Reflect on what you appreciate about our sisterhood and all the ways Alpha Chi Omega has impacted your life. Maybe it’s memories of laughing until your sides hurt with your chapter sisters, the times sisters have shown up to support you in ways big and small or perhaps a specific sister comes to mind who personifies what it means to be a real, strong woman.
As we enter this season of gratitude, think of ways you can show how much you see and appreciate the sisters who have made an impact on your life. Nominating a sister for an award is one way to show appreciation for all that she does to support and grow Alpha Chi Omega.
Alpha Eta Alpha (Jacksonville, Florida) alumnae chapter. Barbara is the chapter president and is standing center, in white, behind the two alumnae initiates. “I feel it is important to celebrate and recognize sisters and their contributions through the awards process because it shows that a person’s efforts are recognized and appreciated,” shares Barbara Eaton (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State University), 2026 Alumnae Appreciation Award winner. “It also prompts women to think about members in their own groups and their contributions even when an award isn’t the end goal. Hopefully it spurs others to recognize and nominate those that are deserving.” 
Ellie Butler-Musgrove
The sense of feeling appreciated and valued lasts long after the awards process is over. 2026 Young Alumna Award winner Ellie Butler-Musgrove (Delta Rho, University of Arkansas) shares, “Winning an Alpha Chi Omega award showed me that all the hard work – the hours, the hard conversations, the laughs, the tears, the mornings that started before dawn and the nights that rolled right into the next day – was worth it. However, winning the award did not tell me to stop, to slow down. It inspired me to keep saying yes, keep doing more and keep choosing Alpha Chi Omega every single day.”
Marjann pictured in the middle in black
2026 Outstanding Chapter Advisor Marjann Lawson (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University) agrees. When reflecting on the moment she was announced as the winner, she recalls, “It honestly felt like a big hug from so many people! And it was so special to share it with not only my collegians but so many dear sisters from around the country that have become my friends. It was a one in a million moment!”
Being celebrated can go a long way in creating a deeper sense of belonging and appreciation for our sisterhood. In reflecting on what she’s most grateful for in her Alpha Chi Omega experience so far, Kathryn Hirtz (Delta Chi, William Woods University), the 2026 Amy DuBois Reith Emerging Leader, shared, “I have had the opportunity to build lasting friendships with not only my Delta Chi sisters, but with sisters around the world through Leadership Academy and National Convention. From kind notes left on my door, to small gifts ‘just because I thought of you,’ to planning our next trip to be reunited, Alpha Chi Omega sisters have always stepped up in my life to make me feel at home, no matter where I am.”
Kathryn Hirtz poses with her fam at the bottom in greenThe Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega reminds us to “see and appreciate all that is noble in another.” When we asked each of these award winners what this phrase means to them, they reminded us of the spirit of love, unselfishness and sincerity that is found in each Alpha Chi sister.
“It reminds me to thank all members for their contributions to our alumnae chapter and Fraternity, no matter how small or large they may be,” shares Barbara.
“Watching and hearing about accomplishments from others should be something you learn from and celebrate. This is how our organization has made it 140+ years,” says Marjann.
“With everyone's lives being constantly on the go, stopping for a moment and taking the intentional time to say a simple thank you goes a long way. There are so many behind-the-scenes actions or thoughts that help drive Alpha Chi Omega to be the sisterhood we all love,” notes Kathryn.
Adds Ellie, “Every sister, every member, has something beautiful to offer not only to this world, but to Alpha Chi Omega.”
From the Award of Achievement, which honors an alumna who has reached the heights of her career or field of study, to the Emerging Leader Award, which honors a newly initiated collegiate member who is already displaying strong leadership skills in her chapter, and many in between, there are numerous opportunities to celebrate what makes a sister special.
So as the leaves change, reminding us of Alpha Chi Omega’s founding and ushering us into a season of gratitude, consider marking your appreciation for a sister by nominating her for one of our 2027 individual alumnae or collegiate awards.