January, 2004

Strengthening Ties and Friendships Through Delta Omicron: Conference 2003

July 24-27

The 39th National and 15th International Conference at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky was truly a time to strengthen ties to Delta Omicron and renew friendships within the fraternity. From the opening Parade of Province Banners to the closing Installation Luncheon, the conference provided numerous opportunities for alumni and collegiate members to participate in the governing procedures of the fraternity, to receive training for the new triennium, and experience the bonds of fraternal love.

Province President Instructional Sessions preceded the conference. First Vice President Carol Anne Koehl and Second Vice President provided training for the Province Presidents. The sessions afforded opportunities for the Province Presidents to collaborate on local province issues and to recommend new procedures for the next triennium.

Throughout the conference, chapter delegates attended the business sessions, worked on committee reports that made recommendations to the Board, visited the Fraternity exhibits, and participated in training sessions. Those sessions included a Fraternity Knowledge Workshop, Question-Answer Sessions with the Province Presidents, a Collegiate-Alumni Dialogue, and an Educational Session on Leadership presented by Past Presidents Phyllis Conrad and Kay Wideman, Past Executive Secretary Jane Kuckuk, and Iota/Xi Province President Laura Thuirer.

Chapter Achievement Scrapbooks were judged and exhibited for all delegates to see. First place awards for scrapbooks were awarded to Zeta Chi Chapter for alumni chapters and to Delta Theta for collegiate chapters. The Korean display drew many delegates’ attention as they visited the exhibits. Also there, Webmaster Becky Thompson and Technical Consultant Davey Thompson demonstrated the format for the new Delta Omicron Webpage planned for posting in 2004.

Luncheon and Dinner meals provided times to visit with other delegates. In addition, chapter awards were presented at the Alumni Dinner on July 24th and the Collegiate Dinner on July 25. At the Foundation Luncheon on Saturday, July 26, the Foundation Trustees shared Foundation accomplishments and previewed new projects for the future. The Foundation presented a Power-Point presentation of Fraternity/Foundation history during the Luncheon.

The Rose and Gray Banquet on Saturday evening was a poignant moment during conference as Ann Jones presented her farewell after ten years as International President. The sadness of the moment turned to happiness as the Province Presidents serenaded Ann with a song they had composed for her and as other Delta Omicron members presented her with gifts and loving words. Awards and certificates were presented to other Delta Omicron members at the Rose and Gray banquet as well. Carolyn White Goodman received the Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of her active participation in, loyal support of, and continuous service to the Fraternity.

Outstanding musical performances occurred throughout the conference. The Alumni Concert featured bassoonist Elizabeth Rusch Fetters, pianist Dr. Carol Ferri, flutist Michelle Barraclough, and soprano Dr. Sebronette Barnes. Accompanist for the Alumni Concert was Carol Bibb Jamison. On Friday evening, violinist Jessica Setley, soprano Stephanie Crumbley, flutist Tracy Smith, and percussionist Kimberly Woods performed at the Collegiate Concert. They were accompanied by Kathy Gates Vail.

Two compositions were premiered on Saturday, July 26. The winning Triennial Composition Competition piece In MEMORIAM – Sacajawea, Aria for Flute Quartet, composed by Dr. Greg Steinke, was performed by Ann Droste, Jean Hutchinson, Dr. W. Sue Swilley, and Michelle Worthing. The 2003 Thor Johnson Memorial Commission Arise and Dance, Sonata No. 1 for Clarinet and Piano, composed by Dr. Dan Pinkston, was premiered by Clarinetist Andrea Splittberger-Rosen and pianist Dr. Mary Fahrenbruck.

The Artist Concert featured pianist and Honorary Member Inah Choi. Dr Choi performed three Scarlatti Sonatas (E Major, A Minor, A Major), Estampies by Debussy, Chopin’s Ballade in F. Minor, Op. 52, and Apres une lecture du Dante by Liszt.

Delegates enjoyed the Sing-In Sessions with Song Leader Mitch Ruth and accompanist Mary Helen Vaughan. A new Fraternity song “Of Joy and Peace” by composer Dr. Dan Pinkston was performed by the delegation on Friday, July 25. A Memorial Mini-Concert was presented by the flute choir composed of Delta Omicron flutists and conducted by Ann Droste at the Lily of the Valley Breakfast on Sunday of conference. In addition, a Delta Omicron Handbell Choir directed by Zeta South Province President Jill Hobby performed three selections at the Ecumenical Service. That service was conducted by Rev. Nenette Measels.

The new Board of Directors was installed by Ann Jones at the Installation Luncheon on Sunday. The delegation expressed their love for Delta Omicron one last time as their joined in the singing of “The Prayer of Delta Omicron” before new International President Jonny Ramsey adjourned the conference.

Special thanks are extended to staff of Bellarmine University for their hospitality and beautiful facilities and to Conference Co-Chairs Perri Schmidt and Jean Hutchinson for their help in coordinating the conference in Louisville.

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