Media Mix

News affecting our members and the greater fraternity/sorority community

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MEMBER NEWS

Joan Halliford Creates Recipe of the Year

Joan Lightfoot Hallford, Epsilon Eta–Texas Christian University, is the winner of Taste of Home magazine’s first-ever Recipe of the Year contest. Her Loaded Huevos Rancheros recipe was selected through a combination of online voting, ratings, reviews, web traffic and debate among the magazine's editorial staff. Joan is a longtime Volunteer Field Editor for Taste of Home and has submitted more than 1,200 recipes over the last 20 years.

Carling Dick Leads in BC

Business in Vancouver named Carling Dick, Tau–University of Toronto, one of its 2020 Forty Under 40 recipients in December. The award recognizes outstanding young entrepreneurs, executives and professionals in British Columbia. She is a Principal with Earnscliffe Strategy Group where she develops and leads strategic communications and government affairs initiatives.

Rachel Burchfield Puts it in Writing

Rachel Burchfield, Epsilon Beta–University of Kansas, discusses the benefits of listing sorority experience on a resume with Cosmopolitan magazine. Rachel is a regular contributor to ELLE, Southern Living and Harper’s Bazaar to name a few. She often writes about the British Royal Family and is the cohost of Podcast Royal.

Jennie Lee Balboni Conquers Bean Town

We missed it the first time around, but the Worcester Business Journal recently republished its complete list of the most influential people in Central Massachusetts, including Jennie Lee Colosi Balboni, Gamma Phi–Georgia Tech. Jennie Lee has also been recognized as one of the top women business leaders in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe Magazine and The Commonwealth Institute. Her company, ET&L Corp, specializes in bridge and road construction as well as site and landfill development projects.

Ellie Mayberry Takes a Swipe at Hunger

The Student Government Association at Arkansas State University passed a resolution proposed by Ellie Mayberry, Epsilon Zeta, to approve Swipe Out Hunger. The program will allow students to donate meal plan swipes to students in need, according to The Herald.

Collyn Davis Kicks Off New Campus Talk Show

Former Chapter President Collyn Davis, Gamma Delta–Auburn University, appeared on the first-ever episode of "Tigers Talk," a new campus talk show. Collyn discussed why she joined Alpha Gam, fighting hunger and life during the pandemic.

Ansley Ecker Ranks High at Miss Teen USA

Ansley Ecker, Gamma Zeta–University of Memphis, represented the state of Tennessee in the Miss Teen USA pageant in November, where she placed in the Top 16. With a passion for volunteering, Ansley is the founder of C.A.R.E.—Cancer Affects and Reaches Everyone— which strives to increase the quality of life for cancer patients and their families, according to the Covington Leader.

Lehigh Panhellenic Aims for Greater Diversity

The Brown and White reports on efforts by Lehigh University's Panhellenic Council to promote greater diversity within Greek life. By starting a conversation about issues in sororities, Tanya Andino, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Zeta Beta, hopes the council can foster a strong foundation of inclusiveness of all races, religions, sexual identities and backgrounds.

CAMPUS NEWS

#AlphaGamServes

The Athens Post reports the Athens County Food Pantry in Ohio will take its services on the road, thanks to the help of local volunteers, including Alpha Gam’s Zeta Chapter at Ohio University. “I have volunteered multiple times at ACFP with my sisters and have seen firsthand how it helps those in the Athens community,” said member Alex Williams. “I think making pick-up locations more

accessible is a fantastic step in fighting hunger in the Athens community while families and community members are also navigating the pandemic.”

Gamma Xi Rocks

Gamma Xi–Murray State University didn’t let COVID-19 stand in the way of fighting hunger, according to Murray State News. The chapter's annual Rock-A-Thon—going strong since the 1970s— was adapted into an online experience. In a typical year, teams perform a lip sync and dance routine for a live audience. Vice President–Philanthropy Kathryn Foster and the chapter worked to make it a successful online event.

Universities Modify Homecoming Traditions

Fall looked different as many campuses reimagined Homecoming festivities with virtual 5Ks and other fundraising events, Zoom reunions and online Homecoming court crownings—including that of AJ Monken, Xi–Illinois Wesleyan University (pictured). Rather than building traditional floats, students at Northern Michigan University decorated wooden cutouts for a driveby “reverse parade.” High Point University offered virtual campus tours and an online cooking demonstration with the campus’ executive chef. Many universities, including Purdue, are considering providing a virtual option even after the COVID-19 pandemic is over so more alumni can participate from any location.

The Role of Fraternities and Sororities in the Coronavirus Spread

National Review published a report determining blame for campus outbreaks can’t be fully placed on students, but rather on university administrations not enforcing strict guidelines.

The Value Proposition Of Fraternity/Sorority Life

Forbes writes that fraternities and sororities are shifting attention to work preparation and job outcomes. The piece cites Gallup findings that fraternity and sorority members feel more prepared for life after college and are more engaged in their work.

Hazing May Soon Become a Felony in Ohio

The Columbus Dispatch reports HB310—also known as Collin’s Law—was passed by the Ohio House of Representatives. If passed by the State Senate and signed into law, HB310 will strengthen consequences for bullying and hazing, including forced consumption of drugs and alcohol.

The Power of Sorority

As the sorority of the first woman Vice President, NPR examined the political influence of Black fraternities and sororities. Alpha Kappa Alpha received a nod from Vogue magazine which released a special cover of Vice President Kamala Harris wearing pearls against a pink and green background. AKA, the oldest Black sorority, was founded at Howard University in 1908.