Alpha Omicron Pi was kind enough to allow The Odyssey to tour their chapter room for our next addition of AU Cribs. In addition to an inside view, President Charlsie Coefield answered a few of questions about their chapter!
Although Auburn does not have traditional sorority housing, they provide designated sorority halls in The Village that allow members to live near one another and foster lifelong friendships. Alpha Omicron Pi does not require their president to live on the hall with other members, which gives her the freedom to come and go as she is needed.
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded in 1897 at Barnard College, on the campus of Columbia University in New York. Four women, the founders of AOII, came together to form a women's fraternity that promoted selfless service, academic excellence, leadership, and friendship for a lifetime. Today, Alpha Omicron Pi has 134 active collegiate chapters.
Auburn's Delta Delta chapter was founded in 1946 and has remained active on campus since their installation. Their national philanthropy is the Strike Out Arthritis event, which benefits The Arthritis Foundation. Each fall, AOII hosts the Run for Roses 5K to support arthritis research. This year, the Delta Delta chapter won an award that recognized their chapter as the highest total fundraising chapter in the nation!
The Alpha Omicron Pi jewel is the ruby, and its flower is the Jacqueminot rose. AOII does not have a crest, as they were founded on Greek, not medieval ideals. In its place, they use the image of a rose. The official color is cardinal red. The symbol of AOII is a sheaf of wheat, which represents the common bond and unity shared by members of Alpha Omicron Pi. The fraternity and its chapters consider the Panda to be its unofficial mascot.
The Auburn AOII chapter room was completely updated and refurnished in the summer of 2014, with beautiful results. "My favorite part of our new chapter room would be the Barn-styled nook. The accents on the wall are so unique to our chapter room, and they add to the laid-back atmosphere," Charlsie said. The table in the nook has dual purpose, as it can be used chapter meetings or as a study space for members living on the hall.
When asked what Alpha Omicron Pi meant to her, Charlsie replied, "To me, AOII means friendship and support. Seeing these women love one another makes AOII a true home away from home. I can always count on them to challenge and encourage me!"
