“One of the most incredible things about our centennial was seeing Chi Alpha alumnae together. There were women from all stages of life: recent graduates, new brides, soon-to-be mothers, mothers, and grandmothers. Even though one might wonder what these women might have in common, it was easy to see that they shared something huge: Sisterhood.” —Amanda Albin, sophomore
Chi Alpha’s centennial celebration began on
the afternoon of April 10 at the chapter house
at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.
Collegiate Sisters greeted alumnae who arrived
to visit the place where many happy college
memories were made and to share stories of
Chi Alpha’s past with their younger Sisters.
During the 1970s, political sentiments on campus
temporarily halted Greek life at Tufts University.
Chi Alpha was not active from 1971 to
1977 and unfortunately much of the chapter’s
history was lost during this time. Thankfully,
alumnae attending the centennial celebration
were able to fill in much of the missing history.
Among those helpful Sisters were Wendy
McKinley and Teresa Walsh, from the class of
1979. They related the story of Chi Alpha’s return
to Tufts and were even able to reconnect
with their advisor and Chi Alpha alumna Maurene
Golden, who worked so hard to acquire
the house that the Sisters still live in today.
As guests enjoyed lunch catered by Janice
Naiman, the chapter’s beloved chef, many
scrapbooks and photographs were available for
viewing, and Sisters from all pledge classes sat down and admired the memories and traditions
reflected on the pages.
The women of the graduating class of 2002
planned a special trip to celebrate their 30th
birthdays. As Phoebe Stone Nitekman told us,
“We chose to come to Chi Alpha’s centennial to
celebrate both a special milestone for ourselves
and our chapter.”
In the evening, Sisters enjoyed a reception coordinated
by alumna Debbie Anilionis Medvinsky
at the Tufts Alumni Lounge, where many
more tales of Chi Alpha’s past and traditions
were told. There, S.T.B. Shelley Potter greeted
guests with a heartwarming speech that reminded
us that Chi Omega is for a lifetime.
One hundred years, Shelley noted, is a long
time and although it’s hard to imagine what
establishing a chapter in 1910 would have been
like, she reminded us of the history of the time,
both of the country and of our Fraternity, and
that “celebrating and sharing of chapter history
among generations of members strengthens
the vision of keeping Chi Omega ‘ever at heart.’”
Following Shelley’s presentation, sophomore
Bryn Kass shared what her time in Chi Omega
has given to her. “Being a Chi Omega,” she said,
“has taught me the joys of Sisterhood, the power
of tradition, and the way in which knowing and
loving other people helps you to know and love
yourself.” Not surprisingly, most women at the
reception were easily able to relate.
In line with Chi Alpha’s longtime dedication to
philanthropy, alumnae attending the centennial
were encouraged to bring Disney-themed
children’s items to help the chapter assemble
gift baskets for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A plethora
of toys and books were brought to the reception
and 10 beautiful baskets were donated to give
to wish kids as part of their wish celebration.
Just this year, Chi Alpha raised almost $2,000
for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® with its
annual Swishes-for-Wishes charity basketball
tournament and the yearly Dishes-for-Wishes,
an all-you-can-eat charity event hosted at a favorite
local restaurant.
Two special university guests joined us for the
centennial celebration: university President
Larry Bacow and his wife, Adele. Both noted
how valuable Chi Omega Sisters are to the
Tufts university community through members’
involvement in all aspects of campus life and
activities. As Bryn Kass beautifully noted in
her speech, “we are presidents, athletes, senators,
singers, dancers, comedians, engineers,
and English majors. Everyone has a place and
a role, and every time another Chi Alpha Sister
graduates, there is a small hole that will never
be filled, but instead bittersweetly remembered
and loved.”
The bonds of Chi Alpha’s Sisterhood have never
felt as strong as they did on the day of our centennial
celebration, which served as a reminder
of what it means to be part of such a beautiful
organization. A special thanks goes to the
centennial committee that worked so hard
during the months leading up to the event, and
to S.T.B. Shelley Potter for joining our chapter
during this celebration.
Chi Alpha Today
- Chi Omega is the largest sorority at Tufts.
- This year Chi Alpha initiated 100% of its 43 new
class members.
- Chi Alpha’s grade-point average consistently
remains above the all-women’s national average.
- Chi Alpha is especially proud of senior Jillian
Joseph, who served as G.H. and then Panhellenic
president. Jillian’s mother, Jane Helsel Joseph, and
aunt, Joan Helsel Crothers, are initiates of Lambda
Beta/University of Rhode Island; and her sister,
Alison Joseph, is an initiate of Psi Alpha/U of
Oregon.
- Panhellenic recruitment this year was the most
successful in recent history, with registration and
retention numbers nearly doubling from past
years.