The OWL - Chi Omega Dallas

The OWL
Chi Omega Dallas Alumnae
Editor: Samantha Smith
Fall 2013
Dear Sisters in Chi Omega,
While serving as the Dallas Alumnae President for the last 5
months, I realize how blessed we are with an amazing group of
energetic, committed and talented members. From Recruitment
to Chi Omega Christmas Market, I have met new Chi Omegas
and been reacquainted with others. The bond of sisterhood is
accomplishing great things!
In June we held a Recruitment 101 program in the Iota Alpha
Chapter Room. Melody Collins and Kelly Little explained the
Panhellenic process from soup to nuts and Nan McGee and
Diane Brooks provided information on the Dallas RIF process.
Our high school and college chairmen process hundreds of RIFs
each year in hopes of pledging outstanding new members.
They are applauded for their efforts. I am delighted that my
own daughter is a new member of the Tau Chapter at the
University of Mississippi. I am looking forward to her initiation
in January 2014.
beautiful home of Ann Mahowald. We look forward to our first
meeting of the New Year on January 14th at the home of Megan
McManemin. We will learn about the perfect pairings by Julie
Robertson from Molto Formaggio and Aaron Benson, Sommelier,
from the Dallas Country Club. Lynn Murtha is an extraordinary
Vice Chairman of Programs!
Beth Arnold and Ashley Chapel have worked tirelessly for a year
on “A Southern Christmas” themed Chi Omega Christmas Market.
COCM will be held November 20 -23 at Centennial Hall in Fair
Park. The committee has vetted hundreds of merchants, secured
underwriting, sold tickets, etc. to benefit nine beneficiaries –
Community Partners of Dallas, Foundation for the Education of
Young Women, Healing Hands Ministries, Just Say YES, Make-AWish, North Texas Food Bank, Sky Ranch, Suicide & Crisis Center
and Chi Omega Collegiate Scholarships. I hope to see each and
every one of you at this marvelous community event as a shopper
or volunteer (or both). Please make every effort to support the
alumnae who work diligently on this market year after year.
The Chi Omega House Construction Campaign Steering
Committee led by Paula Whisenant has dedicated their energy
to securing funds for the next generation of SMU Chi Omegas.
In closing, Peggy Bessellieu and the Holiday Tea Committee have
The Chi Omega Educational Corporation is hard at work
preparing for a move to the new Iota Alpha house and vacating
remarkable home of Amy Mitchell. Invitations will be sent with
the current house by May 31, 2014. President Michele
McDermett and the other board members have spent countless
hours working on vendor contracts, determining what to move
or discard, cleaning out closets, and the list goes on from there.
The advisors are mentoring the actives and preparing for new
member recruitment. We appreciate everything they do.
planned an incredible afternoon for Sunday, December 8 at the
details. You will not want to miss this party!
Count your blessings and enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and
friends.
Fondly,
Cindy Lindsley
Our first two alumnae meetings were terrific! Michael Hix
entertained us with famous music at our September 10th
meeting at the University Park Public Library. Lurline Morrow,
professional book reviewer, impersonated Lady Nancy Astor in
her book review of “In My Defense…” on October 8th at the
Inside the Issue
~ Letter from the President ~ Letter from the COCM Chairs ~ COCM Information ~
~COCM Beneficiaries ~ Young Alumnae Happenings ~ SMU Iota Alpha News ~ SUSTAINING SISTERHOOD ~
~ What’s Up With Our Sisters & Upcoming Events ~
Dear Sisters,
The 36th Chi Omega Christmas Market is almost here!
If you have not already made a donation to the Market
We can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday
season than shopping in support of our deserving
or if you would like to place an ad in the Market
Program, the deadline is November 5th in order to be
beneficiaries: Community Partners of Dallas, Foundation
included in the Market Program. Please be sure to sell
for the Education of Young Women, Healing Hands
Ministries, Just Say YES, Make-A-Wish Foundation of
your Market Tickets. If you need more, they are
available through our office at 214.890.1999 or
North Texas, North Texas Food Bank, Sky Ranch TRU
office@chiomegaxmas.org.
Omega Collegiate Scholarships and Chi Omega
We want to express our sincerest thanks to our
Committee Chairs, Committee Members and Volunteers
Camps, Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, Chi
Educational Foundation. We hope you will join us at the
Market this year as a volunteer and shopper as we
celebrate our long-standing tradition of giving back to
the Dallas community.
for all of your time and dedication to make this show a
success. We also want to extend a big thank you to all
of our generous Patrons and Sponsors. We look
forward to seeing you at Fair Park!
th
This year’s Market will begin with the 36 COCM
Preview Party on Wednesday evening. During this time,
Loyally,
while enjoying live holiday entertainment by Eleven
Beth Arnold and Ashley Chapel
patrons will get an exclusive look at over 185 merchants
Hundred Springs, sipping cocktails, dining on hors
d’oeuvres and perusing our fabulous Raffle prize
packages. WFAA’s Shelly Slater will be emceeing the
evening as we recognize the beneficiaries and chairmen
of the past 35 years and raffle the awesome prize
packages during live drawings. Also, be sure to stop by
the MyLivePhotos.com Booth for a memorable photo op!
Our ever-popular First Call Shopping opens Thursday
morning followed by General Admission through
Saturday afternoon. Bring the kids for a photo with
Santa (see our website for Santa’s hours)!
2013 Chi Omega Christmas Market Chairmen
COCM Information
Centennial Hall – FAIR PARK
Please visit us at www.chiomegaxmas.org to purchase tickets or make a donation.
Market Hours
PARKING at the MARKET
Wednesday, November 20th
General Parking
36th Preview Party
With the abundance of parking spaces at Fair Park,
Complimentary Valet Parking
ever! Gate 2 is the CLOSEST parking to Centennial
7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
parking during the Market is going to be easier than
Join us for an exclusive preview of this year’s Market
Hall. Parking is $10/entry. All parking is gated,
with fantastic prizes! The evening will feature
patrolled by Dallas Police Officers. Manned golf
while enjoying cocktails, appetizers, and a raffle
within the grounds of Fair Park, and will be
WFAA's Shelly Slater as Emcee, entertainment by
carts will also be available to shuttle shoppers to
Eleven Hundred Springs, and photo booth by
and from their cars if needed.
Preview Party tickets also offer readmission during
Valet Information
MyLivePhotos.com.
all General Admission hours.
Valet drop off is directly in front of the main
Thursday, November 21st
Gate 2. If you would like to valet your car, you will
Be one of the first to shop the Market!
directed to the valet. There you will pay the
entrance to the Market and will be accessible from
First Call Shopping - 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
pay the $10 entry fee at Gate 2 and then will be
First Call tickets also offer readmission during all
additional $10 valet fee (for a total of $20).
General Admission hours.
General Admission - 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Please note that all parking fees are dictated by the
City of Dallas, and COCM does not receive any
monies from parking or valet.
Friday, November 22nd
For more parking information, please visit
Thursday, November 21
st
General Admission - 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 23rd
General Admission - 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m
www.chiomegaxmas.org and click on "General
Information" and "Directions."
COCM Information cont.
Yard Signs
Help us paint the town red by displaying your
COCM Yard Sign! If you need a sign, we have a
few left at the COCM office. Please contact
Natalie to coordinate a pick-up time 214-8901999 or office@chiomegaxmas.org. This is an
easy way to get involved and get the word out
about our Market!
WE NEED You! Volunteer at the Market
As members of the Dallas Alumnae, COCM is an
event we should ALL be proud of and take part in
whatever way we can. A fantastic and easy way
to serve is to donate your time for a shift or two
during the Market like these lovely ladies did last
year! Plus, you get FREE PARKING and FREE
ADMISSION. Come volunteer and stay to shop!
Visit our website at www.chiomegaxmas.org
(click on "Alumnae" and then "Volunteer at the
2013 Market") to sign up. We need your help to
make this Market a success!
COCM on Facebook!
Be sure to "like" us on Facebook at
facebook.com/chiomegachristmas for all kinds of
fun news, tidbits, info and insider tips! Share our
Facebook page with all your friends too.... this
page is not just for Chi-O's!
COCM Beneficiaries
Young Alumnae Happenings!
Dear Sistters,
I am so honored to be leading a wonderful group of young women. We have an amazing group of accomplished women
and I am excited to continue the tradition of creating a platform for our members to connect and form bonds for life!
The summer has come and gone and the Young Alumnae are in full swing for another fun filled year! We kicked off the
year with a happy hour full of new and old faces at Social House Uptown & Music in the Park – Klyde Warren Park.
We are so excited to welcome all the new members! It is always so exciting to get together after the summer months and
catch up with each other.
Please look forward to our Fall programs!
Chi Omega Christmas Market
November 20- 23rd
Fair Park
Holly Jolly Trolley – Uptown Trolley
Saturday, December 7th 7:30- 10pm
Join us for another trip on the trolley in your best tacky Christmas sweater
Holiday Tea
Sunday, December 8th 2- 4pm
Mingle and enjoy an afternoon of tea with all the members of Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas
Stay up to date on upcoming events and “like” our Facebook page Chi Omega Young Alumnae of Dallas and follow us on
Instagram at DallasXOYoungAlum .
Thank you all for an exciting start to the 2013- 2014 year!
Yours in Chi Omega,
Kathryn Reddell ~ Chairman of the Chi Omega Young Alumnae of Dallas
Young Alumnae Happenings!
In Pictures
SMU - Iota Alpha News
Hello Sisters!
This summer, the SMU Chi Omegas dispersed all over the world. Through
study abroad programs and internships, the women of Iota Alpha made
their mark in the US and abroad. We had girls in France, Spain, England,
Italy, Germany, Africa, Australia, and many other incredible places.
Needless to say, the summer was one to remember for many Chi Omegas.
After an amazing summer, we are back on our beautiful campus for the
start of fall semester. From football games to philanthropy events, the
semester is packed with fun for Chi Omegas. Another one of our favorite
parts of fall semester is recruitment! We have recruitment events and
workshops planned to help prepare us for formal recruitment in January.
We are really pushing our new “GOTTA GO CHI O” slogan on social
media and on campus and it has been a huge success.
Iota Alpha is also proud to announce that we are currently ranked FIRST
in grades among the Greek community with a 3.526 cumulative GPA. We
emphasize scholarship as well as campus involvement throughout the
semester and are thrilled with our academic and leadership
accomplishments.
When we are not in class, studying, or being involved on campus, we are
hanging out with our sisters and having fun! We have six boulevards
planned for the home football games this semester, and we were excited
to welcome our parents for Family Weekend on October 5th. We also
have two date dashes and our Winter Formal coming up this semester, so
we’re looking forward to breaking it down on the dance floor!
Iota Alpha is excited to be back for a new school year, and we’re looking
forward to all the events we have planned for the semester. For the latest
Chi Omega updates, you can “like” us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/SMUChiOmega. I look forward to sharing more
news of fun and progress with you in the future!
With Chi Omega love,
Meredith Jones
DID YOU KNOW?
Iota Alpha has ....
- 10 Hunt Scholars
- 6 President’s Scholars
- 1 student representative on the
SMU Board of Trustees
- 16 members on Student
Foundation
- 1 member on SMU golf team
- 2 members on Pom Squad
including the Pom Captain
- 3 SMU Cheerleaders
- 1 SMU Football Sideline Reporter
SMU - Iota Alpha Happenings!
In Pictures
SUSTAINING SISTERHOOD
Construction Campaign
A Peek Behind the Fence
On a sunny October afternoon, it was my privilege to join a close-knit band of Iota Alpha pledge sisters who gathered to
celebrate SMU Homecoming, for a peek behind the fence at our new site. Walking across the wooden subfloor that
covered the first floor from end to end, we collectively felt goose bumps over the progress made in the past two years. It is
one thing to dream a dream, and another to walk your fingers over paper plans; but it is far different to smell the sawdust
and actually pace the room sizes during framing!
The new Chi Omega house in construction at 3034 Daniel Avenue will truly be the most thoughtfully designed house on
campus. I could hear the sigh’s of amazement as our Interior Designer, Mersina Pappas Stubbs shared her vision of the
first floor rooms. She described the framed glass doors and interior lanterns so vividly, we could almost imagine ourselves
taking supper in the new dining rooms. And when our chief architect, John Brown, described the steel and concrete
reinforced stair shaft that could one day serve as a disaster shelter for the residents of Chi Omega, our small band of
alumnae nodded with approval of the detail that could one day save the lives of our residents.
Sisters, the New House Construction Steering Committee and the Chi Omega Educational Corporation are pleased to share
this progress report regarding the new house construction. Countless hours are being spent monitoring every detail, from
pennies spent on the construction to details of the May move that will begin the transition from 3014 Daniel to the new
home for Chi Omega, set to open in August 2014.
The vision of a new house is no longer just a dream, and all you have to do is drive down Daniel Avenue to catch the
excitement. The new Chi Omega house will serve a deserving Iota Alpha chapter and the Dallas alumnae for decades to
come. If you have not already made a contribution, it is not too late to add your name to the donor list. Please contact
Connie O’Neill (214)476-8300 or Juli Harrison (214) 207-1001 for additional information. We are accepting
contributions large and small so everyone can have an opportunity to be a part of history for Chi Omega in Dallas.
left to right: Connie O'Neill, Paula Whisenant, Mary Tabor and Juli Harrison
What’s Up With Our Sisters
NATIONAL PANHELLENIC NEWS
The Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas has acknowledged the
following events in the lives of our membership:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Nancy Williams lost her Father
Kari Wade has a new Grandson
Jean M. Mrasek, development director for the College
Cheri Neil lost her husband
of Chi Omega sorority, has been named chairman of
Debbie Dickenson’s husband had heart surgery
15.
Beth Anderson had ACL surgery
of Education at TCU and a former national president
Dottie Hargett has been ill
the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) for 2013-
Amy Timmerman had a Baby boy
Beth Arnold received the Presidents Award at Nathan
Grace
x
x
x
x
x
Terri Guthrie had an Appendectomy
Jackie Count lost her husband
Carol Hillman lost her father
Judy Zurlis lost her father
Lisa Honea Jacobs’ daughter is a new pledge at Missouri &
just recently lost her father
x
Kelsie Guthrie, a 2010 Chi Omega Christmas Scholarship
Recipient, recently married
x
The following information was released by Texas Christian
University:
Jo Fay Harrison Godbey (SMU) is with our sisters in the
Omega Chapter
Mrasek, from Southlake, TX, will lead the NPC board,
which represents 26 national and international
member sororities in the United States and Canada.
NPC sororities are located at 666 campuses with
325,772 undergraduate members in 3,127 chapters.
Mrasek and four other members of the NPC Executive
Committee were installed at the group's annual
meeting in Los Angeles Oct. 12.
NPC's 26 member sororities, as a whole, continue to
report membership increases year over year, said
Mrasek. Women continue to find value in the sorority
experience through friendships made, community
AND …
service work completed and in connecting to potential
job sources after graduation.
We are so grateful to have Jean Mrasek as part of our
university community and now as a much bigger part
of the women's sorority movement, said TCU
Chancellor Victor Boschini. She will undoubtedly do
her usual outstanding job in this new leadership role.
Historically, TCU has had a long-standing positive tie
with our national sororities. We are thrilled to be
building upon that relationship with Chairman
Mrasek.
Fall Recruitment News
The Chi Omega RIF board proudly announces 61 new PNM’s including 17 Chi Omega legacies and completing a fantastic
fall 2013 rush. Texas A&M, TCU, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma University pledged a record number of outstanding
girls from our Dallas area high schools. An increasingly large number of alumna provide rifs, letters, and information to
complete our rush packets. High School chairs continue to do an amazing job organizing and providing all of this
information for our collegiate chapters. Please see their names listed in our directory and give them a huge Chi O
thanks! Without our committee, these large numbers would not be possible. Diane Brooks is focused on spring rush and
SMU with dates to be announced soon. Please contact her with any information concerning spring rush. Go Chi O!!!!
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama
Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas
Clemson
Georgia
Georgia
LSU
Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi
Missouri
N. Carolina State
OU
Abby
* Shannon
Sarah
Kara
* Shelby
* Anna
Sara
* Emily
Alex
Katherine
Haley
Danielle
Adele
Ellen
* Jennifer
Abbey
Rachel
* Julianne
* Judy
Madison
Calhoun
Pugh
Tyson
Bell
Everett
McDaniel
MacDowell
Bearden
Williams
Payne
Caffey
Cole
Elder
Elder
Lindsley
Sosnoskie
Unkefer
Jacobs
Sillers
Cole
Hockaday
Shelton
Highland Park
TCA
Highland Park
Highland Park
Parish
Bishop Lynch
Highland Park
Ursuline
Highland Park
Highland Park
Highland Park
Highland Park
Ursuline
Highland Park
Highland Park
Parish
Highland Park
TCA
TCU
TCU
TCU
TCU
TCU
TCU
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas A & M
Kirsten
Morgan
Sarah
Meg
Meredith
* Peyton
Caroline
Ashley
Alexa
Kaitlin
* Charlotte
* Mary Beth
Natalie
Jessica
* Audrey
Pascale
Ramie
Caitlyn
Bri
* Sarah
Last
Name
Burns
Compton
Kline
Moran
Perot
Pritchard
Collins
Deatherage
DelaVega
Dorey
Gunn
Hamilton
McDole
McQuaid
Pritchard
Queralt
Payne
Smith
Williams
Bailey
OU
OU
OU
OU
OU
OU
Samford
Samford
South Carolina
TCU
Kendall
Dani
Cassidy
* Kelly
Lauren
Madison
Autumn
Allie
Lyssie
* Ellen
Daly
Fluharty
Hansen
Merlino
Newman
Plott
Adams
Manos
Ropp
Beecherl
Ursuline
Ursuline
Parish
Bishop Dunne
Highland Park
Highland Park
TCA
TCA
Highland Park
ESD
Texas A & M
Texas A & M
Texas A & M
Texas A & M
Texas A & M
Texas A & M
Texas A & M
Texas A & M
Texas Tech
Texas Tech
* Rachel
Kathryn
Claire
Anna
Mary Katherine
* Amelia
Mason
Kirby
* Kelly
Maggie
Braun
Carter
Holder
Montie
Mountjoy
Rohrman
Strickland
Wagner
Click
Dooley
College
First Name
* Indicates Legacy
Last Name
High School
College
First Name
* Indicates Legacy
High School
Highland Park
Parish
TCA
TCA
ESD
Highland Park
Ursuline
Hockaday
Highland Park
Hockaday
Hockaday
Highland Park
Highland Park
Ursuline
Ursuline
Hockaday
Hockaday
Parish
Highland Park
Highland Park
Woodrow
Wilson
TCA
TCA
Highland Park
Covenant
Highland Park
Hockaday
Highland Park
Highland Park
Highland Park
Upcoming Events
Chi Omega Christmas Market
2013 COCM Patrons and Beneficiary Presentation
Centennial Building@ Fair Park
Thursday, February 20, 2014 / 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Holiday Tea
Boulevard, Dallas 75205)
At the home of Amy Mitchell (4321 St. Johns Drive,
Alumnae Happy Hour with Chi Omega Mothers Club
Dallas, 75205)
Location, Date and Time: TBD
Alumnae Meeting
Eleusinian Banquet
November 20-23, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013 / 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014 / 6:00-8:00 p.m.
At the home of Megan McManemin (5145 Yolanda Lane,
Dallas, 75229)
“The Perfect Pairings”
Aaron Benson, Sommelier at Dallas Country Club
Julie Robertson from Molto Formaggio in Highland Park
Village
Golden Owl Luncheon
Party
At the home of Melissa Wise (3444 University
Monday, April 7, 2014
Pre-dinner gathering: 5:30 p.m.
Dinner and Program: 6:30 p.m.
At the Arboretum (8525 Garland Road, Dallas 75218)
Alumnae Turnover Meeting
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 / 8:30-10:30 a.m.
At the home of Stacey Wilkins (4530 Melissa Lane,
Dallas, 75229)
Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 11:30 a.m.
“Travel with Chi O...See the World with Your Sisters!”
Lakewood Country Club (6430 Gaston Avenue, Dallas,
Featuring 2014-15 Chi Omega Dallas A. H. - Karen
75214)
Gray
Panhellenic Recruitment Forum
Panhellenic Scholarship Luncheon
Sunday, February 9, 2014 / 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Northway Christian Church (7202 West Northway
Highway, Dallas, 75225)
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 / 11:30 a.m.
Dallas Country Club (4100 Beverly Drive, Dallas,
75205)
** This luncheon raises money for the Panhellenic
Scholarship Program.
Dallas Alumnae Candids
Dallas Alumnae Candids
Dallas Alumnae Candids
Dallas Alumnae Candids
Dallas Alumnae Candids