Alpha Chi Omega - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

page 3 alpha chi omega W e started off the new year by setting into action three simple goals to keep in mind. The first of these goals is positivity. Semesters have up and downs, but is important for every member to keep a good attitude. We must inspire each other and motivate each other to be the absolute best— both of which cannot be done without a positive mindset. The next goal is participation. We are holding each other accountable to attend Monday night meetings, campus philanthropy events, Greek Week, and sisterhoods together as Alpha Chi Omegas. This will help give us a greater presence on campus that we are always striving for! Finally, our third goal is perception. When posting online, walking around campus, and traveling the world, our members know that they are always wearing their letters. Positivity and Participation? Check! More Than 85% of Membership Helps with Big Event The months of April and May are very busy with all things Alpha Chi! One of the most exciting things Alpha Chi has done so far this semester is win the all-UNL Greek competition for the highest percentage of members signed up for The Big Event held the first weekend in April! The Big Event is a spring philanthropy that people all over Lincoln sign up to attend and give back to our community. Alpha Chi Omega had over 85% of our members sign up for the day, and we won both bragging rights on campus as well as a $100 donation to our own personal philanthropy, The Friendship Home! Panhellenic Delegate Abbey Sobczyk '16 (Omaha, Neb.) presented the event in a positive way and got the women excited about signing up for the day. Additionally, we hosted our traditional spring philanthropy, Raising the Roof, on April 4 with all proceeds going to The Friendship Home. We love supporting this worthy cause. Perception? You Bet! Follow Online to See Alpha Chi Sisterhood We have built into the calendar three large-scale sisterhoods that are fun, accessible, and planned with our members' best interests in mind. Vice President of Membership Programing Alexis Gass '16 (Lincoln, Neb.) and her team planned a Chipotle feed for before our Spring Fling Formal, a de-stress workout class the weekend before finals in the campus green space, and we will all be attending a UNL baseball game and sitting together in the outfield. Be on the lookout the rest of this semester for pictures and videos of Alpha Chis in the community on social media! See page 4 to get the links. Loyally, Emma Sheridan '15 (Omaha, Neb.) Chapter President chapterpresident.xi@gmail.com Three Goals Guide Chapter through 2018: Positivity, Participation, Perception Looking to reconnect with her Xi Chapter sisters and volunteer, Kristen Onkka '05 reached out to Katie Belka Becker, Iota Lambda '98, to see how she could contribute her time and talents to Xi. "I felt a void that I knew Alpha Chi could once again fill and joined the House Corporation Board last year." Kristen is confident in the chapter's continued success and, in her new role, will help the HCB build on Xi's legacy. Kristen says it was a no-brainer that Alpha Chi was the perfect fit for her. "It's where I felt most at home, and I had an immediate connection with nearly every sister I met through recruitment." While studying for her bachelor's degree in business administration, she served the chapter as assistant recruitment chairman and social chairman, as well as president in 2008—the year the chapter received the Continuing Excellence Award at the National Convention. "Alpha Chi played a pivotal role throughout my collegiate years…and [I] can't imagine having experienced college any other way." She earned a master's degree in management from Bellevue University in 2014 and is the director of HR and corporate administration at Omaha Track, a railroad contractor and material supplier in Omaha. Kristen attributes her accelerated career path and success to her Alpha Chi membership and leadership experience. "Managing people is hard, but managing and holding your sisters accountable is even harder. I am so grateful for the skills and experience I gained from ΑΧΩ." When not working or volunteering, Kristen enjoys a good craft project, trips to the zoo, and celebrating holidays and events with family. Raising a potential Alpha Chi legacy, 3-year- old Laila, Kristen says, "I would love to see her join a sorority, especially considering the Greek history in my family." Her sister, Michaela "Kaela" Onkka '10, followed in her footsteps, while her mother and youngest sister are Chi Omega members and an aunt is an Alpha Phi alumna. Kristen's memories of her college days and the influence Alpha Chi has had in her life brought her back "home." She is dedicated to sustaining Xi's presence on the UNL campus, just as women like Katie Becker, Willie Desch Shafer '53, Nichole Lipsys Palmer '94, and Kim McCormick Evans '80 were instrumental in supporting the chapter when Kristen was an undergraduate. She is excited to work with our amazing collegians and alumnae and encourages her sisters to support Xi Chapter. "Whatever you are able to contribute—through your time, talent, or treasure—is valued and appreciated. It is never too late to come home." Kristen can be reached at konkka@huskers.unl.edu. Meet HCB Co-President Kristen Onkka '05 Alpha Chi Omega: The Sorority for Her (1) Freshman members attend their first Nebraksa football game as student Husk- ers! (2) Natasha Marquez '16, Natalie Lucas '15, and Jordan Rose '16 promote ΑΧΩ's Healthy Relationship Week in February. (3) Study abroad members Madi Dangerfield '15, Katie Ward '15, and Rylee Boden '15 get a taste of home when they meet up in Nice, France.

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