Alpha Chi Omega - University of Florida

page 2 The Carnation Chronicle In Memoriam Diane Long Nguyen, Stetson '92 D iane Long Nguyen, Stetson '92, 41, was born in Oscala, Florida, on February 20, 1972. She was the middle daughter of David Franklin Long and Marcia Mortiz Long. Surviving are her daughter, Lauren, and son, Logan; parents; sister; nieces and nephews; and paternal grandmother. Diane was a CPA but had a calling of work- ing with animals. She attended the Florida International Teaching Zoo until her time of passing and had dreams of one day attend- ing school to become a veterinarian. Diane was a member of the Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Orlando and was very active in her community. She was a part of many groups, including Alpha Chi Omega, South Ocala Elementary School PTO, Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, Pampered Chef, Hunter's Ridge Homeowner's Association, Home Schooling (CHIA & HEART), Big Broth- ers Big Sisters, Grace Covenant Church craft bazaar, and play groups for her children. She was also a member of the Alpha Chi Omega House Corporation from 2004 to 2012. Diane passed away on December 14, 2013. Her memorial service was held at the Shores Assembly of God. A Home away from Home Spotlight on Melanie Johnson Vargas '03 D uring recruitment Melanie Johnson Vargas '03 felt a connection with the Alpha Chi Omega chapter and its sisters. It was a place she felt most at home and a main reason she chose Alpha Chi over the other chapters. Her sister, Colleen Johnson Dunlop '02, was also a member of the chapter at the time, which added a special component to the house. Alpha Chi provided Melanie with a support system and home away from home. It also provided her favorite memories of spending endless hours chatting and bonding with her sisters at the lunch table, running to the house on Bid Day to find her sister, Colleen, to celebrate and cry because she was so happy, and of her Big and Little Sister reveal. As an undergraduate, Melanie held three positions: assistant finance (2003-04), VP finance (2004- 05), and chapter relations/standards board member (2005-06). She graduated with a degree in nursing and quickly used the parallels she found between working as a nurse and sorority life. She works in the NICU with a staff of over 200 people and Alpha Chi taught her to be a leader, even in a field of strong, intelligent women. Melanie has a unique connection to Alpha Chi Omega, as it was the place she met her future husband, David Vargas. David was a busboy at the house during her first two years. They became friends from all of the days spent talking during lunchtime at the house. He would come almost daily and hang out between classes. She ended up inviting him to a date function in the fall of sophomore year, and they started dating soon after that. The couple is now married and has a newborn daughter, Caroline. Melanie lives in Tampa, Fla., and spends most of her time taking care of their newborn. When she has free time, she loves to do yoga, read, be outdoors, and spend lots of time with her sisters, as they live in the same city. She can be contacted at melanievargas730@gmail.com. Alpha Chi provided Melanie with a support system and home away from home. It also provided her favorite memories of spending endless hours chatting and bonding with her sisters at the lunch table, running to the house on Bid Day to find her sister, Colleen, to celebrate and cry because she was so happy, and of her Big and Little Sister reveal. Chapter Website www.ufalphachiomega.com Twitter @UFAlphaChi Facebook www.facebook.com/UFAlphaChi x l f 8 Kim Vredenburgh '13, Erica Meerow '12, and Jamie Lockwood '11 at Big-Little reveal. Join Us Online Don't forget to use hashtag #WhyAlphaChiWednesdays! YouTube www.youtube.com/user/UFAXO Instagram www.instagram.com/UFAXO

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