Bridging the Gap: Alpha Chi Omega’s Faculty Dinner Fosters Meaningful Connections Between Students and Professors 

On November 6, Alpha Chi Omega hosted its semiannual faculty dinner at the sorority’s house. Each semester, the organization invites its members to connect with a faculty member of their choice over dinner and games. Each student attendee invites an individual with whom they want to connect outside of the classroom. 

Gracie Zimmerman, Alpha Chi Omega’s vice president of intellectual development, planned this year’s event. While she was organizing each detail of the event, she kept the importance of the final product in mind.  

“The event is not only a great resource for students,” said Zimmerman. “It’s also token of appreciation to show faculty how grateful we are for them and for their support.” 

The evening began with an appetizer course and a presentation from sorority leadership. Between the dinner and dessert courses, the night included a trivia game. The faculty and students worked together to answer the questions as a way to strengthen their camaraderie.  

Over the years, the faculty dinner has become increasingly popular for students, setting a record with 70 participants this past November.  

“70 people was basically the maximum that [the] kitchen could hold,” Zimmerman said with a smile. 

She attributes this success to the sorority’s expression of how valuable this opportunity is for students and faculty.  

“I think the biggest part of that was focusing really intently on the value behind it and the value of meeting the professors,” she said. “Through connecting with their professors, students have an outlet into their intended professional field, regardless of their major.” 

Another value of the dinner is the sorority’s opportunity to spread awareness about its philanthropy. Alpha Chi Omega works with a local Athens organization, Project Safe, to raise awareness for and support victims of domestic violence.  

“We’re just really passionate about how the work that we do is really local and close to home,” Zimmerman said. 

The sorority will host its second faculty dinner of the school year during the spring semester. Alpha Chi Omega continues to create connections between students and faculty, strengthening both academic and personal growth within the UGA community.