Alpha Chi Omega's extension presentation on Thursday, March 12th wrapped up the trio of sororities presenting their in hopes of earning a spot in LSU's Panhellenic community.
The presentation began a little after 6 pm with a thank you address from Julie Burkhard, former National President of Alpha Chi Omega and Beta Sigma-UGA. She proceeded to give a brief history of the organization. She added that "sisterhood is an important component of who you already are at LSU." She expressed genuine interest in adding to that sisterhood.
Next, Burkhard did something a little surprising. Instead of following the leads of the two former sororities that had presented earlier in the month (Alpha Delta Pi and Gamma Phi Beta) and going into the current facts and figures of the sorority, she jumped straight into LSU/Alpha Chi Omega partnership benefits: what can Alpha Chi Omega do for LSU?
This transactional approach to joining LSU's 11 other sororities made me feel like I was at a business meeting or watching Shark Tank -- and I liked it. In this spiel, Burkhard mentioned Alpha Chi's proven track record of strong chapters, new approaches to risk management, abundant financial resources, and focus on recruitment.
She then moved into the topic of tradition. Alpha Chi Omega was founded in October 1885 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. The "rich heritage built by women, for women" focuses on the values of wisdom, devotion, and achievement. Alpha Chi Omega also takes pride in raising "Real Strong Women."
Next, Jen Patterson, Alpha Chi Omega's Director of Collegiate Growth and Courtney Schmidt, Associate Director of Collegiate Growth, ventured into the logistics of Alpha Chi's possible extension to LSU's campus. Alpha Chi would provide various resources to help both the girls and the chapter grow. This would include resident consultants, innovative collegiate programming, and beneficial courses on risk management. The risk management courses, specific to Alpha Chi Omega, focus on the "why" rules governing alcohol consumption and human dignity.
Alpha Chi Omega's philanthropy is The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, which supports Women Supporting Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness. Alpha Chi's raise money and volunteer to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
If recolonized, the Beta Gamma chapter of Alpha Chi Omega would join two other chapters in Louisiana. Voting will take place Thursday, March 19. Keep reading The Odyssey for more Panhellenic updates!
