Erica Begley in award-winning sorority at William Woods University

2011 Aug 26

The Alpha Chi Omega chapter at William Woods University is the sole recipient of the National Council Trophy-the sorority's highest award for collegiate chapters. Erica Begley of Hannibal, Mo., is vice president, education on the chapter's executive board.

Marsha Grady, national president, visited with the chapter Aug. 14 to present the 2010 National Council Trophy and several other crystal awards. The chapter won numerous Seeking the Heights awards: Facility Management, Intellectual Development, Member Education, Panhellenic Participation, Recruitment and Risk Management.

The chapter won the National Council Award in 1998 and was eligible to win it again after winning the Continuing Excellence Award 10 years in a row. Lisa Burke, a May 2011 WWU graduate from Louisburg, Kan., was president of the chapter during 2010. Judy Schmuck of Wildwood, Mo., is the longtime chapter adviser.

"It is such an honor to receive the National Council Trophy," Burke said. "Because of the hard work and leadership in our chapter and on campus, and the amazing support we get from our advisers, our women were recognized at the highest possible level nationally. I have never been more proud of my sisters and proud to be an Alpha Chi Omega."

Schmuck said, "The awarding of the National Council Trophy for the top Alpha Chi Omega chapter to the women of William Woods University shows what I have always known. These are the greatest women anyone could have the pleasure of knowing and sharing time with. These are truly, 'real, strong, women,' and I am as proud as I can be to be their advisor."

Alpha Chi Omega is one of four sororities on the William Woods campus. It was established in 1965 with the help of the Alpha Chi Omega chapter at the University of Missouri.

Cutline for Photo:

Alpha Chi Omega National President Marsha Grady (second from left, front row) presents the National Council Trophy to Eliza Payne, chapter president, while other executive board members proudly display other awards. Front row: Ashley McCaffrey, Grady, Payne, Alicia Delaney and Darian Lightfoot; middle row: Jessica Bargate, Erica Begley, Sam Cooper, Kylie Long, Rachel Sennett and Katie Wolfert; back row: Katherine Wortmann, Rachel Petricka, Lauren Greenwald and Olivia Koselansky