Alpha Phi Quarterly Summer 2019

Plus: Meet the High Ideals ALSO INSIDE:

Bling queen Beach trends Backpack essentials

Journeys of a Lifetime How four Alpha Phis left their comfort zones and found peace and new perspectives

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Alpha Phi

Quarterly

Inside This Issue 4

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

26 Always Alpha Phi

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIANNAH HOLMES

News from our alumnae members and chapters Editorial Policy

36 Where We Live A visit to the Ohio houses

38 From the Quad Accomplishments from our undergraduate members and chapters

45 Silent Chapter Honoring our sisters’ passings

46 What’s in Your Backpack?

Outdoorsy essentials from an Alpha Phi pro

47 Trending Styles for sand, surf and sun

48 Now & Then Two student body presidents from two distinct decades COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIANNAH HOLMES.

A PUBLICATION OF ALPHA PHI INTERNATIONAL FR ATERNIT Y SINCE 1888

Editorial Advisory Board Laura Berger Sheila Bright Maeve Gillette Kathy Hiemstra Lizzie Hineman Karen Howe Denise Joyce Grace Porchivina Allison Rickels Madison Woodrick 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

Fall 2019: July 5, 2019 Winter 2020: Oct. 4, 2019 Spring 2020: Jan. 2, 2020 Summer 2020: April 12, 2020

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 or quarterly@alphaphi.org.

The cur ving lines represent a topography map, which measures approximate elevation of an area.

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VO L . 131 N O. 3 SU M M ER 2019

Features

Journeys of a Lifetime 16

The wildly popular book and subsequent movie, Wild, inspired thousands of women to break in their hiking boots and head out to the trails.

The brave Alpha Phis we feature each ventured out on their own life-affirming journeys.

Bling Bling

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Subscription services are all the rage, and Meaghan Rose (Eta Lambda-George Mason) was one of the pioneers.

Meet the High Ideals

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We profile three alumnae and one collegian who beautifully demonstrate how they live up to the Fraternity’s dynamic High Ideals of Membership.

ISTOCK: BET_NOIRE

Stories from the White House

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In her new book, an Alpha Phi highlights the best stories from her years as a White House staffer.

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A Message from the International President

My Alpha Phi Journey International Executive Board Jacqueline Schools, President Laura Jen Kin Berger Susan J. Bevan Stacey Thulin Daniels Ruth Gallagher Nelson Lisa Cabaniss Olson Jandy Thompson Linda (Allie) Winkelman Ex-officio: Sally McCall Grant, NPC Delegate Ex-officio: Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer, Executive Director Ex-officio: Mary Beth Cooleen Tully, Foundation Chair Foundation Directors Mary Beth Cooleen Tully, Chair Colleen Sirhal, Vice Chair Claire Costin, Treasurer Coree Christine Smith, Secretary Gretchen Wilson Alarcon Jenny Concepcion Hansen Susan McNeice Susan Zabriskie Rebecca Andrew Zanatta Ex-officio: Amy Peebles, Executive Director Ex-officio: Jacqueline Schools, International President

Executive Office Executive Director: Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer 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: Laura Lynn Davidson Ellett Third Alternate Delegate: Linda Long Boland

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Dear Sisters, From the moment I joined the Eta Lambda (George Mason) chapter, Alpha Phi provided the foundation necessary for me to embrace any challenge. While in college, I learned the abiding strength of sisterly love and affection, and as I began my life beyond college, the Alpha Phi High Ideals of Membership (then referred to as values) provided the roadmap for my future.

Like many of you, I have learned to balance my commitment to volunteering with my professional career.

I am the Director of Management Services for the Diplomatic Security Service at the U.S. Department of State, and during the past few decades, my professional and volunteer lives have been intertwined in amazing ways. As I read about the meaningful journeys of the women highlighted in this issue, it occurred to me that, through my own life-changing journeys—visiting more than 65 countries for business and sometimes as a tourist—Alpha Phi has been along for each adventure.

As a chapter advisor, I vividly remember being in Beijing, China, and patiently explaining to the chapter executive board over and over the concept of a 12-hour time zone difference. As a regional team member, I tackled a chapter housing issue during a World Cup match in South Africa as fans jubilantly celebrated nearby.

While serving as regional manager, I completed the Leadership Conference awards ceremony, then walked off the stage to promptly jump in a car headed to the airport; I arrived a full day later in Moscow, Russia, still proudly wearing my Alpha Phi badge. As a Southern collegiate chapter manager (CCM), I was boarding a flight to Baghdad, Iraq, when I received the devastating call from a chapter advisor seeking support when a chapter lost two members within days to tragic accidents. Last year, I embarked on a personal life journey, moving to Europe to work for the United States Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While in Brussels, Belgium, I balanced my challenging professional assignment with my duties serving on the International Executive Board.

And on May 8, 2019, my life changed when I commenced my greatest Alpha Phi journey as International President. My professional and volunteer experiences combine to make me uniquely qualified to lead this organization, and I am humbled by the opportunity. I know the key to sustaining a healthy and robust organization is leadership’s continued dedication to the same high ideals I embraced as a collegiate member.

I look forward to partnering with you as our journey continues and we dedicate ourselves to steadfastly standing together in commitment to our beloved Alpha Phi.

Jacqueline Schools (Eta Lambda-George Mason) International President

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Quotable

“

You only regret the things you don’t do.

So if you want to do something big and intimidating, just do it; there will never be a perfect time.

”

Christiannah Holmes (Delta Nu-Maine)

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Amongst the Ivy

Take a Hike 6,639

TALKING POINTS

Our feature on Alpha Phis who have taken life-changing treks (pages 16-25) got us thinking about hiking and how fortunate we are in North America to have national parks that open up our minds and souls to the beauty of nature. We thought it would be fun to break down some of the numbers associated with that nature.

25

Percentage of female Appalachian Trail thru-hikers

People who have completed the Pacific Crest Trail

Major Trail Mileage

2,200 2,650 14,864 Appalachian Trail

Pacific Crest Trail

(24,000km): Canada’s Great Trail (technically a collection of 400 connected trails)

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$18.38 billion

Number of states crossed by the Appalachian Trail

Amount of money spent by visitors at U.S. national parks

1911

240,000

Canada's national parks system created

Volunteer hours to maintain the Appalachian Trail

18

Percentage of U.S. travelers who say hiking a famous trail or mountain is on their bucket list

1916 U.S. National Parks Service founded

SOURCES: STATISTA .COM, REI.COM, STATCAN.GC.CA , APPAL ACHIANTR AIL.ORG, PC TA .ORG, MNN.COM ISTOCK: SIGN/ PATRICKPOENDL; HIKER / WOJCIECH KOZIELCZ YK; HIKERS ILLUSTR ATION/FORGEM; APP TR AIL SIGN & BACKBACK / JOEL CARILLET; TREE/ KERRICK

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Fact vs. Fiction The U.S. president’s daughter is an Alpha Phi. FICTION. But if we’d quizzed you on this any time between 1933 and 1945, it would have been a fact. President Franklin Roosevelt’s daughter was an Alpha Phi, initiated in 1925 when she was attending Cornell University. At that time, FDR had already served a term as a New York state senator, had been assistant secretary of the Navy and had run for vice president, among other things.

His daughter, Anna Roosevelt Dall Halsted (Delta-Cornell) was born in 1906, the oldest child and only daughter among the Roosevelt’s five children. Anna wasn’t a full-time student at Cornell, but had enrolled

in a course at the forestry school, so members of the Delta chapter received special permission to invite her to join Alpha Phi. The history book, Alpha Phi International Fraternity: The Second Fifty Years, 1923-1972, includes a quote from Delta member Edith Millspaugh Green who recalled that Anna became “one of our most faithful freshmen, coming every Sunday night to help with Lit, as our suppers were called, and dropping in at the house frequently.” In June 1933, just before the Roosevelts moved into the White House, the Quarterly included a full-page portrait photo of Anna (pictured). Anna

, n o e Com -y p p A t e G Collegiate chap ter managemen t can feel scattered, unorganized, fr us trating and ineffectiv e. Which is why Al ph a Phi Internationa l is excited to of fer a new technologi cal tool to our collegiate chapters this fall. OurHouse is a smar t phone app, a on e-stop-shop fo r all major chapter manag ement functio ns . It’s a culture-chang er for our Gen Z, tech-sav vy members, and we’re proud to be able to bring it to your chapter.

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went on to run a daily newspaper in Phoenix, host a radio program with her mother, edit a monthly woman’s magazine, build a career in medical public relations, marry three times, and lead the creation of the country’s first interracial school for emotionally disturbed children. 

ent in the nt investm a rt o p im An ters f o u r c hap s uc c e s s o

Runs on Apple or Android Keeps officers organized and members connected No m or e follow ing Face g ro u ps book or s en d in g o r re c mass te eiving x t s an d emails— so five years a go

Takes care of that pesky tas k of chapte r meeting a ttendance

ion in one Communicat news and place—send e ts, customiz announcemen d even save calendars an curely documents se

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Amongst the Ivy

MEDIA MASHUP KTVN, “SOMEONE 2 KNOW”

Alpha Phi Saved Her Life Breanna Borries Alosi (Eta Upsilon-Chapman) wrote to let us know why she was in the news recently. The reason: Last July she survived a heart attack, and she had been asked to share her story on Reno, Nevada, news station, KTVN. Breanna was only 33 years old when she felt a sharp pinch in her back, which soon spread and was accompanied by trouble breathing. She knew not to ignore it. In fact, the Mayo Clinic diagnosed her with a rare cardiac event known as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). She credits Alpha Phi for teaching her the signs of a heart attack. Since her experience, Breanna has connected with other SCAD survivors and always advises other women, “Listen to your body, and if something doesn’t feel right, call 9-1-1.”

ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

Theta Delta-Creighton New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was tasked with filling two vacancies on the state’s Supreme Court. She chose an Alpha Phi for one of them. Shannon Bacon (Theta Delta-Creighton) had been a judge in the Second Judicial District, as well as an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law. She told the Journal, “I’m beyond thrilled and completely humbled.”

FOX AND FRIENDS

INSTAGRAM

SEATTLE TIMES

Zeta Delta-Iowa State

Sigma-Washington

Last fall, the “Fox and Friends” TV show launched a contest “to find America’s happiest recipes from viewers across the nation.” Pam Ziegler Lang (Zeta Delta-Iowa State) was one of three winners. She won a trip for two to New York to appear on “Fox and Friends” with her winning recipe—her five-time, first place Iowa State Fair-winning cheese pie (like a cheesecake, but creamier).

She’s pictured (in red) next to her husband Curt (far left), and TV personalities Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Pete Hegseth.

The Seattle Times caught up with Susan Everett (Sigma-Washington), a project engineer for the Washington State Department of Transportation, as she was working on the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement, now the new, two-mile SR 99 Tunnel under downtown Seattle. In her Q&A with the newspaper, Susan explains, “This job requires a basic understanding of over 20 separate engineering disciplines.” She enjoys the challenge.

“Every day, I work on making my community a better place to live.”

Delta Eta-Adrian @alphaphiac

Congratulations to @nbuddieee [Nicole Buddie] and @vbaaaay [Victoria Buddie] for competing on behalf of Team USA and bringing home the silver medal from the Trophy d’Ecosse in Dumfries, Scotland, and the bronze medal from the Spring Cup in Milan, Italy. We are so honored to have sisters represent our country.

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

Rocking the Bling The perfect piece of jewelry brings an outfit together, makes a statement, adds some sparkle or just makes you feel special.

Meaghan Rose (Eta Lambda-George Mason) knew that early on. “Ever since I was a little kid playing dress-up in my grandma’s closet, I’ve had a love affair with jewelry,” she admits.

In 2012, Meaghan turned her passion into profit, launching Rocksbox, “a jewelry styling membership service.” Subscribers receive three jewelry items by mail; then they can wear them, swap for new ones at any time, or even purchase them.

What inspired you to launch Rocksbox?

Whether going out with my girlfriends, getting ready for work or getting dressed up for a big event, jewelry always gives me that take-on-the-world feeling. But as much as I loved jewelry, shopping for it was such a chore and kind of intimidating. Rather than hunting for pieces in department stores, I realized that I always discovered my favorite pieces by borrowing from my girlfriends and getting inspiration from each other. It was that experience that inspired me to leave my job and reimagine jewelry shopping from the customer perspective.

How did you go from idea to business?

One of my favorite quotes is, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and that is how I approached getting Rocksbox off the ground. Initially I taught myself basic programming to launch an early version of the website that I used to build an early customer base. With that, I raised money from investors, hired a team and started growing our designer partnerships.

What makes jewelry important?

“To me, every piece of jewelry is a way to say ‘yes’ to yourself, to embrace individuality, celebrate every day and own every moment.”

To me, every piece of jewelry is a way to say “yes” to yourself, to embrace individuality, celebrate every day and own every moment. In every Rocksbox is an opportunity to discover something new, be bolder and conquer the day.

What are some of your own favorite jewelry pieces?

My favorite thing to wear is always a pair of statement earrings.

Right now I’m loving these multicolored resin drop earrings

by Aster, a Rocksbox exclusive brand. They look so cool with a blazer and always make me feel like a rock star CEO.

How has being an Alpha Phi influenced you and your business?

Being surrounded by strong, confident women that support and love me is something I am eternally grateful for, and has shaped the impact I want to have on others.

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Amongst the Ivy

RETROSPECTIVE

Storied Sister In a sisterhood spanning almost 150 years, it’s no surprise there are Alpha Phis who have surpassed or are nearing a centennial birthday. Like Kathryn (Kay) Lenertz Brant (Pi-North Dakota) who celebrated her 98th in April and remained an active member of the Austin alumnae chapter until her death on May 10. Carolyn Venable Kahler (Delta Beta-Texas A&M Commerce) described her as “lively and vivacious” and never going anywhere without her “face on and wearing heels.” We connected with Kay in April, and she had plenty of stories of how Alpha Phi played a role throughout her life.

TO BEGIN WITH, Kay owes it to her Alpha Phi sisters for her ability to finish college. Kay had six brothers, and her father didn’t plan to send Kay to college at all, but Kay had other ideas. “I cried so much that my older brother said, ‘She can go in my place for one year,’” Kay recalled. At the end of that year, she informed her fellow Pi sisters that she couldn’t return unless she got a job to pay for her tuition. An Alpha Phi alumna “jumped up and said, ‘My husband is the dean, and you have a job.’” Kay worked in the dean’s office to pay for her tuition and graduated in 1942.

DURING THE SUMMERS, Kay cleaned cabins at Yellowstone National Park.

She happened to meet a man who ran field relations for Columbia University, and he suggested Kay apply there for graduate school. She ended up receiving a scholarship and her master’s degree in international relations. Kay's plan was to join the Red Cross when she graduated, but she was turned down because she was too young—until one day Kay was in 8

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an elevator when a distinguished-looking woman in a Red Cross uniform entered.

Kay remembered, “She said, ‘Well, you don’t look very happy on this beautiful day.’ And I said, ‘I envy your uniform. I’ve been turned down four times. And she asked me, ‘What makes you think you can handle it?’” Kay described her work at Yellowstone and in the dean’s office and explained that she wanted to go overseas.

The woman was Ethel Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter.

Ethel’s best friend happened to be in charge of Red Cross recruiting, and Kay had the connection she needed. Kay finished her master’s degree early and immediately joined the Red Cross.

THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER of World War II, Kay served in the Red Cross at various European locations.

She helped troops set up camps, housing, meals, haircuts, movies, entertainment and writing letters home. When the war ended, Kay traveled to Stuttgart, Germany, to help close down operations.

It was here, at the officers club, where

Above: Kay Brant (Pi-North Dakota) with her daughter, Lisa Brant (Epsilon Omega-Texas A&M) at a Founders’ Day event in Austin. Lisa had an early introduction to Alpha Phi, helping decorate at the 1964 Convention and supporting Colorado College (Gamma Theta) with her mother.

she met her husband, Lieutenant William Brant. William continued to serve in the army, moving around the world on assignment. Everywhere they went, Kay would find the Alpha Phi alumnae group.

“Alpha Phi was a godsend,” she said.

IN THE MID-1950s, Kay and her husband lived in Alaska before it was even a state.

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Right: Kay Brant (back row, third from the right) at a formal at the University of North Dakota in 1941 Below: This photo was taken in 1945 while Kay was in the Red Cross, stationed in Colombo, Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon). It may have been the day that Japan had surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending World War II.

Left: Kay is pictured (left) in 1944 on the banks of the Hoogly River, a tributary of the Ganges in India where Kay spent time with the Red Cross.

group to put on fashion shows for high school seniors and used the time to also encourage them to attend college. “Kay was trying to open their eyes to different opportunities,” Carolyn says. During the years that Kay and her family lived in Colorado, Alpha Phi hosted the 1964 Convention there, and Kay volunteered to help decorate for Convention events.

Her daughter, Lisa Brant (Epsilon OmegaTexas A&M), about 8 years old at the time, pitched in too. In El Paso, Texas, Kay served as president of the alumnae chapter.

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OVER THE YEARS, Kay was asked what kept her so active and full of life.

She told people, it’s exercise: “I do 10 pushups every day,” she would say. But her daughter Lisa knew it was more than that: “Mom was a health and exercise nut way before it was popular,” she notes. “I didn’t even taste a chocolate chip cookie until college!” Her daughter also points out, “She was always an optimistic person.”

Up until a week before she died, Kay made it to the beauty salon and Women's Club.

She was buried with her husband at Arlington National Cemetary.

Over the years, Kay was asked what has kept her so active and full of life. She told people, it’s exercise: “I do 10 pushups every day.”

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The High Ideals This year, Alpha Phi International redefined our values to be the High Ideals of Membership.

By making this shift, we honor the language found in our Ritual and Creed while resonating with Generation Z. We appreciate the feedback from all the members who completed the survey.

The women on the following pages highlight how Alpha Phi members can and do embody each high ideal: Character, Generosity, Sisterhood and Innovation.

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Generosity Alpha Phis demonstrate the philanthropic spirit of love and charity, and Alpha Phi empowers you to make an impact in your community. Alpha Phis are passionate about serving and supporting those in need.

SETTING THE EXAMPLE: Linda Reese Belles (Delta Rho-Ball State) Throughout the year, Linda Reese Belles (Delta Rho-Ball State) harvests and transports more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries around downtown Waukegan, Illinois. Linda is the volunteer co-director and harvest coordinator for Greentown Waukegan, a nonprofit focused on growing healthy food for hungry families in Waukegan, a large city in the far northeast corner of Illinois. Like many Rust Belt cities, Waukegan suffered as industry pulled out and, although it has seen some revitalization, Linda notes, “Around half of the children in the school district still qualify for reduced lunch programs, and many food pantries serve the area.”

Linda has always been passionate about healthy eating, but, after watching the documentaries “Forks Over Knives” and “A Place at the Table,” she transitioned to a vegan diet and “became deeply concerned about struggling families,” she says. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be hard for some families to afford and aren’t often available at food pantries, so Linda set out to change that.

“Realizing that my love of gardening and my interest in healthy eating could be put to good use, I sought out local organizations with similar missions,” Linda says. “Greentown Waukegan is where I found that intersection.”

Since 2013, Linda has volunteered for Greentown, helping with day-to-day operations and with the nurturing of its 40 raised beds, which grow enough produce for more than 20,000 people a year. Her husband and three grown children sometimes help out as well and, she jokes, “Our other family members are two Birman cats who make sure all paperwork is slept on first.” Greentown also teaches children about healthy eating and partners with a STEM summer program whose participants help in the garden. As Linda says, “There is always plenty of work to do.”

PHOTO BY DENYS BUCKSTEN

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The High Ideals

Character Alpha Phi encourages you to be the absolute best version of yourself and inspires you to conquer difficult challenges. We have high expectations for ourselves and each other in every area of our lives, and we push one another to learn and grow.

SETTING THE EXAMPLE: Haley Petrowski (Delta Eta-Adrian) Trigger warning: discussion of non fatal suicide attempt.

On Jan. 18, 2014, Haley Petrowski (Delta Eta-Adrian) locked herself in her bathroom and planned to end her life. She was in high school and was being relentlessly bullied in person and online. Her bullies told her she should kill herself, or they would. She had kept it from her family because she didn’t want them to worry, and because she was ashamed. But a friend called her at that crucial moment and told her she’d get through it and that she had a purpose. Luckily, she listened.

“I knew that I was being granted a second chance to do something bigger than myself and to change the world.”

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“When I survived my attempt, I knew that I was being granted a second chance to do something bigger than myself and to change the world.” Haley switched schools, received therapy, discovered Project Semicolon (an organization that raises awareness for mental health), and she wiped her social media presence clean. She also began talking about her experience, and then she took it a step further. She approached Michigan legislators to advocate for people who are bullied. With her help, in March 2018, a state law was passed that designates cyberbullying as a crime punishable by up to 93 days in prison or a $500 fine, and if cyberbullying is found to cause a victim’s suicide, it is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Influencing such significant legislature made Haley something of a local celebrity. She was featured in several media outlets and last year was invited by Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg (pictured with Haley) to the State of the Union Address.

“My survival of my suicide attempt, journey through mental health struggles and continued efforts to end cyberbullying has provided me with wisdom that contributes to my character daily,” says the incoming senior who is also competing in the Miss Michigan pageant and speaks to high school students about using their power to stand up for others.

Haley hopes to expand her push for stricter anti-cyberbullying laws to other states; she also plans to run for government office one day.

Although Haley has triumphed above her bullies, she still has tough times. “On the days I struggled, my sisters have been there as a shoulder to cry on, comedic relief and the best Slushee deliverers,” she laughs.

As Delta Eta's vice president of risk management, Haley has tried to promote positive and productive behavior. “It is so much easier to be kind to someone, to listen to someone with an open mind and open heart, than it is to shut them down or talk at them,” she stresses. “I hope I can be the representation of that person.

I survived my bullies. I did. It was something that almost took my life. And it doesn’t need to happen at all.”

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Sisterhood The gift of love and support from the sisters who surround you, which lasts through every stage of life. The bond between Alpha Phis is unbreakable.

SETTING THE EXAMPLE: Chanelle Vavasseur Oestringer (Zeta Epsilon-Indiana U. Southeast) The start of college was a bumpy one for Chanelle Vavasseur Oestringer (Zeta Epsilon-Indiana U. Southeast).

She was working to support herself and dealing with health issues related to her Crohn’s disease. She admits, “I didn’t really engage in the college experience.” But then she accepted an invitation to a COB event and realized how much in common she had with the women of Alpha Phi. She joined Alpha Phi and, 12 years later, she still feels it was one of the best decisions of her life. “The experience I gained as a sister and an officer have shaped the woman I am today; any challenges I faced in college, I knew I could always count on the support of my sisters.”

And others could always count on her.

She says, “Some of the most precious memories I have from my time in Alpha Phi are hanging out and being there for a sister when she was most in need.” After graduating, Chanelle recalls a time when her friend Missy Redford (Zeta Epsilon-Indiana U. Southeast) called her late at night upset over a breakup. Chanelle called another sister, and they met Missy at Denny’s. “We just hung out, ate, cried and laughed,” Chanelle says.

Chanelle has remained closely involved with Zeta Epsilon and says, “I thought the best way I could exemplify sisterhood was to become an advisor.” She has been Programming and Education Advisor, New Member Advisor, Campus Affairs Advisor and is now the Community Relations Advisor. “There are times your sister needs love and support, and times she may need course correction. Being there when she needs both of these is sisterhood.”

The high ideal of sisterhood means even more now to Chanelle as a mother. “My daughter has many great examples of Alpha Phis in her life to look to and learn from,” she says. “All of the values that I want to pass on and instill in her, I learned, and still do, from membership in Alpha Phi.”

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“There are times your sister needs love and support, and times she may need course correction.

Being there when she needs both of these is sisterhood.”

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The High Ideals

“The goal was to avoid simply creating something that would re-enter the waste stream a year or two later.�

Innovation Since our founding, innovation has been one of the cornerstones of Alpha Phi and of our leaders.

Alpha Phis work hard to enact positive change.

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lament the mess, she wondered about it.

“What if you could take it and transform it into something desirable?” She searched online for “plastic recycling” and eventually learned enough to build machines that could recycle the plastic into a new product. “The goal was to avoid simply creating something that would re-enter the waste stream a year or two later,” she explains. Her answer: wall tiles. Why? They have an average lifespan of 70-plus years, they serve a purpose, and they’re an appealing interior design element.

SETTING THE EXAMPLE: Emily Enberg Packer (Iota Iota-George Washington) “I was shaken to my core by an ‘Inconvenient Truth,’” says Emily Enberg Packer (Iota Iota-George Washington). “I wanted to be part of the solution.” Thus motivated, Emily has since racked up some impressive accomplishments, including producing a minidocumentary series that covered social and environmental issues. It was an ambitious project that involved interviews with more than 200 young people in 23 countries about their solutions to global problems such as landmines, education, ocean pollution and plastic bottled water.

There was also the time when Emily’s husband got a job with the One Acre Fund in Rwanda, and, after moving there, she decided to open an eco-conscious café.

“It quickly became known for its environmental values,” she says. In fact, Emily designed the café’s packaging out of recycled paper bags and a flour and water paste, dipped in local beeswax to keep it water-resistant; she fashioned straws from local bamboo and made her own soap. But she says, “I knew I wanted to do more.”

Emily admits she has always been “a bit of a dreamer,” coupled with possessing a hard work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit she inherited from her parents. Through her experiences, Emily has developed what she calls a “we’re all in it together mindset.” She points to this world view as a driving force behind Coldharbour Tiles, her newest and most impactful endeavor yet.

The seed for Coldharbour was planted on a videography mission to Africa where Emily was struck by how much plastic waste she saw. “The pervasiveness of plastics and microplastics in our environment is truly frightening,” she states. Rather than just S U M M E R 2 0 19

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The first eco-tile Emily produced was created from cut-up empty shampoo bottles and dishwashing soap containers that she melted in her oven. The final result was a tile with a marbled effect. “It was stunning,” Emily boasts. From there, Emily hired local engineering students in Kigali, Rwanda, as part-time interns to help her build a shredder and compression oven. The process took six months. “Needless to say, there was a lot of trial and error,” she confesses. They eventually came up with three tile shapes— hexagon, rectangle and square—in nine colors. “Our goal is to create a beautiful product that just happens to be made from 100 percent recycled plastic.”

“The most rewarding part of founding Coldharbour Tiles is definitely seeing the incredible amount of plastic waste that comes into the warehouse—that might otherwise be ocean- or landfill-bound—which then leaves the warehouse as lovely eco-tiles,” Emily says.

By attracting some outside investment, Emily hopes to ramp up production to process at least two tons of plastic waste every single day. She also plans to devise plastic-free, eco-friendly packaging and offer customers the option of purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions from shipping. “The impact of this on the environment could be huge,” she says.

“Sustainability and environmental protection are at the heart of our brand,” explains Emily, whose family also strives for a zero-waste lifestyle. On the Coldharbour Tiles website, she shares some of her plastic-free lifestyle swaps for everyday products like toothpaste and body scrub. “It’s easy to forget that we are in a major climate crisis. We all get busy, and it becomes hard to change our behavior,” she says. “That’s why I wanted to create a product that made the choice easy.” And if you’re thinking that plastic production is necessary for her success, you might be surprised to learn that she needs only recycle plastic that already exists to keep manufacturing for a very long time.

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Journeys of a Lifetime Exploring beyond their normal routine has led these impressive Alpha Phis to discover their inner strength, passion and power.

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Christiannah Holmes (Delta Nu-Maine) atop Mount Katahdin in Maine.

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“I learned I am stronger than I ever believed, I have courage that will show the instant I need it and that kindness will allow me to connect with anyone that I meet on the rest of my journey.�

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Self, Rediscovered Left: Cassie Andrews (Theta Psi-SUNY Plattsburgh) at Gyeongbokgung Palace, in Seoul, Korea.

Below: Cassie in Hue, Vietnam, her first time on a motorcycle.

Below right: Hmong women who guided Cassie’s group on a six-hour trek through terraced rice fields; during this hike, Cassie slid down a hillside into a 5-foot-high pile of water buffalo dung.

Cassie Andrews (Theta Psi-SUNY Plattsburgh) had been preparing to move with her longtime partner from Plattsburgh, New York, to Seoul, Korea, to teach English. But on Cassie’s birthday, one month before they were to leave, Cassie's world fell apart. Her partner called from out of town. “She told me she no longer wanted to be with me and that I could send her belongings to her mother’s house.

She would not be coming back to our home.”

The trip to Korea had been her partner’s plan, but Cassie had decided to join her and thought they’d have an amazing experience as a couple. Although Cassie’s family and friends were shocked that she had wanted to move, she was all in. She had taken a leave from her grad school program; she had quit her Starbucks job and her hospital internship; she’d sold her car and secured her passport. “I saw my friends and family as non-supportive and trying to hold me back from ‘true love,’” Cassie says. “What they saw, but I didn’t realize, was that I was in a relationship with an extremely controlling and manipulative

person,” she understands now.

“It seems shocking that, as a strong feminist and budding therapist, I wasn’t able to see the toxicity in my own relationship.”

After the breakup, Cassie was devastated and scared. As she packed her partner’s things, it hit her how much she had given up for the relationship. “I had changed what I ate, my clothes, my hair. I had changed my entire life trajectory to support her. I even stopped volunteering for Alpha Phi because she didn’t approve,” Cassie says. “I believed everything she had said, and just like that it was all gone.”

Cassie was grieving the loss of her relationship—and the loss of herself—and turned to a Theta Psi sister for support. Cassie recalls that her sister asked why she wasn’t going to go to Korea anyway, and she replied that she wasn’t brave enough to go alone.

“She told me I had to go, that this was an adventure that would change my life.” Cassie trusted those words and left for Korea by herself.

Cassie lived in Seoul, teaching English for two years. Although it

was difficult at times, simply due to the language barrier, Cassie says, “I learned that a smile, a good handle on charades and drawing were a perfect way to bridge this gap.” When her teaching assignment ended, she and several fellow instructors decided to backpack through Southeast Asia. Her shaky start behind her, Cassie was eager and excited to explore with her new friends. They spent three months exploring Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia, and a week in the United Kingdom where, she says, “We visited as many Harry Potter filming sites as possible.” Cassie looks back now and says, “There has never been a time in my adult life where I felt so completely free and relaxed.”

When Cassie returned home, she took stock: Besides learning how unique she was in Asia—“People would often touch my arm hair, giggle at my freckles and ask to take pictures with me”—she learned, “I am stronger than I ever believed, I have courage that will show the instant I need it and that kindness will allow me to connect with anyone that I meet on the rest of my journey.”

On something of a whim, Cassie moved to Seattle. She finished her master’s in mental health counseling and opened a therapy practice that focuses on members of the LGBTQ community. She is grateful her toxic relationship ended the way it did and admits, “I don’t know how long I would have allowed myself to shrink and become a shell of the woman I was meant to be.” Two weeks after moving to Seattle, Cassie met her wife, Linsey, and, reports happily, “the rest is my love story.”

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The Long Way ’Round There are hikes, and then there are hikes.

Like the 2,100-plus-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) that ranges in elevation from 124 feet to 6,643 feet, crosses 14 states and six national parks and was the subject of Bill Bryson’s best-selling A Walk in the Woods. Despite all that, we’re pretty sure Christiannah Holmes (Delta Nu-Maine) doesn’t realize how rare a feat it was when she thru-hiked the trail in five months by herself. Only one in four who attempt the AT thru-hike—completing all of it in one outing—actually succeed. “I thought it would be a good challenge,” she says humbly.

“I enjoy the outdoors.”

After receiving her civil engineering degree from the University of Maine, Christi wasn’t ready to jump into the 9-to-5 world, and an outdoor excursion seemed natural for her.

“Growing up in a rural town in Maine, there isn’t much to do other than outdoor activities, so I was always comfortable in the outdoors,” she says. But this would be Christi’s first time on a hike that lasted more than a day and required backpacking and sleeping outdoors. “A lot of people romanticize what the trail is about, so reading about it really grounded me and lowered my expectations,” she notes. Since it was winter in Maine, physical training was tricky, but she did eat a lot of cake, justifying, “I knew I would lose weight on the trail.”

Appalachian Trail MILES: 2,100+ miles ELEVATION: 124 feet – 6,643 feet DURATION: approx. 5 months  14 states  6 national parks

1 in 4 Ratio of hikers who attempt to thru-hike—completing the entire Appalachian Trail in one outing—and actually succeed

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Christi admits that some of her friends thought (and still think) she was crazy, but most supported her and some even met her along the way, including an Alpha Phi who camped with her for a night.

Her parents needed some convincing, though—it took them about a year before they were comfortable with Christi’s plan, but it helped when she discovered a device that would reliably update them with her location on a daily basis.

Like most of the AT thru-hikers, Christi started her trip in Georgia and proceeded north. She quickly realized she’d over-packed for her 25-miles-per-day trudge. “I mailed my extra clothes home and wore the same outfit every day,” she says. Although her body adjusted to the physical challenge fairly quickly, it was the emotional toll of doing the same thing every day for five months that

was hardest. “You’re eating the same food every day, you miss your friends, your family, your bed. It really is a grind.” Ironically, it was also one of the things that she loved about the hike. “You knew exactly what you’d be doing. There was no to-do list of errands or appointments. Life was simple. You woke up and walked north.”

As for fears of wild animals, Christi says she did see a couple of bears—“all running away from me.” Mostly she met what she called “odd hikers.” Sometimes she was grateful for the company and security of her time with them, and other times she relished the solitude of hiking alone and going at her own pace. Along the way, she experienced the unexpected generosity of townspeople who would buy her dinner, give her a ride back to the trail or even let her sleep at their house and do laundry. “It definitely restores your faith in humanity,” she says.

Her favorite moment: The end, of course.

She accomplished her goal atop Maine’s 5,267-foot-high Mount Katahdin, translated from Penobscot Native American to “the Greatest Mountain.” Getting to that point is, Christi says, “the most beautiful, majestic and difficult hike on the entire AT.” Her parents met her there, and she wrapped up her journey emotional and “very proud of myself.”

By the way, Christi did lose about 10 pounds, even though, she says, “I stuffed my face” every time she resupplied her food. She’s working that 9-to-5 job now, as a civil engineer at a consulting firm in Maine and, although she’s primarily a “weekend warrior,” she became a Registered Maine Guide to introduce and encourage other women to get outdoors and out of their comfort zones.

“I like to live by the mantra that you only regret the things you don’t do. So if you want to do something big and intimidating, just do it; there will never be a perfect time.”

Above left: Christi Holmes’s dog, Argos, a Brittany, often accompanies her on hunting and hiking trips in Maine.

Opposite: Christi on a hiking trip through the White Mountains of Maine.

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“You knew exactly what you’d be doing. There was no to-do list of errands or appointments.

Life was simple.

You woke up and walked north.”

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Getting to Simple When Morgan McCaslin (Theta Alpha-Linfield) decided to spend a month hiking in Asia, she knew she’d have to leave normal behind.

“I’m a very routine-oriented person,” she admits.

“This trip caused me to completely abandon my routine and everything familiar.”

She was willing to do it, though, because Asia had been a dream destination for Morgan. She wanted to visit the big cities like Beijing and Bangkok, as well as developing areas, and she was curious about how the economy, politics and culture compared to that of the United States.

The mid-senior-year journey was also a way for Morgan to practice adjusting to new places, something she’d be forced to do when she began her two-year Teach for America position in Mississippi after graduating in 2018.

“I thought taking this trip my senior year of college would dissolve some of the fear that I had of the unknown.” Morgan is a distance runner, not a hiker, so she also saw the trip as an opportunity to explore a new place in a new way. Of course, that meant proper gear.

From reading Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, Morgan knew she’d need to break in a pair of shoes and travel light—which was easier said than done.

“I remember sitting on my bedroom floor the night before leaving, just packing, unpacking and repacking my backpack,” she says. After all that, Morgan wished she’d brought a warmer change of clothes, as she hadn’t realized Asia would be so cold. “This meant that I had to wear basically all the clothes I packed, layered on top of each other every day,” she describes. The layering worked out OK, though, as the weather often shifted from freezing to hot depending on the cloud and tree cover.

Another wish list item: more snacks. “There were some moments where I was just hungry for something familiar.” To somewhat quench her thirst for home, literally, she did discover a tiny shop that, of all things, carried blue frost Gatorade. “I would buy it for every trek,” she says. A couple of other coveted necessities were her Burt’s Bees lip balm for the high-altitude air, CONTINUES ON PAGE 24

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Left: A steep hike to Tiger’s Nest, a Buddhist temple in the Paro Valley of Bhutan

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Without the

and sunscreen. “I knew being burned while trekking for a month would have been miserable.”

While Morgan and her fellow travelers didn’t sleep in tents, they did spend most of their nights in homestays and hostels without reliable water or electricity. Plus, Morgan notes, “Much of the country did not have heating systems in the buildings, so it felt like we were sleeping outside.”

Besides getting used to fewer creature comforts, Morgan says she missed home. “I wasn’t able to speak much to friends and family back home, which was challenging, especially when I wanted to share this experience, or when I was seeking an encouraging word.” Without the communication, Morgan relied more on her own inner strength. She spent time journaling, listening to music “and just being present in that space.”

Morgan’s most difficult moments also led her to some of her most memorable. “The moments when you feel like you are going to die from the elevation, from the dehydration, from the lack of familiar food, and then you reach the clearing in the trees, you find the beautiful temple at the top of the mountain, you see the people there ready to welcome you with some tea and food.”

Morgan came away realizing that there’s comfort and beauty in the simple things, that maybe she didn’t need all the stuff she thought she needed. “Life doesn’t have to be as complicated as I like to make it sometimes,” she says. “Maybe it’s OK to strip away all of the clutter of our daily lives and keep our eyes fixed on what really matters.” Morgan’s fear of the unknown transformed into the reality that, though the world is big, it’s also very small and, though there are differences among people, there is so much more that is similar. “I left that month in the mountains wondering what our country would be like if we realized this.”

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communication, Morgan relied more on her own inner strength. She spent time journaling, listening to music “and just being present in that space.”

(Clockwise from top) Morgan McCaslin (Theta Alpha-Linfield) in front of Buddha Dordenma just outside of Thimpu, Bhutan; driving from a small town back through the Himalayan Mountains; a temple in a small town in Bhutan.

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Leading the Way Are you ready for a life-changing journey, but not sure you want to do it alone—or without electricity? There are people like Sarah Uchytil (Zeta Delta-Iowa State) who make it easy. Last year, Sarah hosted her first So Gorgeous Retreat in Cascade Locks, Oregon, about 40 minutes east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. During the fourday, three-night retreat, Sarah and another guide led a group of 12 women through a series of life coaching exercises, as well as daily yoga and meditation, and a hike along part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

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It was Cheryl Strayed’s book Wild that helped inspire Sarah to leave her corporate career and start her life- and careercoaching business. Now, she says she was thrilled to see the impact her retreat had on other women’s lives. “Creating the space and giving women permission to take the best possible care of themselves for a weekend to rest, relax, recharge and celebrate this life was so powerful.”

Women tend to do everything for everyone, except themselves, so “Getting away from it all allows you to see your life through a different lens,” Sarah explains. Making it a getaway to nature and putting aside daily technology is even better. “How often do you really take time to disconnect and power down?” she asks.

Sarah describes how the power of nature can quiet our “mind chatter,” those 80,000 thoughts we have each day, 80 percent of which we had the day before, and 80 percent of which are negative. In nature, it’s easier to calm your mind, take time to listen to your breath, reflect on the life you’re creating and focus outside of your head, which, Sarah explains, can help “replace the negative thoughts with more nurturing, positive thoughts.” Adding a hike, bike ride or other outdoor activity enhances that experience. “Challenging yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually can really impact your life,” Sarah says.

For women who argue they can’t afford the time or expense, Sarah says to ask yourself, “How important is it for you to make this change? How are you spending your time, your energy and your money now? What experiences do you want to have in your daily life?” She suggests starting with small shifts. “You might not be able to afford to do yoga on the beaches of Key West, but you can create space in your life to go to a weekly yoga class.” While the retreats are little escapes from the norm, it really all comes down to this, Sarah says: “Creating a life you don’t have to escape from.” And then the retreats and Wild experiences enhance and elevate the life you’ve already created.

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Always Alpha Phi

Obama Stories

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ZETA OMICRON-JOHNS HOPKINS

“SERVING IN THE OBAMA WHITE HOUSE WAS THE HONOR of a lifetime,” says Molly Dillon (Zeta Omicron-Johns Hopkins). Molly started down a path of public service in high school, as a student commissioner on her hometown’s Environmental Commission. Her first stint at the White House was during a summer internship, one of 150 people chosen among more than 6,000 applicants. After completing her master’s degree at Georgetown University in 2013, Molly was asked to join the administration full time; she worked at the White House until the end of President Obama’s second term. After she left, she felt she needed to document her experience.

The result is her recently published book, Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change From Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House, compiling memorable moments from Molly and nine of her former colleagues. Each chapter describes one staffer’s “most inspiring, challenging or amazing life-changing day working for President Obama.”

Although Molly says that working at the White House was exhausting, she and her coworkers did it willingly. “President Obama often reminded our country

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that government is made up of people, and when the people are good, so is the government,” she comments. “I couldn’t agree more.” With Yes She Can, Molly hopes to motivate more young women to enter public service, to show them that they can use their skills and background to make a difference, and to drive home the point that, “Government staff should look more like the people it represents, and that includes women.” At the conclusion of the book, Molly and the other authors include a “Girl’s Guide to Getting into Government,” providing tips and information to get involved on all levels.

“So many policies disproportionately affect women and are often made in rooms full of men. It’s absolutely imperative that we are in the room,” Molly says.

Since her White House years, Molly has been working in a public service role in the New York governor’s office.

“Sometimes change can be slow,” she says, “But I love nothing more than seeing a policy I created or fought for out in the world, making people’s lives better.” 

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ETA KAPPA-UC IRVINE

Cause Celeb When the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” was looking for news anchors from around the country to be contestants during a “Play it Forward” week, Margot Kim (Eta Kappa-UC Irvine) was one of the chosen few. An award-winning anchor and health reporter for ABC in Fresno, California, Margot flew to Las Vegas last August to tape the show that featured broadcast personalities playing to win money for a charity of their choice. Margot was playing for the Marjaree Mason Center, a domestic violence shelter in California’s Central Valley. She might have been playing for a good cause, but Margot still had jitters: “The live studio audience, the lights, the dramatic music and, of course, the trivia questions, contributed to the adrenaline rush of being on a nationally televised show,” she says. “But host Chris Harrison put us at ease.”

Margot had to keep the results a secret for six months before the show aired in February, when it was revealed she had won $5,000 for the Marjaree Mason Center.

DELTA ALPHA-EAST CAROLINA

Taught Well For nearly 15 years, Melissa Godwin Overton (Delta Alpha-East Carolina) had been working as an ER and intensive care nurse.

While in the ICU, she was injured and decided to re-evaluate her options as a nurse. “I always gravitated back to education, as I love seeing the ‘light come on’ when someone finally understands why they are doing what they are doing,” Melissa explains.

In 2013 she launched MedicalTraining.me to provide continuing education for medical professionals, as well as CPR, First Aid and automated external defibrillator training for companies and non-health care individuals. This past February, Melissa won the title of Small Business Person of the Year by the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce in Smithfield, North Carolina, for her innovative idea—and swift growth. She now employs 22 contractors who provide training on everything from advanced cardiovascular life support to wilderness first aid. Melissa says the award was “a huge validation” after much sacrifice and sweat. “You can put CEO in your title, but you also should put housekeeper, finance and assistant as well.”

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THETA ZETA-FLORIDA TECH

Sports Club In December 2017, Toni-Ann Martorano (Theta Zeta-Florida Tech) and her fiancé, Giovani Cossetti, began plans for a new business. A little over two years later, on March 7, the dream became reality when they opened the doors to G.C. Indoor Sports and Recreation. Toni-Ann describes it as “a place where people can come and play and call it their club and their home.”

Two 5,000-square-foot turf fields accommodate any sport played on grass, with activities including leagues, kids’ summer camps and tournaments. ToniAnn says, “Our goal is to bring the community together over the bond of great friendships and the love of sports.”

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ETA OMICRON-VIRGINIA TECH

30 Years Strong For Deborah (Dede) McMahon Sechser (Eta Omicron-Virginia Tech), attending Red Dress Gala and visiting the Eta Omicron house in February with her daughter Samantha Sechser (Eta OmicronVirginia Tech) was already a special moment.

What made it that much better was that Dede is a charter member of Eta Omicron, and the chapter is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. “It made me realize how far the chapter had come in the 30 years since we chartered, and gave me a great sense of pride to have been an original member.” The day after the gala, alumnae had a chance to tour the house where the chapter’s first composite— with Dede’s photo— hangs on the wall. Dede’s daughter will move into the house next year and, Dede says, “I’m so excited for her to experience this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.”

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SIGMA-WASHINGTON

Fashion Sense

As the concept of “fast fashion” continues to grow, there is also a push to slow things down. Kelly Frazier (Sigma-Washington) is doing just that with her new fashion label, Mindful One. The designer and actress created Mindful One to ensure “zero-waste designs, while still offering luxury.” Kelly had wanted to start a clothing line for a long time, but, she says, “I didn’t want to contribute to the destruction of our precious natural resources.” Then she learned about eco-fashion activism and heard Stella McCartney discuss sustainability as an option for ready-to-wear fashion—and something clicked.

“I could combine fashion with my commitment to Mother Earth.” Kelly’s designs not only incorporate sustainable and vintage fabrics, but each piece is handmade in Los Angeles; hang tags are hand-printed on plantable, recycled, handmade paper; packaging is recycled; and even the care labels are printed to order on scrap fabric, using Kelly’s rare script-font typewriter.

On her website, the only place to purchase right now, Kelly describes Mindful One as waging an “eco-fashion rebellion against fast fashion,” and reasons, a woman’s positive impact on the world is “her feminine edge.”

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Alpha Phi Gatherings

GAMMA ALPHA-SAN DIEGO STATE

ZETA DELTA-IOWA STATE

A trip to Napa, California, in March, reconnected five San Diego State (Gamma Alpha) members initiated in 1985. Karen Halverstadt Miller and Debbie Zasio Van Voorhees hadn’t seen each other since Karen’s wedding 26 years ago, but, says Karen, “It’s amazing how even when that much time goes by, we all pick up right where we left off.”

Pictured from left to right: Angela Utrata Burton, Debbie Zasio Van Voorhees, Barri-Lynn McCarron, Shannon Hagan and Karen Halverstadt Miller.

Homecoming had two meanings this year for Kimberly Ditter (Zeta Delta-Iowa State). Her son is a student at Iowa State, so she coordinated a trip to see him with a reunion of some of her Zeta Delta sisters.

The women tailgated, attended the football game and toured the former Alpha Phi chapter house. “Many of us had not seen each other since college, so it was a lot of fun,” Kim says.

Back in Touch

Happy Homecoming

DELTA BETA-TEXAS A&M COMMERCE

Fab 50

CENTRAL IOWA

A group of Texas A&M Commerce (Delta Beta) alumnae have been gathering for the past 50 years for an annual Christmas lunch. This past holiday, the plan was to surprise Marilyn Lavender Jones (Delta Beta-Texas A&M Commerce) with her 50-year pin (pictured front, left). Unfortunately, Marilyn was sick and missed the event, but several women persevered and met up with her a few weeks later. “Marilyn is very special to the group,” explains Sandra Holt Doyle (Delta Beta-Texas A&M Commerce). Not only was Marilyn chapter president in college, but later helped establish an alumnae chapter in the Rockwall, Texas, area. “We have all appreciated her leadership over the years, but especially her kindness, compassion and friendship,” Sandra says.

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Holiday Traditions Members of the Central Iowa alumnae chapter gathered for a December social event and created holiday ornaments to donate to a senior living facility in Des Moines. The donation was in memory of Barbara Morrison Cannon (Beta Kappa-Denison), a founding member of the alumnae chapter. Pictured here are (front row, left to right) Tabitha Scott Bleich (Delta Epsilon-Iowa), Lisa Wells Turner (Zeta Delta-Iowa State), Heather Morey Saville (Epsilon Theta-Northern Iowa) and Mary Mannens Hunter (Theta Delta-Creighton); and (back row, left to right) Karen Block Bavender (Epsilon Omega-Texas A&M), Nancy Heig Ball (Zeta Delta-Iowa State), Aimee Green Fisher (Delta Gamma-Northern Colorado), Karla Nuehring St. John (Epsilon ThetaNorthern Iowa) and Marilyn Platt Jerome (Gamma Delta-Kansas).

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Sweet Dreams

E

ETA IOTA-PENNSYLVANIA EVEN AFTER 18 YEARS CARING FOR SICK AND

preterm infants as a neonatal ICU nurse, Vanessa Vance (Eta IotaPennsylvania) still struggled with the sleep habits of her own healthy baby boy. “Oh, the sweet irony of being an expert in babies and you can’t get your own baby to sleep,” Vanessa laughs. So she went into nurse mode and studied about sleep milestones in infants. Pretty soon, she’d taught her son to sleep well with sleep training. Her friends wanted to know the secret, so she shared her knowledge and she eventually started her own business, Parent Heroes, to coach other parents too. She recently won the Austin Birth Award for Best Sleep Consultant after just one year. “Bringing families sweet dreams brought me sweet success,” Vanessa quips.

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DELTA KAPPAWISCONSIN LACROSSE

Quarterly Connection In 1972, Jacqueline Bray Webb (Delta Kappa-Wisconsin LaCrosse) wandered into a gift shop in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, area. There happened to be an issue of the Quarterly lying on the counter. Turns out, the gift shop was owned by Jo-Anne Freeman Penttinen (Gamma Epsilon-Lake Forest).

The two women chatted and

ZETA BETA-LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

Lessons from Loss Several years ago, Marlo Gottfurcht Longstreet (Zeta BetaLoyola Marymount) suffered a parent’s worst nightmare: the death of her young son. At age 11, Tanner died from a glioblastoma brain tumor, the result of a mutated gene.

Rainbow Around the Son is Marlo’s account of his story, told through a compilation of her journal entries and Facebook posts dating from the day Tanner was diagnosed to the two-year anniversary of his death.

“I wanted to remember and journal everything…the important moments, the simple moments. Everything,” she says. Sharing her experience in a raw and real way, Marlo says she hopes to help other parents through similar struggles. “There are many takeaways in my book, and if I can help even one person, then I feel like I did my job.” During and after Tanner’s illness, Marlo heard from Alpha Phi sisters she hadn’t talked to in years. “My sisters reached S UMME R 2019

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out with their love, support, prayers, cards, care packages and meals,” she reports. “After so much time had passed, my sisters were there by my side.” Unfortunately, Marlo’s journey didn’t end with Tanner’s death.

Marlo’s daughter, Casey, a college student, inherited the same mutated gene as Tanner and has a high chance of developing many kinds of cancer, but Casey is monitored carefully and has remained healthy. “I lost one child and will not lose another,” Marlo stresses. To that end, Marlo, Casey and Marlo’s father established the Tanner Project Foundation, supporting research that focuses on early detection of predisposed hereditary diseases. “I will always be the person who mourns and grieves her lost child, but I am also the person who has learned to laugh and smile again,” Marlo says.

swapped phone numbers, and then Jo-Anne took Jackie to her first meeting of the Fort Lauderdale Alpha Phi alumnae.

Flash forward 47 years, and Jackie was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her volunteer work with the local Panhellenic group. Jackie has represented Alpha Phi at Panhel meetings and has also served as its president, treasurer and scholarship chairman, among other roles. Jo-Anne and Jackie have remained lifelong friends, all due to a chance encounter with a Quarterly.

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Always Alpha Phi

PI-NORTH DAKOTA

What’s Old is New

EPSILON THETA-NORTHERN IOWA

Engineer Career In second grade, Debra Birkness Shapiro (Epsilon Theta-Northern Iowa) moved with her family into the first house of a new subdivision. As the other houses were built, and more families moved in, Debra organized the new neighborhood kids to create forts using the materials left by the builders. “We had a blast, and somehow none of us ever got hurt,” Debra laughs. By seventh grade, she had decided she wanted to be an architect, a path she continued through high school and college, often the only girl in her classes. Eventually, she became the fifth woman in Iowa to be licensed to teach Industrial Arts and Technology Education. After 32 years teaching, currently at Forest Glen Middle School in Suffolk, Virginia, Debra has amassed many accolades, her most recent as a Distinguished Technology and Engineering Educator (DTE), one of the highest acclaims

Last fall, Pi chapter lost one of its longestliving alumnae at age 102. Barbara Norman Maddock (Pi-North Dakota) traveled extensively, but she eventually returned to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and remained active as an Alpha Phi volunteer. Barb’s brother, Ernie Norman, was a social worker in the area and, before he died, he had donated land to build a shelter for homeless single women and their children. The Ernie J. Norman Women and Children’s Shelter was built in his honor, and it’s thanks to Barb that Pi chapter helped furnish it. Now, each time the Pi chapter house is updated, Community Contractors picks up the old furniture and transports it to the shelter. Over the past few years, 21 chapter house beds, nine dressers, a kitchen table, several chairs, lamps and bookshelves have all been donated.

for professional achievement in her field. “It is a huge and humbling honor, as many of my mentors throughout my career carry the same distinction,” Debra notes. In her spare time, Debra is a regional supervisor and recruiter for Black Rocket Productions, which hosts STEM-focused summer camps. Since she began building forts out of discarded construction supplies, the increase in women involved with STEM fields has grown immensely, and Debra hopes it continues. “Being a female should never keep us from reaching for our dreams.”

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GAMMA BETA-UC SANTA BARBARA

Sky High Honors An impulsive decision in college led Julie Clark (Gamma Beta-UC Santa Barbara) to her lifelong passion and career. She had been given money by her aunt to enroll in an art history class. Instead, she used the money to take her first flying lesson, following in the footsteps of her late father who had been a pilot. Julie, a Francis E. Willard Award winner, went on to become one of the first female commercial airline pilots, and then one of the most recognized female air show performers in the world, named a “Top 40 Living Legend in Aviation.”

In December, the International Council of Air Shows awarded her the highly selective Sword of Excellence, which recognizes “the highest levels of achievement in the air show business.” With her constant companion for 41 years—Free Spirit, her lovingly restored Beechcraft T-34 “war bird” propeller plane— Julie is now considered a trailblazer, mentor, role model and leader in the air show business. She says she was incredibly honored to receive the Sword of Excellence and, although 2019 marks her Farewell Tour on the air show circuit, Julie will continue to fly.

After all, she says, “I’m always blessed with the window seat.”

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Always Alpha Phi LAMBDA-UC BERKELEY

Good Deal With more than 25 years

of commercial real estate experience under her belt, Alice Devine Wilson (Lambda-UC Berkeley) knows a thing or two about the industry. She decided to share that knowhow by putting it all down in her new book, Suite Deal, the Smart Landlord’s Guide to Leasing.

Rather than a dry textbook, Alice says she aimed to create “an accessible book with a conversational tone and real life stories.” In it, Alice guides other real estate professionals on the leasing process from start to finish, with actionable steps and tips. Alice also

DELTA TAU-LSU

Global Service An ordained pastor, Rachel Ringlaben (Delta Tau-LSU) recently headed abroad to spend four years in Argentina and Uruguay as the country coordinator for the Evangelical Church of America’s Young Adults in Global Mission program.

She will be in charge of volunteers

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often speaks to young professionals and college students about the business. “It’s exciting to see more academic real estate programs,” she says. Alice is currently working on a set of workbooks to coordinate with Suite Deal, and, in her free time, she volunteers at Rebuilding Together, a

ages 21 to 29 who spend a year in

nonprofit that

areas of service that include health and

renovates

development, congregational ministry,

homes and

human rights, education, addiction

community

recovery, homelessness and more.

centers.

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DELTA GAMMA-NORTHERN COLORADO

Wedding Bells On Feb. 9, Chelsea Wegener Bauer (Delta GammaNorthern Colorado) was married in Estes Park, Colorado, SIGMA-WASHINGTON

From Love to Hope “I love talking about my daughter,” says Jana Lund Dukelow (Sigma-Washington). Jordyn Dukelow was 3 years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After three brain surgeries, six rounds of chemotherapy, 21 days of radiation, a stem cell transplant, numerous complications and, says Jana, “too many hospital stays to count,” Jordyn died just before her 5th birthday. Several years later, Jana and some close friends formed the Jordyn Dukelow Memorial Guild to raise money for brain tumor research at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Since then, the name changed to the Jaquish Dukelow Guild when one of the founding members lost her own battle with cancer, and the group’s cause has expanded to include all types of pediatric cancer research.

The guild recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and Jana explains, “The guild serves to provide hope, through support and funding, to those families currently facing the diagnosis, or who may face this diagnosis down the road. Our hope is that no family will have to go through this ever again.”

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with more than two dozen Alpha Phi sisters helping her celebrate the big day. For Chelsea’s something new, borrowed and blue, her Little, Kelsi Vinyard (Delta GammaNorthern Colorado), a bridesmaid in the wedding, lent Chelsea her chapter advisor pin (Kelsi is CA at Iota Zeta-Colorado School of Mines). Other Alpha Phis included Chelsea’s sister, cousin, mother and aunt.

Pictured (left to right) are Northern Colorado (Delta Gamma) Alpha Phis Kelsi Vinyard, Kathleen (Kay) Seastone, Christine Seastone (Gamma Pi-Arizona State), Cailey Wegener, Christine Scott Wegener, Chelsea Wegener Bauer, Samantha Katopodes, Rebecca Uchyn, Emma Pettibone and Audrey Parker.

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Where We Live

Oh, Hi, Ohio

Beta Omicron-Bowling Green

Of our 172 chapters, 98 of them have chapter houses of some kind or another. California boasts the most with 15 and, coming in at second is Ohio, with six houses. We’ve gathered a few fun stats from the Ohio houses, so you can get to know them too.

Rho-Ohio State Zeta Psi-Dayton

1302 Brown St., Dayton Alpha Phi residents: 8 Best parts: Location, and everyone gets their own room

Zeta Psi-Dayton

Wish list: Improved communal area Favorite hangout spot: Kitchen Outstanding aspect: Glass doors leading into the dining room Why’s it special? “It’s rewarding to be able to live in such a nice home as a college student. The house represents Alpha Phi for our campus, and it’s one of the first houses people see when they drive up to campus.”

—Maria Cascio (Zeta Psi-Dayton)

Rho-Ohio State

134 E. 15th Ave., Columbus Alpha Phi residents: 40 Best part: Terrace Room couch Outstanding aspect: Entryway tile Chef? Yes, “Pete is the best!”

Why’s it special? “I made some of my best friends that I will have forever.”

—Kylie Kott (Rho-Ohio State)

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Zeta Pi-Case Western Reserve 11116 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland Alpha Phi residents: 32 Best part: Common area and quiet, basement study room Wish list: Air conditioning

Zeta Pi-Case Western Reserve

Favorite hangout spot: Common room Outstanding aspect: Neon sign designed and constructed by members

Beta Omega-Kent State Beta Omega-Kent State 1063 Fraternity Circle, Kent

Eta Gamma-Akron

Alpha Phi residents: 31 Best parts: Brand new study room, front porch with covered seating and second-floor balcony Wish list: More parking Outstanding aspect: Each room is like a fourperson apartment with full kitchen and bath Chef? Yes, LuAnne Lang Martin (Beta Omega-Kent State), with the chapter for nearly 20 years.

Why’s it special? “I have 30 roommates, which means that I have 30 closets to pick from and 30 sisters to turn to when I need absolutely anything. There is never a dull moment in this house, and through the laughs and tears I would never trade this experience for the world.”

—Carly Sperrazza (Beta Omega-Kent State)

Eta Gamma-Akron 478 Orchard St., Akron

Alpha Phi residents: 16 Best part: Proximity to campus and premium parking Wish list: Improved meeting and event space Favorite hangout spot: Chapter room Outstanding aspect: Walls brimming with Alpha Phi photos Why’s it special? “Having a support group within Alpha Phi in such close quarters allows our women to gain confidence as they assimilate in the chapter.”

—Ashlyn Milhoan (Eta Gamma-Akron)

Beta Omicron-Bowling Green 1127 East Wooster St., Bowling Green Alpha Phi residents: 18 Wish list: A chef Favorite hangout spot: Chapter room with its new sectional Outstanding aspect: Custom ivy-print rugs Why’s it special? “On nice days, the whole Greek community is out playing corn hole, Frisbee or just hanging out in the quad—it looks like something out of a movie!”—Samantha Ann Stakolich (Beta Omicron-Bowling Green)

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Special thanks for helping with this article go to Maria Cascio (Zeta Psi-Dayton); Ashlyn Milhoan (Eta Gamma-Akron); Kylie Kott (Rho-Ohio State); Catherine Kaminski (Zeta PiCase Western); Allison Buszinski (Beta Omega-Kent State); and Samantha Ann Stakolich (Beta Omciron-Bowling Green).

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From the Quad

GPA MVP

C

THETA PHICHRISTOPHER NEWPORT

Christopher Newport’s first athlete to ever receive an Elite 90 award is Carson Pokorny (Theta Phi-Christopher Newport). Carson received the recognition at the NCAA Division III Soccer National Championship.

She was selected for demonstrating “the true essence of the student-athlete” through her athleticism at the national championship level and by achieving the highest cumulative grade point average among the student-athletes participating at the finals site. The biochemistry major boasts a perfect 4.0 and juggles a dual Spanish and biology minor, along with her

vigorous soccer schedule, which she doesn’t mind at all.

Carson’s love of soccer started as soon as she could crawl.

“I always had a ball with me, and then, once I started to walk, it was game over,” she jokes.

By the time she was around 8 years old, Carson was playing

“It has taught me the value of commitment and how truly incredible it is to be a part of something that is so much bigger than just yourself.”

competitive soccer. “I love the challenge and the competition,” she explains. “Not only is it physically demanding, it also takes a lot of thought.” Carson has also reveled in the opportunities afforded her through soccer to travel and meet new people, but 3 8

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says what she enjoys most is how much soccer has taught her about herself: “It has made me strong, physically and mentally. It has made me more empathetic, and I have learned to interact with all different types of people,” she says. “It has taught me teamwork and working together towards a common goal. It has taught me the value of commitment and how truly incredible it is to be a part of something that is so much bigger than just yourself.”

Carson also realizes that without her team’s success, she would not have had the chance to play at the national championships and would not have been a candidate for the Elite 90 award at all. “It was an amazing feeling to be able to represent our team and our school so well. I am so humbled, so proud and so thankful.”

Entering her final year of college in the fall, Carson has been granted early acceptance to the Eastern Virginia Medical School and will head there next August to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor. 

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ETA-BOSTON

Pageant Night

GAMMA OMEGA-MIDWESTERN STATE

Weekend Getaway At Midwestern State, the Gamma Omega chapter has a long-standing tradition. Each semester the members take a little break from the stress of school and attend a weekend retreat. This spring, they relaxed and rejuvenated at a cabin on Lake Nocona in Texas. They played games, watched scary movies, did face masks and ate

Even before the night of Boston (Eta) chapter’s annual Ivy Man event, the 13 male contestants were working the crowd by raising money through social media to earn an advantage when it came time to judging. Director of Philanthropy Nicole Giella and VP of Marketing Geena Meyhoefer (pictured, left) organized several Alpha Phi women to coach the contestants, help them create entertaining promo videos and promote the fun night on Facebook and Instagram. The competition included a talent portion, question and answer and, says Geena, a “hilarious group dance.”

In the end, over 500 people attended, and the chapter was able to raise more than $14,000 for the Foundation, three times as much as last year.

RHO-OHIO STATE

Red Dress Record Beating last year’s total by more than $7,000, the members of Ohio State (Rho) raised an impressive $32,000 at their 12th annual Red Dress Gala. Approximately 550 attendees enjoyed a silent auction, D.J., 50/50 raffle, glow stick ceremony, and senior recognition ceremony.

s’mores, and, says VP of Marketing Samantha Quintero, “We wouldn’t have wanted to spend the weekend any other way.”

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From the Quad ETA ALPHA-NEW HAMPSHIRE

A Good Walk As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the Eta (New Hampshire) chapter cosponsored the Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program (SHARPP) Anti-Violence Rally and Walk on campus. The walk is meant to draw attention to the issue and involves students, faculty, staff and community members who help spread the word about ending sexual THETA LAMBDA-CENTRAL MISSOURI

harassment and violence at the university. “It was

Heartfelt Help

truly amazing to see the school come together to

This year marked the most money raised by Alpha Phi’s Theta Lambda (Central Missouri)

support such a great cause,” says Cara Sullivan (Eta Alpha-New Hampshire), VP of marketing.

chapter at its annual heart walk supported by the American Heart Association. The chapter helped provide games, activities and information about heart health in the community and was able to donate nearly $9,000. “The chapter is proud to have partnered with the American Heart Association and have had the opportunity to spread awareness in the community,” says VP of Marketing Elle Horton.

DELTA DELTA-OKLAHOMA CITY

Heart Health Partner The women of Oklahoma City (Delta Delta) felt right at home modeling red dresses at the annual American Heart Association’s Red Dress Fashion Show in February. “Our Delta Delta chapter was honored to partner with them in their red dress fashion show and join their battle against the number one killer of women,” says VP of Marketing Abbey Machnik.

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Held in downtown Oklahoma City, the event raised awareness and funds to fight heart disease and included 10 Alpha Phi models, including two Delta Delta collegians who competed in Miss Oklahoma, pictured here left to right, Cosette Smith and Mackenzie McInytre.

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OMEGA-TEXAS

Yee-haw!

Texas attire often includes cowboy boots and cowboy hats, but sophomore and VP of Community Relations Jacqueline Bergeron (Omega-Texas) might just have come up with the next must-have fashion addition: faux cowhide mini skirts. “The summer before my freshman year, I decided I wanted a cowhide mini skirt to wear to Texas games,” Jacque explains. “But I couldn’t find the

ZETA XI-ELMHURST

skirt I imagined

Broadening Her Horizons

anywhere.” So, she made her own—when other women saw Jacque wearing hers, they wanted one too.

Julia Schwarzinger (Zeta Xi-Elmhurst)

In between school

had already studied in Argentina and Puerto

and other activities, Jacque started Southern

Rico when she decided to spend her third

Bell Creative, selling

study abroad trip in Spain this past January,

the skirts in black and

joining several other Elmhurst College

brown prints. “The

students. She says she enjoys traveling and

Southern Bell girl is trendy, but with a Texas flair,” describes Jacque,

“being able to meet so many amazing people from around the world and getting to know

whose designs are now sold

new cultures.” In Spain, Julia says she was

in four Austin and Houston

able to broaden her horizons and realized

area boutiques. While Jacque

she was more of a leader than she had

dreams of continuing her

previously thought. She became a “usual”

fashion career and launching a women’s wear lifestyle brand

at the Madrid cafes, conversed in Spanish

with her dad and sister, she’s

with the locals and greatly improved her

realistic too: “I just need to

Spanish, which fits right into her dual major

finish school first.”

in Spanish and elementary education.

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From the Quad GAMMA RHO-PENN STATE

Dancing and Doing Good Joining more than 700 Penn State students, Gamma Rho recent graduates Mackenzie Masters, Kennedy Staudt, Meghan James and Erin Brubaker danced in the annual THON dance marathon in February, while other chapter members stopped by to cheer them on. The 46-hour event supports cancer care and research at Penn State Children’s Hospital and provides emotional and financial assistance to thousands of families who are impacted by childhood cancer. The no-sitting, no-sleeping rule symbolizes the efforts to stand with the children fighting cancer. Since the first THON in 1977, the event has raised $168 million, and more than EPSILON KAPPA-WEST CHESTER

Bear Hugs

$10 million just this year; Gamma Rho raised a whopping $97,000 of that. “THON was without a doubt one of the best experiences of our lives,” Kennedy says. “We felt beyond

Last January, members of Epsilon Kappa (West

lucky to represent Alpha Phi on the floor for

Chester) raised more than $750 to provide “Phi”

46 hours with our best friends by our sides.

bears to give to pediatric cardiac patients at Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Nemours/

The environment was magical the entire weekend.”

Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. An added donation of eight bears from the local police department allowed the women to donate 60 stuffed bears during their visits to the hospitals. “It was incredible to see not only our friends and family come together, but the local police within our community,” says Alicia Nolan, who was vice president of community relations at the time. The women also had the opportunity to volunteer at duPont Hospital. “It was amazing to see where the money we raised went and how just a simple teddy bear can make a pediatric patient smile,” she says, continuing, “I could not be more proud of my chapter.”

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Award-Winning Phis THETA-MICHIGAN

Smart Moves

GAMMA XI-WICHITA STATE

Better Together “If sororities are competing against each

Proving hard work pays off, members of the Michigan (Theta) chapter recently won the Academic Programming award among 56 total Greek chapters on campus. Their secret? Vice President of Marketing Julia Kaplan explains: “We won academic programming because we have a study guide bank, study tables every Sunday, a dedicated study room in the house, and a professional development program to connect younger members with older members while working on academic development throughout our chapter.”

other, we are only hurting ourselves,” says Lynn Nguyen (Gamma Xi-Wichita State).

Lynn isn’t all talk, either: She recently received the Gamma Phi Beta Greek Unity Award for promoting Greek unity on campus.

At Wichita State’s two-night Kallistei retreat for sorority women, Lynn focused on breaking down stereotypes and encouraging Greek women to empower each other. The experience has also had an impact on Lynn: “Having a Greek-unified mindset has helped me step out of my comfort zone and allowed me to meet so many people,” she comments.

THETA KAPPA-ROCHESTER

Strong Finish Recent graduate Allison Morningstar (Theta KappaRochester) wrapped up her undergraduate career with a bang, as she was selected for a Fulbright Scholarship in Germany. The neuroscience major and chemistry minor will spend 10 months in Munich conducting Alzheimer’s research at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and studying at Ludwig-Maximilian University and the Max Plan Institute of Neurobiology. For the past two summers, Allison has been participating in the University of California San Francisco’s Summer Research Training Program, as well as working in a lab conducting vestibular pharmacology research. Allison plans to apply to PhD programs and go into the field of neurodegenerative disease therapeutics development.

PSI-SOUTH DAKOTA

Two for Two Alpha Phi at South Dakota (Psi) had two reasons to celebrate at this year’s Greek Awards when senior Chesney Arend (Psi-South Dakota) (right) received the award for Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year and freshman Anna Lucas (Psi-South Dakota) won for Outstanding Sorority New Member of the Year.

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From the Quad

Extension

Alpha Phi Welcomes its 7th Texas Collegiate Chapter On April 27, 2019, Alpha Phi’s 172nd active collegiate chapter was installed at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

All events took place on campus, with more than 200 collegians and 17 alumnae being initiated at Miller Chapel in the Tidwell Bible Building. Past International President Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer (Beta Epsilon-Arizona) presided over the Initiation ceremony, while past International President and Extension Team Lead Deana Gage (Gamma Iota-Texas Tech) served as the Toastmistress for the Installation Banquet. The banquet was held at the Cashion Banquet Hall and included the formal installation of the colony as Kappa Theta chapter. On behalf of the Kappa Theta chapter, Alpha Phi Foundation presented two grants at the installation. A grant was given to the Baylor Panhellenic Council to support a Greek unity event, and a community organization grant was presented to the Heart of Texas Community Health Center, a local nonprofit committed to providing healthcare services to the vulnerable populations in their community. The installation events were a celebration of a quick and eventful spring semester for this young chapter, which celebrated Bid Day on Feb. 7, 2019. Congratulations to all members of Alpha Phi’s Kappa Theta chapter at Baylor University.

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NUMBER OF WOMEN INITIATED

200+ Collegians

17

Alumnae

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Silent Chapter

“ This is goodnight, but not goodbye.”

— “Linger” We honor our sisters whose notification of passing we received between Jan. 26, 2019 and April 25, 2019. Silent chapter notes may be submitted via alphaphi.org (keyword: silent chapter) or to quarterly@alphaphi.org.

Please note: year in parenthesis is year of initiation.

Baldwin Wallace (Delta Upsilon)

Maine (Delta Nu)

San Diego State (Gamma Alpha)

Erin Thomas Haberman (‘86)

Carole Leland OToole (‘66)

Boston (Eta)

Michigan State (Beta Beta)

Elisabeth Kenney Ecke (‘50) Beverly Butler Foster (‘53)

Jean MacCorison (‘44)

Janice Hoffman Carstenn (‘46)

San Jose State (Beta Psi)

Bowling Green (Beta Omicron)

Minnesota (Epsilon)

Georgianna Clark Everson (‘54)

Marilyn Lindsey Hinkens (‘51) Evelyn Leach (‘43) Ann Marie Kosten Martinson (‘73)

Patricia Johnston Nelson (‘53)

Texas (Omega)

Missouri (Omicron)

Mary Thomason Clegg (‘44) Mary White Dormont (‘43) Zuleika Stanger Griffin (‘40) Mary Birdwell Grill (‘59) Laverne McCann Hokenson (‘48) Fenella Teplow James Schaeffer (‘54) Donna Duke Lewis (‘73)

British Columbia (Beta Theta) Sarah Tidball Glover (‘47)

Bucknell (Beta Chi) Dorothy Morgan Effron (‘50)

Colorado (Beta Gamma)

Ann Richardson Bell (‘62) Nola Grate McKee (‘58)

Montana (Chi) Shirley Troll Bundy (‘47) Mary Calnan (‘62) Polly Peppard Rohrbach (‘66)

Texas Tech (Gamma Iota)

Jane Spensley Miller (‘56) Jane Breitenstein Peacock (‘48)

Nebraska (Nu) Shirley Scott Hartsock (‘53)

Kimberley Arnold Parker (‘89) Paula Gilbert Watson (‘73)

Cornell (Delta)

Nebraska Kearney (Delta Xi)

UC Santa Barbara (Gamma Beta)

Kristy Richards (‘88) Elizabeth Greenslade VanderPloeg (‘64)

Deanne Warren Rogers (‘63)

Corinne Stevens (‘67)

Denison (Beta Kappa)

North Texas (Gamma Eta)

UCLA (Beta Delta)

JoAnn Fowler McClain (‘54) Jane Derryberry Ross (‘60) Janis Payne Simmons (‘57)

Joahne Turk Fellows (‘51)

DePauw (Gamma) Nancy Sjostrom Miller (‘49) Nancy Lemen Zimmerman (‘50)

Northern Colorado (Delta Gamma)

Florida State (Gamma Phi)

Northwestern (Beta)

Mary Gardner Flanagan (‘67) Sylvia Reeder Gavlak (‘61)

Jeanne Connell Bassindale (‘46)

Idaho (Beta Zeta)

Betty Phillips Barger (‘46) Marilyn Hawk Boardman (‘49) Eleanor White Russell (‘46), (also Beta Kappa-Denison)

Rose Starr Bolton (‘41) Melissa Stuiber Jaynes (‘75)

Illinois (Beta Alpha) Dorothee Weaver Aves (‘42) Carolyn Palmer Thomas (‘38)

Indiana (Beta Tau) Joyce Fanning Chapman (‘49) Patricia Doane Mayer (‘53) Nila Fox Schilling (‘55)

Indiana State (Delta Pi) Lucille Daugherty Turner (‘65)

Indiana U. of Pennsylvania (Delta Phi)

Helen Henson Arntson (‘60)

Ohio State (Rho)

Oklahoma (Phi) Lisa Tipping Davis (‘78) Ava Hisel Hobson (‘41) Madelon Wyrick Johnson (‘50) Victoria Zeigner Livingston (‘70) Linda Wyatt Mottley (‘71) Kathryn Shenk Peters (‘40) Constance Stippich Riddle (‘42) Vera Goodenow Ryan (‘65) Rose Kirkpatrick Schneider (‘46)

Barbara Brooks Wallace (‘43)

USC (Beta Pi) Mary Hadley Hodgkinson (‘50)

Utah (Beta Sigma) Beverly Stringham Lund (‘47)

Washburn (Upsilon) Virginia McConnell Monroe (‘52) Kathleen Coleman Phillips (‘44) Martha Newcomb Smith (‘51)

Washington (Sigma) Betsy Plumb Russell (‘49) Carol Kirkendall Schimanski (‘52) Suzanne Sloan Thees (‘75)

Washington State (Beta Rho) Maryanne Hansen Watkins (‘44), (also Sigma-Washington) Elizabeth Keeler Wetzel (‘47)

Whitman (Beta Phi) Kathryn Hoshaw Hansen (‘56)

Wichita State (Gamma Xi)

Rita Gaspari Barger (‘68)

Carole Atwood Heitz (‘61)

Sharon Lygrisse Herndon (‘67) Kathy Higley Price (‘60) Esther Briggs Sullivan (‘58)

Iowa (Delta Epsilon)

Oklahoma City (Delta Delta) Oregon (Tau)

Willamette (Gamma Tau)

Mary Bloomingdale Chinnock (‘02) Faye Hyde Strayer (‘62)

Marilyn Walker Portwood (‘55)

Kathy Jensen Marambe (‘68)

LSU (Delta Tau)

Penn State (Gamma Rho)

William Woods (Delta Chi)

Dolores Mingione Curley (‘87)

Ann Jordan Hanna (‘66)

Joan Blondin (‘64)

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What’s in Your . . . Backpack Signal Mirror This small

device is an often underrated survival kit essential. When you’re in distress and need help, but cell phone service is nonexistent, the flash from a signal mirror can be seen for more than 10 miles. This one from Coghlan’s is made from shatter-resistant laminated glass and has a convenient lanyard hole.

SPOT This emergency locator

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device uses satellite, not cell, technology so you can send and receive messages and your GPS position, track your trip progress, check in to let friends and family know you’re OK, or send a rescue alert with an S.O.S. button.

ppalachian Trail thru-hiker Christiannah Holmes (Delta Nu-Maine) definitely knows how to pack for a hiking trip.

Besides the appropriate big stuff— tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook stove, hiking poles, food, etc.—she recommends the following items.

Water Filter A water filter can mean the difference between staying healthy and getting sick.

This popular mini filter by Sawyer attaches to an included 16-ounce reusable drinking pouch or a standard water bottle, or you can use it to drink directly from the source. It removes nearly all bacteria including salmonella and E. coli.

Swimsuit Anticipate a refreshing dip or rinse by always having a bathing suit for the occasion.

Lightweight Down Jacket Air temps can

Lighter If you’re planning

ISTOCK: LIGHTERS/FIREATDUSK; SWIMSUIT/DENDONG; CROCS/NAKPHOTOS

to cook your meals over the campfire, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble by taking along a simple lighter (or three).

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Croc Sandals On a multiday hike or bike ride, your feet need a breather from your daily shoes. Crocs are a comfortable, lightweight option and easy to clean.

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change depending on elevation and shade, so a lightweight down jacket keeps you prepared. We like that Feathered Friends manufactures mostly in the U.S. and adheres to the Responsible Down Standard.

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Trending

Long Sleeve Swimsuit This printed wetsuit by Cynthia Rowley dives right into the trend of fashion-forward swimwear that provides extra sun protection and extra warmth for those cold days on the waves.

Jelly Sandals Jelly sandals aren’t just for kids anymore. Scrap your flip flops for these cute kicks in all kinds of candy colors.

Apologies for not getting this roundup to you a bit earlier in the season (silly production schedule), but summer’s not over yet, and we wanted to catch you up on this year’s beachwear bests.

Dramatic Sunglass Shapes Cool cat-eye sunglasses will always be in (case in point, these funky pink Foster Grants), but this year, sunglasses are supersized, boldly geometric (triangles and rectangles) and sporty, like these cyclist wraparounds from Asos.

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Floppy Sun Hat Enjoy the sunshine while saving your skin with a sassy, wide-brimmed straw hat from Funky Junque.

Cute, cursive lettering makes a statement, and a hidden draw string makes it one size fits all.

Tasseled Cover-up Not just any cover-up will do. This year, it’s all about the tassels, like this striped poncho from Mud Pie. It’s loose and light and you’ll love wearing it off the beach too.

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ISTOCK: JELLY SANDALS/SGTPHOTO;

Beachy Keen

Waterproof Phone Case We threw this non-fashion item in because the FREĒ phone case frees you from worrying about your phone getting wet and ruining your day at the beach. It’s literally submersible for up to an hour, not to mention dropproof and dirt-proof.

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Student Body Presidents

Now & Then

We’re always proud when our members look for leadership opportunities, even beyond the chapter itself. Alpha Phi has seen many women serve as student body presidents over the years. We talked to two who won their seats in two different decades.

Mackenzie Rogers

(EPSILON XI-SOUTHERN ILLINOIS)

2016 When I was a freshman, I met the Alpha Phi chapter president who was on the student government executive board. We clicked, and I automatically felt as though I belonged and had a role model.

I decided to run for student body president, because I love leadership and had a passion for my home, SIUE. I wanted to make our university a better place for students so that they could have a life-changing and growing experience like I did.

Initiated

Brea Thompson Starmer

(BETA RHO-WASHINGTON STATE) 2001

Inspiration to run for student body president

On the first day of school, I attended a Get Involved session and met the sitting student body president.

I couldn’t help myself, I just blurted out, “I want to have your job one day!” After he stopped laughing, he offered me a few suggestions and introduced me to someone who would be very impactful to me, his vice president, Anne Brown Roberts (Beta Rho-Washington State).

I posted on all my social media platforms, made group pages, talked to students during meals, passed out buttons, and went to off-campus housing and slid flyers under every single door

Campaign tactics

We printed thousands and thousands of fliers, and my sisters put them under windshield wipers across campus. We painted giant signs and put them on the most trafficked corners, stood on campus and met our constituents and attended every single chapter, residence hall or club meeting we could. Debates were recorded and shown on campus TVs, and we were covered by the student newspaper.

Students get an email with a link, and there are also stations in our main building.

What was the voting process on your campus?

Via computer by logging into the university portal.

Mental health and student wellness advocacy.

I was able to get the SIUE police number and counseling/health services number on the back of all student ID cards.

Topics of concer n as student body president

Diversity and inclusion (we staged demonstrations, repurposed a building as a multicultural student center, and ensured our diversity-based organizations were well-funded); a referendum to rebuild our dated student union (the largest student-supported development effort in state history); student-professor relations (we built a Student Advisory Council).

They posted on social media and wore campaign buttons, and one sister helped me distribute fliers to all the buildings off campus.

Support f rom your Alpha P hi sisters

My Alpha Phi sisters stood alongside me at every point of the way. From campaign trenches to telethons, I honestly couldn’t have been elected without their effort.

Social Media Email voting Student wellness

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Fliers University portal Diversity

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Iconic

PROMO PHOTO This fun photo was used in an Alpha Phi recruitment brochure in the 1980s. We found it in our archives and thought it was apropos as the Executive Office prepares for a two-day photo shoot this summer that will include collegians and alumnae.

There will be Alpha Phi-branded merchandise and group pictures of women walking and laughing, but we promise there won’t be any ankle socks or teased bangs.

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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 AP_Dues_Ad_2019_P5.pdf

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