Alpha Omicron Pi is celebrating Founder's Day with International President Barbara Zipperian and members today at noon at the Alumni Center.
Zipperian is a Ball State University and AOP Kappa Kappa chapter alumna. After years of being away from Ball State, she is returning to speak with sorority members about the importance of the 113th anniversary of the organization.
Kaylee Wright, vice president of education for Alpha Omicron Phi, said AOP has been keeping to the original ritual since 1897.
"Even though times have changed in 113 years, our values haven't changed," she said.
Alpha Omicron Pi is a sisterhood promoting lifelong friendships, which is why Zipperian came back to her Kappa Kappa Chapter.
Wright said the sorority has a saying that if a member would move forward in time to the AOP Kappa Kappa chapter today, the only difference would be the style of clothes because their values still stand true.
President of Alpha Omicron Phi Elizabeth Burkholder said Zipperian's return shows that members can have an opportunity to get a leadership position not only in the Kappa Kappa chapter, but internationally.
The Kappa Kappa chapter at Ball State was started in 1952 as the 65th chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi.
"Barbara has been in our shoes, and it is great for our members to see that AOP isn't just for four years," Wright said. "It's for a lifetime.
Q&A: Barbara Zipperian
DN: How do you feel returning to Ball State University and the Kappa Kappa chapter of Alpha Omicron Phi?
Zipperian: I am very excited to return to my own AOII chapter as International President. I can't wait to meet the current chapter members and reconnect with sisters from my years at Ball State.
DN: What will you be speaking about on Sunday?
Zipperian: The true heart of AOII comes out in the experiences that we've each had as members. We each have a story to tell about our most treasured AOII experience, or that moment when we became committed to AOII or when we found that special spark. Our organization has continued because we treasure the past and we crave the details of how AOII has thrived. I will be sharing my "story." Telling my story this weekend is special because it started with my very first recruitment party at Ball State, where I first met AOII, and [continued with] the journey I've taken through life as a lifelong committed member and what it means to me today.
DN: What advice do you have for current AOII members?
Zipperian: AOII is for a lifetime and it's not just a saying. It is a place of belonging wherever you go and wherever you are in life. Find that something that makes your AOII experience uniquely yours and inspire others to share the same [thing].
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