Asa phoenix vol 87 no 3 spring 2002

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ALPHA

SIGMA

ALPHA Spring 2002

Alpha Sigma Alpha

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ASPIRE~SEE~ATIAIN

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embership in Alpha Sigma Alpha enhances life experiences throughout each member's life. Membership benefits individuals by encouraging continual personal growth and development in intellectual, physical, social and spiritual aspects of life.

Alpha Sigma Alpha membership is apparent in every aspect of a member's life. She has a better work experience, is more committed to her family and community involvement, is more socially active and is recognized for her positive character in every aspect of her life.

Members support others in the sorority by generously helping the growth of the organization with their time, experience and money throughout their lives.

Sorority membership encourages sharing joys, sorrows and problems with members who care about each other and who are willing to give full measure to help others in the sorority. Sorority ties strengthen over the years through maintaining contacts with collegiate members and broadens to the entire membership as members move into and through the alumnae experience.

Caring goes beyond the confines of sorority membership and expands to those who are not members. Alpha Sigma Alpha members give of themselves to improve their community through volunteer service and leadersh ip.

Alpha Sigma Alpha members make a difference because they learn leadership skills in college and refine their skills through lifetime leadership training and encouragement that they receive as alumnae.

The sorority continually nurtures members to become women of poise and purpose, reinforcing these characteristics through ou t a member's life. The sorority begins the process of encouraging social skills with collegians and continues developing women of poise and purpose within the alumnae program.

Alpha Sigma Alpha members are generous with their time and use that time effectively. A woman of purpose is attracted to missions that h ave positive outcomes and that use her time efficiently.

Alpha Sigma Alpha demands commitment from its members, bu t recognizes its responsibility to use that commitment effectively. Goals the sorority set are meaningful and when the sorority uses its members' combined talen ts to achieve these goals, the activities are clearly focused toward achieving meaningful ou tcomes.

Geraldine "Gerry" Vang Cox, NN Alumna

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SPRING2002

CONTENTS 10 Advantage

initiative focuses

on alumnae Now that m ost collegiate ch apters are wo rking with the Advantage initiative, Alpha Sigma Alpha will begin implem entatio n with alumnae m embe rs and alumnae ch apters.

12 Advantage

initiative looks at your financial needs

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FEATURES

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Convention news The schedule and featured speakers are a nnounced for this year's n atio n al conve ntion.

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New structure in Alpha Sigma Alpha's future Part two in a four-p art se ries focuses o n voluntee r o pportunities available within Alpha Sigma Alpha's new structure.

As part of the n ew A2:A Advantage initia tive, we discuss your fin an cial n eeds and h ow to get the m ost ou t of your m o n ey.

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Foundation news One m e mber tells why sh e gives to the founda tio n and a n ew foundatio n logo is unve iled.

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NPC meeting A report on the Natio nal Pan h elle nic Co nfe re nce's biennial sessio n .

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Advisor Academy Alpha Sigma Alpha holds first Advisor Academy.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

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Volume 87, Number 3

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DEADLINES Faii .... ................................ J une 10 Winter .... ...... .. ...... .. .. .September 10 Spring ........................ December 10 Summer ...... .. .... .. ............. March 10

EDITOR Editor/ Director of Communications

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STAFF

DEPARTMENTS

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Teresa Boyer Fishback, 6.K tfishback@alphasigmaalpha .org

Senior Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z. Reese, BY jnreese@mac.com

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Feature Editor

News to Note

Alphas Making a Difference

The latest n ews from the national organization.

Chapters report on philan thropic and community service proj ects.

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Nora Ten Broeck, BK ntenbroeck@juno.com

Alumnae Editor Christine Reising Keeley, EB Christine.Keeley@add .ssw.abbolt.com

Collegiate Editor Sara Jane Lowe Komer, BI sjlowekomer@hotmail .com

Alumnae Stars

Contributing Writer

Featuring the accomplishments of individual alumnae.

Margaret Barge Rimel, 6.H maggirimel@yahoo.com

Historian Sue Zorichak, BB szorichak@frontline-group.com

ON THE COVER The national organization has spent the past 18 months rolling out a new initiative the sorority to its members the vision out by our

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9550 Zionsville Rd. Suite 160 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-871-2920 Fax : 317-871-2924 Email : phoenix@alphasigmaalpha.org PHOEN IX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (USPS 43().640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9550 Zionsville Rd . Suite 160, Indianapolis, IN 46268 . Subscription price, $1 an issue, $3 a year. Periodicals postage paid at Ind ianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Produced by Maury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis. 漏Alpha Sigma Alpha .

Send address changes, death notices and business correspon路 dence to the national headquarters. Address all editorial correspondence to the editor.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 357 9) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9550 Zionsville Rd .

Suite 160 , Indianapolis, IN 46268 . Printed in the USA.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SPRING 2002

NATIONAL

CONVENTION

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NASHVILLE TENNESSEE Alpha Sigma Alpha's 42nd biennial national convention, july 25- 28, 2002, Sheraton Music City, Nashville, TN

BY JENNIFER GRIGGS, EE Director of Programming AND ELEANOR BORBAS WILLIAMS, A Convention Chairman

Poise and Purpose, in perfect harmony• •• this is the theme of the upcoming national convention and is a call to celebrate the well-balanced woman.

This convention is sure to surprise and excite all who attend. The schedule will feature workshops and speakers focusing on developing the poise and purpose in each of us.

We will be rejuvenated by the time we leave- having learned about the power of female friendships and the freedom of living a balanced life.

The personal development experiences will appeal to all members, no matter age or level of involvement. This convention is one you will want to attend with your friends!

So, spread the word and mark your calendars for July 25-28, 2002.

About Nashville Nashville is playing a new tune these days. In addition to the southern hospitality that has always marked "Music City USA," an excitement and rejuvenation influences visitors ~ almost immediately. The new Nashville boasts a new Country Music Hall of Fame, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, an updated Grand Ole Opry and the renovated Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art. Even though the ~ city's first association is with country music, its other nick..) name is "Athens of the South" for its dedication to fine arts and education.

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Notable speakers and event highlights Sandy Sheehy is the author of Connecting: The Enduring Power ofFemale Friendship, the first comprehensive book written on the subject. In her presentation, Sandy will share the 10 basic forms of friendship and the seven steps these relationships must go through if they are to last. The role of friendship changes throughout the life stages-from providing the first bonds outside the family for young girls to sustaining women in their 80s and beyond- and she will provide tips for maintaining these lasting, life-enhancing friendships.

SPRING 2002

Jody Stevenson is an author, speaker and counselor known for her "Soulutions for Living" series.

Her books include: Soul Purpose, How to Discover your Soul Purpose, and Soulutions. She has also contributed to the bestseller series, Chocolate for a Woman's SouL J ody will provide soulful insights and practical solutions for 21st century balance between family, work, play and quiet time.

This convention has a personal development focus that is sure to inspire. Workshops and speakers are scheduled to enhance development in each of the four aims: social, intellectual, physical and spiritual. Several options will be available to choose from in each workshop block.

Intellectual: Expand your knowledge and creativity in areas ranging from personal finance to emotional intelligence.

Social: Realize the influence you have in the lives of others, such as family, friends, community and culture.

This time will allow you to focus on relationships with others or how you can continue to positively impact the world around you.

Physical: Acknowledge the power and beauty that lies within as you learn about improving your physical and emotional well-being. Early morning activities will be offered on Saturday to get your energy flowing.

Spiritual: Take a journey with Jody Stevenson who will provide soulful insights and practical solutions for 21st century lifestyle balance. She says, "As human beings, we consist of a body, emotions, intellect and spirit. By acknowledging and consciously honoring all parts of yourself, you awaken your authenticity, sponsor your boundaries and mentor your purpose!" This is a presentation you don't want to miss.

Convention 2002 promises the opportunity to renew old friendships, make new friends, become a more well-rounded individual and enjoy outstanding speakers. Alumnae and collegians will be brought together to share time conducting business, elect national council, attend award presentations and participate in meaningful ceremonies. Convention is truly what Alpha Sigma Alpha is about- fun, friendship, community and sisterhood.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Convention schedule Thursday, July 25, 2002 Tours of Nashville are ava ilable through Gray Line Tours.

1:00 p.m .

Registration begins

7:00 p.m.

Welcome and Sanctuary Degree

Friday, July 26, 2002 10:00 a .m.

Business meeting

12:00 p.m.

Luncheon options (choose one): Featured speaker: Cindy Ryan, LH Featured speaker: Li nda Moore, AB

2:30p.m.

Social development workshops

4 :30 p.m.

Keynote speaker: Sandy Sheehy

7:00p.m.

Dinner and entertainment

Costs and registratloa Sandy Sheehy

Registration fee: The fee for attendees submitted online postmarked prior to June 15, 2002 is $209. After that registration fee increases to $309. Daily registration is $75 to June 15 and increases to $100 after that date.

Lindo Moore

Saturday, July 27, 2002 7:00a.m.

Morn ing exercise opportunities: group

9:30a .m.

Physical development workshops

11 :30 a .m.

Luncheon options (choose one)

walk/run , wa ter aerobics, yoga

Fashion show sponsored by Casual Corner

Accommodations package: The package includes •..,.,,.....,....., meals and three nights lodging. All rooms are noJil-sin()Jtinjir; Four persons to a room, $249 per person Three persons to a room, $299 per person Two persons to a room, $349 per person One person to a room with no guests, $399 One person to a room with up to 3 guests, $499

Etiquette

1 00 p.m.

Business meeting

3:00p.m.

Intellectual development workshops

4 :45p.m.

Convention photo

7:00p.m.

Installation

of National Council

and Awards

Banquet

Registration by mail: Paper registration forms can be J'e(l\IC~~~ by calling 317-871-2920 or downloaded from the web site. SObla-~­ the registration form and payment in one envelope to Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters, 9550 Zionsville Rd., Suite Indianapolis, IN 46268.

Sunday, July 28, 2002 9:00a.m.

Memorial Service

10:00 a .m.

Keynote speaker: jody Stevenson

11 :00 a.m.

Send off

Tours of Nashville are available through Gray Line Tours.

PHOENIX OF AlPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Registration by Intemet: Online registration is encouraged via Alpha Sigma Alpha web site. Complete the online rC1~tratliOn form and submit payment via MasterCard, VJSa or ele:ct:rnniic •7:·•,.~,;,;\: funds transfer.

Jody Stevenson

Travel: Southwest Airlines is offering Alpha Sigma Alpha 10 percent off fares to and from Nashville. Contact Southweat Airlines Group and Meetings Reservations at 1-800433-5!J68.: reference ID code:J5063, to make your reservation. Sales ag&itf are available 7 a.m.--8 p .m . Monday-Friday, or 8:30 a.m.-5:30 t)".m.

Saturday and Sunday, CST.

New volunteer organizational structure

BY LORI WlllTE SCOTT, EE Vice President of Extension This is the second in a four-part series of articles focusing on the volunteer opportunities available within Alpha Sigma Alpha's new and developing IJT'ganizational structure.

Part II - The volunteer recruitment and placement process You might say it's a cross between Star Search and The Match Game. To better serve its members, Alpha Sigma Alpha is taking a professional and innovative approach to recruiting and placing volunteers within its new organizational structure. This new approach involves an active search for qualified individuals and matching their skills and talents with available positions within the organization.

According to Alpha Sigma Alpha's strategic plan, the strategic goal area of volunteer development states, ''We will have well-trained volunteers and a volunteer pool that exceeds our needs." The solution to achieving these objectives is the creation of a volunteer recruitment and placement team.

The challenge of finding great volunteers and making sure they are serving where they can make the biggest difference is the charge of the Alpha 路s igma Alpha national volunteer recruitment and placement team. The members who serve on this team must be excellent communicators, friendly, energetic, organized and computer competent.

The team will follow the process outlined in the diagram. They will do an initial evaluation with the prospective volunteer, direct her either to a placement or for training and continue with ongoing evaluation and training to benefit the volunteer and the organization.

One might think of the team as the "human resources department" for sorority volunteers. The team is responsible for the recruiting, "hiring" or placing, "career path" counseling, evaluating and recognition of that most valuable of resources-the AIA volunteer.

SPRING2002

~in Alpha

Sigma Alpha's future

Recruitment lStar SearchJ Members often ask how they can get involved or how they can recommend someone for a volunteer position . It's easy. The process is already in motion and follows a persistent theme of Alpha Sigma Alpha's membership development initiative, A!A Advantage, that of lifelong learning, personal assessment and personal initiative. 路 Anyone interested in volunteering will be asked to submit to national headquarters a cover letter, a personal profile or resume and volunteer interest form that identifies specific skill areas. You may register on the web site or call 317-871-2920 for a volunteer interest packet.

The national volunteer database is constantly growing. To register as a potential volunteer and establish a personal profile simply: 1. Log on to the AIA web site (www.alphasigmaalpha.org) .

2. Select the site map and look for the Getting Involved section.

3. Complete the volunteer interest form that identifies specific skill areas.

4. Submit the interest form, a cover letter and personal profile or resume to national headquarters.

Once registration is complete, a potential volunteer will receive a packet of information in the mail. This packet will include an organization overview and a request for additional information if needed. The potential volunteer also will receive a courtesy notification from the volunteer recruitment and placement team signifying that the information has been received and entered into the national volunteer database.

Within a short time, a consultation will occur between the potential volunteer

and a member of the team. The consultation will verify contact information and volunteer interests, determine the volunteer's qualifications and discuss the skills and talents needed for the various positions in the organizational structure. The potential volunteer also may be immediately contacted regarding a placement if a match can be located quickly.

Placement lThe Match Gamel Once volunteers have been recruited, the real fun begins! Each of the positions in the organizational structure has an official title that describes the time commitment and length, skills needed, responsibilities, interaction with others, technology skills needed and outcomes or goals of the position.

To ensure that the sorority is identifying potential volunteer skills and talents, a list of competencies has been developed.

The list includes six core competencies and additional skill and knowledge competencies. The core competencies identify basic skills and knowledge that all volunteers will be expected to demonstrate.

The skill and knowledge competency lists will be used to define the skills specific to each volunteer position. The competencies a volunteer reports as strengths and the competencies required for a position will be matched. This will allow Alpha Sigma Alpha to place volunteers so they will real ize their full potential and are able to give fuJJ measure.

A computer program that will match volunteer skills with the skills of available positions will be a useful resource for members of the volunteer recruitment

Powerfu PHOENIX OFALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Volunteer placallantand avaluaaon process

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Placement

Volunteer is ploced in oposition.

( Evaluation If o placement is not ovailoble, volunteer will stoy ot the evaluationstoge until o placement is ovoiloble.

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When placement is finished, the volunteer is re-evoluoted ond sent bock to the some or d"1fferenI pIoceme nt

/ Volunteer does not meet expectations ond does not quohfy for onother

Training Volunteers must be equipped and empowered to perform their positions to the best of their ability. To achieve this

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General membership

Training

volunteer training is an essential component of the new organizational structure.

"Volunteers will participate in training for core competencies such as organizational knowledge and resourcefulness and have access to ongoing skill-based training," explained Lisa Tait Longo, fH, executive director.

Some training also will be specific to the volunteer's position. Training will be designed toward operational areas, skill enhancement, skill improvement and personal development. Volunteers may expect to participate in training that is face-to-face, web-based, videotaped or on CD. The new Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteer training team soon will be working on many different training elements and

artnerships PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Exit interview

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Volunteer is troined in specific skills or with o placement in mind ond is then re-evoluoted for placement upon completion of training.

and placement team who will make the actual placement recommendations.

A volunteer section will be added to the developmental transcript section on the A2:A Advantage web site that wiii allow volunteers to record the experiences they are gaining from their Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteer experiences as well as other volunteer experiences. This transcript can be used when applying for other positions within UA and for other volunteer and professional opportunities.

Volunteer does not wont onother placement

t

methods. The position listings, competencies and volunteer profiles will be used to evaluate the training needs of the new organizational structure and when putting a program in place to meet those needs.

Evaluation Evaluation is a key element in any successful organization. Evaluated are processes, leadership and those doing the work. Alpha Sigma Alpha will be no different as the volunteer recruitment and placement team is working on an evaluation process that allows for 360-degree feedback for volunteers and staff. The process of 360-degree feedback includes self-assessment, evaluation from "managers," evaluation from peers and evaluation from subordinates or those being served. Evaluations will be based on the competencies from the position listings.

The evaluation process will be designed to allow for personal reflection on the contri-

SPRING 2002

butio ns th e individuaJ is maki ng to th e o rganizatio n a nd th e ski lls th e volu ntee r is develo p ing and de mo nstrating.

The e ntire feedback process wi ll be do ne with the inte nt of stre ngth e nin g the o rgan izatio n by build ing necessary ski lls in individuaJ voltmtee1·s, stream lin ing processes fo r wo rki ng mo re effectively a nd provid ing feedback in plann ing fo r th e fu ture of th e o rgan iza tio n . T he outcome of an ind ivid uaJ 's evaJ uati o n may be a conti nuati on in th e curre nt place me nt, a referraJ fo r specific train ing, a new placeme nt o r a decisio n no t to conti nue in a volunteer role .

Volunteer now T he nati o naJ council is curre ntly recruiting voluntee rs. This wi ll be a n o ngoing process a nd any volunteer a pplicatio n th a t is received wi ll immed iately be e nte red in the process fo r conside ra ti o n .

It wi ll take severaJ mo nths to ide ntify th e voluntee rs fo r th e new structure. T he na ti o nal council ho pes to have a maj o rity of th e placeme n ts comple ted by th e e nd of August. The vo luntee r recruitm e nt a nd placeme nt team wi ll be pre pared to manage th e recruinn e nt and place me nt by Se pt. 1.

Alpha Sigma Alpha me mbe rs a re e nco uraged to stay info nned a nd connected to the soro rity a nd o ne way to do th at is by volunteerin g. T he botto m line is Alpha Sigma Alpha needs voluntee rs. T he re a re positi o ns fo r mo re tl1an 60 vo luntee rs o n natio nal teams, mo re tl1 an l 00 voluntee rs o n th e distri ct teams a nd mo re tha n 200 advisory board positio ns. The soro ri ty needs ded icated individuals who want to make a d iffe re nce in the lives of oth e rs by mentoi;ng, coaching o r being a role model.

T he o ppo rtu ni ty is availa ble, rega rd less o f yo ur level o r a rea of involve me nt.

Volu ntee rin g fo r Alpha Sigma Alp ha is a good expressio n of a me m be r 's life time comm itme n t to A"'iA. Volun teeri ng in a ny capac ity is a conti nua ti o n of tl1e lifelo ng lea rni ng and growin g o ppo rtun ities avai lable in Alpha Sigma Alpha a nd foste red by the me mbe rshi p developme nt in itia tive A! A Advantage. In the aJum nae modu le of A! A Advantage, several of the alu mnae capsto ne projec ts a re cente red o n vo lunteer o ppo rtunities ava ilable thro ugh Alpha Sigma Alpha.

SPRING 2002

Core competencies Availability: Willingness to toke time from your personal and professionoll~e to contribute to developing women of poise and purpose.

Organizational knowledge: Current knowledge of Alpha Sigma Alpha and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation programs and policies.

Resourcefulness: Knowing how to access resources available through the sorority and also topping into personal, professional. compus and community resources.

Active listening: Ability to listen to ideas, thoughts and concerns of others, reflect what the other person is saying and relate the communication into o course of action.

Teamwork: Ability to function as port of o group/team, to give and receive feedback constructively, to provide feedback to the appropriate party.

Strategic partner: Ability to work within the vision and direction set by the notional council and provide input to the planning process.

In th e wo rds of fo unde r Lo u ise Cox Carpe r, "Alp ha Sigma Alpha has a d efinite wo rk to pe rfo rm thro ugho ut tl1 e lives of its me mbe rs a nd tluo ugh th e m a be nefi cent infl ue nce upo n society at large." So , let's roll up o ur sleeves a nd ge t to wo rk. Yo u won't wa n t to miss o u t o n all tl1 e fun . Volun tee r now!

Coming in future issues: • The ro le o f advisory boards in tl1 e new stn.1ctu re • Structure ove rvi ew

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Alpha Sigma Alpha hosts first event for advisors

BY JENNIFER GRIGGS, EE Director of Programming

"Powerful Partners: We Need You" was the theme for a training weekend created especially for collegiate advisors.

Twenty-one advisors attended the eventJan . 18-21, 2002, in Indianapolis.

The three-day training focused on elements of the recruitment philosophy and the A4A Advantage initiative. Other training topics included standards and finance issues.

Those in attendance e~oyed sharing experiences with other advisors as well as headquarters staff and the national council. Building the partnerships was an important objective of the weekend.

One advisor wrote, "It means so much to be connected to the national organization in a greater capacity." Another participant said, "I enjoyed learning about A4A Advantage. I 100 percent support the program and am very excited to get it started at our chapter."

Funded in part by the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SPRING 2002

A!A Advantage initiative for alumnae 11

Alpha Sigma Alpha has a definite work to perform throughout the lives of its members and through them become a beneficent influence upon society at large."

-Louis Cox Carper, founder of Alpha Sigma Alpha

BY KELLY GILLESPIE MILLER, EH Director of Chapter Services The national organ ization has spent th e past 18 months rolling out a new initiative for th e sorority to help its members ach ieve the vision laid out for us by our founders-A!A Advantage.

Previous articles in the Phoenix have focused on how undergraduate chapters and members have implemented the new initiative. By th e end of this fall semester, each collegiate chapter and new colony will be implementing A!A Advantage. The next level of implementation will be with alumnae members and chapters across the country.

10

SPRING 2002

A!A Advantage consists of four modules-new member, initiate, senior and alumna- th e four phases of a member's sorori ty life. The alumna modu le is focused on th e last line of th e Creed of Alpha Sigma Alpha: "To love life and joyously Jive each day to its ultimate good."

Most of the alumna modu le is completed through ongoing edu cation and refl ection on topical articles in th e Phoenix.

In each issue of th e magazine, th ere wi ll be a feature article devoted to exploring a topic within one of the four aims and how it applies to alumnae members at different stages of life. Additio nal information and web site resource Jinks about the topic will be offered in the persona l development

section of th e A!A Advantage web site at www.asa-advantage.org. Beginning in spring 2003, each alumnae chapter will be provided with com plimentary programming that th ey can do as a group to further explore the topic in the feature article.

Alumnae chapters can implement the initiative in several ways. The easiest is to incorporate the topic from each A!A Advantage feature article into alumnae chapter programming. Each alumnae chapter will receive a list of article topics for th e entire year in the spring mailing to help them plan for the upcoming year.

Alumnae chapters can also take one of the requ ired activities in the other three mod ules and make it into a chapter activity.

For example, the chapter can have a book night to discuss one of the required readings. Additionally, alumnae chapters can support and encourage th eir members to work on th e initiative independently and celebrate completion of the modules.

Several of the required activities also ask collegiate members to talk with an alumna about her experi ence or to find an alumna mentor. This is a great way for PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

alumnae chapters and individual members to connect to a collegiate chapter and ease the transition from undergraduate to alumnae membership.

Finally, the A.rA Advantage materials make a great recntitment tool to get area alumnae interested in joining or as gifts for alumnae.

The initiative is also designed for individual alumnae who are not connected with an alumnae chapter. Use the activities in each module as a way to try something new and learn something about yourself.

Log on to the A.rA Advantage web site to learn more about the sorority today and connect with other A"kA members near you or across the country.

Participating in the activities and reading and reflecting on the Phoenix articles provide an opportunity to reflect on the lines of the creed and how it may be relevant in your life today.

One of the components of the initiative is that each member participates in a capstone activity to complete a module.

The alumna module is ongoing, but it also has a capstone activity. Alumnae may choose from a list of activities to complete the alumna capstone. A list of activities can be found in the side bar. When one of these activities is finished, complete the capstone completion form to receive a star on the A.!A Advantage bar pin.

Lesa Hamm, founder of the Indy City Alumnae Chapter, says, "Once my alumna module was complete, I received my star within one week! Now my star looks lonely on the pin and needs more."

Completion forms are available on the A.rA Advantage web site, from an alumnae chapter or upon request from the national headquarters.

A frequently asked question from alu mnae members is how can they go back and complete the other modules- new member, initiate and senior. Each of these offers great information about the sorority history and heritage as well as personal development activities.

The great thing about the initiative is that it is designed to be self-paced and selfdirected. Any member may go back to any module and do any of the activities at any time. In order to officially complete each module, a member needs to do two things-complete the required activities and complete the capstone activity.

For the new member module, required activities revolve around learning information from the new Alpha Sigma Alpha CD-ROM. Other activities can be adapted to fit the needs of an alumna member.

For example in Week 2- Good Student, a new member is required to meet with an academic advisor to discuss academic goals. An alumna member may want to sit down and set some personal or professional goals.

The initiate and senior modules each have a list of eight required activities to complete-two activities in each aim. For example, one of the intellectual activities in the initiate module is reading the book Working With Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goldberg. To complete each module, a capstone experience must be completed that consists of a reflection paper on that module. Members may log their activities for each module through the on-line activity log on the A.rA Advantage web site or in a WJ;tten activity log in the member manual.

To order a copy of the A.!A Advantage materials call national headquarters or order online at www.asa-advantage.org.

Alumna capstone activities To qualify for an Advantage bar pin star, the activity start date must occur no earlier than Sept. 1, 2001.

• Mentor an A"kA for a year.

• Give $500 to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

• Serve as an advisor for a collegiate chapter for two years.

• Be a speaker at a national meeting.

• Work on a project related to the AkA strategic plan.

• Sponsor an alumna initiate.

• Serve on a chapter house corporation.

• Recmit a collegiate woman into a chapter.

• Attend an expansion presentation .

• Attend a Greek leadership conference.

• Contribute to a collegiate or alumnae newsletter.

• Organize a reunion for your chapter.

• Serve as a national volunteer for a biennium.

• Serve as an officer, committee chairman or committee member in an alumnae chapter.

• Start an alumnae chapter.

Alpha Sigma Alpha Advantage initiative objectives for alumnae • Incorporate A"kA into your everyday life.

• Feel informed and connected to A"kA on a local or national level.

• See evidence of personal growth.

AIA Advantage overview A!A Advantage is the sorority's new lifetime membership development initiative designed for new members, initiates, seniors and alumno. The initiative focuses on individual, self-directed growth and learning. It carries the educational objectives of the sorority beyond the new member period into a lifetime of development. It helps the sorority meet two of its strategic gaol areas of promoting lifetime opportunities for personal development and having an informed and connected membership.

A!A Advantage is firmly founded on the rituals ond values of Alpha Sigmo Alpho and advances each of the aims-intellectual, physical, spiritual and social development. The initiative coters to the needs of every member during her undergraduate college experience and beyond into each stoge of her life.

It offers a solution to senior member involvement and retention, assists in easing the transition to alumnae membership and provides all alumnae members a way to connect with the national sorority.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

• Build confidence in your ability to talk positively about your experiences in AkA. • Build on your life and AkA experiences.

• Inspire you to renew past personal relationships in A"kA. • Understand the changes that have happened in the organization since you were a collegiate member.

• Contribute your history and story to the local or national organization.

• Make connections with collegiate members.

SPRING 2002

11

adViiit

ASPIRE~SEE~ATIAIN

e

INTELLECTUAL/PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

BY KARYN SNEATH

npower

''Experience is a tough teacher. She gives the test first and the lesson later. " (Author unknown)

of money on a regular basis? Prioritize your goals and discover what is at the top as well as the bottom of your priority list.

Develop a list and start pricing out your wishes.

We all know how to spend money. Some of us are better at it than others. But few of us really take the time to know our pe.rsonal finances as intimately as the floor plan of our favorite retail shop.

The fourth line of the creed emphasizes "To love life and joyously live each day to its ultimate good." Proactively managing your money is one way to relieve some of the everyday stresses of life, enabling you to live with more enjoyment.

Whether you've just graduated from college, planning on sending your own children to college, taking care of elderly family members or have other personal responsibi lities, it's helpful to slow down, prioritize and plan. This article focuses on the simple things you can do immediately to get your finances in order.

Start the budgeting protess

Examine your priorities You know your monthly expenses, but what are your saving and spending priorities? Are there big-ticket items you're trying to save up for? Are you trying to find ways to put away small amounts

Start reviewing your spending habits. Write down your income as well as your expenses. For a few months, write down absolutely everything you purchase. Most people have some "mystery" spending. They're not quite sure where the money goes. When you document all of your spending you can see how wisely (or unwisely) you spent that money and if you spent more than you earned. This can help you examine your spending habits.

Develop a money picture What are you doing to "pay yourself' and start an intentional personal financial plan? Even if you just put $25 a month into a savings or money market account, you're putting yourself at the top of your priority list.

Subtract your debts from your assets to determine net worth.

Examine your portfolio of assets- savings accounts, money market accounts, savings bonds, CDs, bonds or ventures, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, stocks, real estate, collectibles, etc.

Author's note: Source for this article is Christy Ambler, instructor, flJPUJ Division of Continuing Studies, "Managing Your Money" course

Credit card woes: getting in over your head BY: BRENDA DRAKE, ZY

Collegian Twenty-five hundred dollars is a lot of money.

That is how far I am in debt from credit cards. I have discovered that credit cards can be dangerous.

I got my first Brenda Drake, zy credit card at the beginning of my freshman year of college to pay for the little extras in between paychecks. I had every intention of paying it off every month . . . until I absolutely had to have that new haircut and those new pants and that new shelf to go in my dorm room. Before I knew it, I had a few hundred dollars on my 12

SPRING 2002

card and definitely not that much money in my bank account. But it was so nice to have that extra padding- ifl could not afford something that I absolutely HAD to have, I would just charge it. My mindset turned from one of paying it off every month to "I will pay it off when I graduate and get a real job."

Then I found a credit card witl1 a lower interest rate. That was great. I thought that I would transfer all of my old debt onto this card with a lower interest rate, cancel my other account and pay everything off sooner. Unfortunately that idea went out the window as soon as the new credit card got into my hand.

I suddenly thought of a million and one th ings that I needed to do or buy and maybe it was best to save this card just in case. Mter all Christmas would be coming soon and I needed to get great gifts for everyone.

The second semester of my freshman year I joined Alpha Sigma Alpha. How was I going to pay the $400 dues? I could not put the money on my card (thank goodness). Then my tax refund came back. I was able to get through my new member period without incurring too much debt. By the end of my freshman year, I had two credit cards (with a total $1,800 limit and at least $800 of that was spent already) and was making minimum wage at an on-campus job.

During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years I worked a lot and was able to pay twice the minimum payment for those few months.

I had worked my debt down just a little.

My credit card debt was not at the forefront of my mind. I was more concerned with having fun and making sure that I never let money hold me back.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Financial planners can help you make sure that all of your goals and plans fit. They play th e role of a "coach" and teach you about your assets.

sort of protection everyone needs. Insurance provides monetary security if the need arises.

Resources

Save appropriately There is a life cycle to investments.

Accumulation stage (20-40 years old); At this stage, individuals see an increase in their earnings. They have low savings because they are big consumers. Young adults need a lot of start-up goods such as furniture, appliances and transportation. They don ' t have a lot of assets and many times consume more than they earn.

Preservation of wealth stage (40-50 years old): People in this stage are at their peak earnings period. People at this point are finished with a lot of their consumption and are starting to save more. They are thinking long-term for their retirement.

Dissipation stage (60+): They no longer have earnings and are retired. They are living off what they saved and are depleting their resources.

Personal Financial Planning by Victor G. Gallman and J erry S. Rosenbloom Lew Altfest Answers Almost all Your Questions ahout Money by Lewis J. Altfest and Karen Caplan Altfest The Consumer Reports Money Book: How to Get It, Save It and Spend It WISely, byJanet Bumford and others.

The New Centwy Family Money Book: Yow路 Comprehensive Guide to a Lifetime ofFinancial Security byJonathan D. Pond.

The Totally Awesome Money Book for Kids and their Parents by Arthur Bochner (Arthur is the son of a financial planner and was 11 at the time he wrote this book.)

Don't forget about insurance Insurance is an often neglected or forgotten "want." Whether it is life, accident, disability, h ealth or any combination, this is the

The start of my sophomore year my debt increased. I wanted all new items for my room. My debt had increased to at least $1,500.

The summer after my sophomore year, I got a job at a law office and paid more than half of my debt off. I was doing great- paying my bills, staying on top of the little things I needed and even having enough money to invest in a cell phone and pay the first semester of my dues.

What I forgot was that when I returned to school, I would need to pay all of these bills on a part-time, minimum wage job.

I had worked seasonally at a retail store and decided to see ifl could pick up some extra hours at the branch in Lynchburg.

They agreed, and I was willing to work anywhere from 4 to 15 hours a week. I immediately started working and was able to pay all of my bills on time and still have the money to go out to dinner.

Then half way through the semester I got a "little sister." How exciting! I wanted to get her everything that a "big sister" PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

should get her "little sister." I spent at least $500 at a store that carries Alpha Sigma Alpha regalia, and it was all charged to my credit card. Once I pulled the cards back out, it was hard to hold myself back. I deserved the new sweater and my "little sister" deserved a set of famil y letters, a license plate holder, a picture frame and all of the other little knickknacks.

It is now the second semester of my junior year. My credit cards have just a few dollars on them before they are maxed out. I have an executive board position in A'i.A and that has cut back on the number of hours I can work on and off campus. I have promised myself that between my tax refund and my summer job, I will pay off at least half of my credit cards and will cut them up. It will take a lot of will power, but I have to begin getting all of my debt under control in case I do not get a job right after I graduate.

Credit cards are great when tl1ey allow you to get things you can't afford. The problem is if you can't afford the item, you should not be getting it in the first place. This is sometl1ing I now realize, and even though I slip every now and then and get something that I know I should not, overall, I am more money conscious. A lot of this has come through my chapter position and the need to budget items and request money. I have become aware of how much things really cost and have learned to decipher what I need and do not need.

Hopefully now I can start budgeting myself so that when I do have to live on my own and do not have my parent's support as a cushion- ! can successfully live with minimal debt.

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adViiit

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Taking control of your finances

BY DANA PROPHET, KK Alumna

Ignorance is bliss (if it's regarding bills) was once my monthly mantra. Two maxed out credit cards and paltry checking and savings accounts later brought me to the realization that something must be done.

It all started in college with the credit card application. Although I worked my way through college, a credit card at that time seemed like a blessing. I could buy what I want and worry about paying it back later. Now 10 years into the "real world" I found myself living from paycheck to paycheck. I had the standard 401K and enough to treat myself to a vacation, but I didn ' t have the security that I wished for at this particular time of my life.

It was time to take an inventory of my life and finances. Although I'm not on my way to financial freedom, I no longer break open my penny jar for a cup of coffee.

By meeting with a financial advisor and reading books on the subject, I am on a steady path to getting my finances in order. Although it seems impossible at first, like any routine, once you start and stick with it-it will become second nature.

Here are some simple and easy tips to start off with: 1. Paper bag it. Rather than buying your bagel and coffee in the mornings, wake up a little earlier to have a decent breakfast. For lunch make your meal the night before. You will be amazed at how much money you save.

2. Write down your expenses. If you have a debit card and don't balance your checkbook ledger frequently, you have no idea how much you are spending. Also write down everything you pay for in cash. Now you have an idea what are impulse buys and what are things you actually need. 路

Dana Prophet, KK

3. Keep your credit card at home. I know you probably carry credit cards for emergencies, but it's funny how an "emergency" turns out to be a pair ofleather boots on sale. Do yourself and your finances a favor and leave the credit card home. When the impulse purchase urge passes you will be better off for it.

4. Put yourself on a budget.

Lastly, if you are in desperate need of financial help look in the yellow pages or on the Internet for assistance. There are many non-profit agencies there to help you.

College on your own

BY NAYDIA SPEARS, Zfl Collegian

Naydia Spears, 14

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zn

The thought of putting oneself through college can be a grueling one.

However, it has both negative and positive components that reflect the reality of what many college students are facing today. I grew up as a home schooled student. For 12 years, 13, if you count kindergarten, I never attended a public or private school.

So when it came time for me to attend college it was a greatly anticipated moment. Nevertheless, that excitement

soon turned to concern about how I would afford the cost of higher education.

My parents helped me a lot my first year, but with three other children at home, I knew it was going to rest on my shoulders after the first year. I began looking for scholarship opportunities on campus as well as working with my current employer on the weekends. I soon realized it was going to be a difficult task.

After my first year of college, I began my plan to be a financially independent college student. I was determined not to graduate with student loans. I realized that one could actually make a great deal of PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA AlPHA

Retirement planning: start early, start early, start early

BY ANITA REICHLING, LlN Alumna Many of us will spend 25 percent of our lives retired. Wow! That means a person who retires at 65 and lives until 90 has maximum 45 years to prepare for a retirement of 25 years.

Women who take time off to raise a fam ily have even fewer years. But don't despair. An early start is your best friend in terms of retirement savings.

The second best Anita Reichling, .1N friend you have in saving for retirement is your employer's 401K plan. Many companies match your 401K contributions. That means for every dollar that you save toward retirement your employer will give you$ 0.25 or$ 0.50 or $1.00 (the match varies per company) up to a certain percentage. Take advantage of that free money.

Based upon past performance of the stock market, if you were to save $200 per month for 10 years, your retirement account would be worth $40,000. You would have saved $24,000 and the additional 40 percent would be due to compounding investment gains. After 30 years of investment, your account would be worth

money by working 80 hours a week during the summer. Life was hectic but it soon paid off. During the fall of my sophomore year, I paid for tuition, books, housing and all the other aspects of college that I wanted to participate in. I have never felt a greater sense of independence or selfworth in all of my 19 years of life.

I did not fully understand why my parents wanted me to pay for college on my own. But I do now. College is one of the greatest opportunities an individual can be given, but for the mass majority, it is not appreciated. Many college students flunk out of school their first year because PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

nearly $1,200,000 and you would have saved $72,000. This does not include any matching funds that your employer may offer.

If you start early, your direct commitment to retirement savings is only a small portion of the money that you will have accumulated.

Saving early for retirement provides a lot of flexibility to your life. I began saving for retirement while still in college.

At the time, I saved 3 percent of my income with my employer matching 50 percent. After graduation, I increased my savings to 6 percent and now 10.5 percent. Putting that much money away for retirement may seem difficult, but a small start with gradual increases, makes it easy. The good news is that with compounding and investment growth, I could quit saving now as a 34 year old and my retirement at 65 would be fully funded. Because I started early, I can now easily quit work to raise children or become a missionary. Many people feel trapped in a job because they can't afford a pay cut and still save for retirement. I no longer have that concern. Early investment for retirement has given me freedom.

I challenge each of you to begin to save toward your retirement today. An investment of only $50 per week will be worth $42,000 in 10 years and over $400,000 in 30 years (based upon a 9 percent annual return) . You are going to need that investment in 2030 when a postage stamp may cost $1.07 and a movie ticket $22.70. There is very little that any of us fear more than spending our retirement years in poverty. You have the opportunity to prepare for your retirement today.

they party too much and study too little.

I have realized that when I am writing the check for my tuition, I give a lot more attention to my studies. Paying for my own education has changed the way I view my needs and my desires. It also opens doors that one may not expect. It teaches self-discipline, work ethic and determination.

Paying for school by one's self is not the easiest of tasks, nevertheless, it provides a real reflection of the upcoming future and is extremely beneficial to one's livelihood. It helps us appreciate tl1e opportunities that we have been given and it teaches aspects that are rarely learned so

young in life. I am speaking from experience and proud to say so.

Now that I am a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, I can encourage sisters who are struggling financially. I understand what it feels like to carry the weight of college life on your own and I am glad to help sisters carry part of the emotional stress that is incorporated with it. Paying for college on your own is stressful, but the end result is worth every penny one could ever earn. Life will not hand us everything we need 01路 yearn for, it only provides us with the vehicle to look for every opportunity.

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IS

UVVhatlhad,lsaved; What I saved, I lost; What I gave, I have."

A.!A Dedication Days Crimson Ceremony

BY MARCI BEYER MCGUIRE, LlN Alumna Supporting the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundatio n is a way I help the sorori ty and its members.

By enabling the foundation to fund such programs as O ffice r Academy and the Emma Coleman Frost Lead ership Developmen t Institute (LDI), I am making a d ifference by encou ragi ng the developme nt of wo men 's leadershi p and managemen t skills. T he scholarsh ips the foundatio n awards each year

A donor's story significantly make a difference in the lives of dese!Ving scholars.

Remember what it was like to be on a ve ry tight college budget? As an advisor, I see it every time I visit my collegiate chapter. I wan t to do all I can to help ease the fin ancial burd en and allow the women great opportunities for selfdevelopment. Supporting the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation gives me a tax-deductible way to do so.

When I decided to j oin Al pha Sigma Al pha, I had no idea of the positive impac t it would have on my life. I was

a very shy, insecure and misguided student, but by the time I graduated, I held six officer positions in my chapter, expanded my social circle dramatically and gained a wealth of self-esteem from leadership experiences. I shudder to think what my life might have been if I had not j oined the sorori ty and surrounded myself with nurturing chapter sisters and taken advantage of great p rograms like the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute.

Me mbership in Alpha Sigma Alpha is a life-lo ng,

self-improvement process, I find that I am leamingjust much now as when I was in college. I love what the foundation-funded programs do for the sorority, and my hope is that every member has the opportunity to experience the positive impact of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

I contribute to other causes that matter to me, but with Alpha Sigma Alpha, I've directly witnessed the powerful impact of LDI, national convention and Officer Academy.

I see the values of .A!.A within every collegian I advise, and I am so proud to be a member.

Generous giving to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation is providing me with a w<ty to give back all of the opportunities I've been afforded through my years as a member. It is true- you definitely get what you give!

A new look

BY BENTE M. FEIN, Director ofDevelopment When you th ink ike do you thin k of Michael J ordan o r the trademark "swoosh"? Whe n you "care enough to send the very best," do you send a Hallmark card? When you see a red and whi te bulls eye are you re mi nded of Target? Whether we like it or not, the fact remains, we re member these brand names by their respective slogan, logo or personality. We recognize their "brand."

When you tl1 ink of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Fou ndation what do you tl1in k of? When yo u see our new logo what though ts cross your mind? In designing a new logo we too wan ted to d evelop a "brand" of sorts. Like Nike or Target, the foundation wan ted our me mbers, donors and friends to see our logo and relate that to the organization's philosophical and social val ues and its vision for the future.

You may have noticed the Alpha Sigma Alp ha Foundation 's new logo is very similar to the sorority's every member makes a difference iden ti ty.

T he shield is a The Foundation plays a critical role in giving well-recognized women the resources they need to aspire symbol tl1at serves as a public toward Alpha Sigma Alpha's four aims. represen tation of 16

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FOUNDATION Al pha Sigma Al pha. It is a visual reminder of the fou r aims of Alpha Sigma Al pha, the ideals toward which every member is to strive. T he foundation plays a critical role in giving women the resources they need to aspire toward Alpha Sigma Alpha's fou r aims.

Why would the foundation and the sorori ty wan t similar logos?

Aren 't they two separate en ti ties? Yes, the foundation is a separate organizatio n from the sorori ty. It was fou nded in I 986, eigh ty-five years after the sorority, and has its own board of trustees and staff.

H owever, the foundation is essential to tl1e success and the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Though they are operationally separate, they work hand in hand to develop women of poise and purpose.

T h rough the development of members, the sorority and the foundation are developing a community of scholars, leaders and civic servan ts whom display a sense of pu rpose toward the betterment of society.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Nei\tional Panhellenic Conference

~e:aing the way, sharing the vision

BY DONNA C. KING, Sigma Kappa The 57th biennial session of the National Panhellenic Conference took place Oct. 5-7, 2001, in Tucson, AZ. Delegates, presidents, executive directors and editors of the 26 member groups convened to conduct the business of the 2001 meeting.

Representing Alpha Sigma Alpha were NPC Delegate Lynne Rachal Chambers, A, NPC First Alternate Delegate Ellen Funk Morris, BA, NPC Second Alternate Delegate Diane Yencicjames, HH, NPC Third Alternate Delegate Lori White Scott, EE, National President Marianne Busch Bullock, BEl, and Executive Director Lisa Tait Longo, fH. Marian K Williams, Kappa Kappa Gamma, chairman of the conference, opened the session by thanking all in attendance for their willingness and courage to join together in Panhellenic sisterhood during a time of national tragedy and unrest in the world.

Pictured left to right are: Lynne Rachal Chambers, A; Lori White Scott, EE; Lisa Tait Longo, TH; Ellen Funk Morris, BA; Marianne Busch Bullock, Be; and Diane Yencic James, HH

Highlights of her address included: • 1951 verbatim minutes of the conference session and questions/ comments posed by Conference Chairman Edith Resse Crabtree, Kappa Kappa Gamma, were revisited. Marian reflected upon how topics explored through a town meeting format in 1951 are relevant to issues of today. She challenged the conference to deal with the big issues of the day and commit time during the business meeting for a town meeting format.

• Alcohol remains the number one problem. NPC continues to support alcohol-free housing for men .

• An alarming statistic is the decreased number of organized alumnae groups. This decrease affects the number of alumnae serving our college chapters.

• Partnerships and collaborative efforts among the interfraternal family and those within higher education are of utmost importance. NPC has actively been cultivating those relationships.

• NPC educational program sponsorships of Something ofValue, Drug Education Program, Women & Girls, Tobacco & Lung Cancer, College Women and Depression, Something to Talk About-Confrontational Skills, and Academic Excellence are positioned for success and creating a lasting impact on college women.

• Membership statistics increased in 2000-01, but 1999-00 was down by sufficient numbers to show decrease in total membership numbers for the biennium. With women accounting for 53 percent of college enrollment, an all out effort to attract more women to the system is necessary.

In addition to campus/housing meetings, committee meetings, separate sessions for presidents, executive directors and editors, PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

business session time was given to task force, standing committee and summary reports, as well as the adoption of resolutions.

Significant resolutions included: • Increased annual alumnae panhellenic dues to the conference.

• Increased annual per chapter dues of each fraternity to the conference.

• NPC encouragement of all college panhellenics to adopt a position in support of alcohol-free social activities in fraternity facilities.

• Continuation ofNPC and its member groups to promote and encourage chapters to have non-alcoholic events with student organizations as well as men's fraternity chapters.

• NPC offer to present Something of Value at the annual conferences of SEPC, NGIA, MGCA and WRGC. • NPC encouragement of college panhellenics to organize a Day of Dialogue (a campus and community discussion on alcohol, developed by Senior Student Affairs officers and inter / national fraternity and sorority leaders).

Educational sessions included a presentation on the legal implications of various court decisions for fraternities, as well as strategies for the future and another session, entitled "From Raves to Rape: you pick your poison," on the "club drug" scene prevalent in junior high, senior high and college environments.

The formal session concluded with the awards banquet, installation of 2001-03 executive committee and kick-off of the centennial celebration year.

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NEWS TO NOTE

Many authors to speak at national convention; buy your books online today

Cynthia Rhoades Ryan, Lll

Alpha Sigma Alpha Recognition of Eminence Award recipient Cynthia Rhoades Ryan, ~1, has been selected to receive Alpha Sigma Alpha's most distinguished award. The Recognition of Eminence Award will be presented to Cindy during this year 's national convention in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, July 27.

A detailed story on Cindy, the first woman chief counsel for the Drug Enforcement .Adminstration, will appear in the fall issue of the magazine.

Alpha Sigma AI.Pha welcomes new alumnae chapters Two new alumnae chapters have joined the Alpha Sigma Alpha family.

The Laurel Highlands Alumnae Chapter in Greensburg, PA, was formed O ct. 28, 2001. If you would like more information, contact President Shelly Do hey Wile, EA, at asawile@cs.com.

The Big Apple Alumnae Chapter in New York, NY, started on Nov. 29, 2001. For more information, contact President Stephanie Bartels, BK, at stephanie_bartels@ s5a.com .

18

SPRING 2002

Many notable authors will be featured speakers and workshop presenters at this summer's national convention. You can order their books today through the Alpha Sigma Alpha web site www.alphasigmaalpha.org.

Click on the Barnes and Noble link in the merchandise section of the web site to purchase Connecting: The Enduring Power ofFemale Friendship by Sandy Sheehy or How to Discover Your Soul Purpose by Jody Stevenson. Dining etiquette instructor,June Moore, who will facilitate the etiquette luncheon has a book entitled The Etiquette Advantage. Linda Moore, AB, will speak during a luncheon as well. H er latest book is Release from Powerlessness: A Guide for Taking Charge of Your Life.

Support Alpha Sigma Alpha and purchase your copies today.

Reco~nition

of Eminence recip1ent dies On Wednesday, Feb. 20, Alpha Sigma Alpha suffered the loss of one of its beloved members, Gertrude S. Nyce, KK. Gertrude was one of only six members in Alpha Sigma Alpha history to win the distinguished Recognition of Eminence Award.

After graduating from Temple University with a degree in home economics, Gertrude entered a biblical seminary in New York where she received a master's degree in religious education. She later accepted a job to teach in India where she was a member on the executive committee of the Christian Home Movement. Back in the United States, Gertrude worked for the United Presbyterian Mission Board.

ELIZABETH SMITH 1234 FOUNDERS ROAD INDIANAPOLIS IN 46268

Membership number needed to register for convention and AlphaNet In order to register for convention or on the AlphaNet section of the Alpha Sigma Alpha web site you will need to know and provide your seven-digit membership number.

It can be found on your Phoenix magazine label. The

number may have appeared on the winter issue missing some_"O"s and with unneeded spaces. If that is the case with your number (it should look like the sample above) call national headquarters to obtain the correct seven digits. If the number appeared on the winter issue label as: 001 987, it should actually be: 0010987.

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;R: Send address chnnge.< (Fonn 3579) to Alpha Signm Alpha, 9550 Zionsville Rd. Suite 160. ~N 46268

Gertrude was a member of the Philadelphia, Bux-Mont Alumnae Chapter and was a

delegate to the national convention.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

------=-A LU M N A E STARS -----------------------Featuring the accomplishments of individual Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae

Lisa Marszalek, Zct>

NASA engineer appears in advertisements for Ill Lisa Marszalek, Zeta Phi, a NASA engineer, was recently featured in an advertisement for her alma mater, the Illinois Institute ofTechnology (liT).

She was chosen for the advertisement because she was a good example of an liT student using her education to pursue her long-term goals.

"I have wanted to work in Mission Control since I was a freshman in high school, and now I am fortunate enough to have my dream job," Lisa said.

Lisa graduated from the illinois Institute of Technology with high honors and a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. While attending liT she was a founding member of the Zeta Phi Chapter and was president at the time of the chapter's installation. She also served as vice president of new member education and ritual chairman.

She earned many awards both in and out of the sorority including, Who's Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges, the Undergraduate Women's

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Achievement Award, Outstanding Contribution to the liT Community Award, Outstanding Senior of the Mechanical, Metallurgical and Aerospace Engineering Department and was chosen as one of the first leadership scholars to the Leadership Academy at liT. After graduation Lisa moved to Houston, TX, where she began working at the Johnson Space Center. She is employed by United Space Alliance, NASA's prime contractor for space flight operations.

Lisa is an operations support officer whose duties include fiXing breakdowns on the International Space Station (ISS), being responsible for the operation of attachment systems used during station assembly and training the crew on necessary on-orbit maintenance skills. She trains the current American ISS astronauts.

The operations support officer is the designation of the flight controller in the Mission Control Center and is responsible for ISS structural issues as well as manually operated mechanical systems.

Lisa lives in Houston and is involved in the Houston Alumnae Chapter.

Advisor starts Panhellenic council Pamela Wells, Epsilon Psi, helped start the first Panhellenic council at Plymouth State College (PSC) in Plymouth, NH. Together with Delta Zeta and two local sororities, Pam and the Epsilon Psi Chapter have created bylaws, had an all-sorority retreat, created position descriptions, held weekly meetings and just

finished their first formal recruitment.

"I think the Panhellenic has done amazing things for our campus ... and there are some amazing leaders in the group," said Pam. Working as the assistant manager of the college apartments at PSC, Pam also has been the Epsilon Psi Chapter advisor for the last five years.

Besides volunteering her time as the PSC Panhellenic advisor, Pam is A.IA province I director and volunteers at the local humane society. She is active in the Greater New Hampshire Alumnae Chapter, serving as secretary, and writes movie reviews for an online movie site.

Pam attended Plymouth State College, receiving a bachelor's degree in political science. She then went on to receive her master's degree in student personnel administration from Ball State University.

She has been named Chapter Advisor of the Year twice.

Alumna selected as Illinois delegate of housing officers Amy Price, Beta Kappa, was recently elected to serve as the delegate for the state of Illinois for the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO). This position represents the interests of the colleges and universities in the state of lllinois and serves as a member of the GLACUHO Board of Directors. An organization for housing professionals, GLACUHO is a regional organization including the states of lllinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

Amy Price, BK

Working as a housing complex director for Eastern Illinois University, Amy is also the collegiate chapter advisor for the Gamma Omega Chapter. She is currently A.IA province XV director.

Amy attended Western Illinois University where she was a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter, serving as president. She also served on the Panhellenic council as treasurer. She was. a member of Blue Key National Honor Fraternity at WIU and listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, Amy went on to attend Eastern lllinois University and graduated with a master of science in education.

Amy lives in Charleston, IL.

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ALPHAS MAKING A DiffERENCE

Chapters report on philanthropic and community service projects.

ALPHA BETA, TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSI7Y, MD

Chapter hosts successful fundraiser

Alpha Chapter members Paula Simnowitz and Megan Carpenter mummy wrap two volunteers during a Halloween party for area children.

ALPHA, LONGWOOD COLLEGE, VA

Haunting for a good time The Alpha Chapter at Longwood College takes pride in the Farmville community.

On a weekly basis, chapter members are involved in a community day-care program at a local church. The program, called MOPS (Mothers of Preschool Children), is designed to h elp stay-at-home mothers have a day out.

Members take care of the children while the mothers attend meetings on various informational topics.

In October the chapter participated in a Halloween evening and an on-campus fraternity haunted house for children participating in the Big Sibling program. During Thanksgiving members helped put together turkey baskets for less fortunate families in Farmville. In December members held a party where area children received a gift and enjoyed treats with Santa Claus.

Beth Schnittger 20

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The Alpha Beta Chapter at Truman State University is proud of its Launch for Life fundraiser. Members of the Truman State campus and Kirksville community were encouraged to donate a dollar in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who have died from the disease.

A prayer service was held prior to the releasing of the balloons. Chapter members succeeded in raising over $400 for the American Cancer Society.

The members of Epsilon Epsilon participated in the annual American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in memory of cancer victim and sister, Deidra Smith.

Kim Winans EPSILON EPSILON, l!.'MPORlA STATE UNIVERSI7Y, KS

Hustlin' hippies The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life last September for the second time. The relay holds a special place in the hearts of chapter members because ofDeidra Smith, a member who died from cancer during the summer of 1999.

Deidra's relay team in high school was the Hustlin' Hippies and the chapter

carried on the tradition in her memory. Members wore tie-dyed t-shirts and helped raise over $850 for Relay for Life.

Krista Jahnke

the Mt. Pleasant community.

Mter bagging the leaves and putting them by the curb, members posted signs on the homeowners' doors-and ran!

Sarah Gardner

BETA THETA, CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

BETA IOTA, RADFORD UNIVERSITY, VA

Leafing Mt. Pleasant

Members participate in many philanthropic endeavors

As the leaves started to fall this past October, members of the Beta Theta Chapter grabbed their rakes for Rake-n-Run 2001. Groups of chapter members went to rake the leaves of random homes in

The Beat Iota Chapter at Radford University is always looking for opportunities to make a difference in the community.

Thanks to the Alpha Beta Chapter the sky at Truman State University campus in Kirksville, MD, was full of balloons honoring the survivors and victims of cancer.

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ALPHAS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Members of the Beta Theta Chapter at Central Michigan University take a quick break among the leaves during Rake-n-Run.

Beta Nu members Danielle Krena and Keara Wallace teetering in the chapter's annual teeterfor-tots at Murray State University.

Among various activities this year, chapter members gathered items for the donation to help the firefighters in New York after Sept. 11. Items collected included clothing and other accessories from fellow students and neighbors in the Radford community. Not only did the chapter feel good about making a difference, but this was also a great example of how the chapter and community pulled together in a time of need.

The chapter also sponsored Toys for Tots by running a 5K race. Hundreds of people gathered at Camp Roanoke to PHOÂŁNIX OF AlPHA SIGMA AlPHA

Beta Sigma Nicolette Cusick spends some time with John, a Special Olympian, during the Special Olympics track meet held at Southwest Missouri State University.

Some Special Olympians pose with members of the Gamma Rho Chapter at East Stroudsburg University.

participate and to raise money for the children. Members also regularly clean up the chapter's Adopt-A-Spot, helping keep Radford beautiful.

Rebecca Frederick B1!,7A NU, MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY, KY

Rain doesn't stop annual teeter-for-tots Rain might dampen spirits but not for the Beta Nu Chapter at Murray State University.

On the morning of the chapter's annual teeter-for-tots event, members awoke to gray

skies and rain. The event helps raise money to buy presents for under-privileged children in the community during the holidays. Every member teeters for three hours at a time during a 24-hou r period.

Due to rain the chapter broke with teetering traclitions, and the event was held inside Murray State University's Curris Center. Each member teetered for the allotted time with many other students on campus stopping by to h elp take part in this event.

Keara Wallace

BETA SIGMA, SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSIIT

Olympic-sized hearts The Beta Sigma Chapter in Springfield, MO, donated approximately 1,300 hours of community service to various organizations last year.

One of the chapter's main activities is the sponsoring of Olympic town at the Special Olympics spring track meet.

At Olympic town, chapter members set up and run games for the athletes to play between events. ln adclition to running the town, the chapter

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ALPHAS MAKING A DiffERENCE

helps cheer on the athletes and with time keeping.

Leah Broeker GAMMA RHO, EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY, PA

Chapter helps worthy causes Two different fundraisers were held by the Gamma Rho Chapter of East Stroudsburg University to raise money for the victims of Sept. 11.

Chapter members sold ribbons to the surrounding community to raise money for the Red Cross. A t-shirt sale was organized to raise money as well.

Chapter members also volunteered at the Special Olympics and adopted a family through a local church.

Shelley Higgins DELTA KAPPA, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA

Philanthropy a big part of chapter's life The Delta Kappa Chapter of the University of Southern Indiana has spent much time helping the community with donations, various philanthropic events and volunteer programs. Members participated in Toys for Tots, Special Olympics and events for the Riley's Children's Hospital. 路 Collections were taken for Christmas gifts for the less fortunate, baby items for teen

mothers and a monetary donation to the Albion Bacon Center.

The chapter participated in two big philanthropic events.

For the rock-a-thon, members took turns rocking for 48 consecutive hours to raise money for Riley's Children's Hospital.

The rock-a-thon, along with the chapter's big man on campus event, helped raise over $3,000.

Other volunteer programs for the chapter include Little Sisters of the Poor bingo, winter ball, Mardi Gras breakfast, alcohol awareness, campus cleanup and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

KelleyNodd

Shannon Giboney ZETA NV, MORA VlAN COUEGE,PA

Cooking up a storm Members of the Zeta Nu Chapter of Moravian College helped out the Bethlehem community by volunteering at the local Salvation Army Soup kitchen. Members helped cook, set up and serve the meals.

The following letter to the editor, entitled "Moravian sorority is praiseworthy" and

Lending a helping hand Each year, members of the Delta Sigma Chapter at Saginaw Valley State University hold a Special Olympics basketball camp. Chapter members help teach people with disabilities basketball moves and shots.

Throughout the year, philanthropic chairman Lindsay Chambers also plans many holiday activities, including the Easter egg hunt for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and a Halloween can drive.

Bowling for dollars

SPRING 2002

The Epsilon Psi Chapter has been actively involved at Plymouth State College and in the Plymouth community.

For Veterans Day chapter members volunteered at the Danbury Community Center helping the children prepare for Thanksgiving.

Members are also very involved with the Whole Village, a resource center for children and the Homework Club at Plymouth Elementary School.

DELTA SIGMA, SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY, MJ

DELTA CHI, BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY, PA

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It takes a village

chapter participated in the Special Olympics state bowling tournament in November.

Jayme Schiller

Katrina Kniep

Megan Burgess and Nicole Pfenniger of the Delta Sigma Chapter at Saginaw Valley State University participate in a Special Olympics basketball camp.

EPSILON PSI, PLYMOUTH STATE COUEGE, NH

The Delta Chi Chapter at Bloomsburg University continues to make an important difference in the lives of many children in the Bloomsburg community. As a community service project, the chapter participated in Bowl for Kid's Sake, a program that benefits children in Big Brothers/ Big Sisters. Of all the participating organizations, the chapter raised the most money.

Emily Huegel

Krystal Builtman, Tracey Casselman and Jessica Claycomb of the Delta Kappa Chapter help teach members of the Little Sisters of the Poor program to dance.

ZETA MU, MISSOURI WESTERN STATE COUEGE

written by a local resident, appeared in The Morning Calt

Chapter participates in state tournament for Special Olympics

"To the editor: "On Nov. 18, the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority of Moravian College joined volunteers of The UnitarianUniversalist Church of the Lehigh Valley to prepare and serve a Thanksgiving meal to the needy people in our area provided by the Salvation Army in Bethlehem. These extraordinary, hard-working young women pitched in enthusiastically, setting tables, peeling potatoes, serving food and beverages and cleaning up afterwards.

On Oct. 7, 2001, the Zeta Mu Chapter from Missouri Western State College joined participants from 17 local counties surrounding the St. Joseph, Missouri, area for the Special Olympics bowling tournament.

The event took place at Belt Bowl with chapter members keeping score, bowling, handing out t-shirts and presenting awards. Eager to help Special Olympics again, the

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ALPHAS MAKING A D I FF E R EN CE

participated in GHOST (Greater Halloween Options for Safe Trick or Treating) at Austin Peay State University.

The event allows community children and parents a safe alternative to door-to-door trick or treating. Alpha Sigma Alpha was one of the many student organizations participating in the event. Chapter members dressed up and passed out candy to children.

Tomarrow L. Molsbeny Children of the Clarksville, TN, community had a GHOST of a time with the women of Zeta Omega.

ZETA XI, liNDENWOOD UNIVERSIIY, MO

Chapter appears on local TV

A warm meal is prepared by members of Zeta Nu Chapter, as they volunteer at the Salvation Army soup kitchen.

"They treated everyone they met with dignity and respect. It was a real learning experience for them as it always is for us who participate in this type of service on a more regular basis. Alpha

Sigma Alph a deserves many accolades for sending so many truly caring members of their sorority to serve such a worthy cause ."

Kristin L. Vazquez

Angie Kedl, Katie Libby, Breanne Bledsoe, Mary Klutsarits, Beth Lato and Sarah Brady of the Zeta Xi Chapter with Show-Me St. Louis TV personalities Kelly Jackson and Dan Buck.

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The Zeta Xi Chapter from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, appeared on the Show-Me St. Louis show recently. The show, which airs on KSDK News Channel 5, spotlights places and events around the greater St. Louis area. Six of the chapter members appeared on TV and hosts KellyJackson and Dan Buck congratulated Alpha Sigma Alpha on its 100 years.

AngieKedl ZEFA OMEGA, AUSTIN PEAY STATE UNIVERSI7Y, TN

Chapter participates in community HaUoween event

KAPPA PHI, MOUNT UNION COUEGE,OH

Chapter participates in little sibHng event Nothing gives the members of the Kappa Phi Chapter more joy than working with children.

In honor of Little Sibs Weekend at Mount Union College, chapter members conducted an event for the younger brothers and sister of MUC students. Excited about the chance to get to know the families of the MUC community, the chapter home became craft comer. Moms, dads and many siblings joined the chapter in making stained glass windows, little treasure boxes and adding to their pictures to a Little Sibs banner.

Monica Carpenter

Members of the Zeta Omega Chapter recently

Lisa Rost and Karri Steeby, members of the Zeta Mu Chapter at Missouri Western State College, spend time with two Special Olympian bowlers during the Special Olympics bowling tournament in St. joseph.

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President-Marianne Busch Bullock, Beta Theta Vice President of Extension-Lori White Scott, Epsilon Epsilon Vice President of Collegians-Cindy Kelley, Beta Pi Vice President of Alumnae-Nora Ten Broeck, Beta Kappa Vice President of Programs-Deborah Fields Dietrich, Beta Nu Vice President of Finance-Angela Dantzler Bauldree, Beta Zeta Vice President of Communications-Dolly Purvis Loyd, Beta Delta The election for 2002-04 officers will take place at this summer's national convention.

If you would like a copy of the biographies of the 2002-04 slate please contact national headquarters at 317-871-2920 or email asa@alphasigmaalpha.org.

HAVE YOU MOVED OR CHANGED YOUR NAME? Chapter/Year oflniti ation Maiden Name New Name New Address City/ State/ Zip Phone Number/ E-mail address D Enclosed is $50 for my one-time alumnae dues.

POSTMAST ER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Alph a Sigma Alpha, 9550 Zionsville Rd., Suite 160, Ind ianapolis, IN 46268.

MEMBERS: Mail comple ted fo rm with m ailing label a ttach ed , to Alp ha Sigma Alpha, 9550 Zio nsvi lle Rd. , Suite 160, Indian apo lis, IN 46268, o r visit www.al phasigmaalpha.org/ alphan e t.html.

PARENTS: Yo ur d aughte r 's subscriptio n to the Phoenix is se n t to her ho m e address while sh e is in college. If sh e is no lo nger in college o r living at h o m e, please submit a change of address.