Bid day always makes the top of every sorority girl’s favorite memory through her experience at Ohio State as she finds her new home away from home and new, lifelong sisters! This year Alpha Xi Delta wanted to make this day as special and fun as it possibly could be. Our theme was “Under the Sea with the Xi’s” with full out decorations including balloons mimicking jellyfish on our ceilings, blue streamers, a blue wooden frame to take pictures in, vase center pieces with sand, and signs in the shape of sea creatures with all our new sisters names! At 4p.m. all the new sorority women opened their bid day cards at the Ohio Union; we anxiously waited, screaming chants, holding our sea creature posters, and blasting music. Before we knew it, a sea of women came sprinting near the Wexner Center onto 15^th Avenue. Soon after, our seniors holding our letters came running up to the house, followed by all our 52 beautiful new sisters! 

As all the new women of Alpha Xi Delta filed in to our living room, sitting on our big comfy couch, the active sisters continued chanting with excitement! It was so rewarding and exciting seeing all these new smiling faces in our home. After a group picture was taken of our new sisters, quill sisters and rose sisters united where gift baskets were presented, filled with a lanyard, picture frame, and cup…all Alpha Xi Delta inspired of course! Through out the afternoon we ate pizza, cupcakes, and candy, along with taking numerous photos in the giant blue wooden picture frame. 

Liz, Sasha & Amanda

At 6p.m., the sisters ventured to the Candle Lab in the Short North. Girls had such a great time creating their own scents for candles along with getting to know each other.

Hear what a few of our new sisters said about bid day:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hannah A. : “When they told us to open our bid cards, I prayed I would be joining the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta. I felt the most magical connection with the AXiD girls during recruitment. When I opened the card, I FLEW to the door of the Union to my new home. This is one moment I will always remember. Getting to the house and FLYING into the girls’ arms felt so real. This will definitely be the best decision of my college career. I am so excited for the memories to come with my new sisters that I adore so much.”

Hannah C. : “Bid day was by far one of the most exciting days for me at Ohio State. I was so excited to be joined by such a welcoming sisterhood and discover my pledge class, who I will be friends with until and beyond graduation. Going candle making helped me further get to know my quill sister as well as the older girls and girls in my pledge class. When I opened by bid day card I was hoping to see three Greek letters…and when I did, I was overjoyed.”

Katie G. : “During bid day, the Rho Gams revealed themselves and it was really fun to see what my Rho Gams were in. Finally, they began handing out the bids and they made us sit on them. They began a countdown and we all opened our bid cards at the same time! It was really exciting because everyone was super happy with their houses and hugging each other. We all ran downstairs out to the patio facing the Union and groups from all the sororities were there waiting holding their letters. It was a bit overwhelming but so cool to see all the sororities together at the same time. It was kind of crazy that we all ran down 15^th together, especially how all the fraternities were outside cheering, too. Once I got to the house, all the girls were holding signs with our names on it, and I found Kayla with mine. They welcomed us and it was awesome because everyone was dressed for the ‘Under the Sea’ theme. I am very happy I picked where I did. We hung out and some fraternities came by with flowers, welcoming us. We all had to learn how to ‘throw what we know’, too! Eventually we all left together to go to The Candle Lab in the Short North. It was neat because we got to smell different scents with our quill sisters and new sisters and then make our own candle with our favorite scents. It was a great experience and The Candle Lab was a fun and easy way to get to know a lot of my new sisters!”

Haley G. : “When I opened my letter and saw that it was AXiD I was so excited…I teared up. After leaving preference round, I knew that it was for me. Shortly after I opened my bid card I found out that one of my best friends Gabi was also now in AXiD so I was all over the moon about it! The Candle Lab was such a fun experience because we got to be crafty and bond with all the new girls.”

Alexis M. : “I only put Alpha Xi down, so I knew where my new home would be but it was cool seeing everyone else open theirs! Bid day was very exciting and super fun. Everyone was so nice and it was a good environment to be involved in. All my new sisters had so much energy, and I especially enjoyed the photo booth! The Candle Lab was a little crowded but I am so happy we were able to go there because it smelled amazing and was a perfect activity to get to know the girls.”

Ellie W. : “Bid day was terrifying in the morning! I was so nervous to figure out where I would be placed. It was sweet that things were coming to a close, but it was also sad that the whole rush period was coming to an end! Coming back to the Alpha Xi Delta house, seeing all the girls, was so exciting! I had been to the house before, but now they were my sisters so it was a completely different feeling. The Candle Lab was a sweet idea! I talked to all the other girls about their bid day experience and they were all jealous we got to make candles. It was something different, and it was something I would want to do again!”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alpha Xi Delta is truly blessed by the presence of all our new sisters, and we cannot wait to continue memories not for four years, but for life! 

New Member Class of 2014

Winter Break With The Xi's!

The ladies of Alpha Xi Delta at the Ohio State University had both exciting and relaxing winter breaks.  Whether they were vacationing, volunteering, travelling the world or cheering on our Buckeyes at the Orange Bowl, our sisters stayed busy! We are thrilled to share a few of our sisters’ experiences for you to enjoy:

VACATIONS

Jacque traveled down to the Sunshine State, visiting Key West and Hutchinson Island. She had the time of her life soaking in all the sunshine while learning how to fly-fish, snorkel, and scuba dive.

Rachel R. traveled to Big Sky Montana with the Ohio State Ski Team for an adventurous trip into the mountains for a short getaway.

Rachel J. enjoyed complete paradise while visiting St. Thomas with her family. Snorkeling and kayaking were just a few of the fun activities she was able to enjoy!

Rachel B. ventured down to the happiest place on earth: Walt Disney World! She completed the Disney College Program during the 2012 fall semester and still loves visiting on a regular basis to one of her favorite places in the world.

Hannah C. celebrated her 21^st birthday in Nashville, Tennessee. She brought along her mom and her best friends, visiting places such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. What a fun way to celebrate!

Sisters Kendra, Alex D., and Tiffany brought in the New Year by spending New Years Eve in New York City. Our sisters were able to begin 2014 by watching the ball drop in the middle of Times Square!

BUCK-I-SERVE

Sam McWhorter traveled to New York City through Buck-I-Serve where she worked with the homeless population. She invested her time volunteering at Meals on Wheels, New York State for Urban Ministry, Covenant House, St. Peter’s church and the Boys and Girls Club of Queens. Sam was also able to explore the city with new friends from campus!

Kayla R. went to Birmingham, Alabama with Buck-I-Serve, building houses for Habitat for Humanity. The group of students split up and worked on five houses throughout the week, working from 7am-4pm daily. Every night she was able to tour Birmingham by going to the movies, shopping at a local mall, and eating at a Southern BBQ restaurant. Her favorite experience was completing two houses and dedicating them both to families!

Sarah F. traveled to Punta Gorda, Florida through Buck-I-Serve, also working with Habitat for Humanity. Her main duties included repairing roofs and interior walls for houses. Sarah’s favorite part was the interaction with the locals and hearing their life stories!

CRU CONFERENCE

Dottie attended the Campus Crusades for Christ conference in Indianapolis for four days! Her time in Indianapolis was spent volunteering. She handed out food boxes to underprivileged families, attended concerts and listened to biblical discussions led by renowned pastors. A dance party capped off the amazing conference with prayer and New Year celebrations!

GREEKS GO GLOBAL

Sisters Nada and Stephanie F. traveled with Ohio State’s Greek Community to Costa Rica, assisting in building schools and facilitating a two-day camp for the local children. Nada and Stephanie were also able to go zip lining through the rain forest, horseback riding through the mountains and swimming at the base of a waterfall and hot springs.

MISSION TRIP

Alexa went on a mission trip to Russia for 12 days to work with orphans. She was asked to help give support to young mothers who had previously been orphans, teenagers who had graduated from orphanages, and younger children who had been taken from their families. Alexa says, "I forgot my phone in a few cafés, I failed to remember to grab my charger from the hotel in Moscow, and I left my heart in Kostroma. I guess I'll have to go back to retrieve it someday!" Her love her tea arose during her time in Russia as well!

 STUDY ABROAD

Caroline participated in a 10-day study abroad trip in New Zealand. She was not only able to experience the beauty of the land, but also the culture. The main component of her trip was studying agricultural production and learning how to sustain a successful economy!

Cait was given the opportunity to study abroad the entire fall semester in Italy. Having her family join her in December finished this lifetime’s worth of memories.  She was able to show her loved ones her home for the past 15 weeks, and was able to meet her Italian family who her dad had not seen in 43 years! We are thrilled to have you back!

BUCKEYE SPIRIT

Sisters Meredith, Jacque and Rachel R., traveled to Miami, Florida to watch Buckeyes play against the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl. Unfortunately, Ohio State did not carry out a victory, but we are so proud of their great season. Only eight more months until we can cheer on our team again!

  

 All the ladies of Alpha Xi Delta are now back and well rested, ready for a fun-filled spring semester!   

Thankful To Be an Alpha Xi

The holiday season has begun and with it comes a whirlwind of shopping, baking, and unfortunately, studying for finals. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle it can be difficult to keep sight of what's really important in life.  Luckily for us Alpha Xi's, being surrounded by our wonderful sisters constantly reminds us of our blessings each and every day.  Therefore, in honor of the holiday a few of our sisters took the time to share what they are truly thankful for:

"I'm thankful for my wonderful family because they are all kind-hearted and inclusive. Everyone welcomes step-siblings, half-relatives, and friends into the family and it has made me a better person!"~ Megan Jones

"I'm so thankful for my parents for doing everything in their power to help me fulfill my dreams"~ Rachel Richart

"I'm thankful for my mom, because she does so much for me and I could never thank her enough!"~Amanda Havrilla

"I am so grateful that I go to a lively and amusing university. Seriously. We're awesome. We have character and charisma."~Jenny Winther

 "I am thankful for my cat because he's the only man that makes me truly happy :)"~ Kristen Reymann

"My mom for being the most generous, inspiring, and amazing super mom there is!!!!"~ Sam Michalski

"I'm thankful for Catherine Ahaus for including Paige Renée Addington and I into her family so we're no longer all alone :)"~ Kaye Wrobleski

"I'm thankful for my family who literally help me survive life, for facebookless Annie for being the best roomie, and for Paige Renée Addington for bringing me starbucks to history :)"~Lindsey Luffy

"I am grateful to be healthy & being blessed with a good support system!!Also for my mom and dad for going out of their way to make sure my sister and I have the best education possible and go somewhere in life! And my sister for being the sweetest most thoughtful and inspiring"~ Heather Swartz

"I am thankful for my parents as they have sent packages for me for every holiday down in Disney to make these days feel as special as they would be if I were home with them!"~Brooke Miller

"I'm thankful for my extremely supportive and loving family, including my sisters, while I'm abroad. It makes being on the other side of the world by myself easier knowing that I have people to come back to who love me unconditionally and only want to see me happy."~Caitlyn Jenai

Fall Initiation!

 On the morning of November 17th, our sisters descended upon the Big Yellow House in a flurry of white to witness the official initiation of the Psi chapter's most recent new member class! After months of anticipation, and a week full of pre-initiation fun, nine ladies were welcomed into our sisterhood.  After the formal ceremony, our newest members were treated to a celebration which included pictures, presents, and brunch with their new Alpha Xi family. For these newly initiated ladies, this cold Sunday morning will be one of the first of many memories they will make during their time as an AXiD.  In honor of the start of their newest journey, we asked our lovely new sisters to share their reasons for choosing the double blue and gold. 

Hannah: Alpha Xi really opened my eyes to the college experience. Having so many girls to turn to is amazing, along with having an awesome support system. I never thought I'd join a sorority, but I am so thankful and happy that I did. I love what we stand for and I love being part of something bigger than myself. I've loved everything so far and I can't wait for what's to come!

Dena: On the first day of informal recruitment, I walked into the house so nervous I considered not even going, and left wishing I could stay. When my friends asked me how it went all I could say was "I literally love all of them" and that gets more and more true as my time in Alpha Xi continues! Everyone is so fun and unique and brings something different to the table, and I'm so happy I get to spend the next two and a half years with such amazing girls!

Calla: Alpha Xi has become my second home and I never thought that would be possible to find in such a big school. I've loved every minute of everything since I've joined and can't wait for what's next! There are so many opportunities given to make a difference, but also opportunities to make life long friends and find my true self. Joining Alpha Xi was one of the best decisions I've made!

Megan: I had debated joining a sorority for awhile, and was lucky to have met some amazing girls in AXiD here at OSU! I could tell from their kind and fun personalities that I was missing out on an incredible sisterhood. So I decided to join and it was great meeting new sisters and learning about the traditions that bring us together. Alpha Xi Delta helps all women realize their potential and I am sincerely grateful to be a sister! TFJ!

Mackenzie: Having the opportunity to be a part of Alpha Xi Delta is such a wonderful thing. My new member period and initiation really opened my eyes as to how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many great girls with the same values and interests as myself. I can't wait for all the relationships I will make and the fun I will have with my new sisters!

Calley: Alpha Xi is becoming such a huge and important part of my life more and more every single day and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. This fraternity has already brought out confidence in myself that I have never had before and I already know that I have met some of my best friends in the entire world. I am so happy to get involved in leadership, sisterhood, and Autism Speaks!

Katie: I never thought I would join a sorority but I just decided to go for it and AXiD felt like home. I love what we stand for and I have met some incredible girls. Initiation brought that all together and I'm just so happy to be a part of this organization. 

Kelly: I immediately fell in love with the girls of AXID on my first visit to the chapter house and knew it was the right sorority for me. I loved going through the process to become an official AXID member and cannot wait for all the memories to be made with all my new sisters!! It is amaXIng! It's a little cheesy but it's the truth!

Kelani: I loved initiation. I am so happy to finally be an official AXiD and I'm excited to be a part of such a great fraternity and have so many amazing sisters that I get to do amazing things with, like support Autism Speaks!

A's All Around

AXiD's from the Fisher College of Business!

This past week, the Psi Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta honored a few of Ohio State's most influential professors at our first ever Academic Banquet.  Members of the chapter were asked to nominate university professors  who have gone above and beyond to instruct, inspire, and facilitate success in the classroom.  These professors were then recognized at the banquet, of which the highlights included heartfelt speeches delivered by senior Alpha Xi's to their respective faculty guests, and let's be honest, the wonderful array of delicious food. After recognizing these guests of honor, the spotlight was then placed on our own sisters! Reflective of the successful teaching of OSU's professors, 51 AXiD's were applauded at the banquet for being named to the Dean's List last spring.  Among these intelligent and hardworking ladies, 7 achieved impressive 4.0 GPA's!  Awards for Most Improved GPA were then awarded to Kristen Reymann, for posting the largest GPA increase among the chapter, and Sammi DeMarsh and Savannah Moses for having the Most Improved Family GPA. Overall, the event was an incredible success, thanks to the passion of our chapter's Academic Chair Ana Vigil. For the past year, Ana has tirelessly constructed academic plans and study schedules for sisters who are struggling academically. Here's what she had to say about the banquet:

Most Improved GPA

"Besides the amazing football team that we have that draws hundreds of thousands of people to THE Ohio State University, we are a top academically competitive public school. I wanted to come up with a way to show appreciation for both the teachers that work hard to provide us with a top notch education, as well as the women of Alpha Xi Delta who work hard to achieve the grades that they do," Vigil says. "I also wanted to foster a relationship between greek life and academics on campus, because often times greek life gets stereotyped into only participating in social aspects and the other great achievements fall wayside. I think that Alpha Xi Delta places a priority on academics and this is reflected through the number of women we have on the Dean's List, the number of sisters who participate in academic clubs and fraternities, and teaching as TAs. I think that this first banquet was just a stepping stone for bigger and better things to come for our chapter and academics in the future!"