Side by Side
My chapter’s best Sisterhood-building activity
is the Side By Side topic we’re exploring in this issue of The Eleusis. A look at the answers below reveals that not much has changed when it comes to the shared experiences that bind young women together in a Sisterhood that encourages friendships to flourish.
Initiation years are listed with our alumnae’s chapters and schools.
THEN
Sharon Hagman Redmond, 1958, Lambda/U of Kansas
My new member class took a trip to the U of Arkansas– Fayetteville to see the campus, Chi Omega Greek Theatre, and Psi Chapter house. Being on an extended outing together allowed our new friendships to blossom while we gained a historical perspective on our Chi Omega heritage and had a memorable Sisterhood experience.
Janet Sieg Kohlweck, 1967 Gamma Beta/UCLA
Even 40 years later, one Chi Omega Sisterhood-building activity at Gamma Beta/UCLA stands out in my mind: Spring Sing at the Hollywood Bowl. With the men of Zeta Beta Tau, we performed a medley of popular songs based on a skit about “Complaints” on campus. The numerous rehearsals in our packed living room not only helped us win the Sweepstakes Award, but also provided us with joyous time to connect to each other with music.
Jill Thomas Sluss, 1988 Pi Epsilon/Roanoke College
On Bid Day, new members each dipped a hand into a bucket of yellow or red paint and then put their handprints on a designated area of the Chi Omega Quad. It was wonderful to see my handprint next to those of my new friends. We knew we’d made the right decision.
Brehyan Phelan, 2001 Alpha Kappa/North Carolina State U
My favorite Sisterhood event was, and is, the Chi O Corn Maze. It’s a fall cookout that began when I was in college. We’re alumnae now but still look forward to this annual event when we enjoy sipping hot apple cider; munching on hot dogs, homemade chili, and baked-potato soup; and roasting s’mores on the bonfire.
NOW
June Lloyd-Davies, G.H. Tau Mu/Washington U
Early each fall after the long summer, we go to an apple orchard to pick apples, go on hayrides, and reconnect with Sisters. It’s relaxing and fun and brings us together.
Maggie Valz Alpha Beta/Auburn U
Our annual “Walk for a Wish” to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® is a great Sisterhood-building activity. We registered about 2,000 people for the walk, and provided a silent auction, a live band, and refreshments. The event, the third-largest Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser in Alabama, raised more than $56,000 in 2009.
Windham Roth Nu Theta/West Liberty State U
Thanksgiving 2009 was extra special for the Nu Thetas. We celebrated Sisterhood, friends and family, fellowship, and good food while making memories and starting a tradition in our new chapter house.
Elizabeth Romanaggi, G.H. Eta Alpha/Oregon State U
Chi O Christmas is a tradition we look forward to all year. It’s the last chance for all of us to be together before a long winter-holiday break. We warm our bodies with hot chocolate, fill our tummies with delicious homemade cookies, and sing carols by our Christmas tree.
Lauren Bennett, G.H. Chi Beta/Purdue U
After winter break, we rent the local ice skating rink, where we spend an evening twirling on the ice.
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