Unveiled | Chi Omega Eta Beta Big/Little Reveal
The Eta Beta Chapter at Iowa State is abuzz with enthusiasm and anticipation as we welcome a new class of members into our close-knit sisterhood. The excitement is palpable as we eagerly await the opportunity to establish connections that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. And at the heart of this cherished tradition lies the big/little process, a concept that's deeply ingrained in our chapter's culture.
It's more than just finding a mentor or a friend; it's about discovering that someone who will play a pivotal role in your Chi Omega journey. Your big sister is not only your guide and confidant but also your closest friend and the one who will help navigate your first year in our sisterhood.
The joy that surrounds the big/little process is infectious, making it hard to determine who's more excited – the new members who are about to gain a big or the second-year members who are anxiously awaiting their little. It's a time of genuine connection and bonding that transcends mere friendship.
The journey commences on Bid Day when new members are paired with second-year sisters, affectionately known as "Bid Day Buddies." This initial connection is special because, while not all of these pairs will become big and little, many of these relationships endure throughout their time in Chi Omega. It's a chance to meet someone who's already part of the sorority, providing new members with a welcoming introduction to our chapter.
Throughout the first week of school, "Bid Day Buddies" form strong bonds, discussing their experiences, grabbing coffee, and navigating the thrilling yet intimidating journey together. This newfound friendship often lasts a lifetime, serving as a glimpse into what a Chi Omega role model looks like.
As the process progresses, and after the pref-night activities, it's time for the "bigs" to prepare for Revelation Week. This week is filled with anticipation and excitement as "littles" receive notes, gifts, and, if they're lucky, hints about their big sisters. Beyond the excitement of discovering their big, this week also brings new members into the sorority house, fostering interaction and connection with the entire chapter.
Revelation day is a momentous occasion where each family has a matching theme, complete with props, hair bows, t-shirts, and even tennis rackets. The new members stand in front of a sheet, their big sisters lined up behind, and when the sheet drops, an explosion of screams and hugs fills the air at 227 Gray Ave. The atmosphere is electrifying, with some new members knowing their bigs while others are utterly shocked. In the midst of the excitement, some even tackle their bigs to the ground out of sheer joy.
But the big/little process at Chi Omega is about so much more than gaining a new friend. For some, these connections will stand the test of time, becoming lifelong bonds. For others, these will become future bridesmaids, and for all, this new connection becomes a true extension of family.
As we celebrate this incredible tradition at Eta Beta, we are reminded of the enduring strength and depth of our sisterhood, where bonds are forged, friendships are nurtured, and lifelong connections are formed. Here's to many more generations of sisters finding their perfect match in the big/little process!
Dude’s Day 2023
For some, the best part of fall is the ever-so-anticipated Cyclone game days. For others, the season consists of visiting and catching up with family and friends after surviving the first few months of school. Here at Chi Omega, we look forward to an event that celebrates both fall favorites simultaneously!
On October 7th, 2023, the Eta Beta chapter was honored to host the amazing men who play a large role in the women of Chi Omega’s lives. “Dude’s Day” is an event put on in the Fall semester of every year by the sisterhood chair. This year, the 2023 sisterhood chair, Adriana Drossos, worked incredibly hard to put on a spectacular event resulting in a great turnout.
“The best part of this position is the reward. I dedicate a lot of hard work and time into this role and seeing each event come to life is just the absolute best feeling. All the smiles and kind words at each event reminds me that all of the extra effort and time is so worth it.”
- Adriana Drossos, PC ‘21
After a vote by the chapter determining whether the dining portion of Dude's Day would be “grill out” or “brunch,” the brunch theme was clearly a fan favorite. From Dunkin Donuts to freshly baked casseroles, Adriana, along with the help of her committee and our very own Chef Audrey, made sure that no guest or member went hungry.
On top of the many different categories of delicious food, an iced coffee and juice bar was set up along the kitchen countertops to fuel attendees for the upcoming day.
The two hour time period allowed for the perfect opportunity to give house tours, mingle with other families and friends, and take a LOT of photos! The event was a “tailgate” styled environment where attendees were welcome to come and go as they pleased.
Where memories are made and hearts are touched, Dude’s Day continues to be a Chi Omega fan favorite.
“I loved getting to show my dad around the house and tell him the memories I’ve already made there. Everyone’s parents were so excited to meet each other and it was so fun!”
“Dude’s Day is one of my favorite Chi Omega events because I love getting to meet my sisters’ loved ones. Getting to show my family why I love this place is so special, and my dad and grandpa have told me they absolutely love meeting all of my friends!”
“Our recent Dudes day event was so awesome. My committee and I put so much love and effort into this event. The main goal was to welcome our girls and their dudes with an environment with great company and delicious food, and let’s just say both were achieved thanks to the women of Chi Omega. I am so thankful for this position & for the many opportunities it has brought me!”
Dude’s Day 2023 Photo Gallery
Dude’s Day 2023 Photo Gallery
Dude's Day was a resounding success, and it left us with hearts full of gratitude. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished connections. We'd like to extend our gratitude to all the parents and family members who joined us in celebrating this special occasion.
As we reflect on this memorable brunch, we're reminded of the importance of both friendship and family. Our sorority is not just a group of friends; it's a support system that extends to our loved ones as well. We look forward to more unforgettable moments in the future, strengthening our bonds and creating lasting memories with our incredible sisters and their families.
Spring Formal
Celebrating Sisterhood
A night to remmeber
“The thing I love most about Formal is how it is one of the few opportunities we have to come together as a chapter and celebrate accomplishments, graduations, and the sisterhood we have here at Chi Omega. ”
As the spring season rolls around - the flowers begin to bloom, and the sun returns to its rightful place in the sky - the women of Chi Omega are in full swing, preparing for their annual Spring Formal. The annual Spring Formal is a night for the women of Chi Omega to dress up, bust a move, and show their love for eachother. From dress shopping to securing a venue, Sophia Kleese, PC ‘21, and her assistant Gianna DiVerde, PC ‘22, planned and executed a beautiful night.
Social Chair
Sophia Kleese, PC ‘21
Sophia serves as Chi Omega’s Social Chair. She and her assistant, Gianna, made the night come to life. As an Event Management major at Iowa State University, Sophia’s experience as Social Chair helped her cultivate and develop various event planning skills. The position challenged her to roll with the punches, be quick on her feet, and adapt to adversity. Sophia worked hard to ensure her sisters would have an amazing time at the event. She was delighted to see this dedication pay off. Thanks to Sophia, her assistant Gianna, and their commitment to the chapter, the night was one to remember!
Each year, the chapter votes on a Formal theme, and this year’s theme was “White Carnation Ball.” The magical night resembled this well. The white carnation, Chi Omega's flower, is known for its sweetness and beauty. The flower was chosen for its delicate, pure, and refreshing nature. The white carnation holds great significance for the women of Chi Omega, and represents what the chapter stands for.
“To me the “White Carnation Ball” theme represented Chi Omega and not just another sorority formal theme. When envisioning this formal and what I wanted it to look like, I wanted it to be super elegant yet fun. I knew that creating a theme like this would allow just that. ”
The Chi Omega Spring Formal was located at The Monroe in West Des Moines, Iowa. The venue - elegant and charming - had adequate space to take photos, chat with sisters, and bust a move on the dance floor. Sophia organized for a delicious dinner provided by B Fabulous Catering. Following dinner, formal awards were handed out and recieved, ranging from “Nobel Prize Winner” to “Best Big-Little Duo.” Shortly after, the women of Chi Omega were treated to delicous cheesecake for dessert. The night was entertained by a DJ, allowing for lots of singing, dancing, and laughter.
Arguably, the best part of any big night is the preparation. Getting ready with your best friends is always fun, and it is no different at 227 Gray Ave. Hours before the event, the women of Chi Omega came together to help one another prepare. Wheter its helping a sister curl her hair or do her eye makeup - the women of Chi Omega cherish being there for each other. Sophia enjoys living in the house for this reason, making it one of her favorite memories of all time. She says it is like, “having a thousand big sisters help you get ready.” The women of Chi Omega know getting ready is always more fun when in good company.
“Getting ready in the house with my besties are some of my favorite memories. I will never forget the frantic running around to get the last-minute things done - like steaming your dress or finding a bobby pin. Everyone happily jams out to music because we are so excited for the night. I will miss this most about living in!”
The sisterhood at Chi Omega is truly something to celebrate, and the annual Spring Formal is a great way to do so. Meg Ries, PC ‘20, enjoys the Chi Omega Formal because she loves to see her sisters having fun and feeling confident. Rooted in empowerment, the women of Chi Omega are constantly cheering eachother on. Thank you to Sophia Kleese, PC ‘21, and her assistant Gianna DiVerde, PC ‘22 for an amazing night to do so.
Spring Formal
Spring Formal
Gal’s Weekend
Forever my friend.
♥
First my role model.
Forever my friend. ♥ First my role model.
Each year our chapter hosts a Gal’s Weekend to celebrate the female role models in our lives. Currently serving as Eta Beta’s Sisterhood Chair, Adriana Drossos successfully planned and carried out a weekend full of fun, celebration, and sisterhood. Her event was held at the Alumni center Saturday afternoon and included painting while sipping on our freshly crafted mocktails. The weekend was a fun and meaningful way for sisters to come together and celebrate our sisterhood, bond over shared experiences, and support one another in our personal and professional growth.
Sisterhood Chair
“I had the amazing opportunity to plan Chi Omegas Gals day this year & let’s just say it was an awesome opportunity! All the time and planning that went into this event was so worth it! My committee also did a great job helping me make this all happen:) My goal was to create a fun & welcoming environment for my sisters and the important gals in their lives! Personally being from out of state is pretty tough sometimes, you don’t get to see those loved ones as often. Being able to have a day to celebrate and see those special people is so important to not only me but my sisters in chi omega as well! Cheers to a wonderful gals day…Dudes day here we come!”
- Adriana Drossos, PC ‘21, Sisterhood Chair
Celebrating The Female Role Models In Our Lives
It is important to thank and celebrate both our mothers and the female role models in our lives for several reasons. Expressing gratitude towards our mothers and female role models is an essential way to show appreciation for their contributions to our lives. It helps us recognize the impact they have had on our growth and development.
Celebrating female role models can inspire and motivate us to achieve our goals and aspirations. It can encourage us to work hard and pursue our dreams, knowing that women can succeed in various fields and industries. Recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of our mothers and female role models can also empower us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. In doing so, it reinforces the message that we are capable of achieving great things.
In summary, thanking and celebrating our mothers and female role models is essential as it shows gratitude, inspires and empowers us, breaks stereotypes, and strengthens our relationships with them. It is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of women in our lives to encourage future generations of women.
Hear From Our Sisters
Messages From Our Gals
“What a great opportunity to spend time with my daughter and meet some of her friends at Chi O!! Lovely!”
- Karen Starr (Grace’s Mom)
“Such a fun gathering with a great group of girls!”
- (Faith’s Mom)
“A sincere thank you to the Eta Betas that planned Gals Day. Having the opportunity to spend time with my daughter and her friends in Chi Omega having fun painting was fantastic.”
- (Ella’s Mom)
"I love meeting the girls who make your college experience so positive.”
- (Aubrey’s Mom)
The Power of Sisterhood
Sisterhood is an important concept that refers to the special bond that exists between women who share common goals, values, and experiences. It is a supportive and empowering relationship that can help women grow and succeed in all areas of their lives.
Sororities offer a unique opportunity for women to develop strong sisterhood bonds that can last a lifetime. By joining a sorority, women can connect with other women who share their interests, passions, and values. They can form close friendships, mentorship relationships, and professional networks that can help them succeed both in college and beyond.