The Legacy Academy of Excellence
The winter months have brought frigid temperatures and gray days, but the Phi Upsilon Omicron Alumni and Collegiate chapters have been busy!
The OSU Collegiate Chapter decided to continue their service project for a second year with The Legacy Academy in the Linden area of Columbus. Although the Academy has a new Principal and program coordinator, the administration of the school was excited to involve several of their students with this ongoing project. On Wednesday January 29th, 2025 sixteen students arrived in 200A Ramseyer Hall to be greeted by eight Phi U members to began their service project with the Legacy Academy of Excellence. The Gamma Chapter welcomed roughly fifteen 5th through 8th grade students to The Ohio State University for an afternoon of learning and mentorship on the topics of high school and college readiness. The collegiate members of Gamma Chapter organized the event, led by Jack Anderson and Anna Czarnecki. Chapter Advisor and National President-Elect, Dr. V. Ann Paulins, guided the students in hosting the event. The alumni of Gamma Chapter graciously provided funding for a catered lunch during the event.
The Legacy Academy students mingled with a get-to-know-you bingo icebreaker activity, listened to a presentation on preparing for high school and college, participated in a Q&A session with a panel of Gamma members, and imagined what their futures might hold. The students went home happy with a goodie bag, increased knowledge, and new friends at OSU! The Gamma Chapter plans to host two more events with Legacy Academy during the spring semester.
Gamma Founders Day 2025
Pictures of Gamma Founders Day - Feb. 8, 2025
The cloudy and cold weather did not dampen the spirits of the Phi Upsilon Omicron Alumni members, OSU students and guests, over fifty in total, as they gathered at the Dublin Metropolitan Library to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the founding of our National Honor Society. A delicious, boxed brunch was served by The Locust Table, owned by our OSU graduate, Karla Shelley Woolley. Historic pins were on display, along with the beautiful legacy quilt, hand-sewn by many of our past members and faculty in Campbell Hall.
The morning began with a Welcome and introductions by President, Connie Cahill. Michele Eastlake, Co-Chair recognized Julie Finney, a 50 Year member. Michele moved on with our Memorial service, naming those members who were lost during the last year. Alice Miskell, Scholarship Chair, recognized all the student scholarship recipients in attendance.
A very energetic and passionate program was presented by Celeste Malvar-Stewart, a Columbus fabric and wool designer. Small dress forms were wrapped in samples of her fabrics, and created by doctoral student, Carolyn Ready, as they were displayed as “show & tell” examples of Celeste’s work.
The final activity of the day was the initiation of two new honorary members, Shirley Brooks-Jones and Celeste Malvar-Stewart. Both are excellent choices for this honor. The traditional Candle Lighting Ceremony followed with presentation by the Collegiate chapter members and Michele Eastlake, Co-Chair. A very short business meeting was needed to elect the 2026 Nominating committee made up of Past Presidents, Jan Bonner and JoEllen Helmlinger and current President-Elect, Catherine Clark.
Thanks to Alumni members Chantel Kelley, Michele Eastlake, Alice Miskell, Jan Bonner , Norma Pitts, Leslie Walker and Ann Paulins for their hard work and assistance in making the day a very special one for all who attended.
