Chi Omega - University of Wisconsin

THE NU'S 2 Χ Ω E ven though years have passed since Anne Bouffard Bern '80 first stepped foot inside the Nu Chapter House, she remembers joining the Chi Omega sisterhood like it was yesterday. "Though much has changed, our sisterhood remains true to our original values. I'm proud our members still steadfastly respect each other's individuality and differences." Living in the Chapter House produced some of Anne's fondest memories and proved how deep the sisterhood's respect ran. One night, tensions were high after a particularly long day of studying, so Anne and a few friends took it upon themselves to provide relief. "At midnight we climbed to the top floor and dropped a plush owl all the way down to the basement. Flying the owl was a great tradition that made our time in the Chapter House more meaningful." While Anne may no longer fly the owl, she has created new traditions with fellow alumnae. From cheering on the Badgers, to talking a few times a month, remaining in touch keeps the sisterhood legacy strong. "All it takes is one phone call or message to reconnect. You'd be surprised how little time it takes to reach out to a sister you haven't spoken to since college." As a member of House Corporation, Anne remains committed to providing the same experience for future Nu Chapter members. "As an alumna, it's our responsibility to pass along our knowledge, life experience, and mentorship. We have a unique opportunity to share our experiences and impact current and future Chi Omegas." Nu Chapter gave Anne the ability to lead and represent an organization that she remains proud of daily. She encourages alumnae and undergraduates to keep this sisterhood close to their hearts. "Women you were friends with in college are still your lifelong sisters today. Wherever you go you will always have a Chi Omega by your side." Anne lives in Chicago, Ill., but enjoys returning to University of Madison-Wisconsin's campus for Badger games. She can be reached at badgerchick@gmail.com. "Women you were ˆiends with in college are still your lifelong si‹ers today. Wherever you go you will always have a Chi Omega by your side." LOYAL TO ΧΩ'S HIGHEST TEACHINGS Anne Bouffard Bern '80 Impacted Daily by Nu Chapter Experience "We r'eived and continue to r'eive so much ˆom Chi Omega over the years that it's up to us to prerve this ™perience for future members. Nu Chapter should be a place ›ere si‹ers can r'eive lifelong conneœions and sužort." There Is No Place Like Home Andrea Derouin Becthel '87 ankful for Chi Omega Sisterhood A ndrea Derouin Bechtel '87 traveled from her Connecticut hometown to the University of Wisconsin-Madison searching for a place to call her new home. During formal recruitment, Nu Chapter members gave her exactly what she had hoped for—a sisterhood. "As soon as I met these outstanding leaders, I knew I had found my support system and role models. To see multi-generational involvement that included alumnae truly made ΧΩ feel like home." Time spent in the halls of the Chapter House only served to solidify these feelings. Andrea recalls piling into the hallways before formal for last- minute hair and makeup checks, practicing for job interviews, studying, or celebrating big life events. Today, her past roommates Stephanie Roth Goodman '86, Jacquie Huelster Sykes '86, and Kristin Kaplan Wolfe '87 still help her prepare for life's challenges and celebrate life's accomplishments. However, Andrea's connection to Chi Omega extends far beyond Nu Chapter. As a current member of the ΧΩ NPC delegation and the fraternity and sorority political action committee, Andrea has had the opportunity to connect with ΧΩ on a national level. "I've met Chi Omegas from all over the country both during their time as an undergraduate and as an alumna. Yet, there is nothing quite like driving by your home Chapter and feeling a surge of pride for its legacy." Andrea believes it is never too late to reestablish those bonds to Nu Chapter. "We received and continue to receive so much from Chi Omega over the years that it's up to us to preserve this experience for future members. Nu Chapter should be a place where sisters can receive lifelong connections and support." As a loyal Badger alumna, Andrea visits campus often. She and her husband, who she met at Chi Omega, are excited to share the Greek experience with their two sons in college and hope to continue the experience for their 16-year-old son. They live in Winnetka, Ill., and can be reached at abechtel@chiomega.com.

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