This weekend Network Directors spent time at AOII Headquarters for their yearly training, which is also known as ND weekend! Our very own Sharon Wiechman currently serves as the Network Director for Network 10. She enjoyed a weekend filled with training, sisterhood, and exploring our new Archives Museum!

2013 Convention Awards and Recognition

We were honored to receive the following awards and recognition at AOII's 2013 International Convention:

Chapter Excellence Award

Excellence in Collegiate Relations

Excellence in Communications

Ruby Level Standard of Excellence

Strike Out Arthritis! Participation

Achievement in Fundraising Award for Foundation Support

2013 Convention - Saturday, June 29

Congratulations to Jessie W-G who was elected to a third term as AOII Foundation Board Director!

After several wonderful days, it was finally time for Rose Banquet.  Several of our members volunteered to help set up for this very special banquet that is an exciting ending to a very special time for our Fraternity.  The gorgeous rose centerpieces were designed by a local friend of Ann Marie's and Chris M.'s.  She's a florist who specializes in large events. 

Jeanne, Fran, and Natalie R. decorating the tables.  Chris M. and Donna helped iron the table runners earlier in the week.

Kathy and Patti setting tables, too.  Everyone was very careful to make sure that the table runners were even.  They looked wonderful!

Jeanne and Patti placing programs and charms.  These two 50-year members have worked together for many many years, advancing our Fraternity and spreading sisterly love to everyone who's crossed their paths.

Ann Marie and Natalie R.

Fran

We got a sneak peak at the convention charms.  They were perfect!  Thank you to the AOII HQ staff who designed such nice charms for us!

Back to Chicago West's Hospitality Suite - Ann, Debby, and Vicky - We had a great time pre-partying and seeing how lovely everyone looked in their formal gowns.

Natalie, Chris G., and Amanda

Vicky, Ann, Ellen, Donna, and Debby

2013 Convention - Friday, June 28

Friday started off with Educational Tracks, one of which was called Stella's Trunk.  AOII brought many items from our Fraternity's archives, including several that have never left AOII Headquarters before.  We're very thankful that they went to so much trouble to bring these historic gems to share with all of us at convention.

Stella's Trunk

Chris M. enjoyed meeting Joan MacCallum (Kappa Phi), Past International President and International Historian and Archivist.

Our Founders's Badges

Three of our Founders' President rings - The President ring on Joan's pinky finger is her ring.  If you look closely, you can see very subtle differences in the rings.

Alpha Chapter's Gavel

The AOII Foundation provided dessert!

 Another special tradition - PIP Storytelling

Chicago sisterfriends at Friday's Business Session - from left: Janet (Chicago City AC), Terry (Chicago Northwest Suburban AC), Sue (Chicago South Suburban AC), and Chris M. (Chicago West Suburban AC)

2013 Convention - Wednesday, June 26

Vicky, Anna, and Deanna greeted sisters at O'Hare

Suzette worked the registration desk and was there to help Fran!

Natalie R., Chris A., Suzette, and Chris M. waiting for the Candle Lighting Service to begin.  Jessie W-G and Natalie G. got to be part of the service by representing closed chapters.

The view from the Chicago West Suburban AC Hospitality Suite

2013 Convention - Tuesday Work Day

Several members of our chapter volunteered in various capacities throughout convention. Some of us went a day early to help set  things up at the hotel.

 Natalie R. and Chris M. gave Jessie W-G a ride to the hotel.  Jessie had to be there early for AOII Foundation meetings.  That's luggage for her entire family plus Foundation items.

  

Stuffing 900 tote bags

Chris M., Suzette, Sue D. (Chicago Northwest Suburban AC), and Natalie R.

We donated 1000 of our Ritual cards to AOII for convention.

All of the Chicago area alumnae chapters worked together to provide pencils for the tote bags that say "Chicago AOIIs Welcome You."

We also gave these welcome cards to all of the Network 3 attendees.

The tote bags are all ready to go!

Sue and Donna stuffing mailboxes

Suzette and Natalie R.

Chris M., Donna, Natalie R., and Suzette

We ran into Liz P. on our way to lunch!

A sneak peek at centerpieces

Save the Dates for A Magnificent Celebration!

From Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity's website:

An event so memorable, it only comes around once every two years!

This biennial event, taking place the summer of each odd-numbered year, is the time we celebrate achievements of the Fraternity, chapters, and outstanding members.  AOII democracy is at its best watching delegates cast votes to determine the Fraternity's direction as well as elect Executive Board officers.  Sandwiched between the traditional Opening Reception and the closing Rose Banquet are numerous memorable activities.  The Past International President Storytelling time is a highlight, as well as the All-Convention photo and "Most Shoes Packed" contest that you would have to see to believe.  The official Convention charms are the most coveted of the keepsakes, and many regular Convention attendees boast of their experiences at AOII Conventions by collecting these charms on a charm bracelet.

In midst of the Rituals, motivational speakers, and business sessions, Convention is highlighted by a celebration of our sisterhood!  With hundreds of sisters coming together from across the United States and Canada, you'll see old friends, while meeting new sisters!

Mark your calendars to Exceed the Expectation with AOII

in Chicago June 26-29, 2013!

Flashbacks from International Convention 2011

From our Fraternity's website:

"AOII Convention is the exclamation point at the end of each biennium.  Since 1908, members and leaders of  Alpha Omicron Pi have gathered together to celebrate the organizations's achievements, while planning the direction for the future.  Over the last 115 years, AOII has celebrated in countless locations, environments, cities, and landmarks.  In June 2011, AOII celebrated our 53rd International Convention in Tuscon, Arizona."

Here are some pictures that captured fun and exciting moments from Convention!!

 We were welcomed at the airport!

There were so many sisters there!

Historically, there's one day when everyone wears red and/or white.

You get a fun nametag!  The roses are $5 contributions that sisters make to the Foundation in your honor.

Chris, Shari (ND), Sharon (NS-A), Niki (NS), Allison (NS)

Network 3 sisters woke up early every morning to go hiking.

Jessie W-G and Chris with our Chapter Excellence Award 

Our Network 3 Director, Shari and Chris

 PIP Storytelling

PIP Skit - They're crazy fun! 

Liz received a Rose Award!

Rose Banquet

 Jeanne, Jessie W-G, Yvonne, and Chris

Chris and our brand new IP Allison!  Check out the roses on her dress!  Gorgeous!!

 PIP Barb and Chris

Chris and Liz

Chicago Area Sisters: Joyce, Stephanie, Chris, Linda, Kristina, Shari, and Allison

 Then it was time to go home, but not before some last-minute photo-ops!

 PIP Ann and Chris

PIP Ginger and Chris