Epsilon Omicron (Western Illinois University) Alumnae Reunite

July 28, 2010

Alumnae from the Epsilon Omicron Chapter (Western Illinois University) reunited on July 17th at the home of Karen Drysdale Phillips '69, Barrington Hills, Illinois. The alumnae will be holding their fourth reunion in Barrington for lunch on Saturday, July 16, 2011. For more information, contact Mary Stoklosa Ferrandino at read2me2@aol.com

Front: Linda Wells McNelley '70, Karen Drysdale Phillips '69, Judy Bieschke John '65, Barb Lennox Pollen '67, Millie Foltyn Wostratzky '68, Marianne Kastner Bricker '64, Sandy Falcetti Carson '63, Trish Lash Laureys '65, Judy Nickel Winter '69, Sally Bogguss Davis '69, Cassie Short Paulsen'69 and Julie Frels '69.

Back: Sue Wood Hipple '69, Carlene Krutmeier Kemmis '66, Candy Muntean Maloney '67, Barb Barker Shaw '67, Donna Howe McGarry '69, Claudia Browne Curtis '70, Karen Howe Jackson '69, Vicky Jepson Slaymaker '68, Joyce Gradert Duncan '69, Linda Walczak Peterson '67, Marie Foltyn Andersen '68, Carol Waltzek Gaare '69 and Mary Stoklosa Ferrandino '70.

Front: Barb Brumett Baily '70, Sherry Quigley O'Malley '70.
Back: Linda Wells McNelley '70, Mary Stoklosa Ferrandino '70, Claudia Browne Curtis '70, Mary Ann Noncek Johnson '70 and Paula Frost Tomaszewski '70.

Not pictured: Jan Hoelscher Keevil '65 and Marianne Kastner Bricker '64.

Adrian France, Epsilon '05, (Indiana University) Founds Newspaper Dedicated to Fraternal Life

July 19, 2010

While attending Indiana University, Adrian France, Epsilon '05, of Delta Zeta Sorority and Evan Burns of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity met in a class and discussed the lack of Greek life coverage they saw in their student newspaper. Just months later, with entrepreneurial spirit, the two began to work together.

The Odyssey was formed by a market need to improve the communication within the Greek system and highlight the many positive aspects and by September 2009 of their senior year at IU, they debuted The Odyssey at Indiana University and The Odyssey at Purdue University. In January 2010, The Odyssey debuted at two additional schools in the Midwest, Michigan State University and Miami University in Ohio.

Source: The Odyssey website

The Greater Phoenix Valley Alumnae Chapter Blogs from the 2010 Delta Zeta Convention

Marcia Wallace, Delta Nu '61, Delta Zeta's Woman of the Year for 2009, Helps to Honor Bob Newhart

June 3, 2010

Marcia, top center, with the cast of
"The Bob Newhart Show."

Marcia Wallace, Delta Nu '61, Delta Zeta's Woman of the Year for 2009, joined Bob Newhart as he was honored by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles to celebrate his 50 years in show business. See video of Marcia being interviewed about her long association and friendship with Bob here.

Marcia will be honored as Woman of the Year on Friday, July 2, 2010 at the 2010 National Convention held at the Starr Pass Marriott Resort in Tucson, Arizona.

May 30, 2010

Charlotte Fields Silversteen, Delta Tau '65 (Temple University), National Chapter Advisor and Past National Officer, received Ionic Column recognition from the Delta Zeta Foundation.

Carri Baker Wells, Lambda Xi ’82 (Texas A & M University), is the Chairman-Elect of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

May 31, 2010

Carri is a past president of the Twelfth Man Association (the first woman elected to this position), and serves on many KLRN public television committees. Carri can be seen on KLRN in sponsorship spots.

Dianna Grattopp Buck, Delta Phi ’67 (Northeastern State University), among women were honored at the Tulsa Area Alumnae Panhellenic Awards Luncheon

May 31, 2010

Dianna Grattopp Buck, Delta Phi '67 (Northeastern State University), was among 19 women honored at the Tulsa Area Alumnae Panhellenic Awards Luncheon, "Focus on Philanthropy," in March at the Tulsa Country Club, including , career educator and teacher trainer; author of four teacher resource books; former Teacher of the Year finalist for Tulsa schools; and supporter of multiple sclerosis research.

The women, most of whom have been active in the sorority alumnae chapter, were recognized for their leadership and community contributions. They included career professionals, philanthropists and longtime volunteers.

The purpose of the event was to inspire young women and promote sorority life and serve as an annual fundraiser to provide college scholarships and support the Tulsa Public Schools eyeglasses fund for low-income students.

Source: Tulsa (OK) World, March 17, 2010

Julie Kopanic Pollack, Kappa Xi '90 (Duquesne University), is a candidate for this year's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year."

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, March 26, 2010

By Maggi Potts

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year"

Julie Kopanic Pollack, Kappa Xi '90 (Duquesne University), is a candidate for this year's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year." Each candidate has their own story, their own background. But they are here for one common goal: to raise money for blood cancer research. It is estimated that someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every four minutes; and the disease kills someone every 10. Every dollar helps — and every dollar these candidates raise counts as one vote toward the title as Man or Woman of the Year.

Julie Kopanic Pollack, Kappa Xi '90 (Duquesne University), a lifelong resident of Rostraver Township, graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and was a member of the social sorority Delta Zeta and the pharmacy sorority, Lambda Kappa Sigma. In her free time, Julie is learning how to knit so that she can make scarves and hats to donate to those in need. She loves college basketball, especially Big East basketball. Julie is a leukemia survivor. Nine years ago she was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia) and endured one year of chemotherapy and another year seeking normalcy in her life. She feels very fortunate to have the support system of both her family and friends. She relied on her faith and was blessed to have a fabulous team of health care workers. Julie believes that she received comfort and help from LLS, which continues to be a special part of her lifesaving team.

Donna Niemann Brown, Gamma Gamma ’52 (Missouri Valley College), among 17 outstanding women were honored at the Oklahoma City Area Panhellenic Women of the Year Event

May 31, 2010

Donna Niemann Brown, Gamma Gamma ’52 (Missouri Valley College), was among 17 outstanding women were honored at the Oklahoma City Area Panhellenic Women of the Year Gems of Distinction Luncheon. The women were selected for the award by their sororities. was chosen from Delta Zeta.

Sofia Torres Theta Omicron ’03 (The University of Texas/Pan America), South Texas Alumnae Chapter President, was featured in The Pan American

May 31, 2010

Sofia Torres Theta Omicron ’03 (The University of Texas/Pan America), South Texas Alumnae Chapter President, was featured in The Pan American, the university’s student newspaper, for her courageous fight against cancer after her mother was touched by the disease. Read the story here.

Successful Flame Fantasy for the Greater Seattle (Washington) Alumnae Chapter

May 31, 2010

Seventy-seven guests attended the Greater Seattle (Washington) Alumnae Chapter’s Flame Fantasy. The chapter sold 87 items in the silent auction. This year’s raffle table was very popular, with collegiate chapter members assisting in the ticket sales. The alumnae chapter’s "Raise the Paddle" event was also successful. They raised $3,683 for Camp Korey and sponsored one camper. The alumnae chapter donated overall proceeds from the Flame Fantasy to The Painted Turtle camp and the Delta Zeta Foundation.

Trudy Wheeler Delta Omicron ’76 (Northwestern Oklahoma State University), Louisville Alumnae Chapter President, was featured in The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky/Southern Indiana

By Marsha Roth

As the head of an award-winning middle school theater department at Kentucky Country Day School, Trudy Wheeler is always busy with classes and rehearsals. So she values comfortable, yet stylish, clothing that keeps her fresh and ready for anything. "Teaching drama, I have to be able to move," she explains, and favors basic skirts and slacks that can be transformed with the addition of a trendy jacket. "I love jeans, but I don't wear them to work," she says.

Comfortable shoes are also a must for Trudy. In fact, she jokes that she should be the poster child for Mephisto shoes because she owns so many of them. She likes the Cabi line of clothing sold at home shopping sessions and also finds pieces at Steinmart and Von Maur. Whenever Trudy visits her second home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she always finds chic fashions to bring home with her.

Walking through Trudy's home in the Mockingbird Gardens area is like walking through time. A mid-1800s leaded-glass front door that came from her great-grandmother's house now functions as the indoor entrance to the lower level of Trudy's home. There's an auditorium chair from her Oklahoma junior high school and a well-used pew from her childhood church, plus elements from her beloved Santa Fe. "The Southwest is just inbred in me," Trudy says, noting she's the kind of gal who's not afraid to wear her cowboy boots with a ball gown.

Source: The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky/Southern Indiana, August 1, 2009

Krissa Smith Barclay, Beta Lambda '90 (University of Tennessee/Knoxville), is Co-chair for Senator's Election Team

March 10, 2010

Krissa Smith Barclay, Beta Lambda '90 (University of Tennessee/Knoxville), a member of the Heart of Tennessee Alumnae Chapter and past President of the Davidson County (Tennessee)
Democratic Party, is co-chair for State Senator Douglas Henry's election team. Krissa began her political career as an aide to Congressman Jim Cooper in the early 1990s. Since then she
has managed numerous political campaigns for Metro Council, Davidson County Judicial and Tennessee State Representative candidates. She is currently an executive member of the Davidson County Democratic Party and is vice president of financial development for the Nashville Women's Political Caucus.

Source: nashvillepost.com

Mary Vincent, Beta Kappa '86 (Northern Kentucky University), Featured in University's Alumni Magazine

Mary (far left) at the Greenbeat Conference on the Smart Grid.

March 10, 2010

Mary Vincent, Beta Kappa '86 (Northern Kentucky University), is featured in the latest issue of Northern, the alumni magazine of the university, for her work in as an eco-entrepreneur. Read the article here.

Mary has founded several startup ventures, all with the goal of reducing climate emissions. They include: Green Star Solution, a strategic business and media consultancy firm, and Gratitude Gourmet, a sustainable food media site. She co-founded the Green Software Unconference and writes about green business and technology thought leaders on her blog. Mary also served in the U.S Peace Corps in Hungary.

Aida Kouyoumjian, Kappa '56 (University of Washington), Providing Insights About Iraq through Continuing Education Program

March 10, 2010

Aida Kouyoumjian, Kappa '56 (University of Washington), wrote the curriculum and is teaching a course titled, "Remembering Iraq" in the Bellevue College's continuing education program, to provide new insights about Iraq in understanding the modern world. Born in Bagdad, Iraq to Armenian parents, Aida was granted a Fulbright Scholarship in 1952 to study at the University of Washington. After serving thirty years in the public education system, Aida retired in 1998. She is an active member of the Kiwanis Club and is involved in numerous community organizations.

Source: Hair, Dogs and Cards: Kay Harai's Gift for a Better World blog