Asa phoenix vol 89 no 3 spring 2003

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God has blessed me with many friends .

My sorority friends are the most important to me. We can be separated by years or miles, but it doesn't matter. They continue to offer me support, mentoring and inspiration.

I call these my timeless friends.

We all experience and enjoy many types of friends and friendships, such as workplace colleagues, neighborhood friends and PTA friends. The friendships are often centered on a common activity or location. If you switch jobs, move out of the neighborhood or your kids grow up, often the friendships cease due to a lack of a common bond or reason to see one another.

Alpha Sigma Alpha friends are unique because our membership is for a lifetime. Our common bond is unbreakable and extends from generation to generation and surpasses all borders.

Thus, our friendship is timeless.

So, how can we preserve all of our other friendships, like we are able to do within Alpha Sigma Alpha? It is possible with alumnae initiation. Guarantee that your favorite workplace colleagues, PTA friends and neighbors will be your friends for a lifetime by making them one of your sorority sisters. Perhaps your friends never had the opportunity to belong to a Greek organization. As long as she is not an initiated member of another NPC member fraternity, she is eligible for membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Recruitment of new members is not just the responsibility of the collegiate members of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

All of us, alumnae and collegians alike, should be considering friends and colleagues who have never been part of a sorority as potential members. Honor a special friend or family member by sponsoring her for alumnae initiation.

Sorority membership is a gift. Give the gift of timeless friend hip to your mother-in-law, co-worker, neighbor or fellow PTA volunteer. Ensure that those friends will be a part of your life forever.

-Lari White Scott, EE Vice President ofExt<m.Sion

SPRING 2003

CONTENT FEATURES

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Recruitment 365 days a year Every member can make a real difference in Alpha Sigma Alpha by simply asking their friends to become their sisters.

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Advantage initiative looks at self-defense Common sense tips for protecting yourself and your home.

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Advantage Points Useful tips for everyday living.

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Foundation news Learn how to make your charitable gifts go further with matching gift programs and learn more about career enhancement grants.

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12 Women of Distinction Mississippi 's first lady of finance Dorothy Thomsen is truly a woman of distinction .

13 NPC annual meeting The National Panhellenic Conference celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 2002 annual meeting.

14 Installation The Psi Psi Chapter is the newest chapter to join the Alpha Sigma Alpha fami ly.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA

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Volume 89, Number 3

Spring 2003

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DEADLINES Fall. ........ .... ..... ..................June Winter ........ ......... ...... September Spring ... ........... .... ... ... December Summer ....... .................... March

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EDITOR Editor/ Director of Communications Teresa Boyer Fishback, 6.K tfishback@alphasigmaalpha.org

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

Feature Writer

DEPARTMENTS

Tracey Kiefer, BK tracey_kiefer@yahoo.com

Alumnae Editor

Nineteen advisors from across the country traveled to Indianapolis to receive training in chapter operations.

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News to Note The latest news from the national organi zation.

Christine Reising Keeley, EB Christine.Keeley@abbott.com

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

Foundation Writer

Call for Nominations Learn how to be a part of this council as it leads the sorority into the next biennium.

17 Collegiate and Alumnae Stars Featuring accomplishments of Alpha Sigma Alpha members.

18 District News Information from district facilitators as well as news from collegiate and

Amy K. Cary, EA amy_smalls_cary@hotmail.com

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9550 Zionsville Rd. Suite 160 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-871-2920 Fax: 317-871-2924 Email : phoenix@alphasigmaalpha .org PHOENIX 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 Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Produced by Maury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis. Š Alpha Sigma Alpha.

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

POSTMASTER : Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9550 Zionsville Rd. Suite 160, Indianapolis, IN 46268 . Printed in the USA.

SPRING 2003

BY DEBBIE SHARP CRAIG, ZZ District 4 Recruitment Coaching Team Leader

Recruiting on campuses Collegiate members can help with recruitment by following the "Built to Last" five-step program. They need to meet the potential new member in classes, elevators and so on. Then they need to make her their friend-friends join friends, then introduce her to a small group (recruitment team) then to the entire sorority. Finally ask her to join.

Collegiate women need to be outgoing in recruiting and not rely on the women to come to the chapter. Recruitment is Alpha Sigma Alpha women pursuing potential new members. The chapter needs to have a wish list established for each individual member as well as recruitment teams that meet once a week to meet potential new members from the wish list. The recruitment committee should plan two chapter events per month to meet the women that have come to team even ts. The most important step is that every member in the chapter makes a commitment to recruit one new member.

How alumnae chapters can help Alumnae can promote Alpha Sigma Alpha to every graduating high school senior in their hometown. They can fill out recommendations to chapters on campuses where a woman from their hometown is attendi ng. They can attend formal or informal rush parties to help se1ve or to help fill the room. Alumnae chapters can send goodie bags dwing formal rush. Alumnae chapters also can send flowers, notes of encow-agement or emails to the chapter before, dwing and after formal or informal rush.

PR-Personal Recruitment Recruitment is very much linked to public relations. I say that PR is "personal recruitment." Everything we do on campus is PR related from th e way we dress, to our attendance in class and to participating in philanthropies and campus events.

If you show up for class on time, do your homework and keep up your grades this may affect the way a professor sees not only you but the entire chapter and he may share his positive view with others on campus.

SPRING 2003

Editor's note: Various recruitment specialist and leaders in the sorority were asked to put pen to paper and tell us not only how to recruit new members but why it is so vitally important that we do so every da

BY MARIANNE BUSCH BULLOCK, BE> National President

Sharing your sisterhood The mission of our members must be to share our sisterh ood with others. I am agai n asking each collegian and alumna member to identify at least one potential member.

Introduce yourself to this woman , get to know her and become h er friend. In troduce her to your sorority sisters and share Alpha Sigma Alpha's missio n , goals, values and history with her. Then , ask h er to j oin ! Any of us can iden tif)r at least one new member, wh ether she might be an alumna or collegian, who would be an asse t to th e sorority and who can benefit from this delightful association. See how simple it would be to double our membership 1-anks if each of us made th e comm itm ent to recruiunent!

Recently Vice President of Finance Angela Dantzler Bauldree, BZ, said, "We are cheating women of the opportunity to be Alpha Sigma Alphas if we don ' t ask them to join."

This is so true-1 am very passionate about what the sorOii ty can do for its members. The leadership oppornmities are in credible, and tl1 e fri endships are among mose I treasure most. And I know what talents and comm itment our members bring to Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Eve1y day I am in contact wim sisters who are working toward fulfillin g m e dreams of our founders. Virginia, Calva, Mary, juliette and Louise were fun-loving, young women who believed in me best all-round development of women, intellecnially, physically, socially and spirin1ally. Th e more m an 35,000 women who have shared mat vision wim omers continue to make me dreams of our founders a reali ty.

BY KELLY GILLESPIE MILLER, EH Assistant Executive Director

Average chapter size When askea to W1ite about recruitment, my first m ought was to look at trends and statisti cs and try to show mrough charts and graphs th e importance of continual recruitment. But th ere really is o nly o ne number mat I feel is crucial to share and discuss- that is 45. 45 i tl1 e average chapter size fo r our und ergraduate chapters. Why is mis important? In 1997-98,just fi ve year ago, average chapter size was 59. This mean th at our chapters have cwnulatively go tte n smalle r

over th e last five years. The escalating effect of chapte rs not recruiting has hit at bo th th e local and national level. Locally, smaller chapters have more issues because m ere are Fewe r women to hold officer an d lead ership p ositions; smaller budgets to do philanth ro pic proj ects, sisterhood even ts and social activiti es; and fewer members to be involved in campus organ izati ons and Pan hellenic. Most importantly, they have fewer sisters to inte ract with po tential members and recruit new women into th e chapter. On m e national level, our vo lunteers and national headquarters staff are seeing more chapter issues and operati onal issues due to low PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA A

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id.2Llwnn:tt chapters' first line of recruinnent support comes from your district recridtment coaching team leaders and 11,1/E!leJnbers. However, there are other recruinnent resources that come from national headquarters as well. ~)pLSUlllaiJtts (L<A) can be scheduled to visit collegiate chapters during informal recruitment and/or formal nJSh. The ~:Dtjjust: needs to call Director of District Services Krystal Geyer Slivinski at national headquarters prior to scheduling and give f:~!fltllJU1nerlt dates. Leadership consultant scheduling usually occurs in july for the fall semester and December for the spring teJJ~ ileaicleJ:sb:ip consultants are not at a chapter during a recruittnent event, the LC can help the chapter work on their wish or public relations plan and help give new ideas for future recruitment events.

Spring chapters are assigned recruinnent targets based on the number of women currently in the chapter, number of and the campus quota and total. These recruinnent targets are set by national headquarters and can be discussed with Services if chapters have questions about them. resources and supplies such as iJ.A banners, iJ.A pins and also red and white balloons can be ordered through national

membership that need to be supported and resolved. Additionally, since collegiate membership is the main source of new women into our sisterhood and the main source of our operating fees, the national organization is trying to provide the same level of services and support to our chapters with less income.

A main goal for Alpha Sigma Alpha in the coming years has to be increasing average chapter size. The national council wants to increase it by just one member each year over the next five years. If every chapter would recruit one additional woman over what they recruited this year, it would allow us to raise our average chapter size to 46. A significant effect of raising the average chapter size is that it would allow the national organization to keep collegiate fees the same and not require fee increases over a longer period of time .

There are many ways that chapte rs can increase their recruitment and retention so that we can increase the average chapter size. One area for improvement is for chapters to cope more effectively with deferred rush-or formal rush that happens in the spring term. The national organization has observed that many chapters whose campuses have implemented deferred rush do not take the opportunity to aggressively recruit in the fall so that they are close to or at total before spring formal rush begins.

Chapters who effectively implement this strategy can see a dramatic increase in membership because they can surpass total through spring formal rush. Chapters with deferred rush need to take a step up and change their recruitment strategy so as not to miss this opportunity.

BY MELISSA KO CH, EE District 9 Recruitment Coaching Team Leader

Ask a friend to join Think back 100 years ago to when our five founders were recruiting our first new member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, Hattie Kelly. They didn 't have the jungle theme party, million dollar house or the "League of Their Own" skit to persuade Hattie to join our beloved sorority. They only had themselves. If we could ask Hattie today why she j oined, I can bet she would share five names with us: Virginia, Calva, Mary, Juliette and Louise.

All of us have one, two or even a group of women who inspired us to join Alpha Sigma Al pha. Sarah Griggs, Chrissi Hoehn and Robin Clarke- I have them to thank for my wonderful memories, leadership skills and best friends. Just think, you now are in the position of th ose women th at inspired you. You are the member of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

It's your responsibility to recruit new friends to j oin Alpha Sigma Alpha 365 days a year. These potential members th at you come across every day whether at work, on campus, at the grocery store or even while you are working out could be the next chapter officer, alumnae initiate or even future national president if just given the opportunity. But before these women can go on to lead our organization, we need to fi rst ask th em to j oin it, and asking them to j oin is th e essence of recruitment.

Sounds simple? Well it is. Ask your fri ends to j oin Al pha Sigma Alpha. Recruitment is so important for our sorority. The more members we recruit, the more services we will be able to provide our members. Additionally, as sisters, each of us has the obligation to Alpha Sigma Alpha to continue to recruit so we can ensure that A"'f.A will be a strong organization for our sisters, daugh ters, granddaughters and great granddaughters.

There are many ways each of us can help. As a collegiate member, you can help by doing your part to help your chapter conti nuously recrui t to its target and making it a personal goal to reach quota and total on you r campus. If you are lost on how your chapter can do this, take the time to contact your district recruitment team to assist you with our "Built to Last" recruitment philosophy. This team can 't do it fo r you, but they can offer you the support, tools and encou ragement to make it happen! The success stories are al ready coming in for those chapters utilizing the philosophy.

Just because your chapter is at total, or you 're an alumna member, you can still do your part to help with recruitment. We can recrui t alumnae initiates anytime and the best part is this wi ll never affect any of our campus numbers. As an alumna, perhaps you can recruit your neighbor, co-worker or fe llow PTA member who never had the opportunity to be in a sorority but would benefi t from being an Alpha Sigma Alpha. We can benefit as well with increased membership and a larger volunteer pool.

Alumnae chapters can set goals to recruit three new members each year and to start by electing a recruitment officer. Collegians can make it a chapter event to recruit and initiate their mothers or other special women in their lives in to Al pha Sigma Alpha.

SPRING 2003

PIIOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

adV3iitcie ASPIRE~SEEK~ATTAIN g PHYSICAL-SELF-DEFENSE: confessions of a girl fighter

BY ERIN WEED CAMPUSPEAK, Inc. graduated from Eastern Illinois University fully equipped with lofty dreams of invading the entertainment industry in the "Big Apple." I moved east several months after leaving EIU and quickly found my dream jobs at places such as the Health Network and the History Channel. My dreams seemed to be in full gear one year after I moved to New York, but on June 12, 2001, everything came crashing down.

June 12, was the day I learned my Alpha Phi sorority sister, Shannon McNamara, had been murdered while fighting off an attacker in her apartment. I immediately knew that my life would never be the same. Always wanting to look on the bright side, I searched for peace or any speck of good in the situation and came up with nothing. I realized that sometimes there are no silver linings, so you have to create your own.

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My silver lining took on the name "Girls Fight Back." Within two months of Shannon's murder, I decided that I needed to Jearn how to fight. The more I learned, the more I wanted to share this information with others. I became a certified women's self-defense instructor through the American Women's SelfDefense Association. Since becoming certified, I have evolved from being an aspiring 1V producer to a full-time girl fighter.

My journey has taught me an enormous amount. I've learned that most sorority women don' t know enough to arm themselves mentally and physically against a potential attacker.

There are three lines of defense that we must recognize as we take a look at crime against women. The first line of defense is PREVENTION, the second is INTUITION and the third line of defense is THE FIGHT. Before I explain these three lines of defense, I should say that I never took a self-defense class until a close friend was

murdered. I have done a lot of thinking ir regards to why. Why did I never take a sin路 gle class to regain my personal security?

Was I ignorant? No. Was I too busy? No. Did I hate the fact that all self-defense classes were taught by retired, male, campus security officers? Yes. Did I resent the message that ''You should take self-defens6 so you don't get raped!" Yes. So I want to propose an outlandish ide; to you today. Maybe we shouldn't take self defense out of fear and anxiety but for empowerment. I think of being a girl fight er like knowing how to speak a foreign lall' guage in a different country: it can get us out of a difficult situation. I think it's time to take the drama out of self-defense and look at it as a useful life skill.

PREVENTION I believe many, if not most, crimes can be prevented. How do we do this?

Awareness is key, but avoid becoming paranoid. Don 't make yourself a "good victim" by taking away your vital defenses.

ne evening last May, I came home from work and started on some much needed yard Best security O work.

My three dogs were playing in the back yard while I worked.

II I put the dogs inside as I moved to the front yard to cut the grass. At one point I noticed walking towards me. Being the block captain on my street, I pretty much know of system- athemanneighbors and always made it a point to say hello to anyone passing by. As I went to say all

dogs and

your instincts

BY ANGElA D. SCHAEFER, BI

District 9 Facilitator

Angela D. Schaefer, BI

SPRING 2003

hello, the man abruptly crossed in front of me to the other side of the street, refusing to make eye contact with me. All of a sudden he stopped, came back across the street, still not ' making eye contact and walked around my comer lot and disappeared down the street.

About the same time I noticed my dogs barking, which in itself is nothing new as they always bark when someone is outside the house. This time however, there was a different pitch to their barks. I just assumed they were watching the man walk around the comer. I continued my yard work and thought nothing more of the man or the dogs barking.

As I went to the back of my house, I noticed that the latch on my gate wasn't down all the way. Because of my fear of the dogs getting out, I always make sure the latch is down and secure. I had taken the trash out earlier in the evening and thought maybe I had been distracted and didn't put the latch down.

As I went to my back door to enter my house, I realized I had left the door unlocked and I always lock it since my back yard and garage are off of an alley.

As I opened the door, I had a very uneasy feeling. The gate latch and now the back door . . . When I walked into the house, my dogs came flying through the kitchen barking hysterically, but then stopped as soon as they saw it was me. Normally they don't bark when they know I'm outside. At that moment I thought, someone might be in the house. I thought about turning around and going to my neighbors to call the police, but the dogs seemed to be OK and then the phone rang.

As I chatted on the phone, I took one of the dogs and walked through my house. I thought if someone was in the house I had the dog with me and now someone on the phone who would know if something went suddenly wrong. I realized no one was in the house.

Common sense in traveling

BY KATHLEEN CAILOPY MILLER, Af Foundation Trustee y its very nature, traveling involves risks at every level. The most important of all self-defense mechanism is common sense.

It means that as a traveler, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Safety starts the moment you leave your Kathleen Miller, Ar home. Neighbors are a great source of defense to your home. Let a trusted neighbor know your travel plans and entrust them with a key. Ask them to pick up your paper, mail and deliveries daily. Purchase a good, automatic on/ off switch for a few of the lights in your house. Leave a talk radio station playing on low to give the appearance that there is conversation in your home.

Closing shades and draperies is also good home defense.

Since the recent attack on U.S. commercial airlines, there have been safety changes by the government, but that does not ensure a traveler from being victimized in other areas. NEVER leave a bag out of eyesight. Having a bag beside you but turning your back on it is an open invitation for someone to pick it up and disappear into the crowd. Security checkpoints are an area to be on highest alert with your personal possessions. Do not go through the screener until your belongings have entered the X-ray machine.

Keep your eyes on your bags the entire time, even if you are searched. Remember they are your bags, and you have every right to have them close. The same goes for on board the aircraft. Your purse and valuables should never leave your sight. Valuables should never be stored in the overhead compartment. Utilize the space under the seat in front of you. If you place a bag in the overhead bin, make sure it is as close to you as possible and then keep an eye on it during deplaning.

Hotel self-defense is critical for women traveling alone. The very first thing you should do is lock and chain the door once inside you r room. Never open a hotel door to ANYONE you don't know. If someone represents themselves as hotel staff, call the front desk to verifY their name and reason for entry into your room. You may even ask that a female staff member accompany a man who needs to enter.

Don't forget that you also may leave the door open or even leave the room while the staff person is present.

The most important key is to follow your gut instinct and act on it. Your intuition and common sense are your best safety tools.

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Things like jogging with a Walkman take away your auditory sense of survival. If you want to know what a good victim is, think like a criminal. What kind of woman would you go after if you were a bad guy?

I've heard a lo t of self-defense professionals advise women to make changes in

how they dress or where to go in order to avoid crime. I heard one self-defense instructor tell a crowd of women not to wear high heels because it will be too hard to run from an attacker. I will never tell my students these things. I think we're all Americans who have the right to wear what we want and go where we please. I won' t advise you to avoid high heels, but I will show you the proper technique for using that heel as a weapon.

Did you know that the two most likely places for violence to occur against women are in her home or at her workplace? Ironically these are often the two places where we feel the safest. What can we do to make these places safer? For the workplace, ask your human resources department to bring in a self-defense speaker, and express your concern with building security if it's lacking. For the home I recommend you ge t an alarm. Not an entire alarm system wi th passwords and Continued on page 8

I went about my business that evening, and later remembered that I needed to charge my cell phone. As I went to the kitchen to grab the phone from my purse, I realized my purse was not in the kitchen. Panic set in. I knew I had left my purse on the counter by my stove, which is right next to the back door. Someone had been in the house! I decided to call my cell phone. The phone would ring, I would find my purse, and everything would be OK Well, as my cell phone rang, I realized without a doubt someone had been in the house.

Many thoughts went through my head. My purse had everything in it! My checkbook, my credit cards, everything! I immediately called 911 . Since I was OK, I was told to be patient and a police officer would call me as soon as possible.

The next 12 hours were filled with anxiety about what could have happened to me or my dogs and just general anger that we live in a world where someone doesn't even think twice about committing a crime. Thank goodness my dogs were in the house. They are big dogs so I'm sure as soon as they started barking at the intruder he took the first thing he could grab and ran. The only thing I can determine is that the man who walked in front of me when I was cutting my grass either turned around to let himself into my home or was serving as a lookout person while someone else was in the house.

The next morning, after canceling all of my credit cards, having my cell phone service disconnected and preparing to go to the bank to close my account, I decided to take a walk down the alley to see if maybe the purse had been dumped. Sure enough, my purse and everything in it, minus $6 and the cell phone, had been thrown in the last dumpster at the end of the alley.

As a result of this experience, I've learned that you must always be aware of your surroundings and listen to your instincts. When something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. I've also learned to be grateful that my dogs bark at everyone that walks by, and now I let them bark!

1PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SPRING 2003

an outside provider managing it, but instead a mini travel alarm that you can buy for $20 at Radio Shack. I take my motion sensor and my door stop alarm when I'm on th e road and staying at hotels. These mini alarms are perfect for traveling or for dorm rooms.

Another great alarm system is a dog.

The beautiful thing about dogs is that regardless of size or breed, they have an excellent sense of hearing and intuition.

Dogs trust their instincts, unlike us humans.

INTUITION Sometimes crime cannot be prevented, and we need to listen to our gut feelings when it tells us we're in danger. I think of intuition as our inner grandmother, calmly advising us what to do and not to do.

What many women don't realize is that our intuition is actually a survival instinct that can save our lives. The cruel irony is that many women are habitual selfdoubters. We have this amazing sense of what paths we should walk down, but we don ' t have enough confidence to follow our inner wisdom. Americans have a funny way of worshiping logic, so if it doesn "t make blatant sense, we don't acknowledge it as being danger.

For anyone wanting to learn more about fear, intuition, the difference between the two and how they can save

your life, please read my fav01ite book called "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker.

THE FIGHT The third line of defense is the fight, which I advise women to avoid at all costs.

Even if someone comes in my front door in the middle of the night, you can be certain I'm bolting for the fire escape in order to dodge an altercation. Even when you are a trained fighter, the higher road is to avo id a confrontation in the first place.

However, there may be a time in your life where fighting may be your only option. My program, "Girls Fight Back," is somewhat revolutionary, because it's the first self-defense program where I don't tell my students what to do-l ask them.

An activity that the women love is what I call "demo of his weaknesses." In this part of the program, I call up my assailant, and with the help of the crowd, we put bright green stickers all over his body on vital targets. Winning a fight is all about being creative, looking for the open shot and using your strengths against the bad guy's weaknesses. Assailants are expecting some token resistance. The goal of "Girls Fight Back" is to provide OVERWHELMING resistance.

One of the most popular questions I get is about the effectiveness of pepper

spray. Frankly, I think it gives women a false sense of security. It's very important to always view yourself as the weapon, and anything else you decide to fight with as a tool. Your survival begins and ends with you! If you are going to use pepper spray as your Plan A, be sure to have a Plan B, C, D, E and Fin the event that the pepper spray lets you down.

All women have certain powers. We can choose to use them or choose to ignore them. Learning to fight and taking the steps to start believing you are worth fighting for is a choice. Deciding to fight back against crime up0n women is a choice.

Banding together through women's activism is a choice. Furthermore, choosing to wake up each day to live an empowered life is also a choice.

Just imagine how empowered women would be if we all knew how to fight back!

Erin Weed travels to dozens of college campuses each year with her women's self-defense program, Girls Fight Back! For more information, visit www.campuspeak.com. You can email Erin at erin@girlsfightback.com.

Safety tips for the great outdoors

BY TANDY PARRISH, ZTI Senior Range~~ John Martin Reservoir State Park, Hasty, CO Staying safe in parks and other outdoor areas starts with common sense and the willingness to take a few extra steps before you leave your home. The first key to safety in parks is to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Leaving an itinerary with a friend or family member will greatly increase the chances that you will be found quickly if something does happen.

Being prepared for any weather emergency is very important, whether you plan on taking a two-hour hike or whether you are going camping for several days. Even for the shortest hike, some basic items can save your life or the life of someone else. The following items are suggested: rain gear, an extra layer of dry clothes or a pace blanket, a flash light, a lighter, a knife, fresh winking water or iodine (to make river water safe to drink) and orne energy bars. These simple items take up very little room in a fanny pack and can make a big difference if something does go wrong. The last item that is very important is a map of the area.

Weather i not the only dangerous element to visiting a park.

Animals and people can also pose a threat. The easiest way to stay afe is to be aware of your surroundings. Wild animals such as SPRING 2003

bears and mountain lions are atu-acted to food or unusual smells. If you make sure not to keep loose food in or around your camp and do not wear strong perfumes or deodorants that have a sweet smell, you should be OK. If you do encounter a wild animal, back away slowly. Do not run. Most animals are more scared of you than you are of them, and they will leave the area first.

In order to stay safe in parks, stay on maintained paths and trails. This will reduce the risk of getting lost and \viii also protect you from dangerous people who may be waiting for someone alone to wander off of the trail. In addition to the benefits, staying on maintained trails will also ensure that everyone who visits has a great view of the wilderness without a lot of damage to the resources.

Lastly, in a day when just about everyone carries a cell phone, remember that throughout the United States, park rangers can dispatched by calling 9-1-1 . Stay safe while visiting your local and stay aware!

Caught in the middle Are you a member of the sandwich generation, caught in the middle between children wh o still need or look to you for support and parents who are moving toward greater dependence?

Join the crowd; nearly half of all boomers, age 45 to 55, have children at home ~nd parents who are still living, accordmg to MRP, which recently conducted a study on the issue (www. mygeneration.org/ departments/ 200 11 style/0805_a.html).

If boomers think they have it bad, their children could really feel the pinch.

According to one expert, the average person will spend 17 years taking care of a child and 18 years taking care of a parent.

Carol Abaya, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and expert on aging and elder/ parent care issues (www.thesandwichgeneration.com) , says that more productivity is lost from employees having to fulfill elder/ parent-care responsibilities than for child-care ones.

Read, register and releasesharing a book with others Do you like to read, but the books you buy are threatening to take over your home?

Perhaps you'd be interested in a free, global book club (www.bookcrossing.com) that invites members to give books away and then track them online wherever they travel.

After a simple, free sign up, you register a book, receive an ID number, which you write inside the cover, and then release it.

"Give it to a friend, leave it on a park bench, donate it to charity, forget it in a coffee shop," suggests the web site. You're then notified by email each time someone visits the site and records an entry for that book.

The site claims 92,489 members and 258,848 books registered. In addition 8,981 people have signed up to attend monthly meetings at 545 locales in 34 countries.

yo use Alpha Sigma Alpha 1n your resume-or not

Sho~ld you include your membership in Alph~ Sigma Alpha and the responsibilities

of vanous positions? Expert opinions vary from maybe to maybe not.

A maybe not comes at Quintessential ~aree~s (www.quintcareers.com), a profesSional JOb-seeking service, where they advise t~at you s~ould list your Greek organizauon genencally (membership vice president for social fraternity) because the name of a Greek organization is something that employers might use to screen out candidates, based on deep-seated rivalries or animosities.

A maybe comes at the Texas A&M University career center web site, where recruiters were asked what they don 't like to see on a resume. One recruiter cautioned agai~st filling a resume with sorority and fraternity activities: "It is okay to list Social Chair, Delta Delta Delta, 1998-2002, but don 't list information on the 17 mixers that you organized!

Extracurricular activities are not jobs. You do not need to list all of the responsibilities associated with the position. Be brief, unless the activity is related directly to your employment goals," the recruiter said.

For other "don'ts" from recruiters visit http: / /careercenter.tamu.edu/Students/ S 11 / S 11 C.shtml.

For an overview of designing and writing resumes and cover letters visit www.black-collegian.com/ careerI marketable2002-lst.shtml.

Whether you agree with Quintessential Careers or not, visit their resume resources page, www.quintcareers.com/ resres.html for more interesting information .

Please write to the editor at phoenix@ alphasigmaalpha.org with your experiences/feelings regarding the use of ~A on your resume.

HOWdy

Good and better news about the fight against cervical cancer Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after breast cancer. Each year 400,000 women are diagnosed and about 50 percent die of the disease. In the U.S. approximately 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and an estimated 4,100 die annually.

Over the last decade, scientists have ~ade huge advances in understanding the disease and a vaccine could wipe it out in a generation.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus- the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV). While more than 80 types of HPV have been identified, 18 strains cause most cases of cervical cancer.

Last November, researchers announced a vaccine that appears to be highly effective against HPV 16, which accounts for about 50 percent of all cervical cancer cases. A vaccine could be on the market within five years.

In the meantime, HPV can be detected in pap tests, which are recommended annually for sexually active women. While most cases ofHPV resolve on their own, a small minority progress to cervical cancer.

Many women who are infected with HPV don't even know that they have the virus, making the pap test essential in the fight against cervical cancer.

-Nancy I.Z. Reese Editor's note: Do you have an idea for Advantage Points? Please contact Alpha Sigma Alpha at asa@alphasigmaalpha.org or write 9550 Zionsville Rd., Suite 160, Indianapolis, IN46268.

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As anyone who has written a resume knows, it is not easy. Deciding what to include, or not, is especially difficult. ~OENIX OF ALPHA

SIGMA ALPHA

SPRING 2003

FOUNDATION

-----------------------------

NEW~S_ __

Put your employer to work for yout Matching gifts may double your Foundation donation

BY AMY K. CARY, EA Foundation Writer iane Yencicjames, HH, has found a way to make her dollars go even further, through the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation's matching gifts program. Diane, of Pittsburg, KS, is a member of the Foundation board of trustees and knows very well the difference that conuibutions from members and alumnae can make for Alpha Sigma Alpha members.

"I was national vice president of finance when the Foundation was formed in 1~86," she says. "Part of my duties were to establish Foundation bylaws. I worked with an attorney to develop the bylaws for the Foundation."

D

Diane Yencicjames, HH

Diane, an alumna of the Eta Eta Chapter at Pittsburg State, said that her husband's employer, Westar Energy, went through a series of mergers at the same time. While merging with another company, the company acquired a foundation, which sponsors a matching gifts program.

Since the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization, the company eventually agreed to match Diane's gifts to the Foundation. "At that point, I knew I was lucky to have a matching gifts company which would match my conuibutions. The company went from matching dollar for dollar to two dollars for every dollar conuibuted and eventually to three dollars for every dollar,"

she says, adding that the company is currently matching dollar for dollar again.

"I made a commitment three years ago to give a $5,000 gift each year. I enjoy doing it whenever I can," she says, estimating that she conuibutes to Alpha Sigma Alpha nearly once a month. The matching gift from Westar Energy allowed Diane to increase her $5,000 plus annual giving to over $20,000!

"I really believe in what the Foundation can do for our sorority and our college women and alumnae," she adds. "I would encourage everybody to take advantage of a matching gifts opportunity. It only makes your dollars go that much further."

Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation thanks the following corporations and their foundations for matching the gifts of Foundation donors: Ave ntis Pharmaceuticals ... Rose M. Blahut, EE AXA Foundation ... Kathleen Geib Baykin, AA Chicago Tribune Foundation ... Nancy I.Z. Reese, BY Gannett Foundation ... Carl and Kelly Gillespie Miller, EH Toys "R" Us ... Sandra Mastandrea Nudo, BIT UPS Foundation ... Kim Benson, tJN, and Henry and Nancy Geyer Wal-Mart Foundation ... Lesa Redinger Hamm, tJK Westar Energy Foundation ... Diane Yencicjames, HH

Double your dollars! . Would you like to see your gift do twice as much for Alpha Sigma Alpha? Your company may be ready to help. Please check with your empl~yer-you may ~e surprised to learn that you or your spouse works for a matching gifts company! Because ~m ployers consider matchmg gifts abenefit to their employees, your department or personnel office is the most likely source for matching gift forms and 路

12 I0

SPRING 2003

.F

FOUNDATION NEWS

Career enhancement grant awarded to two members

BY AMY K. CARY, EA Foundation Writer

-:r:he Alp~a Sigma Alpha F~undation has provided two Alpha Sigma Alpha members with the opportunity to achieve their goals by furthenng their education or participating in leadership programs through the career enhancement grant program.

Standing at around 5-foot-11, Stephanie Bartels, BK, has had a long-time goal of opening her own clothing store for tall women. Stephanie, who also has a younger sister who is nearly ~foot-2, says she can relate to the difficulties taller women have in finding nice clothes that fit appropriately.

Stephanie, who pledged Alpha Sigma Alpha in 1996 at the Beta Kappa Chapter at Western Illinois University, has worked for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City for the past four years. With a degree in fashion merchandising and a minor in business, Stephanie currently works as an assistant buyer for designer sportswear for the company. She says she is grateful for her career enhancement grant and will use it to reimburse some of the expenses she entailed while pursuing her MBA from 路 Fordham University.

While founding an alumnae chapter for Alpha Sigma Alpha in New York, ' Stephanie says she learned of the Foundation 's career enhancement grant program and applied for it. Recipients for the awards are chosen based on their goals for career growth and their leadership, participation and volunteerism in Alpha Sigma Alpha and other civic activities.

"I'd like to stay at Saks until I'm a buyer," says Stephanie, adding that a person working in the fashion merchandising industry has a lot more ability to move around and find satisfYing careers once reaching the status of buyer.

"I'm very happy there for now ... it's a great company. I will look to starting the process of opening my own company in a few years."

Jennifer Griggs, EE, oflndianapolis, IN, is another career enhancement grant recipient. Jennifer, who pledged Alpha Sigma Alpha at the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter, Emporia State University, KS, in 1991, is using her grant to reimburse expenses for a women's leadership retreat.

Recently employed as a student development specialist-academic advisor for Butler University in Indianapolis, Jennifer finds herself counseling young college women and advising them on their life decisions, which requires her to be strong and motivated.

Before coming to work for Butler, Jennifer worked as a leadership consultant for Alpha Sigma Alpha and received a master's degree in higher education administration. She also served as director of programming at Alpha Sigma Alpha headquarters in Indianapolis from May 1998 to August 2002.

In June of 2002,Jennifer was selected to attend the Young Women's Leadership Retreat at the Woodhull Institute in New York, which is a leadership-building program for young, professional women.

"I was still working at headquarters at the time and felt that attending this leadership retreat would be a good experience to apply to Alpha Sigma Alpha's programming areas, to help take Alpha Sigma Alpha to the next level," says Jennifer.

"Now, working with young women at Butler University, I feel the experience helps me prepare them for beyond college."

The career enhancement grant program is made possible through generous gifts from members and friends of Alpha Sigma Alpha. If you would like to giv~ other Alpha Sigma Alphas the opportunity to enhance their career through vanous forms of continuing education, please send your gift, clea~ly designat~d for the c~eer e~hance颅 ment grant, to the Foundation office at 9550 Zionsvtlle Rd., Su1te 160, Ind1anapohs, IN 46268. ' ~OENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SPRING 2003

11

..路

1t

Darothy Holifield Thomsen-Mississippi sfirst lady offinance

BY TRACEY KIEFER, BK Feature Writer In 1958 Dorothy Holifield Thomsen, broke the gender barrier to become the first woman in Mississippi, and possibly the nation, to become a broker-dealer of a securities firm .

A former homemaker, Dorothy held positions related to office and business management before studying to take the securities exam and founding Thomsen Securities Corp. in Hattiesburg, MS, at the age of48.

"I didn't realize that I was making history at the time," Dorothy said, "I was just so proud to have given the people of Hattiesburg the opportunity to buy stock."

Dorothy recently was named the 2002 Woman of Achievement at the annual luncheon of the Hattiesburg Women's Forum.

"Dorothy Thomsen blazed the way for women in business witl1 dignity and professional integrity," said the 2001 winner, Gwen james of Coldwell Banker. "She is truly deserving of this honor as she opened doors for others to follow and continues to give freely of herself to this day in helping others."

Dorothy spent 27 years earning a highly respected position in the financial world, gaining the confidence and respect of numerous clients, colleagues and fellow members of the Hattiesburg community.

She retired in 1985.

B~,

"I didn't realize that I was making history at the time.

I was just so proud to have given the people of Hattiesburg the opportunity to buy stock. " -Dcrrothy Holifield Thomsen, BLl Dorothy was the first female to be inducted into the Sales and Marketing Executives of Hattiesburg and was honored by the group as the recipient of the outstanding member award in 1982 and the executive of the year award in 1986.

Dorothy was named to Who's Who in Mississippi in 1974, as well as Who's Who in Finance and Industry, 1983-84.

Along with her achievements as a pioneer for women in finance, Dorothy has always been active in her support of the Hattiesburg community and southern Mississippi. She is currently active in the following organizations: First Baptist Church, Hattiesburg-for 74 years, USM Foundation Heritage Society Honor Club, Rainbow Garden Club, Hattiesburg and Area Historical Society and Hattiesburg Civic Arts Council.

Dorothy grew up in Hattiesburg, graduated from Hattiesburg High School and attended Mississippi Southern College, now the University of Southern Mississippi.

Both her children, John Thomsen and Dottie Thomsen Persons, B~ , a current member of the AJ.A Foundation Board of Trustees, are Southern Mississippi alumni.

Dorothy joined the Beta Delta Alumnae Chapter in 1965, shortly after her daughter Dottie joined the

Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter Mardi Gras Partysealed is Dcrrothy Holifield Thomsen, Queen Narcissus II. Standing, from l拢ft, are Dottie Thomsen Persons, Lynn jones Meador, Gail Lucas, Kim Tillman Busche, Dolly PU1vis Luyd and Ursula jones, all Beta Deltas.

12

SPRING 2003

Dcrrothy Holifield Thomsen, BLl Beta Delta Chapter and served as chapter president. Dorothy continues to be an active member and faithful supporter of the Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter and was chosen to be "Queen Narcissus" during the chapter's second annual Mardi Gras celebration.

"Mom truly exemplifies a woman of poise and purpose and has been an inspiration to me," said daughter Dottie Persons.

Dorothy continues to find the world of finance magical and is currently involved in helping others to do the same.

Along with sponsoring the Hub City Investment Club, Dorothy has recently established the Dorothy Thomsen Mississippi 's First Lady of Finance Endowment through tl1e University of Southern Mississippi. The endowment, when fully funded, will offer scholarships to future students of finance at USM and will support the Dorothy Thomsen lecture series through the USM College of Business Administration.

For more information on the Dorothy Thomsen Mississippi's First Lady of Finance Endowment, contact the USM Foundation at (601) 266-5602 or at Box 10026, Hattiesburg, MS 39406.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALP

~

.

NPC celebrates 100 years of leadership

BY LETITIA FULKERSON

Chi Omega Fraternity "Celebrating 100 Years of Leadership, Values and Friendship" was the theme for the National Panhellenic Conference Centennial Celebration and Interim Session. The Marriott Oak Brook, Oak Brook, IL, was the site for the meeting from Oct. 10- 12, 2002.

Representing Alpha Sigma Alpha at this historic event: Delegate Lynne Rachal Chambers, A; 1st alternate delegate Ellen Funk Morris, BA; 2nd alternate delegate Sue Zorichak, BB; 3rd alternate delegate Lori White Scott, EE; President Marianne Busch Bullock, B0; Executive Director Lisa Tait Longo, fH; and Director of Communications/ Editor Teresa Boyer Fishback, ~K. The opening session brought greetings from President George W. Bush and proclamations from 27 governors.

The business of the conference was accomplished through executive committee and standing committee reports.

Various Alumnae Panhellenic and College I Panhellenic delegates attended standing committee meetings and special round. tables. National presidents, executive directors and editors had full agendas for their respective meetings. Committee meeting updates included reports that the PH Factor and Alumnae Panhellenics newsletter are both available on the NPC web site (www.npcwomen.org).

An amendment to Unanimous Agreement, Article Vll, was adopted at the business session for 2001: "Resolved, the Initial College I Pan hellenic Violation Form must be presented to the President of the College I Panhellenic Association within 48 hours or on the first school day after the alleged infraction is known, whichever provides the longer period of time, to allow for the proper preparation of the report. The statute of limitation for filing violation forms shall be 10 days after the acceptance of bids."

The research committee had a panel discuss the various guidelines, stipulatations and concerns involving the various

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

CENTENNIAl.

requests for information from individual college panhellenics, inter/ national fraternities and NPC. Valuable information points included: • Research done by an institution is "outcome" based. They have to be able to relate the value of co-curricular program to the mission of th e institution.

• Social science research should be able to describe in "crystal clear" terms what the research is going to do, the purpose of gathering the research and what the benefits are for the stakeholders. It should clearly describe what can and cannot be done with the research.

• Courts are struggling with the "right to know" vs. "the right to privacy. " • Fraternity secrets must be maintained to maintain intimate association.

• Weighing the "negatives" (unknown outcome, identifiable population) against the "benefits" (data helps make decisions, supports resource allocation, and public relations) of participation in scientific research.

The centennial luncheon featured Corre Stegal, Kappa Delta, as the speaker.

In a humorous way, Corre shared the

highlights of the accomplishments of the first 100 years ofthe National Panhellenic Conference.

Jean Scott, NPC Foundation president, was proud to report that the foundation goal of$750,000 for the centennial fund was met with the donation from Phi Mu Fraternity. The NPC Foundation has granted more than $37,000 to su pport the programs of the conference . T he first grant from the endowment was announced as the establishment of the distinguished lectureship.

The centennial celebration, chaired

by Beth Saul, Alpha Epsilon Phi, was a tremendous success. Each member group contributed numerous items for the displays. A printed directory of all of the individual celebrations, buildings and structures dedicated and/ or named in honor of NPC women and the listing of each NPC member groups con tribu tions to the historical arch ives was distributed.

This historic event concluded with the centennial banquet featuring sorority members from Northwestern University in a reenactment of the first NPC meeting entitled "One Fine Day."

Pictured from left are: Lori White Scott, EE; Lynne Rachal Chambers, A; Marianne Busch Bullock, BB; Ellen Funk Morris, BA; Teresa Boyer Fishback, LlK; Sue Zo1·ichak, BB and Lisa Tait Longo, TH.

SPRING 2003

13

CHAPTER

Psi Psi Chapter re-installed

BY KIM GARAFOLA, ZK

Leadership Consultant 2001-02 The women at Northwestem State University in Natchitoches, l.A, aspired for something greater than the current sororities on their campus had to offer. They proceeded to seek a sorority that fit with their values and ideals. Alpha Sigma Alpha met the needs of the women of the local sorority Kappa Delta Sigma. They attained their ultimate goal on Oct. 26, 2002, when they were re-installed as the Psi Psi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha with 64 chartering members.

Even though the women are new to the Greek community, Psi Psi has a rich history as it existed on the campus from 1930-70.

Honored guests at the installation weekend were National President Marianne Busch Bullock, BE>; Vice President of Finance Angela Dantzler Bauldree, BZ; past ational Vice President of Finance Barbara Lambrano William on, HH; Assistant District 9 Facilitator Trudy Higgins, BE>; and Assistant Executive Director Kelly Gillespie Miller, EH. Also preent was Deeann Fuglaar, an 14

SPRING 2003

alumna of Psi Psi Chapter.

The installation festivities began Friday night with a reception held on campus to allow the university faculty and leaders an opportunity to meet the women and their guests.

A sisterhood event followed the reception .

Saturday morning began with the initiation of the women. Members from the Delta Upsilon Chapter, Zeta Sigma Chapter and the Zeta Rho Chapter along with members from the Houston Alumnae Chapter, Dallas Alumnae Chapter, Livingston

Alumnae Chapter and North Carolina Alumnae Chapter served as sponsors for the women as they took their vows.

The installation of the chapter and the installation of officers fo llowed initiation. The rain that fell outside that morning did not dampen the spirits of the women as their colony became an official chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

The White Luncheon followed initiation. Trudy Higgins was the mistress of ceremonies.

Jolene jacobs led "Grace Before Meat" and the invocation.

Marianne Bullock presented

Charter initiates: Kelly Manuel, Catherine Boddie, Natasha Cabarubio, Naomi Chrissoverges, Sharon Colletti, Jessica Cramer, Kristen Dauzat, MacKenzie Deshotel, Megan Ebarb, Stacey England, Kelli Fontana, Erin Gainey, Carolyn Gatti, Crystal Gelinas, Leigh Ann Greathouse, Carrie Guillory, Kama Guillory, Erin Harris,Jolene Jacobs, Jennifer Jensen, Amber Langley, Ashley Layrisson, Stephanie LeRay, Robin Mire, Jennifer Nola, Yonna Pasch, Julie Pitts, Michelle Raiford, Erin Riviere, Deidri Sampson, Amanda Shaver, Kimberly Silva, Jennifer Styron, Nicole Sullivan, Danielle Wilhelm, Christina Wynn New members: Ann Banks, Kim Bayma, Cory Breitling, Molly Cloninger, Melinda Cortez, Alice Dosser, Haley Dye, Kristine Dwyer, Nikki Fontenot, Kim Guillot, Kristin Huben, Lily Kusljic, Shelly Lewis, Sharmyn Little, Selese McPhie, Nicole Mooney, Amanda Myers, Susan Ormsby, Valerie Perdue, Casey Ponder, Katherine Snead, Kylie Thompson Alumnae initiates: Laura Sue Guynn, Virginia Cecchini, Kelly Rine, Deanna Myers

each of the members with a Phoenix Recognition pin to honor them for being charter members of the chapter.

Chapter president, Kelly Manuel, read letters of congratulations from alumna, chapters and national officers from around the country.

The members of the chapter were amazed by the gifts of congratulations that were given by the national organization, national council and other chapters at the luncheon.

That night the banquet was held in the PrudhommeRouquier Home, a plantation home built in the 1790s.

Kim Garafola, leadership consultant, served as the mistress of ceremonies. Luke Dowden, assistant director of student services, for Northwestern State University was the keynote speaker for the night. Toasts of praise and support for the chapter were given by Antonette Iorio from Delta Upsilon Chapter, Carole Welborn, ZP, from the Livingston Alumnae Chapter and ational Vice President of Finance Angela Bauldree. Next National President Marianne Bullock presented the chapter with its charter.

PHOENIX OF AlPHA SIGMA AlP

路- - ----=N EW S TO

Alpha Sigma Alpha names interim executive director Brenda K. Mesalam, XX, has joined the national headquarters staff as the interim executive director. She will be on staff throughout the search process for a new executive director, as well as the transistion period after a candidate has been selected.

Brenda was hired after Lisa Tait Longo, fH, left the national headaqurters staff in February. Lisa was employed by the sorority since 1991.

First District Day events held The first two District Day events were held in February in District 4 and 9. These events are meant to replace the old State/Province Days.

In District 4 eight of nine collegiate chapters and six of 13 alumnae chapters participated in the event. In District 9 all collegiate chapters and seven of 11 alumnae chapters attended the event.

Thank you to all the volunteers in both districts for making the first District Days successful ones. District Day

was made possible through your gifts to the A!.A Foundation. A detailed story on District Day events will appear in the summer issue.

Alpha Sigma Alpha announces newest colony Alpha Sigma Alpha is pleased to announce its newest colony at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. The colony held their Phoenix degree on Feb. 9.

If you would like more information on the chapter please contact Director of District Services Krystal Geyer Slivinski at kgeyer@alphasigmaalpha. org or (317) 871-2920.

New alumnae chapters form Alpha Sigma Alpha would like to welcome its newest alumnae chapter. Congratulations to the Greater Johnstown, PA, Alumnae Chapter. The chapter was installed on jan. 19. For more information about this chapter, contact Brooke Bellak at BSTREAMSS@aol.com.

Other alumnae interest groups that are forming

Leadership Development Institute update The Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute (LDI) will be held june 20-22 in Baltimore and St. Louis. In Baltimore the event will be held at the BWI Marriott, and in St. Louis the event will be held at the Renaissance Inn at the airport.

The cost of the event is $125 dollars per person. Each chapter is expected to send at least five participants who are emerging leaders and eligible to run for office in November.

For more information go to www.alphasigmaalpha.org/ LDI2003.html. include: Bethlehem, PA; River Falls, WI; Lafayette, LA; Green Bay, WI; and Roanoke, VA. If you are interested in more information on any of these groups please check out the news and events page at www.alphasigmaalpha.org.

Search for new executive director underway Alpha Sigma Alpha seeks an executive director to manage its headquarters operations. Requirements include a bachelor's degree in a business-related field with a minimum of five years experience in administrative and financial management in a small corporate business or a nonprofit association environ-

ment. Grant-writing experience is highly preferred.

This opportunity requires excellent skills in written and verbal communications, personnel supervision and proficiency in Word, Excel and data base management.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Excellent benefits are offered. Email cover letter and resume to Marianne Bullock, national president, mpbhoutex@earthlink.net, or mail to 10215 Wildwood Park Lane, Houston, TX 77070.

Looking for a graduation gift?

The Years Behind Us: A History of Alpha Sigma Alpha and The Tie That Binds; A Celebration of Alpha Sigma Alpha would both make a perfect graduation gift for any Alpha Sigma Alpha member.

The Years Behind Us For more information on A His tory of Alpha Sigma Alpha how to order copies today contact Director of Communications Teresa Boyer Fishback at tftshback@alphasigmaalpha.org or call (317) 871-2920. You can also log on the Alpha Sigma Alpha web site at www.alphasigmaalpha.org to place your order. A detailed story on this Alpha Sigma Alpha book set will appear in the summer issue.

1901 to 2001 I!IIO拢NIX OFALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SPRING 2003

15

Advisor Academy 2003

Above: Advisors, from left, Tara Holman, NN; Becky Paullin, ZA and Lynne Marie Capraro Cona, NN, go over the program materials during lunch. Below: Advisars j essica Bunch and Judith H ayn, HH, enjoy their lunch break.

BY TERESA BOYER FISHBACK, IlK Director of Communications Advisor A cademy pa1ticipants and facilitators.

''I gained some valuable knowledge in specific areas that will assist me in being a better advisor. "

16

SPRING 2003

"The Many Hats of Advisors" was the th eme for th e second annual advisor academy held in Indianapolis, IN, the weekend of j an. 18-20. Nineteen advisors attended the event that was deemed a huge success.

The advisors trained in areas such as recmitment, A1:A Advantage, finance and risk management.

Organizer of the event and Assistant Executive Director Kelly Gillespie Miller, EH, said the purpose of the event was to provide a unique training experien ce that provide advisors crucial information and necessary insight to better meet the current needs of both the collegiate chapters and the national organ ization.

Those in attendance enjoyed sharing experiences and ideas with other advisors.

While in Indianapolis, the group toured the national headquarters office and met many of the headquarters staff members as well.

One advisor wrote, "I gained some valuable knowledge in specific areas that

will assist me in being a better advisor."

Another participant said , "Thank you for giving us this awesome opportun ity! It makes a huge difference in the chapters!" ext year, the Advisor Academy training will be incorporated into District Day events to provide more train ing to advisors on the locaJ level and to reduce the cost to advisors and chapters.

If you would like to receive information from the event, contact Ke lly Miller at kmiller@alphasigmaaJpha.org or caJl (317) 871-2920.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

ALPHA

STARS

Featuring the accomplishments of individual members

A math teacher at Terre Haute North Vigo High School, Terry lives in Terre Haute, IN, with her son Ch ris.

She received her degree from Indiana State University.

Teacher dedicates her life to the disabled

Therese Miller, BY

Therese Miller is red!Jient of BPW Jennie Scott Award Therese "Terry" Miller, BY, of the Wabash Valley Business and Professional Women's Organization (BPW) was presented with the Jennie Scott Award at the BPW fall conference held in Ft. Wayne, IN, Oct. 11- 13.

This award was established to recognize a BPW/ Indiana member who has made the tgreatest contribution toward the objective of the federation in her own local organization and in BPW/ Indiana during the year of competition.

Although emphasis is placed on current activities, the BPW background of past activities, honor and accomplishments is also taken into consideration.

Terry joined Wabash Valley BPW in 1981 and held many offices including president, vice president, treasurer and parliamentarian. She was named Young Careerist in 1985; Woman of the Year in 1985 and again in 2000; and Outstanding Working Woman in 1987.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Joanne E. Weber Catron, A, has dedicated her life to helping disabled children. She has been teachin g early childhood special education for 17 years, working with disabled preschoolers ages 2- 5. She is also a school-based consul tant for the Training/ Technical Assistance Center (T/ TAC) based out of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. "I love my little ones, plus my three biological ones at home," states Joanne. She also serves as a member of the planning and management team forT / TAC. A member of the Alpha chapter, Joanne received a bachelor of arts degree in speech pathology, with a minor in psychology, from Longwood University, VA. She then went on to Lynchburg College and the University of Virginia SouthWest Programs, receiving a masters of education in early childhood special education and added an endorsement in vision impairments.

In her community, Joanne is a team captain for a Relay for Life Team (American Cancer Society), as well as being a board member for the ACS. Sh e serves as a parent representative for the Charlotte County Family

Assessment Planning Team and is a volunteer for a local junior Girl Scout troop, a coach for Special O lympics swimming and basketball, and plays the guitar in her church choir. Joanne also helps at Longwood University as the membership advisor to the Alph a Chapter.

A resident of Keysville, VA, Joanne lives with her husband and their three children. In her free time she crochets newborn/ preemie caps, to send to an Alpha Chapter sister who is a neonatal/ newborn nursery nurse. She also moon lights as Mrs. Claus.

Alumna starts her own business Melissa Koch, EE, Emporia State University, always dreamed of having her own business. Melissa's parents J im and Sarah Koch own and operate three gift shops in Emporia, Lawrence and Branson.

"I worked in the retail shops while growing up, and having my own business has

M elissa Koch, EE

been my goal since I graduated from high school," said Melissa.

In 2001 Melissa started her own business An Apple A Day, a gift and card shop in O lathe, KS. "I named it An Apple A Day because apples were my Alpha Sigma Alpha chapter's sorority mascot," said Melissa.

Melissa majored in business management. Her store features gifts, collectibles and cards.

Melissa served as president for her collegiate chapter and has served as a leadership consultant, as a Lawrence, KS, Alumnae Chapter founding member and president and is currently District 9 recruitment coaching team leader.

The store has a web site at www.secondlove.com.

Melissa lives in Olathe.

J oanne Weber Catron, A

SPRING 2003

17

DISTRICT N

ew s=------

Editor's note: This issue focuses on districts 6-9 and introduces YllU to those district facilitaturs.

DISTRICT 6 There are four collegiate chapters and five alumnae chapters within Indiana and southern Illinois that make up District 6. My name is Amy Price and I am the Advantage coaching team leader for the district. I am a member of Beta Kappa Chapter at Western Illinois University and currently serve on the advisory board to Gamma Omega Chapter at Eastern Illinois. I am a complex director for the Department of Housing and Dining Services at Eastern Illinois University.

District 6 is working to implement the new structure to best serve the chapters in the district. We are currently looking to fill many positions that are still vacant within the district. Lindsay Reynolds, BK, needed to step down from the district facilitator position, so we are looking to fill that position and we also need a recruitment coaching team leader. Deb Fields Dietrich, B , is our new finance coaching team leader. All coaching teams are looking for members to join and help support our alumnae and collegiate chapters in the district. We know that volunteers are truly the lifeblood of the organization. If you are interested in finding out how you can help out, please email me at 18

SPRING 2003

asprice@eiu.edu. I look forward to talking with you about joining our support teams in District 6!

Amy Price, BK District 6 Advantage coaching team leader

children also made Christmas ornaments and listened to Santa read a story. Chapter members then led the guests in singing Christmas carols to the other sororities on campus.

Amie Schwiersch

Collegiate Chapters BETA UPSILON, INDIANA

Alumnae Chapters

STATE UNIVERSITY

ELKHART-GOSHEN, IN

Members help children celebrate the holidays

Sisters welcome back one of their own

The Beta Upsilon Chapter at Indiana State University recently hosted a Christmas party for the little sisters of the Big Brother/ Big Sisters program. The party was held in the chapter's main suite. With the help of Megan Sharp, philanthropic chairman, members served cookies and punch to the Big and Little Sisters. The

Members of the ElkhartGoshen Alumnae Chapter welcomed Sally Weyler Keith , XX, back to Indiana. Twen ty plus years ago she moved to the Tampa area where she was very active in the alumnae group there.

Secret sisters was a new activity for the chapter this year.

Special parties, including

spouses and/ or special friends, were the annual Christmas party and white elephant exchange in December and the celebration of St. Valentine's Day in February. In June the chapter had a progressive dinner.

Programs at the monthly meetings for the year included an Ai.A trivia game at the home ofDeeJaneczek Watson, BK; observation of Founders' Day with Patsy Murray Cork, BN; and a program about France and Spain by Jackie Joly Lonchampt, PX. The philanthropic project for the year was supporting and working with Love Way, a therapeutic horseback riding stable for the disabled of Michiana.

Dee Janeczek Watson, BK INDIANAPOUS, IN

Members participate in annual walking tour In the spring, Alpha Sigma Alpha Indianapolis alumnae gathered with sorority sisters, family and friends for the annual walking tour. The tour is held in the downtown Indianapolis area.

Members walked and visited historical sites along the Wabash River canal. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a luncheon.

CarolBattsjohnson,~

Members of the Beta Upsilon Chapter and their guests during a Big Brother, Big Sister Christmas party.

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DISTRICT NEWS

Pictured after the Elkhart/Goshen Alumnae Chapter Founders' Day ceremony are from left to right: Patsy Murray Cork, BN; Ursula Worzer Mars, rE;jackie]oly Lonchampt, PX; Sally Weyler Keith, XX; Andrea Scott Phillips, Bil; jill Hinkle Szyarto, BY; Sherrie Hewitt Harr, AA; and Dorothy Pears Hilary, BP.

Indianapolis alumnae and their guest enjoy the annual walking tour on the Wabash River in downtown Indianapolis.

DISTRICT 7

contact District Facilitator Tanya Trumbla Brewer, 11 Y at ASADistrict7 @msn.com.

We are all excited about the implementation of the Advantage lifelong membership initiative. Our collegiate chapters are well underway in working through the initiative.

Our goal is to have our alumnae chapters begin over the next year. Search the Alpha Sigma Alpha web site for more information on the Advantage initiative.

District 7 is an exciting place to volunteer for Alpha Sigma Alpha. District 7 covers the largest geographic area, spanning from Tennessee to California, all across the southern border of the U.S. District 7 has the second largest area of member responsibility, with 10 collegiate chapters and 12 alumnae chapters to service.

Our team leaders and team members live in many different states.

Each coaching team is led by a hard-working, knowledgeable volunteer: Kim Benson, liN; finance coaching team at kbenson 68ll@msn.com; Traci Valdez Quinones, ZI; Advantage coaching team at tquinone@ swbc.com;Jenn Rassett, ZB ; recruitment coaching team at jrassett@tennessee.edu.

District 7 has two of the newest chapters of Alpha Sigma Alpha, Psi Psi, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, IA, and Gamma Gamma, Northwest Oklahoma State University. Trudy Higgins, B0, continues to do a marvelous job with Psi Psi, and Tara Marr Horinek, HH, has done wonders at Gamma Gamma. Thanks to their efforts and the efforts of the

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women on those campuses, we welcome two of our oldest chapters back to Alpha Sigma Alpha!

Adoneca Harrison Fortier, B0, is the district meeting coordinator, and will be hard at work when District 7 hosts its first District Day next year.

Team members include Heidi Freier, 11Y; Kelly Manuel, '1''1'; Jody Dodd McDaniel, BM; Regina Garcia, ZI; and Amy Elliott, IlK. We are blessed to have the talents of so many women. If you are interested in joining this exciting group,

Tanya Trumbla Brewer, L1 Y District 7 Facilitator

Collegiate Chapters

BETA NU, MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY, KY

Chapter helps children have a safe Halloween The Beta Nu Chapter, along with the brothers of Sigma Chi, helped create, construct and take part in a haunted house this past Halloween . Because the chapter helped with the spooky project, members were able to donate half of the proceeds to Toys for Tots. With the money raised, the chapter provided two additional toys per child on top of the regular donation. Members really enjoyed shopping for toys for these little girls and boys.

Also in the fall, the chapter participated in the annual Teeter-4-Tots. Members had a great time with relay events and other exciting activities to keep everything moving for 24 hours. With the support of Murray State and other campus and Greek organizations, the event was a huge success.

Lauren Cline

Alumnae Chapters DALLAS, TX

Chapter celebrates Founders' Day Bobbing for apples was just one event Beta Nu had at the annual Teeter-4-Tots held at Murray State University.

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter celebrated a small,

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DISTRICT NEWS

The Theta Alpha Chapter at Coe College started the year by welcoming new women to the sisterhood during recmitment.

Members worked very hard to support the Cedar Rapids community by volunteering at the local soup kitchen, decorating Higley Mansion and playing bingo with senior residents.

The chapter also had a great time getti ng to know each other through activities such as a bonfire, painting ceramics, making T-shirts and holding the first annual goofY Olympics featuring events such as crab walk races, softball bowling and a marshmallow eating contest.

Meghan Beltmann

of Ellen Fane Sturtevant, IIII, on Nov. 16.

A Valentine meeting was held on Feb. 15 at the home of Shirley Cloud Rowley, PX. A pot-luck luncheon was followed by a meeting.

In May members trekked north to Laurence Welk Village where they enjoyed lunch and a musical presented by Laurence Welk Dinner Theater. A brief meeting followed.

Alpha Sigma Alpha sisterhood is for a lifetime. This was again proven true at the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. John Dobyns last August when Jean Reilly Dobyns, Bl, and Rose Marie Fellin, Bl, met at the reception.Jean and Rose were close friends at Southwest Missouri State University in the early 1950s and are still friends today.

Bernita Offerman Sipan, nn

Alumnae Chapters

WINDY CITY, IL

CHICAGO WEST SUBURBAN

Chapter co-sponsors Founders' Day celebration

Collegiate Chapters TH1.1"'A ALPHA, COE COLLEGE, 1A

Members participate in many community events

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter celebrates Founders' Day.

Viva Italiana

The Theta Alpha Chapter at Coe College Kim Benson, tl.N, and Tanya Tnunbla Brewer, 6. Y, District 7 faci li tator, presented the new A"'iA diso路ict so-JJcture . Barb Lombrano Williamson, HH, spoke about the Foundation.

Dec. 8 was the chapter's annual Christmas party. Kelly Augustyniak Cmtsinger, fl. Y, hosted the event at her home.

Everyone brought snacks and ornament exchange gifts. Also gifts were collected for Bryan 's House, a local home for ch ildren with AJDS. Ginny Lloyd, rn

DISTRICT 8 District 8 include the states ofldaho, northern TIIinois, Iowa, Minne ota, Montana, 20

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Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The hard working volunteers in District 8 include: District Facilitator Grace Moody, tlH; Assistant District Facilitator Carrin Perretta, District Meeting Coordinator, Margaret Glascott, tl.H; Advantage Coaching Team Leader Leah Dooley, AB; Finance Coaching Team Leader Anita Reichling, fl. and Recmitment Coaching Team Leader Amy Schultz, ZB. If you would like more information on how to volunteer in District 8 please contact Grace Moody at gracemoody@yahoo.com.

Members of Chicago West started off the year with the traditional salad supper at the home of Susan James Legg, XX. In September they enjoyed a walking tour of Sears' catalog homes in Downers Grove, followed by treats at the ice cream parlor in town.

Viva ltaliana was the program for the October meeting hosted by Sandy Jarzombek Sartore, BP. Members enjoyed soup, salad and dessert catered by the Olive Garden, followed by photos and stories of members' travels to Italy.

Other activities included doing projects for a local nursing home and helping Special Olympics.

Sharon Nickals Gamey, BP SAN DIEGO

On Nov. 16 collegiate and alumnae chapters from the Chicagoland area got together to celebrate Founders' Day. Representatives from the Chicago North and Chicago West Alumnae Chapters, along with Delta Eta, De Paul University, and Zeta Phi, Illinois Institute of Technology, joined co-sponsors Windy City Alumnae Chapter and Gamma Lambda, Loyola University, to share this special day.

The celebration was held at Loyola's Lake Shore campus.

One member, Pauline Fialkiewicz Morgan, tl.H, sold her handcrafted jewelry and donated 10 percent of al l dollars earned to the AlA Foundation in honor of the participating collegiate and alumnae chapters.

Tara Cardonick Holman, N

Members reunite for 50th Anniversary San Diego alumnae celebrated Founders' Day with lunch and ritual at the home PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

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DISTRICT NEWS

DISTRICT 9 My name is Angie Schaefer, and I am very proud and honored to be serving as the District 9 facilitator. I am a Beta Sigma alumna and have served the sorority on a national level as a chapter advisor, province director, convention discussion group leader, Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute facilitator and have se1ved as an officer in the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter.

As a collegian I held the office of parliamentarian. This is an amazing time in our beloved sorority's history and I encourage each of you to get involved and volunteer in any way that you can!

The volunteers in District 9 hit the ground running immediately after the new structure was passed at the 2002 convention. We spent the rest of the summer and fall recruiting volunteers and establishing relationships with the chapters.

District 9 is the largest district in relation to the number of chapters being supported by the district teams. District 9 consists of all alumnae and collegiate chapters in Colorado, Kansas and Missouri, for a total of24 chapters! The new structure has allowed the national organization to provide more support to our chapters than ever before and chapters are already benefiting from the increased support!

District 9 was one of only two districts to host the first annual District Day, Feb. 22, 2003, at the Elms Spa & Resort in Excelsior Springs, MO. Two hundred forty-four alumnae and collegians attended this event.

District 9 volunteers are District Meeting Coordinator Chrissie Schmidt Reiss BL chrisnchrissie@ webtv: cor:.路 Assistant District Meeting ' Coordinator Jennifer Rule <t><t> jrule@cerner.com; Advan;age ' Coaching Team Leader Jessica Bridwell, ZIT, jessicabridwell@ yahoo.com; Financial Coaching Team Leader Mandy Stark Young, ZA, fmanceieader9@ yahoo.com; Recruitment Coaching Team Leader Melissa Koch, EE, recruitment_ team_ leader9@ yahoo.com.

Be sure to check out the recruitment coaching team's web site at www.geocities.com/ appielc3 I recruitmentteam.

The volunteers in District 9 bring to their positions a wealth of knowledge and experience. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities in District 9, please feel free to contact any of th e district volunteers. In this new structure, our positioning statement shines through-every member makes a difference!

Angela Schaefer, Bk District 9 Facilitator

ASADistrict9@aol.com

Alpha Sigma Alpha sisterhood is for a life time. Left to right are: Jean Reilly Dobyns, B!, Bernita Offerman Sipan, 00, and Rnse Marie Fellin, B!.

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Lauren Mitchell, Jenny Hug and Aimee Thomas get ready for the chzldren to amve at the Zeta Zeta/Sigma Nu Halloween alternative on the CMSU campus.

Collegiate Chapters ZETA ZETA, CENTRAL MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSI7Y

Chapter busy with philanthropic events On Halloween, th e Zeta Zeta Chapter at Cenu路al Missouri State University joined together with the Sigma Nu fraternity to give community children a safe place to play games and have a spook-tacular time! Chapter members dressed up in costumes from Raggedy Ann to lady bugs.

Bowling, musical chairs, face painting and plenty of candy provided tons of excitement for all those involved. The "kids," ages 2 to 22, really enjoyed a fun and safe Halloween.

During Founders' Day in November, the chapter decided to walk in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life .

The event was particularly special for the chapter because it was an opportunity for Zeta Zeta to honor chapter member Hayley O 'Connor. Hayley is a five-year survivor of

Hodgkin's Disease. The chapter had one member walking at all times from 7 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday. Over $1,000 dollars were donated to the American Cancer Society.

The event was a great way to help raise money and the spirits of a sister.

Lindsey Zimmerman

PHI PHI, NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Members realize the imparlance of volunteering Serving the community is just one of the many values that Alpha Sigma Alpha has instilled in each and every member of the Phi Phi Chapter. Under the lead of the new philanthropic chairman McCarten Delaney, chapter members have been very busy serving the Maryville community. Many different opportunities exist for members to volunteer. Activities include visiting the nursing home, organizing a fashion show, walking dogs from the SPRING 2003

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Dinner. After the new members entered the sorority, a celebratory feast was held with members past and present.

The dinner was a success as well as a wondeiful way to introduce new members to the organization's heritage.

Kendra Denae Hunte

Alumnae Chapters DENVER

Denver alumnae nominated for Panhellenic awards

Alumna Natalie Dovgan, left, and current member Kim Quintana pose for a photo at the Zeta Pi Chapter's first annual alumnae dmner.

Humane Society and participating in an Alzheimer's walk.

The chapter also participates in arts, crafts and bowling with the disabled and is looking forward to helping out with the annual Special Olympics in St. Joseph, MO, in April.

Christi Thoni ZETA XI, UNDENWOOD UNIVERSITY, MO

ZETA PI, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO

Chapter introduces members to alumnae life In an attempt to bridge the gap between new members and alumnae, the Zeta Pi Chapter at the University of Southern Colorado has started a new tradition. This fall semester the chapter held the first Sanctuary Alumnae

The annual Denver Area Panhellenic (DAP) Awards luncheon was held last May at the Columbine Country Club in Litttleton, CO. The Denver Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Chapter was fortunate to have Susanna Megill Orzech, BB, and Nancy Lucas McFaddin, BB, nominated for two of DAP's most prestigious awards.

Susanna was nominated for the DAP Woman of the Year Award for 2002. She is involved in numerous community organizations including tl1e Guild for Mt. St. Vincent's Home, an orphanage for children, and Table Scapes, a non-profit organization that raises money

to help victims of domestic violence.

Nancy was nominated for the DAP Alumnae Achievement Award. Nancy is also involved with numerous community organizations, including Special Olympics, the Women's Bean Project and Trinity Methodist Church.

Both women were most worthy candidates who exemplified all of the qualifications with their outstanding commu nity service, as well as their continual support and promotion of AY.A. Tammy Romero Dumford, Bl GREATER KANSAS CITY

Members reflect on Breast Cancer Awareness month

The Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter kicked off the year with a happy hour in It August and a breakfast meeting at First Watch Restaurant ic in September.

In October, a very special meeting was held to reflect on Breast Cancer Awareness month. The chapter viewed Kansas City's designer show home for breast cancer by ll John Lober Homes, Inc. The chapter was the first to view

Zeta Xi's shining star Mary Klutsarits is a true star of the Zeta Xi Chapter. Mary, a senior elementary/ early education major at Lindenwood University, is currently on the dean's list and a member of the educational honor ociety, Kappa Delta Pi. Within the chapter, Mary had held the positions of centennial chairman, treasurer and vice president of alumnae and heritage. Mary has contributed so much to the chapter and the members appreciate her hard work and dedication .

Angie Kedl

M embers of the Greater Kan sas City Alumnae Chapter at the Kansas City 's designer show home to benefit breast can cer.

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DISTRICT NEWS

the beautifully designed home, which will eventually be sold with all profit benefiting the Lori C. Lober Cancer Foundation. It was very meaningful to have one of the members, Kim George Carlos, B~, ~peak at the meeting about her struggles and triumphs as a recent breast cancer survivor.

In November, the chapter held a Founders' Day lunch at Cascone's Restaurant. The collegiate chapter from Rockhurst University joined them, as well as the alumnae chapter from Lawrence, KS. Marianne Mulcahey Bell, ZH MARYVILLE, MO

Chapter honors one of their own

The alumnae chapter of Maryville, MO, honored Mary Ethel Oliver Pugh, <1><1>, at the Nov. 16 meeting with a sitdown luncheon and a surprise card shower.

The devoted alumna became a Phi Phi in the spring of 1930 and has remained an active member for the past 72 years. She currently serves on the planning committee for Phi Phi's 75th anniversary celebration and is the alumnae chapter historian.

Mary Ethel shared that she held two women in high esteem for their vision to promote a strong sorority.

The first was Wilma Wilson Sharp, ZZ, who traveled to the Maryville campus to speak privately with each member of the 1930 class. The second was Nell Martingdale Kuchs, <1><1>, enthusiastic Phi Phi sponsor, during the early years of the chapter.

Memory sharing included the singing of Miss Nell's favorite song, "Little Alpha Sigma Girl," and the reading of a poem written for Mary Ethel.

President Millie Cockrill Loch, <1><1>, presided over a business meeting prior to â&#x20AC;˘ lunch .

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Hostesses for the event were julia Ward Ware, <1><1>, Sybil Sims Higginbotham, <1><1>, Kathryn Espey Jones, <1><1>, and Patroness Lynn Denning Felton, <1><1>. The event was attended by 13 alumnae members and seven collegiate women at the home of julia Ward Ware, <1><1>.

Julia Ward Ware, C/JC/J

ST. LOUIS

A year ofphilanthropy and social growth The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter planned a year of activities that included philanthropy, social growth and more.

In November th e chapter celebrated Founders' Day at the home of Bonnie Payne Koenneman, ZZ. In addition to remembering the founders and their ideals, members collected approximately 70 gloves, hats and scarves for a local charity.

December's event was the annual holiday auction, which took place at the home of Libby Moore, B~. Everyone enjoyed snacks, sharing stori es of some of th e most meaningful and memorable experiences as new members and bidding on many great items.

Proceeds from the holiday auction are donated to support philanthropies of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

The members have also implemented a new tradition.

At every event, the members in attendance donate th e change from their wallets/ purses. The money collected will be donated to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

Thus far they have watched the jar go from being simply an empty j ar to one that is more than half full.

Lisa K. Scanlan, rn

Maryville Alumnae Chapter honors [qyal member Mary Ethel Oliver Pugh, C/J<P. Left to right are: Patroness Lynn Denning Felton, <P<P, Julia Ward Ware, C/JC/J, Mary Ethel Oliver Pugh, C/JC/J, and Berniece Laughlin Wohlford, C/J<P.

Members of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter following the 2002 holiday auction.

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Barbara Lombrano Williamson, HH, has been named chairman of the 2004 Alpha Sigma Alpha nominating committee. Work will soon begin on selecting the slate of officers for the 2004-06 biennium.

The nominating committee is directed to identify, interview and select candidates for national council. The national council establishes a vision for the future and sets direction and priorities for the biennium. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated enthusiastic commitment to the organization and proven administrative and financial skills, creativity and vision and strong interpersonal skills to work well with both collegians and alumnae. The ability to motivate and communicate through written correspondence and public speaking is essential. The national council is expected to travel throughout the year and participates in frequent meetings, so a flexible schedule is important.

Potential candidates should have a broad perspective of the sorority. Experience or skills in mentoring would be helpful. It is recommended that a candidate for national council have prior experience serving as a collegiate chapter advisor, officer of an alumnae chapter or other volunteer leadership position.

The nominating committee needs your assistance in identifying qualified members to serve. In order to complete deliberations in time to notify all members of the slate of officers, all nominations and related information must be submitted to the chairman of the committee by Oct. 15, 2003.

The national council will be proposing a modified national council structure at the 2004 convention . The call for nominations reflects proposed titles and existing titles.

President Senior Vice President/Vice President of Extension Vice President of Membership/Vice President of Collegians Vice President of Membership/Vice President of Alumnae Vice President of Membership/Vice President of Programs Vice President of Finance Vice President of Communications The nominating committee chairman will send out an information packet to all nominees. It includes the Board Member Agreement for nominee review and a copy of the Board Member Responsibilities. A request for information accompanies the packet sent to all nominees. This includes a position statement and resume. The position statement should include the candidate's views on subjects such as the critical issues affecting Alpha Sigma Alpha. For more information email Barb Williamson at williams@ainnail.net.