A blog about the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, by/for the sisters; Alumnae & parent.
Sponsored by the ΞΩΞ (Xi Omega Xi) Beta Eta Virtual Alumnae Chapter
Lynn was initiated into Beta Eta in the Fall of 1990 (back when you had to wait til second semester to get in :-))During her collegiate years, she held the offices of Philanthropy Chair, Sisterhood Chair, & Par-Tee Chair. She was also VP, Membership of Lady Spirithunters and President of Seminole Ambassadors.
She graduated in 1994 with a BS in Marketing. Originally from Chicago, Lynn moved home upon graduation and started her sports career with the Chicago Bulls. Since then, she's worked for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning and spent a short stint in both Christian publishing & minor league baseball before settling in with the Professional Bullriders as their VP of Marketing.
Lynn currently lives in Colorado Springs with her 2 black labs. She still makes it back to FSU once a year to see the NOLES with some of her AX sorority pledge sisters and visit the Beta Eta house.
Below are Beta Eta's accomplishments for the past 3 1/2 years. This updated list will soon be published to our website. We are very proud of our sisters for all they have achieved throughout the years and ready to continue the Alpha Chi tradition of seeking the heights. and look forward to sharing more with you during the 2010 fall semester!
2010
Awards and Achievements
Alpha Chi Omega National Awards:
-Finalist Alpha Chi Omega National Council Trophy (1 of 3 chapters)
-President’s Roll
-Advisory Board of the Year
Dance Marathon Awards, Garnet Division:
-1st Place Amount Raised by Pairing
-Spirit Award
-Most Spirited Individual Dancers in a Pairing (Cara Becker and Michael Hoff)
-3rd Place Dance Marathon Overall
Florida State University Greek Awards:
-Best Philanthropy
-AXΩ Induction into Greek Life Hall of Fame (Cheyenne Overbey)
2nd Place Overall Sorority IM Champions 2010
1st Place:
-Beach Volleyball
3rd Place:
-Softball
-4v4 Flag Football
4th Place:
-Basketball
-Dodgeball
5th Place:
-Soccer
Philanthropy Achievements
Delt Top Model for the Kawasaki Disease Foundation
-1st Place
Pi Kappa Phi Night Spikers for Push America
-1st Place
PIKE Canned Food Drive for the homeless shelters of Tallahassee
-1st Place
Sigma Delta Tau’s Have Your Cake and ΣΔT It Too for Prevent Child Abuse America
-2nd Place
PIKE Christmas for the Kids for the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend
-2nd Place
PIKE Beach Volleyball Tournament for the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend
-2nd Place
Sigma Nu Ballin’ for Barrett benefiting the Barrett Burchak Scholarship Foundation
-Most Participation Award
Fraternity Sweethearts
Sigma Nu
-Monique Hoffman
Chi Phi
-Kelly Youngblood
Alpha Chi Brothers of Hermes
-John Morris, ΣΦE
-Brent Hileman, ΠKA
2009
Awards and Achievements
Alpha Chi Omega National Awards:
-Young Alumna of the Year (Britain Dwyre)
Dance Marathon Awards, Garnet Division:
-1st Place Most Money Raised by Pairing
Florida State University Greek Awards:
-Most Improved Chapter of the Year
Greek Week
-3rd Place Overall
2nd Place Overall Sorority IM Champions 2010
Philanthropy Achievements
Delt Top Model
- 1st Place
PIKE Canned Food Drive
-1st Place
PIKE Christmas for the Kids
-2nd Place
Phi Sigma Kappa’s Ms. Phi-Significant
-3rd Place (Tori Barriga)
Alpha Chi Sweetheart
-Alex Sandkuhl, ΔTΔ
2008
Awards and Achievements
Alpha Chi Omega National Awards:
-Finalist Alpha Chi Omega National Council Trophy (1 of 3 chapters)
-Alpha Chi Omega Advisory Board of the Year
-Alpha Chi Omega Foundation Carnation Roll Award
-Alpha Chi Omega Seeking the Heights Finalist - Risk Management
-Alpha Chi Omega Seeking the Heights Finalist - Facility Management
-Alpha Chi Omega Seeking the Heights Finalist - Alumnae and Parent Relations
-Alpha Chi Omega Seeking the Heights Finalist - P.A.C.E
-Alpha Chi Omega Seeking the Heights Finalist - Fraternity Appreciation
Dance Marathon Awards, Garnet Division:
-1st Place Dance Marathon Overall
-1st Place Amount Raised by Pairing
-1st Place Number of Dancers in Pairing
Florida State University Panhellenic Woman of the Week (Ashley Fisher)
It is a known fact that Florida State University has a strong greek system. We speak often on the blog about Alpha Chi Omega, and then Panhellenic Community. However, this post is about the fraternal community. IFC at Florida State University is committed to building the leaders of tomorrow each and every day on campus... Do you have a favorite fraternity story from your time on campus??? Be sure to click the links below to check out the FSU chapters' sites.
Next week is Fraternity Rush at FSU.... can't wait to share details with you...
Dana Brookes was initiated into Beta Eta in 1997. While a collegiate member Dana received the Red Carnation award her first year, was a member of the Standards Board and served as Chapter President in 1997. Dana was very active on campus and served as a Student Senator in 1996-1997 and again in 1999 and 2000. Dana served on the board of the Student Alumni Association, Seminole Ambassadors, Gold Key, and Order of Omega. Dana was a student member of Burning Spear Inc. and served as their new member educator for two terms.
After college, Dana moved to Washington D.C. and lived with pledge sister Hannah Highfill. Dana worked for U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), and became a fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). Dana worked her way up to become the director of the Majority Trust of the DSCC, responsible for development of major gifts from across the country. Dana also worked for U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman during his Presidential campaign, Tony Knowles’ (former Governor of Alaska) Senate Campaign, and the John Kerry/John Edwards Presidential Campaign as the DSCC liaison in Louisiana. After working for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson’s re election campaign in Palm Beach County, Fl, Dana left political work and began raising funds for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County.
Dana is currently the Director of Financial Development and Marketing for the YMCA of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fl. Dana serves on the Board of Directors for the Palm Beach Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and is the Chairperson of National Philanthropy Day. Dana was the recipient of the AFP’s Chamberlin Scholarship in 2010. Dana is a member of the YMCA Professional’s Organization and a member of the National Association of YMCA Development Officers. In Palm Beach County, Dana volunteers for Sunfest, Democratic Professionals Council and other non profits. Dana is an active alumni member of Burning Spear, Inc.
Dana has a five year old son named Samuel whom she enjoys spending all of her free time with. Dana and Samuel love living at the beach and can be found surfing and paddle boarding. Dana also enjoys staying active and completed her first ½ marathon in Orlando in March 2010.
Dana is currently leading a Philanthropy Discussion group for Xi Omega Xi and is excited to stay in touch and involved as an Alpha Chi Omega Alumna with her Beta Eta sisters through our new Virtual Alumnae Chapter.
Photos of the new members are coming soon, but while we're waiting for those, we thought you'd enjoy seeing some of the adorable details that went into making Bid Day 2010 a successful event for all the sisters!
The banner = the theme Alpha Chi Life is Good <3
Bid Day tank - front:
Bid Day tank - back
Letters on the lawn painted to match the letters on the shirts:
A new member with her her yard dec:
Rho Gamma banner:
Close up of the Rho Gamma banner:
The darling Bid Day bag:
Three times the sidewalk love:
Cupcakes from Lucy & Leo's frosted in colors to match the party:
The below article was initially posted Rise Partnerships Blog it addresses hazing in a different light..
Two weeks ago, Dallas Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant refused to carry pads for veteran teammate Roy Williams, and then later changed his tune. More recently, Tim Tebow accepted a ridiculous haircut in order to gain the respect of his teammates. A number of sports reporters then brushed off this poor example of role modeling as an ‘age old tradition’ which should be celebrated and upheld. (Read Searching for Heroes to learn more). Yesterday, Peyton Manning chimed in with his take on the issue and told a very different story.
So, are haircuts, errands, and pranks really hazing? Should we be so concerned? Are they truly harmless? Which athlete’s example should we follow? The answers range dramatically depending on whose opinion you ask. This is one of the great challenges in overcoming hazing practices: how can these seemingly insignificant incidents fall under the same policy which targets alcohol abuse, sexual assault and physical attacks? We need some clarity here.
First, there’s the law. In its most narrow definition, hazing is a legal term defined by state law and organizational policy. It is up to the authorities to determine whether these incidents qualify as hazing according to the language of the law. Unfortunately the NFL isn’t doing anything, and I don’t see Tebow or Bryant pressing charges against their teammates. These incidents might be unprosecuted instances of hazing, but we will never know.
Second, regardless of the written law, hazing is an insult to human dignity. It is neither ethical nor dignified to ask a new member to participate in meaningless and irrelevant activities just for personal satisfaction. It may be a tradition that veterans also went through, but that does not make it any more ethical. This is little more than an expression of dominance – a power play disguised as ‘good fun.’ Even if state laws don’t yet recognize this type of emotional abuse as hazing, it’s still a problem.
There is also a third test. Even if something is legal, ethical and dignified, it may simply have no place within the organization. Dez Bryant said it best: "I'm here to try to help win a championship, not carry another man's pads." What does a haircut have to do with team performance? And how does requiring someone to run errands build dedication? Does the humiliation of one person foster mutual respect among the larger group? The fact is, these ‘techniques’ are ineffective at best, and detrimental to team dynamics at worst. As a result, they earn their way into the hazing definition.
What is the alternative? Manning’s answer: "We don't do that around here, because we don't treat the guys like rookies. We expect those guys to play this year and to play well." This idea seems to have worked well for him as the leader of a championship team.
Drop the debate about whether an activity fits the definition of hazing, and ask yourself whether it helps the organization. What is the best way to indoctrinate and assimilate new members? When we’re working with fraternity/sorority chapters to improve the new member experience, the answer is not found in a series of ridiculous activities; the answer comes from genuine relationship building, hands-on coaching and a consistent expectation across the entire organization.
In the statements he made to the press, Manning shared a similar philosophy. “If they're on the team, we expect them to know the offense and to be in there. That's why we treat them all like veterans.” And later he talks about a new teammate: “I think you have (to) spend the time with him. You have to watch some film with him. You have to go out and throw with him.” Automatic respect, consistent expectations and an investment in talent. Standing up to the controversy to tell a different story about what is possible? Sounds like a real MVP to me.
Patty is a 1970 initiate of Beta Eta. Her campus activities included student government, Junior Counselor (JC), President of Broward Hall during her junior year, and 1st Vice-president of Beta Eta as a Senior. She graduated in 1972 with a BA in English Education and returned to South Florida to begin her teaching career. Patty will celebrate her 38th wedding anniversary with her Alpha Chi Sweetheart, Walter, in December. Their wedding included three Alpha Chi attendants and bouquets of red carnations.
In Miami, Patty joined Beta Omicron Beta alumnae and served as president 1978-79. She attended the convention in Scottsdale, AZ in 1978 as a delegate and proudly remembers the vote to form the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. Patty and Walter moved to Cooper City in 1979 where she became active in the South Broward Alumnae club. From 1986-1992, Patty was Province Alumnae Chair for Florida/South. This experience truly cemented her love and loyalty to Alpha Chi Omega; meeting and working with the many talented Alpha Chi Omega women was a pleasure and taught her much. Patty also served as PACE Alumnae Chair 1996-98 and chair of the Alumnae Awards Recognition Committee. Closer to home, she served as President of her local alumnae group for over 10 years. During this time, the South Broward alumnae became Theta Phi Theta and merged with the North Broward alumnae chapter. Patty represented Alpha Chi Omega in the Fort Lauderdale Area Panhellenic through the years as a Board Member and President 1999-2000.
Patty and Walter have two grown daughters, Elizabeth and Danielle, and two very special granddaughters, Skylar and Ashlyn. After 30 years of teaching middle school language arts, Patty retired in 2009. She spent 25 years at Pioneer Middle School where she was Department Chair and became a National Board Certified Teacher. Patty and her husband moved to Vero Beach after their retirement where she is an active volunteer at The Environmental Learning Center and as a tutor with Literacy Services of Indian River County. Of course, she found her new alumnae chapter, Iota Nu Iota. Retirement means more time to enjoy the beach and water recreation, good books, Florida State Football, theater, and most importantly her family -- especially her granddaughters.
Patty attended her twelfth convention this summer, representing Theta Phi Theta as a delegate. Participating in the installation of our Xi Omega Xi virtual chapter was a very special highlight filled with emotion and devotion for Alpha Chi and Beta Eta. She is grateful for the award-winning BH advisory board and hopes our new alumnae chapter will help continue the excellence of BH.
The past two days were the start of formal recruitment! We are pleased to share that Recruitment had a record number (1,341) potential new members attending the first round
Scholarship (first round, formerly called Ice Waters) Round took place Monday evening and all day Tuesday, with BH hosting 20 parties over the two days.
Can't wait as the next round, service is one of our favorite..photos to come..
Xi Omega Xi Virtual Alumnae Chapter for alumnae of Beta Eta Chapter, Florida State University, was installed on July 11, 2010 in Washington D.C. during Alpha Chi Omega's 56th National Convention.
Back Row, Left to Right: founding members Katie Halliday, Britain Dwyre, Aggie Smith Steiner, Jessica Harwood Bouwsma, Jessica Beers, Sylvia Miller Foster and Sarah McDaniel.
Front Row, Left to Right: founding members Claudia Wenzel Thomas, Province Alumnae Chair Lorraine Franckle, and founding members Karen Buffer Rinehart and Patty Renick Gerrard.
Province Alumnae Chair, Lorraine Rubis Franckle, administered the installation while National Song Chair, Audra Levi Priluck, graciously contributed by singing the music during the ceremony - a huge thank you to both of these ladies!!!
Jessica Harwood Bouwsma and Audra Levi Priluck, National Song Chair
Assistant Director of Lifetime Engagement, Megan Houghton, visited us at the end of installation, presenting us with this President's Gavel.
President of Xi Omega Xi, Jessica Harwood Bouwsma at her delegate seat during Convention.
First, there’s the law. In its most narrow definition, hazing is a legal term defined by state law and organizational policy. It is up to the authorities to determine whether these incidents qualify as hazing according to the language of the law. Unfortunately the NFL isn’t doing anything, and I don’t see Tebow or Bryant pressing charges against their teammates. These incidents might be unprosecuted instances of hazing, but we will never know.
There is also a third test. Even if something is legal, ethical and dignified, it may simply have no place within the organization. Dez Bryant said it best: "I'm here to try to help win a championship, not carry another man's pads." What does a haircut have to do with team performance? And how does requiring someone to run errands build dedication? Does the humiliation of one person foster mutual respect among the larger group? The fact is, these ‘techniques’ are ineffective at best, and detrimental to team dynamics at worst. As a result, they earn their way into the hazing definition.
