On October 9th, Illinois State formally welcomed a new women’s sorority to its Greek community, Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII). One hundred and fifteen new women were welcomed; these new founders were inducted at a colonization ceremony open to the public in the Bone Student Center’s Brown Auditorium. It was a special ceremony where each new founding member was pinned with a rose, accepting their initiation to the colony.
AOII originated in New York at Barnard College in 1889. The founders were four women who together created this institution for life-long sisterhood and friendship. Stella George Stern, Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair and Elizabeth Heywood Wyman formed an organization that over the last century has become internationally represented across the United States and Canada with over a staggering 155,000 members.
Interviewing Cameron Hampton, current resident consultant of AOII, it was evident the amount of pride and love she has for this organization. When asked about her experience with AOII she mentioned her opportunities to work with other AOII women across the United States, her love for AOII’s “big picture” and the sisterhood that really does last for a lifetime. Needless to say, while discussing AOII, Mrs. Hampton had some compelling and thoughtful things to say.
Initially I asked Mrs. Hampton, “How has this process been in developing the new sorority on campus?” Without hesitation she answered that it’s been fun, super busy, and even admitted to it being a little like reliving her college years! Of course, we both chuckled and laughed.
Mrs. Hampton continued to speak noting just how welcoming ISU has been to AOII:
Cameron Hampton: The Greek community and campus as a whole have been so welcoming to us, willing to help and so excited for the women of AOII. They’re wanting us to be involved immediately! It’s been better than I expected to be accepted into the school and not come in as an outsider. We’re here to be helpful to the community and a Greek organization that they will be participating in.
Her Campus Illinois State: What can Illinois State expect to see from Alpha Omicron Pi?
CH: They are going to see women that are passionate and driven, present on campus, want to be involved in the community, make an impact, have successful events while doing strike out arthritis, and be those leaders that you do see.
HC ISU: How did you choose the women to represent the new AOII organization?
CH: When we went through this colonization process, we were really looking for leaders. It wasn’t an easy process and sometimes it’s more hard work than it is fun, but it will be worth it in the end. We were looking for women who would really learn from AOII and develop a love for AOII that not a lot of women get to have. We looked for those passionate women who wanted to see their own personal growth as leaders, and give them the opportunities to do that and develop as a leader.
Being able to meet with Mrs. Hampton, it’s clear AOII has good intentions and a bright future ahead for their organization at Illinois State. From their philanthropy to arthritis and learning about values, it’s clear that not only is AOII glad to be at Illinois State, but Illinois State is pleased to welcome them too. AOII will be officially initialized in January next year as a chapter.
If you have any questions about Alpha Omicron Pi at Illinois State, feel free to contact both consultants, Cameron Hampton or Lauren Votaw at aoii.illinoisstate@gmail.com.