Epsilon Beta Chapter of Chi Omega at the University of North Carolina
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1499668
The Perch 4 Supporting Our Community —And One Another Epsilon Beta Focuses on DEI and Mental Health S pring has sprung, and Epsilon Beta has been busy with exciting events and achievements! We've had a fantastic semester filled with leadership conventions, bonding activities, and successful fundraising efforts. Epsilon Beta proudly finished the fall 2022 semester with a Chapter GPA of 3.63, and 13 members got a perfect 4.0 GPA! This April, four Chi Omega members were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and the most distinguished collegiate honorary society: Abbie Boone '23, Nina Christensen '23, Eloise Osborne '23, and Sally Curme '23. Also, Oriet Grace Hemenway '24, daughter of Duckie Colhoun Hemenway '95, won the Communications Department's Triangle Advertising Federation Scholarship. Our Make-A-Wish Barbecue with Beta Upsilon Chi was a huge success, raising $3,882 for the organization. It was wonderful to see our members come together and support such a worthy cause. One of the highlights of the day was meeting Aaron, a 14-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient. Aaron enjoyed a trip to the Chapter House, and we even got him tickets to the Duke vs. UNC game. His family was grateful for our hard work, and it was heartwarming to see the impact we made on their lives. We also hosted our "Swishes for Wishes" basketball tournament, raising over $1,000 for Make-A-Wish. We're proud to have made a difference in the lives of children with critical illnesses. Thank you to our team of Katie Galbo '21, Riley Watkins '20, Karenna Barmada '22, AG Patel '22, Sophie Nutt '21, Bella Artilles '22, and Ginny Dempster '21 for making this all happen! In addition to our fundraising efforts, we've been actively participating in Sisterhood Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chats, led by DEI Chairman Mia Webster '21. These chats have been an excellent opportunity to learn and bond while focusing on language education. We implemented a "word of the week" to highlight key DEI terms, and we're planning a roundtable discussion for members to share their ideas on increasing diversity and equity during the recruitment process. We're also organizing a trip to a soup kitchen next semester and a movie night to highlight marginalized groups. Our mental health cabinet (consisting of Abby Pallant '21, Jenny Barger '21, Hannah Shalaby '21, Carter Murr '21, and Amelia Fisher '22) has been instrumental in helping members navigate difficult situations and providing support for those who come to us in confidence. We recently started a monthly mental health newsletter for Chapter members as well. Our Build Your Own Flower Bouquet night was an excellent way for members to take a break during finals and choose flowers that represent what they need, such as a rose for some extra love or a sunflower for happiness. Finally, we recently hosted a dinner for our senior pledge class at the Carolina Inn. The event was a beautiful and meaningful way to show our appreciation for their contributions to the Chapter. We reminisced and spent quality time together, and the seniors were grateful for the gesture. To close out the semester on a high note, we've planned a waterslide and water balloon event that's sure to be a blast. We're proud of all that we've accomplished this semester and can't wait to see what's in store for us next. Thank you to all our members for making this semester such a success! Loyally, Jackie Granger '25 President To kick off 2023, our 2021 pledge class gathers for a sisterhood retreat hosted by the family of Isabella Spruill '21 at their property, W&S Farms. Congratulations to Oriet Grace Hemenway '24 on winning the Communications Department's Triangle Advertising Federation Scholarship! Our four Phi Beta Kappa inductees!