Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Benefits

For members of Alpha Chi Omega, the journey doesn't end with graduation. The sorority offers a wealth of alumnae benefits designed to foster lifelong engagement, support academic and professional growth, and provide a strong network of sisters. This article explores the multifaceted advantages of remaining connected with Alpha Chi Omega after college.

Alumnae Chapter Network: Staying Connected

Alpha Chi Omega boasts a robust network of alumnae chapters across the country. These chapters provide a vital link for alumnae of all ages, offering opportunities to connect both virtually and in person. This allows alumnae to maintain the bonds of sisterhood, regardless of their location or stage of life. Each chapter operates independently, managing its own finances. Chapters utilize various banking methods, including local banks, credit unions, commercial banks, and online platforms like PayPal or Square for dues collection.

Addressing Financial Challenges for Alumnae Chapters

Recognizing the challenges some alumnae chapters face with banking, the Lifetime Engagement department sought to streamline financial processes. Feedback indicated issues such as high monthly fees, complex officer transitions, burdensome documentation requirements for nonprofit bank accounts, and usability problems with peer-to-peer payment applications. The department aimed to identify a banking solution that could be recommended to chapters, reducing barriers to membership growth and simplifying financial management.

Academic and Leadership Opportunities Through the Chi Omega Foundation

Chi Omega places a high value on academic excellence, and the Chi Omega Foundation provides substantial support to members pursuing higher education and leadership development.

Scholarships and Grants: Investing in Members' Futures

The Chi Omega Foundation awards over $393,000 annually in scholarships and grants to both collegiate and alumnae members. These funds help to alleviate the financial burden of education, allowing members to focus on their studies and leadership endeavors.

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Members of Chi Omega are encouraged to apply for national scholarships and grants. Applications open eight weeks before each deadline, with deadlines occurring around the same time each year. Eligibility requirements are detailed within each application.

Named Scholarships: Honoring Legacy and Achievement

Several scholarships bear the names of distinguished Chi Omegas who have made significant contributions to education, leadership, and the sorority. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a tribute to the values and accomplishments of these remarkable women.

Judith Babcock Scholarship: Named in honor of Judith Babcock, an educator and philanthropist, this scholarship supports members who embody a commitment to education and helping others. Judith was an Initiate of Upsilon Delta | Miami and received her master's degree from Florida State University. She dedicated 32 years to Miami-Dade County Public Schools as a teacher and media specialist.
Engineering Impact - Bobbie Banaszak Gleiter Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes Bobbie Banaszak Gleiter, an accomplished aerospace engineer and advocate for women in engineering. Bobbie was an Initiate of the Chi Beta Chapter at Purdue University.
Marie Freeman and Stanton P. Fischer Scholarship Fund: This fund honors Marie Freeman Fischer, a 1949 initiate of the Xi Chapter of Chi Omega at Northwestern University. Her service to Chi Omega included being President of the Chi Omega Alumnae Association and serving on Psi Zeta’s House Corporation Board for over 20 years.
The Jean Mermoud Mrasek Scholarship for Panhellenic Leadership and Excellence: Recognizing Jean Mermoud Mrasek's extensive service to Chi Omega and the Panhellenic community, this scholarship supports delegates selected as Panhellenic Council officers attending the National Panhellenic Conference College Panhellenic Academy. The scholarship can include support of conference registration, travel, and incidental expenses and can be made directly to the leadership development program.
Rowdy and Lucky Shain Scholarship: Established by Foundation Trustee Melanie Maxwell Shain and her husband John, this scholarship acknowledges the impact of their two cats on their family.
Alumnae Educational Grant: This grant assists Chi Omega alumnae who wish to further their education for career advancement or qualification. Eligible members must demonstrate alumna status by the application deadline.
Elizabeth Carmichael Orman Memorial Scholarship: Honoring a past National President, this need-based scholarship supports collegiate members with senior-year academic expenses. Applicants must be enrolled in their junior year or returning as a fifth-year senior during the upcoming academic year. Elizabeth Carmichael Orman dedicated her life to the education process. Her devotion to the principles and ideals of Chi Omega was a lifetime commitment that enabled her to serve as S.H., S.M., S.K.A., and a chapter advisor.
Mary Love Collins Memorial Scholarship: Named for Mary Love Collins, who served as S.H. for 42 years and was a committed leader in Chi Omega and the Greek community, this scholarship supports Chi Omegas enrolled in full-time graduate programs. This application is for current ALUMNAE members of Chi Omega Fraternity enrolled or enrolling in a full-time graduate degree program for the upcoming academic year.
The Humphreys Chi Omega Scholarship for Study Abroad: This scholarship, supported by Cathey and Don Humphreys, enables Chi Omega collegians to pursue study abroad experiences of at least eight weeks to expand their academic and career goals.
Jan Boyd Blackwell Leading with Integrity Award: Recognizing collegiate leaders who demonstrate courage and uphold Chi Omega values during challenging times, this award honors Jan Boyd Blackwell.
Cincinnati Metropolitan Area Educational Grant: Underwritten by the Bahmann Foundation of Cincinnati, this grant supports Chi Omega alumnae living in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area who wish to further their education. Scholarship awards must be used for educational purposes, according to IRS guidelines.

Benefits of Alpha Chi Membership

Recognition and Resume Building

Membership in Alpha Chi Omega provides academic recognition, with each new member receiving a membership certificate and the Alpha Chi key. Many chapters hold induction ceremonies and recognize members at graduation with Alpha Chi honors regalia. Alpha Chi Omega membership stands out on resumes and graduate school applications.

Community and Collaboration

Alpha Chi Omega offers opportunities for members to be as involved as they want in chapter activities. Unlike discipline-specific honorary groups, Alpha Chi is multidisciplinary and encourages collaboration with members across majors.

Leadership Development

From chapter to national levels, Alpha Chi Omega provides opportunities to practice leadership skills, including project planning, public speaking, organizational development, and fundraising.

Publication Opportunities

Alpha Chi members can publish original research and creative work in Alpha Chi’s online, peer-reviewed undergraduate research journal, Aletheia. Graduate student members can gain experience as peer reviewers. Kalo, Alpha Chi's annual member community magazine, offers further publication opportunities.

Financial Support

Alpha Chi awards $200,000 annually in grants, scholarships, fellowships, and prizes to support undergraduate and graduate scholarship. Convention travel and housing grants are also available.

Service and Mentorship

Alpha Chi engages in service on campus and in the local community through national service initiatives and local events planned by chapter leaders. Members have access to faculty advisors and opportunities to connect with alumni members for mentoring.

Networking

Involvement with Alpha Chi Omega is a way to make connections from induction to graduate school and beyond. The chance to build friendships and collaborate with others who share intellectual curiosity is cherished by members.

Alpha Chi Values: Scholarship, Character, and Service

Alpha Chi Omega's mission is to recognize and promote academic excellence among college and university students, encouraging a spirit of service and leadership to nurture character that makes scholarship effective for good. The organization is dedicated to promoting critical, constructive, inclusive, and respectful conversations about important societal issues and solutions.

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Core Values

Emerging Scholars: Recognizing and supporting emerging scholars excelling in their academic journeys.
Interdisciplinary Innovation: Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Integrity and Diversity: Encouraging integrity and celebrating diversity in academic disciplines and personal worldviews.
Service to Others: Fostering service to the global community.
A Lifelong Growth Mindset: Facilitating opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth for a lifetime.

Eligibility and Membership Details

Membership in Alpha Chi Omega is limited to the top 10% of juniors, seniors, and graduate students at colleges and universities with Alpha Chi chapters. There is not a nationally mandated GPA minimum; eligibility is based on class rank.

Alpha Chi Omega is an invitation-only society, open to students whose academic performance and character qualify them for invitation by their institutions’ faculty and administrators.

Membership Fees and Assistance

If paying the membership fee is an economic hardship, many chapters maintain funds for dues scholarships. The National Office manages an annual fund for needs-based membership fee scholarships. Contact the chapter advisor to inquire about assistance. The invoice generated upon accepting the invitation contains a link that can be sent to a family member, friend, or professor who might be willing to help pay the dues.

Accreditation by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS)

Founded in 1925, ACHS is the nation’s only certifying agency for college and university honor societies. ACHS is a cohesive community of national and international honor societies, exhibiting excellence in scholarship, service, programs, and governance.

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