What is Alpha Omega Epsilon?
Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE) is an engineering sorority at Virginia Tech. It is part of the Rho Chapter and works to empower female engineers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The sorority follows the values of professionalism, service, and sisterhood and exemplifies them in everything they do. The sisterhood allows women in STEM to feel supported and explore their interests with each other. The sorority works hard to make sure that female engineers are able to build meaningful connections with one another at Virginia Tech.
The Recruitment Process
In order to be eligible to join the sorority, you need to be majoring in an engineering discipline or technical sciences. This allows them to remain an engineering sorority and be focused on enhancing students' experience in STEM at Virginia Tech. They also have a grade point average (GPA) requirement that you must at least have a 2.5 GPA in order to be eligible to join. Their events start during the fall of 2022. Their first set of recruitment events are on September 28th, October 24th, and November 28th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Each of their events have different themes, such as tailgating, Halloween, and holidays. Tailgating events usually take place before Virginia Tech’s beloved football games and are a great way to hang out with family and friends prior to the game starting. The sorority's fall events are informal but can help students to get a better idea of what life in the sorority would be like and the level of commitment that they would have if they are interested in joining it. Attending the events is also a great way to start building connections with the sorority’s members. Alpha Omega Epsilon’s formal recruitment events start in the Spring of 2023. Their first formal recruitment event, Sisterhood Night, is on Tuesday, January 18th, in the Squires Student Center followed by two more events on January 19th and January 22nd.
What events do they have?
Alpha Omega Epsilon hosts a variety of events throughout the school year including academic, philanthropy, and community service activities. In terms of academic and career development events, they have dining etiquette, regular study sessions, company information sessions, mock interview practice, resume-building activities, and more. These activities can help you to prepare for joining the workforce and going through the job search process. Mock interviews and resume building will be beneficial when you are applying to internships and co-ops.
In addition to the support they provide students with academically, during the school year, they put a lot of their energy toward helping the community by contributing to organizations such as the Big Event, Relay for Life, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Fundraisers and Events. The Big Event is a day in which organizations on campus and Virginia Tech students are committed to performing acts of service and giving back to the community in any way that they can. Approximately 1,200 service projects are completed during the Big Event to help those in need. Relay for Life is a fundraising movement that goes towards supporting cancer research, patient treatments, and more. It is managed by the American Cancer Society. JDRF Fundraisers and Events proceeds go towards fighting against type 1 diabetes by supporting those living with the condition and advocating for the government to assist them on a larger scale. In addition to contributing to these fundraisers and service projects, the sorority plans numerous events throughout the school year to help raise funds for other causes. They plan events such as bake sales, talent shows, dodgeball tournaments, and more in order to generate a high level of community involvement.
Why join?
Alpha Omega Epsilon is a great way for female engineering students at Virginia Tech to find ways to get more involved on campus and establish meaningful relationships with other students. It also allows students to explore Blacksburg as a whole and all it has to offer such as its farmer’s markets, hiking trails, breathtaking sunsets, and abundance of nature. It is important to prioritize physical, mental, and social well-being, especially with the difficult coursework that engineering entails, and having a support system you can count on significantly helps. The sorority provides students with the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain priceless connections. Being a part of the sorority is a great way to boost your resume and engagement activity on campus. Fraternity and Sorority Life at Virginia Tech is a welcoming community that hosts many events throughout the school year. Finding new ways to be involved on campus can be difficult, but many members of the sorority are part of various clubs and organizations at Virginia Tech and can help you get connected with them.
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