Alpha Chi Omega sisters came back to campus this year with clothes, photos, and among other things a new sense of pride. This pride came from the recognition the sorority received by being a finalist for the National Council Trophy this summer at National Convention.

Marianthe Papas, the President of Alpha Chi Omega said that four chapters out of 132 are nominated. The four groups are nominated based on overall chapter excellence over the year.

ìThis recognition shows that we live our motto, ëTogether let us seek the heightsí and that we uphold our standards,î Papas said. Papas feels that the Universityís Alpha Chi Omega chapter excels in four areas; community service, scholarship, campus involvement and sisterhood.

Through the chapterís accomplishments it is obvious that the sorority takes their academics among other things very seriously. Alpha Chi Omega had the highest GPA of all sororities at the University fall and spring semester 2001. Their accumulative GPA ended a 3.27. Spring semester 2001, the chapter was number two in grades with a 3.11.

The sorority also raised over $19,000 for Dance Marathon, which was the more than any sorority on campus. In the combined competition Alpha Chi Omega and Sigma Chi raised the most money for Dance Marathon and therefore won the Gold Cup.

Nikki Burns, a member of the chapter said that to raise the money for Dance Marathon Alpha Chi Omega did everything they were allowed to do.

The merchandise the sorority sold to raise money were Dance Marathon fleeces and bags. They also went door to door for canned food and had an ice cream social.

Alpha Chi Omega has also been the Beta Queen for 36 years. Burns said that before 1965 there are not any records so their reign may actually be longer.

The Beta Queen is the sorority that raises the most money for Beta Theta Piís philanthropy, Beta 500. Last year Alpha Chi Omega won the actual race as well as being the Beta Queen.

Papas said these accomplishments were some of the reasons Alpha Chi Omega was nominated this year. She also said that the award has inspired her chapter.

ìI am very proud of our sorority because I think we were very deserving of this award,î Tricia High, a member of Alpha Chi Omega, said ìWe worked very hard.î

Other members said this award has motivated them to work to not only be nominated, but to win the National Trophy next year. ìAlthough we have won many awards, this is our only national nomination,î Nikki Burns said, ìIt really makes me want to win next year.î

In accordance to the national nomination, Sarah Burns, another member of the Universityís chapter, said, ìThe opportunities that have opened up to me through Alpha Chi Omega have made 100 percent of the difference in my college experience.î