Tau Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi turns 100 in October. Our chapter decided to celebrate this weekend. What a great one it was. I missed Saturday's big shindig due to my friend Katherine's lovely wedding, but Friday and Sunday's events were fantastic.
Friday began with a cocktail and social hour (and when I say hour I mean evening) at an alumna's home near Summit Ave in St. Paul. Let's just say I'm ready to move in!
Caterers fed us delicious appetizers and the bartender created a one-of-a-kind drink in honor of the event. It was such an elegant evening! Anne (who stayed with me for the weekend) and I had a nice time getting to know some older alumni and also a past international president, Barbara.
Sunday Anne and I donned our ritual whites and pins then headed to the chapter house. It was so surreal to get ready for ritual again, it isn't something I've done since I was a collegiate. I would love to do it more often, the ritual is very special to me. Here's a great shot of our founders:
I think I struggle to explain how special this place is to me without sounding strange, but I can't really put it into words. I was contemplating after all the festivities and I think what I really gained from Alpha Omicron Pi is the encouragement to be my best me and also a beautiful example of what healthy, female friendships should be. I am so grateful I decided to pledge such a wonderful place. Isn't this loving cup that nationals sent us pretty?
Aside from ritual, which I am so glad I remembered, and could make it through without crying too much, we had a lovely brunch. One of my favorite AOPi photos is this one that was taken before graduation, I'm glad we could recreate it a bit, even if some people were missing.
I've mentioned before that college wasn't always a dream for me, but I honestly only have good memories of my time at Tau. It is the only place in my past that has totally positive associations for me. I have been through my own storms and the friendships and memories forged in this pretty brick house have helped me weather them. I would not be the woman I am today without this incredible organization. Aside from my Christian faith I count AOPi as the most powerfully developing force in my life. I really could go on and on. Alpha Omicron Pi has made me stronger, happier, more settled in who I am. I try really hard to live the ritual and I am so grateful I got to celebrate something so close to my identity this weekend!
Happy 100th you beautiful Tau, you!
