BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST
Did you know? Now is the time to make sure our most outstanding and inspiring sisters are honored – and their stories shared. This is your opportunity to spread the word about what our sisters are doing to make a lasting impact – whether at the local level or globally!
What’s the timeline? Nominations for Alpha Chi Omega’s individual alumnae awards are due November 15. These include the Outstanding Dedication Award, Alumnae Appreciation Award, Young Alumna Award, Real. Strong. Women. of Distinction Award and the Award of Achievement. View the 2024 individual awards guide to review award criteria and access nomination forms. Help us celebrate our members’ accomplishments by nominating a sister (or yourself) for an award!
Let’s learn a little more about one award in particular, the Award of Achievement. Delegates to the 1919 National Convention voted to create a special award for members who served the country overseas during World War I. In 1924, the award’s purpose was broadened to honor “outstanding and constructive service to the Fraternity.” It was renamed the Award of Achievement in 1955, the scope was expanded, and now the award is presented annually to one or more alumnae who have gained recognition nationally or regionally in their respective profession or field of study – including but not limited to the fine and performing arts, literature, civic affairs, business, education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
As you think about the accomplished sisters you know, we hope you are inspired by some of our past Award of Achievement recipients who have blazed the trail for today’s real, strong women. Here are highlights of just a few of these sisters’ accomplishments through the years.
Dorothy Thompson* (Lambda, Syracuse University), 1955 recipient
Dorothy Thompson was a groundbreaking journalist, radio broadcaster and leader in the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S. A true thought leader, Time magazine recognized her in 1939 as having influence equal to that of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Her “On the Record” column appeared in newspapers nationwide for 22 years. She also wrote a monthly column for Ladies’ Home Journal and was one of a very few women news commentators of her time.
Georgie Anne Geyer* (Gamma, Northwestern University), 1968 recipient
An award-winning writer, author and foreign correspondent, Georgie Anne Geyer knocked down barriers for female journalists. She is known for her interviews with international political figures such as Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, Yasser Arafat, King Hussein of Jordan, Muammar al-Gaddafi, the Ayatollah Khomeini and Anwar Sadat. For many years she was a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Daily News. She also authored 10 books, including a biography of Fidel Castro, and addressed Alpha Chi Omega collegians and alumnae during the 2000 National Convention.
Julie Brown (Alpha Psi, UCLA), 1985 recipient
A world-class distance runner, Julie Brown competed in the first-ever Olympic women’s marathon in Los Angeles in 1984, where she placed 36th. Julie ran a wide range of distances in college, from 800 meters to the marathon. In addition to her Olympic participation, she won three silver medals at the 1979 Pan-American Games. Julie accepted her Award of Achievement during the 1985 Centennial Celebration Convention. Following her running career, Julie took on a new career as an attorney.
Condoleezza Rice (Gamma Delta, University of Denver), 1990 recipient
The many and varied accomplishments of Condoleezza Rice include serving as the first female African-American secretary of state (2005-09), director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University (current) and part owner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos (current). She also served as the first female national security advisor (2001-05) and Stanford University provost (1993-99). She holds a bachelor’s degree (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Denver, a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and Ph.D. from the University of Denver. Alpha Chi Omega was honored to have her speak at the 2000 National Convention.
Melissa Donovan d’Arabian (Alpha Iota, University of Vermont), 2012 recipient
Celebrity chef, Food Network television host, author and speaker, Melissa Donovan d’Arabian has become a highly acclaimed food expert since winning The Next Food Network Star in 2009. Melissa is known for her ability to create budget-friendly, healthy recipes for families. She continues to authentically share her life experiences and expertise on a wide range of topics including food, family and finances while also supporting causes addressing childhood hunger and suicide prevention. Melissa is now pursuing an MFA in theatre management and producing at Columbia University. She shared her personal and professional journey with Alpha Chi Omega alumnae at a spring 2023 Women & Wisdom event.
*indicates member is deceased
All the relevant information you need to submit a nomination can be found in the 2024 individual awards guide. Help us discover the next class of award winners by nominating a sister or yourself for an individual award by November 15!