Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

alpha chi omega | page 6 T he Alpha Nu Chapter was recognized by Alpha Chi Omega National Headquarters with 2019 awards during a virtual awards ceremony, Lyre Lights—A Night of Celebration, on July 28. The awards were to be presented at Alpha Chi Omega's national convention in Baltimore in June, but it was canceled due to COVID-19. The chapter was recognized with two prestigious Seeking the Heights awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in various areas of chapter programming. Alpha Nu received the Chapter Leadership award for large chapters based on programming aimed at developing future chapter leaders. Examples of innovative programming included a new Denim Day tradition started by the vice president of philanthropy, where they invited students to the house for yard games, snacks and a craft involving painting on pieces of denim. The vice president of membership programming organized a Galentines Day event at the house for members featuring a spa night and a chocolate fountain. She also planned an all-member retreat to St. Louis to visit the Delmar Loop and the Zoo. The chapter's vice president of ritual held an Alpha Nu birthday party in August with ΑΧΩ trivia and a birthday cake celebration. The vice president of recruitment and team held a Bid Night event where new members were invited to the house on the evening of Bid Day for a movie and snacks to encourage them to get to know active members and their new member class. The vice president of new member education planned a new member retreat to St. Louis to visit the Gateway Arch and attend a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. According to the nomination, "Aside from new events and programming, a strong emphasis was placed on embodying the core membership criteria of Alpha Chi Omega, pushing members to Seek the Heights and be the greatest version of themselves." The second Seeking the Heights award, for Diversity and Inclusion, was only awarded to Alpha Nu. The award recognizes chapters who have a significant event or initiative in the area of diversity and inclusion and participate in diversity and inclusion efforts on their campus. Alpha Nu received the award for its approach to diversity and inclusion, as well as educational programming. According to Jordyn Eskijian '16, the chapter president in 2019 and who submitted the nomination, the chapter's executive board responded to requests from chapter members for diversity and inclusion programming. "We amended our chapter bylaws to create a diversity and inclusion committee and charged the committee to develop action items," she explained. "Our view of inclusion and diversity was very broad and specific to our chapter. Not only was it about race, creed, color, religion and orientation, per Alpha Chi Omega, but for us included having members from large and small towns, states other than Missouri and Illinois, members with different family backgrounds, public and private high schools and income levels. We don't want all members to be in two or three majors nor all of us to look alike." There were educational presentations from members and other activities meant to be informative and fun. "We also provided opportunities for conversations about how to make our chapter more diverse in all ways," Jordyn shared. "Sometimes those conversations were difficult but because the committee was formed at the request of members, we had great cooperation and participation." ALPHA NU CHAPTER RECOGNIZED BY NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Alpha Chi Omega at Mizzou Receives Two Seeking the Heights Awards K ristin Hathaway, Iota Lambda '12, received the 2019 Outstanding Collegiate Advisor award. Kristin served as the chapter advisor to Alpha Nu for three years, from 2016 through 2019, and was nominated by the chapter's executive board. This award is presented annually to the Alpha Chi Omega advisor (chapter advisor or position advisor) who embodies a real, strong woman. The selected recipient guides and supports the chapter, serving as a role model to chapter members while encouraging innovation and motivation. Chapters, chapter advisory boards or province collegiate chairs may submit nominations. Kristin's nomination noted her intentional relationship building, ability to mentor and unselfish involvement with the chapter all the while completing her graduate program. Per the nomination, "Kristin is someone that each member of the Alpha Nu Chapter can look up to. She sets an example with the way she lives her daily life. She speaks kindly, walks humbly and acts with grace and respect. She is an excellent full time graduate student and worker. She is a friend, a daughter, a mentor, a sister and a role model. She balances everything she is a part of effortlessly because of her passionate drive. Kristin is always available and ready to offer a helping hand or word of advice. She is approachable and genuine and someone we all strive to be like. We are so grateful to have her and we are aware of the significant impact she has had on all of our lives." Former AN Chapter Advisor Recognized as 2019 Outstanding Collegiate Advisor

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