Honoring Jean Mermoud Mrasek, President's Award Winner and My "Sister Mom!"

Allison Mrasek (center) flanked by her mom, Jean Mrasek (right), and aunt, Mary Ellen, on her Bid Day at the University of Oklahoma in 2008.

--by Allison Mrasek, Epsilon Alpha/ University of Oklahoma, first year Chi Omega national consultant

I remember the first time my brother, sister, and I attended Convention in 2006 to watch our mom speak. We knew that our mom was a big deal in the Chi Omega world, but had no idea what a sorority celebrity she was until we saw long lines of girls waiting to get their picture with her. To us, she is an incredible lady, but also just a mother, mentor, and friend. I know that tonight she is humbled and honored to receive the President's Award, but she is also modest when such a fuss is made about her. She is a true Sister, and I am proud to be her daughter.

Even from a very young age, Allison had Chi Omega "ever at heart."

As you can imagine, being Jean Mrasek's oldest daughter has involved a little bit of pressure to say the least, but I feel truly blessed to have this unique relationship with her. She has shown me and many others what it means to truly "flourish" in Chi Omega, and each and every day that I commit to this Sisterhood, I can see more clearly why it has been well worth the investment. More than that, my mom has modeled for many women, both young and "experienced," how to let others fulfill a legacy in their own special way.

With a personal understanding of the joys of our ritual, my mom could have easily pointed me in this direction from the start. Instead, she instilled our purposes in my life so that I could realize their beauty and benefit in my own time. Through her Panhellenic spirit and ample opportunity to develop my own passions, the choice was always mine. This has made our bond all the more special, now deepened by a common experience as national consultants.

Her support means the world to me, and I know that wherever I go from here, I will be stronger having undertaken this role.

When writing me notes of encouragement, she likes to sign off as "Sister Mom," and it is so neat to know that we are Sisters first.

At training for my new job as a national consultant, I got to witness our beloved S.H. Letitia Fulkerson in action. She and my mother have many fond memories together, and they have both used their time and talent to share their Chi Omega experience with some amazing women. From my perspective, that is what the President's Award is all about: celebrating Sisterhood and the leadership that guides it. 

I hope that you take this occasion to celebrate the Sisters and the special relationships in your life. This is a very meaningful day for my family, so if you see me amid a mess of tears at the banquet this evening, you'll know why!

The President’s Award recognizes extraordinary service to Chi Omega Fraternity and is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. Congratulations to Jean Mermoud Mrasek, Epsilon Gamma/The University of Tulsa, on receiving this award!

Chi Omega Memories with Malinda Jolley Mortin

The following are transcribed excerpts from a June interview with Malinda Jolley Mortin, Upsilon Delta/U of Miami, by Foundation writer Erin Wood, Mu Kappa/Duke U.

Since Malinda was the recipient of this year’s prestigious Roselyn T. Dabbs Philanthropist Award, I was curious about Malinda’s history with Chi Omega and what prompts her to continue to give to Chi Omega so generously year after year.

What is one of your favorite Chi Omega memories?

Meeting Mary Love Collins at The Greenbrier in 1962. Since that was nearly 50 years ago, I have forgotten many of the details, but it was interesting to run across a woman who is the namesake for a Chi Omega scholarship. I think I might have remembered more if my chapter wasn’t so nervous to put on a skit in front of such a large audience of alumnae and college girls!

What is your favorite part of Convention?

Definitely The Woman of Achievement Award Dinner. Every Convention year, I am totally wiped out—just bowled over—by the accomplishments of the award recipients. If you read their bios, you can’t help but be impressed. I have met several of the past award recipients and have found that they are even more awe-inspiring when you speak with them. The dinner is always fun, and I can’t wait to hear what the honorees will say in their speeches. When you first look at them and read their bios, you might make a prediction about what they might say, but it isn’t always what you think!

What is your favorite memory of S.H. Roselyn Dabbs?

My one-on-one meeting with her in Atlanta during the “Headquarters Campaign.” She had a broken foot (or ankle), but she showed up in Atlanta for the meeting anyway. What dedication to Chi Omega!

What does it mean to you to be this year’s recipient of the prestigious award named in her honor?

I feel like I have to be tenacious like Roselyn. She had brain cancer but just kept going. Her attitude toward life was an inspiration to all.

Why do you choose to give, and give generously, to Chi Omega year after year?

The Foundation is a top-flight organization that manages its resources very well, enabling solid leadership and education programs for our collegiate Sisters.

What would you say to young alumnae about why they should be philanthropic? 

I was very close with my father. I worked with him at his Atlanta brokerage firm, starting the day I got out of college. He was demanding, but also forgiving. He had a very strong philanthropic spirit. He also had the Midas touch. He would always say: “It is easier to make money than it is to manage it.” The thrill of giving money away is more than rewarding. Unlike a rolling stone that gathers no moss, the power of your own giving is increased when others are encouraged to give. It is just a great feeling to see what your money can do for others, especially when you can see evidence of its impact like you can through the Chi Omega Foundation.

Since I had such an extraordinary undergraduate experience as a Chi Omega, I wanted to stay involved. As soon as I graduated and moved to Atlanta, I called the alumnae chapter right away. I have always remained committed to Chi Omega, and I find that it pays me back every time I give with the positive feelings I receive.

As you know, this year’s Woman of Achievement Dinner theme is Come as You Are: Be Inspired! Who is your Chi Omega inspiration?

My Chi Omega Inspiration is the mother/daughter duo of Howard Dean Gramling Perkinson FitzSimons Lawrence, Sigma/Randolph-Macon–1937, and her mother Emmie Lela Gramling Perkinson, 1902 initiate of Sigma Chapter. Emmie Lela Gramling Perkinson was S.T.B (Vice President) 1904–1906 and S.M. (National Ritual Officer) 1910–1912. In 1959, Emmie wrote my “rec” for rush at the University of Miami. Before she wrote it, I recall going over to her big, old house. She kept up with all the Fraternity details, and in her library was a special shelf on which were stacked every Eleusis in chronological order. Emmie called the sorority every day of rush week to “check in” on me.

Her wedding photo was featured on page 63 of The Eleusis, Spring 2012 edition.

Emmie’s daughter, “Perk,” is now in her 90s and still drives everywhere. I recently ran into her at a local movie theater. The theatre was dark and as she walked by I said, “Hi, Perk.” Without missing a beat she said, “Hi, Malinda,” and sat down. We visited while watching The Most Exotic Marigold Hotel (a must see for those of us in the over 65 crowd). Not only is Perk still driving, she can see in the dark! She never misses a day without first putting on her false eye lashes and then she’s “on-the-go.” What a fantastic Chi O Sister!

Did you know that The Most Exotic Marigold Hotel was made by Fox Searchlight Pictures, whose CEO is one of this year’s Woman of Achievement Award recipients?
I didn’t, but I am not surprised. It is a great movie and it makes sense that my loving it so much would tie back to Chi Omega!

Note to readers:

While Malinda is this year’s recipient of The Roselyn T. Dabbs Philanthropy Award of Chi Omega, she is also the namesake of The Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement Award of Chi Omega, given to two remarkable Chi Omega alumnae each Convention year. Malinda’s contribution to A Loyalty to Sisterhood Campaign supported all campaign goals and helped raise $1.5 million for the Foundation. Proceeds from her gift have already and will continue to support many key Chi Omega initiatives. Naming this program for her reflects our appreciation for her leadership and commitment to Chi Omega’s future.

While the founding year of the Achievement Award was 1986, in April 2006, then-Foundation President Jane Rogers announced that Chi Omega would honor Malinda by naming the Woman of Achievement Award for her. The Trustees and Governing Council agreed to name this award in recognition of her dedication to the Fraternity and support of the Foundation.

Meet Nancy Dugal Perrier, Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement!

Nancy Dugal Perrier, M.D., F.A.C.S. (Phi Gamma/Louisiana State U) is a renowned surgeon and tenured professor of the Department of Surgical Oncology and Chief-Section of Surgical Endocrinology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. Nancy serves as Fellowship Director in endocrine surgery and as Associate Director of the Multidisciplinary Endocrine center.

Nancy was initiated into Phi Gamma Chapter at Louisiana State U, where she later served as recruitment chair. She met her husband Dan at LSU and they have two children, Daniel and Amélie.  

Nancy's pledge Sister Kelly Rucker Bingel shared a few memories of her longtime friend and Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement.

Going through rush at LSU with several thousand young women in 1985 was a whirlwind. Few of us stood out in those first few days of college as we juggled new classes, surroundings and people. But most people noticed and remembered Nancy Dugal.

She was beautiful. The kind of beautiful that intimidates most people. And she talked really loud. About becoming a doctor.

In our pledge class of 65, it was difficult to learn names and faces right away. But everyone remembered Nancy.

Nancy quickly emerged as a leader in our chapter of 220. She was a frequent flyer in the Owls’ Roost, which is what we called our study hall in the Chi Omega house. A tenacious student, she stayed up late at night studying for microbiology and chemistry tests. But she was good at budgeting her time, so having high grades didn’t keep Nancy from our Thursday night exchanges with fraternities, Saturday night football game dates and other fun activities.

The Sigma Chis chose her as a Little Sister. The students of LSU chose her as our Homecoming Queen. And we Chi Omegas chose her as our Rush Chairman.

Nancy made perfect sense as Rush Chairman as she stood at the door each party greeting rushees. She was effusive in her greetings and her positive energy was contagious. But during rush skits, she knew to temper her boisterous enthusiasm because – as anyone who knows Nancy knows – she really can’t sing. During long hours of rush skit practices, Nancy could send us all reeling with laughter by belting out a sentimental rush song in her foghorn alto.

Today, Nancy continues to lead those around her. I’ve visited her at MD Anderson, where she teaches budding surgeons, leads in endocrine research and cares for patients. Her world is much larger than our world at LSU. But people still turn to watch the beautiful doctor walk by.

When we Phi Gammas heard that Nancy had been selected for the Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement, none of us was surprised. Nancy is womanly always, discouraged never. She carries herself as a lady in a world that is still largely dominated by males. And she balances her career with poise as she and her husband, Dan, raise their son and daughter in Houston, TX.

As I watch my own beautiful 8-year-old daughter discover who she is, I encourage her daily to pursue her messy science experiments where she makes potions that accidentally spill on our carpets. Perhaps she can be a Chi Omega surgeon like Nancy one day and people will recognize her brains as well as her beauty.

Meet Nancy Utley Jacobs, Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement!

Nancy Utley Jacobs (Xi/Northwestern) is President of Fox Searchlight Pictures. She has overseen some of Fox Searchlight’s most successful films garnering Golden Globe® and Oscar® nominations. Some releases include The Descendants, Crazy Heart, Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, The Last King of Scotland, Sideways, Napoleon Dynamite, and Bend It Like Beckham.

Nancy is first recipient of this award to have two daughters who are currently in collegiate chapters. Her daughter Hannah is a collegian at Phi Alpha/George Washington University while her other daughter, Katy, is a collegian at Beta Alpha/U of Pennsylvania. Hannah is able to join in the Convention festivities to honor her mom in person this evening.

 
Chi Omega sat down with Hannah to ask her a few questions about growing up with a mom in the movie business, Chi Omega Sisterhood, and the most valuable piece of advice her mom ever gave her.

Nancy Jacobs sharing a laugh with her daughter, Hannah.

What has been your favorite movie that your mom has ever been involved with?

I am not sure I can pick a favorite movie. What I do like is the common thread in the Fox Searchlight Films; they all have heart. They consistently transport me somewhere else and make me care about where I am. It produces characters and stories that make you think, learn, feel, and grow. What more  could you ask for from a film?

Growing up, what do you remember your mom telling you about Chi Omega?

I’m not sure I understood what a sorority was or what being a member entailed, but I knew from her excitement and enthusiasm about it, as well as the bond she still shares with her Chi Omega Sisters that it was something important. I knew I wanted to find something that I would be that passionate about, too.

How did her Chi Omega experience influence you to join Chi Omega?

My mom’s experience inspired me to join Chi Omega because I saw the real friendships and Sisters she made, and still keeps close. Her experience made me realize that sororities are more than just a way to get involved on campus. The chapter you choose shapes so much more than just your college experience; it really is a Sisterhood for a lifetime.

What line from The Symphony describes your mom best?

“To work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely.” I know the reason my mom is so successful, not just at her job but in life, is because she possesses these three qualities. She works harder than anyone I know to be a strong working woman, as well as a full-time mom for my family. You will not catch her complaining. She is kind and patient to everyone around her and her actions are consistently genuine and selfless.

What did you think when you heard your mom was going to be honored as a Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement?

I knew that no one deserved this more than her. I am so thrilled that my Chi Omega Sisters are as inspired by her as I am.

What has been the most valuable advice your mom has given you?

The best advice my mom has ever given me is advice given to her from her mother; “don’t put your name on something unless it is your best work.” As I enter the working world, I will hold this to heart and always make sure I am doing my best because I have seen that having a work ethic like that pays off.

Fill in the blank: My mom inspires me to ____.

My mom inspires me leave the world better than when I came into it. She has not only changed the lives of her family, friends and Chi Omega Sisters, but has touched the lives of millions through film and made their world a little bit better, too.

C-H-I-O-M-E-G-A with Cindy Chiang Halvorsen, Amazing Race Winner and Ann Lee Konneker Keynote Speaker!

Cindy Chiang Halvorsen and her husband, Ernie, beat all the odds in Season 19 of the Emmy Award-winning CBS show, The Amazing Race. After competing with nine other couples on four continents, in 10 countries, and in 20 cities, the Chicago pair was first to cross the finish line at Atlanta’s historic Swan House. The show aired for 12 weeks on CBS, with the winners crowned in the final episode on December 11, 2011. Cindy and Ernie walked away with $1 million, a group of new friends, and an even stronger bond.

Cindy is initiate of Pi Alpha Chapter at the U of Cincinnati, a supporter of the Chi Omega Foundation, and a graduate of the Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. She works as a marketing manager for a multinational corporation.

Chi Omega is proud to have Cindy Chiang Halvorsen as the Ann Lee Konneker Keynote Speaker at Convention this year. Read on to learn more about Cindy...in true Chi Omega fashion, of course!

C – Coffee. How do you take yours?

My favorite coffee flavor is vanilla hazelnut and I always take my coffee black!

H – Happiness. Fill in the blank: “I am happiest when ____.”

I am spending time with my family and friends, immersed in great conversation and lots of laughs.

I – Inspiration. When do you feel most inspired?

I draw my inspirations from many people and places. I’m often inspired to read about a successful entrepreneur, or when I meet a child with hope filling his or her eyes, or a beautiful piece of art, or reading a great book. I find that anything can inspire me when I look through the right lens and am open to learning something new.

O – Obstacles. What’s your best advice for overcoming challenges?

There will always be obstacles and challenges in your life, but the journey of getting through them is what makes you a stronger woman. Take each experience as a time to learn and persevere in the face of adversity. Seek out the support network you need to get you through it. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

M – Must-haves. What are your must-have items for traveling?

I have an entire packing list for anytime I travel! I never go on a trip without my camera to capture everything, my Kindle for reading on the plane, and my husband to share in all the adventures.

E – Ernie. What are Ernie’s best qualities as a teammate?

Ernie makes a terrific teammate. He always pushes me to do my best, and sometimes even a little farther than that. He has a constant positive attitude that we can accomplish anything, and he’s a great team player. Ernie never lets me down and always motivates me to push on.

G – Graduation. What is your number one piece of advice for recent college graduates?

Enjoy every moment because college will be the one of the best times of your life! Take some extra time to travel the world and explore new places. Once you are in the job force, you won’t have as much free time to play. When you start that first job, give it your best and work as hard as you can since first impressions go a long way. Be open to learning new things and seek mentors to help your transition into the ‘real world’.

A – Ann Lee Konneker Keynote speaker. What was your reaction when you found out you would be the Ann Lee Konneker Keynote speaker at Convention?

I was really honored and humbled to be asked to speak at Convention. I know these honors are reserved for successful women who have accomplished a lot in their lifetime and I wasn’t sure I fit the requirements! But when I learned that this year’s convention is focused on recruitment, I was really excited since I led recruitment as Panhellenic President and as Recruitment Chair for our chapter. Recruitment is what made me fall in love with

marketing, which is where my career has taken me.

People.com

 Click here to hoot with Cindy on Twitter!