Alumnae Promises
By Karen Hickman, Theta (DePauw U), Rituals, Traditions, and Jewelry Committee
The Alumnae Pledge of Alpha Omicron Pi asks alumnae to zealously uphold the Constitution of the Fraternity, to carry out responsibilities that may be required of an alumna, to foster the ideals and to keep alive the inspiration of our Fraternity. Furthermore, we are asked to voluntarily accept this alumna status with ardent enthusiasm, knowing that we will be alumnae for life. Additionally, we alumnae are to not only affiliate with alumnae chapters, but to be of service to collegiate chapters as well.
As I ponder the Alumnae Pledge, the first thing that comes to my mind is: Do I demonstrate ardent enthusiasm? Meaning, as an alumna for over 40 years now, do I continue to be passionate, intensely devoted, and fervent about my membership in the Fraternity? I certainly hope my actions speak louder than my words. What about you? Because you’re reading this article, I know you continue to be connected and excited through intensely individual interpretations of Ritual, and this is a very good thing for all.
I appreciate that you, my sisters, continue to be in helpful touch with collegiate chapters. Truly, where would the Fraternity be without these efforts? Some of us may be professional staff; some of us may advise or support nearby collegiate chapters in some way; some of us advise from afar as part of a Collegiate Chapter Advisory Board, a network or another equally important committee; some of us are family to collegiate sisters away at school. Your efforts, individually and collectively, encourage the future of our sisterhood. No matter how we engage, we can demonstrate how AOII is for a lifetime, and this is a very good thing.
Lastly, I thank each of you for being those sisters who help each other keep AOII ideals fresh in our minds. I see this not only when we gather for Convention, Alumnae Leadership Conference or Volunteer Summit, but when we gather for monthly alumnae chapter meetings or events, book clubs, Arthritis events and even local philanthropic endeavors. Whenever we communicate with sisters, we see how others live Ritual in everyday life in their own unique ways. And this is, perhaps, the very best thing of all.
In this season when graduating seniors transition to alumnae status, I encourage you to participate in either the Ritual or Service to Welcome Seniors to Alumnae Status and renew your alumnae pledge.
You may contact the Rituals, Traditions, and Jewelry Committee (RT&J) about anything Ritual-related at RT&J@alphaomicronpi.org