Alpha Chi Omega

Sisters traveling the world!

Caitie McMekin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:28:14 +0000

Our sisters are doing awesome things this semester. Jena McKelvey (’14) is currently studying abroad in Paris. Here’s a little post written by her that shows us what her life has been like this semester. We’re so jealous of all the amazing experiences she’s having!

BIO:

At this point I’ve been in Paris for almost three months! I arrived early January and I finished my finals the last week of February! The BU Paris campus is a 5 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. We only had classes for two months and then after a week of spring break in Nice & Venice I started my internship at the National Museum of Natural History as a research assistant. Each student was placed with an internship according to his or her interests.

MEMORABLE DAY:

Depending on the month, Paris opens up some of its most historical landmarks to the public for free. My friend Lisa and I decided that since we were starting our spring break Monday, it would be best to take full advantage of all the free activities on Sunday. We started our morning around 11 am just incase there would be long lines at our destinations. We usually plan the day thoroughly to ensure it’s a success! It is great to have a friend here who appreciates planning and being efficient as much as I do.

Our first stop was the Panthéon.

We visited this monument several times before, but never paid to go inside. The inside was very beautiful. The ceilings were huge and everything was intricately designed. One thing that stands out about European architecture is the intricacy of everything… not a single corner goes without embellishment. We saw some of the tombs of famous writers that we studied in our literature class. It was weird seeing dried up wreaths inside of some of the tombs.

Our second stop was Notre Dame. Our other friend, Taylor, met up with us here. When we arrived there was a huge line along the left side of the building. It took about an hour and a half to get through the line. We were dancing around by the time we reached the entrance because we got cold waiting in the shade. We also grabbed lunch and ate in while we were in line. I had a hot dog… it was weird because the casing was extra thick so I had a really hard time biting through it. There was this couple in front of us who kept kissing and doing weird things to each other. PDA to the max. For example the girl kept caressing the guys face over and over. Maybe it was their honeymoon? The trip up the stairs was really creepy. The spiral staircase was dark and very narrow. CLAUSTROPHOBIA. We went around and around until we reached the first level. At the time we thought there was only one level to lookout over the city, but we soon found out that you stop on two different levels. You are secured in this wire cage that is like a birdcage for humans. The views were amazing and it was neat to see the gargoyles up close too. A bunch of other people were taking pictures with iPads… funny.

After Notre Dame we went to Ile de St. Louis and got ice cream from the famous Bertillon. I got raspberry rose flavor… mmm delicious. We sat on the banks of la seine and enjoyed our ice cream and the sunshine.

From there we went to Sainte Chapelle. It wasn’t as beautiful as I thought it would be. The stained glass was nice, but it was much smaller than I had imaged and one side of the building was covered for restoration. We also saw the Palais de Justice because it was right next to the church. The Conciergerie was supposed to be next on our list, but it was closed so we headed to the Arc de Triomphe where we climbed even more spiral stairs. The top of the Arc had one of my favorite views. You could see the Eiffel Tower and La Defense in the distance.

To top off our day we went to KFC for dinner. It was the first time since I arrived in France that I had fast food or anything remotely american. Lisa and I were really in the mood for fried chicken. The menu was completely different. No mac n cheese It was the first time I hada drink with refills. Refills don’t exist at restaurants here and if you order soda it is usually served in the can. During dinner we heard Taylor Swift being played ; it was the first time I heard her being played in public in Paris. Eating at KFC and hearing t-swift really reminded me of being home.

SIDE NOTE:

Everywhere I go I’m always on the lookout for ladybugs and lyres! I’ve found a few.

We LOVE our NEW SISTERS

Caitie McMekin — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 06:41:06 +0000

We had yet another successful initiation tonight, and now have 22 beautiful new sisters. All the bigs and families have been crafting non stop all week, and as you can see, their work has paid off. Carly and her little Ashley pose with some ladybug gifts right after our ceremony was complete. There were so many gorgeous letters and blankets. Some families have rather unique items which are passed down every spring, including a jar of lady bugs. Delta chapter sure is one of a kind (:

Students for the Awareness of Multiple Sclerosis

Caitie McMekin — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:57:26 +0000

Our new members did a great job at SAMS tonight! They’ve been working hard with Emily Eckert, our performance chair, to choreograph their dance and lip-syncing routine. All of greek life as well as women’s rugby put on an amazing show, everyone’s hard work and fundraising paid off. Congratulations to the tri delts and phi delts for winning!

Ritual Appreciation Week

Caitie McMekin — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:27:50 +0000

As part of Ritual Appreciation Week, we asked sisters to reflect on their Alpha Chi experience. Sophomore Jess Brodman wrote this beautiful piece to share.

After receiving my bid to join the Delta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega last spring, I sat cross-legged on the floor of the suite at the first new member meeting. As we made our introductions, I scanned the faces that made up my pledge class and was slightly intimidated by the beautiful, charismatic strangers surrounding me. I wanted more than anything to bond with these girls who would soon be my sisters, but I wondered how or when it would happen. Girls can be dramatic, and when twenty of them are thrown together, there is no telling what the outcome might be.

Fast forward to March 1, 2013, slightly over one year after I joined Alpha Chi. My sisters and I took the stage to belt out the pledge class song that we selected a year ago: “Home” by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. As we threw our arms around one another and formed a circle, I glanced at the faces surrounding me once again. This time, I felt a wave of warmth and sentimentality wash over me. As we sang “home is wherever I’m with you,” I realized how much more the song means to me now than it did when we first chose it last year. It baffles me to consider that, not too long ago, I worried about the dynamics of the group and whether or not I would fit in. Though I have only known these women for slightly over a year, I have come to view them as my family away from home.

A lot has changed for my pledge class over the past year. We have acquired leadership positions in our sorority. We have expanded our Alpha Chi families. Along the way, we have also become great friends. Naturally, our pledge class did not bond overnight. It took a bit of time, but with each new member meeting, group activity, and SAMS dance practice, everyone became increasingly comfortable around one another. After one year of camaraderie, I am more thankful than ever for all of my pledge class sisters. Their beauty and class make me proud to be an Alpha Chi, and their senses of humor never fail to put a smile on my face. I cannot choose one favorite recollection from my amazing experience in Alpha Chi Omega, but I can say that every moment I spend with my pledge class turns into a special memory. My wish for our current new members is that they come to respect, support, and love one another just as much as my pledge class does today. If so, I can promise that their Alpha Chi experience will be just as enjoyable and fulfilling as mine has been thus far.

We Love our New Members!

Caitie McMekin — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:52:51 +0000

We welcomed 22 beautiful new members to our chapter today!

Formal Recruitment

Caitie McMekin — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:08:39 +0000

Today is the start of formal recruitment and we could not be more excited! We can’t wait to meet all the women who are interested in going greek! Above, Anais Schindler(’13), Mary Grace Warren(’15) and Lizzy Donaldson(’15) are ready to meet the first group of women.

Tito’s Alpha Chi Story

Caitie McMekin — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 04:54:48 +0000

With brand new members about to be welcomed into delta chapter after formal recruitment, current sisters can’t help but reminisce of the beginnings of their own Alpha Chi journeys. Tito Aderemi-Ibitola, VP Ritual and Fraternity Appreciation, wrote this amazing piece about her own experience. After reading this, there is no question that she is a real, strong, women. Thanks so much for sharing your story Tito!

Volleyball was my life. I loved the game. I loved the spirit of it, the competitive nature, the agility, speed, athleticism, intensity, and passion but most of all I loved my team. I spent my grade school years traveling the country playing ball in giant conference arenas and hoarding up in 2 person hotel rooms with my team. They became my family. We ate together, played together won together, lost together; they were my sisters. I never wanted to let them down so I poured my heart and soul- everything I had into the game. I had to be best. I pushed hard to be bigger, faster, and stronger.

My senior year of high school, I developed Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in my L4/ L5 vertebrae. I couldn’t play ball; I could barely walk. I was forced to take a year off and my team went on eating, playing, winning, and losing without me.

When I came to college, I had to play again; I ignored my physical health and joined the volleyball team. My first season was riddled with injuries, and I swore to myself that, come sophomore year, I was going to be the best again. That summer, I trained mercilessly, working out twice a day sometimes even three times a day, so I could be strong enough to play. Despite my bodies protest and the perpetual dull ache in the back of my left ankle, I pushed myself. I returned to school and within the first week of the season, I tour my left Achilles tendon, I was in the surgical room the first day of classes, and one week later, I lost the use of right arm due to complications from my injury. To get around campus I was given a handicap scooter and moved to handicap accessible dorm. I had never felt so small, so defeated, and so weak. I did not know what else I had to offer.

That was semester I joined Alpha Chi Omega. As my team went on with their season, I felt myself longing for the love and camaraderie I had experienced with a team. As I knew I would never again be able to play volleyball at the competitive nature I once had, I thought I would never again experience what is was like to have a group of women become your sisters. I was wrong. My sisters at Alpha Chi support me entirely in all I attempt and do. They picked me up from my reverie and showed me that I will always have support and love. My triumphs were theirs and in my defeats they cried along with me. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t the fastest girl in the suite, or that couldn’t jump the highest. I now know that it was my heart, my soul, my dedication, respect and love that I have for myself and all my sisters that makes me strong.

LITB,

Titio(’14) VP Ritual and Fraternity Appreciation

Meet our new president Lisa Roane

Caitie McMekin — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:55:41 +0000

Here’s a little more info about our newly elected president Lisa Roane! We can’t wait for her to assume her position, and we have full confidence in her ability to be a real, strong, women while leading our chapter.

Lisa is a junior at Allegheny who is from Ashtabula, Ohio. Lisa was initiated in March 2011 and has perviously served on the executive bored as Vice President of Philanthropy and Vice President of Ritual and Fraternity Appreciation. Lisa is majoring in Biology with a double minor in Psychology and Dance and Movement Studies. Aside from Alpha Chi Omega, Lisa is Captain of the Allegheny College Cheerleading Squad, a member of Orchesis Dance Company and a member of the Pre-Health Club. Lisa is very excited to start her term as President and to help the Delta Chapter accomplish all of its goals.

Almost time for formal recruitment!

Caitie McMekin — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 01:55:51 +0000

It’s hard to believe it, but formal recruitment starts in just two weeks! On January 16th, 17th, and 18th we’ll be meeting all of the beautiful Allegheny women who are interested in greek life and who have signed up for formal recruitment. Following these three nights is Run Out Day, where we’ll welcome our new members who have just received their bids, and show our Alpha Chi pride to the Allegheny community! Alumni in the area are welcome to come and join us. Any women who have not yet signed up for formal recruitment can do so by clicking right here. It is free of charge and there’s no obligation, so why not try something that could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you? We can’t wait to see you there!

Here's a group of women going through formal recruitment last spring, who now represent almost all five of the sororities Allegheny is home to. Kaela, Dejana, and Kerri, (the three women in the center) ended up going AXO.

Our New Executive Board

Caitie McMekin — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 22:27:50 +0000

We’ve elected our executive board for 2013! These ladies will be leading the way for the Delta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega in the coming year. Each has taken an oath of leadership and responsibility and is ready to make this chapter the best it can be. Click on the following links to find out more about the graduating class of 2014 sisters or the graduating class of 2015 sisters on the executive board.

President: Lisa Roane(’14)

VP Chapter Relations and Standards: Courtney Morando(’14)

VP Finance: Jill Lindberg(’15)

VP Risk Management: Jordana Tenenbaum(’14)

VP Ritual and Fraterenity Appreciation: Tito Aderemi-Ibitola(’14)

VP Recruitment: Amy Lind(’14)

VP New Member Education: Gillian McGuire(’14)

VP Public Relations and Marketing: Caitie McMekin(’14)

VP Membership Programing: Kerri Barron(’15)

Panhellenic Delegate: Katie Katilius(’15)

VP Intellectual Development: Dejana Smajic(’15)

VP Facility Operations : Kelcy Wagner(’15)