Chi Omega - University of California, Berkeley

MU NEWS Χ Ω Mu Chapter of Chi Omega at the University of California, Berkeley Fall 2024 C arolyn "Dee" Hawk Pearce '64 has a volunteer career with Chi Omega that spans decades, indisputably making her one of our most influential alumnae. She has served as Personnel Advisor and Recruitment Advisor and has held other key advisory roles since then. She is also a longtime member of the Chi Omega Foundation 1895 Society. This spring marked Dee's retirement as a Mu Advisor, and we would like to heartily thank her for more than 50 years of service. Dee's path to joining our sisterhood began with recommendations from those closest to her. "My father was the head physician at the campus hospital, and some Chi Omegas volunteered alongside him in those days," she recalled. "He was very impressed with them and their character." Aside from that endorsement, Dee was also drawn to Mu Chapter's academic reputation. The highlights of Dee's undergraduate experience included memorable trips with her newfound friends. "We went on an Easter vacation down to Mexico and traveled to work at a Girl Scout camp in New York." These formative memories and enjoyable experiences laid the groundwork for a lifelong bond with the Chapter and its members. After completing her degree in health sciences at St. Mary's and later earning an MBA, Dee embarked on a career as a healthcare consultant. Throughout her journey, Chi Omega remained a constant. Motivated to give back, Dee began volunteering with the Chapter in 1973, which provided a welcome contrast to her professional life. "My first 15 years out of school, I was working inpatient psychiatry," she explained. "Spending time with the young women of Chi Omega, who were like shiny new pennies— bright and capable—helped keep me balanced." For Dee, the annual recruitment process was particularly enjoyable. "I loved the competition! It was like our Super Bowl every year." While serving as a National Visitor, Dee traveled the country, supporting chapters and forming friendships that stretched from coast to coast. In addition to keeping her engaged with the members, volunteering also holds a deeply personal meaning for Dee. "It allowed me to interact with and observe the members as they navigated an age of change for women," she reflected. "You can't imagine what it was like back then compared to now." The progressive feats she saw the younger members accomplish inspired Dee to push her own boundaries. "I watched them go to graduate school and have full-time careers all over the country. I thought, 'If they can do it, why not me?'" In her retirement, Dee continues to stay connected with Mu Chapter; she attended the We Can't Thank You Enough, Dee! We Can't Thank You Enough, Dee! Lifelong Commitment Lifelong Commitment and Selfless Service and Selfless Service "This Old House" "This Old House" REFRESHED REFRESHED formal pledge ceremony earlier this semester. Despite facing personal challenges, including a spinal injury that limits her mobility, Dee remains engaged and supportive. Her advice for current undergraduates? "Get as involved as you can and stay involved. It's a lifetime experience, and if you want it, you'll reap the benefits." Dee's dedication to Mu Chapter is a testament to the lifelong impact Chi Omega has on its members. Her journey, marked by service, inspiration, and a deep commitment to the values of our sisterhood, will surely serve as a powerful example for generations to come. Dee lives in Orinda, California, with her husband of 53 years, Russell. The couple have a son, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, who are both in college. If you'd like to get in touch with Dee, you can give her a call at (925) 482-7505. T he House Corporation Board (HCB) completed numerous improvement projects during the summer, all expertly organized and overseen by Business Manager/House Director Elise Nietvelt '16 in consultation with the HCB financial team. Every project chosen was to improve the experience of living and studying in the chapter house or preserve the premises' integrity. We are all delighted with the outcomes! (Continued on page 2)

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