News from Sharon Boison, Alumnae Specialist

I know it’s been a while since I’ve communicated to you via a newsletter. Post-convention, there is so much news to share! I know you are all working on your calendar for next year. I’ve already seen some great events and look forward to sharing with you what your sister chapters are doing. We’ll be setting up a conference call soon so that we can talk about changes to reporting and the new Standards of Excellence (SOE).
I’ve included some pictures from convention and also the list of awards winners. It was so exciting to hear your names called! Congratulations to everyone on your hard work and most of all, the sisterhood that you value that keeps you striving to bring AOIIs together!
** You will receive your new roster from HQ soon, so watch for an email from Chapter Services!

Fraternally,
Sharon Janeway Boison, KK ‘76
AS, Beta 1 District
Life Loyal #139


News from Convention: There is so much to share!
The Board - The much debated governance board concept was passed. This means that, rather than a Vice President holding specific duties, such as administrative, alumnae or collegiate oversight, the board will now concentrate on the vision of the fraternity and long range planning. The paid HQ staff now takes on the responsibility of the day to day operations of the various departments, under the direction of the Board. Only the Vice President of Finance remains with specific duties in overseeing the financial well-being of the fraternity. One additional change to the Board structure is that, for continuity, the past IP will remain on in an advisory capacity for one year.
Our new Executive Board members are – International President Barb Zipperian, VP Finance Krista Whipple, and six Vice Presidents- VP Finance, Krista Whipple, VPs Kathy Jensen, Gail Fitzpatrick, Karen Galehan, Rebecca Herman, Linda Grandolfo, and Allison Allgier and new PIP Susan Danko.
Beta Status – Council voted to amend the by-laws to allow the beta districts to do business. This does not mean that the new structure has passed, only that we can continue with the pilot. The vote on whether or not to the change to districts will not take place until convention in 2011. In the mean time, we will continue with our pilot, of which you are all a crucial part. Be prepared for more surveys and questions on how you think we are doing and what you think is good or needs improvement.
AOII Executive Director –The new AOII Executive Director was introduced at convention. She is Troy LaForge, an Indiana University (Beta Phi) initiate with a beta 1 connection! Troy leaves the position of Assistant Director of
Student Activities and Coordinator for Greek Affairs at Transylvania University to move to Nashville and AOII Headquarters. Melanie Lampertz’s retirement as Executive Director was celebrated at convention.

Awards – The best part!
Central Kentucky Bluegrass Alumnae Chapter received a Gold award under the SOE. They also received a Membership Recruitment award for increasing their membership this past year. Congrats to Chris and her chapter!
Kentucky Lakes chapter received the Pearl award, and also received a Membership Recruitment award. Congrats to Catherine and her chapter!
Jonesboro chapter also received a Pearl award. Congrats to past president Shannon, new president Lindsay, and the chapter!
Evansville Tri-State, Lexington, Little Rock, and Memphis chapters all earned Ruby awards. Congrats to Jan, Melissa, Resa and Trish! This is quite an accomplishment and you should all be very proud of your accomplishments this past year! Lexington chapter also received the Membership Retention award.
And congratulations to Memphis Alumnae Chapter for winning the Membership Recruitment and Retention Award! Trish and her officers worked endlessly last year to recruit sisters to their chapter and to plan sisterhood activities that kept them coming back. Definitely a beta success story!
There were also lots of awards earned by the collegiate chapters that you support. The dedication of your chapter members servicing on AACs and Corporation Boards is to be commended, as well.

Collegiate and alumnae members of Beta 1 gathered after the Rose Banquet for a group photo. Sigma Omicron's Megan Haines Morris
(Chapter Advisor), Lindsey Hawkins (Chapter President), Mackenzie Sims (New Member Educator) are pictured on the right of the photo.

Recruitment 2009!

The 2009 Rush schedule is as follows:

Friday - August 28th - Orientation
Saturday - August 29th - Information Parties
Sunday - August 30th - Philanthropy/Involvement Parties
Monday - August 31st - Preference Parties
Tuesday - September 1st - Bid Day!

The wild card here is that if ASU's numbers are extremely high after the info parties, we will have to add another day.

I'll keep you posted!

Convention 2009

Congratulations to ALL of the alumnae chapters who received awards and recognition at International Convention in Tampa, FL!

The Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter received the Pearl Level award of the Alumnae Chapter Standards of Excellence.

Sigma Omicron's Chapter Advisor, Megan Haines Morris, attended the 2009 Convention along with 3 collegiate members. Thanks girls for representing us.

Our Girls are Smart

Megan Haines Morris, Chapter Advisor, is very happy to report that the girls spring semester grades are amazing. AOII has the 2nd highest average on campus. We have a 3.259.

The all Greek average is higher than the all campus average.
The Greek women's average is significantly higher than the ASU women's average.
IFC average is higher than the ASU men's average.

Way to go AOII's and all greeks!

AOII's help community organization

Story from KAIT8

Getting a job in this economy is tough, but even if you get an interview, many women are left thinking, "I have nothing to wear".
Not everyone has the proper clothing to wear to an interview and look professional. But Elena Brown with Staffmark says that's the first thing the employer looks at.
Faye Cox, the Executive Director of the Center, has worked diligently to bring in donations.
"It's slightly used or new clothing that women would wear to their job. So we have everything from casual tops and slacks to business pants and skirt suits. These aren't close that a woman would put in a yard sale for $2 or $5, but they are more than willing to donate them to a woman that needs them."

The Professional Clothes Closet is open to women with a referral from employment services, community agencies, employers, churches, or by presenting a resume.

Saturday, May 16 from 10-3 pm at the First Christian Church on Union St., The Closet will have an open shopping event.
"This will allow women to come in with their referral or resume, but they don't have to make an appointment. They will still get their own personal shopper, and they won't leave with just one outfit."

Ashlyn Kohler, an ASU student and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority Member, says even college kids can find the items they are looking for.
"My sisters and I looked through our closets and found what we could to give. It's stuff we would wear to an interview. We just know it's hard out there for kids graduating college with no money and no professional looking clothes. We want them to look their best and we hope to spread the word about The Closet."

Please read the full story and watch the video, just click on the link below.

http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10362769

2009 Senior Induction

On April 17, 2009, 11 seniors became the newest inductees into the Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter. Lacey Hawkins Williams was kind enough to host everyone in her brand new beautiful home.

Congratulations Dr. Charlotte Duniphan Beck

Charlotte Beck (pledge class 1958) received her Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the Spring 2009 Commencement. She is only the 2nd woman in ASU's history to receive this wonderful honor. There was a reception held for her on May 8, 2009 at the new Arkansas State University Cooper Alumni Center. There was about 90 people that showed up to congratulate Dr. Beck.

Lindsay...the blog looks great! What a great way for everyone to keep in touch! Good job!
Thank you for doing this. Love ya!

Welcome to the new blog! Please share lots of stories and pictures. Enjoy!