Alpha Phi Quarterly Spring 2018

Quarterly A

L P H

A

P H I

SPRING 2018

INSIDE:

Leadership Conference coverage Best garden gadgets Convention styles of the past

Open land protector Megan Medeiros (Beta PsiSan Jose State) and six other collegians and alumnae talk about their love of nature, the environment and Alpha Phi flowers

Plus: Four dynamic Alpha Phi mentormentee duos

Alpha Phi

Quarterly

Inside This Issue 4

Amongst the Ivy General Fraternity and Greek-letter news and announcements

24 From the Quad Accomplishments from our undergraduate members and chapters

Editorial Policy

30 Always Alpha Phi Noteworthy news from our alumnae members and chapters

39 Silent Chapter Honoring our sisters’ passings

40 Where We Live Alpha Phi’s newest and newly renovated chapter houses

42 Trending All you need to grow a gorgeous garden

43 What’s in Your Garden?

An alumna who lives by the words of “The Lorax” reveals some of her favorite flora

A PUBLICATION OF ALPHA PHI INTERNATIONAL FR ATERNIT Y SINCE 1888

Editorial Advisory Board Cayce Putnam Blackley Sheila George Bright Kathy Feeney Hiemstra Lizzie Hineman Karen McChesney Howe Denise Blankenship Joyce Ciera Murray Allison Cink Rickels Emma Sheils Jennifer Holsman Tetreault Jordi Tiffany Alpha Phi Quarterly Staff Elisa Drake, Editor-in-Chief quarterly@alphaphi.org Alpha Phi Quarterly Design Tria Designs Inc. www.triadesigns.com

The purpose of the Alpha Phi Quarterly and its content is to provide information and services to the membership of the Alpha Phi Fraternity, in keeping with the Fraternity’s status as a 501 (c) (7) tax-exempt private membership organization. The magazine is devoted to highlighting its members and matters of fraternal and collegiate interest. The views expressed in the articles published in the Quarterly are those of the authors and their contributors, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Alpha Phi Fraternity, its officers or staff.

Submissions

All persons interested in submitting materials for publication in the Alpha Phi Quarterly are encouraged to send them to the editor at the Executive Office. The editor reserves the right to accept, deny or edit any materials submitted.

Unless otherwise requested, all photos sent to the magazine will become the property of Alpha Phi International and will not be returned.

Articles may be sent by email to quarterly@alphaphi.org or by mail to Alpha Phi Quarterly 1930 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201.

Submission Deadlines Summer 2018: April 13, 2018 Fall 2018: July 16, 2018 Winter 2019: Oct. 14, 2018 Spring 2019: Jan. 12, 2019

Questions

Please direct any submission questions or inquiries regarding advertising or reprint permission to the editor at quarterly@alphaphi.org.

Publisher

Alpha Phi Quarterly (USPS Pub # 14680) is published quarterly by Alpha Phi, 1930 Sherman Ave., Evanston IL 60201-3214.

Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster

Please send address changes to Alpha Phi Quarterly 1930 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201-3214.

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VO L . 13 0 N O. 2 SR PI NG 2018

Features

Going Green 18

From college campus sustainability chairs to beautiful farmers’ market flower arrangements, Alpha Phi collegians and alumnae are embracing the earth in meaningful ways.

Leadership Conferences

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Check out some snapshots from this year’s Leadership Conferences, where Alpha Phi chapter officers, advisors and volunteers proved what rock stars they really are.

Dynamic Duos

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We talk to four Alpha Phi mentor-mentee pairs about how their relationships have helped shape and strengthen their college experiences, their Alpha Phi connections and their careers.

Now and Then

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With Convention 2018 upon us, we take a look back at varying fashions of Conventions past and present (or at least more recent).

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A Message from the International President

DEAR SISTERS,

International Executive Board Deana Koonsman Gage, President Laura Jen Kin Berger Susan Bevan Amanda Minchin Carter Tobi Board Nieland Linda Schnetzer Jacqueline Schools Jennifer Holsman Tetreault Rebecca Andrew Zanatta Ex-officio: Sally McCall Grant, NPC Delegate Ex-officio: Mary Beth Cooleen Tully, Foundation Chair

Foundation Directors Mary Beth Cooleen Tully, Chair Colleen Sirhal, Vice Chair Coree Christine Smith, Secretary Gretchen Wilson Alarcon Kim Brown Brannon Jenny Concepcion Hansen Jean Creamer Hodges Karen McChesney Howe Ex-officio: Amy Peebles, Executive Director Ex-officio: Deana Koonsman Gage, International President

Executive Office 1930 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 475-0663 fraternity@alphaphi.org www.alphaphi.org

Foundation Office Executive Director: Amy Peebles 1930 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 475-4532 foundation@alphaphi.org www.alphaphifoundation.org

National Panhellenic Conference Alpha Phi Delegate: Sally McCall Grant First Alternate Delegate: Laura Malley-Schmitt Second Alternate Delegate: Ruth Gallagher Nelson Third Alternate Delegate: Laura Lynn Davidson Ellett

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Throughout our lives we are impacted by people and experiences. I can’t even begin to think of all the people who have influenced me through the years. In addition to family, there have been teachers, friends, advisors, students and even strangers who have touched my life in ways they may never know.

Within that group have been some extra-special people who would fall into International President Deana Gage (third from left) stands with a group the category of mentors. I of volunteers, including former board members and past presidents, have been fortunate to have who have all been mentors to many Alpha Phis through the years. enjoyed phenomenal support and encouragement. There has always been someone listening, showing me the way, cheering me on and providing inspiration.

Some of those same people have also guided me to acknowledge my mistakes or shortcomings and move on, sometimes pushing me in the right direction.

Mentoring can be a formal arrangement, but often a mentoring relationship develops informally between people when circumstances bring them together. My guess is that most of us have far more experience with the informal model.

Someone happened to be there in the right place and at the right time and recognized our need for a listening ear, some friendly advice or a helping hand.

It’s often in looking back that we recognize the role others played in making us who we are today. The greatest influence might have come from those with whom we did not have a close relationship but were simply role models that we admired from afar. I have been incredibly lucky that so many people have made a difference in my life; I’m only sad that most of them probably never knew. I wish I could go back and express my appreciation to each of them, but I can’t. But I can say to each of you, my Alpha Phi sisters, “What a difference you’ve made in my life.” Yes, you have. Whether I’ve met you only briefly, worked with you or appreciated your membership in Alpha Phi, you have made a difference in my life, and I know you are making a difference in the lives of others.

Loyally,

Deana Koonsman Gage (Gamma Iota-Texas Tech) International President

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Q

Quotable

“ It’s part of our

responsibility to ensure that we minimize our carbon footprint as much as we can and do our part to protect the planet.

”

ISTOCK: PEOPLEIMAGES

Sarah Cassell (Lambda-UC Berkeley)

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Amongst the Ivy

Eco-Friendly Facts & Figures

TALKING POINTS

400 Years it takes for plastic to degrade

620

Percentage increase in U.S. plastic production over the past 30 years

12 million Barrels of oil used annually to produce plastic bags in the U.S.

1,500 Number of plastic water bottles used in the U.S. every second

300 million

Oklahoma State with the lowest rate of recycling (3.7%)

Tons of plastic humans produce every year

8 million Tons of plastic that enter the oceans every year

1

California State with the highest rate of recycling (53%)

The degree in Fahrenheit that can upset the earth’s ecosystems

1.5 tons Amount of water used to produce just 1 computer

Statistics from:

70%

The recovery rate of empty beverage containers in Manitoba, Canada 4

2016 The hottest year on record

$36 billion Wages produced through recycling and reuse activities in the U.S. in a single year

nasa.gov mindbodygreen.com onegreenplanet.org planetaid.org epa.gov news.nationalgeographic.com thebalance.com recyclingtoday.com

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Alpha Phi Fraternity

2017 Annual Report

169

COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS

8,423 NEW MEMBERS

246,248 TOTAL INITIATED MEMBERS

133 1,828

ALUMNAE CHAPTERS

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

$1,567,159 INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

5

HOUSING LOANS TO SUPPORT THE PURCHASE AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER HOUSES

130

AVERAGE CHAPTER SIZE

To read a comprehensive report, please visit alphaphi.org (keyword: Annual Report).

Note: Data reflects fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017)

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Amongst the Ivy

Alpha Phi Rock Stars LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES 2018

Throughout the month of February, chapter officers, advisors and volunteers participated in intensive leadership training programs in four cities across the country as part of Alpha Phi’s annual Leadership Conferences. This year, themed “Alpha Phi Rock Stars,” the programs provided opportunities for collegiate members to network with officers from other chapters and learn from experienced alumnae who share their professional and volunteer expertise. These networking opportunities allow participants to build strong professional foundations and serve as support systems following graduation. Above all, the women participating learn to be mission-driven, results-oriented leaders who bring their Alpha Phi enthusiasm back to their chapter members to guide them through a successful year.

Get a peek at what Leadership Conferences are all about.

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Chapters Recognized for Philanthropic Excellence at Leadership Conferences Collegiate chapters honor Alpha Phi Foundation’s mission by hosting events each year. In 2016-17, chapters raised more than $2.5 million through philanthropy events in support of the Foundation.

During Alpha Phi International Fraternity’s Leadership Conferences each February, Alpha Phi Foundation announces its Excellence in Philanthropy award winners. These awards are presented to the top five fundraisers and the most improved chapters in each quadrant.

The Foundation also presented the Martha Watkins Mast Qualifiers, in which two collegiate chapters from each quadrant are recognized for their exemplary support of the Foundation through education, service and philanthropy, and who embody the spirit of philanthropy.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the 2018 award winners!

Giving is reflective of the 2016-17 academic year.

Southern Quadrant

Eastern Quadrant

Top Chapter Donors

Top Chapter Donors

1. Florida State (Gamma Phi) 2. LSU (Delta Tau) 3. Missouri (Omicron)

1. Syracuse (Alpha) 2. George Washington (Iota Iota) 3. Towson (Eta Omega)

Most Improved Fundraiser

Most Improved Fundraiser

UNC Chapel Hill (Kappa Alpha)

New Hampshire (Eta Alpha)

Most Creative or New Philanthropy

Most Creative or New Philanthropy

Texas Tech (Gamma Iota) for its Taste of Texas Food Truck Festival Martha Watkins Mast Qualifiers

UNC Chapel Hill (Kappa Alpha)  Clemson (Iota Rho)



Northern Quadrant Top Chapter Donors

1. Minnesota (Epsilon) 2. Michigan (Theta) 3. Nebraska (Nu) Most Improved Fundraiser

Iowa State (Zeta Delta) Most Improved Fundraiser

Butler (Epsilon Beta) for its Carnival Phiver Martha Watkins Mast Qualifiers

Case Western Reserve (Zeta Pi)  Nebraska (Nu) 

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Johns Hopkins (Zeta Omicron) for its APhi Phestival Martha Watkins Mast Qualifiers  

Toronto (Xi) Connecticut (Iota Lambda)

Western Quadrant Top Chapter Donors

1. Santa Clara (Zeta Gamma) 2. Washington (Sigma) 3. Loyola Marymount (Zeta Beta) Most Improved Fundraiser

Arizona State (Gamma Pi) Most Creative or New Philanthropy

Puget Sound (Gamma Zeta) for its Heart Health Week Martha Watkins Mast Qualifiers  

Willamette (Gamma Tau) British Columbia (Beta Theta)

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Amongst the Ivy

MEDIA MASHUP INSTAGRAM

Reaching Their Goal When the Stanford women’s soccer team won its second national championship since 2011, fans went wild—of course, not quite as wild as the soccer players themselves, including two Kappa (Stanford) chapter sophomores who are part of that winning team: Ceci Gee (pictured bottom left) and Sam Tran (pictured top left). “I have never been so proud and so amazed at all the talented and hardworking women that are on the team,” says Ceci of the win. “It just felt so comforting and so empowering to know that I am part of a whole squad that is not only good enough to win a national championship, but is also loving, funny, genuine and extremely caring. I will never forget the feeling for sure,” she says.

“It’s cliché, but I’ve seen my teammates battle through blood, sweat and tears... and to be able to celebrate with them on that field was pure magic,” Sam adds.

The victory against UCLA came in the 67th minute of the game to give Stanford a 3-2 lead, completing Stanford’s dominant season that saw a school record for 91 goals. Sam sums it up, saying, “It was an afternoon full of pure joy and love.”

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Cameron-Theta Rho Posted by @cameronalphaphi “The time is always right to do what is right” —Martin Luther King Jr.

Case Western Reserve-Zeta Pi

Indiana State-Delta Pi

South Dakota-Psi

Posted by @alphaphi_isu

Posted by CWRU Alpha Phi

So proud of our sister Lauren [Novick], the president of Timmy Global Health, for her second service trip to Ecuador and assisting in sustainable healthcare

Posted by Alpha Phi at the University of South Dakota

In Alpha Phi we share a passion for helping one another and our surrounding communities! This is why yet another one of our values is service Here’s our sister Angelica [Escuadro] with two of her students from a program over the summer where she taught engineering to inner-city children in Cleveland #CLEPhis

Spent the morning volunteering at a local elementary school in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Follow our sister Madison Nipe at @misssdusa as she takes on the title of Miss South Dakota USA this next year! She’s up to amazing things and we’re all so proud of her accomplishments #usdaphi

Let’s Chat!

Alpha Phi International (Executive Office) @AlphaPhiIntl Alpha Phi

AlphaPhiIntl alphaphiinternational. tumblr.com Alpha Phi International Fraternity (Official)

@AlphaPhiIntl

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ONE OF US

With Love to Share Being a parent means experiencing amazing joys and incredible frustrations. Being a foster parent amplifies those emotions, and Michele Connizzo (Eta-Boston) would know. An active alumna in the Tampa Bay area, Michele works for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; she’s also the single mom to two young foster children. She says she was inspired to become a foster parent by an uncle who was first fostered and then adopted by her paternal grandmother. She was motivated to foster now because of the current opioid epidemic that is sending more children into the foster system. “I have always wanted to be a mom, so I thought it was about time that I start sharing the love I have to give,” Michele says.

We chatted with Michele about her fostering experience.

Why was fostering important to you?

I have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the children in my care and hopefully prepare them for whatever challenges they may face in the future.

What have been your challenges?

The main challenge has been dealing with “the system.” I had heard there were a lot of challenges due to how overwhelmed the child welfare system is, but I wasn’t prepared for this. My current foster children are now on their fourth case manager in the 10 months that they have been in care. With each new case manager comes a learning curve and new personalities. The challenges faced by foster kids have inspired me to meet with local state legislators to ensure they understand what is going on with these children, so they may better advocate for them in upcoming legislative sessions.

You have been fostering two young boys. How is that going?

I have been fostering a now 2-yearold, and it has been such an amazing experience. From a child who I was told was non-verbal at placement, he now exceeds the expected developmental skills of a child his age. My foster son’s half-brother was recently placed with us, so we are all going through some adjustments, which is tough. I know in the end, it’s important for the boys to be together, so we are working through the challenges together.

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What would you say to others who might be interested in fostering?

I would encourage anyone that has considered fostering to visit their local community-based care agency or licensing organization. Attend an orientation and if you are still interested after learning about the ups and downs, get licensed. It is estimated by the Department of Health and Human Services that nearly 500,000 children are currently in foster care in the United States, and among those, more than 100,000 are legally available for adoption.

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Amongst the Ivy

Convention 2018 GREATNESS HAS NO PEAK

72nd Biennial Convention June 21-25, 2018 The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa Tucson, AZ

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Completed registration materials and payments must be processed no later than the deadline in order to avoid incurring late registration penalties.

Standard Rate: March 16–June 8, 2018

Q: Who may attend Convention? All members, their families and friends are invited. Those eligible to vote during Convention include collegiate chapter presidents (collegiate chapter delegates), chapter advisors and alumnae chapter presidents (alumnae chapter delegates), International Executive Board directors, Foundation Board directors, National Panhellenic Conference delegates, Collegiate Chapter Managers and Alumnae Engagement Managers.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Thursday, June 21, 2018: • Arrivals • Registration • Collegiate Chapter President Academy Begins Friday, June 22, 2018: • Arrivals and Registration • Alumnae Chapter Academy • Chapter Advisor Academy • Collegiate Chapter President Academy continues • Housing Academy • Delegate Orientation • Welcome Dinner

The Theme The breathtaking Santa Catalina mountain range, the stunning Sonoran Desert foothills, and the success and prestige Alpha Phi has attained combine to provide the inspiration for this biennium’s Convention theme, Greatness Has No Peak.

The Hotel

Saturday, June 23, 2018: • Convention Assembled Opening Ceremonies • Luncheon • Foundation Red Dress Gala Dinner • Receptions Sunday, June 24, 2018: • Convention Assembled • Service of Remembrance • Individual Alumnae Awards Luncheon • Candlelight Banquet Monday, June 25, 2018: • Departures

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS • Tucson Museum of Art • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum • Mission San Xavier Del Bac • Tohono Chul (gardens, galleries, bistro) • Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Regional Park • De Grazia Gallery in the Sun • The Sun Link Street Cars • Historic Old Town

THINGS TO DO • Zip lining • Antiquing • Walking tours • Restaurant tasting tours • Shopping and more shopping 1 10

The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa is top-rated. It features luxurious amenities and facilities, first-class service and exceptional accommodations in a beautiful setting.

The City Streets overflow with lively music, art, food and a uniquely Southwestern feel. This is Tucson, where Alpha Phis from across the United States and Canada will converge. Here, friendships will be renewed, and new friendships will be formed. Networks will be created and ideas and learning shared. The future of the Fraternity will be determined.

Convention 2018, where Greatness Has No Peak.

Q: When is the registration deadline?

June 8. Registration materials and additional information are available at alphaphi.org/members/members/ convention2018.

Q: How much does it cost to attend?

The all-inclusive Convention package is $1,500. It includes attendee’s registration fee, four room nights, taxes and tariffs, housekeeping gratuities, four buffet breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, meal taxes and gratuities (based on double-occupancy), plus all Convention and programming materials. Package does not include any transportation costs.

A la carte pricing is also available. Please visit alphaphi.org/members/members/ convention2018 for details.

Q: How do I make flight arrangements? You are responsible for making your own travel plans. Due to the heavy summer travel during the convention season, we suggest securing your flight arrangements by June 1, 2018. Should you need assistance, you may contact Kim Criscuolo at Canyon Creek Travel. Ground transportation is available from both the Tucson International and the Phoenix Sky Harbor airports. To arrange your ground transfers, contact Diamondback Shuttle at 502-203-7440.

Q: Will there be any time to sightsee? Convention is always a busy time for delegates. Alpha Phi International recommends you travel early or extend your stay after Convention to take advantage of all there is to see and do nearby. If you book through Alpha Phi, you can secure our special room rate.

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Fact vs. Fiction Convention is all about connecting with friends and expressing Alpha Phi spirit.

FACT and FICTION: Of course, there’s plenty of meeting and greeting, chatting and cheering, but there’s also some serious work accomplished at Convention. In fact, some significant decisions have been made at past Conventions that have affected Alpha Phi policies and standards. For instance, in 1879, Alpha Phi changed its colors from blue and gold to bordeaux and silver. Apparently, the men of Delta Upsilon had selected blue and gold in 1879, and Alpha Phi women wanted to maintain a distinct identity. At the 1906 Convention in New York, a uniform design for the official membership badge was chosen, as well as rules regarding when and how to wear the badge (prior to that, members simply designed their own badges). And in 1922, delegates voted to inaugurate a “pledge training” system that covered Fraternity history, government, aims and ideals. Attend Convention 2018 to find out what happens this time.

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Amongst the Ivy

RETROSPECTIVE

Milestones: Alpha Phi’s Golden Jubilee As we look ahead to Convention 2018, we look back to one of the many momentous Convention events in Alpha Phi’s history. This telling of the Golden Jubilee Convention is an excerpt from the history book, Alpha Phi International Fraternity The First Fifty Years, 1872-1922: Union Hand in Hand, by Jenny Thompson.

“TO ALPHA PHIS everywhere,” Genevra Gwynn Wiley wrote, “Alpha extends heartiest greetings and the warmest invitation to the Golden Convention, a fitting celebration of 50 years. Our hearts go out to you in love and longing; we want you all here— all who can possibly come—collegians, alumnae, old and young (if anyone is ever old in Alpha Phi, except as the years bring rich treasures of experience and a wealth of happy memories).

So come from far and near. We will make you comfortable and happy, and the more who come, the merrier will be our days of thanksgiving and rejoicing together.”

Perhaps no other Convention plans would rival those of the 1922 “Jubilee,” when Convention-goers descended on the city of Syracuse for a week-long celebration of the first 50 years of Alpha Phi Fraternity. The anniversary was to bear “witness to many outstanding achievements for Alpha Phi,” and “socially,” as the Convention committee promised, “we expect to be very busy and happy during our birthday Convention week.”

The week’s events began with a “get acquainted” party at the chapter house at 308 Walnut Street, when “shyness among those who had never before seen the Fraternity en masse was soon forgotten, for our hostesses entertained us faultlessly.” The newly renovated house had been polished, cleaned and decorated to receive the many visitors and delegates. A number of distinguished guests would be present, including four Founders: Louise Shepard Hancock, Clara Sittser Williams, Clara Bradley Burdette and Jane Higham. Several early Alpha chapter 12

members were also present, including Mary Cary Davis, Jane Bancroft Robinson, Helen Weaver Phelps and Mary D. Bartlett.

There was perhaps but one “sad thought [that] permeated our minds,” Clara Sittser Williams reported, “and that was the absence of Sister Martha Foote Crow, whom we all love and who has ever been an inspiration to us.” Martha had fallen ill with heart trouble, and was now resting in Chicago. A telegram was sent to her from the Convention delegates, who felt her absence dearly.

“We will make you comfortable and happy, and the more who come, the merrier will be our days of thanksgiving and rejoicing together.”

—Genevra Gwynn Wiley

On the morning of Tuesday, June 22, the notes of “Alpha Phi Toujours” could be heard echoing in the Assembly Hall of the College of Agriculture at Syracuse University as the Convention

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The 1922 Jubilee Convention included a picturesque pageant titled “Milestones,” staged in a wooded glen on the old Castle Grounds at Syracuse.

Pictured are 50 Alpha Phi women, each representing one of the Fraternity’s 50 classes from 1872-1922, dressed in the fashion of their day.

Interested in learning more about hte history of Alpha Phi? Visit alphaphifoundation.org/ heritage

opened with great enthusiasm. Eloise Holden Nottingham, a trustee of Syracuse University and Alpha chapter member of 1880, welcomed the happy crowd.

“I suppose no other [Convention] has been of such moment as this present one, save, only, perhaps, for the first one,” President Bertha Sawyer Ives said in her address. “We are told in the annals of our Fraternity that the first General Board elected reported that there had been no business to transact. We have quite a different story today.”

Indeed, Bertha acknowledged that the “last board was a war board and great were the difficulties to be overcome.” Noting that the last two years had been “a period of experimentation and study,” she remarked that, “We might call our present board one of reconstruction.”

As the business of the Convention got under way, delegates looked forward to the delightful array of social events planned by the Convention committee. After the close of the first session, Alpha Phi members gathered on the Castle Grounds of the Teachers College for an al fresco supper. As the heat of the day wore off, the sisters lifted their voices in song before settling themselves comfortably in the open-air amphitheater. There, they were treated to a pageant, written by Carrie Parke Jones Sauber, titled, “Milestones.”

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“After dark the lovely little natural theater was lighted,” Aileen O’Connell (Delta) recounted, and the play began, telling “the story of Alpha Phi” from its founding a half century ago to the present. Aileen observed that it “was done with such natural simplicity that it brought the past, and the struggles of the past, very near to the audience.”

Sitting onstage in an armchair, Carrie Parke Jones Sauber served as narrator, telling Alpha Phi’s story to three children who listened intently as scenes from the Fraternity’s past were enacted on the stage. The apex of the performance was reached in a final procession of Alpha Phi members, carrying lighted candles. The group represented each of the Fraternity’s 50 classes, and each sister was dressed in “a costume worn during the time she was in college.” “The last scene was the most impressive,” Aileen recorded, “and one of the memories that will stand out longest and strongest of this 50th Convention…50 years of the changing fashion passed, and as the spectator realized that each one of this procession of 50 years represented only one of her class that graduated with her, she also realized what power and growth and beautiful, reverential age our Fraternity has. The scene stirred such an emotion of admiration and love for the past of Alpha Phi that in every heart was the hope and prayer that the future may be as strong and pure and worthy as that wonderful past.”

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s u o l e v r a M rs o t n e M When an Alpha Phi mentors another sister, the relationship grows beyond limited definitions

By Elisa Drake

ACCORDING TO THE MERRIAM-

Webster dictionary, a mentor is a “trusted counselor or guide.”

Indeed, mentors can be helpful at all ages and stages of life: applying to college, grad school or a job, or taking on a new position, career change or volunteer role. Mentors offer constructive criticism, build connections, serve as sounding boards, and they’re always on your side. In addition to all these typical qualities, when your mentor also happens to be an Alpha Phi, the definition gets significantly deeper.

We tracked down four such Alpha Phi mentor-mentee pairs to hear their take on the experience.

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Sarah appreciated the fact that someone who understood the process was there in her corner to ease the anxiety and offer guidance and cheerleading.

Kirsten and Sarah

Kirsten (Karnett) Hosman (Nu-Nebraska) (pictured left) has mentored many collegians through her various Alpha Phi volunteer positions, beginning with recruitment advisor for Arizona State (Gamma Pi) in the late 1980s.

She’s now a collegiate chapter administrator for four chapters, including her alma mater, Nu (Nebraska). “In all of these opportunities, it was particularly special to mentor Sarah Vonasek of Nu chapter (pictured right), which is my home chapter,” Kirsten says. Sarah was the newly elected director of philanthropy in fall 2015, and Kirsten convinced her to run the chapter’s first Red Dress Gala. “I must have done a fantastic sales job, because the next thing I knew, Sarah had put together a team and asked me to help guide her.” They met monthly and talked and texted frequently.

“I must have said, ‘Trust me, this will all make sense and work out’ thousands of times,” Kirsten laughs, and Sarah says, “Kirsten was my saving grace.”

Sarah appreciated the fact that someone who understood the process was there in her corner to ease the anxiety and offer guidance and cheerleading. “I was empowered to be the best version of myself,” she says.

In the end, that year’s Red Dress Gala was a rousing success for Nu chapter, raising more than $34,000 with a crowd of more than 500 attendees. Kirsten feels like her mentoring opportunities have been a gift from Alpha Phi and says, “Hopefully I have ignited a life-long passion for Alpha Phi in the fabulous young women I have had the honor and privilege to mentor through the years.”

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Philanthropy Stars

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Successful Rookies Milana and Alex

It was during recruitment her freshman year that Alex Kono (Beta Pi-USC) (pictured left) first met Milana Grozdanich (Beta Pi-USC) (pictured right). Milana was chapter president at the time and, Alex says, “Her leadership, work ethic and success is something that I have always emulated.” In fact, Alex followed in Milana’s footsteps, becoming chapter president. During Alex's term, Milana returned to campus to recruit for a different purpose: a sales internship program at Eli Lilly where she is employed. “Knowing how hardworking, intelligent and charismatic Alex is, I had no doubt she’d be a highly successful sales professional at Eli Lilly,” says Milana, whose own career at Eli Lilly began with the same internship.

“If it were not for her guidance and investment in my development, I would not have had a full-time job waiting for me after I graduated,” says Alex, now a diabetes sales representative at Eli Lilly in Chicago. In her early professional days, Alex says she called Milana at least every week. “Milana taught me what options were out there for my career path and what I needed to do to achieve the goals I set for myself,” she says. One of those goals was to receive Eli Lilly’s Rookie of the Year award, which Milana herself had won. “I spent a lot of time asking [Milana] how she earned it, what I could do to put myself in the running and how to make my application stand out,” Alex recalls.

Whatever she learned, it must have done the trick, because Alex won the award in 2017 and says, “Having someone like Milana in your corner is truly invaluable.”

Chocolate Milk Duo Dawn and Kailey

When Kailey Divers (Rho-Ohio State) (inset, left) took over as Rho chapter president, she admits, it was a huge leadership learning curve.

Enter Dawn (Kreisel) Bauer (Theta Lambda-Central Missouri) (inset, right). Dawn was Rho chapter advisor at the time and quickly became Kailey’s confidante and mentor. “Looking back, I don’t know what I would have done without her,” Kailey says. At first, Dawn and Kailey met during weekly executive meetings, but they ended up talking every day and especially looked forward to their chocolate milk dates prior to executive meetings. “It started as a time to get caught up and turned into our time to just hang out, even after I was done being president,” Kailey says. Because Dawn is an Alpha Phi it made the help that much more impactful. “I would not have learned the power of passion if I had not had a mentor who shared my love for Alpha Phi,” Kailey adds.

As for Dawn, she’s thrilled to see young women like Kailey conquer obstacles.

“Having a mentor can mean the difference between challenging yourself and giving up,” she says.

“Having a mentor can mean the difference between challenging yourself and giving up,”

“Milana taught me what options were out there for my career path and what I needed to do to achieve the goals I set for myself.”

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Tag Team

Evan and Stacey “I was there when she joined, there when she sat on exec, and there when she graduated and traveled as an ELC,” says Stacey (Thulin) Daniel (Omega-Texas) (left) of her mentee Evan (Guthrie) Jones (Omega-Texas) (right).

After her time as an ELC concluded, Evan shadowed Stacey on Omega chapter advisor duties. “I was lucky beyond measure to have her help,” Stacey says. “We kind of tag-teamed meetings,” she explains.

In one of their sillier moments together at a conference, Evan and Stacey were planning to surprise Alpha Phi’s Manager of Recruitment Courtney (McCallum) Schultz (Beta Gamma-Colorado) with a baby shower.

“What we didn’t plan for was the fact that we had nowhere to prepare the food for the event,” Evan recalls.

They ended up spending two hours in the tiny laundry/kitchenette attached to the hotel fitness room making chocolate-covered popcorn in tiny batches with one spoon and one bowl. “It was hilarious, and we had so much fun making it work, like we always do with Alpha Phi—although I’m sure the poor people working out did not appreciate the constant popcorn smell.” It’s now been more than six years since Evan took the chapter advisor reins from Stacey, and the women agree that the friendship they developed transcends their original mentor-mentee relationship.

They even still tag-team sometimes—when Evan had her first child last August, Stacey stepped back into the CA role. “I feel as if I taught Evan a lot in the beginning,” Stacey says. “But now, we learn from each other or, honestly, I learn more from her now. But more important is the friendship we gained.”

Evan agrees completely: “As a mentor and friend, Stacey has immeasurably impacted my Alpha Phi experience.”

“I feel as if I taught Evan a lot in the beginning, but now, we learn from each other.”

If you’re interested in mentoring or being mentored, reach out to your chapter advisor or alumnae chapter president for suggestions and contacts, and be sure to join the LinkedIn group, Alpha Phi International Fraternity (Official)

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Alpha Phi Quarterly

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g n i Go n e e Gr Springtime and Earth Day offer inspiration for outdoorsy and eco-friendly activities all over. We talked to Alpha Phi women who make it look easy being green everyday.

By Elisa Drake

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Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

“This is my dream job,” says Megan (Fluke) Medeiros

(Beta Psi-San Jose State) of her position as executive director

MEGAN MEDEIROS PHOTOS BY RON ERSKINE

n

Planet Protector of the Committee for Green Foothills in Palo Alto, Calif., a 56-yearold organization that protects local nature and farmland in the Silicon Valley through legislation and

“Protecting the land ... is the greatest gift we can leave our children.”

grassroots advocacy.

Megan discovered the strength of community organizing in college where she was director of the studentrun Environmental Resource Center and where being

an Alpha Phi taught her the power of women coming together and “standing up for what’s right.” One of her goals with the Committee for Green Foothills is to protect Coyote Valley, a 7,000-acre swath of open space in San Jose that provides wildlife connectivity between the two mountain ranges that surround Silicon Valley.

“Committee for Green Foothills has worked to protect this area since the 1980s, and recently launched the website protectcoyotevalley.org to increase awareness.” We asked her why the issue of protecting the natural environment is so important to her. She told us, “Our planet is our life support system. We are inextricably tied to it.

Protecting the land that cleans our air, filters our water and feeds us is the greatest gift we can leave our children. Seems pretty straightforward to me.”

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Green Builder

As a kid, Taylor Schenker (Iota Rho-Clemson) used to doodle houses and buildings. Her love of architecture grew, and, after seeing the film “An Inconvenient Truth,” she says, “I realized that environmental issues and my interest in architecture could be combined into one—green building.” The senior, who attended the 2017 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, is also an entrepreneur in residence at the Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurship at Clemson. She’s researching the idea of a design firm focused on sustainable airport renovation, and is fascinated in general by making buildings more efficient.

“Buildings make up for about 40 percent of the energy use in the United States. The construction process uses even more energy and resources,” Taylor notes.

“With green building practices, the energy could be used in a more resourceful way.” Taking care of the environment is top priority for Taylor who says, “I think it’s important to live my life in a way that corresponds with my beliefs.”

“I think it’s important to live my life in a way that corresponds with my beliefs.”

Alpha Phi Quarterly

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UC Berkeley (Lambda) Chapter President Alex Barr plants a sapling during an Arbor Day event. At right: Leafy greens growing in the Lambda chaper house garden.

Doing Their Part

As a sign of the times, many Alpha Phi chapters are adding a sustainability chair to their officer ranks. These women are in charge of everything from house gardens to energy-saving initiatives. We talked to two such chapters—Dartmouth (Iota Kappa) and UC Berkeley (Lambda).

“We put our name on sustainability,” notes Iota Kappa Chapter President Alex Vasques. Indeed, Alpha Phi was the first sorority at Dartmouth to create a sustainability chair. Changing each quarter, the chair has a dedicated budget and encourages members to participate in sustainability measures, whether it’s signs above light switches (“Leaving? Turn off the lights!”) or innovative uses for the garden (one of the only Greek house gardens on campus).

One chair instituted an eco-challenge that motivated women to reduce their environmental impact. The winner received a fancy water bottle, and, says Alex, “It got really competitive. I think the winner only won by a half a point.”

Overall, to limit members’ use of paper and plastic, the house purchased mugs and mason jars, and they’re working on an energy audit to help pinpoint more areas where they can reduce, reuse and recycle.

At Berkeley, a dozen Lambda women comprise an active sustainability 2 0

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

committee “devoted to implementing strategies to ensure that the house is operating sustainably, including monitoring energy use, water use and waste management,” explains Sarah Cassell (Lambda-UC Berkeley), vice president of marketing. The committee members also coordinate chapter activities, which have included viewing a documentary about climate change, hosting a discussion about sustainable

Blooming Beautiful Islay Dillon-Ogden (Gamma Kappa-CSU Long Beach) had a head-start on her

flair for flower-arranging. She grew up on the northern California coast, where fields of wildflowers fill the hillsides, and private gardens are abundant with lush beauty. “Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my mother working in her flower garden,” Islay says. When she

At Berkeley, a dozen Lambda women comprise an active sustainability committee “devoted to implementing strategies to ensure that the house is operating sustainably.” food practices, and planning monthly trash cleanup days around campus and the greater Berkeley area. “As a sorority and part of a greater Greek community, part of a larger university and part of an entire planet, it’s important to recognize that we do not exist as one entity, but are a part of something much larger,” Sarah comments. “It’s part of our responsibility to ensure that we minimize our carbon footprint as much as we can and do our part to protect the planet.” The chapter’s director of sustainability, Alex Barr, helped create a house garden, which grows low-maintenance plants, such as succulents, chard, basil and aloe.

The goal is to enlarge the garden enough to use the fruits and vegetables in their meals.

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got to college, Islay turned to flowers as an easy way to brighten up an otherwise bland apartment. “I would go to the farmers’ market every weekend and pick out the brightest flowers that were in season,” she recalls. To Islay, who’s a Pilates instructor and dancer, flower-arranging is a visual way to express her creativity. Plus, she says, “It’s always an added bonus that it makes your space smell amazing.” Her go-to flower is the dahlia for its rich and vibrant colors, and she loves lilies for their amazing fragrance. Check out Islay’s other flower-arranging tips below.

Create The Perfect Bouquet Tips from Islay Dillon-Ogden (Gamma Kappa-CSU Long Beach) 1. Follow the flowers. I love to create kind of wild-looking arrangements, so instead of trying to force the plant to my whim, I try to let the shape and colors of plants lead the way.

2. Use greenery, such as leaves and branches. It’s inexpensive and can help fill your design and add a ton of personality.

7. Go foraging. Don’t be shy—pack some pruning shears and gather yourself some wild foliage. Just make sure you’re not trespassing.

8. Let the story guide your inspiration. As my Alpha Phi sisters know, flowers can hold special meaning.

3. Be creative. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. I love building multiple layers in my arrangements.

4. Clean water is your best friend.

Flowers will last so much longer if you cut the bottoms on a diagonal, pull the leaves off the stems so they don’t dirty the water and change your water every few days.

5. The fresher the better.

I love buying flowers from my local farmers’ market.

6. Start with buds. A lot of flowers, like lilies and roses, can be brought home as buds. They last much longer, and you get to watch them bloom.

Alpha Phi Quarterly

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Recycling Queen

When Iveta Wegricht (George MasonEta Lambda) moved on a whim from northern Virginia to Nashville, she instantly fell in love with her new city, but was surprised to discover that there wasn’t much emphasis on recycling.

So, through a summer fellowship with Organizing for Action, she founded Recycle4Nashville “to bring recycling awareness and education to my community,” Iveta explains. “Nashville is growing so rapidly, and it was clear to me we couldn’t afford not to recycle anymore,” she says, adding, “There are so many little things anyone can do that together we can make a major difference.” Iveta credits Alpha Phi for inspiring her to help her community.

“Community service has become a passion of mine, and it all started with my experiences in Alpha Phi.”

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Debby Hopkins-Higham (center) with other members of the McLennan County Master Gardeners Association

Master Gardener The title “master gardener” isn’t just lofty praise, it’s actually a pinnacle of professionalism that Debby (Norman) HopkinsHigham (Delta Xi-Nebraska Kearney) earned after 72 hours of internship, 60 hours of professional development and 60 more of service. Debby had been teaching for 42 years, her last gig bringing her to Tarleton State University in Waco, Texas. “As I moved locations for different positions in my career, a constant in my home landscape were perennials from my mother’s garden in Nebraska,” Debby says of her longtime love of gardening.

When she retired, Debby turned that hobby into something bigger.

“I love to work with plants and I love to teach, so the master gardener program was the perfect

volunteer opportunity for me,” she explains. Debby is now a member of the McLennan County Master Gardeners Association in Waco and participates in projects

The title isn’t just lofty praise, it’s actually a pinnacle of professionalism and events at public school green classrooms, children’s garden fairs, farmers’ markets, Habitat for Humanity landscaping, nursing home gardens and the association’s annual plant sale.

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

Lily of the Valley (convallaris majus) (below)

Questions to Master Your Garden

is a sweet, fragrant perennial (it returns each year) that is planted in bulbs and blooms in the spring; it prefers partial shade and moisture.

English Ivy (hedera helix) (right) is a

You don’t have to be a master gardener to have a beautiful

perennial that thrives in shady areas with well-drained soil. It can be slow-growing, but keeps growing, up to as long as 50 feet.

Indoors, it makes for malleable topiaries or attractive fillers or spillers in a floral arrangement.

garden, but Debby (Norman) Hopkins-Higham (Delta Xi-Nebraska Kearney) says consulting a master gardener on some super-star plants for your area or gaining specific advice for plants you’d like to include can make it even better.

She also suggests asking yourself some important questions:

How Does Our Garden Grow?

1. W hat type of sunlight does my landscape get?

2. H ow many hours of direct or indirect sunlight hit my flower bed?

We tapped our master gardener alumna Debby (Norman) Hopkins-Higham (Delta Xi-Nebraska Kearney) to get some hints on growing Alpha Phi symbolic flora in your own back yards.

3. W hat USDA plant hardiness zone do I live in?

4. I s this plant droughttolerant or does it need high humidity and a moist environment?

Forget-Me-Nots (myosotis schopioides) (left) are considered

5. How often will the plant need watering after it’s established?

biennial, meaning they seed in the fall and then bloom a year from the first spring. These dainty, five-petaled blue flowers tend to spread the second year, so they’ll demand plenty of space. They do best in high humidity and moisture, morning sun or partial shade.

Perennial forget-menots (myosotis scorpioides) aren’t quite as impressive, but usually maintain their blooms longer.

6. W hat type of soil is in my yard or garden? Does it drain well? Or does it retain moisture?

7. W hat is the Ph level of my soil and how will the plants be affected?

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Alpha Phi Quarterly

23

From the Quad

I

Under the Sea IT ALL BEGAN IN HIGH SCHOOL WITH A HANDMADE ROWBOAT

competition, the Plywood Regatta. Now, college sophomore NATALIE GADELRAB (THETA ZETA-FLORIDA TECH) can claim title to being the only female this year to receive an undergraduate scholarship from the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). The organization advances the art, science and practice of naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering and other marine-related professions through networking, education, and research and development. “Competing in the Plywood Regatta, touring shipyards and meeting with industry professionals have all been major influencers in my decision to study ocean engineering,” Natalie says. “I’ve always loved the water and have always dreamt of being an engineer; ocean engineering combines two of the things I love the most.” Working toward her bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering with a minor in sustainability, Natalie plans to join the growing field of renewable marine energy, but realizes it comes with some challenges. “There’s a lot of pushback for the advancement in utilizing renewable energy to power the future,” she says. But she also has studied some of its successes, including the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States off the coast of Rhode Island. “The idea of taking something that’s readily available and renewable such as the sun, wind and even waves, and turning it into usable energy is fascinating to me,” she says. Natalie was recently elected to the SNAME Student Steering Committee as

2 4

the communications chair and is president of the Marine Technology Society (MTS)/SNAME chapter at Florida Tech. She is also one of two resident assistants for Florida Tech’s Panther Bay, which includes Greek Village where most of the fraternity and sorority houses are located, including Alpha Phi. “Being an Alpha Phi and having my sisters there to support me over the past year and a half has helped me continue pursuing a degree in ocean

“Ocean engineering combines two of the things I love the most.” engineering,” says Natalie, who was originally a reluctant recruit. “Before I came to college, I never intended to go out for recruitment; however, my roommate encouraged me, and I ended up finding my home away from home with Alpha Phi, the only sorority at Florida Tech that has active and alumnae sisters who are ocean engineers,” Natalie explains. One of her favorite things to do with her sisters?

Go to the beach, of course.

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ZETA EPSILON-INDIANA U. SOUTHEAST

Walking the Walk According to the Lupus Foundation of America, approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. have lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Alpha Phi MORGAN HOLDWAY (ZETA EPSILON-INDIANA U. SOUTHEAST; PICTURED LEFT)

is one of those people, diagnosed

a little more than two years ago, at age 20. She recently participated in the Walk to End Lupus Now, an event at Louisville Slugger Field in Louisville, Ky., that helps raise awareness and money to fund research. Walking with her—and raising nearly $2,000—were 20 of her sisters, including one of her

GAMMA SIGMAWISCONSIN STOUT

Right on Target

Southeast; pictured right). “To have so many girls

With several scholarships, academic honors and a job already lined up when she graduates in May,

support me means more than I could describe,”

GABRIELLA PARKER (GAMMA SIGMA-

Morgan says. “To know that I have so many friends

WISCONSIN STOUT)

two littles, Aliese Grisham (Zeta Epsilon-Indiana U.

and sisters who will take their Saturday morning to come show support at a walk helps me get through the worst of times fighting the disease. I know I’m not alone because I have Alpha Phi.”

S P R I N G 2 0 18

is hoping to make her grandparents proud.

“They grew up in a time when it wasn’t as easy for African Americans to get a higher education,” Gabriella explains.

As part of her coursework, the business administration major completed Target Corp.’s 10-week executive store intern program last summer and continued to work there on the weekends. In June, she’ll start a full-time job at Target in Minneapolis in the Executive Team Leader program and also plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration. She says Alpha Phi helped her to stay on track academically and taught her valuable business skills through attending Leadership Conferences and serving as vice president of chapter operations. “They instilled the importance of leadership, which helped me land a job before I graduated,” she says.

Alpha Phi Quarterly

25

Q

From the Quad

ZETA OMICRON-JOHNS HOPKINS

One Event, Two Causes Zeta Omicron (Johns Hopkins) held its third annual Red Dress Gala in the fall, replete with elegant dinner, silent and live auctions, speakers and raffles. The event raised more than $10,000 for Alpha Phi Foundation.

The night also commemorated a sister who sadly passed away in a tragic accident last July. Named in her honor, the Abigail Bastien Scholarship Fund collected $1,689, which builds on the monies already raised through sales of T-shirts and wristbands inscribed with the Bible verse, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” As ABIGAIL SCHWALM (ZETA OMICRON-JOHNS HOPKINS) says, “[Abigail] was sweet, she was kind, she was strong, and she embodied everything Alpha Phi strives to be.”

GAMMA ETA-NORTH TEXAS

A Spike in Success Most consecutive wins in a season.

Most wins in a single season. Best start to a season. First-ever conference championship. These accolades were all bestowed on the North Texas women’s volleyball team, which counts among its players five Gamma Eta (North Texas) Alpha Phis: ANDREA ELLEY, EMMA EAKIN, ALEXANDRA JANAK, MIRANDA YOUMANS and KARLEY YORK. “It has been incredible to be a part of this team and have so much success,” Karley says. “We work together so well and truly love each other on and off the court.” Junior Alex Janak agrees, adding, “We are all different ages as well, so I think we have started a legacy through Alpha Phi at UNT with the volleyball team.”

In the end, the team was the Conference USA Champion with a record of 29-4. Alex says, “I am very humbled to be part of this program and represent UNT through athletics and Alpha Phi.”

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IOTA OMICRON-WPI

Water Ways “I find it very interesting how so many of us take clean water for granted, especially when there are people who simply do not have access to safe drinking water,” says sophomore AMBER FOOTE (IOTA OMICRON-WPI). So, it was fitting that the director of chapter facilities and Panhellenic Council community service chair recently accepted a fellowship with Saha Global, a nonprofit organization that establishes social businesses to provide clean water. She spent her winter break in Ghana, where many girls and young women never receive an education. “By teaching them how to run their very own clean water businesses, we are empowering them to see all of the wonderful potential that they hold and may have never been aware of before,” Amber says. She explains that “saha” translates to “opportunity” and says, “That is exactly what we’re doing: solving problems with opportunities.”

THETA MU-HOFSTRA

Slam Dunk

Theta Mu (Hofstra) hosted Hoops for Heart in November, bringing out 10 fraternities to compete in a bracket-style basketball tournament and bringing in $400 for Alpha Phi Foundation. The annual event also raises awareness for women’s cardiac care and fosters campus-wide collaboration among the fraternities and sororities. Alpha Phi sisters divided up to cheer on the various teams, with Phi Delta Theta, New York Kappa chapter, coming out on top.

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Alpha Phi Quarterly

27

Q

From the Quad

Awards & Recognition KAPPA-STANFORD

Compassionate Champion Every academic year, the American

her experience with AAUW “to

Association of University Women

begin the transition away from my

(AAUW) selects 10 college students

campus-specific efforts to a new

across the country to serve on

form of advocacy that addresses

its prestigious National Student

women’s issues more broadly,”

Advisory Council. RHIANNON

explains Rhiannon, who says

TOMTISHEN (STANFORD-KAPPA)

that being an Alpha Phi has been

was one of those chosen few.

“crucial in allowing me to develop

Described on the AAUW website

as a well-rounded female leader.”

as “the compassionate champion,”

Upon graduating with a major

Kappa chapter’s former director

in international relations and a

of new member education says, “I

minor in Chinese, Rhiannon will be

was looking for a new platform to

headed cross country for a job as a

explore my passion for empowering

corporate banking analyst with Citi.

women, and this seemed like the

In the meantime, she

perfect opportunity.” Activism isn’t

encourages Alpha

new to Rhiannon who, at age 11,

Phis to become

co-founded a campaign to raise

involved with

awareness about the destructive

AAUW. “Every

impacts of unsustainable palm

college student

oil production and its use by

and graduate

big corporations. “A project that

are eligible

began with a homemade poster

to become

board in my home town of Ann

a general

PI-INDIANA STATE), a biology and

Arbor quickly grew to become a

member of

pre-med major and university

national movement,” she says.

AAUW.”

DELTA PI-INDIANA STATE

Shining Star

At the Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Awards at Indiana State, the Emma Truitt Junior Leadership and Scholarship Award was given to STAR LEONARD (DELTA

honor’s scholar. “Alpha Phi is

thousands of consumers, as well

the sole reason for winning this

as top executives at Kellogg’s and

award,” says Star, chapter vice

Girl Scouts USA, giving Rhiannon’s

president of risk management.

“The women of this Fraternity are encouraging and always provide a new challenge,” she says. “It is truly a privilege to not only receive this award, but also have the Delta Pi chapter recognized.”

2 8

Her message reached hundreds of

cause media attention including the front page of the Wall Street Journal and the International Youth NGOs Summit in India, as well as recognition by the United Nations. At Stanford, Rhiannon is involved with Stanford Women in Business and looks forward to using

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

Extension EPSILON DELTANORTHERN ILLINOIS

State Rep One senior at every four-year,

degree-granting institution in Illinois is awarded the Student Lincoln Laureate Award. At Northern Illinois, PHOTO COURTESY BL ANE MAR ABLE PHOTOGR APHY

last year’s recipient was RACHEL

JACOB (EPSILON DELTA-NORTHERN ILLINOIS), who was nominated by the chairs of both the history and political science departments. The award also comes with the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Certificate, a $1,000 monetary grant, a medal to wear at graduation and the honor of being considered Northern Illinois’s top graduating senior for the class of 2018.

“This award was a tremendous honor to me, and I’m still shocked that I actually won,” says Rachel who is also Epsilon Delta chapter president. “It means a lot that NIU recognizes students for their hard work, but I would have never reached this point without the support of my professors and mentors.” In addition to the amazing support system and friendships she gained being an Alpha Phi, Rachel says, “My experiences in Alpha Phi as both president and the vice president of campus affairs taught me so much about leadership, teamwork and standing up for what you believe in.”

Rachel plans to attend law school after graduating and hopes to be a U.S. foreign service officer in Asia.

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Alpha Phi at UGA This spring, Alpha Phi welcomed its 170th active chapter to its sisterhood. The weekend of March 2-4, 2018, celebrated Alpha Phi at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, Ga. The weekend kicked off on Friday with the Court of Ivy ceremony. Saturday, March 3, marked the Initiation of nearly 200 collegiate members and alumnae initiates at The Foundry. Later that afternoon, UGA Alpha Phi officially became the Kappa Epsilon chapter as it was installed by International President Deana Gage at the Installation Banquet. The chapter included parents’ weekend events with the celebration, including a

cocktail party on Saturday evening and brunch on Sunday morning.

Brunch was held at the HardmanSams house, just a few steps away from the chapter’s future home on Milledge Avenue. This coincided with the weekend’s finale—a groundbreaking ceremony, led by House Corporation Board President Linda Massie and Extension Team Lead Crista Vasina.

We look forward to the Installation of Kappa Zeta chapter at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, on April 14, 2018. This chapter marks Alpha Phi’s eighth active Canadian chapter.  Alpha Phi Quarterly

29

Always Alpha Phi

Something Old, Something New

E

EVERY YEAR, THERE ARE MORE THAN 2 MILLION WEDDINGS

in the U.S. That’s a lot of weddings and a lot of wedding dresses. After the party, how many brides box up those dream dresses thinking, “I’ll save this for my daughter when she gets married.” We’re guessing a lot. And how many women actually wear their mothers’ dresses?

We’re guessing not too many. GRACE ROJEK (BETANORTHWESTERN) had an idea to fix this disconnect. While she and her mother were cleaning out her grandmother’s house, they unearthed her grandmother’s boxed wedding dress, as well as her great aunt’s. “Each dress was so beautiful and unique, so we started to brainstorm better ways to preserve and appreciate the beauty of a family wedding dress,” Grace recalls. Their brainstorm turned into a business idea and thus was founded Unbox the Dress, the perfect pairing of Grace’s marketing skills and her flair for fashion. Grace’s e-commerce site (unboxthedress.com) now repurposes wedding gowns into custom-designed gifts and keepsakes. “It’s been fulfilling to move into a career where creativity and business collide,” she says. “Modern brides enjoy picking [a wedding dress] that matches her exact personality and body type,” she notes. “And sometimes that can disappoint a mother who envisioned passing down a dress to her daughter to wear on her big day.” Instead, Grace’s “Graceful Sewers” transform dresses into getting-ready robes, veils, ring bearer pillows, bouquet wraps and other creative reuses. “These items are a way to honor and include your mom on your wedding day,” Grace says. Sometimes the creations go even beyond the

3 0

wedding day. One of her recent projects involved creating a baptism dress from two grandmothers’ wedding dresses.

Another project had her turn a client’s dress and veil into 20 guardian angel tree ornaments that were given to friends and family. Challenges sometimes arise when dresses aren’t stored well, forcing Grace and her team

“It’s been fulfilling to move into a career where creativity and business collide.” to work around discoloration or rusted embellishments.

“Thankfully we have some tricks to freshen up damaged gowns,” she explains. The whole process takes four to five weeks, unless there are special customization requests.

In the end, each item gives new life to a treasured piece.

“Our company is centered on celebrating the generations of women who love and empower each other.”

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

GAMMA PHI-FLORIDA STATE

Covered in Alpha Phi

Four squares of the quilt that LYNN (FRENCH) GOCKE (GAMMA PHI-FLORIDA STATE) recently completed showcase her love of Alpha Phi. “A quilter friend was making a T-shirt quilt, and I thought it would be fun to make one with some of the various T-shirts I had from Alpha Phi, travels, work, etc.,” Lynn explains. Initiated into Omega chapter (Texas) in 1958, Lynn transferred to Florida State in 1959 and became a charter member of the Gamma Phi chapter. “Alpha Phi has been an important part of my life,” says Lynn, who plans to keep the quilt until passing it onto her daughter.

GAMMA RHO-PENN STATE

Soaring in Business

Aviation has been a part of SHERYL BARDEN’s (GAMMA RHOPENN STATE) DNA since her

late mother Janice K. Barden founded San Franciscobased Aviation Personnel International (API) in 1971.

PSI-SOUTH DAKOTA

Double Duty When the inaugural vice president

of student affairs at California State University Channel Islands retired, the vacancy left a void. While searching for a replacement, the president of the university appointed

API is now the longest-running, woman-owned recruiting firm for business and private aviation. Sheryl has served as its president and CEO since 2001 and was recently recognized for her significant contribution to the industry

GENEVIEVE (EVANS) TAYLOR (PSI-SOUTH

with an appointment to the

DAKOTA) as “administrator in charge.”

board of directors of the

Genevieve added this responsibility to

National Business Aviation

her existing duties as chief of staff for the

Association (NBAA). “I am

university president, a role she has had since 2014.

honored and humbled to

It’s a big task that she is taking in stride:

serve as a steward for the

“I am looking forward to learning more about higher education,

organization,” Sheryl says.

student affairs and myself through this experience,” she says.

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Alpha Phi Quarterly

31

Q

Always Alpha Phi

ETA UPSILONCHAPMAN

Yoga for Life In high school, NATASIA LUTES (ETA

UPSILON-CHAPMAN) took a yoga class and Pictured are Susan Sherratt (far right) and Sherry Brooks (second from left) with their significant others, both named Richard, in front of Richard the Lionheart’s castle, Chateau de la Gaillard in Les Andelys, France.

BETA BETA-MICHIGAN STATE

Cruise Connections It was a surprise Alpha Phi reunion for SUSAN (BRINK) SHERRATT (BETA BETA-MICHIGAN STATE) and SHERRY (ENGELHARDT) BROOKS (BETA BETA-MICHIGAN

when they ran into each other aboard a river cruise on the Seine.

“We hadn’t seen each other in over 30 years,” Susan says. “We had so much fun getting caught up on each other’s lives.”

But the Alpha Phi connection didn’t stop there. Also on the ship was MARIANNE (AUGOT) STATE)

FLEISCHMAN (ZETA PHI-MIT).

“Small world!” Susan says.

32

left after 15 minutes. “I thought everyone in there was crazy,” she says. A few years later, the stress of college, plus an elective requirement for her kinesiology major led Natasia to try again. “I was thinking I could use an hour a day to unplug and get out of my head.” She got more than she bargained for: She got hooked. She bought a trial pass to a local yoga studio and broke the record for attending the most classes in the first two weeks. “It has become part of me ever since,” she says. These days, Natasia doesn’t simply use yoga as a stress-reliever. She’s part of the marketing team for yoga clothing brand Alo, whose mission is to “bring yoga to the world.” The former model—“I never like talking about it,” she admits—is sometimes pulled in for photo shoots at Alo, but she mostly focuses on spreading her passion for yoga through the company’s master class program. “Yoga truly has changed me. The way I view the world, the way I interact with people, the way I treat my body, the way I manage my life,” she says.

“I think everyone needs yoga.”

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

Founder’s Day TAMPA BAY

The Tampa Bay alumnae chapter celebrated Founders’ Day along with the alumnae chapter’s 60th anniversary last October with a luncheon in Tampa, Fla. Chartered on Dec. 5, 1957, the chapter displayed scrapbooks of original photos, clippings and newsletters kept over six decades. President JACKIE STUBBA (BETA CHI-BUCKNELL) gave an overview of the chapter’s history and honored MARGE (FRASER)

BETA-NORTHWESTERN

Remembering an Alumna

PRICKETT (GAMMA PHI-FLORIDA STATE)

JOYCE (LUETH) SHUMWAY (BETANORTHWESTERN) passed away in

October, leaving behind a proud

Pictured are Marge Prickett (left) and Anne McIntyre (right) and a friend (center).

and ANNE (SCARBORO) MCINTYRE (BETA as among the earliest alumnae chapter members.

NU-DUKE)

Alpha Phi legacy. For more than 25 years, she worked for what was then called the Executive House. Beginning in 1966, Joyce was the head of chapter finance, then added coordinator of house corporations to her title and finally was appointed “general manager,” now referred to as executive director, a position she held until Convention 1992. “She was an elegant lady who was always considerate of others; yet, at the same time, she was

SAN ANTONIO

Alumnae from San Antonio celebrated 145 years of sisterhood at Magnolia Pancake Haus. The get-together raised $230 for Alpha Phi Foundation.

a smart businesswoman who was fiscally prudent and an excellent administrator,” remembers Corrine (Mack) Doty (Gamma Omicron-Drake).

IOTA XI-DENVER

Denver (Iota Xi) combined its Founders’ Day celebration with a ribbon cutting for its new chapter house.

Pictured are (left to right) Jane (Linn) Temple (Nu-Nebraska) and Deirdre (Bainbridge) Nalven (Iota-Wisconsin)

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Alpha Phi Quarterly

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Q

Always Alpha Phi

Weddings Bells GAMMA-DEPAUW

When ELLEN (FUNKE) HOOLEY got married last September in Indianapolis, seven of her eight bridesmaids were Alpha Phis of Gamma (DePauw) chapter, including her two biological sisters, ANNA FUNKE (pictured on the left) and KATHARINE FUNKE (right); her mother, Jane Funke (also Gamma-DePauw), is the chapter’s House Corporation Board president.

Ellen says, “I know these same women who stood beside me at Initiation, cheered for me through every challenging moment and celebrated with me through every blessing (especially on my wedding day) will be there for every important moment through the rest of our lives.

I feel very lucky.”

IOTA PSINORTH FLORIDA COURTNEY (MIONE) MORRISON was married in

November in Fernandina Beach, Fla., with Iota Psi (North Florida) sisters SHANNON GRANT and ANNA HABARTH in attendance.

Pictured are (top row, left to right) Valerie Mendez, Vanessa Garza, Tessa Zepata, Reanna Pena, Amanda (Schwartz) Gonzalez and her husband Eddie Gonzalez III, Robin Wolf, Michelle Bononcini, Heather (Canales) DeCamp; (bottom row, left to right) Jacqueline Sarahi (Morales) Rodriguez and her daughter Jaelynn, Veronica (Garcia) Morales, Jennifer Fuentes, Maria (Garcia) Castaneda, Ellysse Canales

IOTA BETA-ST. MARY’S

With a dozen of her sisters there to celebrate with her (plus Little Dipper, Jaelynn), AMANDA Pictured are (left to right) Eta Lambda (George Mason) sisters Peyton Lausch, Melanie Shanfield, Jennifer (Morben) Stanley, Lauren Barnett and Lori Moore.

ETA LAMBDA-GEORGE MASON

Over Memorial Day weekend last May, JENNIFER (MORBEN) STANLEY (ETA LAMBDA-GEORGE MASON) was married in Norfolk, Va., with many of her pledge sisters in attendance.

3 4

(SCHWARTZ) GONZALEZ (IOTA BETA-ST. MARY’S)

was married last October in Sisterdale, Texas (what a fitting city name for an Alpha Phi’s wedding).

The Halloween-themed wedding included a cake topper of bride and groom skeletons.

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

Alpha Phi Authors GAMMA IOTA-TEXAS TECH

Love All

After moving to Colorado in 1994, NANCY (SCOGGINS) KUHN (GAMMA

GAMMA UPSILONWISCONSIN MILWAUKEE

IOTA-TEXAS TECH) joined a women’s

tennis league as a fun way to make

Artist in Residence

new friends. Since then, her team has qualified for the Senior District Championships, and Nancy published a book about her love of the game.

Since the early 20th century, Door

Nancy says she wrote Tennis Dip:

County, Wisc., has been known as a

Journal and Recipe for Fashion, Fun, Food, and Friendship on the Court

haven for art and artists. VIRGINIA

“to inspire women of all ages to enjoy

(MURPHY) JONES MAHER (GAMMA

a sport and be active as long as you

UPSILON-WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE)

can.” She includes her own dip recipe, along with fun facts and a little history and humor about tennis. There’s also room to keep track of match scores, teams you play and team members you meet, as

As the general manager of a CW affiliate TV station, MARYANN (MOSHER) BALBO (ETA TAU-SUNY

by other players.

CORTLAND)

the court, Nancy works with special education students at a local elementary school.

The Perfect Date

well as recipes shared When she’s not on

S P R I N G 2 0 18

has long been a part of that ETA TAU-SUNY CORTLAND

says, “I struggle with the balance of being a mom and a professional.” One day, Maryann surprised her then 7-year-old son Mason with a special outing after school—the “date” became the subject of a book the two of them wrote together. Based in their hometown of Hunstville, Ala., it’s called Date Night with Mom and is written from Mason’s perspective.

It talks about the many places they visit around town and also includes interactive suggestions for readers to schedule dates with their own children.

community as a resident and as director of the Madeline Tourtelot Archives and Study Center at the Peninsula School of Art. In her new book Selected Artists of Door County, she showcases the creative works of 65 current artists from the area.

All the images are featured in black and white to force readers to “start looking at the structure of the work, rather than the color,” Virginia told the Door County Pulse.

Virginia is also a founding member of the Door County Alpha Phi alumnae chapter.

Alpha Phi Quarterly

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Always Alpha Phi

DELTA KAPPA-WISCONSIN LACROSSE

Memories and Melodies If you attend a Chicago Cubs baseball game this year, you might hear KATHLEEN (TENCH) MESSMER (DELTA KAPPAWISCONSIN LACROSSE) and her husband Wayne Messmer singing a duet of the national anthem. In fact, they’ve been kicking off games at Wrigley Field (and spring training) for the past 30 years. When she’s not singing and rooting for her favorite team, Kathie performs in musicals and with two women’s choirs, including a 125-person Sweet Adelines Barbershop Chorus called the Melodeers, which involves “singing, choreography and lots of bling,” as Kathie describes. The Melodeers recently tied for second place at the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Las Vegas, but Kathie’s love of performing goes way back. In college, she even directed her Alpha Phi sisters in a singing competition against other Greek organizations. “As I recall, we didn’t win, but we sure had fun,” she says. She started auditioning for local musicals in her late 20s and since then, she has appeared in about 75 productions in the Chicago area, including a production of “Kiss Me Kate” where she met her husband. She confesses, “I would love to put my foot on a Broadway stage just once,” but in the meantime, she sings “here and there,” including an upcoming annual summer concert in

ETA UPSILON-CHAPMAN

Looking for Love

“It was an interesting story,” says JESSICA CARROLL (ETA UPSILON-CHAPMAN) about her reason for applying to be on the 22nd season of “The Bachelor.” Turns out, Jessica’s late father had met the bachelor, Arie Luyendyk Jr. “My father used to collect vintage cars, and Arie was a race car driver. They’d meet sometimes, and they always hit it off,” she explains. Jessica thought it would have been amazing if, before passing away, her dad had actually met her future husband.

Alas, it didn’t work out for Jessica on the show, but she learned from the experience nonetheless.

“It really forces you to dig deep and realize how important it is to stay true to who you are,” she says. Meeting the other contestants also made an impression. “I left the show with 30 incredible new friends,” she says.

While Jessica describes being on “The Bachelor” as “a little out of my comfort zone,” the on-camera part of it was right up her alley. Jessica is a fashion and beauty expert on the Home Shopping Network; she also interviews celebrities at red carpet events for several media outlets; and she produces and stars in her own YouTube channel, Jessica Carroll TV.

the park in Rolling Meadows, Ill. 36

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

IOTA ETA-DEPAUL

Disaster Relief

GAMMA BETA-UC SANTA BARBARA

Roses and Nobel Prizes In January, GARILYNN (BILLINGSLEY) HISCOTT (GAMMA BETA-UC SANTA BARBARA) began another year helping to organize the massive Tournament of Roses Parade. Oh, and a few months before that, her team at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Astrophysics.

GariLynn is the lead engineer for the next upgrade to LIGO, a cooperative endeavor between the California Institute of Technology

The multiple hurricanes that impacted Puerto Rico last fall called for more deployments of FEMA workers than any other hurricane in recent history. That included ADORATIA PURDY (IOTA ETA-DEPAUL). Adoratia has been the external affairs officer for FEMA’s Office of the National Capital Region for the past two years and explains that one of the unique things about FEMA is that its staff doubles as disaster officials. “We can deploy at any time to help,” she says. Which is how she found herself in Puerto Rico for 30 days. Adoratia served as a spokesperson and creative lead for national media and helped disseminate vital information to survivors. “We try to touch every community through direct outreach and through our partners that are on the ground like Red Cross,” she says.

Although Adoratia knows that Puerto Rico has a long recovery ahead, her time there showed her, “The people of Puerto Rico are very strong.”

Renee Verspoor is pictured at front, right, with other members of DAP council

ZETA IOTA-VIRGINIA

Panhellenic Leader

By day, RENEE VERSPOOR (ZETA IOTAVIRGINIA) is project manager in the

Denver Public School system’s office of facility design and construction.

In her free time, she volunteers with the Denver Area Panhellenic Council (DAP). She has served as secretary, treasurer and vice president and now is the council president.

Adoratia Purdy, prepared to pass out food and water in Utuado, Puerto Rico

and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is responsible for the design, fabrication and testing of the LIGO core optics, which are among the best in the world. The Nobel Prize was awarded to three LIGO co-founders “for decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves.” GariLynn expects to be busy for a long time, noting, “The initial detections have firmly launched the era of gravitational wave astronomy.”

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Alpha Phi Quarterly

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Q

Always Alpha Phi

SIGMA-WASHINGTON

Military Service Growing up with both parents in the Air Force and now married to an active-duty naval officer, OLIVIA (THOMSEN) BURLEY (SIGMA-WASHINGTON) knows firsthand the challenges faced by military families. Her personal experience lends itself perfectly to her new position as a senior director at Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that provides support for military families. Her region, one of six in the country, comprises Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. “This work is truly meaningful to me, because of who we serve, the people I work alongside, and the incredible volunteers and donors who help us fulfill our mission,” Olivia says. She recently worked with volunteers in the freezing rain to distribute holiday meal kits. “We passed out hot chocolate, high fives and a lot of hugs that day.” Witnessing the tangible and intangible ways Operation Homefront helps the military community, Olivia says, “I’m so grateful to be a part of that.” She credits Alpha Phi’s focus on service and philanthropic work for laying the groundwork for her rewarding career.

Sharon Eucce (front in yellow shirt) at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America walk

EPSILON CHI-CAL POLY

A Step Together The irony of a fundraising walk wasn’t lost on SHARON (STEERE) EUCCE (EPSILON CHI-CAL POLY) when she

participated in the MG Walk/Bay Area in November. Sharon was recently diagnosed with the rare neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis—MG for short. “Because the disease involves muscles and nerves, some people can’t walk or can’t walk well,” she explains. Participating with her were 16 Epsilon Chi sisters. “We all did 3 miles and talked the entire distance,” Sharon says. Together, they raised close to $10,000 to support the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, making Sharon the biggest fundraiser of the event. “I offered the walk as a platform to raise awareness and money, but also as a way for us to get together.” 

GAMMA RHO-PENN STATE

Rah, Rah, Reunion This past October, a group of Gamma Rho (Penn State) Alpha Phis met back on campus for a fun-filled weekend of visiting the Alpha Phi suite, hiking Mount Nittany, meeting collegiate members and cheering on the championship women’s volleyball team. They hope to make it an annual reunion.

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Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

Silent Chapter

“ This is goodnight, but not goodbye.”

Arizona (Beta Epsilon) Aase Mikkelsen Justesen (‘59), Aug. 5, 2017 Ball State (Delta Rho) Nancy Young Phillips (‘79), Oct. 22, 2017 Boston (Eta) Joan Hebert Carroll (‘48), Oct. 15, 2017 Shirley Chase Johnson (‘43), Dec. 17, 2017 Lynn Sutherland (‘84), Dec. 29, 2017 Bowling Green (Beta Omicron) Lois Simon Bates (‘59), Sept. 2, 2017 Sandy Showers Keller (‘63), Oct.22, 2017 Mary Koeppe Wayne (‘45), Aug. 2, 2017 Bucknell (Beta Chi) Susan Leavitt MacKenzie (‘56), Dec. 16, 2017 Central Missouri (Theta Lambda) JoAnn Thurman Mangan (‘91), Sept. 20, 2017 Colorado (Beta Gamma) Phyllis Forsling Miller (‘50), July 2, 2017 Colorado State (Zeta Mu) Amy Telatnik Ellerbusch (‘88), Oct. 15, 2017 Cornell (Delta) Nancy Tetzlaff Claypoole (‘58), Nov. 6, 2017 Denison (Beta Kappa) Margaret Izant McCarthy (‘38), Oct. 21, 2017 Barbara Rigg Pratt (‘45), Oct. 17, 2017 DePauw (Gamma) Sharlee Mayer Frey (‘39), Oct. 29, 2017

S P R I N G 2 0 18

Drake (Gamma Omicron) Marion Billett Johnson (‘58), Oct. 26, 2017 Donna Kesinger Warren (‘68), Dec. 31, 2017 Elmhurst (Zeta Xi) Tiana Rust Escarcida (‘00), Jan. 25, 2018 Evansville (Epsilon Pi) Kimberly Mastison (‘78), Nov. 1, 2017 Florida State (Gamma Phi) Linda Burrell DuMond (‘62), Dec. 15, 2017 Georgia Tech (Iota Mu) Carolynne Borst Flint (‘11), Oct. 8, 2017 Houston (Gamma Lambda) Carolynne Bond Kent (‘56), Oct. 26, 2017 Idaho (Beta Zeta) Patricia Anderson Brecha (‘39), Jan. 25, 2018 Illinois (Beta Alpha) Carol Coulter Johnson (‘53), Nov. 26, 2017 Virginia Stineback Wendorf (‘50), Nov. 9, 2017 Indiana (Beta Tau) Myrna Burgoyne (‘55), Jan. 12, 2018 Barbara Axe Tolbert (‘53), Nov. 28, 2017 Indiana U. of Pennsylvania (Delta Phi) Christine Noel Walsh (‘65), June 12, 2017 Kansas (Gamma Delta) Diana Cruse Lee (‘52), Jan. 19, 2018 Dorothy Mitchell Moore (‘52), Oct. 24, 2017

Kent State (Beta Omega) Marlene Hallock Telling (‘52), Sept. 5, 2017 Cornelia Kuchenbacker Smith (‘48), Jan. 9, 2018 Memphis (Delta Lambda) Colleen Mulroy (‘72), Feb. 12, 2018 Miami University (Gamma Nu) Linda Warnock Donahue (‘70), March 4, 2017 Michigan (Theta) Bette Corlett Flynn (‘40), Nov. 5, 2017 Suzanne Ross Reising (‘51), Jan. 18, 2018 (also Beta BetaMichigan State) Margaret Moreland Woodhouse (‘53), Feb. 9, 2018 Michigan State (Beta Beta) Helen Stonina Berestka (‘43), Dec. 21, 2017 Roberta Starkweather Bierkamp (‘39), Jan. 24, 2018 Joyce Johnson DeGalan (‘43), Nov. 27, 2017 Margery Hoffmaster Fahrenbach (‘47), Nov. 21, 2017 Beverly Allen Fullerton (‘47), Nov. 3, 2017 Mary Hanson Moran (‘44), Nov. 26, 2017 Minnesota (Epsilon) Marjorie Collins Loper (‘39), Nov. 28, 2017 Ruth Bloomgren Sandt (‘37), Jan. 3, 2018 Penny Heberling Slaggie (‘60), Oct. 12, 2017 Carolyn Johnson Stolen (‘49), July 21, 2017 Emily Mayer Tuttle (‘47), Jan. 13, 2018

— “Linger”

Minnesota State Moorhead (Delta Omega) Charlene Cornelius Cady (‘77), Feb. 4, 2018 Missouri (Omicron) Renee Ross Vetter (‘71), Feb. 7, 2018 Montana (Chi) Barbara Riddock Pitman (‘66), Oct. 16, 2017 Nebraska (Nu) Amy Brown Adams (‘44), Nov. 17, 2017 Jane Hale Busskohl (‘48), Feb. 15, 2018 Rebecca Penick Higdon (‘61), Jan. 3, 2018 Laura Carsey Mayne (‘74), Feb. 21, 2017 Ann Percival Trout (‘55), Dec. 22, 2017 Dorothy Anderson Schwartzkopf (‘95), March 31, 2017 (also NuNebraska).

North Dakota (Pi) Virginia Mason Lynch (‘44), Dec. 10, 2017 Northwestern (Beta) Carol Bjork Churkin (‘52), Nov. 11, 2017 Sue Cattin Stevens (‘46), Jan. 6, 2018 Ohio State (Rho) Nancy Tubbs Ewing (‘49), Nov. 9, 2017 Carol Wright Irwin Priday (‘51), Nov. 30, 2017 Oklahoma (Phi) Jeane Flickinger Kelly (‘48), Feb. 3, 2018 Oregon (Tau) Evalyn Johnson Byers (‘51), Dec. 13, 2017 Oregon State (Beta Upsilon) Shirley Harmon Ruckert (‘48), Nov. 8, 2017 Portland State (Gamma Chi) Virginia Starr Milne (‘62), Oct. 1, 2017

Rhode Island (Iota Delta) Krista Clayton (‘03), Dec. 24, 2017 Sacramento State (Epsilon Gamma) Judith Barnett Fromm (‘68), Dec. 3, 2017 San Diego State (Gamma Alpha) Joan Stubbs Maze (‘53), Dec. 2, 2017 San Jose State (Beta Psi) Gloria Bartolomie Clem (‘57), Dec. 6, 2017 Diane Norris Hughes (‘51), Aug. 16, 2017 Linny Claybaugh King (‘61), Jan. 19, 2018 Soth Dakota (Psi) Jennifer Wegner (‘75), Feb. 4, 2018 Texas (Omega) Betsy Coleman Kopecky (‘57), March 8, 2017 Billie Wrye Love (‘50), Jan. 9, 2018 Rosalie Klein Nelson (‘52), Nov. 5, 2017 Carolyn Cook Yates (‘83), Sept. 9, 2017 (also Omega-Texas) Texas A&M Commerce (Delta Beta) Nancy Coffman Van (‘65), Oct. 6, 2017 Texas Christian (Zeta Nu) Betty Pybus Clements (‘82), Jan. 25, 2018 Texas Tech (Gamma Iota) Gwen Nix Calhoun (‘57), April 28, 2017 Emily Croom (‘62), Jan. 21, 2018 Ouida Daugherty Smith (‘59), Feb. 13, 2018 Virginia Tech (Eta Omicron) Jeanne Cowan Boatman (‘98), Jan. 7, 2018

Alpha Phi Quarterly

Washburn (Upsilon) Frances Gillespie Dembicki (‘41), Oct. 26, 2017 Rita Knisel Ensley (‘50), Jan. 26, 2018 Althea Hooper Lang (‘44), May 12, 2017 Judith Mills Schmitt (‘58), Nov. 10, 2017 Washington (Sigma) Patricia Poe Bettridge (‘38), Jan. 10, 2018 Patricia Miller Evans (‘48), July 4, 2017 Shellie Kimzey (‘87), Nov. 27, 2017 Carolyn Bayne Schmitz (‘51), Nov. 16, 2017 Katherine Terrill Tscherfinger (‘48), Feb. 6, 2018 Donna Sinclair Wilkinson (‘47), Jan. 1, 2018 West Virginia (Beta Iota) Janice Knopp (‘75), Oct. 24, 2017 Wichita State (Gamma Xi) Carol Stith Denning (‘58), Nov. 15, 2017 Willamette (Gamma Tau) Jane Hill Herring (‘65), July 15, 2017 Wisconsin Milwaukee (Gamma Upsilon) Marilyn Snyder Franks (‘62), Feb. 1, 2018 Wisconsin Stevens Point (Delta Sigma) Dorothy Bubnis Engleman (‘76), Jan. 10, 2018 

Silent Chapter announcements may be submitted at alphaphi.org (keyword: silent chapter) or to quarterly@alphaphi. org. Please note: year listed in parentheses is year of initiation.

39

Where We Live

Open House

Last summer was a busy building season at Alpha Phi. Whether new or newly renovated, the houses on these pages have brought sisters together to create a home where the Alpha Phi spirit will never get old.

Iota Xi-Denver Opening date: Sept. 1, 2017

Best photo-op spot: Second-floor balcony

Number of sisters living in the house: 38

Location advantage: Behind a Starbucks and Bruegger’s Bagels

Favorite feature of the house: Fireplace in the Great Room

Iota Mu-Georgia Tech Opening date: Sept. 29, 2017 Number of sisters living in the house: 42 Favorite feature: The study room wall, made entirely of white board.

Location advantage: Right next to the football stadium and Yellow Jacket Alley, where football players and cheerleaders host pre-game parades High-tech factor: The sound system that runs throughout the house

“I love my sisters so much, and I’m thrilled to know we finally have a permanent place to call home.”

—Beth Stayduhar (Iota Mu-Georgia Tech)

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Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

Eta Tau-SUNY Cortland Opening date: Aug. 25, 2017 Number of sisters living in the house: 34 Best photo-op spot: The big, beautiful porch Interesting fact: The house is located within the Tompkins Street-Main

Street Historic District, encompassing more than 100 buildings, including mansions like this one built in the late 19th century.

Favorite feature: The amazing cooking staff, Jackie and Karri

Iota Omega-Ole Miss Opening date: Aug. 11, 2017 Number of sisters living in the house: 53 Favorite feature: The artwork, created specially for the house by local Mississippi artists Best photo-op spot: The Solarium

High-tech factor: Sound system controlled by iPad, and drop-down projectors and screens in the Chapter Room Interesting fact: The new house was featured in Southern Living magazine and in a video on the magazine’s website.

Iota Chi-Yale Opening date: Aug. 23, 2017 Sisters living in the house: 7 Favorite feature: The giant comfy couch and TV in the informal living room

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Location advantage: Close to “a lot of coffee shops,” downtown shopping and the gym High-tech factor: The door is unlocked with a smart phone app.

Alpha Phi Quarterly

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Trending

Honeycomb Compact Vegetable Planter

Hula Hoe Fun name for this hard-working garden staple sold by The Tool Merchants. You can both push and pull it, meaning it works the soil deeper than a conventional hoe and is great for digging out medium or large weeds.

Self-Watering Planter With a reservoir on the bottom that holds two quarts of water, Gardener’s Supply Company’s Viva selfwatering planters give you peace of mind when you travel and ease the guilt if you forget to water.

Nothing tastes better than food you grow yourself, and this simple, self-watering, space-saving system from Gardener’s Supply means you can have fresh veggies any day.

Whether you’ve got a knack for nature or need a little tutoring, these gardening tools and accessories will make you look like you were born with a green thumb.

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Manual Lawn Mower

Perennial Match

Gain a reputation around the neighborhood for being good to your lawn and the environment with Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower, which runs on human power. Bonus: more calories burned.

This iOS app helps you plan your garden before you purchase your perennials.

See what works well together and what works well for your space, plus get info on blooming times, heights, sun and watering needs, and more.

Bamboo Fiber Garden Gloves

Solar-Lit Fairy Cottage

Vremi makes all kinds of handy things, including these soft, breathable, punctureresistant bamboofiber gloves.

Your garden fairies will be all aflutter when they enter this charming, 13-inchhigh hideaway from Plow & Hearth. The battery-run solar lights automatically turn on at night and off during the day.

Alpha Phi Quarterly S P R I N G 2 0 18

My Daily Routine Camellias. You can grow camellias in north and north-central Florida, but I’m just too close to the ocean.

It’s a trade-off.

Pineapples. Awesome texture in the garden and delicious, if I can beat the squirrels to the fruit!

R

eferring to the famous Dr. Seuss book, Holly Chichester’s (Eta Lambda-George Mason) old Virginia license plate spells “Lorax,” her email address is “vtlorax” (the “vt” for Virginia Tech), and her LinkedIn page quotes the poignant final words of The Lorax: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Yes, Holly believes in the power and importance of plants. She received a post-graduate degree at Virginia Tech in horticulture and is now the Florida Institute of Technology horticulturalist and manager of grounds operations. “Even as a child, the message of the Lorax resonated with me and now dovetails nicely into my career,” Holly says. “The gist was that it’s easy to lose focus and succumb to greedy notions like the Once-ler who ‘speaks only for men and human opportunities,’ but cavalierly disregards the health of the planet,” she explains. Like the Lorax, Holly says, “I speak for the trees. It’s a very straightforward, selfless language.” We asked Holly to share with us some of her favorite trees and other plants and flowers.

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Galangal . Similar to ginger, but a

bit more peppery. I love spicy foods or Asian-fusion, so it’s a staple.

Ylang-ylang .

Planted as a 3-gallon plant and now easily 20-plus-feet in three years.

The flower fragrance is heavenly. Fun fact: It’s a primary note in Chanel No. 5.

Elephant ears. I’m just wild about elephant ears. They grow quickly, have such a bold texture and give an instant tropical feel.

Bat flower. So

incredibly cool. Since they take a little extra work, and I’m a bit too far north for them, they are not easy to keep around.

Flamethrower. My favorite palm.

Alpha Phi Quarterly

43

Now & Then

Convention Recollection The first Convention, held at Syracuse University in 1882, was a gathering of seven delegates from the Alpha and Beta chapters, the only ones in existence at that point. Following the successful inaugural event, Convention was held annually until 1896, when it began its biennial schedule, skipping 1918, 1942 and 1944 due to World Wars I and II. Of them all, the 1990 Convention in Phoenix has been the hottest so far, with temperatures topping 120 degrees. The following Convention wasn’t much better: Held near Clearwater in Florida, it was the wettest, raining every day and keeping attendees inside for fear of roaming alligators. In the spirit of reminiscing and with the 72nd Convention upon us, we thought it would be fun to compare how styles and scenes have evolved over the years.

THEN: 1900 Convention, Willard Hall, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

NOW: 2006 Convention, J.W. Marriott, Orlando, Fla.

THEN: 1958 Convention, Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, Calif.

NOW: 2008 Convention, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, Scottsdale, Ariz.

THEN: 1930 Convention, Mt. Baker Lodge, Wash.

NOW: 2006 Convention, J.W. Marriott, Orlando, Fla. Notice Denise ( Jung) Reens (Epsilon DeltaNorthern Illinois)?

THEN: 1946 Convention, Chateau Frontenac, Quebec, P.Q. Canada.

There have been three Conventions in Canada.

NOW: 2016 Convention, Renaissance Hotel Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio

NOW: 2014 Convention, Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, Rancho Mirage, Calif.

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THEN: 1902 Convention, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.

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Q

Iconic

Campus Colors Beta chapter Alpha Phis pose in their puffy-shouldered, oversize-shirted 1980s best in a field of crocuses on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Ill. The crocuses, in the university’s colors of purple and white, fill open spaces on campus and have signaled spring to Northwestern students for decades. The Northwestern (Beta) Alpha Phis in the picture, which appeared on the cover of the Spring 1985 Quarterly, are (from left) Brigitte Sandquist, then-Chapter President Elizabeth (Williamson) Johnson, June (Durkee) Sigman and Jane Moore.

Save this portion of your Quarterly! You will need your membership number (first seven numbers found at right) to help identify yourself if you contact the Executive Office.

POSTMASTER: Please send changes to Alpha Phi, 1930 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201