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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Volume 106 | Issue 4
Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN, 46268-3018. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. © Alpha Sigma Alpha
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DEADLINES Spring Dec. 10 Summer March 10 Fall June 10
EDITOR Natalie Knisely
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018 Phone: (317) 871-2920 Fax: (317) 871-2924 Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org
Dear readers,
The fall issue of the Phoenix is probably one of my favorite issues. As we transition so many of our organizational operations due to the global pandemic, we are still able to take time to be reminded of our history and celebrate our accomplishments. The Founders’ Day message reminds us of our heritage. Our annual report highlights our current achievements. Both remind us that our purpose of fostering close friendships between members and developing women of poise and purpose is never complete and there is still much to do for continued progress. This issue also highlights individual member and chapter accomplishments in the Awards article and in Chapter News.
In the Fall 2019 issue of the Phoenix, a “Save the Date” was published to remind members of the national convention & leadership conference in Kansas City. While we were not able to meet in person, this issue features the numerous opportunities that Alpha Sigma Alpha’s were able to engage virtually and still share the spirit of sisterhood during National Convention Reimagined. We hope to see you at the 2022 National Convention & Leadership Conference in Baltimore, MD.
As I shared last fall, ALL MEMBERS have had an impact on our organization. As you thumb through the pages of this magazine, take time to think about the historical mark you have made within Alpha Sigma Alpha- from serving as a chapter officer to participating in a service project. Also think about how you can contribute to the future- from paying your alumnae dues, to volunteering, to getting together with chapter sisters. ALL MEMBERS will have an impact on the future of our organization. Enjoy this fall issue of the magazine.
Joyously live,
KRYSTAL GEYER SLIVINSKI, ΓΡ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS We welcome comments about this publication. Email asa@alphasigmaalpha.org or mail to: Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268
SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 106
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To participate, members must request to join the “Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club” Facebook group.
Join Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae in the upcoming book club discussions:
November 2020: Becoming by Michelle Obama Discussion: Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. ET
December 2020: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah Discussion: Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET
January 2021: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Discussion: Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. ET
February 2021: The Idea of You: A Novel by Robinne Lee Discussion: Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. ET
NEWS & UPDATES GET OUT THE VOTE Exercise your right to vote on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Are you registered to vote? Visit https://vote.gov which makes voter registration easy, and ensures that you register correctly for your state of residence.
Make sure to take a picture of yourself voting on Election Day, and post using the hashtag #ASAVotes!
BINDING ARBITRATION Binding arbitration reminder: All Alpha Sigma Alpha new members, undergraduate members and alumnae members making claims for personal injury, claims for damages to property or disputes of any nature will be referred for resolution through the Alpha Sigma Alpha Claims and Dispute Resolution Program. Please log onto to MyA∑A for a copy of the Claim and Dispute Resolution Plan and Rules.
VIRTUAL SISTERHOOD MEETUPS - NEW! Join sisters near and far for a variety of virtual meetups this fall. Alpha Sigma Alpha is providing a series of sisterhood meetups where collegiate and alumnae members can connect with each other virtually. Note that all event times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.
Sister Sip Happy Hour Meditation Session
Sister Sip Happy Hour Sister Sip Happy Hour Paint-by-Numbers Workshop Sister Sip Happy Hour Thurs, Nov. 5 @ 8 p.m. ET Wed, Nov. 11 @ 8:30 p.m. ET Fri, Nov. 20 @ 7:30 p.m. ET Thurs, Dec. 3 @ 8 p.m. ET Wed, Dec. 9 @ 7 p.m. ET Fri, Dec. 18 @ 7:30 p.m. ET Register by Nov. 2 Register by Nov. 8 Regsiter by Nov. 17 Register by Nov. 30 Register by Dec. 6 Register by Dec. 15
REGISTER HERE: https://www.alphasigmaalpha.org/programming/virtual-opportunities/ sisterhood-meetup-registration/
STRATEGIC GOAL AREA STRATEGIC GOAL AREAEXEMPLIFY
STRATEGIC GOAL AREA LABELS
Articles in the magazine are labeled with a strategic goal area that corresponds to the article. These labels help members connect to the 2018-22 Alpha Sigma Alpha Strategic Plan.
STRATEGIC GOAL AREA EXEMPLIFY
CHAPTER & INDIVIDUAL
AWARDS
2019-20 COLLEGIATE CHAPTER AWARDS
Recruitment Excellence Award Nu Nu, Drexel University, PA
Sidney Gremillion Allen Panhellenic Award Beta Nu, Murray State University, KY of the Sorority. Epsilon Tau, University of Maryland Baltimore County Zeta Rho, University of West Alabama Theta Omicron, University of Missouri Kansas City Iota Alpha, Suffolk University, MA Rose Marie Fellin Financial Excellence Award Epsilon Epsilon, Emporia State University, KS
Service & Giving Award Gamma Chi, Bryant University, RI
Communications Excellence Award Beta Sigma, Missouri State University SEEK CHAPTERS have members who have built on that commitment and have embraced the remains strong. Technology, NY Delta Sigma, Saginaw Valley State University, MI Epsilon Kappa, Millersville University, PA Zeta Lambda, Rowan University, NJ Theta Delta, University of Alaska Anchorage Theta Lambda, Frostburg State University, MD Theta Omega, University of New Haven, CT Academic Excellence Award – Spring 2019 Zeta Eta, Rockhurst University, MO
Zeta Eta, Rockhurst University, MO
BETA NU, MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY, KY THE CROWN OF EXCELLENCE is the highest award bestowed on a collegiate chapter. The Crown of Excellence Chapter has demonstrated the highest level of achievement of all four-star chapters.
ASPIRE CHAPTERS have members who have shown a commitment to each other, their chapter and the national organization by upholding the high ideals
responsibility of membership to ensure that the Sorority
Beta Beta, University of Northern Colorado Gamma Iota, Rochester Institute of Academic Excellence Award – Fall 2019
Nu Nu, Drexel University, PA ATTAIN CHAPTERS have members who have vowed fully to uphold their roles, responsibilities and commitments to being an energizing influence in the future of their chapter and Alpha Sigma Alpha.
Beta Kappa, Western Illinois University Beta Sigma, Missouri State University Beta Upsilon, Indiana State University Zeta Eta, Rockhurst University, MO Theta Gamma, Christopher Newport University, VA
Alumnae Crown of Excellence Western Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter
2019–20 FOUR-STAR CHAPTERS These chapters uphold the high ideals of the Sorority in the areas of membership, academic excellence, finances, membership education, chapter operations, service & giving, national meetings, ritual, organizational image, national bylaws, policies and procedures, advisory board and alumnae involvement.
Alpha Beta Truman State University, MO Epsilon Epsilon Emporia State University, KS Eta Eta Pittsburg State University, KS Theta Sigma Southern Connecticut State University Theta Tau Capital University, OH Iota Gamma Ramapo College of New Jersey 2019–20 ALUMNAE CHAPTER AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Outstanding Membership Growth Boston Alumnae Chapter
Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Engagement Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter
Outstanding Service and Giving Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter
Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Support Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter
Outstanding Programs Chicago Metro Alumnae Chapter
Communications Excellence Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Star Recognition Ark-La-Tex Alumnae Chapter Greater Topeka Alumnae Chapter Raleigh-Durham Alumnae Chapter Richmond Alumnae Chapter
Palm Recognition Tennessee Valley Alumnae Chapter Crown Recognition Boston Alumnae Chapter Buffalo Alumnae Chapter Central Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter Charlotte Alumnae Chapter Chicago Metro Alumnae Chapter Chicago North Suburban Chapter Chicago West Alumnae Chapter Dallas Alumnae Chapter Denver Alumnae Chapter Greater Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter Philadelphia Metro Alumnae Chapter Pittsburg, KS Alumnae Chapter San Antonio Alumnae Chapter Southeastern Michigan Alumnae Chapter Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter Tidewater Virginia Alumnae Chapter Tulsa Alumnae Chapter Western Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter
GENEROUS SPIRIT AWARD
Emma-Leigh June Smith, Eta Eta Chapter at Pittsburg State University, KS
• Serves as the Service &
Giving co-chairman • Volunteers with the university's Big Event, which focuses on doing yard work for those who are unable to do it • A Buddy to special needs kids at Miracle Field in
Joplin, Missouri • Planned several trips to the local Ronald McDonald
House to cook meals for guests
FROST FIDELITY AWARD
• Pre-Med Exercise Science
Major with minors in French,
Disability Studies and
Biology • Served as chapter president, vice president of public relations & recruitment and special events fundraising chairman • Member of Truman State's
American Medical Student
Association and GlobeMed club • Member of Phi Epsilon
Kappa Honors Fraternity and the Order of Omega • Volunteers with local hospice centers, the Red Cross and senior living homes
ELIZABETH BIRD SMALL AWARD
Casey Walters, Nu Nu Chapter at Drexel University, PA
• A junior with a nursing major • Served as vice president of membership education, event coordinator and scholarship chairman • Drexel University president of MEDLIFE and Student
Nurses Association member • Life support instructor for the
American Heart Association • Intern at the Children's
Hospital of Philadelphia • Wolcott Volunteer
Ambulance Association
Emergency Responder
Award winner
OUTSTANDING NEW MEMBER AWARD
• Elementary education major • Serves on her chapter's standards board and as panhellenic delegate • Tutors 2nd grade students with America Reads • Northwest Missouri State
Student Ambassador • Serves as the freshman class representative for the
Student Senate
“One thing that I’ve recently learned is that generosity doesn’t have to mean donating money. The beauty in generosity is that it’s the giving of oneself for the sake of others. I try to do a random act of kindness every day. It makes me happy to see how a simple compliment or gesture can make someone smile.”
OUTSTANDING ATHLETE AWARD
Megan Burrill, Zeta Phi Chapter at Illinois Institute of Technology
• Team captain of the Illinois
Institute of Technology's swimming and diving team • Liberal Arts Conference
All-Conference Team award winner in 2019 • Three time 100-meter butterfly record breaker • Serves on multiple Zeta Phi committees and is the house chore manager • Chapter president with
Material Advantage
OUTSTANDING ADVISOR AWARD
Libby Bohon Riley Alpha Beta, Chapter Advisor for Alpha Beta at Truman State University, MO
Libby is an Alpha Beta alumna who began her volunteer service to Alpha Sigma Alpha in 2012 as their chapter advisor. The members of the chapter acknowledge her extensive commitment and encouragement for growth within Alpha Beta.
The chapter says, “Libby is every kind of role model; she's a strong woman, a passionate leader of her peers, a kind and warm-hearted soul, and truly a woman of poise and purpose. Every day, she shows us what a beautiful person should look like on the inside. She is generous, ambitious, and genuine. She understands the limitless bonds between the sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha and encourages the members of Alpha Beta to take advantage of the sisterhood and everything it has to offer. Most importantly, she shows us that this sisterhood lasts long after college.”
The chapter goes on to say, "Libby is an exceptional advisor in all aspects of her roles as the chapter advisor. She is extremely loyal to our chapter and has continually given her time and knowledge to aid Alpha Beta in the advancement of our organization. She is an ideal woman of Alpha Sigma Alpha and portrays this through the intentions behind all of her selfless actions!"
OUTSTANDING FRATERNITY & SORORITY ADVISOR AWARD
Joy Helsel Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at California University of Pennsylvania
Joy was nominated by the Collegiate Services Department at National Headquarters. She has been a valued partner and source of information to the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter. She has volunteered her time as a facilitator at Alpha Sigma Alpha regional program, The Academy in 2018 and 2019. Joy has been a campus administrator since 1987. In her years on staff, she has developed exceptional relationships with the students. She has consistently encouraged their learning, engagement and safety.
Joy received her BA/MA in Communication Studies from California University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Pi Kappa Delta National Honorary Society and Sigma Kappa Sorority. She serves on the Student Activities Board and is the president of the Graduate Student Association.
WILMA WILSON SHARP Kim’s volunteer experience not only spans eras and responsibilities, but also geographic regions. Kim served AWARD our organization as a province director for 16 years before joining multiple district teams as both finance leader and Kim Benson, Delta Nu-B district facilitator. She served on national council from Kettering University (formerly 2006-16, during which time she was also an ex-officio known as the GMI Engineering trustee for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation through & Management Institute) her role as national vice president of finance. During this same time, Kim was instrumental in the construction of our National Headquarters, contributing her wisdom to the facilities committee from 2006-08. After her service on national council, she chaired the nominating committee in 2017 and chaired the convention bylaws & resolutions committee in 2020. Kim has held an office in five alumnae chapters, serving as chapter president in three of those.
Upon graduating in 1969, Ellen joined the national EVELYN G. BELL headquarters staff as a field secretary (now leadership AWARD consultant). When she concluded her travels for the sorority, Ellen served as a collegiate province director, Ellen Funk Morris, Beta Lambda alumnae region director and chairman of scholarship. University of Central Arkansas While living in Arkansas, she was an active member of the Beta Lambda Alumnae Chapter, serving as chapter secretary and Panhellenic delegate for nearly a decade. When Ellen moved to Colorado, she quickly joined up with the Denver Alumnae Chapter, to which she still is a member. After supporting our collegiate and alumnae chapters, Ellen transitioned her focus to representing Alpha Sigma Alpha as part of our NPC delegation. She was our first alternate delegate from 2000-10, and second alternate delegate until 2012. Ellen may be most well-known for her role as leading the choir at our national convention & leadership conferences.
Heather’s Alpha Sigma Alpha journey began when HELEN L. COREY she joined the Phi Phi Chapter at Northwest Missouri AWARD State University in Maryville, MO. She served her chapter as membership director and a member of the Heather Riley, Phi Phi standards committee. As an alumna she was a member Northwest Missouri State of the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter where, under her University presidency, the chapter won its first Crown of Excellence award and went on to win it for three consecutive years. Heather served on three convention teams and then on national council from 2012-19. Heather was a frequent extension presenter as well as facilitated at LDI and presented at District Day and The Academy. Heather’s legacy can be found not only in her generous spirit, but in her passion to always do good.
Mary Kate joined Zeta Chi Chapter at Niagara University AGAPE where she served as ritual chairman and vice president AWARD of membership education. After graduation, Mary Kate wasted no time jumping into her alumnae experience. Mary Kate Metzger, She has helped guide numerous chapters through our Zeta Chi, Niagara University member education while serving as a district education leader and then a membership commitment leader. In her most recent role as region facilitator, she has lead and supported region volunteers in addition to continuing a legacy of transparency and trust with chapter presidents and advisors. Mary Kate also serves as a volunteer for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation as an alumnae ambassador and task force member, and is a member of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter. Most recently, Mary Kate led the Virtual Contingency Task Force, developing recommendations for a virtual membership experience as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19.
As an alumna Grace has served in numerous AGAPE volunteer roles including province director, district AWARD facilitator, academic excellence coaching team member, a member of the nominating committee and Grace Moody, standards advisor. Many of these roles she held while Delta Eta, DePaul University simultaneously serving in her current role as chapter advisor for Delta Eta Chapter for 14 years. Grace is a five time facilitator at LDI and often presents workshops at The Academy. She is authentic, challenges members to do their best and knows how to have fun!
Linda began her membership in 1968 when she joined Chi AGAPE Chi Chapter at Ball State University where she served as AWARD vice president of public relations and recruitment before representing the sorority while traveling the country as a field Linda Wyrick Lineback, representative (now leadership consultant). She has served Chi Chi, Ball State University the Sorority in numerous capacities including province director, chairman of housing and currently as an Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation Trustee. Many of us know Linda’s voice well from her nine years working as the office manager at national headquarters. Since her retirement in 2015, Linda continues to visit headquarters regularly as a headquarters and national archives volunteer. A nearly 20-year member of the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter, Linda has served as president, vice president and treasurer.
The recipient of two Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation HERMES SOCIETY scholarships and a Foundation volunteer, Mercedes HONORARY MEMBER exemplifies her spirit of lifelong learning through her recent completion of a Ph.D. in leadership studies. Mercedes Moreno, Not only does she value her own learning, but also the Zeta Sigma, University of the growth of our members. Mercedes has served as a Incarnate Word facilitator at several Academy events and Leadership Development Institutes. Last year she presented a webinar on emotional intelligence for the Women’s Advancement Series which provides personal and professional development for alumnae members. Mercedes has served Alpha Sigma Alpha as a member of the nominating committee, chapter advisor and in numerous leadership positions in the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter.
One way Jenn exemplifies her love of lifelong HERMES SOCIETY learning is by collecting college degrees. She HONORARY MEMBER has a bachelors, two masters, and a Doctorate of Education with a concentration in student Jennifer Rassett, Zeta Beta, affairs. Dr. Jenn has served Alpha Sigma Alpha University of Wisconsin – in numerous capacities including: as a leadership River Falls consultant; serving in province, district, and regional leadership positions; national team leader; and a member of national council. Jenn has dedicated her entire professional career to working with and supporting college students. She currently works as the director of Student Life and Leadership Development as well as the Title IX Coordinator at Century College in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
