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ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA MEMBERS
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Members: Alpha Sigma Alpha
By: Christy Adams, DΗ, past director of collegiate services and Vanessa David, DK , director of alumnae engagement
Thinking about how Alpha Sigma Alpha has shaped members’ lives, one begins to wonder how the aspects of membership have changed over the years – if at all. To gain a better understanding of this evolution, the longest initiated member and the newest initiated member were interviewed regarding their perspectives on membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority.
Bettie Asbury Forbach
INITIATED DECEMBER 17, 1941
Alpha Beta Chapter and longtime member of the Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter
Bettie Asbury Forbach was born September 24, 1918, and turned 101 in 2019. Her father was a school teacher from Rothville, MO where Bettie was born. She attended Northeast Missouri Teachers College (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, MO. She graduated in 1942 with a B.S. in Education focusing on English and Speech. After a long teaching career, she retired in 1975.
Baby spoon gift for Bettie from the Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter for her son's birth in February 1954.
What attracted you to ASA?
The sorority was seeking out girls taking education courses. They invited me.
What is your favorite memory or moment in Alpha Sigma Alpha (whether that’s as a collegian or as an alumna member)? I asked a few of the girls to attend church with me and they agreed. It was a church I had never attended and it turned out to be an AfricanAmerican congregation. It was a positive broadening experience for us all.
What did your sisters like to do together while in college? We enjoyed sharing personal experiences with each other and having small study groups.
What were some of the trends or “fads” while you were a collegiate member in Alpha Sigma Alpha? Radio shows like "Abbott and Costello" or "Bob Hope" were very popular. Also, big bands like Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman and swing dancing like the Jitterbug were popular.
How has Alpha Sigma Alpha made an impact on your life? Membership taught me to be more at ease when meeting new people.
What is your advice for a current collegiate member of Alpha Sigma Alpha on how to make the most of their time in Sorority while still in school? Get involved in as many activities as you can. In other words, broaden your knowledge.
Ashley Dacanay
INITIATED DECEMBER 6, 2019
Nu Nu Chapter Drexel University, PA
What attracted you to ASA?
When I was going through the recruitment process I immediately clicked with every sister I spoke to in Alpha Sigma Alpha. The conversations flowed very naturally and I felt welcome and comfortable to the point that I did not want to leave. Another thing that really attracted me was our philanthropic partners and what service and giving means to our organization. I am a big advocate for loving myself and having self-confidence, so I really connected to Girls on the Run and their goal in empowering young girls.
What has been your favorite memory or moment so far? One of my favorite moments was definitely big/little sister reveal. I remember being so excited when I found out that one of my best friends also had the same big sister. When she finally revealed herself, the two of us tackled her in a hug. I can’t wait to relive that moment with my own little sister.
What do your sisters like to do together? We do a lot together! We usually go shopping and go out to dinner and different events on campus, but one of my personal favorite things to do is just sit inside, watch a movie and eat a bunch of junk food. I really enjoy the simple moments when we can just talk and bond.
What is trendy for collegians?
Honestly, there are so many types of women in my chapter and we’re all into a variety of different things that it’s hard to point out specific trends. Each person has her own style and her own interests. Some fashion trends that I have noticed is Vans or street sneakers, ripped jeans, denim jackets and
hoodies. Being in college, we are constantly on the go, so most of us prioritize comfort when it comes to our outfits. For past times I know many of us enjoy self-care. Since college can be stressful at times, we love to just take a night to relax, do some face masks and listen to music.
Alpha Sigma Alpha has given me a sense of belonging on campus. Throughout high school I had a hard time finding my core group of people, so I was determined to find them when I got to college. By joining ASA, I have found the people I need to stand by me and to support me as I support them. I have also made so many connections that I definitely would not have made if I didn’t join Alpha Sigma Alpha. Since our chapter is so diverse, I have gotten to know so many different women that are unique and beautiful in their own way.
