Saturday, May 1, 2004

Gamma Xi Chapter Reactivated in South Carolina

Saturday, May 1, 2004 was rainy but far from gloomy in Conway, South Carolina, because on that day Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity reactivated the Gamma Xi Chapter at Coastal Carolina University! Eleven prospective members and one faculty member were initiated at the 10:30 a.m. ceremony in Edwards Recital Hall.

Kelly Moore, Eta South Province President, officiated at the ceremony and brought greetings on behalf of the National Board of Directors. Tina Davis, Eta North Province President, and two members of the Alpha Epsilon chapter at Converse College, Hannah Engroos and Katie McCaskill, also assisted with the initiation ceremony and chapter training meetings.

standing (l-r):  Tina Davis (Eta North), Kelly Moore (Eta South), Shelley Jackson, Candice Dunlap,

Ryan Bailey, Jodie Rowe, Jaclyn Pigate,Jason 'Pete' Fry, Dr. William Hamilton (advisor)
kneeling (l-r): Carson Turner, Alana Hucks, Rosie Rodriguez,Mickey Trexler, Genevieve Zimnox
 

New Gamma Xi collegiate members include Jennifer Ryan Bailey, Candice Marie Dunlap, Jason Andrew Frye, Alana Hucks, Shelley L. Jackson, Jaclyn Dianne Pigate, A. Rose Rodriguez, Jodie Michelle Rowe, Michael Lee Traxler, Carson Turner, and Genevieve J. Zimnox. Faculty member Dr. William Hamilton was initiated as a professional member.

Following the ceremony, newly initiated members met to elect officers for the coming year. The new Chapter President Carson Turner and Treasurer Alana Hucks were instrumental in the chapter reactivation and excited about plans for next year. Chapter Advisor, Dr. William Hamilton already has suggested several goals for the chapter for 2004-2005.

The eventful day also included a musicale given by CCU students in honor of their reactivation. It was a fun recital that covered a wide range of styles – musical theater, folk tunes, classical, jazz – and a variety of talents – voice, piano, baritone sax, soprano sax, flute, and xylophone. In attendance were friends and family of Gamma Xi members as well as professors from the Department of Performing Arts. A reception followed the musicale. Although meant for the courtyard but brought in out of the rain, the reception was just as delicious and enjoyable inside. The Atlanta Bread Company in Conway was generous in donating chips and sandwich materials.

The day concluded with the installation ceremony for the newly elected officers and a meeting to cover what their duties are now and plans for 2004-2005. It was a successful day all around…a lovely ceremony and musicale, productive meetings, and fellowship with a group of new Delta Omicron members that have enthusiasm and a positive outlook on the years to come!