Only a Life Lived For Others is a Life Worthwhile

We are excited to announce that we will be working with the UMD branch of Students Helping Honduras again this semester, and co-sponsoring the 2^nd annual HonduRun. 

Children of the village Buenos Amigos in El Progresso, Honduras

 SHH raises money to send students to poverty stricken areas of Honduras and build schools there. Last April 2012, our chapter paired up with SHH to host the first ever “HonduRun in honor of Kayla Libby”, to contribute to the cause and to recognize a sister’s life and dedication.  Kayla was an active member of SHH and had been working with them to fund an elementary school known as El Pimientera Elementary School before she passed away in Jan. 2012.  The event was a 5K that began front of the Kappa 

Alpha Order fraternity house and featured food, music, and raffles.  Members from across campus and local communities, as well as from Kayla’s hometown community in MA, came out to participate.  Together we raised over $2,000 and all of the proceeds went to the school, which was completed in the summer of 2012 and dedicated to Kayla with a plaque in her memory.  

El Pimientera Elementary School in El Progresso, Honrduras

The 2^nd annual HonduRun will take place this coming April 2013 and again will include a 5K race, music, food, and raffles. Proceeds will benefit a new project in a village in Honduras called Bendicion de Balsamo, where SHH has been building a school for 150 elementary-aged children with an overall fundraising goal of $20,000. A book sale will also take place for El Pimientera Elementary School.  

“I’m really, really excited that were doing the HonduRun again this spring,” said senior Erica Davis.  “I think it’s a really incredible way to give back to the students on this campus and the philanthropies they are involved in while also remembering our sister Kayla.”

More registration information will become available as the date approaches on the Alpha Omicron Pi and Students Helping Honduras websites: 

 www.umdaoii.wix.com/umd  

 www.umdshh.webs.com

Welcome to the Family, Spring '13!

Recruitment is: overwhelming, exhausting, anxious, exciting, chaotic, nerve-wracking.  It asks of you your time and your patience.  But the rewards are unbelievable.  Ask any Pi Delta and she will tell you that not only is it worth it, but it is an experience that truly goes unmatched.  Over these past few weekends, the Greek community at the University of Maryland has been busy with spring formal recruitment.  With rounds last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as this past Friday and Sunday, every Greek member and Potential New Member has been searching for a perfect fit.  And it is with enormous pride and love that we introduce our new pledge class of spring 2013!  Thirty-nine beautiful, talented girls have already made their mark on our chapter as they have been welcomed home.  Older sisters are eager to share with them the joyful experiences they have had thus far in AOII and our new girls show little hesitation in divulging in all the chapter has to offer.  Monday night, Feb. 4^th, was bid night where, following tradition, PC’13 ran from Chapel Hill to our front doors where they spent the evening having dinner and getting to know Alpha Omicron Pi- their new home.  Congratulations, ladies!  We have seen in each and every one of you the qualities desired of an AOII and love you unconditionally already!

 Pi Delta during the House and Values Tour of recruitment on Jan. 25th. 

Welcome, PC’13: Arielle Abrams, Tanya Bagheri, Clare Bailey, Rae Baron, Holly Barra, Melissa Bean, Emily Catron, Katie Cauley, Rebecca Connor, Ciara Delehanty, Maggie Doran, Maddie Dwivedi, Bethany Fincher, Maura Fries, Jody Herron, Cara Hissey, Tori Janus, Delaney Kelly, Hannah Kim, Rachel Kuff, Morgan Lash, Kelly Lawrence, Ali Mazurek, Katie McCreanor, Catherine McGrath, Katharina Mitchell, Erin O’Keefe, Joy Phifer, Colleen Phillips, Ericka Rocke, Casey Rozek, Andrea Safirstein, Jordan Sallinger, Abbey Sauber, Jillian Sikora, Klarissa Tan, Amy Vaccaro, Shaill Vasavada, Kristen Wolfe.