Senior Send-Off at UT's Pratt Pavillion

On Sunday, April 25, the Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter welcomed 36 seniors into alumnae status at the annual "Senior Send-Off."

Thanks to sisters like Ellie Wilson Whitesell, the event was held at UT's Pratt Pavillion. Guests dined on delicious boxed lunches from Pimento's, heard the latest update on Omicron's House Campaign and shared their post-graduation plans.

All the seniors were reminded of AOII's generous "First Year's On Us" program which pays for your first year's dues in an alumnae chapter.

Thanks to everyone who attended and worked so hard to make the afternoon so special!

Omicron Chapter Honored at 2010 Greek Awards

On Sunday, April 11, members of Omicron Chapter attended the 2010 Greek Awards Banquet and AOII came away with some great honors!

Micah Johnson won Chapter President of the year for Panhellenic, Anne Buckle won the Garcia-Cozart Scholarship and Omicron won top honors in Greek Excellence!

Omicron was one of only four other sororities to win the Volunteer awards in Greek Excellence.

Pictured L to R: Anne Buckle, Stephanie Selecman and Micah Johnson

Update on AOII House

The time has finally come for ground to be broken at Morgan Hill for the AOII house and other sorority houses at UT. We are very excited and know our alums are, too, but we’re also “down to the wire” in getting all of our fund-raising in place to receive the green-light from UT to proceed with our building project. Without UT’s go-ahead, AOII can’t move the first shovel of dirt.

Here is the situation: UT requires a certain amount of cash raised up-front before each of the sorority groups can begin construction. While Omicron Chapter’s building fund has raised more than $800,000 to date with a lot of hard work and countless volunteer hours, AOII is missing the mark on our goal to begin construction by about $210,000, as of April 2010.

What this current shortfall means for AOII is that – right now – there will be other sororities that may very well be able to get their houses started before we do, which means they’ll be “open for business” for Rush / Recruitment in fall 2011. And we won’t. What this will mean for our recruitment numbers and competitiveness within Panhellenic is not completely clear. But, we can only imagine that it will not be to AOII’s advantage that in less than 18 months other groups will be able to host their memberships and new member prospects in brand-new, beautifully built houses – while AOII is still stuck in the old, antiquated, over-crowded, structurally unsound Panhellenic Building.

AOII has always had a UT tradition of leading the way for others, not trailing behind. This house is a key part of AOII being competitive and remaining a top organization for excellence among university women at UT for generations to come. Without this house, AOII will not be competitive – it’s that simple. And when sororities cease to be competitive, they can also – over time – cease to be. With all the years we’ve shared in AOII and with the knowledge of Omicron Chapter as such a point of pride on the UT campus, this scenario is not one we want, nor is it one we can risk.

We have made many calls, visits and personal requests for support among our chapter’s alumnae, and we’ve been honored and tremendously appreciative of our alums who’ve answered that call. However, many alumnae have not yet answered it. There may be all kinds of reasons why – very legitimate reasons, too. The tough economy, kids or grandkids in school, demands of other charitable giving requests . . . we know that there are many reasons this house campaign may not have been an immediate priority in the past. But now – at this point -- we need 2010 to be the year that the house becomes a priority for us all. If you’re one of our sisters who has not yet given, please consider a gift to this campaign – one that will help us make the difference in remaining a campus leader at UT for the long-term, and help other sisters – both present and future – experience all the joys of AOII that we had . . . joys, friendships and experiences that continue to make such an impact on our lives.

Giving is simple. Just go to www.omicronhouse.com, where you can download a giving form, which has all of the instructions for making your gift or pledge. Or, you can also call UT directly, (865) 974-2115, and just be sure you make your arrangements with UT where Alpha Omicron Pi is the designee. You can make a significant gift by pledging an amount that you pay over time, in increments that are convenient and manageable for whatever your budget is. Planned giving and bequests are also welcomed. In whatever way you choose to give, please take action . . . do it now. As an alumna, you will be proud of what this house will stand for in representing AOII at UT. But it won’t happen without support. Thanks so much!

AOII Young Alumnae Happy Hour

Thursday, April 15th, will be the FIRST EVER Knoxville Area AOII Young Alumnae Happy Hour! I invite you to join your sisters for a night of catching up and cocktails at Aubrey's off Papermill from 6-9 p.m. We promise all fun and no business. These events are open to all AOII alumna 35 and under, even if you've never attended an Alumnae event before.

We hope to make this a frequent event and possibly add events like cooking classes, wine tasting, and holiday parties (open to suggestions). An invitation is attached. Please forward this or invite any young alumna who may be interested. The more the merrier!

Feel free to contact me for more information or questions. Look forward to seeing you there!


Alpha Love,

Lindsey Howd
AOII Omicron Chapter, PC 2005
615.519.3748
lindsey.howd@gmail.com

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!