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Wow, 200-1 already!

Alpha igma Alpha has given me o much in the eight years of my membership. I've met wonderful friend whom I can al o call m isters; I've traveled to place I probably would have never thought of going; I've been educated in many leadership and women-bas d kills; all through Alpha igma Alpha.

Through Alpha igma Alpha I am al o able to volunteer. Thi aspect of my membership I hold near and dear to my heart for the rewards are plentiful.

Through Wind City Alltmnae Chapter, I volunteer for pecial Olympics and rai e money for the S.June Smith enter. As the Volunteer Recruitment and Placement Team Leader, I volunteer to help this organization coordinate their volunteers nationally. Through this po ition, I get to meet new friends and i ters almo t everyday. They may not be lose to me in location, but they are clo e to me in thoughts and especially through our actions. I am also able to see the fruits of my (and the team 's) labor.

Volunteering for Alpha Sigma Alpha is rewarding, very rewarding.

Alpha igma Alpha cuJTently has 612 volunteers. It's amazing isn't it?

We have a huge volunteer family. You' re not apart of it? Have no fear; we still have po ition open! Big or small, lots or little time to offer, the volunteer recmitment and placement team will fmd you a position that will work both for you and for the organization.

Have ou made our new ear's resolution, et? Volunteering for Alpha igma Alpha would be an excellent re olution You would be making a difference within in an organization that i u h a big part of our live . You 'd also be making a difference in the live of tho e that will keep this organization going for man ears to come. OK, o ma be •ou haven ' t been involved with the sororit in e •ou were in college. \<\ell, tl1at i n t a problem ! Tru t me, it ''~ll be lik riding a bicycle. lt onl take a few members to make an impa t. I know when Alpha igma Alpha m mb get togetller gr at min happen in big wa .

Lf u would like to become a v lunteer for Alpha igma Alpha conta t me n ! Email me at amyruffalo@yahoo.com or call me at (773)301 37.

- m Ruffalo, r,\, \'olunii'T !Vcruitmml and Plaumn11 Tt am Lradt'T

WINTUI 2004

CONTENT

FEATU RES

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Convention The keynote speaker is announced and special tours are planned around the 2004 1 ational Convention.

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History of ritual

Advantage Death \~th dignity-a look at planning ahead \~m an advance directive and how to let loved one die in peace.

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14 Woman of Distinction

Advantage Points eful tip for everyda

Learn how our ritual came into being and understand its importance to me sororit\·.

li,~ng.

Breast can er urvivor co-aumors book about her experience and lo of a dear friend .

24 Award winners Phi Phi \~n Crown of Excellence Award.

PHOENIX OF AlPHA SIGMA A1PIIA

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Volume 90, Number 2 Winter 2004

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

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EDITOR Editor/ Director of Communications Teresa Boyer Fishback, t.K tfishback@alphosigmoolpho .org

STAFF Senior Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z. Reese , BY niz_reese@comcost.net

Feature Writer Tracey Kiefer, BK trocey_kiefer@yohoo.com

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DEPARTMENTS

Alumnae Editor Christine Reising Keeley, EB Christine.Keeley@obbott.com

Collegiate Editor

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Taro Cordonick Holman, NN oso_odvisor@yohoo.com

Foundation

Foundation Writer Amy K. Cory, EA omy_smolls_cory@hotmoil.com

The 2002-03 H eritage Society me mbers are honored and read h ow you can make a difference for th e Foundati on .

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

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9550 Zionsville Rd. Suite 160 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 31 7·87 1·2920 Fox: 3 17-871-2924 Email : ph oenix@olphosigmaolpho.org

News to note organizati on .

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (USPS 430-640) is publi shed quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha , 9550 Zionsvi lle Rd. Su ite 160, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Subscription price, $ 1 an issue, $3 a year. Period icals postage paid at Indianapoli s, IN, and additional mailing offices . Produced by M aury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis. ©Alpha Sig ma Alpha.

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Alumnae and collegiate stars Featuring the accomplishmen ts of Al pha Sigma Al pha members.

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District news · Info rmation from district facilitators, as well as n ews fro m collegiate and alumnae chapte rs in Districts 1-5.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

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

ON THE COVER Fountains at th e beautiful Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Boni ta Sp1·ings, FL, site of th e 2004 National Conve n tion.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Farm 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha , 9550 Zionsville Rd .

Suite 160, Indianapoli s, IN 46268 . Printed in the USA.

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WINTER 2004

V ENT I Author and relationship expert named convention keynote speaker David Coleman is known nationwide a the Dating Doctor(un). He has been named ational Speaker of the Year nine times by Campus Activities Ma!fdZine and The lational Association for Campus Activities. ow you have a chance to see him in person at the 2004 Alpha igma Alpha National Convention in Bonita Sp•ings, FL. David received hi bachelor of science degree in ·peech pathology and audiology (1983) and his master of arts degree in college student personnel administration (1985) from David Coleman Bowling Green State University, OH. His book "Making Relationship Matter: 9 Ways to Stay in Love for Life" is the third to hit bookstores nationwide. His second book "Date Smart! How to Stop Revolving and Start Evolving in Relationships," has been a popular seller since its release in Febmary 2000. In adctition to his books, David also released the first in his video series, called "Building Blocks to Better Relationships," last year.

David has been featured in such publication as Us WeeRly, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Cosmopolitan, U. A Today, the Wall Street]ouma~ Chronicle of Higher Education, Washington Post and New York Time.s. David has appeared on ABC, BC, CBS, WGN, Fox and CNN as well as hundreds of ractio and television stations nationwide. From his appearances on radio, TV, live and in print, David has spoken to more than five million people in all 50 states and Canada.

Audience members at more than 2,000 college campuses, conferences, single's organizations, churches, corporation and marriage encounter groups nationwide have experienced his energetic and entertaining programs.

Don ' t miss this opportunity, plan today to attend the national convention.

Tours announced Kavak and canoe tours on Estero River Explore Florida wilderness while paddling westword on the Estero River via kayak or canoe. Numerous twists and turns through rustic, tropical surroundings make the 4-1/2 mile paddle to Estero Boy worthwhile for you and your guests!

Enjoy sightings of ospreys, blue herons, curlews, hawks, occasional eagles and spoonbills, as well as manatees, dolphins, alligators and other local wildlife, plus lush tropical vegetation.

Choose from two different tours: ESTERO BAY SCRUB TOUR-Designed for notureloving

paddlers of all leve~. otrip to the Estero River Scrub, port of the Estero Boy Stole Aquatic and Buffer Preserve is o3-1/2 hour adventure that affords the opportunity to see and learn about local wildlife that inhabit the river and boy. Avariety of natural habitots con be observed including pine and palmetto uplands os well os mangrove we~ands.

KORESHAN VILlAGE-A tum of the century restored pioneer village along the bonks of the Estero River is within easy retJch for paddlers of all levels. This 3-1/2 hour hour journey into the post includes a walk through the village at Koreshan State Historical Site.

RATE: $45/per person plus 20%service chorge Note: Tours include exclusive eca-troined tour guide, conoejkoyvk, paddle and fifiWest

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2 0 0 4 Ecl-tlllr Dillie Everglades

tBIUsiVI Everglades excunlon

Guests will deport the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point for on exciting and educational tour of onatural treasure and o wonder of the world-The Everglades! , The first stop will be at the Big Cypress Preserve, located i near oSeminole Indian village. At the preserve guests will witness all the flora and fauna in onatural setting. Herons, egrets, otters, bold eagles and alligators all may make on appearance!

After leaving the Big Cypress Preserve, guests will board on authentic airboat for on exhilarating ride through the soW1Jrass prairies, mangrove tunnels and old Indian trails. · Again keep eyes peeled for alligators, blue crab, manatees surfacing for air to nome ofew! This excursion offers ounique and unforgettable experience each and every time!

RATE: $79/per person, based on o10 guest minimum, plus 20%service charge Note:$25/per 6-passenger boat will be added for airboat captuin gratuity RATE FOR 4 HOURS INCLUDES: 1• Roundtrip transportation 1• Experienced, inter11ctive guide 1 • One-hour airboat tour 1• Historic/eco-tour of Everglades

Tnon Bav/Ding Darling WlldiHe RefUge Guests will dep!Jrt the Hyatt Regency for this unsurpassed tour of natural and indigenous Florida. Upon arrival guests will board trams for on up close view of this notional wildlife , refuge. Atrained naturalist will assist the group in spotting wildlife and explain the delicate balance of this wetland habitat. Guests will view rosette spoonbills, bold eagles, alligators, heron and otter in on unspoiled habitat.

RATE: $40/per person, 25 person minimum/ 40 person maximum, plus 20%service charge RATES INCLUDES: Transportation •• Group exclusive tram 1• Group exclusive naturalist guide ~•

rtiOENIXOf AlPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Edison Ford htates Deport the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point with our trained tour guides who escort you to Ft. Myers for "Tour through History" at the famous Edison-Ford Winter Estates. Guests will arrive at the 141lcre riverfront winter estate that includes the original furnishings and architecture, reminiscent of obygone era. Explore the laboratory where Edison spent many long hours on his creative inventions, or indulge your senses in the botanical gardens featuring more than othousand varieties of rare and exotic vegetation, including African sausage trees and the country's largest Banyan tree.

Thomas Edison built his home in 1885, and the close friendship between Edison and Henry Ford brought the auto magnate to Ft. Myers in 1915. The houses were restored in the 1920s and this tour allows you to get olook ot the private life of these two remarkable Americans.

RATE: $49/per person, based on ominimum of 10 guests plus 20%service charge and 3%fuel surcharge RATES FOR 3-HOUR TOUR INCLUDES: • Transportation • Tour guide • Admission tickets to Edison &Ford Homes • Exclusive docent guided tour

Naples Museum of An tour Experience the wonder oi the visual arts ot the Naples Museum of Art. This museum is oreflection of the unique spirit and generosity of Southwest Florida, reflecting interests of all ages and backgrounds. The visual arts center includes othreestory, 30,00(}-square-foot museum with 15 galleries, ogloss dome conservatory, entrance gates by renowned artist Albert Poley, spectacular chandeliers and oPersian ceiling by acclaimed gloss artist Dole Chihuly, oresource room and the museum store.

The Naples Museum of Art is dedicated to displaying worl!kloss pointing, sculpture, drawing and other art forms.

RATE: $38/per person, based on minimum guarantee of 10 guests plus 20%service charge RATES FOR 3-HOUR TOUR INCLUDES: • Transportotion • Admission tickets to Naples Museum of Art • Exclusive tour with docent guide

Even bener vet ...

What would be better than going to the 2004 national convention in Bonita Springs, FL? Let me answer that question for you-bringing along a friend, relative or role model to be initiated at the convention 's Sanctuary Degree. Is there a woman in your life who is striving to live a life of poise and purpose?

Ask that woman to join us by becoming an initiated member of Alpha Sigma Alpha!

All women who are not members of any other NPC sorority are eligible for alumna initiation. The instructions for alumna initiation can be found on the web site at alphasigmaalpha.org/ pdf/ FORMS/ ASA-125.pdf or email Andrea Tunia atunia@prodigy.net for more information. To be included in the convention's Sanctuary Degree, the letter requesting initiation and the proper fees must be postmarked

by Aprill, 2004. The initiate and h er sponsor will receive a small discount** ori their convention registration fees. So make convention even better by making a friend a sister!

**This discount cannot be comhined with any other discount ar voucher.

advantcie g ASPIRE-{>SEEK-{>ATTAIN

SPIRITUAL: Death with Dignity

BY JOYE M. CARTER, M.D. Forensic Pathologist, former Chief Medical Examiner of Harris County, TX, and author.

EditllT''s note: The following article is a reprint of chapter Jour in Dr. Carter's book "I Speak FM The Dead. "Printed with the authllT''s permission.

\ Joye M . Carter, M.D .

I Speak for the Dead

WINTIR 2004

r r here are many times when our senior citizens become ill and, having .1. suffered a complication of a disease or serious injury, seem to become medical experiments. In every office you will find tubes, electrodes and catheters. Sometimes these patients have agony on their faces. It is painful for me to watch. I interact with a lot of senior citizens and they are always quite concerned about their future and their quality of life as they age. Many times these individuals will ask me what will happen to them as they grow older and become sickly. Sometimes they will state, "I do not want to end up in your office." I reply to them very honestly, "If you do not want to end up in my office, then there are things that you must do and do now." 路 If indeed someone has died a traumatic or unnatural death, then according to the law, an examination must be done in the medical examiner's office to determine the cause and manner of death. If the person has died and there is no evidence that foul play has occurred, and there is a strong documented history of chronic illness or disease, and if the proper papenvork has been completed, there will be no need to have that individual's body brought to the medical examiner's office. These issues are rarely attended to and many senior citizens, upon their deaths, end up at the medical examiner's office mainly because no one knew how to get in touch with a family member or a physician. A great deal of the time, the reason that medical examiners investigate deaths of enior citizens is because they lived alone and, sadly, died alone. In this situation, I cannot help but think of my grandparents and be grateful that they did not die alone.

Many do not realize that anybody 21 or older can make out an advance directive. This document directs what the individual wants done in case he or he i no longer able to make decision for themselves. This is an important document to have completed and have it either in your personal po e ion or hare it with our ph ician,

minister, adult child or care-giver. The document should be easily accessible in your home or hospital room, or you should have directions to locate it in your safety deposit box. Having a completed directive allows medical personnel to understand the patient's decision and wishes. Having an advance directive can ease prolonging treatment in some of the extreme cases where the patient has lost his ability to communicate with family or a caregiver.

I think that it is a good idea for a senior citizen to have something on their person that allows others to find out information about them, whether it is an identification band like Medic Alert, or even a pendant with a contact information source on it.

It is so sad that many times my office receives bodies because the person did not have a personal physician to relate their medical history to us. The advance directive, when properly filled out and witnessed, should be followed by health professionals. A form can be obtained from your personal attorney, hospitals or even in an office supply store. You want to make sure to have the document notarized or give it to someone in a position of authority or a confidante so that it can be found when necessary. Death with dignity is important to most patients, especially if they do not want heroic measures used when they lose their ability to communicate, cannot control their PHOENIX Of ALPHA SIGMA AI.PIIA

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bodily functions or no longer have a meaningful quality oflife. It can be destructive to ignore these written requests of patients.

There is another sad component to death with dignity. I have observed this reaction most frequently with senior citizens facing impending death. Their adult children will many times plead with them not to leave or not to let go. I have learned to advise these well-intended, grieving children that sometimes you have to let go. It is not in our power to stop the death process. Sometimes you have to look your loved one in the eye, let the person know that you love him, make sure that he is comfortable, ask if he is ready to go and, if the person can answer yes, tell him that you understand and to go in peace. It can be the worst feeling in the

live on her own for as long as she could.

She would look me in the eye and say, ''You make sure that if I cannot take care of myself that I am not put into a nursing home."

As Mama Hart began to become seriously ill with multiorgan system failure , as many of our seniors do, my mother relocated to my grandmother's hometown to take care of her. I often observed my own mother saying to Mama Hart, "Don 't you leave me," and I would always say to her, "Mother, when the time comes, we have to let her go." My mother and I have never had the same feelings about death, with my accepting it and her fearing it. As time passed and Mama Hart became worse and needed to be hospitalized, she reminded me of the promise that I made to her.

Many do not realize that anybody 21 or older can make out an advance directive. This document directs what the individual wants done in case he or she is no longer able to make decisions for themselves. world to a person who is ready, particularly a senior adult who has lived a long life, full of quality, to feel that he must hang on because his loved ones are not strong enough to let him go. I believe that some of the reasons that our senior citizens commit suicide so frequently is because they want to end their life quickly. When a grieving family member is strong enough to let go of a person on the verge of death, 1 it is often more peaceful for all parties.

Death with dignity worked with my grandmother who lived well into her nineties. Mama Hart, as I fondly called her, was the oldest surviving member of our family, and I had talked about her death with her often. My grandmother had been quite active and she would always say to me, "Whatever happens, I do not want to live in a nursing home, I do not want to be kept alive by machines, and I do not want to live with my children."

She would always say that she wanted to I PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Just a few months before my grandmother passed away she called me to come visit her. We had a wonderful weekend together. We talked about her history, her childhood, her beliefs, her strengths and it was a good visit. At the end of the weekend, I asked, "Are you ready to go on?"

She said, ''Yes, I am ready to go on, so when the time comes I am ready to go to meet the angels." Hearing her say that made me sad, but I realized that she had lived a wonderful life, she had spent most of it without pain, she had raised children, and she was now bearing wimess to greatgreat grandchildren, and I knew that when the time came I would find the strength to celebrate her home going.

A few months went by and my mother was becoming very upset because Mama Hart was visibly failing. There was a time when my grandmother was in and out of consciousness during her last days and I would observe my own mother crying and

Dr. ]aye M. Carter

About the author Dr.Joye M. Carter was the chief medical examiner for Harris County, TX (Houston area), fromJuly 1996 to October 2002. She was the first female to head a medical examiner's office in the state of Texas and is a board certified forensic pathologist. She received her medical degree from Howard University of Medicine in 1983. Dr. Carter's postgraduate medical education was completed in New York at Booth Memorial Hospital and at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. She is also board certified in anatomical and clinical pathology.

Prior to assuming the chief medical examiner position in Houston, Dr. Carter served as the chief medical examiner for the District of Columbia where she also had the distinction of being the first female to be appointed in that position. Before working in the DC office, Dr. Carter served as a major in the U.S. Air Force as deputy chief medical examiner for the Armed Forces Medical Examiner department.

Joye M. Carter, M.D., is an author and self-publisher under the name of Biblical Dogs Publishing. She continues to lecture and do consulting work as a physician under the name ofJ&M Forensic Consulting and can be reached via email at wwwJoyemcarter.com.

Look for her two books "My Strength Comes From Within" and "I Speak For The Dead" through the Barnes and Noble link at www.alphasigmaalpha.org.

WINTER 2004

pleading with my grandmother again, uPiease don't leave u , we are not ready for you to go."

One day my mother called me, and she said, "I was in your grandmother's room aying my ad woes and begging her not to go, and a nurse walked by and she came in and said , u o, let me tell you what to say," The nurse, a perfect stranger, said to my mother, take your mother's hand and tell her, it is OK, you have raised me well, I can catTy on and I love you.

I told my mother. "That i right, let her go. You are a grown woman, and she did raise you well; she raised you to be trong.

Let her go in peace. She is ready to go, in fact, she has been ready to go, just let her go." Shortly after Mama Hart died peacefu lly and it was much easier for the family to deal with, knowing that it was her desire to go on quietly in this way.

Do not let your elderly loved one die with a sense of guiltl Look at death as tran fonnation, particularly when the person has lived long enough to become an angel on earth . That is what I call senior citizens, angels on earth, because they have lived enough to benefit fro m all the wi dom of tl1eir collective years. There i a sense of calm ness and serenity in their expression . There has been an acceptance of their end of life that is to be envied. This attitude i death with digni ty.

Grieving survivor fee l alone when we have lo t a loved o ne, particularly when they have held the family togetl1er, because we

WllmR 2004

are left behind. We do not know where they have gone. We only know that we can no longer see them or touch them. We must trust that they have gone to a better place. There will be a vacan cy for the rest of our lives, but we will know they have passed into another realm in a peaceful manner.

While performing my internship in New York City, I encountered a woman who asked me to help her find death with dignity. At that time, in the early 1980s, there were a lot of laws concerning terminal healthcare and they were quite strict in the state of New York. Doctors could not lawfully participate in ending a patient's life, something \vith which I continue to morally agree. However, tl1ere still existed the possibility of respecting the Hippocratic oath of doing no harm and respecting the patient's wishes. This particular woman was a middle-aged, white female with a grown daughter in her late 20s.

The older female was my patient, and she was suffering from metastatic breast cancer. She admitted to me that she had felt a lump in her breast about three years prior to being diagnosed with the disease.

She had done nothing about it. She said that she had wished it away and the lump only got bigger and the problem grew worse. By the time she went to the doctor to have the diagnosis confirmed, it was too late. The cancerous growth had begun to erode through the skin of her right breast and had spread to the left one. Her only choice of treatment at that time was to undergo a radical mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

This woman 'vas in the peak of her life, and she had undergone such extensive therapy that she had lost he r strength .

The tumor was unable to be controlled and had continued to spread. By the time I became her physician, she was in the hospital with metastases to her keletal bone and to her brain. She had been admitted to my medical service for palliative chemotherapy.

She 'vas a sweet, good-natured woman and I often sat and talked with her, holding her hand. Some days all she \vanted to do was just talk. She had a poignant story to tell and she asked me to help her tell it. I am.

One day this brave lady turned to me and asked what I could do for her when her time came. She asked me if I would peak with her and her daugh-

ter in confidence and, of course, I agreed.

The session 'vas quite tearful and emotional. Her daughter expressed the same request, that if something happened and her mother took a tum for the worse, that her mother be allowed to die in peace \vith digni ty. I promi ed that I would do all that I could do to assure that this would happen while upholding the laws of the state of New York. I had given my word and I meant to keep it. A few days later, my patient coughed up some material and called for me. I knew that the time of her death was very close. I reminded her that she could depend on me, day or night. I urged her that if anything happened and I was not in the hospital to please have someone page me, and I would be right there. Luckily I lived close to the hospital and I could get there within two or three minutes.

Sure enough, just 36 hours later, I was on call at the hospital and my patient began to take a turn for the worse and I was paged to her room. She was still alert and her daughter was at her side. Both of these women were crying. The patient was short of breath and she asked me to help her, and her daughter to accept her death. I replied to her that the only thing that we could do was pray. I then shut the door to the room and tlle tllree of us held hands and we began to pray. We prayed for thankfuln ess. We thanked God for tllis lady giving birth to her daughter and raising her. We prayed for her daughter's strength.

We prayed for all of tlle oilier women who may suffer from this type of cancer and lack of knowledge. Togetller we all prayed for the strengtll to allow this lady to be able to pass on to anomer world with dignity.

About 20 minutes went by and we continued to pray and to hug one anomer. We all cried and kept holding hands, men me patient died. But she died understanding that she was not going to be tortured anymore from medical treatment.

She died with her child next to her, and she died knowing that I had kept my promise. It was painful but there was some relief in knowing that we had carried out her wishes. It was a matter of listening to a patient and allowing what was possible to happen without complications. Many may argue that this was not medically ethical, but I believe that I carried out the Hippocratic oath, to do no harm. I believe mat death with dignity is possible but it requires two tllings: communication and respect for life.

PHOÂŁNIX Of ALPHA SIGMA AlPHA

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Advantage Points-news you can use for your life

The award-winning Advantage Points provides information about the trends and issues that affect your life.

I Just like the AIA Advantage initiative, these short articles allow for individual, self-directed growth and learning. They are designed to inform you or help you ·. cope with the challenges of everyday life.

They encourage you to take positive action or simply provide information to enrich your life.

If you have learned about a trend or issue you'd like to share with other women, please see the editor's note below on how to submit an idea for Advantage Points.

These tips are just a beginning; for more information on preventing identity theft and on steps to take if you become a victim, visit the FTC web site at www. consumer.gov/ idtheft, the Identity Theft Resource Center at www.idtheftcenter.org and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse at www.privacyrights.org.

Average age at birth of first child rises to alf-time high

Identity theft-a growing national concern You've seen the advertisements and heard the stories, but just how likely are you to be a victim of identity theft?

Considered one of the fastest growing crimes in American, nearly 10 million tAmericans were victims last year, according to a recent Federal Trade Commission ·report. Identity theft occurs when thieves steal your private information, such as tSocial Security number, credit card and checking account numbers, to commit fraud.

In December President Bush signed into I a~ a bill that provides consumers with new tools to fight identity theft, including a national fraud alert system and free annual access to credit reports.

To protect yourself: •• Be vigilant about checking financial statements and order your credit reports to check for errors. . 1111! Guard access to your social security number; don't carry it in you r wallet.

• Don't leave either outgoing or incoming mail sitting in an unlocked mailbox.

1il Buy a shredder to destroy credit card offers and any other papers with sensitive information such as your birthday and Social Security number.

• Make sure you're dealing with reputable-and secure- web sites before making financial transactions online.

PHO£NIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

and longitude of a cache. They can be found in both urban and wilderness settings.

When you find a cache, usually a plastic or metal container with small trinkets, you are expected to sign a logbook, take a trinket and leave one in its place. You can then return to your computer and register your "find" online.

Help for the hopeless procrastinator Have you put off buying your 2004 calendar or planner or just not gotten around to it yet? The "Procrastinator's Planner for 2004" (Eleventh Hour Press, $14.95) just might be for you.

Each weekly two-page spread is filled with practical and fun tips for the time challenged and includes a To Do (Or Not) List for the well intentioned as well as the typical 7-day calendar.

You can buy this calendar at Borders or online at Amazon.com.

High·tech recreation A new sport is drawing even hardened geeks from their computer screens to the outdoors.

Called geocaching, the sport involves using a high-tech gadget called a Global Positing System (GPS) device to search for a hidden prize, or "cache." The cost of a GPS unit starts around $100.

Once you have a unit, visit the web site www.geocaching.com to learn the latitude

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported recently that the average age of women at the birth of their first child climbed to an all-time high of 25.1 years in 2002. This compares with an average age of 21.4 years in 1970.

Other findings of the report, released Dec. 17, 2003: • The teen birth rate declined by 30 percent over the past decade to an historic low of 43 per 1,000 teens.

• The rate for women ages 20- 24 (104 births per 1,000 women) was on the decline and the rate for those 25- 29 was stable at 114 per 1,000 women.

While women in their 20s historically account for the largest share of births, the proportion of births to these women dropped from two-thirds of all births in 1980 to about half in 2002 .

• The birth rate for women 30-34 years declined slightly to 91.5 per 1,000, the first decline in this age group in over a decade.

• Birth rates for women 35- 39 (41 births per 1000 women) and 40-44 (8 per 1,000) were the highest in more than three decades.

• The birth rate for women aged 45-49 years was un changed in 2002 at 0.5.This rate more than doubled between 1990 and 2000, but has been stable since 2000.

Data on births are based on information reported on birth certificates.

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

WINTER 2004

The History of our Ritudl re you sti ll connected to Alpha Sigma Alpha' ritual? Do you remember the meaning behind our sorority' ymboJj m? What about how our ritual has evolved over th e past 102 years? I'll bet you remember more than you think and think about it more than you know.

A

BY TRACEY KIEFER, BK Feature Writer I ad mit it. The last time I wore whites and attended ritual was in December of 1995 when I attended my la.-.t anctuary Degree at Beta Kappa before graduati ng from We tern lllinois niversity. As an undergrad, although I served for one term on the executive board as Beta Kappa's editor, I was never a maj or participant in ritual. My memories of my own Phoenix and anctuary Degrees are filled with emotion and exci tement-the main theme being one of ove rwh elming nervousne .

I received the Phoenix Degree outside in a mall nature preserve overlooking a mall lake and I remember being terribly imp res ed by the imple beauty of the cerem ny and location. I received the anctuary D gree in a beautiful old hurch in Iacomb, IL, that Beta Kappa utilized for ritual before our chap ter house was built in 1994. The ex perience was amazing-beautiful and awe-inspiring.

However I was o nervous, overwhelmed and happ to finally be initiated into Alpha

Sigma Alpha that I don't think I retained much of the actual ceremony.

When I tarted actually reading a cop of Alpha Sigma Alpha' ritual in preparation for writing this article, I was truly surpri ed to find that I had retained an amazing amount of knowledge. I found that the imagery evoked by the detailed de criptions of our ceremonies and symbolism was far more powerful than I had ever realized-there was so much richnes to the symboli m that I had never full y comprehended as an undergraduate.

As I read the ritual it was as if an old du ty room in my memory had been unlocked and opened after years of being closed away. The ideals that our sorority hold as acred were suddenly brought to the front of my mind as I read the descriptions of our symbols and mottoes. The familiarity of the ritual came back to me, and I found myself being moved once again by the beauty of the words. I was back in that church and later in the cavernous chapter room of the Beta Kappa Chapter

house uiTounded by my sisters, dressed in white, the perfect blending of many colors, li tening to the symbol and beliefi that inspired numerous women over many years.

I realized that even though I had not con ciou I thought about our ritual in man years, it till was powerful enough to evoke strong memories and emotion . I al o realized that many of the morals and principles that I have d efined my adult life around and trive to live by are defined in our r;tual and illu trated by our badge. I've never been one to outwardly proclaim that I consciously try every day to live by the creed and the ritual of Alpha Sigma Alpha, but I was amazed to realize that I really do! ot only did the experience give me the chill , it made me feel connected. At that moment I fe lt a strong bond with every other Alpha igma Alpha in history. I have alway loved the fact that Alpha Sigma Alpha has uch a strong heritage. "The tie that binds" each member to every other sister that has come before her and will come after her. This is one of the reasons that ritual is o important to Alpha Sigma Alpha and other Greek organizations.

A ritual is more than simply a ceremony of initiation into an organization. A commonality shared by all Greek letter organization , rituals are utilized to educate members; ex plaining and revealing the principles and value of the organization through

PH

inspirational and often secret ceremonies.

Rituals also serve as a means to record and therefore perpetuate the tenets and ideals upon which the organization was founded.

According to Livingtheritual.com "Every four to five years your chapter membership will completely change. Some "traditions" will evolve or adapt. The experience you enjoy in your chapter is distinctly different from another chapter 1,000 miles away.

However, amidst the constant change and unpredictability of the future, the meaning within the ritual remains constant. The teachings of your sacred ritual are the bond between all members, despite age or location. It is the one true experience that defines your membership. Every Greek organization boasts a crest and badge, which figuratively serves as a personal copy of your chapter's ritual."

For Alpha Sigma Alphas our ritual indeed serves as our bond to our fellow chapters, as well as to instruct and inspire, but it is also an expression of our heritage.

Looking at our ritual and our sorority's symbols we can see the evolution of Alpha Sigma Alpha over the past century.

When we receive the Sanctuary Degree, the ceremony itself is built around the revelation of all mysteries to new initiates; it encompasses our founding principles and serves to explain Alpha Sigma Alpha's mottoes, symbolism and esoteric

Ih- ila Delta na tional so ro ritY, was an ,.,1,1 blished expert in the fl·;;te rn al wo rld , L11o11"11 fr1 r her roll- in editi ng the influe n1i.d "The Soro ritY Ha nd book. " Aft er • ••n1m1 1nica ting wi th Alpha Sigma Alpha lo r nine Years, she was d ected to ho no rary lll<" nlbcrs hip in l!JU to ass ist in reo rga ni z111:4 the b lt ni ng so roritYa nd served as II\ nat io nal preside nt fro m 19 1-lthro ugh I' 1:\fl. Ida is credit ed with a uth oring o ur 1it u;tl ;md composed th e rituals of ma m·

~ H IH T organ iza tion s.

, l'lll" Miami reorga ni za tion conn·tll io n 11,1s held on·r T ha n ksgi1·ing weeke nd 1'1 111\·it h de ll-ga tes fro m th e fr> ur '• ·n1.1ini ng d t<lp te rs present. In th ese "'" cL11·s th e ·· new l< >tm datio n" chapt e rs .~< lop t ed <I constitu tio n , l< >rmulat ed a mo tT • l.du>r;l te ri tual, n;ad e some cha nges in .. , 111 l>ols a nd n 1sto n1 s a 11d a rra nged l(u· a PHOENIX Of ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

As I have just realized this instruction takes root and settles deeply into our souls.

Long after we've forgotten about our days in college, the ideals taught by our ritual are still there providing us with an often-invisible foundation . Even if we don't consciously realize the impact our ritual has upon us, through our ritual experiences, the principles of Alpha Sigma Alpha have become a part of whom we are and will continue to define who we become often without us consciously acknowledging it.

As we learn in the Sanctuary Degree your badge is much more than a pretty piece ofjewelry or an emblem of association-it is the physical expression of A~A ' s heritage-and a translation of everything our sorority stands for. Your badge serves as a road map to the "mysteries" that were revealed to you on the day you were initiat-

th a t o nlv th e me mbe rs wh u we re n ·-initia ted und er th e newly dcvt' lo ped 19 1-! ritu al we re ke pi o n the soro ritY roll s.

It is inte resting to note th at o ne of th e rulings of the 19 1-! com·t·ntio n sta ted that "th e grip (ha ndsha ke) . as always used , bo th o pe n a nd secret. shall sta;td."

19 ~~

T he lirst bo und "Book of Ritual" was issued . This book was bound in white kid lea th e r a nd "contained th e e nti re borh· of th e ritual in semi-printed l<>nn ." Wilma li\'ilson Sha rp was instrum e n ta l in th e publ icati o n of th e ritu al a nd also is cred ited with Alpha Sigma Alpha's na·nH>rial se1v ice.

ed into Alpha Sigma Alpha, and the principles that we should all aspire, seek and strive to attain. It also serves as a guide to living your life in the same manner that our founders and our sisters that came before us did.

Take some time to reflect upon your memories of our ritual. When was the last time you participated? If it's been a while, what can you do about it? Contact a local collegiate or alumnae chapter and ask if you can participate in an upcoming ritual.

Get out your badge. Look at it. Do you remember what the star signifies?

What is the meaning of the crown? What is the role of the "central sigma"? Think about how you live your life and see if you can make the connections. Pin your badge over your heart, wear it and be proud of who you are and the heritage that we share.

The Ritual

of Alpha Sigma Alpha

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Cu nm l jJ/1 /J/im l iou WINTER 2004

11

_ S_ __ fOUNDATION NEW

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

You can make a difference!

BY DOLLY PURVIS LOYD, BLl ational Vice President of Communications Thi past summer, I was given the opportunity to meet many of our collegiate i ters at the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute. I am in awe.

Because of AJpha Sigma AJpha's commitment to individual growth , community development and love for each

other, our sorority is giving our members an advantage in the world. Our i ters are top ntdents on campus and leaders in !heir communi tie .

They are tru ly living the open motto, "Aspire, Seek, Attai n! " Providing life-alteri ng opportunitie , such as the AJpha Sigma AJpha experience, is expensive. It is the AJpha Sigma AJpha Foundation that, with your help, will allow AJpha Sigma AJpha to grow and sustain the po itive experiences that only our isterhood can offer to young women.

It is not o nly the goal of the AJpha Sigma AJpha Foundation to ensure that many more young women receive this same expe rience;

Profiles in excellence-where are they now?

BY AMY K. CARY, EA Foundation writer

Sara Simms After making a name for herself within the Epsilon Eta hapter of AJpha Sigma lpha at Virginia Wesleyan College, ara imm is now making a name for h rse lf in the world of country mu ic. ara, a 199 initiate of AJpha igma AJpha and the 2001 re ipient of the Grace Fultz Haworth 1usic

17

WINTER 2004

Biology Department at Vanderbilt niversity.

"It's difficult at times to balance my current job and my music career, but incc I had similar time management respon ibi li ties as an undergraduate member of AJpha igma AJpha, I am able to take what l teamed there and apply it tom life now," explai ned ara. "joining AJpha igma Alpha and ha\~ng support and love from o man ' si ters has helped me realize that ornetime 路ou 've got toe ape comfort and chase after a dream," ara aid. " My ultimate goal i to get a maj r r cord deal , and although that requir a lot of hard work and d dication, I am up to the task

and have the upport I need to be 路ucce sful a t that endeavor."

For more information abou t ara and her tour schedule visit www.sarasimm .com.

Angela Hoffman As the director of fin ance for two divisions of Black & Veatch Corp., a leading global ngineering, construction and con ulting com pany, Angela Hoffman credits her ucc withi n the workforce to th confid ence he developed while a collegiate member of AJpha igma AJpha.

Angela received the 19 6 Amy M. wi her cholarship while h was an unde rgraduate member ofEp ilon Ep ilon hapter, where she erved as

PHOENIX Of ALPHA SIGMA AlPHA

fOUNDATION NEWS

The Heritage Society Because ofAlpha Sigma Alphas commitment to individual growth, community development and love for each other, our sorority is giving its members an advantage in the world. it is my personal goal, as well!

If my gifts of time, talent and

treasure can make a difference for one Alpha Sigma Alpha sister, it will be a prize far beyond any dollar value!

Won'tyoujoin me in making a difference in the lives of our sisters?

lf

both president and treasurer.

After graduating from Emporia State University with a degree in accounting, Angela earned her M.B.A. from Rockhurst College, MO. When asked how receiving the Amy Swisher Scholarship enhanced her life, Angela said she felt blessed to not have to hold down a full-time job while attending school, as many students do.

"I think the scholarship helped me financially, so I could focus on my studies in business and accounting," she explained. "More importantly, it was a shot of confidence that helped me believe in myselfl"

OJ

Much of the success of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation is due to the outstanding support of those who have come before us. These outstanding individuals have consistently provided the commitment, leadership and initiative to make a difference. In recognition of these individuals and in celebration of Alpha Sigma Alpha's Centennial, the Heritage Society has been established as the Foundation's annual giving society.

Membership in the Heritage Society is extended to Alpha Sigma Alpha members and friends, making unrestricted gifts of$250 or more between June 1, 2002, and May31, 2003.

Sapphire Donors $5,000+ Kathleen Messina, f d Emerald Donors $2,500+ Diane Yencic James, HH Ruby Donors $1,000+ Lois Beers, Bf Marianne Busch Bullock, BE> Rosemary Carucci Goss, BIT Jean Raup Grady, BE Bonnie Payne Koenemann, ZZ Jackie Vito LoRusso, ITIT Dolly Purvis Loyd, Bd Dottie Thomsen Persons, Bd Lori White Scott, EE Cindy Fundis Smith, EE Barb Pennington Struble, dN Westar Energy Foundation Joanne Burroughs Zabaldo, BE> Pearl Donors $500+ Peggy Hopkins Ayers, BI Phillip and Angela Dantzler Bauldree, BZ Kim Benson, dN Rose Blahut, EE Stacey Coscino Bogumil, dH Cecily Coffelt Bullard, BA Katharine Wilson Burke, NN Deb Fields Dietrich, BN Bente Fein Johanna Haag Gardner, ZZ Connie Cockerill Hembree, HH Trudy Higgins, BE> Ellen Funk Morris, BA Terri Higgs Sauter, ~K Jane Oleszewski Sherman, fH Sharon Sterner, ri Nora Ten Broeck, BK Andrea Tunia, EI Betty Urban Wallick, ZZ Barb Lombrano Williamson, HH Marian Harris Wood, KK Sue Zorichak, BB

Gold Donors $250+ Sidney Gremillion Allen, qrqr Kristen Anderson, Ef Aventis Pharmaceuticals Tanya Trumbla Brewer, ~ Y Juanita Hodnett Chandler, BE Lynne Capraro Cona, NN Debbie Sharp Craig, ZZ Betty Hilton Daniels, BE Teresa Boyer Fishback, dK Lisa Reiss Glonek, fiT Lesa Hedinger Hamm, dK Melissa Cross Hildreth, EB Mary Weinberg Hohe, BK Tara Marr Horinek, HH Vanessa Hubbard, EE> Cindy Kelley, BIT Melissa Koch, EE Julie Wiley Levine, A Lisa Tait Longo, fH Patricia Semonich Marinich, fO George Ann Adams McClain, B~ Kelly McGinnis, EK Marci Beyer McGuire, ~N Kathleen Collopy Miller, Af Kelly Gillespie Miller, EH Linda Mitchell, ~I Karyn Dziemian Olsen, EM Jennifer Rassett, ZB Barbara Dixon Reda, HH Anita Reichling, ~ Silvana Filippello Richardson, fA Cindy Rhoades Ryan, M Reva Deems Sambol, HH Angela Schaefer, B~ Patricia Horn Schory, BN Kathie Oiler Swaim, BY Martha Ray Sweeney, B~ Wal-Mart Foundation Pam Wells, E'l' Leslie Maxwell Ziringer, fH

WINTER 2004

PHOENIX Of ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

13

''I didn't go through all this to make a difference in just one life; I want to make a difference in thousands of lives."

-Kim Carlos

14

Kim George Carlosbreast cancer survivor, breast cancer awareness spokesperson and author

BY TRACEY KIEFER, BK Feature Writer On September 23, 2003, Kim Carlos, Beta Sigma, was named one of the 25 Yoplait Champions for Breast Cancer.

According to the Yoplait web site, "The Yo plait champions are 25 ordinary women and men who have accomplished extraordinary things in their local communities to help in the fight against breast cancer. These champions have demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to the breast cancer cause. Their personal sacrifices, combined with their creative and innovative approaches to fighting breast cancer, have positively impacted the lives of others."

Kim, along with the other champions, was recognized by ancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, at the Breast Cancer Awareness Month kick-off ceremony that was hosted by SELF Magazine in Times Square, New York City, on Sept. 23, 2003.

Kim Carlos was diagnosed with breast cancer in january 2002, at the age of 30.

Kim underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy with breast reconsuuction, several other urgeries and treatment for lymphedema and i now on the road to recovery. She has used her experience to promote awareness of breast cancer among young women.

Kim learned of the importance of monthly self-breast exams when fellow Beta igma Patti Balwanz was diagno ed.

Kim credits Patti with aving her life.

"I caught my breast cancer early becau e I was doing my month! elfbreast exam . M good friend, Patti, had breast cancer at the age of 24. Because of her experience, I have been doing elfbreast exams for the past three years. I feel as though Patti has aved m life and i my guardian angel and my hope i that I can hare thi message with others and make a

difference to other women. I continue to share my story and encourage women to check their breasts."

Kim's desire to commun icate the message about the importance of education and early detection to young women started with her sharing her personal journal she kept d uring her u路eatments with m路er 1,000 others via email and posting it on her web site, www.caringbridge. com/ mo/kimcarlos and soon led to first local and then national recognition .

Kim has written numerous articles for local Kansas City newspapers and magazines and has shared her story with the local media. Kim co-captained the largest community team (out of several hundred teams) for the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure in Kansas City and served on the Mayors for Mammograms Committee. In October 2002 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kim spoke at the governor's mansion for a Celebration of Survival Event; shared the stage with Katie Harmon, Miss America 2002, for a Building for the Cure Gala; and spoke at many other awareness events.

Kim received the ''You Make a Difference Award" from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Greater Kansas City Affiliate. Currently Kim serve as the chairman of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee for the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and also helped tart the Young Survival oalition Kan as City Affiliate (www.youngsurvival.org).

Earlier thi year, Kim was selected by Lifetime Television as one of 19 heroes aero the country for Lifetime' Annual Hero Project honoring breast cancer urvivors. As pan of the uibute, Kim was flown to Lo Angle to attend the Women Rock! Annual Girl & Guitars concert, which aired on Lifetime Television on Oct. 23, 2003.

Wllflll 2004

PIIO拢NIX Of AlPHA SIGMA A1rttA

Additionally, Kim was recently asked by Lee Jeans to be their local spokesperson, and shared the stage with National Spokesperson Christina Applegate on Oct. 10, 2003, for Lee National Denim Day. Kim is currently working on a book that shares not only her experiences with breast cancer, but the experiences of three other young breast cancer survivors in the Kansas City area. "Nordies at Noon-The Personal Stories of 4 Women Too Young for Breast Cancer," tells the story offour young women who were all at points in their lives where they never thought they would be faced with breast cancer-single (Patti), just getting married, pregnant and young mother (Kim). The authors feel that the book encompasses the experiences that any young woman who finds herself diagnosed with breast cancer might face.

Unfortunately, one of Kim's co-authors, and Beta Sigma sister, Patti Balwanz. lost her battle with cancer when she passed away in March of 2003.

According to Kim, "Patti was diagnosed at age 24 and was just starting out in her career. She faced issues of dating after a mastectomy with reconstruction and the emotional battles that a recurrence involves. Patti was very humorous and kept a journal during her treatments."

Kim says that moving forward with the book was Patti's final request and hopes that the book will not only promote awareness that breast cancer can affect women under 35, but also provide support to young women who are diagnosed. Kim hopes to eventually tour colleges to share the message that breast cancer does happen to young women.

Kim expressed how Alpha Sigma Alpha played a large role in providing support throughout her journey.

"I can' t tell you how much support I received from our fellow Alpha Sigma Alphas when I was diagnosed. My sorority PHOENIX Of ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

sisters had a hat party for me. They all brought me meals, sent cards, emailed and called.

Alumnae from all across the U.S. emailed me and sent me cards (women I've never even met!).

My two sorority roommates from college and two best friends were there for me every step of the way, whether it was coordinating my meals, being there for my chemo treatments, sending me cards or calling every day, being there for my surgery, etc.

I now know what those alumnae meant when we were in collegethey would say this sisterhood is for a lifetime and I now know that's the truth- through the good and the bad, my sisters have been there. From my wedding day, to the birth of my son, to my cancer treatments, they've been there. What an amazing gift!

Coming from a family of two brothers, I always longed for a sister-! now have dozens of sisters who have shown me their unconditional love."

Patti expressed this unconditional love, as well as the ideals of Alpha Sigma Alpha, in the October 2002 speech she gave as she presented Kim with the "You are an Inspiration Award" from the Ribbons of Pink Foundation. Patti had been honored with the award in 2001 and the occasion marked Kim and Patti's last real function together before Patti passed away five months later.

Patti said,"Kim, you are an inspiration to me. I remember thinking when I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years

Kim Carlos, BI

ago; that if I could make a difference in one person's life by helping them catch their cancer early enough, I could count my battle as one well fought.

"I never dreamed that person would be you.

"And I never dreamed that you would take this disease, wrap it around your little finger, twist it into a reason to passionately work to change the way we view breast cancer, and inspire me and thousands of others in the way that you have in the past year."

WINllR 2004

IS

Dates for district day updated

Sara jane Lowe Komer, BI

Phoenix staH changes Phoenix Collegiate Editor Sara Jane Lowe Komer, BI has resigned from the magazine staff due to family commitments. The Phoenix staff thanks Sara Jane for her many years of dedication to the magazine.

The Phoenix staff wishe to welcome new Collegiate Editor Tara Cardonick Holman, Collegiate chapter editors are asked to take note of this change and to end their editor reports to Tara Holman at 737 Ridge Ave., Apt. 3D, Evanston, IL, 60202.

Tara can be reached via email at asa_advisor@yahoo.com.

District 1 will not have a District Day in February as announced in the last i ue of the Phoenix. The date for Di trict Day in Di trict 1 will be announced at a later date.

District 2 will hold its District Day Feb. 27-29 at the Radisson Hotel, Valley Forge, King ofPn ia, PA. District 3 will hold its Di trier Da in ovember. The event will take place Nov. 12-14, at the niversity of Pittsburgh, John town, PA. District 4 will hold its District Day Feb. 27-29, at the Virginia Beach Resort in Virginia Beach, VA. District 5 \viii not have a District Day in February as previously announced. The District 5 District Day will be announced at a later date.

District 6 Di trict Day has been po tponed.

District 7 District Day \vas held Feb. 20-22, at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in Little Rock, AR.

ALPHA District 8 District Day \vas held Feb. 6-8 at the Sheraton Madison in Madison, WI. District 9 District Day \viii be Feb. 27-29 at the Kansas City Airport Marriott in Kansas City, MO. For updated information on all District Day events please check out the Alpha Sigma Alpha web site at www.alphasigmaalpha.org.

National Panhellenic Conference members celebrate International Badge Day 2004 The 26 member organization of the ational Panhellenic Conference ( PC) are celebrating International Badge Day, an annual event during which orority women everywhere honor their Greek affiliations by wearing their badge or letter on March 1, 2004. The theme this year i , "Promoting Excellence, Pannership and Panhellenic Spirit."

For more informatio n about PC's International Badge Day, contact the PC Office at (317) 72-3185 or vi it the PC web ite at www.npcwomen.org.

New district volunteers announced The national organization would like to welcome three new district meeting coordinators. In Di trict 3 Alpha Sigma Alpha welcome Jodi yres-Farr, ~E . and Karen Aredia, BK, and in Di trict 5 Am Bolenbaugh, 0B.

New alumnae chapter joins Alpha Sigma Alpha new alumnae chapter for entral 1ew Jerse \vas charted on Aug. 2, 2003.

For more information write Chapter Pre ident Gloria Hockenberry at 35 Diamond Lane, Howell , N] 07731.

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WlNTIR 2004

PHOENIX Of llPHA SIGMA AlPHA

ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA STARS

Featuring the accomplishments of individual members Beta Lambda member is the ideal student, leader and member

Beta Nu star graduates leaving her mark on the chapter Whitney Arnold, Beta Nu, graduated from Murray State University's prestigious nursing program in December. As a Beta Nu, Whitney held the positions of ritual chairman and secretary.

The chapter awarded her with the Emma Coleman Frost Fidelity Award in 2001. Alpha Sigma Alpha awarded her with two national scholarships, the Alpha Beta Founders' Memorial Scholarship and the Past Presidents Founders' Memorial Scholarship.

Whitney also was very active and successful in other facets of her campus life. She was MSU's homecoming queen, a member of the Baptist Student Union, participated in the Miss MSU pageant in 2001 and 2002, served as a MSA student Ambassador and is a member of numerous honor societies.

Whitney also participates in mission work, is a YMCA first mentor and is the assistant academic team coach at the local middle school.

Chap ter member Kristen Gunderson wrote, "Whitney is a women of poise and purpose that her sisters continually count on for compassion and encouragement."

Melissa Nix, Beta Lambda, has taken on numerous leadership roles that have allowed her not only to impact the Beta Lambda Chapter, but her un iversity as well.

During her collegiate career at the University of Central Arkansas, Melissa has been involved in numerous organizations and held many leadership roles within each: student orientation staff co-director 2003 Greek Woman of the Year, 2003 homecoming court, student activities board executive, chairman of the homecoming committee, honors college, UCA Diamonds and President of the Association of Future Alumni, which she helped establish. While a member of her chapter Melissa has held the positions of vice president of public relations and recruitment, vice president of programming and ritual and received the 2001 best new member award.

Melissa is a biology major/ honors interdisciplinary studies minor. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school.

Melissa's achievements are not only recogn ized locally, but nationally as well, as she received the 2003 Elizabeth Bird Small Award.

Chapter member Kelly McLelland wrote, "Melissa's

Melissa Nix, BA PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

accomplishments here at UCA make her the ideal student, the ideal leader and the ideal sister."

Missouri alumna builds an idea into a program Martha "Marty" Geyer Poynter, Phi Phi, started a program for the local hospital in Maryville, MO. The program, called St. Francis Hospital Kids Komer, is a reading and book program for young patients.

Marty, or a substitute reader, goes to the hospital daily to read to children and then gives them the book to keep. Twelve Maryville civic organizations donate funds for purchasing new books. A Girl Scout troop in the area is also participating as part of their service project.

A retired teacher from Eugene Field School, Marty selects a book appropriate for the patient's age. Ages range from newborn to high school graduate. Each book contains a card naming the donating organization and provides an envelope for expressing thanks to the group. Members of Phi Phi Chapter have volunteered to assist with the reading.

The thought for this program came to Marty w~ile in the hospital recuperatmg from a kidney donation to her sister.

Marty wanted to start a program that would be a gift to children and to thei r parents.

"Hopefully I can provide sunshine and smiles," she says.

Martha Geyer Poynter, cpcp

Megan Prescott, cl>cl> A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Marty has a degree in elementary education. She and her husband reside in Maryville.

Phi Phi member excels in all she does Megan Prescott, Phi Phi, is currently serving as president and has been an inspiration to all chapter members.

Megan has served as sisterhood and fundraising chairmen and has rece ived several awards, including outstanding new member in 2000 and outstanding active member in 2003. Megan has received scholarships from Northwest Missouri State as well as the Marion Fisher Alpha Sigma Alpha scholarship award. In the fall of2002, she won the title of Tower Service Queen.

Outside of Alpha Sigma Alpha, Megan also stays active on the Northwest campus.

She volunteers at the nursing home, and Special Olympics and donates her time to various food and clothing drives.

Under the leadership of Megan, the Phi Phi Chapter won the awards of Outstanding Greek Organization and the Crown of Excellence Award.

A chapter member wrote, "Megan always gives 110%.

She genuinely cares about every member of this organization and strives to make the chapter the best that it can be."

WINTER 2004

17

DISTRICT NEWS~---'

DISTRICT 1 Alumnae GREATER BOSTON

Chapter participates in breast cancer walk The Greater Boston Alumnae Chapter has a busy and exciting chedule of events for 2003-04. Chapter members oive to fulfill the intellectual, physical, social and piritual aims of Alpha Sigma Alpha with events uch as bu ine meetings, networking and social function , charity walks, as well as conoibuting to chapter philanthropie . tarring out with a kick-off vent ept. 1 , Boston alumnae gathered to ocialize at the new! opened Kings Complex in Bo ton.

In October, alumnae rai ed mone for and participated in the "Making tride gain t Breast Cancer" walk in Bo ton.

Founders' Da ceremon was held ov. 15 at the well-known PF Changs in Bo ton. ovember al o in pired orne chapter members to cheer on the children at the pecial Olympi final occer tournament at Governor Dummer eadem in B field, lvlA. 11

WlNTtR 2004

For the 2003 holiday season, Boston alumnae marked their second year in adopting a homeless family from the Boston Family Shelter.

In January, a chapter busine s meeting and tea party were held to discuss elections, scholarships, philanthropies and upcoming 2004 events uch as Disoict Day and the ixth annual ice skating party at Frog Pond in Boston Common.

Each year alumnae bring family and friends for an afternoon of fun where they can show off their skating talent.

Marcy Smolow, Efl

DISTRICT 2 To kick off our econd year as volunteers in Di trict 2, the di trict volunteer meeting was held near Philadelphia on July 26. Volunteers from the recruitment, Advantage and finance team shared first year ucce e , developed team goal and trained new team members. Thi was our first opportunity to meet one another in person. Di oict 2 has over 30 talented volunteers upporting our alumnae and collegiate chapters.

District 2 has grown this â&#x20AC;˘ear to include Maryland and

Washington, DC. We welcomed the Washington, DC, and Baltimore Alumnae Chapters and the Epsilon Tau Chapter at the University of Maryland- Baltimore County, all formerly in Disoict 4. Our newest addition is the Central New Jersey Alumnae Chapter chartered in the fall.

Alumnae chapters in Disoict 2 have been recognized nationally and provide programming to address our four aims and community service. The Washington, DC, and Central Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapters were honored nationally with recognition in 2003. Advantage programming and volunteering for Special Olympic at Villanova niversity are goals for the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter. Members of the outhern ew Jersey Alumnae Chapter volunteer as Advantage mentors for area collegiate women.

Collegiate chapters in District 2 reflect our four aims, expectations and values on their campuse . Nu Nu, Drexel niversity, has been recognized national! as a Four Star Chapter. We are proud to repon that Delta Chi, Bloom burg niversity, PA,

and Zeta u Chapter, Moravian College, PA, met their fall recruitment targets with Zeta Nu at total! On their campus, Delta Iota, University of Delaware, was awarded the highest honor for a Greek organization, the Outstanding Overall Greek Achievement Award. Delta Chi earned the highest number or community ervice hours to \vin the Community Service Award, as well as having the highest sorority CPA. Epsilon Tau, University of MarylandBaltimore County, MD, represented us at Mount Saint Mary' College this fall volunteering for Maryland Special Olympic .

Di oict Day 2004, Feb. 2728 in Valley Forge, PA, will be the first opportunity for volunteers, alumnae and collegians to come together as a district!

If you are interested in volunteering in Disoict 2 or would like further information, please contact me at csthomas2@comcast.net Christine Strapac Thomas, AI District 2 Facilitator

Collegiate NU NU, DREXEL UNIVERSITY, PA

Car wash helps raise funds Jar S. june Smith Center Over the spring and summer at Drexel University the u u Chapter held many car washes at the local Firestone store. Showing their Alpha Sigma Alpha pride, numerous members helped raise money for the S.June Smith Center.

For hours, the u u women energetically waved signs and diligently washed cars, vans and even motorcycles. Even on gloomy, rainy days, motorists expressed their suppon for Alpha Sigma Alpha and the S. June Smith Center by conoibuting many generous donations and some even joined in to help the women wash cars.

Erin FitzGerald

PHOÂŁN1X Of ALPitA SIGMA AlJ'HA

DISTRICT NEWS

DELTA EPSILON, MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY, PA

Chapter members volunteer for community causes The Delta Epsilon Chapter at Mansfield University has had yet another busy year. Last fall the chapter was proud to take home first prize for their I homecoming float in the homecoming parade. This year the chapter worked hard to reclaim its tide.

The women of Delta 路 Epsilon are pleased to announce that there will be a new section in the campus newspaper, The Flashlight, on Greek life. This column will be written by chapter President Karl Long.

The chapter is proud to volunteer its time to the American Red Cross Blood

drive and the Halloween Crosswalk in Mansfield. At the American Red Cross blood drive, members bring cookies and help serve food and drinks to those who have donated blood. For the Halloween Crosswalk members go into the community and help young children cross streets safely on Halloween.

Andrea DeFranco

Olympics. She had been working throughout the summer preparing for the fall. Natalie planned car washes and "canning for change," as well as raffling off baskets. So far over $1,700 dollars have been raised since June. Additional fund raising was done through working with McDonalds and Burger King among other philanthropic activities.

Hannah Cottman

held at the home of Frances Sommers Dougherty, IIII, while a Valentine's lunch was hosted by Lois Meadowcroft Baker, NN. Other events included guests at a neighborhood variety show, the Philadelphia Area Panhellenic Luncheon and potluck supper at the home of Ann Ristine Thomas, NN. Miriam Hipple Fitz-Gerald, KK

EPSILON KAPPA, MILI.ERSVIUE UNIVERSITY, PA

Alumnae

PHILLY METRO

DELAWARE VAllEY

Live each day to its ultimate good

Special Olympics benefits from chapter's hard work The Epsilon Kappa Chapter has been busy this fall. The chapter helped its homecoming charity queen candidate, Natalie Belmont, raise money for the Special

Alumnae have an eventful year The Delaware Valley Alumnae Chapter began the year with a board meeting at the home ofllse Graenz Schwarze, NN, planning events for the coming year.

In November, Ruth Pike Fooskas, KK, hosted a luncheon to celebrate Founders' Day at a local restaurant.

A Christmas cookie exchange and auction was (Left) Members of the Nu Nu Chapter wash cars at Firestone to raise money for the S. june Smith Center.

Below) The Delta Epsilon chapter members like to stay busy helping their campus and community but also take time to enjoy their sisterhood.

PHOENIX OF AlPHA SIGMA ALPHA

The Ph illy Metro chapter started off its 12th anniversary year with the annual Ladybug Picnic, hosted by Sandra Best Harper, KK. The meeting was also used to plan activities for the year and enjoy getting together with everyone and their growing families. This year the chapter planned events covering annual traditions and exciting new prospects.

Philly Metro alums celebrated Founders' Day with other local alumnae chapters and the local collegiate chapters. They had an alumnae field trip with the NOVA and Central Pennsylvania alums to Longwood Gardens in Kennent Square, PA. Their Halloween party for the children at Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia and the holiday cocktail party rounded out the schedule with annual traditions.

The chapter is working hard to extend itself to new alumnae in the area. They also are working closely with the Four Star Nu Nu chapter of Drexel University on efforts to ease the transition from undergraduate to alumnae membership.

The chapter welcomes any alumnae in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area to contact the chapter and "live each day to its ultimate good."

Rachel Ewing, NN

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19

DISTRICT NEWS

GREATER VALLEY FORGE

Members make a difference in their communities One of the main objective of members in the Greater Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter has been to make a difference in their communities. This young chapter has already made it a tradition to get involved in several philanthropic projects each year.

In April the chapter raised money for the March of Dimes through their Walk America event at Ridley Creek State Park.

In May everyone got together supplies to donate to the S.June Smith Center. The chapter al o prepared Halloween gift bags for the children at Children' Hospital of Philadelphia who cannot enjoy trick or treating in their own neighborhoods. The chapter al o helped out again this ovember with the Special Olympic events at Villanova University.

Tina Delorey Brown, L1'/l

DISTRICT 3 The Di trict 3 team would like to welcome our two newest members, Karen Aredia and Jodi Ayers-Farr, who are serving as district meeting co-coordinators. Karen is a Beta Kappa and i now a graduate assi tant for Greek Life and tudying higher education at the niversity of Toledo.

Jodi i a Delta Epsilon and i now living in Erie, PA, with her husband Dale, daughter Madi on and on Maclin Errol.

Di trict Day will be held Nov. 12-14,2004, atthe University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown' Living/ Learning Conference Center. If anyone i intere ted in being a pre enter at the event, or if ou would like to participate in an wa , please contact a member of our eli trict team for more information.

Th' erne ter, our collegiate chapters continued to be recog20

Gamma Eta members Fallon Ulman, Stefanie Clowsf!l; Jennifer Becker, jennifer Kirkpatrick and Brooke Schnitzmm participate in Penn State's annual dance marathon to raise money for kids with cancer.

nized on campus and in their communities. Alpha Gamma, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, won first place for supporting Toys For Tots.

They al o placed second in Zeta Tau Alpha' Kick out for Cancer (soccer game) and powder puff football for Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Epsilon Lambda, University of Pittsburgh atjohn town, PA, won the pirit of Homecoming award elected by the university pre ident and had the highest GPA of all campu organizations. Gamma Iota, Rochester Instinâ&#x20AC;˘te of Technology, NY, made hi tory when they raised their GPA, putting them over the all women' GPA on campus! The chapter al o logged over 160 hours with the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi on a giant teeter-totter to collect 685 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Rochester.

Seniors, as you are preparing to graduate, make sure ou add, "join local alumnae chapter" to our li t of things to do. We have more than 70 alumnae chapters aero the country, eight of the e are here in Di trict 3. For more information, end me an email at

asawile@cs.com and I can con nect you to the chapter in your area or help you start a new one.

Shelly Wile, EA District Facilitator

Collegiate GAMMA ETA, PENNSYLVANIA

STATE UNIVERSITY

Members participate in several community service projects The Gamma Eta Chapter has had a fal l emester filled with variou community ervice activities that gave members a chance to help and affect the lives of others. The Gamma Eta women fini hed the spring erne ter with the AJDS walk, a trip to a local nursing home, collection of canned good for the homeles and organized blood drive . Chapter members al o held their annual philanthropy, a Greek God and Godde Pageant, which rai ed money for the Special Olympics. Members are excited to continue community ervice this ear through activitie uch as vi iring the nursing home each month, participating in other ororitie ' philanthropie and beginning to raise mone

for the Penn State Dance Marathon.

Meredith Wertz GAMMA IOTA, ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NY

Chapter members raise money for national foundation The Gamma Iota Chapter participated in a campaign to raise money for the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In order to raise the money, member sat on a gigantic teeter-totter with member of Alpha Ep ilon Pi fraternity during the week of Sept. 22-26 and asked the student body to donate their pare change.

Both group pent a total of 44 hours on the teeter-totter throughout the week. In all they raise a total of 685 dollars to be donated to the foundation.

Lindsey Brad)

Alumnae BUFFALO, NY

Developing a Buffalo mission Once again, Susan Klute Hohl, IITI, hosted Buffalo alumnae ' "September

WlNTtlt 2004

PHOENIX Of ALPHA SIGMA AlPHA

DISTRICT NEWS

The new members of Gamma Iota celebrate their newly chosen big sisters.

Welcome Back" dinner in her home where joan Rindfleisch Runckel, Pi Pi, formulated final plans for "Light the Night." This is an annual philanthropic project entailing a walk for leukemia and lymphoma research. President Beth Lawrence Lucia, IIII, -encouraged everyone to work on a mission statement that reflects active recruiting and the future direction of the local chapter.

Fall food events included a gourmet cooking demonstration by Mark Wright, chef at Transit Valley Country Club and brother of Mary Beth Wright Orsolitis, IIII, and Founders' Day Luncheon at the Red Coach Inn in Niagara Falls. Chairman Susan Shattuck Conlin, IIII, encouraged the Zeta Chi Chapter, Niagara University women to join the event. . For the second year, the Kevin Guest House (a facility housing out of town families !n Buffalo's medical corridor) was the recipient of money contributed by patrons of ~orders and Barnes and Noble for holiday gift-wrapping. Marcia Kin bar Goldstein, PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

.iT, coordinated the project with alumnae "behind the counter." Everyone who participated last year couldn't wait to get back. What a rewarding project for the holidays!

Donette Pritting ThuTlow, !III CINCINNATI, OH

Chapter supplies needed items for children's shelter The Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter finished the remainder of last year with some fun and informative activities.

In April they began their annual social night at the home of Nancy Coon Anderson, fB, with husbands or dates in tow and proceeded to the Aronoff Center for the production of"Mame."

An informative talk on women's heath issues was the focal point of the May meeting, held at the home of Anne Petree Niemeyer, AA. The year was concluded with the annual family picnic at the summer home of Mary Goeke Backsman, AA, in june.

Throughout the year the chapter continued to collect items for the local philan-

thropic project, One Way Farm.

This is a home for troubled and abused children to which the chapter supplied needed household and food items.

The fall began with a visit to Miss Annabelle's Tea Parlor in Loveland, OH, where everyone was required to wear vintage hats, while partaking in tea tasting as well as sampling their wonderful culinary delights. It was a great start and a good way to catch up with members after the summer.

Marsha Beat Brown, AA DAYTON, OH

New and varied events highlight the year The Dayton Alumnae Chapter planned some new and varied events this year.

TGI Fridays was the location for an outing in May. More traditional events included the joint celebration ofFounders' Day with the Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter and meeting with the Sigma Kappa Dayton Alumnae Chapter every October.

This year the Alphas assisted their Sigma Kappa alumnae

friends with fund raising for their national convention in Cincinnati next summer.

The two alumnae chapters attended a Tastefully Simple taste-testing party with the proceeds going to the Sigma Kappa convention fund.

Alpha Sigma Alpha was pleased to be the host chapter for the fifth annual Farmville Four Luncheon in 2004.

Dayton Alpha Sigma Alphas began the multi-chapter meeting in 2000 and the event has grown in popularity each year. The 2004 event was held at the Golf Club at Yankee Trace in Centerville in January. Alumnae from the four sororities founded at Longwood College met in the fraternal spirit for luncheon and conversation.

Dayton Alumnae Chapter events are open to all alumnae in the Dayton area. Visit their web site or send an email for more information. www.ASADayton.org; Alumnae@ASADayton.org Laura Gadbau Laclede, AA

DISTRICT 4 I want to say welcome to the newest District 4 officers! The District 4 team is so excited to work with all of you, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. One wonderful way to get that contact information and other helpful hints and information is on our District 4 web site at www.geocities.com/ asadistrict4/ index.html. Check the site regularly for updates, and feel free to contact me if there is anything that you or your chapter would like to post!

We would like to extend a welcome to our new finance coaching team leader, Marissa Ginn, Z0. We are also pleased to announce our two newest alumnae chapters in District 4, Virginia Peninsula Alumnae Chapter and Southwest Florida Alumnae Chapter.

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21

DISTRICT NEWS

District Day Don 't forget to mark your alendar for the weekend of Feb. 27-29, and join District 4 for Disuict Day in Virginia B ach, V ! The irginia We !cyan ollege women are our host and will be anxiou I awaiting our arrival.

Recruitment ews Mo t of the Di trict 4 chapters do not host formal r-ush until the spri ng erne ter, however, recr-uiunent for th e district was sti ll quite succe fu l again thi year.

Congratulations to th e fo llowing chapters: Beta Epsilon Chapter,James Madi on niversity, VA, for taking quota, exceeding target and being over total. Epsilon Gamma Chapter, Virginia Commonweal th nive rsity, is over total but can continue to recmit in th e spring. Beta Iota hap ter, Radford niversity, , took their fall target and i going into spring formal m h ov r total. lpha Chapter, Longwood niversity, VA, exceeded th eir target and is going into pring formal m sh close to total. The C olon • had a ucce fu l fir ttime recruitment with Lind e Freel, EE, and local alumnae recr·uiting and exce ding target with 39 n w members.

Th other four chapters in Di ui t 4 continue to recmit and are looking fonvard to pring recruitment.

The alumnae hap ters in Di ·trict 4 areal o growing u in tl1e five-step alumnae model. Th Tampa, tlanta and 0 Alumnae hapte have had pre ntation on the live-st p model and ar r alizin the imp rtan e of m, !...in new friends.

Pleas be mindful f tl1o c

,,

WIMTIR 2004

Members of Zeta Upsilon, Lynchburg, VA, pose during Relay Far Life. Pictured from left, back row, are: Elizabeth Morgan, Deanna Tomlin, Nicole Treiber, f en Brown, Ashley Dodd, Bailey Difamelte and Nadine Briden and, front row, Kirn Toms and Alex Christmas.

What Can We Do For You? Please remember that the District 4 team i here to help you. Pleas con tact any of us with questions or concerns. ina McGreevey, AA District Facilitator

upcoming events include a Creek-wide campus clean up project and Hike for Haiti, which raises mone for th e poor.

Nicole Treiber

Alumnae Collegiate

TAMPA BAY

ZETA UPSJLO , LYNCHBURG COLLEGE, VA

Chapter member celebrates 1OOth birthday!

Community service projects

Beatri ce Diederich McKinl e •, ETI , recently celebrated her 1OOth birthday.

"Bab ," as known by her friend , turned 100 on Oct. and tl1 e Tampa Ba Alumnae hapt r hosted a part in her honor.

Babs 'vas initiated into Alpha igma Alpha in 1996 after encou rage ment by h er long time friend Emma oleman Frost, fin . Bab i original! ' from ew York and attended college at Doug! now known Ru tgers niv it:y. usan Miazga Fi h r, fP , rememb rs Bab \vas one of the first iste he met and made her feel right at hom as usan i al o from ew ork .

Mek.a Aiken Taulbee, E , aid,

keep chapter busy Last spring the Zeta psilon hap ter participated in man com muni ty service activitie o n and off campus. me activitie included pedal Olym pic , American Red ro blood drive and Habitat for Humani ty. One of the mo L exciting events \vas Relay for Life, a walk-a-thon that raise mon for the merican ncer oci •. hapt r members had a team and took turn walking for n arl • 12 hours to help thi eat cau e. vember, the chapter In pon or d tl1eir ixth annual Mr. L conte t, a campus-wide male pageant to ben fit tl1e . June mith nter. Oth r

"I just became a m ember of the Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter and sent out a note to some of the members inu·oducing myself. About a week later I got a card for my wedding from Babs. It was the sweetest note especially becau ewe real ly don ' t k.now each other ye t. I was really touched by the th o ught and th e kind le tter. What a wonderfu l sister in A"'i.A I have found .

Be t wi he to I 00 years yo ung!"

H appy IOOth birthday to Babs.

Susan Miazga Fisher, fP

DISTRICTS District 5 has had a ucce ful ful l sem e ter, but we are ti ll in need of many volunteers to en ur that we have many more succe fu l e rne ters moving forward . We are looki ng for volunteers to fill a varie ty of po ilion .

Beta Theta m embers at entral Michigan niver ity are making tride to continue to gr wand strengthen th eir chapter and its viability on campus. The • continue to PHOENIX Of A1PIIA SIGMA ALPHA

DISTRICT NEWS

work on membership and have made sure that they are fully implementing "recruitment 365-days-a year."

Zeta Tau Chapter at Grand Valley State University, MI, has had a su ccessful recruitment this fall. At the beginning of the semester they co-sponsored a sock hop with another organization on campus. The event was a huge success. The chapter also held their annual Halloween party for Annie 's Acres wh ere they dressed up and passed out candy to the residents of the adult home.

Also for Halloween the chapter opened up their house for trick or treaters to come and have a safe place to get candy.

Zeta Tau and Delta Sigma, Saginaw Valley State University, MI, got together during the football game to cheer on their respective teams for one of the biggest games of the semester. During this time the two chapters were able to socialize and swap ideas for their chapters.

The new Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter also has been off to a very good start.

They have started to grow in number and are working on recruiting more members.

The chapter has also come up with ways to help local chapters and has motivated the Zeta Tau Chapter this semester and are looking forward to working more with the chapter in 2004.

This October the chapter collected coats and other winter clothing to give to a local school for the children that cannot afford warm clothing.

As you can see there is a lot going on in District 5. We are gearing up for a fabulous 2004 and would Jove for you to be a part of it.

Raeanne Thompson, ZT District 5 Assistant District Facilitator for Beta Theta

PHOENIX OF ALPHA ~IGMA ALPHA

Alwnnae DETROIT SUBURBAN

Scrapbooking takes chapter around the world The Detroit Suburban Alumnae Chapter met to do scrap booking at one of the member's home. Included were pictures of activities the group has participated in such events as the Panhellenic tea, convention and Founders' Day. These scrapbook pages wi ll be used to tell future members about the group and were used at Founders' Day in an effort to expand membership.

Nicole Laskowski, Be

RHO CHI DETROIT

Member celebrates 91st birthday The Rho Chi Detroit Alumnae Chapter met at the home ofJanice Hinrichs Haydel, BZ, for a special gathering for Joanne Parker McCrum, PX, who was visiting from North Carolina. Also present was Joanne's mother, Marian Parker, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, first in the Delta Phi Chapter and then Rho Chi. The chapter celebrated the 9lst birthday of Emma Rittinger, PX, in December.

Emma has been a member of Rho Chi since 1932, although at the time Rho Ch i was a local sorority at what is now Wayne State University, MI. Mary Ellen Snider Busch, PX

Tampa Bay alumnae celebrate the 1OOth birthday of Babs Diederich McKinley. Pictured, from left, are Paula Faught Cheshire, BN, Babs Diederich McKinley, Ell, and Kathryn Dougherty Busby, BY.

Emma Rittinger, PX, recently celebrated her 91st birthday.

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23

Phi Phi Chapter wins Crown of Excellence Phi Phi Chapter, orthwe t Mi ouri tate niversity, i the recipient of the rown of Excellence ward for 2002 .

The chapter was honored with the award based on a variety of factors, including membership education, cholarship and campus, community and alumnae relation hip .

(Lefl) The Phi Phi Chapter i awarded the Crown of Excellence Award.

Four-Star Chapters • • • •

Alpha B ta, Truman tate niversity, MO Beta Beta, niversity of orthern olorado Gamma Gamma, orthwest Oklahoma tate niversi ty Epsilon Epsilon, Emporia State University, KS

• • • • • • • • • • •

Three collegians receive special awards

Zeta Zeta, Central Missouri tat University Eta Eta, Pittsburg State niversity, KS u u, Drexel Univer ity, P Beta Iota, Radford niversity, VA Beta u, Murray State niversity, KY Beta Sigma, Southwest Mi souri State University Delta Nu-A, Kettering niversit , MI Epsilon Gamma, Virginia Commonwealth niversity Zeta Eta, Rockhurst College, MO Zeta Phi, TIIinois Institute of Technology Theta Beta, Roanoke College, V

Philanthropic Award •

Zeta Pi , olorado tate

nive rsit - Puebleo

Sidney Gremillon Allen Panhellenic Award Beta Upsilon Indiana tate

• niversit:y

Scholastic Achievement Award

Elizabeth Bird Small Award

•

Melissa Nix Beta Lambda nive r ity of e ntral Arkans

•

Andrea Cathey Z ta mega u tin Peav tate

pr-ing 2001 , Delta u-A, Kettering University, MI Fall 2002, Zeta Gamma, Gannon nive rsity, P

Rose Marie Fellin Financial Excellence Award •

New Member Award

niversi ty, KS

Eta Eta, Pittsburg State

Delta Nu-A, Ke ttering

niversity, Ml