Chi Omegas Flourish
—by Laura Herlovich, Mu Delta/Bradley U
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Chi Omega
Being a Chi Omega at Bradley U was an unexpected opportunity
for me and with it came many life lessons. Immediately,
I learned to never say never: Up until the night
before preference, I was sure I wasn’t joining any sorority!
But join I did, the very next day.
And what an impact Chi Omega membership has had on
my life. In fact, the most important principles of relationships
that have guided my entertainment public-relations
firm in Las Vegas since I established it 19 years ago were
learned during those Chi Omega collegiate years.
While at Bradley, what I did reflected on my Sisters and
Chi Omega. Today, while representing clients like Donny
and Marie who are icons of goodness, I always think twice
about what I am saying on their behalf or asking them to
do, making sure it fits with their image and reputation.
Chi Omega taught me to accommodate Sisters with whom
I had little in common. In my professional career, I’ve had
to interface with stars from unfamiliar cultures and different
backgrounds. Ultimately, we accomplished what
was needed despite the challenges.
I became a leader and a follower while at Mu Delta, where
I discovered creativity was the key to my success, and
sometimes Chi Omega’s, too. Being creative professionally
was what allowed me to be successful while representing
Prince and his 3121 Club, using lyrics, when all else
failed, to describe the experience.
Protecting the Chi Omega reputation and being discreet
was of utmost importance during my collegiate years. My
Sisters and I were conscious of being careful about what
we would say, and to whom and how it was said. That lesson
was especially valuable while working with Jay Z and
the opening of his 40/40 Club, handling the death of John Entwhistle from The Who at the Hard Rock Hotel on the
day before they were to begin their reunion tour, and in
many other situations.
In the early ’80s, I worked with the Utah Jazz of the National
Basketball Association. The skills I developed at Mu
Delta served me well as daily I had to influence predominantly
men to my way of thinking. Always being honest,
succinct, and showing a track record of success were valuable
principles.
Serving on the Los Angeles Board of Governors of the
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The
Grammys) is a dream come true for me. It also reminds
me of one of Chi Omega’s philosophies: You don’t have to
be an officer to contribute mightily. Sometimes bringing
together the diverse people you know is in itself a valuable
contribution. I wasn’t an officer while a collegiate Chi
Omega. Other members flourished in those roles but I was
an asset in my own way. Being kind and courteous
at all times makes the
difference. What a valuable
lesson of Sisterhood!
When I worked with Brad
Pitt, Justin Timberlake,
Bon Jovi, George Clooney,
Jerry Seinfeld, and others,
I was kind and considerate
not because they were clients,
but because it made
me happy to help them. I
knew this attitude would
be returned to me many
times over. And indeed, it
has been and still is.
I hope, too, that I am
able to make a difference,
especially in the lives of
my Sisters and Bradley U
students and alumni. This
summer for the first time,
I have three Chi Omega
interns, all from my Mu
Delta Chapter, working in
my offices. Also, Bradley
U has just asked me to be
on their Alumni Board of
Directors and I am so excited
to begin in June.
So you see, whether it’s
a wonderful story of Chi
Omega experiences or
amazing memories of a
successful and exciting
career—the lessons of a
lifetime often start with
Chi Omega Sisterhood.
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