More than 400 alumnae attend events at Florida State University
“Just like the little black dress, you never go out of style” was the theme for Gamma Chapter’s centennial celebration held on Founder’s Day weekend, April 4–5, 2008, on the chapter’s host campus, Florida State University (FSU). Ably managing multiple events and myriad details were chairs Gillian Knight Stewart, Pi Gamma/University of New Mexico, and Michelle Dahnke, Gamma, and various committees.
Attending the celebration were S.H. Jean Mrasek and Sally Stephens, executive vice president of the Chi Omega Foundation. Also present to encourage alumnae to connect with the collegiate chapter or alumnae group nearest them were Katie Keane, director of alumnae development, and Nancy Price, regional alumnae director for the Southeast Coast Region.
Friday-evening events held at FSU’s University Center Club on campus included the serving of heavy hors d’oeuvres and bite-size desserts; and skits and songs by alumnae and collegians demonstrated to all that “Chi Omega is FUN!”
Saturday morning opened with a memorial service for Sisters in the Omega Chapter. The event was held at the Episcopal University Center’s Ruge Hall, located next door to Gamma’s chapter house. Following the service, Gamma’s gift to the University, “The Three Sisters” statue, was unveiled and dedicated to FSU in commemoration of Gamma’s Centennial Celebration and the ground breaking of Greek Park. (See sidebar, page 40, for details and photos.) Alumnae enjoyed bus tours of campus and lunch at the Chi Omega house following the dedication.
Saturday night the Annual Eleusinian Founder’s Day Banquet was held, again at the University Center Club. Keynote speaker was S.H. Jean Mrasek. Entertainment was provided by vocalists Erin Morris and Victoria Wilson, who also played the violin; both are Gamma Chapter initiates.
Gamma Unveils Centennial Gift of “Three Sisters” Statue to FSU
As part of the weekend of events celebrating Gamma’s centennial, alumnae and collegiate members unveiled and dedicated a large statue that will be the catalyst for renovation and beautification of Greek Park, the new name for the green space between Landis Hall and Jefferson Street, located just up the street from the building that has been home to Gammas since 1958.
With its 15-foot height, graceful design, and unique use of multiple patinas, the beautiful “Three Sisters” statue conveys a classic elegance and is a fitting addition to a historically significant area of the campus. The original artist was Broge Kilian, recently deceased. Michael Hux finished the piece and cast the statue in Delaware.
“We are most appreciative of the contributions that Chi Omega has made to support the creation of this plaza and our Greek Park,” said FSU President T.K. Wetherell. “The park will be a beautiful milepost along our Legacy Walk.”
All Greek organizations are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Chi Omega by expanding Greek Park with their own beautification projects.
Speaking during the open-air dedication ceremony were Lee Hinkle, FSU’s vice president for university relations; Jean Mrasek, S.H.; Michelle Dahnke, Centennial co-chair; Sarah Davis, Gamma’s Panhellenic representative to the Office of Greek Life; and Beth Harding Corum, Xi Zeta/University of Tennessee–Martin, centennial gift fundraising chair. According to Beth, alumnae donated about $45,000, far exceeding the initial goal of $25,000. The campaign will continue to raise funds to beautify the surrounding area with additional landscaping, lighting, and benches.
Gamma’s Points of Pride in Her Centennial Year
FSU and Gamma Chapter are located in Tallahassee, Florida.
Chi Omega was the second women’s fraternity chartered on the FSU campus.
As of its centennial, Gamma Chapter has initiated more than 2,000 members.
Gamma Chapter today includes 155 collegiate members; 38 live in the chapter house.
In 2007, Gamma received the Award of Excellence, the highest honor given to outstanding chapters by the Chi Omega Fraternity.
Gamma’s 100 years on the FSU campus included a move in 1958 to the current chapter house on West Jefferson Street. Members love being a part of the campus community.
Gamma alumnae working for FSU include Dr. Robin Hood Leach, associate dean of students, and Joan Weidler Cassels, assistant director of international programs.
The Tallahassee Alumnae Association has 122 Gamma initiates on its roster plus another 215 alumnae from chapters around the country. These alumnae work assiduously to ensure the continuing success of GammaChapter.
Four 50-year and one 60-year Gammas were honored at the Centennial Eleusinian Banquet.
Gammas Are Campus Leaders
Michelle Pletch was the 2003 Student Government president.
Michelle Dahnke was the 2006 senior class president and the 2005 University homecoming director.
Sasha Lohn and Katherine O’Donniley were directors of the FSU Women’s Center in 2004 and 2005, respectively.
Lauren Lowrey was Panhellenic president in 2005.
In addition, Gamma is proud of her many student-government members, honor society officers, and the six Gammas who have been members of FSU’s homecoming courts since 2002.