Chi Omega - University of California, Berkeley

3 CHI OMEGA THANK YOU, GENEROUS ALUMNAE W e are truly grateful to the following sisters and friends who have committed to the future of Mu. Your ongoing and loyal support directly impacts the future of Chi Omega at UC-Berkeley. If you feel an error has been made in recording your gift, we sincerely apologize. Please e-mail calmunews@gmail.com with any corrections. Thank you for your support! Barbara M. Tracy '41 Geary K. Irwin '42 Barbara W. Ward '45 Mary Lou Berg '49 Nancy Glenn, Zeta '64 Shirley J. Hambey, Iota Delta '50 Natalie C. Miller '52 Jessa Thompson Stevenson-Doll '55 Jane B. Ryan '55 Barbara C. Holt, Pi Gamma '56 Sheila C. Jeffry '56 Phyllis C. Rogers, Theta Alpha '56 Elizabeth B. Duncan '57 Judy A. Mc Kay '60 Marcine G. Singley, Sigma Alpha '64 Margaret J. Molenkamp '66 Joanne L. Heuberger '68 Kathryn K. Murtfeldt, Nu '72 Laura Napier, Rho '79 Suzanne V. Wilson '81 Debbie A. Derby, Gamma Delta '82 Julie A. Cronin '85 Michelle R. Gagne Ballard, Rho '89 Amy-Lynne Darling '94 Chi Omega Fast Facts • Largest women's fraternal organization in the world • Founded at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville on April 5, 1895 • More than 350,000 initiates • 180 collegiate chapters • 244 alumnae chapters • 28,000+ undergraduates each year • Expanded into every state of the continental United States by 1910 • Official crest adopted in 1902 • Joined National Panhellenic Conference in 1903 A Strong And Supportive Mu ChApter Successful Attorney and Alumna Krista Mitzel '96 Shares Influence of Chi Omega L ike many when going through recruitment, the welcoming atmosphere of Chi Omega stands out as a factor when deciding which sorority to join at Berkeley. For Krista Mitzel '96, this influenced her decision when joining Chi Omega back in 1995. During her time as a Mu sister, the engaging community she found herself a part of created opportunities with both the university and the Panhellenic community that have helped shape her into who she is today. Krista continues to engage with the Chi Omega community today, as managing partner of The Mitzel Group, LLP, a full service boutique law firm that supports Mu chapter at Berkeley. The strong and supportive women of Mu go beyond the undergraduate members in the chapter. "I enjoyed having such a strong alumnae community," Krista said. "We were always surrounded by mentors and people who could help you achieve your goals and feel supported." Helen Nicholas, Psi Theta '67, mentored Krista as she started her career in law school. Helen introduced her to contacts she had in the field, which led to Krista working for one of those contacts at a law firm in Oakland, Calif. "From there I was able to meet other great people and strategically moved from one job to another, but Helen was the first to open these doors for me," Krista said. The influence of Chi Omega in her undergraduate years prepared Krista as she launched her career as a successful employment and human resources attorney. "I think that being surrounded by strong women who supported one another was extremely encouraging and unique," Krista said. "I felt like I was prepared for the real world in the sense that we learned to be confident, utilize our networks more than other students our age, the importance of asking for help when you needed it, and to not be afraid to go for the gold, even if you could fail. I always felt encouraged by my friends and mentors and knew that I had a great group of people behind me." After working almost eight years in a variety of prestigious law firms where Krista focused mostly on litigation matters, she found herself wondering why more law firms and attorneys weren't helping companies not get sued. She wanted to help businesses stay out of trouble, so she left her firm and founded The Mitzel Group, LLP, with the premise to help companies avoid lawsuits and disputes by being proactive and preventative. "It has been a wild ride, but I love running a firm and enjoy being both an attorney and an entrepreneur," Krista said. Living in San Francisco, California, Krista is able to easily stay connected with the Mu chapter. She works with the house corporation board on various matters and attends alumnae events when she can. Krista encourages alumnae who may have lost touch with Mu to reconnect and share about what they've done since their time in the chapter. "The women are so appreciative of advice and mentorship," Krista said. "I think it's imperative for women to support one another instead of being competitive and envious of one another. The ideals and values of the organization are something I still find relevant today and have influenced me as I've become who I am today." Krista and her husband, Eric Hankinson, have two sons: Benjamin (4) and Nicholas (2). They enjoy spending time in Sonoma with family and love living in the Bay Area. If you'd like to connect with Krista, you can reach her at kmitzel@mitzelgroup.com. Featured Founder J ean Marie Vincenheller (1878-1954) was a tall, red-haired, green-eyed Texan who moved to Fayetteville with her family, and in 1894, she entered the University of Arkansas. Her family lived in a large home and, since there were no female dormitories at that time, several female collegians lived with the Vincenhellers. This included founder Ina May Boles, who became good friends with Jean and Jobelle Holcombe, another founder, who lived just around the corner. Even at the age of 17 when Chi Omega was founded, Jean was a natural leader. She served as the first vice president, secretary, and pledge trainer for Psi chapter. During the Fraternity's early years, she was Chi Omega's first national president and led the way during the first period of expansion, helping establish seven chapters in less than two years.

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