Chi Omega - University of California, Berkeley

3 CHI OMEGA V onie's mother encouraged her to go through recruitment because she knew Vonie would find the right house with the right friends and would love the experience. And Vonie did! She was not only drawn to the women of Chi Omega but also the architecture and beauty of the chapter house itself. She loved the Redwood trees surrounding the facility because they reminded her of Santa Cruz, California, a place she loves very much. She was excited to live in the chapter house, but with 42 sisters, it was full (this was before the "New Wing" was added in the mid-1950s)! She did have the chance to live in for a little while and enjoyed the experience. Vonie loved her time at Mu Chapter, both as an active member and an alumna volunteer. Initiation was very special to her, and she liked attending the Monday Chapter meetings. She also recalls how the required study hall helped her with academics during her freshman year. Above all, she loved her sisters. The lifelong friendships she made with the undergraduate women and alumnae were important to her, and her continuing love for Chi Omega inspired her to remain involved for many years. She served as the alumna Chapter ritual officer in the '70s, Chapter financial advisor from 1990-99, and was a house corporation member for more than 14 years, during which she served as treasurer for some time. "One thing we observed about Vonie is that she's a leader, but she is also happy to work behind the scenes without recognition. In fact, she is a little embarrassed that there is an award named for her," Helen said. "She wants to support her sisters and is always willing." Chi Omega for Life Vonie Marsh Dondero '49 Remains Committed to the Sisterhood Helen Nicholas '67 and Dee Pearce '63 recently sat down with Vonie Marsh Dondero '49 to discuss Vonie's love for Chi Omega and her involvement with Mu Chapter. Here's her story. A Favorite Chi Omega Memory Vonie, Helen, Dee, and two other alumnae attended the Chi Omega National Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona. The five of them were smushed into one room like they were in college again. One festive night, called Revelry, everyone at the Convention was supposed to dress up in costumes, so the Mu alumnae contingent went out and bought poster board and green tissue paper and turned themselves into cacti! In 1999, to honor Vonie and what makes her special, the house corporation established the Avonia Dondero True Mu Award, which recognizes an active sister's loyalty to Chi Omega, her dedication to the Chapter and her sisters, and her ability to be a team player and a constant support to the other members. The most recent award recipient was Julia Goswick '20. In addition to serving Mu Chapter, Vonie volunteered with the U.S. Figure Skating Association for 40 years, and in 2022, she received an honorary national accountant award for her scorekeeping. She met her husband, the late Ray Dondero, through a Chi Omega sister. She and Ray raised their son and daughter in Orinda, California, and Vonie now lives in Walnut Creek. You can connect with her at avoniad@gmail.com. W e are proud to share our chapter's achievements for the spring semester of 2023, along with the accomplishments of the lovely members that make up the community we call home. ACADEMICS There is no contest that Berkeley is a difficult school to attend, but Mu sisters have surpassed expectations with flying colors. Every single member of our chapter is engaged in several activities outside of it, exemplifying the fact that our dedication includes preparing ourselves to become the best leaders possible. LEADERSHIP We have 11 amazing executive board members, 21 cardinal cabinet members, and two Mus serving on the Panhellenic Executive Board. Jane Acuff '21 is the Director of Philanthropy and Roma Bedekar '21 is not only a two-time PHC Executive board member but is now alsopresident! This is Omega's second year housing the president, and we are beyond proud of the standard that this sets for our chapter. A Well-Rounded Team A Well-Rounded Team Mu Chapter Excels on and off Campus This Spring Continued on page 4 Anna Fetherston '22, Ella Culleton '21, and Jane Acuff '22 show some sorority spirit at our Kick It with Chi O philanthropy kickball event. Madison Stewart '23 and Maddy O'Kane '21 bond over a shared love for Taylor Swift during our Big/Little Reveal.

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