[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 64 (Friday, April 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E461-E462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF ALPHA OMICRON PI, OMEGA CHAPTER CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2019

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Omega Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority in celebration of its 
100th anniversary. As a proud past President of the chapter, who 
graduated in 1982, it is my high honor to congratulate the Omega 
Chapter at Miami University in Oxford,

[[Page E462]]

Ohio in celebration of this special occasion. I, along with my sorority 
sisters, are forever grateful for the founders of Alpha Omicron Pi's 
commitment to ensuring young women develop lifelong friendships while 
enhancing one another's lives through scholarship and service.
  Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) has been an integral part of college campuses 
since its founding in 1897 by Stella George Stern Perry, Helen St. 
Clair Mullan, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, and Jessie Wallace Hughan at 
Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. The 
organization has seen tremendous growth since its inception as an all 
female sorority, with over 191,000 initiated members from 144 
collegiate chapters. Members can be identified by their ruby pins, the 
red rose, and the Panda mascot. Each new member receives a pin upon her 
initiation, known as the AOII badge, where the Greek letters, Alpha, 
Omicron, and Pi are superimposed one upon the next in order.
  Founded on the ideals of character, dignity, scholarship, and college 
loyalty, AOII helps young women cultivate values of accountability and 
ownership, collaboration, engagement, innovation, and open and honest 
communication skills. AOII's philanthropic values are demonstrated by a 
dedication to raising money for and spreading awareness of the 
Arthritis Foundation. By holding annual Strike Out Arthritis events 
both at the chapter and national levels, AOII has been able to 
contribute millions of dollars toward education initiatives and 
assistance for families affected by arthritis. AOII's fundamental hope 
in fundraising and education is to one day contribute to finding a cure 
for this disease that impacts millions of Americans.
  The Omega Chapter was founded on January 4, 1919 at Miami University, 
originating from a local sorority named Kappa Tau Sigma. Founded in 
scholarship, AOII became the fourth sorority on Miami's campus. 
Originally holding chapter meetings in various classrooms, AOII 
eventually obtained a more permanent home in Hamilton Hall and later 
Richard Hall. Focused on the motto to ``engage in service'', AOII 
sisters have recently been involved with various philanthropies across 
the Oxford community, to name a few, including Spring Clean Oxford, 
Relay for Life, Miles for Smiles 5K, Adopt-a-School, Big Brothers/Big 
Sisters, and the Knolls of Oxford nursing home event where Miami 
athletic teams and Greek chapters are paired together to complete 
tasks. During the philanthropy round of recruitment, sisters also 
decorate t-shirts for stuffed panda bears that are given to patients at 
the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. From Strike Out Arthritis to the 
annual Red Rose Ball to the AOPirate Party, the sisters of the Omega 
chapter have cemented a lasting presence on the Miami campus.
  A testament to the character and dedication of this talented group of 
women, the Omega Chapter has been honored with numerous awards and 
accolades. They've been awarded the AOII International's Jessie Wallace 
Hughan award in 1979 and various Miami Panhellenic awards such as the 
Outstanding Rush Award, Greek Week champions, and Songfest winners. 
Committed to character, dignity, scholarship, and loyalty the Omega 
Chapter was also honored with the Miami University Five Pillar Award 
for Excellence in Scholarship & Learning, Service & Philanthropy, 
Community, Leadership & Values, and Brotherhood & Sisterhood.
  The sorority's personalized approach to membership has made the Omega 
Chapter home to a robust alumni network with graduates developing 
accomplished careers in business, non-profit, academic, community 
leadership, and government service across the country. The sorority's 
national publication, the To Dragma, keeps all current and past members 
connected with ongoing events and the successes of various chapters 
nationwide.
  It is important to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new 
generation of Americans who have the skills, knowledge, and compassion 
to make the world a better place. The sisters of the AOII Omega Chapter 
have demonstrated 100 years of commitment and service to others. Their 
outstanding work is an inspiration to the nation. Congratulations on a 
century of excellence in community service and for cultivating a 
network of caring, loving sisters who will work to ensure Alpha Omicron 
Pi's success in the next century. Love and honor to all AOII Omega 
sisters.

                          ____________________