"Give and Get" event raises $600 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Thanks to everyone that helped make the March 14 "Give and Get" event a huge success! Many shoppers were touched by Marla Rose Angotti's courageous battle with cancer and how devoted AOII is to keeping her memory alive. Special thanks to Banana Republic at West Town Mall for participating in such a worthy cause.

2009 Let's Move Together Arthritis Walk

Saturday, May 16th, 2009
9 am - Registration
10 am - Walk
11:30-1 pm - BBQ (food, fun and fellowship)
Volunteer Landing

To join the cause please visit www.letsmovetogetherknox.kintera.org or call the East TN Arthritis Foundation office at 865-470-7909

AOII’s "Out of Service" Project

In observation of Earth Day on April 22, 2009, let’s all get green! The Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi is collecting old, unused cell phones, chargers, laptops & ipods to be recycled. Simply drop off your items at Tyra Haag's home no later than Fri. April 24. For directions, please email knoxalumaoii@gmail.com.

Did you know?

March is Women's History Month! Read more at http://womenshistorymonth.gov/.

Ruby Fund assists sisters in dire need

The Ruby Fund, also known as the "heart" of AOII, is available for sisters who are in dire need. Since 1946, the fund has assisted over 300 AOII sisters.

All requests and awards remain confidential and are handled by the Foundation's Ruby Fund Committee. Assistance in the form of a grant is given to designated recipients.

Please call the Foundation at (615) 695-2626 or e-mail the Foundation, if you or a fellow AOII sister is in need of assistance. For more information on the Ruby Fund or to make a donation to the fund visit the Foundation website.

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!