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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E461-E462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF ALPHA OMICRON PI, OMEGA CHAPTER CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
______
HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Friday, April 12, 2019
Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to
the Omega Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority in celebration of its
100th anniversary. As a proud past President of the chapter, who
graduated in 1982, it is my high honor to congratulate the Omega
Chapter at Miami University in Oxford,
[[Page E462]]
Ohio in celebration of this special occasion. I, along with my sorority
sisters, are forever grateful for the founders of Alpha Omicron Pi's
commitment to ensuring young women develop lifelong friendships while
enhancing one another's lives through scholarship and service.
Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) has been an integral part of college campuses
since its founding in 1897 by Stella George Stern Perry, Helen St.
Clair Mullan, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, and Jessie Wallace Hughan at
Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. The
organization has seen tremendous growth since its inception as an all
female sorority, with over 191,000 initiated members from 144
collegiate chapters. Members can be identified by their ruby pins, the
red rose, and the Panda mascot. Each new member receives a pin upon her
initiation, known as the AOII badge, where the Greek letters, Alpha,
Omicron, and Pi are superimposed one upon the next in order.
Founded on the ideals of character, dignity, scholarship, and college
loyalty, AOII helps young women cultivate values of accountability and
ownership, collaboration, engagement, innovation, and open and honest
communication skills. AOII's philanthropic values are demonstrated by a
dedication to raising money for and spreading awareness of the
Arthritis Foundation. By holding annual Strike Out Arthritis events
both at the chapter and national levels, AOII has been able to
contribute millions of dollars toward education initiatives and
assistance for families affected by arthritis. AOII's fundamental hope
in fundraising and education is to one day contribute to finding a cure
for this disease that impacts millions of Americans.
The Omega Chapter was founded on January 4, 1919 at Miami University,
originating from a local sorority named Kappa Tau Sigma. Founded in
scholarship, AOII became the fourth sorority on Miami's campus.
Originally holding chapter meetings in various classrooms, AOII
eventually obtained a more permanent home in Hamilton Hall and later
Richard Hall. Focused on the motto to ``engage in service'', AOII
sisters have recently been involved with various philanthropies across
the Oxford community, to name a few, including Spring Clean Oxford,
Relay for Life, Miles for Smiles 5K, Adopt-a-School, Big Brothers/Big
Sisters, and the Knolls of Oxford nursing home event where Miami
athletic teams and Greek chapters are paired together to complete
tasks. During the philanthropy round of recruitment, sisters also
decorate t-shirts for stuffed panda bears that are given to patients at
the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. From Strike Out Arthritis to the
annual Red Rose Ball to the AOPirate Party, the sisters of the Omega
chapter have cemented a lasting presence on the Miami campus.
A testament to the character and dedication of this talented group of
women, the Omega Chapter has been honored with numerous awards and
accolades. They've been awarded the AOII International's Jessie Wallace
Hughan award in 1979 and various Miami Panhellenic awards such as the
Outstanding Rush Award, Greek Week champions, and Songfest winners.
Committed to character, dignity, scholarship, and loyalty the Omega
Chapter was also honored with the Miami University Five Pillar Award
for Excellence in Scholarship & Learning, Service & Philanthropy,
Community, Leadership & Values, and Brotherhood & Sisterhood.
The sorority's personalized approach to membership has made the Omega
Chapter home to a robust alumni network with graduates developing
accomplished careers in business, non-profit, academic, community
leadership, and government service across the country. The sorority's
national publication, the To Dragma, keeps all current and past members
connected with ongoing events and the successes of various chapters
nationwide.
It is important to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new
generation of Americans who have the skills, knowledge, and compassion
to make the world a better place. The sisters of the AOII Omega Chapter
have demonstrated 100 years of commitment and service to others. Their
outstanding work is an inspiration to the nation. Congratulations on a
century of excellence in community service and for cultivating a
network of caring, loving sisters who will work to ensure Alpha Omicron
Pi's success in the next century. Love and honor to all AOII Omega
sisters.
____________________