AOII For a Lifetime

Top Ten Reasons to Join an Alumnae Chapter

10. Do something for yourself - Alumnae chapter involvement may be just what you have been looking for - a group of friends where you can be yourself. You decide how active you want to be.

9. Be proud of AOII - For over 100 years Alpha Omicron Pi's innovative approaches to programming, training and computer support have led the way for other Greek organizations.

8. Get a real value when you join an alumnae chapter - Alumnae dues are set locally and are generally under $50 annually. Typically, alumnae chapters meet once a month.

7. Choose to be involved - There are many opportunities open to you as an active alumna. If it interests you, perhaps you would like to take a role in an alumnae chapter; serve the Fraternity in an international volunteer capacity; or assist a local collegiate chapter. The choice is yours.

6. Develop personally and professionally - Programs address a variety of topics - women's health and safety, local history and current issues, self-help, nutrition, educational programs and more! Participating in the activities of the alumnae chapter affords leadership options for personal satisfaction as well as occasions to develop professional, personal and managerial skills.

5. Make connections - Fellow members can share the benefit of their associations - whether they are career opportunities, names of doctors, child care resources, restaurants, school systems, or sports programs. No matter what you need to know, there is a sister to help you find the answer.

4. Forge new friendships - If you are new to an area, what's the best way to meet people? Attend an alumnae chapter gathering! The members of the chapter span diverse ages, locations, collegiate chapters, professions, and interests, yet all have the same bond in Alpha Omicron Pi. If there is no chapter in your area, consider forming a new chapter.

3. Rediscover old friendships - If it's been awhile since you've been active, you may even find a lost sister. Treasure a support system that's always there for you. We are that friend upon whom you should have no fear to call.

2. Let your light shine - As an active alumna, you may showcase your talents and skills as you wish. In addition to supporting Arthritis Research, our international philanthropy, many alumnae chapters champion local causes. Each chapter decides its own internal and external focus - be a part of this important decision.

1. Have fun! - Enjoy being together and creating new memories.

Founder's Day 2010

The Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter hosted the annual Founder's Day Celebration on Sunday, January 24, at Cherokee Country Club. Sisters enjoyed an assortment of sandwiches, desserts and delicious chocolate covered strawberries.

Jennifer Holder delivered the keynote message ans was later honored with the Outstanding Citizenship Award. Members of the 2010 Leader's Council discussed Omicron's many achievements from the past year and introduced its' newest members.

Our founders were honored with a candlelighting ceremony and a basket was passed around to collect donations for the AOII Foundation's Ruby Fund. Awards were handed out to Whitney Glenn Cozart recipients, as well as Kandyce Harber who was honored as the 2009-2010 Outstanding Alumna.

For more information about getting involved in the Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter, Alumnae Advisory Council or ways to donate to the "House for Omicron" capital campaign, please email knoxalumaoii@gmail.com.

2009-2010 Outstanding Citizenship Award -- Jennifer Holder

Jennifer proudly serves her alma mater as a past member of the Board of Governors of the UT Alumni Association and currently serves as immediate past chair of the UT Alumni Association’s Women’s Council, as a Knoxville campus Chancellor’s Associate, and as a UT Alumni Association Knoxville board member. She also serves as board member and secretary of the Central Business Improvement District of Knoxville, as a member of the City of Knoxville Public Assembly Facilities Board, and on the nonprofit boards of 91.9, Inc. (Friends of WUOT), Beck Cultural Exchange Center, and the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association.

But her service to our community doesn’t stop there. She’s also involved in or a member of the Knoxville Museum of Art, Junior League of Knoxville, Nucleus Knoxville and holds various memberships supporting local non-profits, including Knox Heritage, YWCA, YMCA and the Knoxville Area Urban League.

Her past citizenship involvement is just as profound, and includes: Character Counts, Blount Mansion, Friends of Literacy, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, Knoxville Health Improvement Council, Knoxville Opera Board, March of Dimes, Leadership Knoxville, United Way of Greater Knoxville, University of Tennessee Alumni Association, Volunteers of America, Project Grad, and Maryville College Annual Giving Campaign--not to mention her service to AOII, which includes: BBQ chair, Alumnae Chapter President, and Financial Advisor for AAC. WHEW!

2009-2010 Outstanding Alumna Award -- Kandyce Harber (not pictured because she was unable to attend due to recent surgery)

Kandyce is well-beyond deserving of this prestigious award. Some of the most memorable examples of her service are to the collegiate chapter. She always was (and still is) a primary connection to the alumnae chapter for the collegiates. She attends several chapter meetings, social events, philanthropy events and LC meetings throughout the year. Not to mention all of her extra trips to campus for one reason or another. She has gone above and beyond her duties as one of the advisers on the Alumnae Advisory Committee. With 150 plus girls in the chapter, you can imagine how many unexpected situations arise, but she has helped discover and implement countless solutions, financially and emotionally. She is known by collegiate members as understanding and patient but a definite go-getter.

Her importance to the alumnae chapter is just as obvious. Whenever a question is presented, she always has an answer. She is the first that many call for help and advice. She has written personal thank you notes to all alumnae who have contributed to the building campaign since it started. She has represented Omicron and Knoxville Alumnae in a positive way on the Scholarship Committee of the AOII Foundation for three years. She has served as treasurer of the Knoxville Alumnae, which entails handling the finances for barbecue, Founders Day, scholarship fund, and all alum events just to name a few. Sometimes all the behind the scenes work she does is taken for granted because she’s been doing them for so well for so long!

We are truly lucky to have her as a member of the Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter. Her service is exemplary to which all alumnae should strive to achieve. And that is why she is worthy of the title of 2009-2010 Outstanding Alumna.

2009-2010 Whitney Glenn Cozart Scholarship Recipients

“We wanted a society that should continue our companionship through life and extend the like joys to others, usefully, unselfishly, and without pettiness.” Stella George Stern Perry 1936

Wrapping Up 2009

The Knoville Alumnae Chapter has certainly been as busy as ever! We helped Omicron with Recruitment and Bid Day, helped coordinate another successful BBQ, hosted a Mexican Fiesta for the New Members at the beautiful home of Sheree Johnson, participated in the Komen Race for the Cure, walked with Omicron at the annual Light the Night walk, ran in the Buddy’s Race Against Cancer, brought Halloween candy and cookie cakes to Omicron’s chapter meetings, and participated in the Jingle Bell Run. And jus last month, the alums spiced up its annual holiday party by decorating chocolate houses (instead of gingerbread houses) thanks to some creative thinking by Ann Reego, who also hosted the party (see photos below).

The 50th annual international AOII convention in Tampa, FL last summer also proved to be a success, not only for Omicron Chapter, but for our Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter as well. The alumnae chapter was given the Standards of Excellence Ruby Award for Distinguished Alumnae Chapters and a Membership Retention Citation. Two Omicrons alums were honored with individual awards as well.

Mary Jane Sharp was awarded the Helen St. Clair Mullan Award. This award honors one alumna member who has continually served AOII over the years, while displaying a loyal, faithful and devoted commitment to the Fraternity. The award remains the Fraternity’s most prominent and highly-recognized award for individual alumnae. And Mary Jane’s own daughter, Malinda Sharp, was honored with the Rose Award.

Here's to a fantastic 2010!

Looking for a house?

Casa de Krumdieck is on the market. Check out our album for more info. Feel free to forward this on the anyone you might know who is looking for a house in West Knoxville. Call me with any questions ...865-386-3320

3 Bedroom / 2.5 Baths / Bonus Room ~ 2,300 SF
Master on Main w/ Shower and Jacuzzi
Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors on Main Level
Ceramic Tile in Baths, Kitchen, Laundry, and Entry
Cathedral Ceiling Opens to Second Floor 9’ Ceilings Throughout
Architectural Columns, Built-in Bookcases
Stainless Steel Appliances / Nickel Hardware Economical 4 Zone Heating / Air System2’ Plantation Blinds Throughout
Kohler Bath and Kitchen Fixtures
Professionally Landscaped
Wired Security System

844 Tanner Lane • Knoxville, TN 37919
$255,500For Sale By Owner/Agent Call for Appointment http://www.facebook.com/l/;865.386.3320

Becca has shared a link to an album with you. To view the album or to reply to the message, follow this link:http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=679915151&k=Z5LXY2W44XYGUCD1QB64WTUVRVJB

Amy Mills accepting orders for the new Hartcakes Line

Hey Everyone...I have started on my Christmas pillowcases for the Hartcakes line...A lot of you have asked for them and they are going fast, so if you want one, send me a check and I will send one out to you!

Here are some prices for you!

Burp cloths~ $20 let me know if for boy or girl

Initial pillowcases~ $18 (great for birthday gifts or party favors)

Christmas pillowcases~ $20 (Great for all the kiddos in your life from Santa as stocking stuffers, or give them the first of December so they can dream of the big day)

Quilts~ $135....email me if you need pictures!

**If you need anything mailed add $5. Visit http://hartcakes.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-home.cgi?d=hartcakes today! Thanks! Amy Mills 901-355-1092

Alpha Omicron Pi Announces Fraternity Leaders at International Convention

With a new biennium underway, the sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi are proud to announce the 2009-2011 Executive Board. The newly-elected leaders were selected during the events surrounding AOII’s 50th International Convention in Tampa, Florida held June 24th through June 28, 2009.

The Fraternity will be led during the biennium by the following Executive Board members:

International President: Barbara Zipperian, Kappa Kappa (Ball State U)

Vice President of Finance: Krista Malmquist Whipple, Omega (Miami U)

Vice President: Allison Allgier, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)

Vice President: Gayle Fitzpatrick, Alpha Rho (Oregon State U)

Vice President: Karen Galehan, Phi Lambda (Youngstown State U)

Vice President: Linda Schwartz Grandolfo, Nu Iota (Northern Illinois U)

Vice President: Rebecca Admire Herman, Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)

Vice President: Kathy Jensen, Theta Omega Chapter (Northern Arizona U)

Past International President (ex-officio member): Susan Danko, Phi Upsilon Chapter (Purdue U)

This visionary leadership team will hold its first official board meeting this fall in Brentwood, Tennessee at the International Headquarters of Alpha Omicron Pi to collaboratively develop a plan for meeting future strategic goals for the organization.

“With years of professional and volunteer expertise, our Executive Board for the 2009-2011 biennium will utilize their individual talents to collectively “exceed the expectation” of our organization,” said Troy LeForge, Executive Director of Alpha Omicron Pi. “These talented women are a shining example of the diverse attributes and skills of our entire membership, and we are eager to share in their accomplishments over the next biennium.”

Alpha Omicron Pi was founded in 1897 at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. AOII has over 141,000 initiated members in 187 collegiate chapters and over 140 alumnae chapters across the United States and Canada. Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women’s fraternity promoting friendship for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the Fraternity and community.

State of the Fraternity

Many of you have requested a copy of the State of the Fraternity video that was shown during the business session at International Convention. AOII Headquarters has uploaded a copy of the video to the website for members’ viewing.

Click on the following link to access the video: http://www.alphaomicronpi.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=11422&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm