Yes, I believe Barbara Bush (the former First Lady...not the current "First Daughter!") was initated into the Texas Eta Chapter (Texas A&M Univ.) of Pi Beta Phi in 2002.

http://www.chiomega.com/everyday/Ele...4/Pg11zoom.gif

This is a little bit of a hijack and I should probably know this but when someone becomes an honorary initiate do they get to go through initiation? Does Chi O even have honorary initiates? I know I know the answer to this but I am seriously drawing a blank....

Chi Omega does have a few "Special Initiates" each year. It is a fairly rare thing. It is intended for women who had certain circumstances that prevented them from membership as a collegian.

Nominations are submitted to the Governing Council (National Officers) and can be sent in by an alumnae chapter, a collegiate chapter or an individual alumna. (Approval of the local alumnae chapter is required.)

The honoree becomes an initiate of an existing chapter i.e., there is not a special chapter designation for these members. As far as describing any aspect of the ceremony itself, that should never be done online, via email etc., whether you are communicating with another Sister or not.

I shared in an earlier thread that my mother was a Special Initiate in 1994 and yes, it was a highlight for me.

:)

ETA: Probably our most "famous" Special Initiate in recent years was NASA astronaut, Susan Helms who was intiated by Pi Gamma Chapter, Univ. of New Mexico.

Chi O does have Speical Initiates (NutBrn's mom is one!) and they do go through initiation like all other sisters. However, we do not do it on a regular basis. Meaning, some groups encourage people to become Alumna Initiates. Interested women 'court' the local alum chapter going to events and meeting women (like rush for the collegian) and are extended a bid to join the org. (APhi, GPhiB and DG are the top three I think of who do this.) Check the Alum boards for some interesting threads about women's search for greek homes as alums. They are addictive though - like other rush threads! :)

I didn't mean it to sound like I was asking about the ceremony. In fact that was more of a general question for all NPC orgs because I figured if they did actually initiate them that part would be common knowledge.

I thought that Susan Helms was a Special Initiate - I was at the Convention where she spoke. But I couldn't remember if we were just honoring a sister with high achievements or if she was an SI.

Back to trivia...
 

Which award was established in 1976 and is presented during the closing night Banquet of Convention to honor alumnae who have given outstanding service to the Fraternity?

a.) National Achievement Award
b.) Woman of Achievement Award
c.) President's Award
d.) Hootie Honey Award

Well you would think I would know this since I was at Convention last time...I'm going to go with Woman of Achievement.

Re: Back to trivia...
 

Nope, not B, KellyB! (Woman of Achievement is also given at Convention, but those recipients are recognized for achievement in their respective fields, not for service to Chi Omega.) Guess again, please. :)

Re: Back to trivia...
 

Ok, my next guess is A!

Close...but no cigar!
 

Ooooooo...thanks for guessing, but alas, it's not A either.

(FYI: The National Achievement Award was presented by Chi Omega from 1930-1958 for the purpose of recognizing the accomplishments of women. The recipients were not Chi Omegas. Often the award was presented at the White House. Eleanor Roosevelt served on the selection committee for many years.)

I know it's probably D, but my second guess was going to be C. ;)

Re: Back to trivia...
 

Kelly, I will accept your answer of C! Yes, the "President's Award" is presented to a member (or members -- sometimes 2-3) at the President's Banquet the last night of Convention.

A different type of question...
 

Let's throw out the multiple choice format for a fill in the blank question! I'll wait to give the answer after several of you have guessed. (Perhaps some of our non-Chi Omega friends will want to participate.)

In 1895, the Chi Omega founders and their 10 initiates were a significant force among the women students at the University of Arkansas -- the entire student body the year Chi Omega was founded was ________. (*Pick a number between 1 and 10,000)

99

Re: A different type of question...
 

Any more guesses? Come on, Sisters!