Alpha Chi Omega - Purdue University

Lyre Letter 2 a member of Alpha Chi Omega in her career. "Interacting with people in small, critical situations I learned from recruitment," JoEllen said. Though the circumstances may be different, she has been able to apply her undergraduate experience to her work, only on a different level. Alpha Chi Omega inspires its members to not only be themselves, but to be the best version of themselves. "Alpha Chi helped develop the person that I am," JoEllen said, "and my satisfaction in who I am leads to satisfaction in my job." It is because of JoEllen's commitment to her work and embodiment of seeking the heights that she was nominated and selected to be a recipient of the inaugural Real. Strong. Women. of Distinction Award from Alpha Chi Omega National Headquarters. This award is given to women who were inspired by their Alpha Chi Omega experience to become the best versions of themselves and chase their dreams. JoEllen was nominated by her daughter, Jennifer Eidam Babiarz '00. "It was touching on so many levels that my daughter felt strongly enough to nominate me," JoEllen said. She has joined the ranks of a powerful group of women working in careers ranging from NASA to technology to education. JoEllen serves as a role model not only for Alpha Beta Chapter, but for Alpha Chi Omegas across the nation. Membership in Alpha Chi Omega is something JoEllen considers to be a main building block of her identity, and she cherishes her experience with Alpha Beta. She believes more time needs to be taken to educate people about the Greek system and the life-changing experience it provides. "It brings college to life in such a bigger way," JoEllen said, "I think it's an experience that shouldn't be missed as part of college." JoEllen and her husband, Rudy, live in Decatur, Indiana. She has been fortunate to share Alpha Beta with her daughter, Jennifer, and her daughter-in-law, Anne Turner Eidam '05. When not working, JoEllen is an avid reader, swimmer, cook, and enjoys spending time in her mountain home located in North Carolina. You can contact JoEllen at jeidam724@gmail.com. A TRUE REAL. STRONG. WOMAN (Continued from page 1) I n choosing a sorority, it is essential to find a place where you connect with the women and where you can picture yourself living, and for Barbara Schultz Lynch '73, that place was Alpha Chi Omega. The diversity among Alpha Beta members immediately attracted her and she didn't feel she had to fit a particular mold. The sisterhood of Alpha Chi Omega has followed Barbara throughout her life, and it all began when she accepted her bid into Alpha Beta Chapter. Barbara graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor of science in biology, later obtaining her master of science in industrial administration. She recently retired from a 37-year career in human resources with Exxon Mobil, where her final position was the manager of global benefits administration. The undergraduate positions Barbara held at Alpha Beta helped prepare her for the managerial positions she had during her career. "Very early on in my career, I was given a supervisor position," Barbara said, "It was at this time that I realized how my officer roles in ACW prepared me for my first leadership position." These skills were built as a collegian and through the mentorship of alumnae such as Joan Kaser '53. "We faced some unique challenges and Joan was there not only to guide us and support us, but to encourage us to face our challenges and address them head on," Barbara said. While the years of winning U-Sing, Theta Chi Spring Rally, and skipping class to watch the Olympics have ended for Barbara, she has remained an active alumna. After accepting her first job more than 1,000 miles away from home, she joined a local Alpha Chi alumnae chapter and continued to follow this strategy with subsequent job transfers throughout her career. "Joining an alumnae chapter enables you to meet interesting women who share a similar experience, which fosters an instant connection and enables you to have a different perspective on ACW," Barbara said. Barbara lives in Houston, and still stays in touch with several of her Alpha Beta sisters and attends reunions with them every few years. She has one daughter, Elizabeth, who was a member of the Beta Tau Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Miami University. Barbara enjoys traveling, visiting new cultures, cooking, reading, and has recently taken up golf. Alpha Chi Omega has given Barbara much to be thankful for. "Besides enabling me to develop leadership skills and an interest in philanthropy, it is where I made my closest lifelong friends with whom I've shared the highs and lows of my life." You can contact Barbara at bslynch@aol.com. Staying Active Isn't Only for Undergraduates Barbara Schultz Lynch '73 Shares Her Joy in Being an Alumna VISIT ALPHA BETA CHAPTER A lpha Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega would love to welcome any alumnae to visit the chapter house this fall. If you are attending a Boilermaker football game, representing your company at a career fair, or just visiting campus, we would be happy to host you and see you back at home! We also welcome alumnae to host reunions and pinnings at the chapter as well. We would especially welcome visitors during the Purdue Homecoming weekend. Tours of the chapter house will be given by current Alpha Beta members to highlight changes and upgrades the Alpha Beta Home Corporation Board has made throughout the years to keep our chapter beautiful and attractive for collegiate women. Please don't hesitate to reach out and visit us! If you have any questions or specific dates and requests, please e-mail Vice President of Ritual and Fraternity Appreciation Emily Grimwood '12 at ACW.pu.ritual@gmail.com. Barbara Schultz Lynch '73 and daughter, Elizabeth.

• Cover