Two new additions to Greek life in two weeks

Greek life members can rest assured now that Alpha Omicron Pi Women’s Fraternity has completed the colonization process, thereby establishing a chapter on NKU’s campus. And Theta Chi Fraternity is on their way down the same path.

Although Chi Omega discontinuing their chartering process last spring put a damper on growth of Greek life, AOII gave bids to 51 women on Feb. 17.

Theta Chi Fraternity had an open colonization ceremony on March 1. According to Panhellenic President Kelsey Patterson, 21 men received bids. They will do continuous open recruitment throughout the spring semester.

“The Panhellenic community here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Kristen Phelps, educational leadership consultant for AOII, said. “Kim Vance [assistant director of Student Life] has been an awesome resource. She is so unbiased and willing to help anyone that needs her.”

Panhellenic made AOII their first wooden letters and Delta Gamma made them a cake for Desserts with DG Feb. 13.

Phelps will be the NKU Colony Resident Consultant until April 20 when AOII is installed as a chapter. She is here to encourage women through the process. As a December 2012 graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, she said she feels like a student here that just doesn’t go to class.

AOII is colonizing five chapters across the country this semester.

“Each chapter has their own identity. In most cases you’re joining sororities that already have traditions, but in this case the chapter will be what they create,” Phelps said. “They’ll make their own traditions and legacies, not just with AOII, but also with NKU.”

The 51 women will be founders of AOII at NKU, a unique opportunity. According to Phelps, they will do continuous open recruitment throughout the semester.

AOII international president since June 2011, Allison Allgier, who lives and works locally, will be installing the women at initiation on April 20.

“We are thrilled with the women involved in the colony process and look forward to their initiation and installation as a chapter in April,” Allgier said. “Being from Kentucky, attending EKU, and living right over the river in Cincinnati makes me very invested in the NKU community.”

Allgier served as chapter president at Eastern Kentucky University. She was able to initiate her mother as an Alumna Initiate during her time at EKU.

Shortly before the chapter installation, women will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles with the women’s fraternity. Election for officers will be held on April 14.