CAMPUS LIFE | Vol. 24, Issue 07 | 3

Ionians Putting The I Into Individualtiy

Spring has sprung, societies are on the lookout for new members, and the Ionians are no exception. The Ionian Society brought warmth and casual conversation to Whittier College at their Open House on Friday, Jan. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Welcoming any interested sisters to check out what they are all about, the Ionian Alumni kitted out Dezember House in all things Ionian. From crew necks, to t-shirts, pictures, and even photo albums, these Ionians meant business.

Dezember House filled with voices as introductions began. First up was Sophia Renteria (Class of 2018), the current Vice President on the Alumni Board and main point of contact for anything Ionian. Next was Dr. Jaimis Ulrich (Class of 2015) as Alumni Advisor and Jasmine Nútt (Class of 2013) as Diverse Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Co-Chair. Alicia Atkinson (Class of 2002) is the current Secretary but was previously the President for ten years. Finally, Kelly Milbourn (Class of 2005) is the current Homecoming Chair.

As introductions began, the conversation continuously moved to loving memories shared between the sisters before shifting back into introductions. Each time the conversation would switch there would always be something fun and new to learn about each of these Ionian Alumni.

When asked what the Ionians are known for, being loud and proud was first on the list. But when digging deeper, the Ionians’ stated that community service plays a big part in what the I’s do. As one of the I’s explained they are “service hearted.”

While having no current events planned for the coming semester, the I’s are putting all of their energy into recruiting new members with the hope that next year they can hold more events with new active members.

This isn’t the first time the Ionians have been inactive. They were founded back in 1948 but were brought back on campus in 1991. As a community based sisterhood, their phrases of “Individually unique, together complete,” and “In unity lies victory,” are key to their ideology.

It’s no wonder these sisters are so welcoming to anyone. With values of empowerment and inclusivity, the Ionians are full of diversity that include international sisters.

Inclusivity is such an integral part of the society. Each of the five Ionian Alumni answered what it is like to be part of the Ionians.

Renteria explains she feels the Ionians are home. A home of sisters being together and feeling all the love, and always pushing you towards your full potential that you get from being with family. The Ionians are their own tight knit family.

Nútt reflected that the Ionians carve out a space to stand out with opportunities to feel seen and, most importantly, to heal. Dr. Ulrich shared that being an Ionian is like being on an adventure. It’s an experience that gives sisters an empowering and goal driven environment.

Milbourn “can’t imagine a life without” the Ionians and feels that it is like nothing else. Atkinson said that the Ionians are a “lifetime of friendships,” and “a lifetime of service.” The Ionians are so deeply rooted in storytelling that these sisters’ stories become mythic for any member of the sisterhood.

While the Ionians may not have a huge presence on campus now, they are certainly working towards regrowing it. These ladies are loud, proud, and excited to bring the society roaring back to life here at Whittier College.