Alpha Pi Omega: The First Sorority For Native American Women

<p>While more than 60 percent of American high schoolers go on to college, only 17 percent of American Indian students do. Those who do enroll often have a tough time coping with a lack of connectiveness and social isolation. That's why 25 years ago, a group of young native women decided to claim their space in one of the most traditional social organizations in higher education - Greek life. Alpha Pi Omega is the first sorority for Native American women.</p> <p><strong>Guests:</strong></p> <p>Christina Theodorou - Tribal Liaison with Maximus and one of the founders of <strong><a href="http://www.alphapiomega.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alpha Pi Omega.</a></strong></p> <p>Elizabeth Alexander - Student at Oklahoma State University and the president of the OSU chapter of Alpha Pi Omega. </p> <p>Later in the show…</p> <p>There was a lot going on in 1969 - young people full of revolutionary fire and passion led the Civil Rights and anti-war movements movements. That same year one of nation’s most elite universities became the site of another kind of revolution. Yale University, whose centuries-old traditions were designed for male students opened, its doors to women students. What happened after they arrived is the compelling history depicted in the new book, <em>Yale Needs Women: How the First Group of Girls Rewrote the Rules of an Ivy league Giant.</em> It’s our December selection for “Bookmarked” The Under the Radar Book Club.</p> <p><em>**<a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781492687740" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yale Needs Women</a></em><em> </em>is available for purchase in bookstores and online now.</p> <p><strong>Guests:</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://annegardinerperkins.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anne Gardiner Perkins</a></strong> - Yale class of '81, Author of <em>Yale Needs Women</em></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.constanceroyster.com/bio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Connie Royster</a></strong> - Class of '72, enrolled at Yale as a transfer