Long-time AOII Executive Director to Retire

After 18 years of serving as the Executive Director of Alpha Omicron Pi, Melanie Lampertz will soon retire. The long-time leader will complete her professional tenure with the organization June 30, 2009—the end of AOII’s biennium.

Lampertz began volunteering with the organization thirty years ago. She served in several roles on the Executive Board before coming on staff for AOII twenty-two years ago. During this time, Lampertz has seen the organization through significant growth, the building of a new Fraternity headquarters, the creation of AOII Properties, Inc, two structure changes, the planning of all International Conventions, Leadership Institutes, and Leadership Academies, and the implementation of an overall strategic plan. Lampertz has also effectively managed and developed a team of staff to support Fraternity goals.

“I will remain wholeheartedly committed to this organization, its standards of excellence, its legacy, and the women who define our purpose,” said Lampertz. “In addition, it gives me great pleasure to leave my professional tenure with the organization healthy and thriving. This milestone in my life comes with much thought, but also much excitement as I anticipate enjoying retirement with my family and grandchildren.”

Lampertz has also served as a champion for all Greeks through her dedication and commitment to the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the Fraternity Executives Association (FEA), the Executive Directors Association (EDA), and the Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG). Through her roles as the President of the EDA and FIPG, the FEA Awards Chair, FEA Program Chair, and a Director for the FEA Executive Board, Lampertz has remained committed to the development of the entire Greek community.

“Over the years, Alpha Omicron Pi has enjoyed so many accomplishments, and we are very grateful of the dedication and hard work that Melanie brought to the organization to advance our mission,” said Susan Danko, International President of Alpha Omicron Pi. “We will miss her, and wish her much happiness as she begins a new phase of her life.”

Founder's Day 2009 - Afternoon Tea & Dessert

What a lovely Founder's Day! On January 25, AOII alums and collegiates gathered at Cherokee Country Club for an Afternoon Tea & Dessert. In fact, so many alums attended that we had to bring in extra chairs!

The 45-minute program began with opening remarks from Alumnae Chapter President Tyra Tucker Haag (Omicron '00). Sara Pottinger Burke (Omicron '99) was the featured speaker and drove all the way Louisville, KY to deliver an inspirational speech. Omicron Song Leader Anne Buckle led a beautiful rendition of AOII Grace. Everyone was treated to an assortment of delicious food, including chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, brownies, sandwiches and tea.

Alumnae Chapter Vice-President Katy Wilson Bibee (Omicron '99) asked attendees to donate to the AOII Ruby Fund--the heart of AOII. It is with pleasure that $380 will be sent to Headquarters to help sisters in great need. Erin Hutchinson (Omicron '01), Alumnae Chapter Awards Chair, recognized Omicron's 50-year members and gave plaques to this year's Outstanding Alumna and Outstanding Citizen Award recipients. Ellie Wilson Whitesell and Betty Chastain Emery were honored as the 2008-2009 Outstanding Alums. Peggy Howard was awarded the 2008-2009 Outstanding Citizen Award. For more details on these sweet sisters, please read the blog posts below.

Vice President of Academic Development Stephanie Selecman announced the 2009 Cozart Scholarship winners. New Member Educator Alissa Ralph introduced the 2008 Omicron pledge class, followed by a re-cap of Recruitment by Wendy Crenshaw, Vice-President of Membership Recruitment. Omicron Chapter President Micah Johnson delivered the State of the Chapter address and Lauren Zaller (Omicron '03) gave an exciting update about progress on the AOII Capital Campaign.

What a special afternoon shared by sisters near and far. We missed those of you who could not be with us and look forward to seeing you next year!

Sara Pottinger Burke (Omicron '99) featured speaker at Founder's Day 2009

At just 17 years old, Sara came to UT in the Fall of '99 from Louisville, KY. She quickly became someone all the girls looked up to in the chapter and on campus. Her major leadership roles included Chapter Relations Chair and ultimately Chapter President. She graduated from UT with honors, married her high school sweetheart Chris Burke, finished law school and on Oct. 5, 2007 welcomed her first child into the world--Sidney (a future AOII!) Sara is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Sara is an exceptional example of what it means to live "AOII for a lifetime.” She continually supports AOII, is a true woman of character and lets her light shine everywhere she goes.

Betty Chastain Emery named 2008-2009 AOII Outstanding Alumna

Betty Chastain Emery is someone who truly exemplifies AOII for a lifetime. Her nominator wrote that she is always ready to help with just about anything anyone asks her to do. She has been pro-AOII forever and keeps in touch with her AOII sisters far and near. She has a true philanthropic spirit, too and volunteers at East Tennessee Children's Hospital nearly every day. During Recruitment time each year, she sends in Recs and has assisted the Building Committee by calling alums, writing letters and going on visits to request financial support to help make a "House for Omicron" a reality. She also visits older alums to lift their spirits or even take them a meal. What a role model and caring sister we have in Betty Chastain Emery!

Ellie Wilson Whitesell named 2008-2009 AOII Outstanding Alumna

The Outstanding Alumna award is to honor a member of the local Knoxville Alumnae Chapter...someone who has gone above and beyond for AOII locally. This year, we have two recipients. Ellie Wilson Whitesell has been involved in the Alumnae Chapter for several years, but for the past three years has been dedicated to a specific endeavor--our annual Bar-B-Q. With her knack for always knowing how to get things done, it's no wonder why our BBQ has been so successful over the years because of her leadership. She's also been gracious with her time, helping to chaperone date parties and formals. So thank you, Ellie Wilson Whitesell for always putting a smile on our faces, but more importantly, for everything you do for our chapter!

Peggy Howard named 2008-2009 Outstanding Citizen by Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi

Peggy Howard is certainly nothing short of outstanding. She was the "voice" of AOII in the Forties and you could say she was born with a song in her heart. She sang at all our events, especially rush parties, and has been keeping Knoxville singing ever since. Her name is one associated with choral music in this area. She has spent most of her 80 years studying, teaching and sharing her music, and for the past 18 years has been the choir director at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church.

She has been active in the Knoxville arts community her entire life. She has truly moved music forward and impacted thousands with her beautiful spirit. She has directed several choirs in Knoxville, for church, her community, the Junior League, and just too many to mention each one by name. She’s gladly volunteered in many musical programs and community musical activities as well. Her nominator wrote, “She did not hide her talent under a bushel, but shared it with us all.” And as if she wasn’t busy enough, she served as Alumnae Chapter President 1951 to 1952.

For several years now, she has been battling cancer…yet she never complains. If you ask her how she's doing, she says, “I'm doing fine, just fine.” Anyone who knows her, especially the hundreds of voice students she has taught over the years, as well as friends and family, see how deeply she embraces life, and how much a part of her energy and enthusiasm for it comes from and through music. Her daughter proudly exclaims, "My mom spends every day, no matter what, celebrating life. She's always happy and looking forward. She wants to live as fully as she can every day life gives her.” It is with great love that we honor Peggy Howard as the 2008-2009 Outstanding Citizen.

Wren Smith Anderson (Omicron '99) writes children's book in honor of late mother-in-law's battle with breast cancer

Wren Smith Anderson (Omicron '99) wrote and illlustrated the book, Sweet Dreams, Anita Bonita, in honor of her late mother-in-law, Anita Anderson, who passed away from breast cancer last July. The book is based on a true story that she wrote about on her cancer blog with CaringBridge while she was undergoing her chemotherapy treatments. You can read more about at it and purchase books online at http://www.anitabonitabooks.com/.

This short, sweet little story exemplifies how much Anita loved life and how she could put a smile on anyone’s face. It was an inspiration to those who laughed and cried with her. Eighty percent of proceeds will go to the Anita Conchin Anderson Foundation in care of Tennessee Bank & Trust. This foundation has been established in her honor and memory to further the various interests Anita had for children, education, and breast cancer awareness. Please share this link with other sisters and friends.

Chi Psi Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi voted "Best Dressed Sorority" by Seventeen Magazine

The Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi has been voted Seventeen Magazine’s Best Dressed Sorority! This title was awarded after a nation-wide search for the magazine to name the most fashionable chapter of a sorority.

The sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are setting the trends all over campus. Not only do they share their pride in AOII, but the girls share wardrobes as well, whether it is the perfect outfit for a first date, a job interview or simply for class.

As the winner of the contest, the 140 ladies of the Chi Psi chapter will be outfitted head-to-toe in the Victoria’s Secret PINK collegiate line for Cal Poly. More importantly, the chapter will receive a donation of $1700 towards the organization’s key philanthropy and will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Seventeen magazine.

The complete story can be found at http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/special/style-blog/.

There's still time to pay your Alumnae Chapter dues!

It's not too late to pay your alumnae dues. Your alumnae chapter dues provide support for both the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter and our Omicron Chapter collegians. In addition, a portion of your local dues is always paid to AOII International. AOII International has increased its Operating Fee by $6 per member, thereby increasing our total payment to AOII International to $25 per member. Only one-half of your $50 Alumnae Chapter dues is available for “local” use! If you have any questions or need to write a check, our Treasurer-extraordinaire Kandyce Harber is here to help. You can email Kandyce at kandyceharber@aol.com or simply drop your check in the mail to: Kandyce Harber 858 Weatherly Hills Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37934.

Top Ten Reasons to Join an Alumnae Chapter
1. Do something for yourself.
2. Be proud to be an AOII.
3. Get a real value for your financial contribution – scholarships, collegiate aid, Arthritis
Research/AJAO.
4. Choose to be involved.
5. Develop personally and professionally.
6. Make connections – career opportunities, community resources, schools, home
improvements, etc.
7. Forge new friendships.
8. Rediscover old friendships.
9. Let your light shine - showcase your talents and skills. Support Arthritis Research &
AJAO - our international philanthropy and local causes.
10. Have fun! - Enjoy being together and creating new memories.