Alumnae - Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority

ChevronOMEGA PHI ALPHA NATIONAL SERVICE SORORITY WWW.OMEGAPHIALPHA.ORGVOLUME 41 NUMBER 1Convention attendees gather for a group shot during the banquet.Alumnae sisters, Lynn Dudash, Shayna Morris, Anita Thibodeaux, Heather Pritchard, andSarah VanDyke take in a little sightseeing during some down time in Denver.

From the PresidentThe Chevron is a quarterly newsletterproduced for Omega Phi Alpha NationalService Sorority alumnae and active sisters.National Executive Board MembersPresident - Pamela McEwenVP Business Operations - Stephanie HallmanVP Administration - Myrinda GranthamVP Communications - Sarah VanDykeVP Alumnae Relations - Chelsea NavoVP Leadership Development - Heather PritchardVP Expansions - Anita ThibodeauxVP Advancement - Anne WilhoiteVP Membership - Andie BowmanVP Finance - Shayna MorrisPast President - Amy McConnellChevron EditorsChevron Editor - Sarah VanDykeCopy Editor - Ann DeMatteoLayout Editor - Shelley LaiDistribution:The Chevron is mailed out four times ayear to all alumnae and active OPA chapters.Distribution dates are as follows: Oct. 1,Jan. 1, April 1, and July 1.Submissions:Articles for the Chevron are written byactive sisters and alumnae. If you would liketo submit a feature story about analumna or special project happening atyour chapter, please email it to:chevron@omegaphialpha.orgPictures may also be submitted in jpgformat.National Office Mailing Address:Omega Phi AlphaNational OfficeP.O. Box 955East Lyme, CT 06333Official National Website:www.omegaphialpha.orgPresident’s Corner...by Pamela McEwen, National PresidentChoosing the national president’s project is one of the privileges of beingnational president.Working in the social work field, I am exposed to many areas of concern forwomen that merit consideration. However, this year I am going to follow mypredecessor, Amy McConnell, and choose women’s health, one that hastouched me personally this year. This year, one of my siblings was diagnosedwith breast cancer.Because this is something that can touch so many of us - family members orfriends -- I was excited to announce that the national president’s project for2008-09 is Women’s Cancer Awareness. This is an area where Omega PhiAlpha can truly make a difference - through education, prevention and advocacy.Cancer is a highly curable if detected at stage 1. Early detection = survival.It's as simple as that. Through education, legislation and social reform, thevery landscape of America's women's healthcare consciousness can be totallychanged.President Bush signed Johanna's Law on Jan. 12, 2007, landmark legislationthat authorizes development of a national gynecologic cancer awareness campaign.Both houses of Congress unanimously approved Johanna's Law: theGynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act in late 2006. On December26, 2007, President Bush signed an omnibus spending bill that appropriated$6.5 million toward Johanna's Law.You can get ideas for projects from the OPA service director atservice@omegaphialpha.org or visit these Web sites for information and ideas:American Cancer Society - www.cancer.orgFran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Movement - www.cancerschmancer.orgSusan G Komen, Breast Cancer - www. komen.orgNational Institute of Health, Breast Cancer Study - www.sisterstudy.orgComplete Sorority Contact List:To request a complete contact list of allsorority officers, appointments, andchapter addresses, please contact theNational VP Administration:Myrinda Granthamvpadmin@omegaphialpha.org2 Chevron y Fall 2008

National NewsHighlights from Convention 2008by Heather Pritchard, VP Leadership DevelopmentThe following is a wrap-up of important legislation passed and topics discussed at Convention 2008. They have been grouped into topicswith a copy of the legislation passed (if changes were made to the Constitution and Bylaws). New constitutions and Convention minuteswill be distributed to the chapters later this semester.Convention 2009Convention 2009 will be held in Philadelphia from July 22-26. Convention will be held at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia, Center City.The National Executive Board voted at their August meeting that any active voting delegate from a chapter who registers and pays in fullby April 1 will have her travel fully reimbursed.Conditional StatusIn addition to prior reasons, a chapter may now be placed on Conditional Status if it fails to send representatives to an official “districtrally” for two consecutive years.National Constitution - Article XII, Section 1A chapter may be placed on conditional status for the following reasons:A. Failure to send a delegate to two consecutive national ConventionsB. Failure to perform at least six service projects per yearC. Failure to send a written report to the National President for a period of one yearD. Failure to pay national dues within thirty days of the due dateE. Failure to attend at least one event planned as a district rally per school year for two consecutive yearsF. Any other reason(s) the NEB feels are necessaryDisassociation ProceduresDisassociation procedures have been clarified by the National Executive Board. These new procedures are attached with all ChapterAssistance Plans and are also available on the National OPA Forum.OPA members must be disassociated if they do not meet local/financial obligations for an entire year, for violation of the hazing, drugand/or alcohol policy, or for committing an illegal act that impacts OPA.National Constitution – Article III, Section VIA disassociated member is one whose lifetime membership has been revoked at the local and national level.Clause 1. Members may be disassociated only for the following reasons:A. At the written request of the member via the voluntary disassociation form (available in the National Handbook).B. Failure to complete local and/or national service requirements.C. Placement on disciplinary probation by the university.D: Failure to attend the locally required number of chapter meetings and/ or functions listed in the chapter’s local constitution.Clause 2. Members must be disassociated for the following reasons:A. Failure to meet national and/or local financial obligations for an entire school semester or longer.B: The member is found guilty of an illegal act impacting the sorority.C: Violating the national hazing, drug and alcohol or discrimination policy.District RalliesA “district rally” consists of a workshop and a sisterhood activity. The date and location for a district rally must be approved by the VP ofLeadership Development no less than 14 days before the rally. Active district officers must work together to plan the rally. Additional districtactivities may be held in addition to a district rally, and a district rally may have additional activities included.By Laws – Article IXSection 1. All active chapters in a district shall attend and participate in at least one District Rally per school year,planned by the Active District Officers of each chapter.Section 2. To qualify as a district rally:A. The rally date and location must be approved by the Vice President of Leadership Development, and allchapters in the district must be notified no less than 14 days before the rally date.B. A workshop must be given by either a sorority representative or an outside consultant with knowledge in aspecific area.C. A sisterhood activity must take place.Section 3. Other activities may occur at a district rally, such as a service project or a fundraiser.Section 4. Chapters may hold other district-level events in addition to a district rally.National Pin DayTo promote sisterhood, unity and awareness of Omega Phi Alpha on college campuses, the first Monday of every month will be declared NationalPin Day. Members from every chapter shall wear business casual clothing along with their active pin or pledge pin when they are on campus.Fall 2008 y Chevron 3

National NewsOIA CONVENTION 2007 AWARDSby Elizabeth Anderson, National Awards ChairThe 2008 Convention was the culmination of yet another outstanding year of Friendship, Leadership and--of course—Service.Chapters all over the country met and shared outstanding ideas for rush, sisterhood activities and service projects. While these terrificprojects were numerous, only a few could be honored at the 2008 OIA Convention Awards Banquet. Held at the Denver Museum ofNature and Science, banquet provided a memorable finish to a wonderful week of excitement, hard work and fun.Award forms and Web sites were judged by the Awards Committee and the scrapbooks were judged by members of theDoubletree Hotel staff.Omega Phi Alpha sisters performed an amazing number of hours of service in 2007-2008. Everyone deserves heartfelt congratulationsfor upholding Omega Phi Alpha’s ongoing commitment to service.SERVICE AWARDSNational Service Award – OmicronService to the University – Alpha GammaService to the Nations of the World – OmicronService to the Members of the Sorority – Alpha ZetaPresident’s Project – Alpha DeltaService to the Community-at-Large – OmnicronPermanent Project – PsiTOP 10 INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTIN SERVICE AWARD WINNERS1. Emily Britt (Nu) - 192.92. Jessica Dougherty (Nu) - 186.53. Natalie Crowe (Omicron) - 173.54. Esther Blue (Phi) - 154.55. Crystal Cabana (Phi) - 154.06. Allison Gerard (Phi) - 152.87. Joanne Ofoli (Nu) - 150.18. Gini Jackson (Phi) - 148.09. Samantha Vancel (Phi) - 140.310. Kasey Stevens (Phi) - 134.5Congratulations to all sisters that have earned the IASaward for 2007-08. All winners will be listed on thenational web site.CHAPTER EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (CEP)Gold Seal – Nu, Alpha ZetaSilver Seal – Gamma, Omicron, Rho, Phi, Alpha GammaBronze Seal – Alpha Alpha, Alpha DeltaOUTSTANDING OFFICERSPresident – Nu, Alpha Alpha, Alpha GammaVice President – Alpha Alpha, Alpha GammaService Officer – Nu, Alpha Alpha, Alpha GammaMembership Officer – Gamma, Nu, Alpha Gamma,Alpha DeltaSecretary – Nu, Alpha GammaTreasurer – Gamma, NuOTHER AWARDS2008 National Scholarship Recipient – Natalie CroweEarly Registration Raffle Winner – Molly FlageolleVIP Alumnae Raffle Winners – Lisa Bell Guest andSarah VanDykeALUMNAE SOCIETY INDUCTEESElizabeth Anderson – Topaz SocietyShayna Morris – Topaz SocietyAnita Thibodeaux – Topaz SocietyCHAPTER AWARDSNational Membership Award– DeltaNational Travel Award (Active) – Alpha ZetaNational Web site Award– PsiNational Scrapbook Award– Alpha DeltaALUMNAE AWARDSAlumnae Service Award–Karin CoulterAlumnae Travel Award–Elizabeth Anderson4 Chevron y Fall 2008

National News2007-2008 SERVICE AWARDSby Elizabeth Anderson, National Awards ChairOmega Phi Alpha has had an incredible, service-filled year. All of our chapters are really living up to the cardinal principles ofFriendship, Leadership and Service in amazing ways and I was blown away by the wonderful service projects that were submittedby chapters for the 2007-2008 Service Awards. The Awards Committee had a difficult time in selecting winners fromthe many candidates, but we did find some chapters that stood out in the six areas of service.Service to the University Community: Alpha Gamma ChapterThe sisters of Alpha Gamma Chapter put out flags to represent the number of people who lost their lives in 9/11 and handedout red, white, and blue ribbons to everyone on campus. The chapter worked with the Firemen’s Society on the OSU campusto help them achieve their goal with success. Alpha Gamma performed this project with 86% chapter participation.Service to the Community-at-Large: Omicron ChapterOmicron Chapter worked together to collect needed baby items for the Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, a local crisis pregnancycenter that provides free services to the Auburn/Opelika community. The chapter hosted a presentation of the clinic’s servicesand held a much publicized baby shower to collect donations and food. Omicron also organized games and activities for theevent with 100 percent chapter participation.Service to the Members of the Sorority: Alpha Zeta ChapterThe sisters of Alpha Zeta chapter created a sisterhood program called Teach-a-Sister, where sisters shared skills and life experiencesto help get to know one another. Sisters signed up to teach the chapter about various topics and participated in the projectsbefore Sunday chapter meetings during the fall and spring semesters. Sisters grew closer while they developed leadershipskills through teaching others. Alpha Zeta had 95 percent participation in their Teach-a-Sister program.Service to the Nations of the World: Omicron ChapterOmicron Chapter held an all day Girl Scout Badge Day where they created lesson plans for 27 different classes to teach over360 Girl Scouts from 44 different troops in the Southeast. The chapter also worked with Alpha Phi Omega to provide a freeCPR training certification course for 30 adult troop leaders. The chapter handed out over 700 Girl Scout badges to eager girlsin one day and learned valuable leadership skills in working with children with 100 percent chapter participation.President’s Project: Alpha Delta ChapterAlpha Delta Chapter held a Jump-a-Thon as a 24-hour fundraiser for their domestic violence project. Participants paid moneyto jump on a trampoline, buy T-shirts and buy tickets to play games. The chapter publicized the event by hanging sign-upsheets around campus, passing out flyers, publishing articles about the event in the university newspaper and broadcasting informationon the university radio station. $200 was raised for Safe Shelter in Savannah, GA, with 100 percent chapter participation.Permanent Project: Psi ChapterThe sisters of Psi Chapter assisted in a local Special Olympics bowling competition by helping bowlers keep track of theirscores and cheering them on during the competition. Through this activity, the Psi sisters lent a helping hand to those whoneeded it with 100 percent chapter participation.National Service Award: Omicron ChapterOmicron Chapter earned this year’s highest service award. Sisters completed more than 1,840 hours of service with 100 percentparticipation in many of their service projects. Congratulations, Omicron Chapter!Fall 2008 y Chevron 5

Meet the new NEBANITA THIBODEAUXEarly in her college career, Anita Landrywas contacted by a high school classmatewho had pledged Omega Phi Alpha atAuburn University. Anita was asked to fillout a questionnaire about her university,the University of Southwestern Louisiana.Eager to oblige, she promptly returned thequestionnaire about the enrollment composition,residential life and studentdynamics of USL to the young lady withwhom she had graduated and co-lead theirhigh school’s campus ministry program.Then-Expansions Director Lara Randallmust have deemed the University ofSouthwestern Louisiana a good “fit” and aviable university at which to establish achapter of Omega Phi Alpha, because shecalled Anita shortly thereafter in order tooffer an introduction and charge her withfinding meeting space in which to host aninformational session.It wasn’t until meeting Lara Randall atthis informational session and being soimpressed with her enthusiasm and themission of Omega Phi Alpha, that Anitaconsidered being affiliated with a neworganization on her campus. USL didn’thave a service sorority at the time, and shequickly learned how it differentiated froma social sorority. Having won severalphilanthropic awards in high school, itbecame apparent to Anita that this endeavorwould enable her to continue service inher community and beyond. Thus, thestage was set for Anita’s lifelong commitmentto Omega Phi Alpha and the joy,friendships and opportunities that membershipafforded to her.While an undergraduate, Anita served asthe colony and chapter president and wasselected to serve on a special committeecreated and appointed by the NationalExecutive Board. The involvement withthe special committee, coupled with herinvigorating experience at her first nationalConvention in Tennessee, inspiredAnita to run for national office immediatelyafter graduation. She was elected tothe position of National ExpansionsDirector at the age of 21. Although shejust had one year of active service underher belt, her passion about her sororityserved her well as she established twonew chapters during her term.Anita then became National ExecutiveSecretary and Vice President of AdvancePlanning. She feels as if one of herlargest contributions to Omega Phi Alphawas spearheading the sorority’s strategicenrollment plan in 2004. Vision 2010, asit was called, was unveiled at Conventionafter a year-long effort involving hours ofinput and work from sisters representingeach of our constituents. It was adoptedand, although modified, is still guiding thedirection of OPA today.Much has changed since Anita’s earlyinvolvement in OPA. Her university isnow known as the University of Louisianaat Lafayette, and she, herself, had a namechange after marrying Troy Thibodeaux inNovember of 2007. Although she has notyet been blessed with children, she is theproud “mom” of a Boxer named Isabelle.Anita’s hobbies include traveling, cookingand mixed media art. Anita now resides inEunice, Louisiana, where she works as amember of the Student Affairs staff at thejunior college in the Louisiana StateUniversity system.MYRINDA GRANTHAMAlpha Beta Chapter AlumnaNational VP Administration 2008-2011I became a part of Omega Phi Alpha whenI heard that a group of women on campuswere starting a sorority that was focusedon three cardinal principles of friendship,leadership and service. This sorority wasnot like the other sororities at Ole Miss,and I was intrigued and excited, so Idecided to become a part of the foundingsisters of Alpha Beta Chapter of OmegaPhi Alpha on Jan. 25, 2003. During mythree years of active chapter service, Iserved as VP of membership, sergeant-atarms,insignia chair, historian, and presidentand never missed a Convention.While serving as chapter president, I wasselected to serve on the Vision 2010 committeeand became involved on the nationallevel. While finishing up college, I wasable to serve as Convention Coordinatorin 2006, and the next summer I wasappointed to serve as insignia coordinator,a position I held until being elected VicePresident of Administration.I stay involved with OPA for a couple ofreasons. One is that I want to give backto an organization that has given so muchto me. Without OPA I would not be theperson I am today, and it has given metons of leadership experience and growthopportunities. Secondly, I work with collegestudents on a daily basis as aResidence Life Coordinator and DiversityLiaison for Oxford College of EmoryUniversity. My interactions with collegestudents are more formal because I am anadministrator and are not always positivebecause I spend a lot of time correctingthe behavior of others. OPA allows me tospend time having positive interactionswith amazing young women in a moreinformal setting where I’m not alwaysviewed as “the fuzz.”I live outside Atlanta in a town calledCovington, where I spend lots of time withmy MacBook, Tivo, playing video gamesand learning guitar. I very much enjoy goingto concerts and listening to the music ofRachael Yamagata, Brandi Carlile, MissyHiggins, Sara Bareilles and others. I will notmiss Grey’s Anatomy, the Office and variousother television programs. I also have a fabulousgirlfriend who works at Georgia Tech,Vicky, and we’re learning to cook newthings together.6 Chevron y Fall 2008

Meet the new NEBNational President, Pamela McEwen installs and introduces the 2008-09 National Executive Board. Pictured left to right: Shayna Morris, Andie Bowman, Anne Wilhoite,Anita Thibodeaux, Heather Pritchard, Chelsea Navo, Sarah VanDyke, Myrinda Grantham, Stephanie Hallman, and Pamela McEwen in front.Making it the City ofSisterly Loveby Andie Bowman, VP MembershipAt Convention 2008, it was announced that Convention 2009 will be held in the historical city of Philadelphia, PA. Mark July 22-26, 2009 as OPA Convention on your calendar and make plans to attend today.To encourage alumnae attendance, we will be continuing the VIP Raffle for the Scholarship Trust. For every $25 that an alumnadonates to the scholarship trust, she will receive an entry to win one of two grand prize VIP trips to Convention 2009 (thisincludes travel, registration fees and hotel room at a double room rate). As an incentive for the active chapters, any chapter thatregisters and pays in full for their voting delegates by April 1, 2009 will receive 100 percent travel reimbursement for their delegates.In addition, any sister who registers early will receive an OPA gift.Philadelphia not only is a great place for OPA Convention, but your summer vacation as well. We will be at the Crown Plaza indowntown Philadelphia. The city offers many attractions including Independence Hall, the home of Betsy Ross, the ConstitutionCenter, the steps from Rocky, and many more. Shopping in Philadelphia is exciting because there is NO sales tax on clothing.We are in the early planning stages of Convention 2009, so if you would like to help please contact our VP of BusinessOperations, Stephanie Hallman, at bus@omegaphialpha.org.Fall 2008 y Chevron 7

Convention Service FeaturePURRFECT SERVICEby Andie Bowman, VP MembershipOPA sisters taking time for a group shot before volunteering at MaxFund No Kill Shelter in Denver, CO.The MaxFund No Kill Animal Shelterin downtown Denver was the site of the2008 Convention’s service project.According to the shelter’s Web site,“Max Fund is a non profit organizationfounded in 1988 that provides medicalcare for injured pets with no knownowners and finds homes for these animalsonce they have recovered.” Theshelter began after a dog named Maxwas hit by a car and saved by veterinarianBill Suro and his wife, Nanci Suro.A fish bowl with a sign that said “TheMax Fund” was put out for people todonate money to Max’s recovery. Allthe leftover money was used to beginMaxFund Shelter.Our tasks that day included playing withcats including feral and FIV positivefelines, gardening, folding laundry,cleaning, sorting and helping the shelter’sstaff prepare for a large adoptionevent they were hosting the next day.Here is what some of the participantssaid about the project:"I liked that it was a hands-on projectand we actually got to play with the animals,"said Mandi Humphrey, Epsilonactive."There were so many different opportunitiesfor us to help in that one place,and we could really see the impact ourwork had at the end of the day,” saidLiz New, Alpha Zeta alumna."Volunteering at the animal shelter wasa wonderful experience,” said LauraDegling, Alpha Alpha active."I loved the project for two reasons.First, it was different than any project Ihad ever participated in. Second, it wasone of those projects I saw that of beingthere made a difference,” commentedNicki Kozub, Epsilon alumna.When asked about working with OmegaPhi Alpha, Matt Adams, shelter volunteercoordinator, said: “We loved yourgroup; they did great! I know the staffreported that it was a crazy day, but theywere able to accomplish a lot of greatwork. I came in kind of late, and wasgiving some of my other volunteers atour and kept commenting ‘Oh look, thelaundry is all complete, that almostnever happens.’ and ‘Wow, all the dishesare clean, that almost never happens.’So we were happy to have such a greatgroup of girls.”The service spirit of OPA seemed tohave quite the effect on those aroundthe volunteers. John, one of the busdrivers, decided he wanted to adopt adog while he was at the shelter withOPA. He called his wife and had hisfamily come meet the potential newmember of their family. On the bus ridehome John said, “Every time I look atthis dog I will think about the OmegaPhi Alpha girls.”If hearing about MaxFund has had asimilar effect on you then visit:http://www.maxfund.org/index.htm.The Web site features more information,a way to make donations or receive thee-newsletter and an online store whichfeatures some great items for pet owners.John, one of theconvention busdrivers, decided hewanted to adopt adog while he was atthe shelter with OPA8 Chevron y Fall 2008

Convention Service FeatureStephanie Tomlinson (AA) left; MechelleKirts (Upsilon) middle and RochquandraWalker (Upsilon) right folding laundry asit comes fresh out of the dryer.Jessica Dougherty (Nu) on the right andStephanie Tomlinson (Alpha Alpha) onthe left are cleaning filters.Heather Johnson (AZ) top left; AmyMoore (AZ) top right; Michaela Fowler(AG) bottom left; and Vivian Aparicio(Omicron) bottom right are spendingtime with the feral cats.Stephanie Hixson (Epsilon) is sortingdog leashes by length.EXPANSIONSOmega Phi Alpha is broadening its scope by expanding to the University of South Carolina - Aiken, the University of CentralFlorida, the University of Texas at Dallas and possibly Florida Gulf Coast University, according to Expansions Vice PresidentAnita Thibodeaux.Anita invites you the opportunity to be involved. "In doing so, you could set the stage for philanthropic efforts in your communityfor years to come. Expansions volunteers can attend campus recruiting events, conduct training, serve as big sisters, facilitatea facet of a colony retreat, and join in the celebration when the colonists are activated. I encourage you to play an active role inthis exciting, historic endeavor – chartering new chapters of OPhiA," Anita said.Fall 2008 y Chevron 9

Alumnane SpotlightMy Sister Has a First Name…by Elizabeth Anderson, Mu alumnaIt’s S-E-L-E-N-A!Does this remind you of a famousadvertising jingle? It should—and ifyou are thinking of hotdogs and slabs ofbologna right now, then Psi Chapteralumna Selena Armendarez is the personto call. She is a bona fide, 100 percentOscar Mayer Hotdogger!What does that mean? It means thatSelena gets the important (and quitenoticeable) honor of driving one of thefamous Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles forone year. Aside from driving around thecountry inside an enormous hotdog,Selena and 13 other lucky recent collegeopportunity to travel in a 27-foot-longhotdog.” In the coming year, Selenawill be paired with a partner and theywill drive through the southern statesfor six months. “We have the opportunityto handle public relations, eventplanning, and marketing,” says Selena.“After …six months, we get a new partnerand a new region.”But don’t let the big funny hotdog carfool you. Competition for Hotdoggerpositions means serious business. “Thisis a much respected entry-level positionin the public relations world,” Selenaexplains. “I am very fortunate to haveserved as membership assistant, servicedirector, vice president and presidentbefore applying for alumnae status in2007. “OPA has taught me so much. Icontribute much of my success to myinvolvement with OPA,” Selena says.“It really helped me to transition into awoman (and) it has opened my eyes tothe needs in our communities, schoolsand in the world.”She will carry fond memories of PsiChapter to her new job. “One of myfavorite OPA memories comes from oneof (Psi’s) unique projects. Each spring,we host our annual LOVE IN A BOXgraduates will act as official travelingspokespersons for Oscar Mayer as they“spread miles of smiles to communitiesacross America.”“The Wienermobile was first designedby Carl Mayer, the nephew of OscarMayer, in 1936,” says Selena. “Thereare currently seven Wienermobiles inthis year’s fleet; six full-sizedWienermobiles and one Mini-Wienermobile that is built on a MiniCooper.” No word on whether or notshe will actually have hotdogs on board.Selena and her counterparts were chosenfrom over 1,000 applicants. “Iapplied for this position for many reasons;”she says, “to achieve experienceas a professional, avoid the typicaloffice job for a year, and (to have) anthis opportunity.”Public Relations is a field that is nothingnew to Selena; she minored in it asa communications major at TexasA&M-Corpus Christi, from whic shegraduated in May 2008. It was also at“Corpus” that she pledged Psi Chapterin the spring of 2005. By that time,OPhiA was in her blood.“My older sister, Adriana, was in collegewhen I was in high school. Shepledged…and I became very close witha lot of the OPA girls before I was evengraduated from high school,” Selenarecalls. “I really liked the strong sisterhoodbonds and the principles OPA isbased on. When I went to college, Iknew OPA was the place for me.”During her active years at Psi, Selenaproject where we sleep in cardboardboxes for 24 hours to help raise moneyfor the homeless,” recalls Selena. “Thisis the best sisterhood bonding experience.We are only allowed one blanket,one pillow, one meal, and one luxuryitem (no electronics). We would juststay up for 24 hours laughing, talkingand having a blast.”Selena would like to be an active partof Omega Phi Alpha as an alumna, butadmits that she may be hard to pindown for awhile with her job as anOscar Mayer Hotdogger and that herschedule will be filled with excitingadventures this year. Nevertheless, sheis excited about her unusual upcomingjob. “I (am embarking) on a journeythat I will relish forever!” she says.10 Chevron y Fall 2008

FeatureWe Are Women—Let Us Vote!by Elizabeth Anderson, Mu alumnaConvention is a time for coming togetherand sharing thoughts and ideas. It is abusy time, filled with a flurry of activitiesand business meetings. It is also a timewhen several NEB terms end and officesare up for election. Candidates may campaignand ballots are counted as the votingdelegates make tough decisions as towhich candidates will best fill thoseoffices for the next three years. Such isthe way with OPhiA.It is also the way of the world—or theUnited States at least.This November, we women will be calledupon to join the rest of the adult populationof America in choosing the next presidentof the United States. Regardless ofyour choice of candidate or political partyaffiliation, nothing is more valuable indecision-making than having a voice inthe matter and the right to vote. It’s a giftthat many women fought long and hardfor and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.At the Seneca Falls Convention in 1849,women began in earnest the struggle toearn voting rights for the disenfranchisedwomen of the United States. Led by suchvisionaries as Susan B. Anthony, ElizabethCady Stanton, Sojourner Truth and LucyStone, many women began to find theirvoices and refuse to stand idly by whilemen made their decisions for themthrough the electoral process. Theywould have to wait.The 20th century brought about moreaggressive tactics as American suffragistsbrought international attention to theircause. Carrie Chapman Catt and the Rev.Dr. Anna Howard Shaw crusaded in favorof the ratification of the NineteenthAmendment granting women the right tovote through the states individually, whileAlice Paul, Lucy Burns and over 100other women endured prison in deplorableconditions, physical and mental abuse andhunger strikes in their endeavors to pushratification of the amendment on a nationallevel. The passing of the NineteenthAmendment in 1920 gave these women(and us) the gift they had longed for—thehard-fought right to vote.On Nov. 4, 2008, we have a great opportunityto say “Thank you” to those heroicwomen by exercising that right. Theresponsibility that they wanted now fallsupon your shoulders and it is up to you tobe the voice that many of those womennever had. Contact your local electioncommission today and register to vote! Ifyou are at school and are far away fromyour home voting precinct on ElectionDay, then apply for an absentee ballot.You can even find service opportunitiesduring election time. Perhaps you arereally pulling for a certain candidate towin. What better way to help your candidatethan to volunteer at a campaign headquartersin your town? They are alwayslooking for help with making calls, foldingmailers and hanging flyers. If you arenot really into the candidates who are runningfor office, you can still do your partby volunteering at a polling precinct.They are always looking for help and it isa great, nonpartisan way to get involved.It is also a good way for chapters to provideservice to the community-at-large.Regardless of how you feel about the currentcandidates, the parties they represent,or politics in general, exercise yourNineteenth Amendment rights that somany women struggled for and weredenied. Exercise your right to vote.WANTED: SCHOLARSHIP TRUSTEEPosition Available: Active Scholarship TrusteePosition Description: The active scholarship trustee coordinates the activity of the Omega PhiAlpha Scholarship Trust, along with the alumnae and the NEB trustee. The three trustees form ateam that evaluates the scholarship applications each year. In addition, the active trusteecoordinates active chapter participation and public relations.Term: The individual will be appointed to serve through June 2009.She may be reappointed subject to yearly evaluation if still an active.If you are interested in serving as the active scholarship trustee, please send your resumeand any additional information that you feel is pertinent to office@omegaphialpha.orgFall 2008 y Chevron 11

AlumnaeFrom the Desk of theVP Alumnae Relationsby Chelsea Navo, VP Alumnae RelationsAlumnae Delegates at ConventionA few years ago, Omega Phi Alpha sisters changed the representation of alumnae at Convention. We now have a total of 10 alumnaedelegates voting during Convention business. These delegates consist of one delegate from each of the eight districts, and two at-largedelegates who represent all alumnae. In exchange for representing alumnae from their areas, alumnae delegates receive 50 percent oftheir travel costs reimbursed.For Convention 2008, we used a new application process for alumnae delegates because of the growing number of alumnae interestedserving in the alumnae delegate positions. I would like to thank all who applied. The 2008 Alumnae Delegates were: D1 - RachelFrauenhoffer; D2 - Elizabeth Anderson; D3 - Keshia Gibson; D4 - Anita Thibodeaux; D5 - Lisa Guest; D6 - Liz New; D7 - LynnDudash; D8 - Erin Gatlin-Martin, and at-large - Dawn Tupper and Shayna Morris. These women attended all of Convention and votedon behalf of alumnae during the business meetings.We will be using the same process to appoint alumnae delegates for Convention 2009, which will be held July 22-26 in Philadelphia, PA.Alumnae delegate applications will be posted on the Web site and the OPA forum in early January. All applications received beforeMarch 1 will be reviewed by a committee consisting of one NEB member, one ABoD member, and one alumnae-at-large. This committeewill review the applications and recommend the alumnae it feels are best qualified to be alumnae delegates. Applicants will be evaluatedbased on the district they live in. Additional qualified applicants will be considered for the two at-large alumnae delegate positions.The VP of Alumnae Relations will review the committee's feedback and the applications then will appoint alumnae delegates by April 1.If at the end of the review there is a district without an alumnae delegate, that position will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.Alumnae delegates for 2009 will be posted publicly along with legislation in the spring before Convention. Every alumna is encouragedto review the legislation and contact the alumnae delegate representing her to make sure her delegate takes her views in considerationwhen voting.I would like to send a special thank you to Rho Chapter. They started an alumnae recognition program of their own this year. Rho wantedto ensure they had at least one Rho alumnae present at Convention. Rho held fundraisers to raise a few hundred dollars to accomplishthis goal. Rho designed an application for interested Rho alumnae to complete, then reviewed and selected an alumna to send. This yearRachel Frauenhoffer was the Rho alumnae representative. Rachel received a 50 percent travel reimbursement from National for being avoting delegate; she elected to give her reimbursement to Rho to help them send an alumna to Philadelphia. What a creative way to getyour alumnae involved in National Convention.Natalie Crowe of Omicron Chapter was this year's OmegaPhi Alpha Scholarship Winner. She was awarded $500 togo toward her studies at Auburn University, where shemajors in English and Spanish. She has been an Omicronmember since Fall 2006.12 Chevron y Fall 2008

AlumnaeWhirlwind in WestminsterAlumnae track remains part of Convention scheduleby Keshia Gibson, Alumnae Board of DirectorsAlumnae had plenty of time to socializeand be involved in activities duringConvention in Westminster, a suburb ofDenver. The tradition of an alumnaetrack continued, complete with an alumnaemeeting, alumnae workshops and analumnae lounge.Day-by-day highlights of alumnae trackWednesdayAlumnae LoungeAn alumnae lounge opened upWednesday night as a room wherealumnae could gather to chitchat, snackor even nap during Convention. Thelounge was also used for alumnae business,such as alumnae workshops andSenior Ceremony.ThursdayAlumnae WorkshopsThe alum track offered two workshops:"OPA Today" and "So You Want to Startan Alum Chapter?" "OPA Today" servedas an overview of the many changes inOPhiA's organizational structure inrecent years. Such changes include thecreation of districts and new leadershippositions for alumnae. The latter workshopfocused on alumnae chapters--their current status, intended future andproposed legislation governing them.Alumnae MeetingThe main topic of this year's alumnaemeeting was the concept of alumnae initiation(allowing someone to join asorority outside of collegiate years). Themeeting's discussion included thoughtson how alumnae initiation might impactOPhiA, if it's suitable for OPhiA, and, ifaccepted, how it might be implemented.FridayAlumnae LuncheonThe alumnae luncheon is an opportunityto recognize any alumnae present atConvention. A speech by the VP ofalum relations addressed the diversity ofthe alumnae group, which representednine home chapters. Special recognitionwas given to current and past NEBmembers. Luncheon attendees ate chickenwith capers or vegetable lasagna andcheesecake for dessert.Alumnae Society InductionsThe society inductions immediately followedthe alumnae luncheon. Alumnaesocieties recognize an alumna's longevity(based on number of years since activation)and service to Omega Phi Alpha.This year's inductees were all inductedinto the Topaz society (10 years):Elizabeth Anderson, Shayna Morris andAnita Thibodeaux. The society inductionsconcluded with the unveiling onthe new alumnae pin.Senior CeremonyTime was set aside to give any seniorswho had recently graduated, or wouldsoon graduate, an opportunity to be partof the senior ceremony. Alumnae performedthe ceremony for three sisters:Bambi McLeskey (Alpha Beta), LizNew (Alpha Zeta), and Dawn Tupper(Alpha Delta).Alum OutingA group of alumnae hopped on a shuttlein search of fun and ended up inBroomfield, Co. Sisters spent the afternoonbonding and shopping at FlatIronCrossing before heading back to enjoythe evening in downtown Denver.SaturdayAwards BanquetAlumnae wrapped up their Conventionby attending the Rock Star Banquet atthe Denver Museum of Natural Science.Two alumnae awards were presented.Elizabeth Anderson received theAlumnae Travel Award. The AlumnaeService Award went to KarinHoodenpyle Coulter.Alumnae Track in PhillyIf you missed out on the "Whirlwind inWestminster," there's always next year.Keep an eye out for Convention 2009registration to open sometime nextspring. If you would like to get involvedin or provide input for developing nextyear's alumnae track, contact the VP ofAlumnae Relations atalumnae@omegaphialpha.org.Fall 2008 y Chevron 13

AlumnaeAlumnae Service Awardby Juanita Wade and Keshia Gibson, Alumnae Board of DirectorsnIn September 2002, Karin Hoodenpyle Coulter's 3-month-oldson had open-heart surgery. After going through such a difficulttime and watching many others experience the same thing,Karin and her husband decided to assist to those in similar situations.The outcome? Saving Little Hearts, a charity that aidsfamilies of children with congenital heart defects.Alumnae Travel Awardby Keshia Gibson, Alumnae Board of DirectorsThe Alumnae Travel Award is one of the few awards that sistersare eligible for only by attending Convention. Its purposeis to recognize the alumna who traveled the greatest distanceto attend Convention in any given year; taking the number ofyears the alum has been in OPhiA into consideration. ElizabethAnderson, a Mu Chapter alumna, was this year’s recipient. Shetraveled from Nashville to Denver to attend Convention.Elizabeth joined the alumnae ranks in 1997, after graduatingfrom Middle Tennessee State University. She recently movedback to Nashville and eventually plans to start a doctorate in"Karin has taken what too many would be an end of the worldevent and turned it into a way to help others while dealingwith her own daily situation with her son," said Sigma alumnaJuanita Haggard Wade. It was for that reason that she nominatedKaren for the Alumnae Service Award.Incorporated in Tennessee in 2002, the charity now providescare packages to families and hospitals throughout the UnitedStates."I am very proud to call Karin my little sister and feel honoredin nominating her for the Alumnae Service Award. She hastaken the principles of Omega Phi Alpha and continued toactively share them with others through her service to childrenwith congenital heart defects and their parents."history. This year, she wanted to become more involved inOmega Phi Alpha-- and that she did. She joined Omega Delta(Greater Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter) to connect withalumnae nearby.Elizabeth has served in many leadership capacities sincebecoming an active alumna. She contributed alumnae featuresto the Chevron. She also acted as national awards chair andrepresented District 2 alumnae as their delegate at Convention.Elizabeth plans to remain just as involved in OPhiA in thecoming year.AnnouncementsJoin an Alumnae CommitteeAlumnae Chapter Expansion Committee: This committee looks at alumnae chapter issues and serves two main functions: to facilitatecommunication between existing alumnae chapters/interest groups, and to work to expand the network of alumnae chapters of OmegaPhi Alpha. This year, the committee also has a third goal, to improve and create structures and procedures regarding alumnae chapters inaccordance with Vision 2010. Please contact Erin Gatlin-Martin at e.gatlinmartin@gmail.com or via the forum if you are interested.Alumnae Delegates for Convention 2009Are you an alumna with plans to attend Convention in Philadelphia in July 2009? Why not represent the alums in your area by attendingas an alum delegate? For more information please contact the VPAR at alumnae@omegaphialpha.org and check out the OPA online forum.Update Your Contact InfoGet involved and stay connected! Please update your contact information via the alumnae section of the national Web site:www.omegaphialpha.org. Also, log onto the OPA forum (www.omegaphialpha.org/forum) to hear the latest news, access valuableresources and catch up with your sisters!14 Chevron y Fall 2008

OMEGA PHI ALPHANATIONAL SERVICE SORORITYNational OfficePO Box 955East Lyme, CT 06333RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDNational CalendarOct:Oct 6:Oct 5 -11:Oct 5 -11:Oct 15:Oct 15:Oct 15:Oct 15:Nov 2 - 8:Nov 3:Nov 15:Nov 15:Nov 15:Nov 15:Dec:Dec 1:Dec 15:Dec 15:OCTOBERConsult with your TLC about District RallyNational Pin DayNational Insignia WeekNational Fundraising WeekPresident's Council post due on the OPA forumPledge roster from each chapter due to virtual assistantMembership status form and updated active addresses due to virtual assistantActive and pledge fees transmittal form and money due to virtual assistantNOVEMBERFirst full week is National Service WeekNational Pin DayChapter Newsletter report due to VP AdministrationPresident’s Council post due on the OPA forumChevron submission deadline #2 – due to chevron@omegaphialpha.orgComplete Chapter Health Report Card with TLCDECEMBERPledge summary due 2 weeks before activationNational Pin DayMid-year report due from all chapters to virtual assistantMid-year Service Project Report Form to virtual assistant(To add your events and activities, please email them to chevron@omegaphialpha.org with “Chevron Calendar” in the subject.Issue 2 (the winter issue) for 2008-09 will identify events and activities for January through March).16 Chevron y Fall 2008