75-year Member Pinning Ceremony w/ @AXO_FSU to honor #AXO #FoundersDay

A special tribute today as we look forward to the 131st birthday of Alpha Chi Omega Women's Fraternity, Inc. on October 15th (our Founders' Day at DePauw University, Greencastle, IN).

We celebrate a sister who lived a good life and remained active with #AXO for all her 95 years!

Edith Marjorie "Margie" Smith Green visited the chapter to receive her 75-year member pin in April 2014. Her grandson (an FSU Sigma Chi alumnus), her son and daughter-in-law (an FSU circus alumna and AXO alumna initiate!) accompanied Margie. Our alumnae chapter and the Beta Eta collegians ate dinner, presented her pin, celebrated with cake, took photos and sang. ETE was so blessed to meet Margie and help with the celebration.

Fun Fact:  Margie was best buddies with Mary Budd Holmes. Here are their two bricks from the brick sidewalk at Beta Eta.

(We know the company misspelled devoted! We had it corrected)

GREEN, EDITH MARJORIE SMITH, 95 

Gainesville - Marjorie Smith Green, age 95, died Wednesday at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Marjorie was born in Jacksonville, Florida May 19, 1919 to Paul H. and Edith Miller Smith. She moved to Gainesville from Tampa, Florida in 1945. Margie graduated from FSCW (FSU) where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, the Esther Sunday School Class, the Junior League and a charter member of PEO Chapter FH. She was an avid bridge and domino player. 

Mrs. Green was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Paul. Survivors are two brothers, Ernest and Virgil, two sons, Alonzo Frank Green, III (Pam), Paul Michael Green (Martha), both of Gainesville, Florida; three grandchildren, Michael V. Green, Alonzo Frank Green IV & Paul Wallace Green; five great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. 

#WhyAlphaChiWed - Creative Collegians! @axo_fsu @xoxmeredith #FSU18

We are excited to showcase the design work of a Beta Eta collegian!

Best of Luck in your Digital Arts career pursuits Meredith!

http://www.mabdesigns.squarespace.com/

Meenan board member Maclay (@AXO_FSU alumna, @fsuAXOalum) #AXOAchiever

Jill McConnell Meenan (Beta Eta, FSU) served as the FSU Student Government President when she attended FSU and she continues to utilize those skills in Tallahassee contributing time and talent to Maclay. She has chaired many fundraisers for the school - even an event with fellow Beta Eta alumna Kim Skelding a few years ago. Thanks for continuing to serve your community Jill! Another fun fact:  Jill is the big sister to alumna Karen Detrick Ellis.

Kristin's Story - Date Rape, Depression, Suicide - @axo_fsu

Press Release

April 14, 2014


Please Contact:
Ashley Strawser, President of Alpha Chi Omega
Email: strawser.axo@gmail.com

Florida State University: Educating Students about Acquaintance Rape

Tallahassee, FL —Alpha Chi Omega Foundation is sponsoring the presentation of Kristin’s Story: A Story of Acquaintance Rape and Depression for the Florida State University campus community. After 16 years and more than 300 presentations, Tthis proactive, co-educational rape education program will be held for the final time on April 14, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. ET in the Turnbull Center, Rroom 208.

Kristin’s Story describes a young woman’s acquaintance rape and subsequent suicide in 1995 as told by her mother, Andrea Cooper. Her moving narrative shares the deeply moving account of her daughter, Kristin Cooper, a Baker University student and member of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. “I am sharing this because I hope by telling Kristin's story that other lives will be saved, and other young women will not be victims of acquaintance rape, and that those suffering from depression, for ANY reason, will get help,” says Cooper.

In 1998, Andrea Cooper, a member of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, decided to share Kristin’s Story with Greek communities across the country. The response was overwhelming and a new rape education program was born. Since it’s inception, Cooper has been sharing Kristin’s Story with young women and men at over 300+ campuses and conferences worldwide. The program seeks to raise awareness and provide resources for acquaintance/date rape education. The program is currently funded by a grant from the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.

About Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity
Alpha Chi Omega is a values-driven women’s fraternity founded in 1885. It has 132 chapters across the United States. The Fraternity is far more than a social organization, more than a place to live, or a way to meet people.  Its mission is to enrich the lives of members through lifetime opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning and service. For more information regarding Kristin’s Story, visit http://www.kristinsstory.com. To learn more about the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, visit http://www.alphachiomega.org.

#SVAM #SAAM is part of #DVA and #AXO Cares

Excellent information from the #FSU Victim Advocate Program:  No Consent = No Sex.
PROTECT YOURSELF!

Another sighting of #FSU Nancy Smith Fichter for #MacDowellMonth & #WhyAlphaChiWednesday

Loved this photo of Nancy Smith Fichter (Beta Eta, 1949) from the Tallahassee Democrat and the Florida State University Archives.

We found this great article about Nancy too in the Tallahasse Magazine! We are lucky to highlight our own "fine arts super star sisters" during MacDowell Month.

#tbt @AXO_FSU - Beta Eta Chapter at #FSU - RECRUITMENT 2013 (@FSUGreekLife)

Wishing FSU Panhellenic a great
Winterfest 2014
Wednesday, Jan. 15th, 8:00 p.m., Union Ballrooms.

Beta Eta sisters enjoyed a FANTASTIC recruitment Fall 2013!

We loved helping them and seeing their successes!

Beta Eta Recruitment Video 2013

Alumnae, if you need an Alpha Chi Omega Recruitment Recommendation Form

for any of our schools, remember to check the Headquarters' website or contact ETE!  

FSU Football Legacy

A few words for the Tallahassee Democrat about Sibyl our Alpha Omega (Birmingham Southern) sister who enjoyed many years married to Vaughn Mancha to celebrate the first FSU football game of 2013.

Steve Ellis Memorial Scholaship - SS

We are excited to enjoy the Biennial Steve Ellis Memorial Scholarship 5K on Saturday, May 18th.
The Board has been working hard since fall to prepare for the 5K and tailgate before the FSU v. Clemson Baseball game.

Read more about the 1st 5K in 2011:
http://www.orangeandwhite.com/news/2011/may/24/fitting-legacy-steve-ellis-memorial-5k-raises-mone/

And Thanks to WFSU, we can post a recent interview with Karen talking about the event:
http://news.wfsu.org/post/run-honors-local-sports-writer-creates-new-student-opportunities

Interested in sponsorship for the next run? Contact us:

Thanks to sponsors and contributors:

Bagelheads
4th Quarter Bar and Grill
Tiger-Rock Academy
Tallahassee Democrat
Henderson Insurance
Capitol City Runners
Gulf Winds Track Club
Pepsi
Costco
Piggy's BBQ
Nuberri
Harry's
Full Press

Celebrate Valentine's with Fine Arts & a Good Cause

Our Beta Eta sister Stefanie's son Brian was diagnosed with dystonia when he was in high school at Lincoln. Stefanie and Brian traveled to New York to find relief from the disease that struck him so swiftly and suddenly. Happily, he graduated from FSU May 2012 and is able to walk thanks to set of batteries implanted in his body. The family started a research fund to continue the research into this third most common form of neurological, muscle tremor disease.

Tickets for dinner and the Off-Broadway Musical performance of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" on February 14th and 15th at the University Center Club at FSU will benefit the research program. curtainsforacause.com

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130211/NEWS01/302110018/-Curtains-production-raises-funds-awareness-disease

Alpha Chi Omegas are NSF Grant Winners

We were thrilled and not at all surprised to hear our local alumna Chelsie (Elon, Iota Psi) won an NSF grant. Chelsie works incredibly hard researching marine issues as a Master's student at FSU and advocating for the environment, and still makes time to run, bike and swim in triathlons, garden, foster animals and cook! We fear she and her husband Travis (The Great Bicycle Shop) will move in 2013, but we look foward to following her work and successes in the future. We are proud to call her a Real Strong Woman and model Alpha Chi.

Domestic Violence Awareness Week at Alpha Chi Omega FSU

Epsilon Tau Epsilon helped Beta Eta recognize the start of their DVAM because we recognize October as domestic violence awareness month, but domestic violence happens every hour of every day.

The chapter hosted a pasta bar fundraiser (YUMMMMM! Thank you to House Director Lynn, Cook Miss Ura and all the Servers!) and lovely cupcakes from alumnae and Artistic Confections.

Who doesn't love purple cupcakes?

Super helpers and junior cuties:  Allison J and Elizabeth M

Friends and Alumnae:  Cindy, Paula, Yvonne, Danielle (BH, Refuge House Dev. Director), Meagan (KXi), Carol (AXiD), Karen (BH) and Lauren W (CHAIR of the event!)

Ivan, Gabrielle, Darleny, Victoria/Tori

The chapter collected cell phones for Verizon's Hopeline.

And they showed the video Telling Amy's Story (produced by Penn State Public Broadcasting and funded by Hopeline and Verizon Foundation) at one of the auditoriums on campus.

The website urges us:  By sharing the film and web site with others, you are taking a step towards raising awareness and preventing domestic violence. YOU can help stop domestic violence by watching and talking about Telling Amy's Story. Domestic violence thrives when people are afraid to SPEAK OUT about it!

FSU Recruitment 2012 Recap

New Member Class 2012!

Our Alpha Chi Omega chapter at FSU enjoyed a successful Recruitment last week! On Sunday, they welcomed 74 New Members. Many thanks to all the alumnae who provided recommendations for Potential New Members, to all who attended Recruitment Preview, and especially to those who helped at parties and/or stayed up late helping at tally. You are appreciated!!

Congratulations also to our sisters at Gamma Iota chapter at the University of Florida on their excellent Recruitment. Our UF sisters welcomed 68 New Members last week!

The FSU AXO VP-Public Relations and Marketing created this wonderful video recapping their Bid Day:

FSU Sorority Recruitment 2012

Thank you for your help last year!

Sorority Recruitment at FSU will be here before you know it! The dates are Monday, August 20th through Saturday, August 25th. If you will be in town that week, we would love to have your assistance! Most of the parties are held during the work day and as always we need volunteers to help serve water, keep the house looking great and help behind the scenes. Mostly, though, we need large groups of volunteers Friday night August 24th and Saturday night August 25th to help with tally. No special skills are needed!

If you would like to help, please comment on this post (below) and let us know when you are available. Thank you in advance, we appreciate you!

Please also let us know if you need the official Alpha Chi Omega Recruitment Information Form. It can be downloaded from the Alpha Chi Omega National website (here, note you have to log in) or comment below and we'll send you one by email. 

Please send information on any FSU Potential New Members to

CRIC, Alpha Chi Omega, 518 West Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Welcoming FSU AXO Graduating Seniors as New AXO Alumnae!

Sunday, April 22nd, we hosted Hall of Commitment for the graduating seniors at the FSU chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. We're so proud of these young women, and amazed by how quickly four years can pass. 

gifts for the seniors 

 our newest alumnae!

carnations for the ceremony

 cookies to enjoy after the ceremony

Thank you to our alumnae, representing four collegiate chapters, who performed the ceremony!

And our second ceremony, Thursday, April 26th:

AXOs Bring Home FSU Greek Awards!

We are so proud to share the news from the FSU Greek Awards, which were held April 12th. Alpha Chi Omega had two individual winners and two chapter awards. First, our ETE Treasurer and member of the FSU AXO Advisory Board was honored as one of the Chapter Advisors of the Year! There simply is not another sister more deserving of recognition for her devotion! Congratulations Jennifer!!

Jennifer (Theta Lamba) with her award!!

The second individual award went to Jaclyn, who was named Sorority President of the Year! Congratulations, Jaclyn, we are so proud of you!

Jaclyn and her award!!

Beta Eta chapter was also recognized for Excellence in Greek Relations and Excellence in Campus Involvement. Nice work sisters!

Beta Eta's Excellence in Greek Relations certificate!

All of the Alpha Chi Omegas at the event, with the awards!

FSU Sorority Holiday House Tours!

We are all invited to visit all the FSU sororities houses decorated for the holidays this Sunday, December 4th.

Jenn and Amy plan to meet at noon at Westcott Fountain for the Tour and would love to have you join them  for this festive and fun event that will raise funds for Dance Marathon. Here are all the details:

What: Dance Marathon at Florida State University's 1st Annual Sorority Holiday House Tour
When: Sunday, December 4th from 12:00pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per student and senior - will include a tour of each of the 16 FSU sororities, food and refreshments, and presentations from local vendors. When you purchase your ticket, mention Alpha Chi Omega so the chapter can get credit for your contribution.

Benefiting Dance Marathon, Childrens Miracle Network, and The Florida State University College of Medicine

The 1st Annual Sorority Holiday House Tour, benefiting Dance Marathon at The Florida State University, will take place Saturday December 4, 2011 from 12pm- 4pm. People from all over the state and local community will gather together in Tallahassee, Florida for this special event, as they step into the sorority houses at The Florida State University. This is the only time of year that these million dollar mansions open up their holiday-decorated houses for everyone to see! Free parking will belocated near the Westcott Building and check-in will begin at 11:30 in front of the Westcott Fountain. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors and can be purchased prior through each individual sorority, through Dance Marathon directly or at the event check-in table! If you have any questions about this event please contact Kyle Dunnington at

RSVP on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/314240291937320/

Bid Day at Alpha Chi Omega - Beta Eta chapter

The local collegiate chapter Epsilon Tau Epsilon supports is Beta Eta chapter at Florida State University. Today, two weeks of hard work (and lots of sisterhood fun) during their pre-recruitment training that culminated in a Preview for alumnae and friends; and a week of recruiting more than 1450 potential new members, culminates in BID DAY.

Below are the wooden letter the chapter paints to coordinate with each bid day.

Above, a bevy of the beautiful 2010 new members posing with the chapter's famous wooden letters (constructed by the Britain's dad) in the informal living room. They had just received their "Alpha" sisters for bid day.

The new members received a t-shirt, monogrammed bag, croakies, a composite and the chapter's new member handbook.

The theme of the day is "Forever Classic, Forever Alpha Chi".

This is a shot of the dining room.

The colors are white, teal and pink. The seniors are wearing teal dresses and the rest of the chapter is wearing white dresses.

We're so proud of the chapter and really enjoyed helping their success.

Thank you again to the numerous alumnae who helped the chapter!

Recapping the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Celebration

On March 1st, we shared our Alpha Chi Omega link to the local Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and their plans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps. (See the blog post here). We thought it would be fun to follow up with a recap one of the events that week.

Friday, March 4, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers hosted an Opening Reception for their "Art from Our Countries" exhibit, which is on display in the Reflections Art Gallery in the FSU Center for Global Engagement from March 1st through 15th. 

A view of part of the gallery.

Jennifer and fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Tiona, both served in Botswana!

Alpha Chi Omega sisters supporting our Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Jennifer (Theta Lambda, Clemson): Amy (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve Univ), left, and Tara (Beta Eta, Florida State), right. Great work Jennifer!!

 The piece on the wall in the background is one of Jennifer's. It is a "hand-loomed, wool tapestry of a typical village day in Oodi, Botswana. Oodi village is home to Oodi Weavers. The village resides in the Southeast part of Botswana, a bit outside the capital city of Gaborone. My family also owns to gorgeous table runners from this cooperative."

We would be remiss if we didn't thank Amanda (Alpha Upsilon, Alabama) who works with COCA (Council on Culture and Arts for Tallahassee/Leon County). Amanda was instrumental in helping the Jenn's group find the perfect gallery space for their exhibit and event! Thank you, Amanda, and thank you to everyone who stopped by or attended any of the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary events!

More Ways to Support Sisters!

The Friends of the Leon County Public Library Treasurer, Laura (BH, FSU), invites us to the 2011 Author Event February 2nd at 8pm featuring Christopher Buckley, author ofLosing Mum and Pup, Thank You for Smoking, and Boomsday. For $50 General Seating Tickets, call (850) 915-1670 or order online at www.leoncountyfl.gov/library and learn more about them on facebook!

Big Bend Cares Director of Development Perry (BH, FSU) shared a great opportunity: 

BIG BEND CARES is proud to serve up a yearly tradition: "An Evening With Friends." Throughout the month of February, you can organize and host a dinner or cocktail party to raise funds to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The money you raise also will help to provide resources for HIV/AIDS prevention and education efforts in the Big Bend. Learn more and see all the great party planning resources at http://www.bigbendcares.org/evening11/index.shtml

Educator and art lover, Connie (BH, FSU), want us all to know about a first-class exhibit that she's helped with quite a bit: Baroque paintings from the Brera Museum in Milan, Italy will debut at the Brogan Museum on March 18 with a big celebration at the 2011 Wine Festival. http://www.thefloridawinefestival.com Learn more on their facebook page.

For the first time in history, Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the most prestigious museums in Italy, will lend fifty masterpieces from the 16th and 17th centuries to another museum.  This unique collection will debut, outside of the usual international circuit, at The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science in Tallahassee, Florida.  BAROQUE PAINTING IN LOMBARDY FROM THE PINACOTECA DI BRERA is an exclusive exhibition created by the genius of renowned artists such as Vincenzo Campi, Nuvolone, Daniele Crespi,  Sofonisba Anguissola (the first internationally recognized female artist), and many others who embody the signature traits of Baroque Painting.The effort behind this operation is immense, but it is with great pride that The Brogan Museum has devoted its resources into organizing this exhibition, making these treasures accessible to students, art lovers, and the general public in a region that does not normally enjoy initiatives of this caliber. http://www.baroquepaintings.org/

In addition to collecting items for Whale of a Sale, please contact Lauren (BH, FSU) if you have dresses to donate for Junior League's Operation Prom Dress. Lauren says, "I can pick up all of these items to save someone time/goodwill trips" Reach her at lauren_aukeman at yahoo dot com.