Graig MantleChi Psi of Alpha Omicron Pi at Cal Poly was honored with a prestigious award at its 49th International Convention held June 27 through July 1 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Named after one of the organization’s four founders, the Jessie Wallace Hughan Award is Alpha Omicron Pi’s most prominent and highly recognizable award for collegiate chapters. The award honors one collegiate chapter every two years at the Alpha Omicron Pi convention.
The award was accepted by Chi Psi chapter president Amy Marsland during the formal Rose Banquet and presented by Phyllis Gilson and Linda Grandolfo, Alpha Omicron Pi’s Vice Presidents of Collegians.
“We are a unique group of girls who enjoy spending time together and working hard to make ourselves have the ultimate college experience,” business senior Marsland said in an e-mail interview. “Our sorority is a bond of support to help us get through all of the tasks and trials that Cal Poly provides. Chi Psi is so proud to be recognized for all of our hard work.”
The award is selected from the top distinguished chapters of Alpha Omicron Pi.
“We follow a ‘Standards of Excellence’ guideline and many rules and obligations,” Marsland said. “We obtained 100 percent for the past two years to receive ‘ruby level,’ which is the highest level. Then from that group of Alpha Omicron Pi chapters, we apply for the JWH Award with letters of recommendation from many campus officials as well as chapter advisers.”
Chi Psi and its members have received many awards in the past. Some of their awards include the Strike Out Arthritis Award for their philanthropy, the Waterford Crystal Bowl Award, Most Improved Recruitment in 2006, Mr. Fraternity 2007, Alpha Omicron Pi Ruby Level 2007, and two JWH Awards.
The Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on the Cal Poly campus in 1985. Alpha Omicron Pi was founded in 1897 at the Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. Alpha Omicron Pi has more than 131,000 initiated members in 183 collegiate chapters and over 135 alumnae chapters across the United States and Canada. Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women’s fraternity promoting friendship for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the fraternity and community.
“The women of the Chi Psi chapter are truly deserving of this distinguished award because of their complete dedication to their university, local community, philanthropy, and sisterhood,” said Melanie Lampertz, executive director of Alpha Omicron Pi in a press release.
Chi Psi plans on hosting their International President, Susan Danko, at their Alpha Omicron Pi Day – California style – on Oct. 6.
“Receiving the award means that we are the strongest and most successful chapter in all of Alpha Omicron Pi,” Marsland said. “It is a great honor.”