Panhellenic Twitter Competition Winners: Alpha Omicron Pi

Congratulations to AOII for winning the 2014 Panhellenic twitter competition!! As a prize, the chapter is recognized for their hard work through the following Blog feature! 

In 2002, a young graduate assistant in the Division of Student Affairs overheard a discussion about wanting to colonize a new Panhellenic chapter at the University of Arkansas. As an AOII alum, she immediately contacted headquarters and inquired what must be done to colonize AOII at the University of Arkansas. The graduate student, Danae Ledbetter, created a local alumnae chapter and elected officers and the women got underway

In 2004, Alpha Omicron Pi presented for colonization along with two other chapters. AOII received the bid for colonization and in 2007 AOII went through formal recruitment for the first time. We met quota that first year in 2007 and have met bid day quota every year since then.

Within one year, the beautiful AOII house was built and 85 girls moved in January 2009. Complete with a fitness center, crafts room, media room, numerous study rooms, living areas, and a kitchen with endless cookie dough, the house is sorority house heaven for its tenants.

Only 5 years after colonization, the Arkansas chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi reached ruby status, which is the highest level of AOII chapters. At the next conference in Los Angeles, California, Arkansas AOII will be eligible to win the Jessie Wallace Hughan Cup. The cup is named after one of AOII’s four founders and is given to the number one AOII chapter. We are currently recognized for having the number one New Member Education program from AOII International.

In the 2013-2014 school year, Alpha Omicron Pi accomplished a lot. 

AOII gave 136 bids on Bid Day 2013!

AOII placed third in Watermelon Bust

AOII placed first in the homecoming floats and placed third in homecoming overall. AOII was even featured on local news channel, 4029, and the Northwest Arkansas Gazette for the hard work and innovative pomping.

AOII placed third in Greek Sing for their Tarzan performance during 2014 Greek Week.

Here is a glimpse into the life of an Arkansas AOII:

AOII's philanthropy is Juvenile Arthritis Research. AOII participates annually in the NWA Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. The Strike Out Arthritis softball tournament is our signature event raising money for Arthritis Research. For the first time, AOII is hosting an annual AOII Goes Blue Week. The events of this week will kick off with Strike Out Arthritis on April 13^th. The Northwest Arkansas Naturals will be sponsoring AOII and help raise money for Arthritis Research at their game on March 14^th. AOIIs are invited to sit in a special section of the stadium, will participate in organized activities and featured throughout the game, and the philanthropy chair will speak on the local radio about the cause. March 15^th-16^th, there will be a table outside the union raising awareness about Juvenile Arthritis and selling tickets for the first annual Strike A Pose Fashion Show. On Thursday, March 17^th, AOII Goes Blue Week will conclude with a fashion show and clothing market at the UARK Bowl on Dickson Street. The ticket cost and part of the proceeds from the clothing will go towards Juvenile Arthritis Research.

Additionally, models from each Panhellenic house are invited to be models for the Strike a Pose Fashion Show. Nevertheless, AOII’s service extends far beyond the philanthropy. AOII participates annually in Sisters for Soldiers creating care packages for US military officers serving our country. AOIIs serve at the local Boys and Girls Club, read at local elementary schools, work with Habitat for Humanity, and many more. AOII also supports their sisters by helping raise money for girls who feel called to do mission work all over the world.

It is amazing to look at all that Alpha Omicron Pi has accomplished at the University of Arkansas in only 8 years. We look forward to watching this chapter grow and exceed the expectation.

For more information about AOII at Arkansas:

Facebook: University of Arkansas Alpha Omicron Pi-Xi Omicron

Twitter: @aoiiarkansas

Instagram: @aoiiarkansas