National Convention 2008

The theme for our convention was "reflect, refresh and reconnect." Joyce Robinson and Judy Phillips arrived on July 10 so some time could be spent visiting the area prior to the start of convention.  We spent 1 1/2 very hot hours touring the Desert Botanical Garden before our scheduled flashlight tour began at 7:00 pm. Our return trip to the Fairmont Princess Resort included a cloud burst which literally had residents dancing in the streets.  It was the first rain in six months!!!.  

Meeting Gamma Lambda sisters for lunch on Friday afternoon offered the opportunity to reconnect and reflect as well as enjoy a beautiful view and excellent food.  Joyce Ingham Yahner, Vickie Dodds Urban and Karol K. Krispinsky Blatnicky joined Joyce and Judy for lunch at the GRILL bordering the Fairmont Princess Golf Course.  Following a delicious meal we journeyed to the Carnation Boutique and purchase identical T-shirts.  A photo will be on our website after I have consulted my technical assistant. 

Highlights of Convention included:

Recognizing the 89 year old Alpha Chi sister who had attended 23 conventions and was preparing for a trip to Russia. 

Electing our new National Council with Marsha King Grady as our new NP. Newly elected NVPs are: Diane Wilson Blackwelder, Anglea Costley Harris, Melinda (Lee) Bradford Lucas, Suzanne (Suzie) McClendon Symcox, and Mary McMurtry Winkler. 

Officers retiring from National Council are Donna Smith Chereck, Katy Evanco Brown, Jennifer Diederich, Marny Hardiman Gilluly and Margaret Lisbeth Maxwell.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to be a charter member of Life Loyal Alpha Chi program.  I purchased a Life Loyal membership for (my sister) Joyce for her birthday and Christmas.  Our dad was a member of Sigma Chi at The Ohio State University and joined their Life Loyal Sig program in the early 1970s ( The Sigma Chis have had this program for 80 years).  This is a wonderful way to support our Fraternity with a focus on underwriting the expense of publishing and mailing issues of the LYRE to thousands of sisters.  Joyce and Judy encourage all of our sisters to be charter members and become Life Loyal Alpha Chis.

Unveiling of our new brand and logo which I, and most sisters I interviewed, thought was appropriate, energetic and easy to remember!  Our new brand is:  REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.

The Hall of Memory ceremony, to remember sisters who have died since our last convention, was held at Convention. Our own sister Susie Smith was remembered and special recognition was given to our past National President, Janice Manning Crandall, who died in February 2008 after a five year struggle with cancer. 

Enjoying the wonderful acceptance speeches given by the three Alpha Chi Omega Award of Achievement winners.  Each speech was unique - inspirational, humorous, enjoyable and educational too. 

Receiving an engraved glass vase for reaching the Carnation Level of Giving to our Foundation.  I challenge my other Gamma Lambda sisters to donate to my fund (Judith Z. Phillips in honor of Gamma Lambda chapter at Kent State)or Lilllian P. Cawley's Fund for Early Education majors !!! 

Visiting the Willow Creek spa -a  thoroughly decadent and wonderful experience.  Joyce and Judy enjoyed the facial, steam room, inhalation room, rooftop swimming pool and lovely treats at the cafe.  Staying at the Fairmont Princess was a great experience.

Watching as two Gamma Lambda sisters received their 50 year pins!

Sharing a table with a total of seven Gamma Lambda sisters at the final dinner! 

Bringing home many memories, photos and special gifts including my Alpha Chi Omega umbrella and cookbook.

Voting to adopt a Resolution to amend the Articles of Incorporation of Alpha Chi Omega, Inc. to add a new article VIII, Section 7 as recommended for passage by seven past National Presidents.

Signing up to support CHIA (Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act). When passed the proposed legislation would allow donors to take a tax deduction for gifts to Alpha Chi Omega housing corporations.

Our new Executive Director, Cheri E. O'Neill is an excellent representative for our Fraternity. Joyce and Judy were impressed with her first speech as our Executive Director.  

The Chair of the 2006-2008 National Nominating Committee, Anne Teaford-Cantor, presented a very educational and enlightening review of the nominating process and how the final proposed slate of national officers was reached by the Committee. 

The 2010 (56th) National Convention will be held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Virginia (just outside Washington D.C.) July 9th - 11, 2010.  Joyce and Judy are planning to attend this one too - how about you!!

In conclusion we reflected on our Fraternity's heritage during convention, refreshed ourselves at the pool and spa and reconnected with Gamma Lambda sisters whenever possible.  We both encourage all of you to join us in Virginia.  Do you realize many of us will be receiving our 50 years pins in 2010 and 2012?

Convention 2006  

Joyce Ziegler Robinson and Judy Ziegler Phillips traveled to Chicago to attend our National Convention.  They loved Chicago, their great hotel room at the Hilton, the food and service provided by the hotel staff and the many ways "my kind of sisterhood" was manifested during an event -filled week. 

Highlights of convention included: 

• Two alumnae chapters receiving Centennial Sashes (both installed in 1906!)
•  Recognition of our 200,000th initiate
• Seating of delegates from four new collegiate chapters
•  Seating of Nu Tau Nu (Virtual) Alumnae chapter (That's us)
•  Listening to and enjoying the eight talented members from Iota Omega chapter (Carthage College) who performed as the Convention Choir throughout the week.
• Shopping at our Carnation Boutique
• Electing our  national council members
• Celebrating "every sisters counts" and learning the Foundation Star Booth had raised $165,000!
• Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Alpha Chi Omega Housing Corporation
• Recieving Alpha Chi goodies during an Oprah-like giveaway experience 

Judy Phillips served as our official delegate and was seated at the first business meeting, representing Nu Tau Nu.  She voted to approve the revised 1st Degree of Iinitiation Ceremony and cast her votes for election of our National Council Officers.  Judy attended excellent sessions on a variety of topics, sat with 8 other Gamma Lambda sisters at the Reunion Night Dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed receiving her beautiful red-ribboned Medallion for reaching the Medallion Level of Giving to the Foundation.  Lillian Cawley received recognition for reaching the Carnation Level of Giving. 

These Gamma Lambda sisters received their 50 year pins at convention:  Joyce Towne Gross, Nancy Watten, Dolores Harvey Engebrecht,