Sister a leader for sorority, embodied 'the true meaning of life'
Alpha Chi Omega sorority members welcomed the Greek community into their house Thursday night to remember their sister, Julie Tamborino, who passed away over winter break after battling leukemia for more than a year.
Tamborino, of Summerfield, N.C., was a third-year international business student and was elected as president of the sorority shortly before she received her diagnosis in December of 2011. The illness forced her to step down from the position in order to focus on her treatment.
In a packed chapter room, members of Alpha Chi Omega shared memories of their late sister, standing up one by one to recount Tamborino’s kindness, intelligence and leadership within the organization.
“Julie represented the true meaning of strength in everyday life as well as in her battle with cancer,” said Kinsey Hogue, a third-year civil and environmental engineering student. “She is the only person I know that would be able to complete an international business application after being released from intensive care ... and be accepted.”
Hogue also chose to read a poem in Tamborino’s memory — “My Sister Is...” by Lisa Lorden — but became overwhelmed with emotion; a fellow member of Alpha Chi Omega took over for her and finished reading the poem in its entirety.
After the tributes from members, a slide show featuring pictures of Tamborino during her time in the chapter and upbeat music played, interwoven with messages of condolence from members of the sorority and USC’s Greek community.
Alpha Chi Omega sisters focused much of their philanthropy efforts through the last year on raising money for Tamborino’s medical bills through “Jingle for Julie” events and percent nights at local restaurants. The chapter raised $5,300 from one charity concert alone last spring.
During her treatment, Tamborino was enrolled in online classes in order to continue her studies. Last week, USC President Harris Pastides recalled Tamborino as “an outstanding student.”
After she went into remission, Tamborino returned to campus for the Fall 2012 semester but was forced to go back into treatment two weeks after the semester began when her leukemia came back.
Tamborino is survived by her parents, Frank and Norine Tamborino; her sisters, Elizabeth, Victoria and Catherine; and her brother, Frankie. Alpha Chi Omega has established a scholarship fund in her name.
Editor’s note: News Editor Thad Moore contributed reporting.