Dallas Alumnae Newsletter - September 2014

The OWL
Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas
Editor: Samantha Smith
September 2014
• I am a Chi Omega
• We make a difference
• Chi Omega is FUN!
• We invite you to connect
I Am A Chi Omega!
Karen E. Gray, A.H, and President Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas
I am honored to be serving as President of the Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas for the upcoming
year! I grew up in Irving and I work for a global information services company, as a Supply
Management Specialist. I have a dog named Truman, and I have a collection of over 100, yes,
over 100!, owls in my home office.
This year, my theme is Symphony of Sisterhood, one that was introduced at Chi Omega’s
National Convention this summer. Wherever you live…wherever you went to school…whatever
your involvement…whatever your memories…the Chi Omega Symphony serves to inspire us all as
sisters and as friends. My favorite verse of the Chi Omega Symphony is To Be Discouraged
Never, and one that I am reminded of daily in my work as well as my personal life.
I am an ’81 initiate of Epsilon Zeta, at Stephen F. Austin State University and I also serve on the
Advisory Board at Southern Methodist University as the New Member and Ritual Advisor. I love to
travel and serve on the Chi Omega Travel Adventures Committee, planning domestic and
international trips for our Chi O sisters, spouses, family, and friends. I have traveled most recently
with Chi Omega to Croatia, Italy, the Western Canadian Rockies, Portugal, Spain and the beaches
of Normandy in France.
I have served the Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas and Chi Omega Christmas Market in various
positions since 1984. Through the years, I have served the Fraternity on the National Recruitment
Team, as Regional Recruitment Director, on the National Technology Committee, on Firesides and
Convention staff, and as Convention Co-Chair in 2006 and 2008.
My favorite Chi Omega memories include bid day, decorating for formals, and recruitment. As an
alumna, my favorite memories are from 2005, while I was going through chemotherapy. During a
most extended time, sisters of all ages encouraged my family with meals, prayers, cards, and visits
to the oncology unit at Presbyterian Dallas. Moreover, more than 60 Chi Omegas walked in
Dallas’ Susan G. Komen race donning red and yellow To Be Discouraged Never caps.
I am a firm believer that Chi Omega is indeed for a lifetime, and I look forward to connecting with
you in 2014 - 2015!
Fondly,
Karen E. Gray
Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas President (2014-2015)
I Am A Chi Omega!
Krista McKinney, Chairman Chi Omega Young Alumnae of Dallas
I am serving as the Chairman of the Chi Omega Young Alumnae of Dallas, and I have previously
served as the Chairman Elect and Hospitality officer for the Young Alum group.
I am an Alpha Beta from Auburn University. I grew up in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, and I
moved to Dallas in 2011 to work for an oil and gas company. I have been married to my husband
Daniel for three years, and we love to travel together. He also makes a great guinea pig as I try to
improve my culinary skills in the kitchen!
My favorite Chi Omega memory is having my parents participate in our Walk for a Wish event my
last year at Auburn. They were so impressed with the character and service of our chapter, and I
loved sharing that special day with them.
I am excited for the upcoming year and all of the fun times the Young Alums will have together!
Krista McKinney
Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas Young Alumnae Chairman (2014-2015)
I Am A Chi Omega!
Introducing 2014 – 2015 Executive and Standing Committee Chairs
President Elect
Vice Chair Membership
Vice Chair Programs
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Eleusis Correspondent
Corresponding Secretary
Parliamentarian
Auditor, Tax Secretary
Panhellenic Delegate
Panhellenic Alternate
Social Media and Website Coordinator
Chi Omega Christmas Market Chair 2014
Chi Omega Christmas Market Chair 2014
Chi Omega Christmas Market Chair 2015
Chi Omega Christmas Market Chair 2015
Chi Omega Christmas Market Chair 2015
Alumnae Award Chair
Beneficiary Liaison
Beneficiary Chair
Scholarship Committee
COCM Steering Committee
COCM Steering Special Advisor
Beneficiary Member at Large
Beneficiary Member at Large
Directory
Eleusinian
Eleusinian
Eleusinian
Golden Owl Recognition and Luncheon
Holiday Tea
Hospitality
Hospitality
IA New Member Social
IA New Member Social
Membership Database and Mailings
Mothers Club Liaison
Newsletter Editor
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Information (Deferred)
Sue McClure Bailey, Kansas State
Nancy Steed Williams, SMU
Carol Johnston Toler, University of Texas
Debby Bailey Kondrach, TCU
Melanie Wright, SMU
Eloise Parker Meachum, SMU
Jane Wofford Porter, Tennessee
Cindy Woods Lindsley, University of Texas
Leith Wildfong Higginbottom, SFASU
Serena Hess Cole, University of North Texas
Rebecca Hindsman Laccour, LSU
Randi Rummer, Texas A&M Commerce
Allison Cox, Arizona State
Sara Koda, Arizona State
Amanda Escobedo, Texas State
Amy McAleavey, Texas State
Staci Sellers, Texas State
FayBeth Bridges Moore, University of Texas
Jenny Houston Kaiser, SMU
Barbara Opal Mc Cluer, Newcomb
Denise Jernigan, Texas A&M Commerce
Amy Timmerman, SMU
Kari Stewart Wade, SMU
Julie Mott Livingston, UT
Laura Runyan Rohrman, Baylor
Nancy Eubank Callan, Sam Houston State
Celia Speed Boisfontaine, Mississippi
Mary Louise Carstens Hopson, LSU
Lynn Lowrance Murtha, Baylor
Amy Cox Malone, TCU
Liz Holbrook Grote, SFASU
Leigh Spratlin Jolas, University of Texas
Lisa Hargett Chapman, U of Arkansas
Prissy Powell Elliott, SFASU
Jane Phillips, West Texas A&M
Sally Larroca, SMU
Jackie Young Counts, SMU
Samantha Smith, UTEP
Nan Morris McGee, OSU
Diane Crain Brooks, TCU
Chi Omega is Fun!
We would love for our members of the Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas to
share their photos!
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Is your pledge class (aka new member class) having a reunion this
fall?
Are you meeting up with your Chi O sisters at Homecoming?
Are you celebrating a milestone with your Chi O sisters?
Submissions can be made online to Randi Rummer at
randirummer@gmail.com and be sure to include the names of those
pictured and the name of the event! Remember no sunglasses or drinks
in photos.
Have you ever wondered How you Find a Chi O Sister that you have lost contact
with?
You can sign in to www.chiomega.com/everyday > Interactive Tools > Find a Chi O.
You can select Member Search and key in any part of a sister’s name, initiating
chapter, or partial address.
If you don’t remember your ID and PW, or have trouble using the site, you can send a
note to chiomega@chiomega.com and gain help.
Are you using the Online RIF Form? It is quick and easy and there is no need for
postage. And, you will never miss another deadline!
You can sign in to www.chiomega.com/everyday >Submit a RIF online. You can
enter (or copy and paste) a Potential New Member’s basic information, including
information pertaining to parents, current college / university attending, high school
activities, Chi Omega relationships, other Greek affiliations, recognition, awards, and
your personal recommendation. You can even upload a photo! Every RIF that you
submit generates a personal online history of RIFs for future reference. Each RIF
will automatically be sent to the proper Area Recruitment Information Chair (ARIC) or
State Recruitment Information Chair (SRIC) for release to the chapter.
If you have any questions, please contact Executive Headquarters at (901) 748.8600
or chiomega@chiomega.com It is recommended that you use Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome or Safari as your web browser.
We Make A Difference!
2014 Chi Omega Christmas Market
The 2014 Chi Omega Christmas Market will mark 37 years of giving by bringing a unique
holiday shopping experience to Dallas’ Fair Park! Mark your calendar for November 19th –
22nd 2014.
The 2014 Chi Omega Christmas Market is located in CENTENNIAL HALL at Dallas' Fair
Park. This beautiful, historic building was originally built in 1905 and is a National Historic
Landmark in Texas. Although many of you will visit this building each year as one of the
two buildings housing the famous car exhibit during the Texas State Fair, you will be
amazed at its transformation into the luxury holiday marketplace that you have come to
know and love as the Chi Omega Christmas Market!
Continuing the spirited tradition, the Chi Omega Christmas Market selected the following
beneficiaries:
 Chi Omega Education Corporation,
 Bea's Kids,
 Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County,
 City Square,
 Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center,
 Dallas Children's Theatre,
 Dallas Police Association's Assist the Officer Foundation,
 Letot Center Capital Foundation,
 Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas,
 Project Transformation and
 Chi Omega Collegiate Scholarships.
We look forward to giving to these very worthy beneficiaries at our check presentation in
February of 2015!
The Chi Omega Christmas Market office is located in Preston Center, at 6138 Berkshire
Lane Suite 14. Sally Larroca is the Office Manager and acts as the main contact for COCM
inquiries and merchants and supports the COCM chairs.
You can reach COCM at office@chiomegaxmas.org or (214) 890.1999 or visit the website at
www.chiomegaxmas.org
We Make A Difference!
OMEGA
CHAPTER
It’s with deep sorrow that we share with you that our sister, Lucia Lukken Hrncir, is now part of
the Omega Chapter! Our thoughts & prayers are with her family!
CONDOLENCES
Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to the following Sisters who have recently lost their loved ones!
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Terrie Gutherie … Mother passed away
Brynn Bagot Alday … Grandmother & Grandfather passed away
Zona Parker … Daughter passed away
NEWS TO SHARE?!?
Please submit to Karen.gray@sbcglobal.net
We Invite You To Connect!
As alumnae, there are no required meetings to attend, only events designed to keep us connected.
Please look over the calendar of events, when you find something that interests you “Save the
Date” and make plans to join us. We plan events throughout the year for our members, with
opportunities to hear interesting speakers, learn more about recruitment, serve our community
through volunteering, and connect with special interest groups.
Your membership in the Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas helps insure continued support for our local
philanthropy, Chi Omega Christmas Market, and our national philanthropy, Make-A-Wish. It helps
provide scholarships for Dallas area actives, recruitment and chapter needs, and sustain
interesting programs. Your membership shows your support of Chi Omega and is recommended
for those who plan to complete RIFs or Letters of Support for Potential New Members (PNM).
Membership dues may be submitted online at www.chiomegaxmas.org or by requesting a form for
submission from Nancy Williams at nsw4517@gmail.com. Members will receive a complimentary
directory, if payment is received before September 1st or prior to publishing date.
Sisterhood truly lasts a lifetime and if you are inspired to join us and come to an event, we know
you will have a wonderful time getting to know Chi O Sisters from all over the Dallas area. No
matter what we are doing, we have a wonderful time being together!
SAVE THE DATES
September 16th
Alum Meeting … 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: The home of Leigh Jolas, 4409 Shenandoah Avenue, Dallas 75205
Speaker: Sarah Blaskovich Hannah, Digital Entertainment Editor and Music Editor – The Dallas
Morning News
“Ask me what to do, where to eat, or what to drink in the DFW area.”
October 21st
Alum Meeting … 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m
Location: 3034 Daniel Avenue, Dallas 75205, Iota Alpha House on the SMU Campus
Speaker: Mersina Pappas Stubs, Interior Designer
“A Behind the scenes Talk and Tour”
November 19th – 22nd
2014 Chi Omega Christmas Market will mark 37 years of giving by bringing a unique holiday
shopping experience to Dallas’ Fair Park! For hours and ticket information visit
www.chiomegaxmas.org
December 7th
Holiday Tea … 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: 3034 Daniel Avenue, Dallas 75205, Iota Alpha House on the SMU Campus
“Symphony of Sisterhood”
Valet Parking Available
We Invite You To Connect!
SAVE THE DATES
January 13th
Alum Meeting … Time 7:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Speaker: Gary Cogill, Producer, Film Critic, Arts Reporter
“A look at the Academy Award nominees Gary’s predictions”
January 22nd
Golden Owl Celebration … Time TBD
Location: Lakewood Country Club
“Sisterhood for a Lifetime”
Valet Parking Available
February 17th
COCM Check Presentation … 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: 3034 Daniel Avenue, Dallas 75205, Iota Alpha House on the SMU Campus
“Meet the recipients: Chi Omega Education Corporation, Bea's Kids, Children's Advocacy Center
of Collin County, City Square, Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, Dallas Children's Theatre, Dallas
Police Association's Assist the Officer Foundation, Letot Center Capital Foundation, Make-A-Wish
Foundation of North Texas, Project Transformation and Chi Omega Collegiate Scholarships.”
March 17th
Joint Alumnae Meeting with Chi Omega Mothers Club … 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: The home of Neoma Twining, 8122 San Benito Way, Dallas 75218
“Cardinal and Straw” wine tasting
April 6th
Eleusinian … Time TBD
Location: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas 75218
“Symphony of Sisterhood”
May 12th
Alum Turnover Meeting … 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: The home of Holly Sudbury, 6015 Woodland Drive, Dallas 75225
“Meet the Author”
We Invite You To Connect!
YOUNG ALUMNAE SAVE THE DATES
October 9, 2014
Kendra Scott Shopping Event … 6:00 pm
Location: Kendra Scott, West Village
December 13, 2014
Tacky Christmas Sweater Trolley Ride … 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: McKinney Avenue Trolley, Dallas
January 13, 2015
“Gary Cogill predicts the OSCARS … 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Angelika Film Center … 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas 75206
March 2015
Top Golf … Time & Date to be determined
Location: TBD
USEFUL LINKS
www.chiomegaxmas.org Chi Omega Christmas Site
http://chaptersites.chiomega.com/default.aspx?site=588 Dallas Alumnae Site
www.chiomega.com/everyday Members Only Site
www.chiomega.com General Fraternity Information
www.travelchio.com See the world with your sisters, spouses, family, and friends
Follow Us on Facebook
XO Alumnae of Dallas … https://www.facebook.com/ChiOmegaAlumnaeOfDallas
XO Young Alumnae of Dallas … https://www.facebook.com/ChiOmegaYoungAlumnaeOfDallas
XO Christmas Market … https://www.facebook.com/chiomegachristmas
Follow Us on Twitter
XO Christmas Market … @ChiOChristmas
*** If this is your first visit to our website, Welcome!
We hope that you will take a few minutes to
check out all the links and find out all about the Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas. We have found the
website to be the easiest way to keep all of us up to date and connected.
*** You may also follow Chi Omega Dallas on Facebook and Twitter.
We Invite You To Connect!
COCM COMMITTEE
MEETING
NEW SMU CHI
OMEGA HOUSE