Alpha Chi Omega - Purdue University

Lyre Letter 2 N eva Fricke Bell '37, who was initiated as a junior in 1937 and graduated from Purdue in 1938, just celebrated her 105th birthday on January 26, 2021. She met her true love, Simeon Bell, an Alpha Tau Omega, at Purdue, and two of her three children—her two sons—graduated from Purdue as well. There are about 20 of her extended family members who went to Purdue. Neva was invited to a summer pre-rush party as a freshman but didn't attend as she was on a Merit Scholarship and thought it might be too much. Thankfully, Neva reconsidered and had two great years of Alpha Beta sisterhood in the 522 University Street house. She has so many fond memories. She still remembers the party she attended for freshman held at Purdue President Edward Elliot's home. Neva met her best friend there, Nava Cox, who was not an Alpha Chi. From then on, they were known as "Fricke and Coxie." Formal dinners where all of the sisters dressed up, ate at the same time, and said their prayers together were some of Neva's favorite times. On one such night, with the help of a few sisters, she mischievously dressed up in shoulder pads like a football player. Her pledge class also did a sit out, where they snuck out of the house on a Saturday night when there was a 10 p.m. curfew, with plans to return Sunday morning. They would have been in trouble, but someone purposely left the doors open to sneak back in on Sunday. Neva was pinned to Simeon, and they got engaged. Simeon had accepted a job as a pharmacist working 70 hours a week, so they wouldn't have time for a honeymoon before he had to report to work. Her dad was a big enthusiast of planes and flying. He contacted American Airlines and arranged for them to be married in flight. They boarded an American Airlines transport plane from Indianapolis to Cincinnati with their best friends as attendants, their reverend and other passengers as witnesses. They would only have a few hours together before Simeon had to be at work the next day. The couple brought a new meaning to our open motto, "Together let us seek the heights," as they were married at an altitude of 5,000 feet while traveling 100 miles per hour. Neva believes that they hold the only record for a live wedding on a commercial airline. When World War II broke out, Simeon joined the Navy, and they had a 1 year old at the time. They moved around to New York, Virginia, Washington, Michigan, Arizona, and several times in Indiana where she now resides. In school and as an alumna, she knew Bonnie House Andrews '38. It was fun to move around. Neva and Simeon continued their love of travel and flying, enjoying 10 years of retirement together, as Southwest Airlines gave them a free year's travel and Eastern Air gave them an unlimited pass for $99. President Mitch Daniels sent Neva a letter to honor her 100th birthday and her nephew had a flag flown over the Capitol in D.C. for her 105th birthday. Neva's Alpha Chi Omega pin and Simeon's Alpha Tau Omega pin are still linked next to each other on her charm bracelet today. Please send cards and best wishes to our beloved, fun, wise and witty sister, Neva, at: Neva Fricke Bell, 8505 Woodfield Crossing Blvd. Apt. 328, Indianapolis, IN 46240-7333 SiSterhood iS Forever Neva Fricke Bell '37 Reflects on Her Lifelong Experience with Alpha Chi Omega W e all know it's hard to stay connected to various friends and organizations after graduation, especially if you aren't surrounded by the people or places every day. And we all have learned how difficult it can be when we are forced to do so through various events like a pandemic. There are so many ways to stay engaged with Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Beta, even if it's just getting simple updates about our chapter or our sisterhood. To stay connected with your Alpha Beta sisters, follow the chapter on various social media outlets and join the private Facebook group: Alpha Beta Alumnae Group. If you are wanting to volunteer or mentor, we are always looking for alumnae to engage more either locally or from a distance! Contact Katie Thomas Glick '04 to learn more at katie.mae. thomas@gmail.com. The Alpha Chi Omega enterprise also provides the following ways to engage: LinkedIn: Alpha Chi Omega Networking Group––See posts from sisters around the country and updates from AXO HQ. AXO Website: Stay Connected Tab––This includes ways to update your profile so you don't miss news and opportunities. They post events including Alpha Chi Night Out for Healthy Relationships Week, updates about chapter anniversaries and special events and webinars for alumnae. AXO Alumnae Book Club: Visit the HQ website to learn more and join! Women and Wisdom Series: This is a series that provides personal and professional development opportunities for alumnae and members. Check out the HQ website to learn more! How to Stay Connected to Your Alpha Chi Omega Sisters A s we eagerly await to safely gather again for our favorite Alpha Beta alumnae events, there are still ways to show your support for our sisterhood. Please consider a gift to the Alpha Chi Omega Home Corporation Board and/or the Alpha Beta Educational Fund and help Alpha Beta seek the heights today! Gifts can be made online at tinyurl.com/AlphaBetaDonate or by filling out the enclosed pledge form. Thank you for your support of Alpha Beta! How You Can Give Back to Alpha Beta

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