What may have seemed like a typical Saturday afternoon social gathering at the Alpha Chi Omega house to passers-by was anything but.
Alpha Chi members, family and friends shared stories and tears during a somber backyard dedication ceremony in honor of member Stephanie Harmon, who was killed by a drunk driver in a car collision on May 15, 2005.
Gazing down the length of the entrance hallway toward the backyard, the memory of Harmon flowed on in a red-hued, three-foot-tall stone fountain.
The fountain and backyard landscaping was a recent gift donated by Harmon’s parents, Barrie and Laura Harmon, to the chapter in memory of their daughter.
Best friend Maribel Guzman, who coordinated the dedication ceremony, added context to the newly unveiled backyard scenery.
“We can come out here to vent, just like Stephanie and I used to do as friends,” Guzman said.
Guzman first met Stephanie at AARO. The two went on to become roommates and the best of friends.
“I shared a bond that will never be broken. And we share that bond with Stephanie,” Guzman said. “Our bond is a testament to this beautiful garden.”
Friends of the Harmons and Dallas residents Susan Reid and Sara Hallam both helped plan the backyard arrangements on behalf of the family.
Reid said the fountain’s prominent placement was intentional, “so it could be enjoyed every day by the girls passing through.”
During the ceremony, Stephanie Harmon’s father thanked Alpha Chi for its tremendous support.
“The moment she walked into this house her whole life changed,” her father said slowly, sustaining his composure as several audience members’ tears and sobs intensified. “The support in the sorority really meant a lot to us. We love every bit of you and every one of you, and Stephanie did too.”
Alpha Chi members Ginger Dubose and Courtney Birck presented to Stephanie’s parents a scrapbook full of photos and written memories of Stephanie.
In closing, Alpha Chi members sang “Pass It On,” a Christian hymn about friendship that members usually sing during official recruitment.
Former Chapter President Stacey Goodfellow presented Mothers Against Drunk Driving local representative Mary Kardell with a check for $1,800. Alpha Chi raised the money from member, family and friend donations.
Last year, more than 1,700 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents in Texas.
Harmon was killed by a drunk driver on Interstate 65 an hour outside of her hometown, Montgomery, Ala., less than a week after she had completed her sophomore year at SMU. Harmon was pursuing a major in journalism from the Meadows School of the Arts.
For anyone interested in making a donation in Stephanie Harmon’s name, Alpha Chi Omega asks that you contact Brittan Bailey at [email protected] or make a direct donation at www.madd.org/victims.
