address health care skills. inequities and disparities in clinical areas like neurodegenerative disease, cancer and COVID-19 "Despite my perceived differences and obstacles, mitigation. my utilization of self-reliance and resilience carried me through and persists with new challenges," she Dr. Burtard's advice for sisters pursuing a STEM career explains. "My greatest accomplishment is the resilient is simple yet profound: "Remain curious, confident, ability to withstand, cope, and recover from frequent committed, and connected." She believes STEM is the failures knowing that my ongoing personal growth future of the U.S. economy, SO Alpha Chi Omegas need coupled with a continuous learning approach to life to push through barriers and find their advocates who will support my success as a mother, wife, sister, and will support them. And those advocates can be other scientist." sisters! As she climbed the ranks in health informatics - the "Alpha Chi Omega has taken on many dimensions and science of using data to identify and solve information facets that are a home," she says. "It has been a physical problems in health care - Dr. Burtard broke barriers structure, a place of foundational personal growth, a for others. She mentored more than 100 students and safe haven, and most importantly, a family." 40 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Tiffany Kerns DELTA PI (UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE) hen the pandemic - for all its cognitive benefits and W began, every industry learning opportunities, and also for was hit hard - and the its ability to create connections. "It arts were especially impacted. That's allows our young people to be a part where Tiffany Kerns stepped in. As of something special," Tiffany says executive director of the Country in reflecting on the value of music Music Association (CMA) Foundation education. "There is truly nothing and CMA's vice president of industry better than watching music unlock relations & philanthropy, Tiffany led potential and a young person's her teams to provide instrumental creative capacity all while bringing support to CMA's members, music them joy." educators and the music community. During her tenure at CMA, Tiffany "I believe that the pandemic centered has worked with schools and teachers us and reminded us that the people we to eliminate barriers in access to music support is the reason we exist at all," and arts education. As a case for this Tiffany says of CMA's initiatives to provide financial support, she shares, "I often say adults cannot imagine relief, mental health support and other initiatives. their life without music, SO why would we ever want our next generation to miss out on the extraordinary A focus on people has been a theme throughout benefits?" Tiffany has also led the organization's Tiffany's career; before the CMA, she led fundraising investment in professional development projects efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help for members, including CMA's Women's Leadership countless patients. She explains, "As part of every Academy. She has received numerous accolades for her professional role, people are truly the center of the efforts, including being named twice as a Billboard business. When you take the time to learn about Country Power Player and once as a Women in Music people, their passions and desires, you create trust." City Award recipient. This mindset began with Alpha Chi Omega, as Tiffany One of the keys to Tiffany's success has been a explains the value she learned in building community commitment to lifelong learning and pushing herself - and creating an authentic sisterhood. "Through my and it's a challenge she offers to sisters on their path to experience as an seeking the heights. Alpha Chi, I know I am a better listener, "Early in my career I realized that I thrived in communicator and moments when I was challenged to learn a new skill or empathetic to all area of expertise," she says. "I never let my professional situations." path limit me from new opportunities. I never allowed myself to give up on something simply because I did Tiffany believes in not have the skill. Instead, it drove my curiosity to the power of music learn." THE LYRE 41 REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. Jennifer Lane, Ph. D. ZETA PI (ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY) T he word "community" is a for Teaching, Learning, and perfect one for Jennifer Lane. In Engagement and led the team addition to being a residential to transition everything to faculty member at Glendale Community a virtual environment. She College, she is an active volunteer in leveraged the skills of those many local and national organizations. who were comfortable with online work to support those who were not "Community, in my mind, means we and built a resource-sharing database are interdependent," Jennifer explains. to help distribute tasks. As a takeaway "We each contribute to building the from the experience, Jennifer shares, communities in which we live. We have "When we work to bring out the best to invest in those communities to make in one another, we have that to fall them what we want them to be." back on when times get tough - we have a foundation of trust on which to Jennifer puts these words into action. build, and we can support each other She is the president of National Charity League, Inc., a in new ways." philanthropic organization of mothers and daughters, serves in several Alpha Chi Omega volunteer roles Joining the sorority community in college was another and recently wrapped up her time as a commissioner step in Jennifer's lifelong journey of involvement, on the Arizona Governor's Commission on Service starting with working as a resident assistant on another and Volunteerism - among many other roles. This sorority's dormitory floor and learning the value of community-oriented mindset is something Jennifer the shared Greek experience and women supporting passes on to her students. women. That continued to show up throughout her life. "My parents were both teachers, SO I guess I learned "Alpha Chi Omega gave me a very strong foundation from them that you can just do your job or you of knowing who I am while also providing me a can do your job in a way that truly invests in other support network that challenged me to be and do people, which for teachers means engaging beyond the more," Jennifer says. Several alumnae encouraged her to classroom, showing up for extracurricular activities, volunteer right after college, and Jennifer adds, "These tutoring and authentically building people up," she says. alumnae saw something in me that I don't know I She provides resources and opportunities for students would have confidently stated about myself at that to learn about their leadership and passions SO they can time." impact their communities. While her accolades are many - 2010 National College When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Jennifer's Council Fellow, 2014 Flinn-Brown Fellow and 2017 community-focused mindset was essential; the Phoenix Panhellenic Woman of the Year, to name a few experience reaffirmed for her the interconnectedness - Jennifer is humble, summing up her work simply: "I of people, especially her students and colleagues. At can only say that I always want to do my best and help the time, she was the school's director of the Center improve my community in any way that I can." 42 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Sarah Gensler Mariani GAMMA OMICRON (MARSHALL UNIVERSITY) n March 2020, Sarah Gensler Sarah says. "Helping someone live as I Mariani took over as the executive independently as possible is the best director of the organization she co- feeling, and knowing I am a small part founded, Unlimited PossAbilities; the of that makes my heart overflow!" next day, the state of West Virginia shut down for the pandemic. Sarah says her greatest accomplishment has been setting an "Trying to navigate the waters of my example for her kids of what a real, leadership style coupled with the strong woman is. She shares, "I have burden of keeping my members healthy hopefully instilled in my children to and safe, plus the responsibility of set their goals high, work hard and keeping my staff healthy and safe, was give themselves the grace to fail. With an enormous task," she says. Unlimited continued dedication, those failures PossAbilities provides individuals will eventually lead to success." with intellectual and developmental disabilities with services like agency From our sisterhood, she learned and home-based support, day programs, supported the value of surrounding herself with those who employment and transportation. Sarah knew the encourage her to seek the heights. She also credits organization was needed more than ever and put in Alpha Chi Omega for building her confidence at a tireless effort. "It has definitely been a struggle but I young age through leadership opportunities and skill- rest easier knowing the health of the agency is stronger building. than ever by making solid decisions that ultimately benefit our staff and members." "Alpha Chi Omega saw my potential and knew how to develop it while letting me build and strengthen Along with her day-to-day work with Unlimited my character with grace," she says. "The result is a PossAbilities, Sarah has also advocated nationally for confident woman who has remained true to her inner people with disabilities and those who work with self. I am forever grateful for my mentors and peers them, sharing about the impact of the workforce crisis from Alpha Chi on her members and asking for funding to continue Omega." hiring and retaining direct support professionals. Her work has been celebrated on Capitol Hill and has led her to receiving the Advocacy Grassroots Star Award from the American Network of Community Options and Resources. But she doesn't do it for the accolades - it's for those she serves. "It is all about the person you are providing support for, and when you can focus on that, you both win," THE LYRE 43 REAL. STRONG. WOMEN. Kimberly O'Connor ALPHA BETA (PURDUE UNIVERSITY) T he internet is practically of something bigger than yourself. impossible to ignore in today's She says her sisters taught her how American society, but the laws to be a leader and the importance of that govern internet use are relatively surrounding herself with women who unknown. This field of study, known as push her to do better. cyberlaw, is the specialty of Kimberly O'Connor, professor and associate vice "I strongly believe that female chancellor of teaching and learning at mentorship plays a major role in Purdue University Fort Wayne. shaping real, strong women. Alpha Chi Omega was an early example of this "Because technology has become SO in my life," Kimberly says. From her intertwined with our everyday lives, collegiate days through her current one thing that internet users should career in a male-dominated field, she know is that they must stay educated has found the value of a community and informed about legal developments of women in helping her thrive. related to technology," Kimberly says. As an expert in cyberlaw topics like intellectual property, "My advice to any Alpha Chi Omega sister who is cyberbullying and data protection, Kimberly has interested in entering the male-dominated STEM published 25 articles and book chapters in the field. world would be to trust your skills and ignore the In particular, her passion is digital citizenship and pressure that others may put on you to pursue another educating young people on internet use. career path," she says. "Remember to never feel bad for claiming credit for your ideas and accomplishments." "Digital citizenship involves teaching ourselves and our children appropriate and responsible behavior Whether educating school-age children, teaching when using technology," she explains, pointing to employment law to undergraduate and graduate topics like digital literacy, law, security and wellness. students or publishing research in an emerging Kimberly has been invited to share her field, Kimberly is proving that strong women can do expertise across the country and even anything. internationally. "My personal passion is helping children lead healthy lives "A strong woman follows her dreams and works hard in our modern-day, digital world. I am to achieve them She is confident, humble and the mother of three teenage daughters, leads effectively. She gives her personal best and is and I see firsthand the impact that continuously committed to serving others," Kimberly technology has on our youth today. I says. "Being a real, strong, woman can mean SO many want to make a positive contribution." things and apply in SO many different and unique contexts. Yet, no matter what, there is something in The contribution Kimberly is making our sorority's motto that is undoubtedly meaningful is part of a lesson she learned from to all." her Alpha Chi Omega sisters: what it means to be part 44 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Women & Wisdom ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S NETWORK OF REAL, STRONG WOMEN YOUR ONE-STOP PLATFORM FOR PERSONAL GROWTH, CONNECT WHILE PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT, MENTORSHIP AND COMMUNITY YOU'RE ON THE GO! Are you Scan the QR code or visit an ALUMNA looking to network with sisters within and outside of your field? womenandwisdom.org on a COLLEGIAN wanting support from a sister to review your resume? your phone or tablet to access a MEMBER exploring open job, internship or volunteer opportunities? the mobile-friendly version of our Women & Wisdom an ENTREPRENEUR hoping to promote your sister-owned business? network! a MANAGER seeking applicants to join your team? a SISTER looking for community or advice from real, strong women? With Women & Wisdom, you can find mentoring, events, groups, open opportunities, member and business directories, and connections with sisters sharing your interests and experiences. If you are looking to empower and support sisters in reaching their fullest potential, while investing in your personal and professional growth, Women & Wisdom is for you! START CONNECTING AT WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG! In case you missed it The Job Search Mentor Program kicked off in February with mentoring milestones scheduled through May. This program created short-term mentoring relationships specifically focused on the job search experience. After matches were made, 95 sisters received valuable advice from alumnae volunteering their time and talents as mentors. Be sure to stay connected on Women & Wisdom to get involved in future mentoring programs! And remember that opportunities for mentorship are available outside of structured programs through the Make a Connection section of Women & Wisdom. Find past SERIES recordings and more at Women & Wisdom WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG/RESOURCES SERIES PLATFORM HIGHLIGHT BADGES You can now earn badges on Women & Wisdom in recognition of your participation! Log in and edit your profile information with current experience and contact details to earn the gold "Updated Profile" badge. Alumnae can also earn the red "Ready to Mentor" badge by editing their Settings under the Make a Connection tab and selecting how they can offer mentorship to others. What badges will you earn on Women & Wisdom? Paving the Way for Women BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER A S the senior vice president of commercialization & customer experience for Daxor Corporation, Jean Han Oertel (Alpha Delta, University of Cincinnati) leads teaching and awareness-building for the company's blood volume measurement products, helping drive home the impact of these products in changing patients' lives. It's a role that's come through years of advocating for herself as she climbed the ladder in both the male-dominated industry of medical technology and the male-dominated career of sales. Jean was recruited early in her career to a training program with Ethicon, a division of Johnson & JEAN HAN OERTEL Johnson, and found the experience opened doors for her at other Fortune 500 companies. She made her mark at companies like Boston Scientific and those women - and any Alpha Chi Omega sister - has Medtronic, on the forefront of women starting to find been to speak up, be willing to negotiate for what their place in the industry. Jean sought out mentors you deserve and actively seek promotions. who encouraged her to push for what she knew she deserved, ultimately becoming the first woman to "I would tell my younger self, go ahead for the next hold several roles. position, ask for more responsibility," she says. "And any time something feels too comfortable, then it's "I'm sure I was an example, because there were a lot time to do something else." of other women who wanted to be a district manager or regional VP but never saw themselves there," Jean This was advice Jean wished she had gotten earlier says. "I had the opportunity to be on stage with a in her career but learned to embrace along the way. lot of men SO I think it's a visualization of seeing "There was a lot of speaking up and feeling like I yourself in another person's shoes." had the right to sit at the table and not be in the back seat," she says. Jean deserved that front seat, And Jean continued to serve as inspiration by setting up mentoring programs for women. Her advice for 46 CHI OMEGA Jean is particularly proud of her role in the medical technology industry for its ability to make a positive impact on patients every day. As she explains, the "If you do the right products help patients and their doctors make better, more informed decisions about health care. And things, you will end while it's not about being on stage, Jean has enjoyed those moments too, with the caveat of her personal up on stage You're philosophy: "If you do the right things, you will end up on stage You're not doing it for the accolades not doing it for the and to be in front of everyone. But when you do your job as well as you've done it, those things sort of accolades and to be in follow after." Jean's other philosophy is one that Alpha Chi front of everyone. But Omega sisters will be familiar with: our open motto, "Together let us seek the heights." when you do your job "I use that phrase in business all the time," she says. as well as you've done "It's about partnering with other people to seek the heights of what you can do." it, those things sort of follow after." consistently bringing in top sales numbers, and she was front and center when Daxor Corporation rang the opening bell at Nasdaq in February 2022. Jean believes women bring a valuable perspective to any company in their ability to look through a different lens to solve a problem. She shares a few examples of bringing the female viewpoint to discussion about medical devices, such as girls and women wanting pumps that could be hidden in their clothes or made in pink, or designs for a medical vest that accounted for women's chests. "I think that we [women] give that perspective, and it's always good no matter what you do, I don't care where you are in business," Jean says. "Always have a diversity of mindset and opinions. You do not want to be a herd where you all think alike." THE LYRE 47 2/3 LIFE Helping Women Grow Their Financial Literacy BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER hen she was almost 20 W "Financial literacy is important SO you years old, Nycole Freer are empowered and are not left in the (Epsilon Kappa, California dark." State University, Fullerton) walked into a branch of a major bank and told This empowerment is something that an advisor she had $500 to invest. The Nycole believes should start at a young advisor told her to come back when she age; as a result, she and her mother had more money. co-authored a book that came out this April, Haisley's Birthday Money. The story "I never went back," Nycole says. "Instead, teaches children that money can be I became the advisor I was looking for." saved, shared and used to help others, in addition to being spent on themselves. After graduating with a business degree, "It is important for children to start earning her Certified Financial Planner Haisley's Birthday learning early about financial literacy and Behaviorial Financial Advisor Money because it helps set the stage for a strong certifications, and working 10 years financial foundation they can use as they in financial planning and investment learn and grow," Nycole says. "Starting management, Nycole founded Eden the learning curve early allows for Financial this year in pursuit of that goal mistakes to be made in younger years, and her personal commitment to help when recovering from them is much others - especially young entrepreneurs, Nycole Freer more attainable." families, women and children - - create a life of financial security and understand TOP: NYCOLE FREER; BOTTOM: But if you didn't get that education early their finances. NYCOLE'S CHILDREN'S BOOK in life, it's not too late. Nycole shares that ABOUT FINANCIAL LITERACY college-bound women should be strategic "Financial literacy is important because about taking on student loan debt, and it allows someone, especially a woman, to make women at any age can build a community of people they decisions that are in her best interest and not just in aspire to be and can continue to learn from. her livelihood's best interest," she explains. With Eden Financial, Nycole is helping her clients make strategic That kind of community can be found in Alpha Chi investment decisions, set financial goals and plan for life Omega, as Nycole discovered herself. She says, "If you events - all without a required minimum investment want to get from point A to point B, just put it out there amount that many other firms have. to your sisters, and someone might know someone who can help you." "Financial independence can allow someone to walk away from a job they can't stand, retire with dignity, help DID YOU KNOW NYCOLE SHARED FINANCE TIPS kick-start a dream project, buy a house, buy a car, stay out AS PART OF OUR WOMEN & WISDOM SERIES? JOIN of revolving credit card debt and beyond," she explains. ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S NETWORK FOR REAL, STRONG WOMEN AT WOMENANDWISDOM.ORG AND VIEW THE RECORDING! 48 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Tipst Starting Conversations Notes of ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION Create a SUPPORTIVE Make sure all VOICES Belonging ENVIRONMENT where ARE HEARD and give others feel comfortable space for everyone participating in the to share. conversation. BY AUTUMN MCBRIDE (TAU, BRENAU UNIVERSITY), Speak from your personal experiences and share perspectives ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND that BELONG INCLUSION INITIATIVES TO YOU. Remember the purpose of the conversation. As members n January, Alpha Chi Omega's education and If you're of ALPHA CHI OMEGA, I leading the we are here to advance our engagement staff was proud to launch a new conversation, commitment to diversity, diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, Notes remember to STEP BACK AND equity and inclusion. LET OTHERS SHARE. You should Reflect on what of Belonging. Notes of Belonging can be found across continue to participate, share that means Alpha Chi Omega communications, including the blog your experiences and guide the to you! conversation. and social media, and is a space where members can share where they have found belonging as sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and how they and their chapters have created a when she attended the chapter's 70th anniversary sense of belonging for others. This new initiative is an celebration: "I cannot begin to explain the joy that I felt additional way Alpha Chi Omega is continuing to advance to return 70 years later as an original charter member. our diversity, equity and inclusion goals! Alpha Chi Omega has given me lifelong sisters." Together we will compose the melody of our When asked what belonging means to her, AnnaMaria organization, celebrating the full diversity of our Fernandez, president of Zeta Chi (Muhlenberg College) membership, all while exploring quick tips and chapter, said, "Belonging to me means not only having resources to aid diversity, equity and inclusion learning. a seat at the table or being invited to the party, but being served food that aligns with your needs, wants INFOGRAPHIC SERIES and preferences. As a chapter, we understand that equity and diversity mean little to nothing - and lead The graphic on this page is part of our new infographic to tokenization - without fostering a sisterhood with a series that can be found on the Educate and Take Action deep sense of belonging." page of alphachiomega.org. How can you use these tips when interacting with those in your communities and GET INVOLVED networks? What tip is your favorite? We hope that through Notes of Belonging, you will We encourage all members to read the infographics and learn something valuable that will encourage you to take advantage of the resources and tools to support their foster inclusive and equitable environments where all education, learning and development! And don't forget to members can feel a sense of belonging. share your newfound knowledge with those around you. Want to share your thoughts or MEMBER STORIES personal experience with belonging through your Alpha Chi Omega Since launching Notes of Belonging, we have heard experience? Share your story by amazing stories of how members have embraced diversity emailing editor@alphachiomega. and inclusion and found belonging in Alpha Chi Omega. org or scanning/clicking the QR Lyda Jean Schurman (Gamma Omicron, Marshall code to fill out our survey. University) shared how she felt unwavering support THE LYRE 49 INDUSTRY INFO Growing the Sorority Experience PROMOTING THE SORORITY EXPERIENCE BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND With a projected smaller pool of potential new COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER members (PNMs) due to the enrollment cliff, it's more important than ever that members of all ages A Ipha Chi Omega has initiated more than promote the sorority experience and bring unaffiliated 300,000 women to our sisterhood since our women to recruitment. NPC prioritized this in a 2020 founding. Looking more broadly across the policy that states all sorority women should promote 26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) member the experience and membership through all forms of groups, there are around 5 million sorority women. communication (see sidebar on next page for policy A common goal among all sororities is to grow language). This policy not only allows outreach; it membership numbers. Doing SO allows each chapter to emphasizes that this outreach must be done. continue creating environments that build leaders and connections, increases the impact that sorority women What can you do? There are some misconceptions make on the world and makes the experience more about contact with a PNM, SO let us be clear that affordable. Alpha Chi Omega believes both alumnae and collegiate members should do the following (and more!): Growth is not a given, and in fact, colleges and fraternity/sorority communities are preparing for the Talk to PNMs any time, particularly leading up opposite. Widespread research is predicting a higher to the beginning of recruitment education enrollment cliff after 2025, during which the Follow and message them on social media number of students starting college will drop by more Meet up with them for coffee or ice cream than 15%. Add to that the impact of the pandemic Help your alumnae chapter host an event for and the increased accessibility and quantity of ways women going to college for people to learn outside of the traditional four- Share your Alpha Chi Omega affiliation in year college experience, and you'll understand why conversations and other communication, Alpha Chi Omega has been prioritizing growth in our including social media strategic planning. SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE When it comes to membership growth, chapters and their national organizations are developing new As sorority women use the NPC policy to spread strategies and creative initiatives to bring more women the word about the Panhellenic experience, they to sisterhood. Alpha Chi Omega headquarters is on the may wonder what the right messaging is. In today's forefront of this work, through many avenues outlined landscape, it's more than telling PNMs to sign up for on the coming pages - but it will take each and every recruitment; it's explaining the value of the sorority member to preserve and grow the sorority experience. experience and sharing your own sorority journey How can you get involved? to highlight that value. The personal touch has the biggest impact in helping PNMs see their place in the sorority community. This sort of communication happens one-on-one between a member and a PNM, 50 ALPHA CHI OMEGA to Alpha Chi Omega has long invested in supporting our members in sharing their experience. In early June, we celebrated #WhyAlphaChi Week to share tangible steps our members can take in helping promote the sorority experience. Here are just a few: Meet up in person or schedule a phone call with a PNM to share your story one-on-one. Post a video or story about the lifelong friendships you made in Alpha Chi Omega. Reshare Alpha Chi Omega's or NPC's content on social media or use Alpha Chi Omega's templates to customize your post. Use #WhyAlphaChi to share your story. Watch our recruitment micro-training series in the Resource Center that covers a variety of BETA DELTA (COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY) BID DAY recruitment topics including lingo, connecting with PNMs and virtual recruitment. Wear your favorite Alpha Chi Omega swag. as well as through chapter- and organization-wide efforts. Continued on next page NPC recently concluded a year-long recruitment marketing campaign aimed at increasing interest in PROMOTION OF THE SORORITY sororities and registration for recruitment. Targeting EXPERIENCE POLICY campuses that experienced a decline in the previous year's recruitment registration numbers, NPC provided ALL SORORITY WOMEN INCLUDING COLLEGIANS, a grant, coaching and resources to support College ALUMNAE, COLLEGE PANHELLENICS, ALUMNAE Panhellenic (CPH) leaders. PANHELLENICS, INTER/NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THE NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE The campaign found that potential new members are SHOULD ACTIVELY PROMOTE THE OVERALL SORORITY EXPERIENCE AND MEMBERSHIP more likely to join sororities when they know women OPPORTUNITIES IN ORGANIZATIONS. THIS and their stories; messaging about finding belonging SHOULD BE DONE THROUGH ALL FORMS OF is the most successful. Coaching sessions focused on COMMUNICATION (E.G., PRINT, DIGITAL, IN PERSON) developing clear communication (e.g., deadlines, IN THE SPIRIT OF PANHELLENIC UNITY AND dates, links to registration) and leveraging paid social DESIRE TO REACH OUT TO ALL WOMEN TO SHARE media advertising. While year-round marketing is THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SORORITY MEMBERSHIP. key, a targeted campaign that begins weeks before the COLLEGE AND ALUMNAE PANHELLENIC RULES SHOULD NOT INFRINGE ON THE RIGHTS OF recruitment registration deadline sees the most success. INDIVIDUALS, CHAPTERS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS IN THE CONTENT OR FORMS OF COMMUNICATION TO PROMOTE THE SORORITY EXPERIENCE. INDUSTRY INFO PNMs are looking for their home away from home Alpha Chi Omega has made it quick and easy to do when they go through recruitment. Sharing your this! Members can submit a recommendation through authentic story of membership in Alpha Chi Omega the online form available at my.alphachiomega.org/ will show them that our sisterhood could be where recommend. they belong. Imagine the impact of 5 million sorority women sharing their stories! The form provides our collegiate chapters with information to begin their directed marketing and What can you do? Share your story with potential outreach efforts, which allows them to build long- new members to show them the value of the sorority lasting connections with PNMs and promote Alpha Chi experience! NPC also offers a Recruitment Marketing directly to incoming and unaffiliated women. Checklist for CPHs, and Alpha Chi Omega has guides and tools in the Resource Center for grassroots What can you do? Submit recommendations through marketing whether you are an alumna or a collegiate the online form to provide the most complete chapter leader. information to chapters. You can also share a PNM's name directly with a chapter. MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS AND SHARING NAMES UNDERSTANDING TOTAL AND COB One of the most impactful things alumnae can do Total and COB are essential to growing the sorority is letting collegiate chapters know about PNMs, and experience, but they might be new terms for some members. Let's talk through them and how they apply to our collective efforts. RECRUITMENT STRUCTURES Total is the maximum number of members a collegiate FULLY STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT (FSR): CPH SETS chapter can have at a given time. COB, or continuous THE TIMING, EVENT FORMAT AND BID DISTRIBUTION open bidding, is a process outside of the structured DATES, AND CHAPTERS BUILD THEIR RECRUITMENT setting of primary recruitment that allows chapters to SCHEDULE WITHIN THAT FRAMEWORK. PNMS ARE reach total by recruiting PNMs to membership through PROVIDED WITH A SET SCHEDULE TO VISIT EACH casual or one-on-one conversations. CHAPTER. BID MATCHING IS ALWAYS DONE, AND EVERY CHAPTER IS ENTITLED TO BID TO QUOTA. With enrollment decreasing on many campuses the PARTIALLY STRUCTURED RECRUITMENT (PSR): past several years, we have also seen the number of RECRUITMENT IS ORGANIZED BY THE CPH, BUT women registered for recruitment decrease. As a result, CHAPTERS HAVE AUTONOMY AND FLEXIBILITY IN when total is set following recruitment, it also decreases. PLANNING ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS HOSTING LARGE When total decreases over time and chapters don't EVENTS, MEETING WITH PNMS ONE-ON-ONE have the opportunity to COB, we see the membership OR CONNECTING IN SMALL GROUPS. PNMS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AT LEAST ONE EVENT FOR experience suffer as chapters are not able to balance EACH SORORITY PRIOR TO INVITATIONAL ROUNDS. their budgets, fill their facilities and have the funds QUOTA AND BID MATCHING ARE UTILIZED, AND to pay for fun events that build the connection and THERE IS A CPH-WIDE BID DAY. community we hold dear. Alpha Chi Omega believes that COB is key in the future of recruitment and that CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT (CR): CHAPTERS, ON keeping total high allows chapters to maximize their THEIR OWN, SET EVENT DATES AND DETAILS AND DETERMINE WHEN TO EXTEND BIDS. THERE IS NO membership numbers and combat the enrollment cliff. BID MATCHING, QUOTA OR REQUIRED CPH-WIDE BID DAY. WHILE COB CAN BE USED TO HELP REACH Most Alpha Chi Omega chapters across the country TOTAL ON A CAMPUS THAT USES FSR AND PSR, CR are participating in COB. It provides an opportunity REPLACES OTHER STRUCTURES ENTIRELY WITH YEAR-ROUND RECRUITMENT. COBS make AXO campuses and allows thousands of women to find their homes each year. However, some campuses (particularly shimmer® smaller, liberal arts or regional state schools) that are most at risk from the enrollment cliff are considering other setups to fit the needs of College Panhellenics (see sidebar on previous page for descriptions). NPC Chief Executive Officer Dani Weatherford says her team has identified about 100 CPHs (of the 575 campuses with a CPH) that they believe could benefit from switching to a partially structured recruitment (PSR). "We know not every community has the need for an experience that is SO regulated, and something less formal is more welcoming and less intimidating for many," she explains. Some campuses are also considering using a continuous recruitment (CR) structure that EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF provides even more opportunity to meet PNMs on their TECHNOLOGY) COB CLASS own time and in a way that works best on that campus. for many women to join a sorority who may not have Alpha Chi Omega provides resources and coaching to done SO otherwise: those who thrive during a less formal chapters on campuses that are switching recruitment recruitment experience, those who transfer schools outside styles and has seen the payoff in thriving chapters and of the primary recruitment window and those who simply Panhellenic communities. For example, in spring 2021 find their interest piqued throughout the school year. headquarters staff and volunteers supported the Beta Chi (Willamette University) chapter after the CPH Alpha Chi Omega recognizes the huge potential of voted to move primary recruitment to the fall term as COB in growing the sorority experience and has long well as move to a continuous recruitment structure. By been investing in resources and support to our chapters doing this, the campus has seen a 186% increase in new with guides, planning calendars and access to software members joining since 2018-19. to manage PNM pools through each step of COB. And we've seen huge success! The number of Alpha Chi What can you do? If you're a collegiate leader who Omega members recruited through COB has grown has seen recruitment challenges across Panhellenic, each year since 2018, including in the height of the talk with your Panhellenic specialist for advice; contact pandemic! information is on the Resource Center. Alumnae are always welcome to volunteer in recruitment- and What can you do? Promote the value of COB on your Panhellenic-related roles! campus and with PNMs you know who did not take part in primary recruitment. Growing the sorority experience is a job for every Alpha Chi Omega member - collegiate and alumna. UNDERSTANDING RECRUITMENT With options to promote sororities at any level of effort STRUCTURES and involvement, as quick as sharing a name with a chapter and as dedicated as leading recruitment on your In the same way COB can provide a better experience campus, there's something for everyone. Together with for some PNMs, SO can other recruitment structures. Panhellenic women, we can ensure future generations That's not to say fully structured recruitment (FSR) make memories like those we cherish and have the is without merit - it is largely successful on many personal growth opportunities they deserve. THE LYRE 53 ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNA 94 Years of Fun and Films BY LAUREN FILIPPINI (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER A t 94 years old, Martha Bird Knighton (Beta Sigma, University of Georgia) isn't slowing down - in fact, she's eagerly working toward her next role on the big screen! Martha has spent the past few decades of her life acting in TV and films, like The Change-Up at age 81 and The Internship at age 84. And she can't wait to see what's next! Martha got her first taste of show business when her children were little, doing some local modeling alongside her teaching job to help with the family's bills. But when her youngest turned 3, Martha found out she had breast cancer and would need to get a mastectomy. She explains that breast cancer was not talked about as much 60 years ago as it is today, SO she had to seek out information about treatment and recovery on her own. Martha connected with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program in its early days and shared her experience; she also asked her husband to reach out to some of the men at the hospital who were there supporting the women in their lives, and he of course obliged. After her mastectomy, Martha wasn't sure her new physical appearance would allow her to continue MARTHA BIRD KNIGHTON modeling. But when a friend reached out about having her walk in a Neiman Marcus runway show, she took in a romance movie, a role she's particularly proud the chance - and the door opened to a new world of of because, as she says, "You don't get to do romance opportunities. things when you're 90." "She gave me my first job to get back into the world A role in show business is rarely smooth sailing, and that I wanted to be in, and from there it went to that is true for Martha; however, she always manages to print work," Martha says of her modeling career. After take a positive outlook on the down days. For one role that, Martha began booking commercials, connected Martha was hired for, the production company flew her with an agent, and took her talents to TV shows and out to Charleston, South Carolina for a three-day shoot; movies. Decades have passed, and Martha's kept up she spent time with her niece who lived there and made speed. She even managed to keep working during the her promise to see the movie when it came out and let pandemic, filming The Waltons' Homecoming TV special Martha know what she thought. Months later, she got amid periodic nasal swabs and masking between a call from her niece - the movie was out, but Martha's takes. A few years ago, Martha booked her first role entire role had been cut! 54 ALPHA CHI OMEGA "Oh well," Martha says in reflection. "I got a trip, I women. And Martha says if it wasn't for Alpha Chi, she got paid, and I got credit on the film and therefore wouldn't have passed her math class! One of her fellow residuals. I got cut from several things, which is OK. I sisters, a math major, made sure she completed her got the job, and I got a chance to do it. It was fun." study hours to keep Martha's and the chapter's GPA up. A life of fun and adventure has always been Martha's "We had a good time," Martha says. "We loved each plan. At the University of Georgia, she joined Alpha Chi other. Alpha Chi was good for me, and with the Omega and found a sisterhood of laughter and support. exception of math, I hope I was good for them." Martha loved living in the chapter house, even though it had only two bathrooms and one phone line for 28 The fun has continued throughout her life, from watching Georgia football with her husband before he passed away to now taking "good luck walks" around her block with a neighbor during halftime. "The other day she [Martha's neighbor] said, 'I don't think the University of Georgia realizes how important we are to them.' I'm making it around the block." "We loved Another highlight in Martha's career was spending several months in Switzerland teaching a course on each other. fashion - and when she wasn't sure she could leave her daughter for that long, the program allowed Martha to Alpha Chi bring her along! "It's been an exciting life, full of goodness and sadness," was good Martha reflects. for me, and This is the first year in six decades that Martha is not teaching, another passion of hers outside of acting. But I hope I don't mistake that as Martha slowing down. During the phone call for this story, Martha was waiting on a different phone call - from her agent about a part was good for she had just auditioned for, a "wacky lady that is just wonderful for me." Looking ahead, she wants to them." continue acting, spending time with her children and maybe even taking a river cruise. "I hope I'm not running out of time since I'm 94 now," Martha says. "I still have things I want to do." THE LYRE 55 ARCHIVES THEN AND NOW Volunteer Development and Training BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST n her 1980 report Have you ever thought I to the convention about what Alpha Chi delegates, National Omega was doing 10, President Karen Aunan 20, 50 years ago? How Miley (Alpha Lambda, have things changed University of Minnesota) for our members and laid out her vision for describes organization? How have Alpha Chi Omega in they stayed the same? our second century. Taken from previous Among her many hopes Lyre magazines, the for our sisterhood, she "Then and Now" series specifically mentioned offers a glimpse into the need for "a national what life was like for leadership school for Alpha Chi Omegas chapter officers and throughout history. advisers, a training school for rush visitors Alpha Chi Omega has and a property always relied on our management school alumnae volunteers for house corporation to guide and support officers, and SO the our collegiate chapters dreams go on." (Continued on Page 48) through time, life experience and caring. While training sessions While the value had been held for SCENES FROM THE FIRST TLC, AS of these dedicated some volunteers in PRINTED IN THE LYRE members has never the 1970s, the scope been in question, the and professionalism best way to support soon broadened. In June 1981, and empower them Alpha Chi Omega held the Training Leadership Conference (known as TLC) has naturally evolved at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Attending the conference and grown over time. were national, district and province officers, along with chapter advisors. What was once an According to the fall 1981 issue of The Lyre, "The conference, led by members aspirational goal for of the Alumnae and Collegiate Program Planning Committees, provided an the Fraternity is now opportunity for Alpha Chi's leaders to learn more about the Fraternity's goals, embedded in our policies, finances and responsibilities." Topics covered during TLC included ongoing volunteer programming, recruitment, extension, the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and support. a discussion of "Campus Concerns of Today." 56 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Omega Enterprise and provides the Golden Key webinar series, which focuses on volunteer core 2023 competencies. Beyond the series, volunteers can attend trainings ranging in topic based on their role, have access to training modules on The Heights Learning Center and utilize materials in the Resource Center. Serving as an Alpha Chi Omega volunteer provides T oday, Alpha Chi Omega proudly offers alumnae with the opportunity to further their personal Volunteer Summit, a premier leadership development to use in their volunteer role and beyond! academy for chapter advisors, operational volunteer teams and local house corporation volunteers, along with Pearl Stone Partners house directors. Volunteer Summit combines educational sessions with sisterhood growth opportunities to empower and support our volunteers in their work with collegiate and alumnae members. The experience broadens the perspectives of volunteers through keynote and breakout speakers, roundtable discussions and networking sessions. We look forward to welcoming volunteers to this year's in-person event July 14-16 in Indianapolis! Alpha Chi Omega also provides ongoing volunteer support through a variety of innovative initiatives and resources. The lifetime engagement department coaches and guides volunteers across the Alpha Chi ACCOUNTABILITY ACTION- BUILDS ORIENTED RELATIONSHIPS IN 2021, VOLUNTEER SUMMIT WAS HELD VIRTUALLY, BUT IDEA- ALPHA CHI OMEGA'S SHARING WAS STILL CORE COMPETENCIES COMMUNICATES INTEGRITY MOTIVATES STRONG ACROSS ALL WELL OTHERS SESSIONS, LIKE THIS FOR VOLUNTEERS CHAPTER ADVISOR BREAKOUT SESSION; PHOTO BY LAURA Click each of the eight DAVIDSON (BETA competencies to read the PSI, LOUISIANA TECH definition. RESILIENCY CELEBRATES UNIVERSITY). OTHERS THREE HUNDRED VOLUNTEERS COMPLETED TRAININGS IN THE HEIGHTS LEARNING CENTER, SUCH AS THIS ONE ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER CORE COMPETENCIES. THE LYRE 57 ALUMNA INITIATE SPOTLIGHT Alpha Chi Omega A Sisterhood to Lean On BY LAURA KNOBEL (IOTA ALPHA, ALUMNAE Lindsay passed away in July 2021, but her influence INITIATES), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIFETIME on Lainey, Lainey's daughter Julia (Alpha Upsilon), ENGAGEMENT and many other friends and family members remains. "When Julia moved to The University of Alabama for ach Alpha Chi Omega member has a special college and participated in 2021 recruitment, she knew E story she can share about when a sister right away that the Alpha Upsilon chapter felt like supported her through a challenging time. 'home'' believe she associated Alpha Chi Omega with For Lainey Bradley (née Forde, Alpha Upsilon, The many positive attributes she had witnessed in both of University of Alabama), the support of the Alpha Chi her aunts' adulthoods," Lainey recalls. sisterhood started long before she officially became a member. Julia agrees. "I knew I was looking for a sisterhood that would be a source of love and encouragement in my Growing up in North Carolina as the youngest of three college years and beyond," she says. "I knew that the girls, Lainey became a proud graduate of University of women of Alpha Chi Omega would be lifelong friends North Carolina at Chapel Hill (home of our Epsilon Chi collegiate chapter), where she transferred after completing her first undergraduate year at a private women's college. Her two older sisters Lindsay and Lesley joined the Epsilon Chi chapter in 1984 and 1987, respectively; Lainey hoped to follow in their footsteps, but her courseload and the recruitment schedule prevented her from doing SO. "Because I didn't graduate as a member of my sisters' Alpha Chi Omega chapter, there has been a part of me that has always wondered what my undergraduate experience would have been like if I had made a different decision," Lainey shares. After college, Lainey went on to get her master's degree in special education. She married her husband Phillip (an alumnus of Sigma Nu Fraternity) in 1997, and they moved to the suburbs of Atlanta to grow their careers and family together. Although she was not a member herself, Lainey always understood the impact that Alpha Chi Omega had in her sisters' lives, never more SO than when Lindsay battled metastatic breast cancer for 11 years. "I witnessed many examples of Alpha Chi Omega sisters reaching out to offer encouragement and prayers during her cancer ALPHA CHI OMEGA journey Those same sisters have shown kindness to me Bid Day UNC - September 15, 1983 when I have needed it. Alpha Chi Omega members have always reflected commitment and loyalty." LINDSAY AND LESLEY AT UNC CHAPEL HILL 58 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega and sisters who would push me to be the best version It was clear from the start that Alpha Chi Omega of myself academically, professionally and personally. was the right sisterhood for Julia. And Lainey soon Additionally, I grew up hearing stories from both of discovered it was not too late for it to be her sisterhood, my aunts about their experience at UNC and how that too. "I learned from Julia about the opportunity to be sisterhood carried into their adult lives." an alumna initiate of the Alpha Upsilon chapter. My heart told me that this would be a second chance to Lainey, Phillip and Lesley were all thrilled to learn that become affiliated with Alpha Chi Omega's prestigious Julia had joined Alpha Chi. "When Julia's dad and I ideals," she says. attended Bid Day festivities, we also felt like she was perfectly connected with her home away from home. Then in August 2022, shortly after Julia shared the news When we saw the letterhead of our first piece of mail about the National Alumna Initiate Program (NAIP) - Real. Strong. Women. - we were confident that Julia with her mom, the family suffered another tragic loss. would thrive as an Alpha Chi Omega member. We Julia shares, "At the beginning of sophomore year, I lost have appreciated the chapter's impact on all facets of my dad unexpectedly in an automobile accident in the Julia's college experience SO far [including] academics, middle of primary recruitment. From the moment I friendships, spiritual development, philanthropic received word that he had passed away, I was wrapped opportunities and emotional growth." in love and support from my sisters and chapter advisors. Our chapter president at the time, Brooke, along with my chapter advisor, Whitney, packed a bag for me and drove me home in the middle of the night to be with my family." Lainey remembers well the way Julia's sisters supported PARENTS them both after losing Phillip. "Members of Alpha Upsilon upheld Julia with prayers, their presence and a large box filled with handwritten letters that was delivered to our home. My heart was comforted by the evidence that Julia is SO loved and cared for by her sisters, and I know this love will endure." After experiencing such loyalty from Julia's Alpha Chi sisters, Lainey had plenty of reasons to trust that her experience as a NAIP candidate would be just as safe and supportive. After being sponsored for Alpha Chi Omega membership by her daughter and sister Lesley, Lainey joined a group of 35 Alpha Upsilon family members and friends who were preparing to initiate over Parents Weekend at Alpha Upsilon in February 2023. NAIP volunteers hosted virtual gatherings for the group of women to connect and learn together as they worked their way through The Heights Learning Center online modules for their Alpha Chi Omega education (some of the first alumnae initiates to do so!). LAINEY, JULIA AND PHILLIP AT ALPHA Lainey remembers this time fondly. "The ladies who UPSILON PARENTS WEEKEND led our alumna initiate program Zoom meetings were THE LYRE 59 ALUMNA INITIATE SPOTLIGHT SO welcoming to us, and we had the opportunity to share with each other as we logged in from all over the United States and introduced our reasons for becoming members of the Alpha Upsilon chapter it was clear to see how Alpha Chi Omega membership allows for lifelong involvement in philanthropy, learning and forming friendships. The modules paid tribute to the founding members of Alpha Chi Omega in such a way that we felt honored and grateful to become a part of their original vision of a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime," she says. LAINEY (CENTER) WITH HER SISTER AND DAUGHTER AT HER INITIATION When it came time for the Initiation Ceremony, Julia was thrilled to welcome her mom into Alpha Chi Omega, and support that she always knew were waiting for and Lesley was fortunate to be present to celebrate the her in Alpha Chi Omega. "I felt like a circle of women momentous occasion as her youngest biological sister also within our family was now complete," she says. became her and Lindsay's sorority sister. Julia knew her mom was always meant to be an Lainey felt Phillip's presence that day as well, just one Alpha Chi. "Growing up, my mom instilled a lot of year after the two of them had celebrated Parents the same values in me that Alpha Chi Omega holds," Weekend at Alpha Upsilon during Julia's first year in says Julia. "She modeled for me what it looked like to the chapter. "Before the ceremony I anticipated the selflessly serve those around her She models both day as an event that Phillip had known was going to compassion and intentionality in her relationships with happen, and it was an event he was present for in spirit. others and leads with grace. She has shown strength A few days before the accident, he sent Julia a text and resiliency through tragedy and hardship. She is the message that read, 'I cannot wait for you and Mom to epitome of a real, strong woman, and I am SO proud to be sisters, and his excitement over this opportunity for call her mom and sister." me was in the forefront of my mind all day," she recalls. Now that Lainey is officially an Alpha Chi Omega, she Julia and Lelsey pinned Lainey's badge over her heart is leaning into hope and healing and holding on to together and welcomed her as a sister in the Bond. For both the new and old connections she's made through Lainey, it was the culmination of not only her NAIP Alpha Chi; she knows now more than ever that no experience, but also the continuation of decades of love matter what, Alpha Chi is always there for you. "I believe that the learning and adapting we undergo LAINEY AND JULIA'S MOTHER-DAUGHTER BOND BECAME EVEN STRONGER WHEN LAINEY JOINED in times of tragedy and loss will become someone else's OUR SISTERHOOD THROUGH THE NATIONAL life raft," Lainey says. "Perhaps I will be able to support ALUMNA INITIATE PROGRAM. other Alpha Chi Omega sisters when their lives change DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER, FRIEND OR in an instant, and the symphony of our sisterhood is WOMAN IN YOUR more important than ever before." COMMUNITY WHO YOU THINK WOULD MAKE A GREAT ALPHA CHI OMEGA? SCAN THE QR CODE TO SPONSOR HER FOR MEMBERSHIP "I felt like the circle of women within OR VISIT THE "HOW TO JOIN" PAGE UNDER our family was now complete." MEMBER EXPERIENCE ON ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG! AXO CONNECTION 3 1 jadelyn 2 4 COLLEGIATE NOTES 1 DELTA CHI (WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY) 3 ALPHA CHI (BUTLER UNIVERSITY) Members were ready to greet PNMs during Alpha Chi members posed outside their chapter house recruitment. during Butler University's Bid Day in January. 2 DELTA EPSILON (SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 4 GAMMA ZETA (KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY) STATE UNIVERSITY) Along with the entire campus Panhellenic, the Gamma The new chapter executive board took a photo as they Zeta chapter welcomed home new members after took on their roles for the year. recruitment. THE LYRE 61 AXO CONNECTION my are out of this WORLD HAILEY 5 7 AND ALICE 6 8 5 GAMMA PHI (LAMAR UNIVERSITY) 7 KAPPA CHI (FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY) Members of the 2023 Gamma Phi chapter executive board posed for a photo together. New big sisters at Kappa Chi chapter themed their reveals to their little sisters. 6 DELTA ZETA (CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY) 8 GAMMA RHO (TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY) Delta Zeta chapter families got a little bit bigger during Twelve collegians were awarded scholarships from big/little reveal this semester. Gamma Rho alumnae totally more than $13,000. 62 ALPHACHIOMEGA 9 11 MUSEUM GOLF FOURSOME AT HUNTER CLUB 2 GA GUEST PASSES TO 1 WEEK OF KIDS SUMME DUEL MEMBERSHIP 10 12 9 BETA LAMBDA (UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA) 11 GAMMA UPSILON (UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON) Chapter members helped out the Junior League of Tucson by sorting, inspecting and organizing more than School pride was high as sisters cheered on their men's 1,000 dresses for Cinderella's Closet, helping local girls basketball team in the March Madness tournament. find the prom dress of their dreams for free. 12 KAPPA TAU (UNIVERSITY OF 10 GAMMA PI (UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA) CONNECTICUT) Twenty-five sisters volunteered with the Children's Members of our Kappa Tau chapter were excited for Cancer Center at its Golf Madness event, helping the their University of Connecticut men's team to play in organization exceed its fundraising goal in support March Madness. of children and families battling cancer and blood disorders. THE LYRE 63 AXO CONNECTION 13 15 14 16 13 ZETA PHI (CORNELL UNIVERSITY) 15 BETA PI (WASHINGTON COLLEGE) Sisters took advantage of the university snow day by As they took photos across campus for PR and getting outside! marketing, members enjoyed some sisterhood time too! 14 DELTA (ALLEGHENY COLLEGE) 16 KAPPA PI (UNIVERSITY OF NORTH It was all sunny skies and Alpha Chis during Allegheny CAROLINA WILMINGTON) College's spring break. Sisters enjoyed a beautiful spring day together. 2/3 64 ALPHA CHI OMEGA 17 19 PHACHOMEGA 18 20 17 KAPPA OMEGA (INDIANA UNIVERSITY- 19 ALPHA PHI (THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS) AUSTIN) The chapter took a trip to pick some flowers and enjoy The Alpha Phi chapter took advantage of the spring the Indiana spring. weather for a photoshoot. 20 GAMMA OMICRON (MARSHALL 18 EPSILON PHI (GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF UNIVERSITY) TECHNOLOGY) The laughter never ends with sisters by your side. For a fun sisterhood event, members decorated tote bags together. THE LYRE 65 2/5 AXO CONNECTION 1 3 2 4 ALUMNAE NOTES 1 ETA THETA ETA (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) 3 GAMMA THETA GAMMA (LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) Alumnae chapter sisters enjoyed a curling lesson in January. As they shared on social media, "Never too late Supporting the arts for MacDowell Month, chapter to try something new!" members visited the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and explored the "Regeneration" Black 2 ALPHA EPSILON ALPHA (WASHINGTON, filmmakers exhibit, the Godfather exhibit and Oscar DC) highlights. Sisters gathered to celebrate two women who were 4 NU XI NU (SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, initiated as alumnae a decade apart - Ida Guerra CALIFORNIA) (second from left) in 2012 and Rae Cooper (second from right) in 2022. The chapter celebrated Alpha Chi Night Out with latkes and love, bringing red and pink items for a gift exchange. 66 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ocktails 5 7 CARD 6 8 5 ETA RHO ETA (CENTRAL COAST, 7 NU NU (DENVER, COLORADO) CALIFORNIA) Sisters created beautiful winter paintings during the Members celebrated Galentine's Day a few days early chapter's Alpha Chi Night Out event. with a Saturday brunch at a local restaurant. 8 IOTA UPSILON IOTA (WILLIAMSBURG, 6 OMICRON PHI OMICRON (ZETA PI VIRGINIA) ALUMNAE) Sisters enjoyed an English tea service to welcome spring. For Alpha Chi Night Out, sisters enjoyed a happy hour in Scottsdale, Arizona while collecting more than $900 in cash and gift cards for residents of a local shelter. THE LYRE 67 2/5 AXO CONNECTION 9 11 10 12 9 MU MU (KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI) 11 ALPHA GAMMA ALPHA (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) With 27 sisters in attendance, the chapter played music bingo and raised funds for their philanthropic projects. For a sisterhood event, members arranged flowers with The event took place at Servaes Brewing Company, Gussied Up Flower Truck. owned by alumna Courtney Servaes (Omicron, Baker University). 12 BETA OMEGA BETA (PHOENIX, ARIZONA) The chapter's Lunch Bunch crew took a picture during 10 DELTA RHO (UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS) their monthly gathering. ALUMNAE Celebrating 50 years of sisterhood, these women took a cruise in February, sharing favorite memories and making even more. 68 ALPHA CHI OMEGA ELON 13 15 TM 14 16 13 WASHINGTON, DC ALUMNAE 15 IOTA PSI (ELON UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE Sisters in the Washington, DC area enjoyed a wine Sisters celebrated Courtney Kobos' wedding in Texas this tasting to celebrate Alpha Chi Night Out in February. March. Photo credit: Opal & Onyx Photography 14 ALPHA ETA (UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT 16 ETA (BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY) ALUMNA UNION) COLLEGIANS AND ALUMNAE AND BETA PSI BETA (ALLIANCE, OHIO) MEMBERS Joan Carter Medlin received her 75-year membership milestone pin from her daughter Susan Medlin Flesher Collegiate and alumnae members enjoyed a chilly game (Epsilon Omega, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo) and the day during homecoming at the University of Mount Gamma Eta Gamma (Eugene, Oregon) alumnae chapter Union. at a ceremony in April. THE LYRE 69 is AXO CONNECTION 1 3 2 4 ACCOLADES 1 ALPHA KAPPA (UNIVERSITY OF OREGON) 3 THETA LAMBDA (CLEMSON UNIVERSITY) ALUMNAE ALUMNA Karen McRae opened Mother Shuckers seafood truck in Amanda H. Hays (right) was recognized in the inaugural Bend, Oregon. Many sisters have stopped by to celebrate class of Pillars of the Community by the Clemson Karen's long-held dream come true, including Laura Storie University Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. She is the Dolinar and Claire Buvick Eishen pictured here with Karen. assistant vice president in Clemson's Division of Student Affairs. She's pictured here with fellow Theta Lambda 2 EPSILON LAMBDA (THE UNIVERSITY OF sisters who cheered her on at the recognition event! TEXAS AT ARLINGTON) ALUMNA Michelle Martin was recognized in Marquis Who's Who 4 ALPHA (DEPAUW UNIVERSITY) ALUMNA for her work as an interior designer with HKS Inc. Holiday Hart McKiernan was named to the Academy of Law Alumni Fellows from Indiana University's Mauer School of Law. The listing recognizes alumni with achievements and dedication at the highest standards of the profession. She recently was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lumina Foundation. 70 ALPHA CHI OMEGA POPPY THROUGH THE PAINTINGS A Heart's Memory After JANICE R.JOHNSON All 5 7 JANICE R. JOHNSON We Need to Talk Communicating Through Difficult Situations 6 in Four Easy Steps 8 Suzanne Seifert Groves 5 EPSILON LAMBDA (THE UNIVERSITY OF 7 BETA SIGMA (UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA) TEXAS AT ARLINGTON) ALUMNA ALUMNA Julie Lucht released her first picture book in April. Janice Reeves Johnson has published the first two books Poppy Through the Paintings tells the story of a girl who of a trilogy. The Jessie Reynolds series starts with A falls inside a painting and travels through famous works Heart's Memory and continues with After All. of art to get back home. 8 PSI (THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA) 6 ALPHA PHI (THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT Alumnae and collegians cut the ribbon to welcome AUSTIN) ALUMNA sisters home to the new Psi chapter house at the March Suzanne Groves published her first book, We Need to dedication event, attended by almost 400 people! The Talk: Communicating Through Difficult Situations in Four facility is owned by the Alpha Chi Omega Psi Chapter Easy Steps, based on the communications methodology House Corporation and is the first new construction she developed during her 35-year career in marketing sorority house on campus in five years. and communications. THE LYRE 71 MEMORIAM In Memoriam Elora Campbell Erickson, 1941, January 2023 Mary Marks Christenberry, 1946, January 2015 Aileen Miller McGinnis, 1943, February 2023 Karolyn Gould Crockett, 1947, April 2019 Shirley Yoder Deckard, 1955, April 2023 Reported to headquarters between Feb 1 Sigma (University of Iowa) Dolores Daugull Diener, 1947, February 2019 and April 30, 2023 Jane Marie Rulon, 1972, August 2012 Elizabeth Schumaker Edwards, 1944, September 2017 Name, Initiation Year, Month and Year of Death June Goodrich Ellis, 1944, July 2018 Upsilon (Millikin University) Madeline Harman Glickert, 1945, January 2004 Alpha (DePauw University) Ann Marie Derrick, 1980, November 2022 Nancy Gillis Hepburn, 1963, February 2023 Susan Christensen Beatty, 1953 January 2023 Betty Thoennes McBride, 1948, December 2017 Jeanne Petracek Kipp, 1955, April 2023 Phi (University of Kansas) Rosemary Helen Myers, 1942, September 2005 Susan Lowry Bland, 1957, March 2023 Phyllis Byers Prater, 1946, September 2016 Beta (Albion College) Piper Alexis Carter, 2021, April 2023 Mary Schreiber Robertson, 1945, December 2013 Doris Lee Scott, 1954, March 2023 Carol Barker Euritt, 1956, January 2023 Mary Perkins Schneider, 1948, December 2008 Frances Holland Woodman, 1945, March 2023 Marjorie Phillips Stonehill, 1944, January 2007 Gamma (Northwestern University) Joyce Urbach Niffenegger, 1953, February 2023 Chi (Oregon State University) Alpha Omega (Birmingham-Southern College) Lorna Roberts Acker, 1947, February 2023 Mariam Wilder Bailey, 1948, May 2017 Delta (Allegheny College) Margaret Gish Enzor, 1961, March 2023 Lynda James Thompson, 1967, January 2023 Miriam Gillespie Filer, 1948, May 2021 Patricia Smith McKinney, 1947, March 2023 Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University) Epsilon (University of Southern California) Psi (The University of Oklahoma) Bonita Lesselyong Malmstone, 1940, March 2023 Virginia Strike Malone, 1946, February 2023 Carol Hilburn Johnson, 1957, February 2023 Frances Fish Kashwer, 1952, February 2023 Beta Zeta (Whitman College) Zeta (New England Conservatory) Barbara Benson Mayfield, 1962, March 2023 Diane Moore Caggiano, 1952, December 2021 Jeannette Boretti Deiulio, 1948, April 2006 Ann Murrah Shaw, 1951, April 2023 Patricia Kelly White, 1953, March 2023 Marian Love Williams, 1941, February 2023 Eta (Bucknell University) Omega (Washington State University) Barbara Bergmann Pahren, 1954, February 2023 Kay Myers Reese, 1963, May 2017 Beta Eta (Florida State University) Patricia Mathewson DeLettre, 1965, February 2023 Theta (University of Michigan) Alpha Beta (Purdue University) Mary Hannon Gray, 1955, February 2023 Carol Schumacher Carlson, 1948, April 2023 Judith Anuta McFadden, 1957, March 2023 Sharon Crow Teel, 1966, January 2023 Suzanne Bransom Wester, 1964, March 2023 Lambda (Syracuse University) Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon) Marcia Larson Street, 1954, February 2023 Terry Bolstad Morrison, 1975, February 2023 Beta Theta (Lawrence University) Betty Hintz Hemmeter, 1966, April 2023 Mu (Simpson College) Alpha Mu (Indiana University) Phyllis Peters Lorenzen, 1948, March 2020 Joan Chamberlin Short, 1948, September 2018 Beta Lambda (University of Arizona) Janet Hamilton Zimmer, 1956, November 2022 Dorothy Louise Cronin, 1957, May 2022 Nu (University of Colorado Boulder) Barbara Apperson Hinton, 1952, March 2023 Tracy Lee Bloch, 1998, March 2023 Alpha Nu (University of Missouri) Shirley Weathers Carlson, 1948, February 2023 Carolyn Jarrett Hecht, 1960, February 2022 Beta Nu (University of Utah) Carolyn Ruden Cornell, 1956, December 2022 Carol Gray Poteat, 1961, April 2023 Darlene Kmetzsch McNeil, 1948, January 2020 Margot McKnight Everett, 1957, February 2023 Frances Williams Monson, 1953, February 2023 Jeri Edwards Joseph, 1951, March 2023 Alpha Xi (University of Montana) Ella June Altvater Pulis, 1947, October 2017 Florence Wildman Orcutt, 1945, September 2022 Beta Rho (American University) Miriam Slemmons, 1944, March 2023 Carolyn Hutchins Lavender, 1948, January 2013 Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University) Xi (University of Nebraska - Lincoln) Fione Davis Garing, 1949, March 2023 Beta Tau (Miami University) Donna Gies Aksamit, 1957, March 2023 Jean M. Janson, 1948, November 2019 Norma Young Hendricks, 1952, March 2023 Carol McKissick Mock, 1948, October 2019 Cecelia McCormish Peddle, 1948, March 2020 Omicron (Baker University) JoAnn Jones Lamb, 1948, July 2022 Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama) Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University) Nina McDaniel Smith, 1921, September 1989 Katherine Dorsett Raughley, 1979, February 2023 Marianne Schnabel Hannum, 1961, April 2023 Erica Joy Stilley, 2022, April 2023 Corinne Baldwin Sigafoos, 1948, May 2018 Joan Harris Wilson, 1948, September 2019 Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin) Marilu Grace Burns, 1962, March 2023 Beta Chi (Willamette University) Pi (University of California, Berkeley) Arlene Scott Flatley, 1956, March 2023 Elizabeth Provost Hanauska, 1944, November 2020 Patricia Rodgers Moore, 1948, March 2017 Phoebe Burch Procter, 1949, March 2023 Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University) Rho (University of Washington) Alpha Chi (Butler University) Mary Davis Lindsay, 1960, December 2022 Beverley Gilbert Bills, 1948, March 2023 Henrietta Hurt Armstrong, 1946, July 2020 Joy Anthony Smitherman, 1949, April 2023 Mary Browder Brink, 1948, August 2018 72 ALPHA CHI OMEGA Gamma Delta (University of Denver) Mariam Israel Filson, 1950, December 2022 We're on TikTok! Wilburta Tainter Miller, 1947, March 2023 Verna Bonnickson Sanacore, 1964, January 2023 It's official - Alpha Chi Omega is on TikTok! We are SO excited to connect Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University) with sisters all over the country through video. Follow us Barbara Hines Neil, 1955, December 2021 @AlphaChiOmegaHQ to see more about our sisterhood, history and more! Mary Way Reeder, 1948, April 2021 Sandra Schroeder Thomas, 1963, February 2023 Lynda Fulton Thompson, 1959, April 2020 Are you a lalala or okokok 1/9 Alpha Chi? Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University) Lillyan Grace Koehn, 2022, March 2023 Things we about our Jane Rogers McClelland, 1959, September 2022 sisterhood Gamma Eta (San Jose State University) Nancy Inglis Atkinson, 1953, March 2023 May Irene Gardner, 1948, December 2022 Vivi Xerogeanes Sarantitis, 1948, July 2020 Gamma Theta (University of Maryland) Edythe Zeck Adams, 1948, January 2021 Gamma Mu (Ball State University) 406 271 Evelyn Linde Buckner, 1953, December 2022 10 Gamma Nu (San Diego State University) Debra Louise Seaburg, 1971, February 2023 9 Gamma Rho (Texas Tech University) Alpha Chi Omega Sorority 4-18 9 Real, strong women either way Photo Sandra Sherrill Hammitt, 1956, February 2023 Alpha Chi Omega Sorority . 3-17 Sandra Day Phillips, 1958, April 2023 We could go on and on about this Linda Loving Whigham, 1957, August 2021 forever! #AXO #RealStrongWomen n original sound sofeditsae Gamma Phi (Lamar University) Diane Daigle Kelly, 1956, February 2023 Wanda Pool Owen, 1956, April 2023 Gamma Psi (Wichita State University) AXQ Marilyn Baker Johnston, 1958, April 2023 Delta Zeta (Central Michigan University) Barbara Broughton Flaggert, 1960, December 2022 Kristin Naomi Kent, 1988, January 2023 Angela Marzella Robinson, 1986, March 2023 Katherine Wood Tichon, 1995, February 2023 Delta Theta (University of Maine) Diane Hatchfield Saparoff, 1963, December 2021 462 Delta Rho (University of Arkansas) Charlotte Sulcer Alexander, 1962, February 2023 Lessye 9 17 Epsilon Xi (University of Nevada, Reno) Mary Ellen Morgan Matzoll, 1977, January 2023 Alpha Chi Omega Sorority 1w ago 12 8 A peek into the sisterhood of our Epsilon Epsilon Chi (University of North Carolina at Zeta chapter at Auburn University! Chapel Hill) n original sound alphachiomegahq Alpha Chi Omega Sprority 3-2 16 Lindsey Forde-Smith, 1981, July 2021 Missing Bid Day every #GoAXO #Real StrongWomen #BidDay Theta Pi (University of California, Davis) n original sound alphachiomegahq (C... Kristen Ann Galovich, 1994, February 2023 Life Loyal Roll Life Loyal Roll Join the Life Loyal Roll! WE HOPE YOU'RE ENJOYING THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THE LYRE! We also know there's something special about receiving a magazine in print and flipping through the pages to read the stories of our sisterhood. Alumnae members who make cumulative gifts of $299 or more to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation reach the Life Loyal Roll and receive the printed version of The Lyre four times a year as part of the donor communications plan. VISIT THE LIFE LOYAL ROLL PAGE ON THE ALPHA CHI OMEGA WEBSITE FOR DETAILS! LEARN MORE: WWW.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/LIFELOYALROLL CALL US: 317-579-5050, EXT. 0290 EMAIL US: FOUNDATION@ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG GIVE NOW: GIVE.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG/LIFELOYAL SEE YOUR CURRENT GIVING TOTAL: LOG INTO MY.ALPHACHIOMEGA.ORG AND CLICK THE "FOUNDATION" TAB. Life Lorgal Roll Life Loyal Roll The Impact of Your Gifts When you join the Life Loyal Roll, you'll support the Foundation's mission to enhance the lifetime experiences of our members - and dream big AXQ about the future of Fraternity programming. Through your gifts at the Life Loyal Roll level, you'll make a lasting impact on the future of Alpha Chi Omega and in the lives of our sisters. Transformational programs and experiences that make up the Real. Strong. Women. Experience help our members gain life skills like confidence and leadership ability, self-awareness and interpersonal relationship skills, and comfort with vulnerability and bridging difficult topics. Only with support from donors will Alpha Chi Omega continue to: Promote mental well-being for our sisters through programs that facilitate authentic conversations about mental health Empower our members to build healthy relationships through programming like Let's Talk Love while increasing awareness of domestic violence Create communities of support where sisters encourage sisters to discover their most genuine selves through the Real. Strong. Women. Experience THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERIN G A GIFT TO THE FOUNDATION AT THE LIFE LOYAL ROLL LEVEL! NON-PROFIT Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage 5635 Castle Creek Parkway North Drive PAID Indianapolis IN 46250-4304 Indianapolis, IN Permit N. 1643 alphachiomega.org Common Bond Uncommon Impact. A CAMPAIGN TO EMPOWER REAL, STRONG WOMEN foundation@alphachiomega.org 317-579-5050, ext. 0290 AXOuncommon.org #AXOuncommon