Congratulations to our 2012-2014 Supreme Governing Council!

This just in! Chi Omega is so proud to announce its 2012-2014 Supreme Governing Council!

S.H. Letitia Fulkerson, Zeta Alpha/The Ohio State U
S.T.B. Anna Buckner, Alpha Beta/Auburn U
S.K.A. Jane Tankersley, Epsilon Delta/U of Southern Mississippi
S.N.V. Laura Miller, Rho Epsilon/Texas Christian U
S.M. Kate Scattergood, Alpha Kappa/North Carolina State U

We look forward to these outstanding women leading our beloved Fraternity for the next biennium!

Meet Jane and Jean, Your NPC Chairman and Vice Chairman!

Chi Omega's National Panhellenic Conference Delegation! From left to right, Andrea Bechtel, Nu/U of Wisconsin, second alternate delegate; Sarah Cowan, Mu/U of California-Berkeley, third alternate delegate; Patty Disque, Alpha Beta/Auburn U, first alternate delegate; Jean Mrasek, Epsilon Gamma/The University of Tulsa, NPC Delegate.

We are honored to have Jane Sutton, a member of Alpha Xi Delta, as our speaker at today's National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) luncheon. Jane currently serves as NPC Chairman and works closely with our very own Jean Mrasek, who currently serves as Vice Chairman.

In fall 2013, Jean will rotate into the position of NPC Chairman and will join an elite group of Chi Omegas who have also served as NPC Chairman.

Chi Omegas who have preceded Jean Mrasek as the NPC Chairman include the following:

• Jobelle Holcombe, 1907
• Mary Love Collins, 1917-1919
• Elizabeth Dyer, 1963-1965

Jobelle Holcombe, former Chi Omega Vice President and National Panhellenic Conference Chairman

Mary Love Collins (left) and Elizabeth Dyer, both former Chi Omega National Presidents and NPC Chairmen

NPC Chairman Jane Sutton (left) with Vice Chairman Jean Mrasek at the National Panhellenic Conference Annual Meeting in fall 2011. Both Jane and Jean have served their respective sororities as national president.

Show your Panhellenic spirit by leaving a comment about what your college or alumnae Panhellenic has done to "advance sorority!"

The Online RIF: The Newest Member of the Recruitment Family!

Get excited, Sisters! We are launching a new online system for completing RIFs, and you are going to love it!

In recent years, Chi Omegas nationwide have requested an online system to help manage and enhance the recruitment recommendation process. The Fraternity listened to these requests, so national volunteers and Executive Headquarters staff members have worked diligently to develop this great resource. 

Following extensive testing with spring-recruiting chapters as well as a successful pilot in June, Chi Omega plans to launch the online RIF after Convention.The online recommendation system provides a recruitment information form (RIF) with the same content as the current paper form, but it contains added technology features to enhance and expedite the process. 

Benefits include:

• increased security;
• a reduction in paper, copying, and mailing costs;
• an increase in the number of RIFs submitted by alumnae; and,
• a decrease in the overall “travel time” for a RIF to go from an alumna, to the ARIC or SRIC for approval, and finally to the collegiate chapter.

The online RIF will be available later this summer!

Meet Supreme Governing Council Model Initiate Ellie Stern!

Ellie Stern, Supreme Governing Council Model Initiate, was initiated this morning at Convention in a beautiful ceremony led by her Mu/U of California-Berkeley Sisters.

As a child, it is only natural to envision one’s future. When I was a grade school student on the cusp of my tween years, I imagined graduating from the “upper playground” of Happy Valley and joining the ranks of the Abercrombie and Fitch-clad students of Stanley Middle School. 

As a high school student on the brink of graduation, I pictured myself donning Cal’s signature blue and gold, cheering for the Golden Bears and embracing life as a college student. 

Now, as a rising college junior, looking into the future is much more daunting than when I was younger. Although I have come to terms with the fact that, much to my dismay, I will never be a Disney star, an Olympic hopeful, or the future Mrs. Zac Efron (although, I must admit, I am still holding out hope for that one- a girl is allowed to dream!), I know that my future is full of good friends, or, shall I say, Sisters.

While twenty years from now I cannot tell you in what city I will live or what career I will have, the one thing I do know is that, like my mom's Chi Omega Sisters, my Chi O Sisters will always be there to wash away my troubles and bring warmth to my heart. From my grandma, a Mu Alpha, to my mom, to my Mu Sisters, I have literally been surrounded by Chi Omegas my whole life. They have offered me guidance and supplied me with endless laughter and joy. And as I grow older, I plan to continue surrounding myself with this exemplary group of people—my Chi Omega Sisters. 

Although my time as a Chi Omega has been brief, in a way it feels as though I have been a Chi O from the start. I cannot begin to express the happiness I felt on Bid Day, running down Piedmont (Berkeley’s Greek row) with my new Sisters, just as my mom did many years before me, when she pledged Chi O in 1984. That night, we danced together in front of the Chi O house in celebration of newfound Sisterhood. 

In the years to come, I know without a doubt that my Sisters and I will be spending many nights dancing: at each other's weddings, at reunions, and if we are lucky, maybe after bingo night at the retirement home. And if I ever need reassurance that our bond will never weaken, I can look to my mom and her pledge Sisters as an example.

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.

Show Some Love for Your Advisors!

Where would we be without Chi Omega advisors? Advisors serve as mentors, motivators, and helping hands.

If you’d like to honor an advisor at Convention, stop by the National Advisory Training Team’s (NATT's) booth to take a photo with her. The booth has fun backgrounds and props for you to personalize your photo. Hours will be listed at the booth.

Collegians and advisors having fun at the photo booth!

NATT Members will be wearing buttons that read “Advising is Strawsome” throughout Convention. Please introduce yourself and ask them questions while we’re here in Phoenix. They have best practice ideas, knowledge about resources and tools for problem solving!

Go ahead and leave a comment below and share why YOUR advisor is the BEST! 

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!

G.H. Parade of Chapters -- Look for Pictures of Your G.H.!

The G.H. Parade of Chapters is one of the highlights of every Chi Omega Convention. It is the official roll call of the collegiate chapters. Traditionally, the parade is held during the first business meeting. During this portion of the meeting, every collegiate chapter G.H. walks to the front of the room one-by one, while proudly carrying a Chi Omega flag bearing the name of her chapter. As each G.H. approaches the front, a "point of pride" is read about her chapter in front of the whole Convention.

The G.H. Parade of Chapters is a wonderful time to learn about the incredible accomplishments of Chi Omega's 174 collegiate chapters and maybe even be inspired by ideas from other chapters.

Check out a few photos below that we snapped of the G.H.s as they rehearsed last night!

Leave some love for your chapter G.H., as well as some points of pride about your chapter in the comments section, below!