Collegiate Homecoming Update

Last week was a CRAZY busy week for the collegiate chapter, full of homecoming festivities... The week began with WarChant, the Chilli Cook off (the chapter placed 3rd) and a concert by Ludacris. On Monday, members participated in a blood drive, and Spear-it night. Tuesday, the chapter participated in skit night with their pairing Phi Delta Theta. Wednesday was the Seminole Festival and Garnet and Gold Gala (attended by some members). Thursday, members participated in Renegade recess. Friday, members enjoyed a half day of classes, the homecoming parade and Pow-Wow.

Pictures will be added soon... so be sure to check back

Saturday, the chapter attended the tailgate with their pairing Phi Delta Theta, and of course the Football game.

Sunday, the chapter welcomed alumnae home for a brunch and then enjoyed some downtime before Chapter, and slating for elections!!!

Fall Formal... (french inspired)

This past weekend the chapter celebrated their fall formal, at the local Chez Pierre Restaurant and bar. The event was french themed complete with favors. The ladies took a bus from the chapter house to the venue, where they enjoyed live music/DJ, drinks and food. The event promises to me memorable for all those who attended

Big/Little Reveal

This past week the chapter celebrated Big/Little Reveal. Each day during the week, the new members received a gift, and a clue from their big sisters. The event culminated with Big/Little Reveal. The new members got to know who their big sister was, and meet other women in their "family." Such an exciting event! The ladies are looking forward to the many memories that the future holds.

Do you have a story about your Big Sister and/or Little Sister? Do you remember the day you found out who she was? Please be sure to comment and share your stories!

Enjoy some photos from Big/Little Reveal!!!

Paint it Purple for DVA

We blogged earlier about the Paint it Purple CupCake project... Well, the time is quickly approaching for us to post images & recipes of cupcakes created by our readers,  Please enjoy the below cupcakes created by one of our alumna's friends who is also participating in the project. Tomorrow members of the Tallahassee,  ETE alumna chapter will be taking cupcakes to the Beta Eta chapter house for the collegians to help decorate.. Then the cupcakes will be brought to the local Tallahassee Domestic Violence Shelter, the Womens Refuge House.. We will of course post photos upon receiving them!!  Did you participate in this project and make adorable purple cupcakes to share with those in your life to promote DVA? Be sure to email a photo of your cupcakes and recipe to axofloridastate {at} gmail {dot} com and we will compile them to share!

don't forget if you and/or your family wore purple to support DVA send those photos our way as well.... we will be highlighting members on our blog this month, and a present thanking you for your support will be headed your way!!!

Classic Yellow Butter Cake Recipe:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups milk

·  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add cupcake parchment to cupcake pan.

·                 Into a medium bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

·  In a separate bowl beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping        down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until combined after each addition.

·  Place batter into a measuring cup (for easy pouring) and pour into cupcake pan. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until cupcakes are golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 20- 25 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool 20 minutes.

·               Wait for cupcakes to cool completely before icing. 

Mixed Berry Cheesecake icing:

• 1 8oz. Package of cream cheese, softened (Be sure to use regular cream cheese, reduced fat versions tend to melt easier and become runny)
• 1 box confectioners sugar
• 1 stick of butter softened.
• 2 tsp of vanilla
• ¼ -2 cups of mixed berry puree

·   In main bowl, combine cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, butter, and vanilla. It is important that your butter is room temp before you start; otherwise you get chunks of butter in your end result.

·   In a food processor, combine equal parts of frozen blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Blend until smooth.

·   Fold, (do not mix) desired amount of blueberry puree into main icing mixture.

F-L-O-R-I-D-A -S-T-A-T-E, GO NOLES!!!

This past weekend, like many weekends in the fall, the many of the women in the chapter enjoyed a tailgate paired with a local fraternity, and then cheering our team on for a win!! Are you visiting Tallahassee for a game, or  really for anything? Be sure to stop by the house! We would love to show you around and hear about your time at 518...

Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.

Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.

In other news, the chapter is looking forward to a visit from Jenny, from HQ, this upcoming week. The collegiate chapter was chosen as one of 10 chapters to participate in a 4-year experience program. The chapter is currently working through the Freshman and Junior tracks, and thus far has found them very beneficial (thanks Foundation & Education)....

The chapter is also gearing up for Big/Little week so be sure to check back the next few Mondays when we can share some of goodies the new members received from their big sisters during week!

New Member Retreat weekend

 

This weekend the new member class of 2010, traveled to Orlando, Florida to participate in the Annual New Member retreat. The weekend was full of fun activities. The girls learned about Alpha Chi Omega, Florida State, the Beta Eta chapter, and of course about each other.. 

The of course spent time watching the Florida State game, and were able to catch some sun at a local lake.

  

What has Beta Eta been up to?

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:

- 1^st Place Amount Raised by Pairing

- Spirit Award

- Most Spirited Individual Dancers in a Pairing (Cara Becker and Michael Hoff)

- 3^rd Place Dance Marathon Overall

Florida State University Greek Awards:

- Best Philanthropy

- AXΩ Induction into Greek Life Hall of Fame (Cheyenne Overbey)

2^nd Place Overall Sorority IM Champions 2010

1^st Place:

- Beach Volleyball

3^rd Place:

- Softball

- 4v4 Flag Football

4^th Place:

- Basketball

- Dodgeball

5^th Place:

- Soccer

Philanthropy Achievements

Delt Top Model for the Kawasaki Disease Foundation

- 1^st Place

Pi Kappa Phi Night Spikers for Push America

- 1^st Place

PIKE Canned Food Drive for the homeless shelters of Tallahassee

- 1^st Place

Sigma Delta Tau’s Have Your Cake and ΣΔT It Too for Prevent Child Abuse America

- 2^nd Place

PIKE Christmas for the Kids for the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend

- 2^nd Place

PIKE Beach Volleyball Tournament for the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend

- 2^nd 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:

- 1^st Place Most Money Raised by Pairing

Florida State University Greek Awards:

- Most Improved Chapter of the Year

Greek Week

- 3^rd Place Overall

2^nd Place Overall Sorority IM Champions 2010

Philanthropy Achievements

Delt Top Model

- 1^st Place

PIKE Canned Food Drive

- 1^st Place

PIKE Christmas for the Kids

- 2^nd Place

Phi Sigma Kappa’s Ms. Phi-Significant

- 3^rd 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:

- 1^st Place Dance Marathon Overall

- 1^st Place Amount Raised by Pairing

- 1^st Place Number of Dancers in Pairing

Florida State University Panhellenic Woman of the Week (Ashley Fisher)

Tallahassee Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship (Ashley Fisher)

Intramural Achievements

1^st Place

- Kickball

- Soccer

3^rd Place Overall Florida State University Campus Intramurals

Fraternity Sweetheart

FIJI

- Lauren Fedi

Alpha Chi Sweetheart

- Jim Alfano, FIJI

2007

Awards and Achievements

Alpha Chi Omega National Awards:

- Alpha Chi Omega Advisory Board of the Year

- Alpha Chi Omega Foundation Medallion Award

- Alpha Chi Omega Seeking the Heights - Panhellenic Relations and Programming

- Alpha Chi Omega Seeking the Heights - Best New Member Program

Dance Marathon Awards, Garnet Division:

- 1^st Place Dance Marathon Overall

Homecoming Awards:

- 1^st Place Warchant

Florida State University Greek Awards:

- Outstanding Chapter Management

Florida State University Panhellenic Woman of the Week (Tracy Randall)
Tallahassee Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship (Tracy Randall)

Intramural Achievements

1^st Place

- Volleyball

- Dodgeball

- Kickball

- Softball

Philanthropy Achievements

Pi Lambda Phi Line Dance

- Spirit Award

Alpha Chi Sweetheart

-

- Trent Kilpatrick, ΠKA

Happy Bid Day!

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:

Gerbera daisies:

Fun for all in the Disney Princesses bounce house

Waiting for the new members:

And here they are:

Welcome to Alpha Chi Omega!!

Recruitment is here!!

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..

Beta Eta Honored by Alpha Chi Omega Foundation

In Foundation news, we are very proud of Beta Eta for reaching the President's Roll at Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. Beta Eta attained $50,000 in cumulative giving to Foundation this year. The collegians received this plaque to hang at the chapter house; a second copy will be displayed at Alpha Chi Omega Headquarters!

Also, it was so nice to see Beta Eta alumna Tracy featured at the Foundation Luncheon on Monday, July 12th:

Ten sisters were profiled at the luncheon, one per each place setting at the tables. We're so proud of you, Tracy!

Beta Eta Receives Awards at Alpha Chi Omega Convention

Great news! Beta Eta was a finalist for the 2010 National Council Trophy, Alpha Chi Omega's highest honor!

The suspense began Monday evening July 12th as the Finalists were announced.

It was thrilling and exciting to know there was a chance Beta Eta could win the Trophy!

Congratulations, Omicron chapter, Baker University on winning the 2010 National Council Trophy! It was pretty amazing to be one of three Finalist for this huge award!

Chapter President, Liz, (third from left) and Vice President - Education, Vaneese, (center) receive the National Council Finalist Trophy from the Alpha Chi Omega National Council:

Vaneese and Liz pose with the Trophy:

The excitement didn't end there!

The Beta Eta Advisory Board won Advisory Board Award for 2010! What a wonderful surprise and a well-deserved honor for the hard-working Chapter Advisor, Britain, and the whole board! The Board is represented below by the Convention-attending Amy (Zeta Upsilon), Fraternity Relations Advisor (left), Jennifer (Theta Lambda, Clemson), Education Advisor (center) and Britain (Beta Eta, FSU), Chapter Advisor (right). Amy and Britain are holding the two engraved crystal book ends that make up the 2010 Advisory Board Award.

Welcoming Our Newest Beta Eta Alumnae

 

Dear Recent Beta Eta Chapter Graduate,

       It is with great pride that we congratulate you on your recent graduation from The Florida State University, and your entry into another chapter in your lives as an alumna of the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. You will forever remember the time you spent at 518 West Park Avenue, forever cherish the time spent with your sisters whom have become your life long friends, and forever be a member of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity.

       As you begin this journey, there are a couple things we hope you will do to keep in touch with Alpha Chi:

1. Be sure to join the Beta Eta alumnae group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6054394572&ref=ts

2. Follow the chapter on Twitter: @axo_fsu

3. Sign up for our Yahoo Group Emails: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/axobh2000s/

4. Join a local alumnae chapter in your new town (please let Britain or Amy Z know if you need help finding one, or you can use this link:http://www.alphachiomega.org/index.aspx?id=96)

5. Join Beta Eta's very own Virtual Alumnae Chapter, Xi Omega Xi: http://axofloridastate.blogspot.com/p/joinrenew-alumnae-chapter.html

6. Check out the Xi Omega Xi blog: http://axofloridastate.blogspot.com/

7. Come back to 518 for Homecoming festivities and other events!  Beta Eta's calendar will be updated on the chapter's website: www.axofloridastate.com and on the Xi Omega Xi Blog...

8. Update your address with HQ, to ensure you receive mailings: http://www.alphachiomega.org/sindex2.aspx?id=138


       If you decide to check out Xi Omega Xi, (we of course hope you do) and you decide to become a member, please note that you can do so by paying your annual dues on the blog thru Paypal. Xi Omega Xi offers a discount for the 1st year for recent grads with dues of ($19) ... (much cheaper than chapter dues, heh?)!

       If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at Axofloridastate {at} gmail {dot} com

Beta Eta Featured in National Housing Corporation Newsletter!

It was so nice to see a photo of the upstairs TV room featured in this article in the Alpha Chi Omega National Housing Corporation's monthly newsletter. To see the full Housing Happenings newsletter, click here.

Linking the Past to the Present by Erin Boyce, Lead Specialist-Local House Corporation/Chapter Relations Erin Boyce, House Corporation President for Alpha Chi House Corporation at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, shares her story about creating a “Founders Room” for the chapter. In the Summer of 2009 during one of my frequent visits to the Alpha Chi Chapter house at Butler University,  I discovered boxes and boxes of old photos from the 1940s to the present sitting in a dark room in the basement.  Also discovered was the original chapter charter, a handwritten story of the chapter’s founding and a shadow box with the pin and charm bracelets of one of the chapter’s founders.  I gathered these items together and took a trip to Headquarters to share these treasures with Vicky Harrison who serves as the staff Archivist.  While at Headquarters, Vicky and I discussed what to do with these discoveries.  From our conversations, I was inspired to create a Founders Room in the chapter house.  Vicky shared pictures from other chapters who had created such a space in their home and I began to visualize how the Alpha Chi house at Butler could has its own “historic” space also. After tapping into the talents of a local alumna who was an interior decorator and soliciting additional items from the alumnae using the chapter newsletter, the project began to take shape.  Getting chapter “buy-in” was critical because the house corporation was converting the “Bum Room” into a more formal area.  The buy-in was easy as the chapter members began learning about their heritage.  One of our local alumnae, Katie Mathis donated a glass block from our original chapter house.  She came to the house during a Founders Day event and presented it to the chapter with many stories to share.  My husband’s boss (the son of one of our national past presidents, Rose Mary Hittle) donated everything and anything he had from his mother which included her initiation certificate, diploma, a watch, many pictures, and other articles.  The chapter members were thrilled to be able to have these cherished items in their home. The house corporation and the chapter have found incorporating the past into the chapter facility can be beneficial in several ways!  The collegians benefit from seeing the longevity of the chapter’s home and the wonderful items reflecting the history of the chapter and its members.  The alumnae gain a real connection to the facility and the knowledge and recognition the chapter values all its members.  And, hopefully, the connection will grow causing collegians and alumnae to monetarily support other future housing projects! For additional support and/or information, contact Erinvia email. Other heritage examples: Alpha Chapter, DePauw University Karen Bushouse, House Corporation Board President. Alpha Chi Omega Headquarters and Alpha Chapter alumnae helped to contribute to memorabilia for the chapter’s wonderful display of the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega’s founding chapter. Beta Eta Chapter, Florida State University Britain Dwyre, Chapter Advisor Britain worked with the Housing Department and the collegiate chapter to also incorporate memorabilia  from the past throughout the Beta Eta Chapter’s home.  Please send your pictures and ideas telling the Housing Department how you are preserving your chapter’s heritage and making it come alive in your chapter house.