INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — The Alpha Eta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega sorority was one of three chapters in the United States awarded the National Council Trophy at the organization’s National Convention on July 14. Alpha Eta, the chapter at the University of Mount Union, earned the award for the third time in its history (1968 and 1972), alongside chapters at the University of Georgia and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

According to the organization, the National Council Trophy is presented annually to chapters with the highest cumulative score across all Seeking the Heights award categories which display the most significant achievements in chapter programming and membership support. The award categories include member retention, chapter growth, real strong women experience, member wellness, chapter operations, diversity and inclusion, chapter innovation and chapter progress. 

“Alpha Eta being selected with two other chapters at schools with more than 20,000 students is a huge deal,” said Gabriela Botzman ‘17, who currently serves as the province alumnae chair, overseeing eight Ohio-based alumnae chapters of Alpha Chi Omega. “These chapters are considered to be the highest performing in the country out of all 148 Alpha Chi Omega collegiate chapters. Members of Alpha Eta are excited by their involvement in Alpha Chi Omega and continue to be involved as alumnae.”

Botzman stated that the Mount Union chapter was recruiting and retaining more members, hosting a wider variety of programming opportunities, completing more service hours and had an increase of women running for executive board positions. She stated that the leadership of then-president Lauren Rogers '24 was a large part of why the Alpha Eta chapter earned this prestigious honor.

Additionally at the Convention, Botzman was named the 2024 recipient of the Young Alumna Award by Alpha Chi Omega for her contributions to the organization. Along with her role as province alumnae chair, she has been active with the local house corporation for Alpha Eta and serves as a mentor through the organization’s Women and Wisdom Program, among other service initiatives.

“I am so unbelievably honored to be named the 2024 Young Alumna,” Botzman said. “Since my initiation in 2013 I've made it my intention to say yes to all the opportunities Alpha Chi Omega might offer me, and I would not change anything about my journey. My time spent on anything Alpha Chi is time well spent, and I am so thankful.”

Learn more about Alpha Chi Omega at Mount Union, along with other sororities, fraternities and the more than 90 student organizations on campus, by visiting mountunion.edu/student-involvement.