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)

Jessie W-G received a Rose Award!!

We are thrilled that AOII recognized Jessie W-G's dedication and love for our sisterhood with a Rose Award!  She lets her Alpha light shine through her work with the AOII Foundation, local Panhellenic organizations, our alumnae chapter, as well as many other activities.  Here are some excerpts from her nomination and letter of support:

"Jessie exemplifies the ideals of AOII and inspires each and every member of this fraternity to “exceed the expectation.”

"She is also enthusiastic, creative, resourceful, and genuinely interested in developing meaningful connections with her AOII sisters. She is a leader among leaders. Her love for AOII, and her commitment to the AOII Foundation, is readily apparent.  Alpha Omicron Pi is very fortunate to have someone of Jessie’s character and talent among its volunteer leadership, and each of us who knows her is proud to call her our sister and friend."  

AOII International President, Allison, and Jessie

2013 Convention - Awards Banquet

We had an exciting evening together celebrating many wonderful sisters and chapters.   Jessie W-G received a well-deserved Rose Award, and we were honored to receive some chapter excellence awards.

Several of our alumnae chapter members attended the banquet!

International President, Allison, and Jessie W-G

Allison and Chris

Allison and Chris (again!)

The PIPs entertained us with their anything-but-traditional Pip Skit!

to the tune of Epsilon Chapter Song

We love these ladies!!

2013 Convention - Opening Brunch

The Head Table

Chris M. organized the AOII Choral Group that sang Grace at every meal and the national anthems for the U.S.A. and Canada.

The Choral Group lead an AOII Sing-along that was a huge success!  Chris M. and Jessie C. sang with the group!

The PIPs sang Flamin' Alpha!  Priceless!

2013 Convention - Thursday, June 27

Chris M. got up early to walk with Network 3 Sisterfriends.

Chicago West's Hospitality Suite!

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