Winter 2009
of Alpha Sigma Alpha
THE PLACE TO BE: Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters
ON THE COVER: Headquarters sign can be seen as you drive by the property.
F E AT U R E S Winter 2009 4
COVER STORY: THE PLACE TO BE: ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS To be a part of history in the making . . .
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CHAPTER PROFILE: ZETA MU CHAPTER MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN A BOY’S LIFE
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ALUMNA PROFILE: ALUMNA FOLLOWS OPEN MOTTO TO REALIZE HER CHILDHOOD DREAM
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DEPARTMENTS 9 14 15 16 20 22 23
ALUMNASTAR STAR ALUMNA S. S. JUNE JUNE SMITH SMITH CENTER CENTER NEWS NEWS FOUNDATION FOUNDATION NEWS NEWS DISTRICT DISTRICT NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS & & EVENTS EVENTS NPC NPC NEWS NEWS FROM FROM THE THE 〈⌺〈 〈⌺〈 ARCHIVES ARCHIVES
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of Alpha Sigma Alpha Volume 95, Number 1
Winter 2009
FROM THE EDITOR
DEPARTMENTS 21 24 26 27 30 31
Dear Readers, The year 2008 was a very busy and exciting year for Alpha Sigma Alpha. Not only was it a national convention and leadership conference year, but we moved in to our new national headquarters in September. We also launched new District Day programming that I hope you got to experience this past fall and this spring.
FOUNDATION NEWS DISTRICT NEWS NEWS & EVENTS VOLUNTEER DIRECTORY IN MEMORIAM
This issue is dedicated to the grand opening of our national headquarters. For those that missed it, I hope that this issue gives you an idea of how special this day was for everyone in attendance. It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of emotions were floating in the air.
FROM THE 〈⌺〈 ARCHIVES
Write in and let me know what you think about this issue. Enjoy your reading! Mizpah,
DEADLINES Summer . . . . . . . . . . . March Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Winter . . . . . . . . . September Spring . . . . . . . . . . December
STAFF 10 10 10 10
EDITOR Editor/Communications & Marketing Coordinator Louise Morales, ⌮⍀ lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org
PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Produced by Maury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis. © Alpha Sigma Alpha.
Senior Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z. Reese, 〉⌼ niz.reese@gmail.com
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Send address changes, death notices and business correspondence to the national headquarters. Address all editorial correspondence to the editor.
9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-871-2920 Fax: 317-871-2924 Email: asa@alphasigmaalpha.org ™
POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Printed in the USA.
The inks used to print the body of this publication contain a minimum of 20%, by weight, renewable resources.
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Cover story: headquarters dedication
To be a part of history in the B Y L O U I S E M O R A L E S , ⌮⍀, Communications & Marketing Coordinator/Editor K R Y S T A L S L I V I N S K I , ⌫⌹, Executive Director
Alpha Sigma Alphas and friends mingled on the front lawn of national headquarters as they anxiously waited for the grand opening ceremony to start. The wait was finally over. The grand opening of Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters was the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our members. Over 100 Alpha Sigs gathered in Indianapolis to explore this impressive site for the first time. 4
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A dedication ceremony, releasing of lady bugs, self-guided tours and lunch underneath white tents were part of the fun planned for this long awaited moment in 〈⌺〈 history. The grand opening was a two-day affair. Friday, 〈⌺〈 opened its doors to family, friends, vendors and the local Greek community. Headquarters staff and national council members gave personal tours to those that attended. WINTER 2009
making‌ Staff members of Sigma Kappa Sorority, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, the NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference and Association of Fraternity Advisors were in attendance to celebrate and congratulate Alpha Sigma Alpha. WINTER 2009
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Cover story: headquarters dedication
National headquarters history The sorority’s first “official” central office was established in 1952 in Kenmore, NY. In 1964, the central office was relocated to Springfield, MO. For most members, the headquarter facility we remember was at 1201 E. Walnut St. in Springfield, MO. In late 1997, national council voted to relocate the sorority’s headquarters to Indianapolis, IN. Since 1998, the sorority has operated in Indianapolis in various leased facilities. In August of 2000, then President Marianne Busch Bullock, 〉⌰, announced that the sorority had purchased nearly 3 acres of land for our permanent facility. Since that time, there has been a lot of planning, researching and organizing to prepare us for the next step — moving our plans into reality. In the fall of 2006, the facility project team, comprised of Facility Project 6
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Coordinator Marianne Bullock, 〉⌰, past National President Lori Scott, EE, Executive Director Krystal Slivinski, ⌫⌹, National Vice President of Finance Kim Benson, ⌬⌵-〉, began meeting to lay out the bidding and financing processes to move forward. In December of 2006, the formal bidding process began to select an architectural firm for the project. After reviewing the proposals received from several local firms, national council voted in February 2007 to select Browning Construction as general contractor for the project with Cripe Architects + Engineers handling the facility design. During the next few months, we finalized our construction financing, contract with Browning and the design for the facility. On June 23, 2007, we were able to celebrate a ceremonial ground breaking with WINTER 2009
Aster & Narcissus Garden In the front of the building, there is a lamp post that was sponsored by the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter in honor of the women who worked at our first national headquarters in Kenmore, NY. The front garden is the Aster and Narcissus Garden sponsored by several past national presidents. Over 200 narcissus bulbs are planted in the front flower beds. Founders’ Memorial Garden In the back of the building there is a Founders’ Memorial Garden sponsored by past and present Foundation Board of Trustee members. The garden includes a sign pointing to Farmville, VA, which was sponsored by Alpha Chapter. There are also sponsored memorial benches. Each bench has a line of the Creed engraved on it. Wildlife area In field beyond the garden, there are wooden posts with signs. These signs designate that area as a certified wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. This area is a little less than two acres and has a small stream (Payne Branch) running through the woods. The Payne Branch eventually flows into the White River that runs through downtown Indianapolis. Wildlife that has been seen on our property: ■ Coyote (affectionately named “Alphie”) ■ White-tailed deer ■ Opossum ■ Raccoon ■ Numerous birds WINTER 2009
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Cover story: headquarters dedication
many of our volunteers at Extreme Leader Weekend. In September of 2007, the earth really started to move, literally. The land was cleared, foundation and slab work was completed and the trusses and walls started to form the shape of the facility. The construction team was able to get the facility watertight before winter blew in which allowed them to begin work on the interior during the cold winter months. By the end of March 2008, the facility interior was ready for a walk through. In April, the remainder of the exterior work was completed — including Executive directors 1952–63 1963–64 1964–66 1966–91 1991–2003 2003 2003–06 2006–Current
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Central Office Executive Central Office Executive Executive Secretary Headquarters Executive Executive Director Interim Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director
the paving and landscaping. Finally, in May 2008, we received our final certificate of occupancy from the city of Indianapolis and moved in on May 8, 2008. During the construction process, we also undertook a major fundraising initiative, the Key Campaign, Unlocking the Door to our Future. This was really a unique opportunity for us to be able to involve our membership in supporting the facility project. In all, 174 members, friends and family of Alpha Sigma Alpha donated over $61,000 to the Key Campaign.
Jean Carmichael Vedder Richard, ⌸⌸ Margaret Hammond Nelson, ⌸⌸ Juanita Roberts Rowe, 〉⌺ Rose Marie Fellin, 〉⌺ Lisa Tait Longo, ⌫⌯ Brenda Mesalam, ⌾⌾ Nancy Coffin Coleman, ⌾⌾ Krystal Geyer Slivinski, ⌫⌹ WINTER 2009
Alumna star
Alpha Beta alumna authors historical novel B Y C R E T I A R O W L E T T E , ⌽⌽ Washington, DC, Alumnae Chapter Editor Each year the Missouri State Teacher’s Association selects new books for their Reading Circle Program. In 2008, The Feedsack Dress was one of the books recommended for grades five through eight. A writer and editor, Carolyn Mulford, 〈〉, came full circle in selecting Missouri as the place for her preparation for retirement. Writers, she says, don’t really retire. She currently is working on a mystery series set in Missouri and living there facilitates her research. “Crossing the Bridge,” her first mystery short story, has just been published in Chesapeake Crimes III, an anthology focusing on the Chesapeake Bay area. Carolyn holding a quilt that her great-aunt Mid-2007 marked the publication of Carolyn’s made in the 1940s. Most of the pieces first novel, The Feedsack Dress, a middle school reader used in the quilt are from feedsacks. set in 1949. To her delight, the book elicits a powerful emotional response from adults who remember the days of feedsack dresses. The book conveys a true picture of that time and of the timeless trials of adolescence. A visit to her family in northeast Missouri inspired her to write the book after she had worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Dessie, Ethiopia, and as a technical editor for the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. “Living in other countries made me aware that people everywhere share basic goals, but each individual time, and place is unique. I wanted to capture one special time and place, and I chose 1949, the year electricity came to my part of rural Missouri and enabled farmers to produce more and live better,” Carolyn says. One of Carolyn’s favorite activities as a child was reading, and that led her to pursue a career as a writer and editor. “It is natural as a reader to want to be a writer,” she says. Editing school newspapers and earning a master’s degree in journalism prepared her for a career that began on the staff of a national education magazine. She later operated her own editorial business, which provided writing and editing services for such clients as the American Red Cross, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Library of Congress. She has written more than a thousand articles for newspapers, magazines, newsletters and four nonfiction books. One of her most rewarding jobs was editing a national journal that featured outstanding service-learning programs around the United States. Reflecting on her career, Carolyn says, “No matter what you do, it’s important that you like it. We spend one-third of our lives working, so we should do something that gives satisfaction, provides stimulation and makes us feel we’re contributing to society in general or a specific group.” To that end, she’s pleased that as she prepares for retirement, she can focus on writing fiction, exactly want she wants to do. Caroyln has started a blog—www.FeedsackKids.typepad.com—recalling 1949 and containing the first chapter of The Feedsack Dress. In her blog, she also shares with her readers how to maintain the facts in writing historical novels. You can order her book online from her publisher Cave Hollow Press by visiting www.cavehollowpress.com. Although Carolyn returned to her native Missouri in 2007, the Washington, DC, Alumnae Chapter still considers her an extended part of the group. The alumnae chapter held a farewell event honoring Carolyn, a member for nearly 37 years, for her dedication and contributions. WINTER 2009
Fall 1949 is scary but exciting for farm girl Gail Albright. When she begins junior high at the nearby town of Craigsburg, Gail has no idea of the struggles and friendships she will find. She’s the butt of jokes made by class snob Veronica Holt and Veronica’s stuck-up clique. And they especially make fun of Gail for wearing a feedsack dress her mother made. After Gail’s first taste of humiliation, she must find a way to overcome her embarrassment and anger. The only thing harder than putting up with Veronica’s mean teasing is finding the strength to beat her at her own games. With a little help from her friends, Gail might just pull it off.
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CHAPTER PROFILE Zeta Mu Chapter with Tanner, in the white t-shirt, at the autism awareness walk.
Zeta Mu Chapter makes a difference in a boy’s life B Y A N G E L I N E P I S K O R S K I , ⌬⌭ Phoenix Contributor “When I think of Tanner, I light up.” Mallory Hall, a member of the Zeta Mu Chapter at Missouri Western State University, works with Tanner, a 14-yearold boy with autism. Mallory Hall is one of many Zeta Mu members who have opened their hearts to Tanner Bachman and his family. Zeta Mu Chapter has truly been making a difference in the life of a child, a family and a community. Everyone who works with Tanner, or who meets Tanner, talks about how he has changed his or her life. Tanner’s life began like any other child. He met all developmental milestones, had great eye contact and began speaking as most growing toddlers. His aunt, Zeta Mu Chapter Standards Advisor Kathy Kelly, says his first word was “twinkie.” However, his family began to notice a sudden withdrawal in Tanner’s interactions. Kathy said that “he withdrew from the world and stopped speech all together.” Initially, Tanner’s family believed his withdrawal was a result of being with his stay-at-home mother. This thought was quickly ruled out after he became preoccupied with lying on the floor and watching the ceiling fan. 10
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Tanner’s mother, Jaime Bachman, began to make a checklist of all the symptoms he began to display. One of the items added to the checklist was Tanner’s behavior at his second birthday party. Like most 2-year-olds, Tanner was given many toys. He quickly bypassed all toys and focused his attention on a small bus, which he turned on its side and spun its wheels. It was shortly after this day that Tanner would be diagnosed with severe autism. Through research Kathy found the Applied Behavior Analysis program (ABA). Research has shown with early intervention children can go on to lead normal lives. The ABA program focuses on positive reinforcement for desired behaviors. Jaime began a home-based program immediately. An ABA specialist came to the family’s home to help develop and implement the program. At this time, both the ABA specialist and the family identified the need for additional help. They were looking for upbeat enthusiastic people to work one-on-one with Tanner in developing his daily living skills. Kathy asked members of Zeta Mu inquiring if anyone would be interested in helping. Several members responded. Having no experience, the members
received training from the specialist on how to keep and track data to ensure Tanner’s program is modified as he progresses. This is now an on-going commitment for the Zeta Mu sisters. When one sister leaves the program another replaces her. Although it appears Tanner has a lot of support from his family, the ABA specialist and Zeta Mu Chapter members, the town he lives in has little to no autism support or resources. The closest support network is more than 60 miles away. As a result, Jaime started the Autism Alliance of Northwest Missouri (nwmoautismalliance.org). The organization started as a small word-of-mouth gathering consisting of 35 people. At the second meeting, the organization decided to organize and facilitate an autism awareness walk in their community. Kathy again asked the Zeta Mu members for help. The response was overwhelming. In addition, to a commitment from the entire chapter, the Zeta Mus approached the campus Greek community, and they received a commitment of participation from almost all active Greek organizations. The walk raised over $15,000. Kathy admits, “This is the first time all the Greek WINTER 2009
organizations on campus really banned together. It was amazing.” The Autism Alliance of Northwest Missouri is planning on using the money to establish autism resources for their area. Their goal is to service the surrounding 12 counties. Although the Zeta Mu Chapter works to help Tanner, he has taught each member many valuable life lessons. Mallory says that he is a brave little boy and has taught her a lot. Mallory remembers a time when Tanner was sick, but wasn’t able to communicate his pain and discomfort. As a result, he was hospitalized. Mallory visited Tanner. “When I walked in the room he lit up. It made me so happy that through all his pain he was still happy to see me,” Mallory says. Tanner and Mallory walked around the hospital and stopped for his favorite snack, french fries and Sprite. Mallory says, “Tanner teaches us that through all of the pain to still smile and play!” Jessica Payne’s interaction with Tanner was so profound she realized she wanted to continue to help children like Tanner and changed her major to occupational therapy. Jessica taught Tanner about
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Halloween. When asked what he would do for Halloween, Tanner learned to respond, “I am wearing a costume and going trick or treating.” Jessica was delighted to hear that Tanner shared this information with his doctor during a visit. “I felt really good knowing I am doing my job right, and Tanner is able to take what I taught him and use it in the real world,” Jessica says. Tanner continues to grow and learn new things with the help of the women in Alpha Sigma Alpha. Taylor Cunningham states, “I love to see his face when the light bulb goes off, and he knows he has the right answer and he knows you are happy with him!” Tanner teaches the people that work with him and the people in his community to not judge one another, but appreciate our differences. He is a wonderful role model to all of us and breaks all autism labels and stereotypes. He is just a boy enjoying the community, his family and the people in his life. Couldn’t we all be so lucky?
Tanner and his current Zeta Mu teachers, Mariah Mueller, Jessica Payne and Taylor Cunningham.
Facts about autism ■ ■ ■ ■
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1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism 67 children are diagnosed every day More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade Autism receives less than 5 percent of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases There is no medical detection or cure for autism (Source: Autism Speaks)
For other ways to make a difference with autism, check out the following web sites: ■ Autism Speaks — www.autismspeaks.org ■ Autism Society of America — www.autism-society.org ■ Autism Research Institute — www.autism-society.org ■ Autism Collaboration — www.autism.org
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Alumna PROFILE 〈⌺〈 alumna follows open motto to realize her childhood dream
Above: Lisa and her Beagle-Jack Russell pup Lucy sporting Fur A Home™ merchandise. Left: Merchandise available online.
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BY NANCY MARINUCCI I E R V O L I N E , 〈⌫ Phoenix Contributor Think back to when you were a child. Was there one toy, one game or one kind of sport you always wanted to play? Now, take a look at where you are in your life right now. Is that toy, game or sport in some way a part of your life as an adult? Lisa Sculco Lotito, ⌭⌳, is definitely living her childhood dream. Growing up, Lisa wanted to be a veterinarian. She always had some kind of pet and while her friends were playing with baby dolls, she had a collection of stuffed animals in band-aids, slings and casts. But, as she grew up, her life took a different path. In 2001, Lisa moved to Indiana, PA, from New Kensington, PA, to be with her now husband, Frank, whose business is located in Indiana. New to the area, Lisa quickly became involved. She was on the Indiana Bicentennial planning committee and over the years has been associated with many local organizations, agencies and community events. Although she has had many different jobs in the marketing, advertising and health-care fields over the course of her 25-year career, her desire to work with animals never went away. It may have taken some time, but in August, her childhood dream to work with animals finally came true when she announced the grand opening of her online business, www.GoodPawsGoodCause.org. Good Paws is an online store that sells merchandise for pets and people and donates 10% of each retail sale back to charitable organizations. With a desire to build a creative business that would connect the pet industry to causes that make a difference, Paws has created a circle of giving. “I wanted to provide a place where people could go to shop for their pet but also get something for themselves,” Lisa said. “Our items appeal to pet owners because they are buying something they want or need as well as making a contribution to causes that are important.”
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There are three different brands of merchandise and each has a good cause connected to it: Fur A Home™ — sales benefit no-kill animal shelters and pet adoption with donations going to Four Footed Friends Inc. and PetSmart Charities. Fur A Cure™ — sales benefit cancer research and education with donations going to Penn State Hershey Cancer Center and the National Canine Cancer Foundation Fur The Earth™ — sales benefit earth conservation with donations going to Evergreen Conservancy and the Conservation Fund. The Fur A Cure™ brand has special meaning to Lisa. She worked with and for cancer patients during her years with the American Cancer Society. “My work at the American Cancer Society gave me a chance to give back to my community in a way I never had before,” she explained. Lisa began to realize what was important to her when a few things in her life happened. Her father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005, and her dog Louie died of lymphoma in 2006. “My dad was very lucky,” Lisa said. “His lung cancer was found early and was treated with surgery. Most lung cancers are found late stage and have a poor prognosis.” Lisa’s dog Louie had Stage IV lymphoma. By the time he was diagnosed, all of his internal organs were failing. She and her husband made the difficult decision to put him to sleep. “It was the most difficult thing I have ever done,” Lisa recalled. “Louie had been my life and love for 10 years. To see what cancer did to him was difficult, but I am glad I was with him until the very end.” Then, on a sunny afternoon in early June of 2008, Lisa was less than one mile
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from her home, when she had a horrible car accident. “I was in a hurry,” Lisa explained. “There is no excuse for it, I was trying to do too many things at once, and my mind was not on the road that afternoon.” Lisa was hit on the driver’s side as she made a left hand turn. The force of the commercial van that hit her flipped her SUV. Suspended by her seatbelt, she had to free herself and crawl out of her driver side window. The vehicle was a total loss. Fortunately, she only suffered a broken rib and some cuts and bruises. No one else was injured in the accident. “It was my wake up call,” Lisa said. “I heard the message loud and clear: ‘SLOW DOWN.’ I made a vow that day to make some changes in my life.” She definitely made a change but didn’t slow down. By the beginning of July, she had given notice to her employer and put all of her time and effort into her dream that was just in the infancy stages. As luck would have it, the web site designer in Lisa’s Indiana Business Women networking group had just purchased a franchise for online shopping and needed a product to sell. The two teamed-up and Good Paws got its long awaited start! As an Alpha Sigma Alpha alumna and founding sister of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA, Lisa wanted to reach out to her own community with her new venture. That is why Good Paws is proud to support local non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania as well as national organizations that are highly rated. The web site keeps community a part of the giving by participating and sponsoring a variety of area events for charities. The Wags & Whiskers Gala raised money for Four Footed Friends Inc., the local animal charity connected to Fur A Home™ merchandise. Woofstock was a day long festival where people and their pets participated in a pledge walk for the Animals of Rescue Village in Ohio. Canines For Cancer was a champagne lunch and fashion show hosted by a local hospital with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. All of these
events and others spread the message of awareness while raising funds for good causes. Good Paws goes even further by offering wholesale prices on the t-shirts to non-profit groups and organizations. “This is a great way to keep the contribution circle going.” Lisa said. “By giving non-profits a way to make money for their own cause and raise awareness, Good Paws is helping communities in need.” Gabriella Ben, a Good Paws shopper, likes knowing she is making a difference with her purchase. “It makes giving easy,” Gabriella explained. “I believe we need to do everything we can to conserve and protect our planet. When I buy a Fur The Earth™ item, I am doing my part for earth conservation. And, it is a great way to let others know that you support good causes. Every time I walk Molly, Emily and Mackenzie, we are spreading the word about earth conservation and how important it is.” Darlene Graham is a volunteer at Four Footed Friends Inc. in Indiana, PA. She appreciates the work Good Paws is doing and feels the message it is sending about animal welfare organizations can only do good. “I see many sad stories at the shelter,” Darlene said. “We have limited space at the shelter, and there are so many cats and dogs that need good homes.” Four Footed Friends is grateful for the donations they receive from the Fur A Home™ merchandise, but knows Good Paws is doing so much more. “The site is really raising awareness and allowing other animal shelters and adoption agencies to help themselves,” Darlene said. Good Paws has a variety of merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, bandanas and jackets. There is merchandise available for people and pets. Additional items like collars, baseball caps, pet tags and more will be available soon.
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Dr. Seuss challenges everyone to imagine the possibilities BY KENNETH HARRISON S. June Smith Center Executive Director
A very wise person once said, “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” That wise person was Theodore Geisel, better known to most of us as Dr. Seuss. Underneath the humor is a profound point: Human possibilities only exist if we can first imagine them. A scene from the T3 (Tinker, Touch and Taste) program that works with children having feeding and food issues.
This is especially true for children. We often think of children with disabilities in terms of their challenges and limitations; defining them and their future according to what they cannot do, rather than what they can. That is a big part of our role at the S. June Smith Center. We not only work with children and their families in a very tangible, hands-on way. We also help children and families reframe their perspectives. The future looks very different when you think of possibilities rather than limitations. With the proper therapeutic and educational tools, and a healthy dose of creative imagination, our children can accomplish amazing things. Where there are no dreams, not much gets accomplished. You have to first imagine before you can do. This is true for our work at the S. June Smith Center. “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the
WAYS TO GIVE
thinks you can think up if only you try!”
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Conduct a GoodSearch The S. June Smith Center can earn $0.01 every time you search the Internet. Log onto www.goodsearch.com and use it as you would any search engine. Be sure to enter the S. June Smith Center as the charity you wish to support. Donate a car, boat, motorcycle or RV Through the Cars 4 Causes Program, we can now accept your vehicle, boat or travel trailer donation, in running condition or not. Submit a vehicle donation form online at www.cars4causes.net or call
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1-800-766-CARE. Provide general information about the vehicle and select the S. June Smith Center as the charity you wish for your donation to benefit. The vehicle will be towed at no cost to you. Create a registry or wish list Getting married? Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary? Create a wedding registry or wish list using www.justgive.org. Select the S. June Smith Center as your beneficiary of donations and use the web site tools to tell your friends and family about your choice.
For information on any of these opportunities, please contact Elyse Kauffman at (717) 299-4829 or ekauffman@sjunesmith.com. For more ideas on how to give, visit www.sjunesmith.org. The S. June Smith Center is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation. All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Mail the S. June Smith Center at 600 Eden Road, Building I, Lancaster, PA 17601.
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FOUNDATION news
A great way to donate to the 〈⌺〈 Foundation is to sign up for our automatic funds transfer program.
Dear 〈⌺〈 Sisters,
Donors who give $250 or more each year (just $21 per month) are recognized as
As I listened to the recent economic news, I began to think about the role of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. One of the best investments that we can make is in people, and that is what we are asking our donors to do. I want our sisters to have the best possible chances in their careers and in their life. I believe that the opportunities the Foundation can provide for their development will help them achieve their dreams. Our organization is dependent on gifts from sisters like you so we can continue to invest in the potential of women through service, leadership and lifelong learning. You play a crucial role in supporting our mission. Last year, our donors made a difference in the lives of over 4,000 people by providing: ■ ■ ■ ■
$10,000 for the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute $1,600 for District Day programming $5,000 for an officer transition program $11,425 for 23 scholarships
members of the Heritage Society.
Scholarship committee seeks volunteers The 〈⌺〈 Foundation’s scholarship committee is seeking volunteers to help evaluate scholarship applications. Scholarship application review will begin in March 2009, but the committee works year round on scholarship updates and recommendations. If you are interested in volunteering,
This year the Foundation has been asked to fulfill $69,366 in grant requests to provide further learning and leadership opportunities such as Extreme Leader Weekend, The Leadership Institute for District Day, leadership consultant training, online advisor training and national convention and leadership conference. We are happy to report that we have already been able to grant $20,250, but we have more educational programs to fund for our sisters! There is true power in all of us working together. If each member reading this donated just $25, together we would raise over $750,000. Just imagine what exciting programs the Foundation could fund!
please contact Foundation Executive Director Stacy Johnson at
sjohnson@alphasigmaalpha.org or (317) 713-1924.
You can invest in our sisters today by donating online at www.alphasigmaalphaorg/making-the-gift or mailing a check to the address below. Thank you for your support. I look forward to hearing from you soon! Yours in Alpha Sigma Alpha,
Jessica Bridwell McKenna, ⌮⌸ Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation Chairman jessmckenna@gmail.com
9002 Vincennes Circle ■ Indianapolis, IN 46268 ■ Phone: (317) 713-1924 ■ Fax: (317) 713-1925 E-mail: fndstaff@alphasigmaalpha.org Web: www.alphasigmaalpha.org/foundation
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D istrict news
1. Gamma Lambda Chapter members at their fall formal held in the Sutton Place downtown Chicago. Pictured from left: Kim Dionisio, Victoria Cservenyak, Cara McCarty, Lindsay Haar. 2. Buffalo Alumnae Chapter,celebrated Founders’ Day. Pictured are Daniele and Karen. 3. Theresa Pries (right), regional director of development north central of Special Olympics Wisconsin, accepts a check for over $800 raised at a silent auction held during a recent Beta Phi Chapter, University of Wisconsin-Stout, reunion. Presenting the check are co-chairs for the event, Janet Perret Dietrich (center) and Joanne Bowe Leonard. 4. The Blue Mountain, PA, Alumnae Chapter celebrated Founders’ Day with a luncheon at the Inn at Moselem Springs. Pictured from left: Gretta Haag Young, ⌭⌲, Andrea Crawford Stock, ⌫⌹, April Piper Schaffer, ⌬⌷, Theresa Krufka Podguski, ⌫⌹, Janet Loeper Scull, ⌫⌹, Lisa Krick Reaser, ⌭⌲, and Andrea Heckman, ⌭⌲. 5. In April 2008, Tulsa Alumnae Chapter members attended a luncheon to honor Becky Hockett Hamby, 〉⌫, as their Tulsa Area Alumnae Panhellenic Woman of the Year. 6. Delta Chi Chapter members at Bloomsburg University, PA, before a 3K mile walk/run to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. 7. While at last year’s convention and conference, Zeta Kappa Chapter members from Minnesota State University-Mankato posed in front of a phoenix statue at the Albuquerque Zoo. The phoenix statue, sculpted by Una Hanbury in 1985, is titled “Phoenix Rising from the Ashes.”
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Sisterhood & Fun
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Relationships, Responsibility & Enjoyment 5
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1. Philadelphia Metro Alumnae Chapter members celebrate family on their annual post-Mother’s Day trip to Broadway. Pictured are Terry Diamond-Daly, ⌲⌲, and her mom Floss; Sara Shuttleworth Lipsett, ⌲⌲, and daughter Annie; Kathy Gaughan Gallagher, ⌲⌲, and her mom Kathy. 2. The Des Moines, IA, Alumnae Chapter met for their Annual Ice Cream Social. Everyone shared their favorite dessert topping and enjoyed a fun night of sisterhood. Pictured in back row from left to right: Heidi Onstot Johnson, ⌮⌮, Drea Milobar Iseminger, ⌰〈, Faith Chapman McGee, ⌽⌽, and Loree Nouss, ⌽⌽. Pictured in the front row from left to right: Stacy Williams Horner, ⌯⌯, Bethany Moklestad Geiken, 〈〉, Laura Horkey Martin, ⌽⌽, and Dana Horkey Riley, ⌽⌽. 3. Clarksville, TN, Music City Alumnae Chapter attended bid day festivities at Zeta Omega Chapter, Austin Peay State University, TN. 4. Gamma Iota Chapter, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, held a bake sale to raise money for a local school in need for battered women. Pictured from left to right: Patricia Lavelle, Keri Tobin and Amanda Peacock. 5. The Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter gathered together as Deborah Dietrich, 〉⌵, shared a collection of plates given to her by a beloved member, Babs McKinley, ranging from a plate of the 1963 New York World’s Fair, Canadian plates, and most of the states east of the Mississippi. 6. Delta Nu-B Chapter at District 5 District Day held in Lansing, MI . Pictured from left to right: DeltaNu-B Chapter alumnae Kim Benson, Tracey Taylor, Detroit Suburban Alumnae Chapter president, Delta NuB collegiate members Tiffani Smith, Jennifer Norman, Amber Trickett, Brittany Murty and Tracy Schmitz. 7. Celebrating Founders’ Day 2008 at a gathering hosted by Nu Nu Chapter are Philadelphia Metro Alumnae Chapter members (from left to right) Ami Feller, ⌵⌵, Christie Shrom, ⌭⌫, Susanne Withsosky Alfonso, ⌵⌵, Krisy Plourde, ⌵⌵, and Stefanie Spatola, ⌬⌱.
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N ews & events
Two new leadership consultants traveling this spring Amy Hambrick, 〉⌳, graduated cum laude from the University of Central Arkansas in December 2008 with a bachelor of arts in sociology and a minor in political science. Amy served her collegiate chapter as president and vice president of public relations and recruitment. Her dedication to Alpha Sigma Alpha was rewarded when she received the District 7 Chapter Officer Guiding Star Award in the fall. Laura Smith, ⌮⍀, graduated from Austin Peay State University, TN, in December 2008 with a bachelor of arts in French with a double minor in international studies and women’s studies. Laura served Zeta Omega Chapter as treasurer for two years, vice president of public relations and recruitment and nominating committee chairman.
International Badge Day 2009 The 26-member organizations of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) are celebrating International Badge Day on March 2, 2009, an annual event during which sorority women everywhere honor their Greek affiliations by wearing their badge or letters. This year NPC will be joined by the women of the National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic
District Guiding Stars The district guiding star recognition program was established by the national volunteer recruitment and placement team to annually recognize outstanding members in each district. This program recognizes one collegiate chapter officer, one alumnae chapter officer, one advisor and one district volunteer. These guiding stars lead our members and chapters to attain their absolute best. Award winners go above and beyond the call of duty to advance the interests of Alpha Sigma Alpha. This is the third year that the volunteer and recruitment team has bestowed these recognitions upon members at District Day events. Congratulations to the following women who were recognized as district guiding stars at the fall District Day events. ■
District 3 Collegiate Chapter Officer: Jaime Vilsack, ⌫⌿, president at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter Officer: Marcia Goldstein, ⌬⌻, corresponding secretary for the Buffalo, NY, Alumnae Chapter District Volunteer: Heather Gerber, ⌫⌱, finance coaching team member for District 3
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District 6 Collegiate Chapter Officer: Jennifer Reece, ⌰⌮, president at the Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter Officer: Linda Lineback, ⌾⌾, treasurer for the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter Advisor: Brenda Mesalam, ⌾⌾, chapter advisor for Theta Zeta Chapter at Indiana University Purdue UniversityIndianapolis
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District 5 Collegiate Chapter Officer: Amanda Gaabo, ⌬⌵-〉, treasurer at Kettering University, MI
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District 7 Collegiate Chapter Officer: Amy Hambrick, 〉⌳, president at the University of Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter Officer: Lindsey Eaves, 〉⌳, president for the Diamond Alumnae Chapter in Arkansas Advisor: Susan Campbell, ⌬⌼, chapter advisor for the Delta Upsilon Chapter at the
University of TexasSan Antonio District Volunteer: Jenny Sterrett, ⌮⌻, member of the recruitment coaching team for District 7 ■
District 8 Collegiate Chapter Officer: Samantha Rice, 〉⌹, vice president of programming and ritual at Northern Illinois University Alumnae Chapter Officer: Karol Simari, ⌫〉, corresponding secretary for the Chicago West Alumnae Chapter Advisor: Megan Prescott, ⌽⌽, chapter advisor for the Gamma Lambda Chapter at Loyola University in Chicago District Volunteer: Kim Bayma, ⌿⌿, education coaching team leader for District 8
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Association, National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, National Multicultural Greek Council Inc. and National Pan-Hellenic Council as all celebrate their sorority experience. This year’s theme is “Keep Your
save the dates!
Fraternal Experience Close to Your Heart.”
〈⌺〈 announces LDI dates and locations Welcome the newest alumnae chapter
Photos of members needed Have you ever been traveling and seen one of our sorority symbols like the phoenix, star, palm tree or crown? If so, please send a picture of you in front of the symbol to Louise Morales at lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org. Pictures must be at least 500kb in size. Pictures submitted may be published in future issues of the Phoenix. Include your name, chapter and when and where the picture was taken.
Extension presentation updates Alpha Sigma Alpha is pleased to announce that we had expansion presentations at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls in late January, at The Pennsylvania State College of Technology in Williamsport in mid-February and at Texas A&M University–Chorpus Christi in late February. WINTER 2009
Please join us in welcoming Alpha Sigma Alpha’s newest alumnae chapter, the Hawaii Aloha Alumnae Chapter. Hawaii Aloha was founded on Sept. 27, 2008. Aloha! Your congratulatory note can be addressed to Alumnae Chapter President Sandy Stepakof Helling, ⌬⌱, 202 Aikahi Loop, Kailua, HI 96734.
Corrections A picture caption in the Fall Phoenix incorrectly identified Suzanne Kilgannon and Sarah Brenneman’s chapter affiliation. Suzanne’s chapter affiliation is Beta Iota and Sarah’s chapter affiliation is Gamma Xi. Because of an editing error, Margaret Ten Broeck, 〉⌲, was inadvertentley omitted from the In Memoriam listing featured in the Fall Phoenix. The Phoenix welcomes any suggestions, or complaints of errors that warrant correction. Please e-mail lmorales@ alphasigmaalpha.org.
The Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development
Institute (LDI) is scheduled for
july 24–26, 2009 at the Airport Hilton in St. Louis, MO, and
july 31–aug. 2, 2009 at the Airport Marriott in Pittsburgh, PA.
Each collegiate chapter is required to send four members
to the event. Registration packets will be mailed in
March so be on the lookout for more information.
LDI is a personal development and leadership training program designed to prepare upcoming chapter leaders for their role as chapter officers. PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA
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NPC NEws
Alpha Sigma Alpha National Panhellenic Conference Delegation Lynne Rachel Chambers, 〈, NPC Delegate Ellen Funk Morris, 〉⌳, NPC First Alternate Delegate Sue Zorichak, 〉〉, NPC Second Alternate Delegate Eleanor Borbas Williams, 〈, NPC Third Alternate Delegate Cindy Kelley, 〉⌸, National President, ex-officio
National Panhellenic Conference 2008 Interim Session BY JAMIE JONES MILLER Alpha Sigma Tau 2nd Alternate Delegate The National Panhellenic Conference met Oct. 16–18 for the 2008 interim session at the Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort in Stone Mountain, GA. The meeting was a “working session” with three town hall meetings and one general session, all of which reflected the work done by the board of directors, the executive committee and the NPC standing committees on strategic initiatives to advance the Conference.
forum to discuss how to improve current operations and to make recommendations on how to pursue a new and different course of action. The committee proposed several resolutions to improve organizational effectiveness, which were considered during the general session. Committee members also facilitated small-group discussions to address opportunities for action on the: ■ ■
New media initiatives Representatives of MediaSauce presented a proposal to project the appeal of joining an NPC member group to potential new members and parents. Under the proposed “Sorority Life” brand, MediaSauce will launch several electronic media tools to help NPC reach various audiences and to publicize the sorority experience. Visit npcwomen.org to view the “Sorority Life” initiative. MediaSauce and Kyle Communications, both Indianapolis-based companies, were selected in July 2008 to coordinate and lead NPC’s public relations and marketing needs. NPC long-range plan The NPC Long-Range Planning Committee presented its report on its review of the 2005–10 plan and its focus on the goal of organizational effectiveness. Led by Carol Warren, Pi Beta Phi, the committee was directed to provide the Conference with a 22
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Role of the delegate and the alternate delegates. Appointment of committee chairmen and committee members. Method of conducting Conference business. Necessity of Conference rules and regulations. Executive Committee term. Importance of trust and transparency.
Recommendations and areas of consensus reached by the small groups were presented to the Conference for consideration by Warren and committee members Karly K. Burns, Delta Zeta; Jana Clayton, Alpha Delta Pi; Carol Coordt, Kappa Delta; Betsy Sierk Corridan, Kappa Alpha Theta; Jennifer Daurora, Alpha Chi Omega; Kathleen Salisbury Massie, Delta Delta Delta; and Lori White Scott, Alpha Sigma Alpha. Task Force on Social Practices Earlier this year, the Task Force on Social Practices reviewed the Big Ten Social Policy Initiative. The presentation by the NPC members of the task force
during the interim session discussed initiatives at several universities to address the alcohol culture on campuses. Those activities include peer-monitoring programs, co-sponsored event policies and other programs. General session One general session conducted the business of the Conference, which included several amendments to the bylaws. Delegates voted on the name of the annual meeting of the corporation, the order of the rotation of the secretary and treasurer on the executive committee, the term of office of the executive committee, discipline and the Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA). Delegates also voted on two general resolutions: a college Panhellenic dues increase and National Advisor Appreciation Month. Resolutions that passed are posted on the NPC web site (npwomen.org) and on member group web sites. 2009 annual meeting The 2009 NPC annual meeting will be held Oct. 8–11 at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina.
Mission statement The National Panhellenic Conference exists to promote the values of and to serve as an advocate for its member groups in collaboration with those members, campuses and communities.
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From the 〈⌺〈 Archives
1966 READER’S GUIDE The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, the official quarterly publication of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, has been published continuously since 1914. Its mission is to reflect the character of the organization and its members and to communicate the goals and direction of the sorority and Foundation.
Contact us Post us: The Phoenix, Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268 E-mail us: lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org Call us: (317) 871-2920; for magazine questions, select ext. 20 Fax us: (317) 871-2924 Visit us: www.alphasigmaalpha.org
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The mansion at 1201 E. Walnut St. in Springfield, MO, served as the sorority’s national headquarters from 1966–1998. How to receive the Phoenix All collegiate members and alumnae members receive the Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Individual copies are mailed to each member’s permanent address and a few are sent to the chapter editor or the chapter house.
Parents and guardians Your daughter’s magazine is being sent to your address while she is in college. We hope you enjoy reading it too. If she is not in college, or is no longer living at home, please send us her new permanent address (see below).
How to change an address You can send address changes to the mailing address listed above or e-mail your old and new addresses to asa@alphasigmaalpha.org. You may also call us at (317) 871-2920, ext. 110.
How to get published
How to send a letter to the editor
Collegiate chapters and alumnae chapters: Each editor is a correspondent for the Phoenix magazine. View deadlines and photo requirements listed below. Chapter updates and photos must be submitted via e-mail to lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org. If you have news about an individual alumna, please send information to lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org or send information to the address above.
We always welcome your comments— both criticism and praise—about this publication. E-mail lmorales@ alphasigmaalpha.org or send mail to Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Photo requirements
General deadlines for submissions Winter issue: Sept. 10 Spring issue: Dec. 10 Summer issue: March 10 Fall issue: June 10
Please e-mail only high resolution photos at least 500kb in size. Only pictures that are of good quality can be used. Pictures that are blurry or have been scanned do not produce well and therefore cannot be used. Pictures should tell a story of what is happening. PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA
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After 21 years of membership, I still can’t adequately express what this sorority means to me and what it has brought to my life. The great thing is, it keeps bringing me more the longer I’m involved. I volunteer to give back to the organization and to contribute to its continued success and growth. By becoming an Arista Alumnae Association Gold Partner, I support the sorority financially, and, occasionally, save myself some money. 〈⌺〈 is not a choice in my life, it’s a part of my life, and I support it in the best ways I can. Lori Hobart, ⌵⌵, Arista Gold Partner National Housing Oversight Committee Chairman Film Distributor Royalty Accountant
To learn more about the Arista Alumnae Association or to register for membership, visit www.alphasigmaalpha.org or call (317) 871-2920.