Alpha Omicron Pi is pleased to announce the colonization of its 186th chapter at the Appalachian State University on October 9, 2008.  This ceremony concluded three days of colonization parties and personal appointments and was held in the Appalachian  Panhellenic Hall Ballroom in Boone, North Carolina.  The colonization process began when Alpha Omicron Pi was invited to colonize at Appalachian State University after the Panhellenic community opened for extension last semester.  Appalachian State is a public institution located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is part of the University of North Carolina System.  With a student/faculty ratio of 17:1, the school has built a national reputation for providing outstanding academics. The Colonization Service was hosted by Allison Allgier, Vice President of Development and was joined in the colonization week by Kristan Barleen, Resident Consultant; Julie Anne Walter, Extension and Colonization Manager; Tracy Elleard, Membership Recruitment Consultant; Lindsay Carter, Membership Recruitment Consultant; and Abby Mason, Event Manager.  Many members of  the 19 person AAC and Corporation Board attended as sponsors of the ceremony.  Julie Lassalle, Coordinator for Sorority Life and Living; and Aaron Bachenheimer, Assistant Director of Organizational Leadership Education (IFC Advisor) attended as well.  Laura Buchanan, the  Panhellenic President, welcomed  the new group to the ASU community.  A coffee and dessert reception followed the service.  82 wonderful women accepted bids from AOII.  They are an active and talented group of women with numerous areas of campus involvement, leadership positions, and an average GPA of 3.35.  The ceremony was attended by representatives from other Greek organizations and AOII collegians and  alumnae from throughout North and South Carolina including members of several Alumnae Chapters, as well as collegiate members from the Chi Phi Chapter at the University of South Carolina, Aiken.  Epsilon Chi Chapter (Elon University) and Omicron Chapter (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) assisted with PR and recruiting efforts throughout fall 2008.

Our new colony members are Aimee Gable, Alex Foutz, Alexandra Young, Ali Crossley, Alison Shaw, Amanda Kay Pardue, Andrea Allison, Anne Baker, Annie Machamer, April Torres, Ashley Baez, Ashley Wiles, Ashley Davis, Ashley Moore, Brandie Curnutte, Brianna Oliver, Brittany  Crawford, Carson Whitehead, Cecily Parrott, Chelsea Baker, Chelsea Pope, Christie Pavelock, Christine Zanowicz, Christy Bullins, Courtney Hill, Cynthia Kastl, Danielle Soria, Dee Skerry, Elisabeth A. Bolick, Elizabeth Campanello, Emily Vidovich, Erin Brawley, Erin Gibbens, Erin  Richardson, Gabriela Dickey, Haley Glenn, Heather Wagner, Hiley Davis, Hillary Stewart, Jamie Plummer, Jay Jordan, Jennifer Heiss, Jennifer Maltba, Jessica Alexander, Jessica Thivierge, Kate Garnet, Kathleen Dahl, Katie Casella, Katie Frederick, Katie Shawcross, Katie Walters, Kazie Poole,  Kelly Frost, Kelly Reeves, Kelsey Hoke, Kendra Johnson, Laura Byrd, Laura Holland, Laura Love, Laura Muse, Lindsay Tigar, Lindsey Harkins, Lisa Sourisack, Megan Locke, Megan Newlin, Megan Surber, Melissa Burr, Meredith Browne, Meredith Poole, Molly Caudill, Nicole Vibbert, Rebekah  Gladson, Sara Fogarty, Sara Fuller, Sarah O'Leary, Shelton Stone, Stephanie Herndon, Stephanie Mendez-Rodriguez, Stephanie Nyman, Taylor Davis, Teresa Robertson-Grigg, and Tracy Martin. 

Campus total is 80, but Panhellenic has given AOII permission to recruit up to chapter average, so continuous recruitment will be implemented throughout the semester with installation targeted for April 4, 2009.  The next few months will be full of fun, learning and  work as the Appalachian State University colony prepares itself to be installed as the 186th chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi.  Members will participate in weekly education sessions and sisterhood events, as well as socials, philanthropic events, and a colony retreat.  They are responsible for establishing the chapter’s sub-motto and name that will typify the chapter’s unique character.  There are also bylaws to write, officers to elect, and procedures to establish.  Additionally, the Resident Consultant, Kristan Barleen, will stay with the chapter through installation until the end of the 2008-2009 school year.  Welcome notes for the new colony may be sent to the following address:  Kristan Barleen, 251 Linville Creek Rd., Vilas, NC 28692, kbarleen@alphaomicronpi.org.