Alpha Chi Omega - Purdue University

Lyre Letter Alpha Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Purdue University FALL 2021 A s I look out my window at the leaves covered in their beautiful colors of autumn, I imagine Olive and the rest of our founders sitting under that famous maple tree. I imagine what the moment must have felt like when, in a flash of concerted understanding, they knew what our colors would be. That was the first of many decisions they would make in establishing Alpha Chi Omega—the greatest fraternity. Our Alpha Chi Omega Home Corporation Board members have worked tirelessly during these past two years to help our women return to as much normalcy as possible in their lives and at our home at Purdue. Thinking about the dedication of both our alumnae and collegiate members, I am reminded that Alpha Chi Omega is a living bond of sisterhood that extends for a lifetime, far beyond the foundation of the all-important collegiate experience. That is where the bond starts and grows, but the alumnae life boldly, yet tenderly, nourishes the bonds of love, loyalty, leadership and lifelong learning. The time, talent and treasure they invest in our fraternity and collegians are the gifts that make the roots of our organization, like a maple tree, sturdy. We are hard at work as we start the second century of Alpha Beta. We are taking a look at the chapter house above and beyond—investing in the best heating and cooling advancements, new windows in phases, finishing the patio project and beginning to study how we can best redo the second and third floor spaces. Your input is valued, and you can reach out to me or any Alpha Chi Omega Home Corporation Board member personally. I want to send our deepest sympathy to our beloved Mary Harrison Ford '57, who lost her husband, Fred, on September 3, 2021; a celebration of life was held on November 13. Fred was the executive vice president and treasurer of Purdue University, but I best remember him for always supporting Alpha Beta and Alpha Chi Omega. Fred was inducted as a Brother of Hermes in our sisterhood at our Alpha Beta Centennial Celebration and joined Mary as a donor. Our chapter house now features the Mary and Fred Ford Kitchenette, the Alpha Beta version of the Fred and Mary Ford Dining Court at Purdue. Fred gave his time, talent and treasure in both his individual and joint support of Alpha Chi Omega. To Mary, Kathy, Lynne, Steve and family, we send you our deepest sympathy, love and thanks for his life. Sisters, you can send your love to Mary at: 2741 N. Salisbury Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 We have always been a diverse sisterhood based on academic interest, character, financial responsibility, leadership ability and personal development. Our unity and loyalty, even when we disagree in the chapter room, is found in our living bond of sisterhood. Stay safe and love on your sisters. Loyally with love in the bond, Bonnie Andrews Hockema '74 bonniehockema@gmail.com Reflecting on Our Roots Alpha Beta to Celebrate the Beginning of Our Second Century W hen Kayla Corcimiglia '12 pledged at Purdue University, she was seeking that connection she noticed in so many sororities across campus—a sense of camaraderie and a lifetime of support. Alpha Chi Omega was an instant fit for her; she clicked with the women and found that this was the place where she would create lifelong friendships. Joining Alpha Beta was one of the best decisions Kayla has made in her life. "I would never be the 'Real. Strong. Woman.' I am today had I not joined. My peers in the house lifted me up when I was at my lowest points, encouraged me to try leadership roles I could've never imagined myself doing and loved me for who I was." How Alpha Chi Omega Helped Kayla Corcimiglia '12 Become a Strong Woman Life Lessons from Alpha Beta Kayla found many life lessons within Alpha Chi Omega and is forever grateful for the experience. Her top five lessons to share with her sisters are: 1. When you see or hear about a leadership opportunity, take it! The experience is immeasurable, and although it may be intimidating, you will be so glad that you did it. 2. Differences are a good thing! It's OK to be friends with people who have different opinions than you. Listen and learn from each other. 3. The art of time management is paramount. Learning to juggle school and sorority life (Continued on page 2)

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