AOII Establishes New Chapter at Clemson University

Welcome Home, AOII at Clemson University! 

We are thrilled to officially welcome our newest chapter at Clemson University! After six months of tireless planning and execution by AOII staff, volunteers, and supporters, September marked a historic milestone: the chartering of our 215th chapter and the beginning of Clemson AOII’s legacy. 

From recruitment to Bid Day and beyond, it has been a season of excitement, growth, and sisterhood. Over 220–and counting–incredible women are a part of Clemson AOII’s founding class. This chapter is full of women who hold steadfast to our fraternal values, inspire ambition, and embrace the opportunity to forge a legacy of their own on campus. We can’t wait to see what their future holds—the first month is off to an incredible start already!  

Recruitment, Bid Day, and Chartering

Recruitment at Clemson was held September 3–5 at the Madren Conference Center in Clemson, South Carolina and was led by Lauren Elliott, Associate Director of Extension and Chapter Growth. With support from AOII staff and amazing partners like Kolby Bowman of Amanda Reed Weddings, the events were nothing short of spectacular. 

• Philanthropy Round featured dreamy coastal blue décor, a lemonade bar, speeches about our commitment to the Arthritis Foundation, and the crowd favorite: AOII’s Panda Bear Clinic video.  

• Sisterhood Round, themed “A Year in the Life,” gave potential new members a glimpse into the traditions and moments they’ll experience as Clemson AOIIs—from Homecoming floats to officer elections. Genevieve Robinett, Chapter President of Alpha Chi, delivered a beautiful speech about how AOII has impacted her collegiate years.  

• The Invitational Preference Ceremony shared more about AOII’s strong foundation, as well as our hopes and dreams for the legacy Clemson AOII will leave. The evening was made even more meaningful with a keynote from AOII International President, Susan Bonifield.
   

On Sunday, September 7, we celebrated AOII’s first-ever Bid Day at Clemson! Panhellenic community members and AOIIs from local chapters held bid day signs and open arms on the grass as Clemson AOIIs ran home for the first time. With vibrant pink and red balloons, Clemson’s Tiger Cub mascot, and AOII swag stations, the atmosphere was electric as we welcomed home over 200 founding members.

Hitting the Ground Running 

Since Bid Day, Clemson AOII has wasted no time making their mark on campus. Weekly New Member Meetings, led by Senior Educational Leadership Consultant Annabelle May and Educational Leadership Consultant Abigail Cain, have created space for learning, bonding, and leadership development. Members have been grouped into 26 “Promise Groups”, each fostering smaller, close-knit communities within the chapter. 

Family Weekend Brunch on September 21 has been a highlight of the semester, as members and their families gathered for celebration and connection during Clemson’s Family Weekend. Programming included introductions from the Chapter Advisor, Jenna Crouch, and resident consultants Annabelle and Abigail.  

The chapter’s first Sisterhood Retreat was held on September 27 at Camp Chatuga, led by Bailey Read, Director of Collegiate Experience, and Jessica Li, Director of Education, Training, and Events. The day featured workshops and team-building exercises, a s’mores night around the campfire, chapter name and submotto discussions, and Alpha Sister Reveal, where members received one-half of a dynamic duo and searched for their match within their Promise Group. 

Looking Ahead 

The weeks ahead are packed with opportunities for growth, tradition, and fun: 

• Clemson Homecoming! AOII will join the Tiger traditions with Tigerama, Homecoming Floats, and tailgating with loved ones on November 1. 

• Planning and attending their first Semi-Formal  

• Voting on a local philanthropy organization 

• Selecting their Chapter Name and Submotto  

• Electing the first collegiate chapter officers on November 10 

• Participating in Officer Installation and Chapter Installation on November 15. (More details to come!)
   

The chapter continues to build strong connections with Clemson Panhellenic groups, participate in campus events, and support service initiatives, laying the groundwork for a legacy of involvement and impact. Members are strategically working to grow their campus presence through continuous recruitment, positive PR, and relationships. 

We want to extend a huge heartfelt thanks to the collegians from Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U), Delta Delta (Auburn U), Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia), Omicron (U of Tennessee, Knoxville), and Theta Delta (Troy U),  and the many staff members, volunteers and alumnae who provided a variety of support in the days leading up to and throughout our recruitment, Bid Day, and the chapter’s first month. Additionally, we thank our resident consultants, Annabelle May and Abigail Cain, who will continue to reside in Clemson for the duration of the semester and will play a critical role in the continued success of this chapter, alongside many other staff and volunteers who will continue supporting from afar. We are so appreciative of every individual who has invested in our Clemson AOII Chapter. 

Stay Connected 

Whether you’re an alumna, family member, or future sister, there are countless ways to get involved and support this growing sisterhood. We invite you to follow along with the journey of AOII at Clemson: 

• Instagram: @clemsonaoii 

• Know a current or future Clemson student who would make a great AOII? Refer them using our Potential New Member Introduction Form.  

Welcome home, Clemson AOIIs—we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish!