The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Fall 2022

What experience from the 52nd National Convention & Leadership Conference will help you Shine On?

“I had the honor of meeting Jaime Logan (Theta Chi Chapter) at the 52nd National Convention & Leadership Conference. Jaime and I are two different people from different backgrounds; however, we instantly clicked and appreciated each other’s differences. Jaime is a friend I know will help me Shine On and push me to be a better person each day.”

- ELIZA MCCOMAS, BΣ

”Every time I attend convention, I use it as an opportunity to connect with sisters, meet new ones and take control of my personal and professional development! One educational session facilitated by Emily Just was eye-opening! She talked about implementing techniques to assist in mindfulness and maintaining a resilient mindset. Putting these techniques into practice — specifically box breathing and having affirmations steeped in resiliency — I have noticed a significant difference in my everyday life!“

”I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing women, especially from our national organization who have helped support our chapter. It reinforced that my chapter was part of something bigger, not just a group in South Georgia, and I hope to bring this feeling of belonging to the rest of the Theta Mu members as well.”

- REBECCA NOELL, ZT

- EMILY LAPIERRE, ΘM

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Founders’ Day Message

BY AMBER SHAVERDI HUSTON , HH , NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Fall is my favorite season; it tends to be filled with optimism – it’s early in the football season, there are sorority events filling our calendars, and for my family, spending nights by the fire pit. This season also brings us the opportunity to celebrate our beloved Sorority. Fall is filled with welcoming new members, whether that be celebrating friends & family who have joined, supporting your collegiate chapter from afar, advising or actively recruiting. It’s a true full circle time. Not only are we celebrating more than a thousand new members, but we are also celebrating over a hundred years of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Each November we celebrate Founders’ Day. Some of us have the ability to get together with chapter sisters, commemorate through the ritual service or for those that don’t live close to a sorority sister, it may be calling that sister you haven’t talked to in far too long but miss and need a good laugh. Celebrating what the sorority has given you, the sisterhood and the women who created Alpha Sigma Alpha isn’t something that should be kept to Nov. 15, but sometimes having the date on the calendar helps us reflect on who and what we’ve gained from our sorority experiences. Taking time to connect with sisters – those that you talk to regularly and those that you miss, there is no better excuse than to say, “I read the Phoenix and it made me think of you.”

As I think back on the founding of Alpha Sigma Alpha, I often wonder about the Founders. I wish I could ask them about their lives in 1901. Did they come together trying to help more women gain access to college? What change did they want to see in the world? How did the Sorority became a shared vision? What were their dreams for the Sorority? What did they see as Alpha Sigma Alpha’s role in shaping the future for women? How did they envision the Sorority to help prepare women to impact the world? I turn to our ritual and historical documents, which is where we find the answers.

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Founders and early members gave us a roadmap on how to cultivate friendship among members who are known for their character and concern for others. Love is woven throughout the Sorority’s early messages. We are asked to practice patience, demonstrate kindness, be generous and to give love unselfishly. The Sorority asks each of us to demonstrate self-control, self-confidence and self-sacrifice. This promise has been made for more than a hundred years by thousands and thousands of members, and yet it’s a commitment that

feels timely today. When so much in the world changes quickly, this aspect of the Sorority has stood the test of time. The Sorority’s role in helping members find confidence is ongoing. As members, we are individuals who daily demonstrate self-control and sacrifice for the betterment of others. This is something we work for each day and happens through living out our values.

In honor of 121 years, cheers to agape love and to the fearless leaders who came together and dreamed of a sorority that would elevate the influence of women in the world. May we aspire to honor their vision, seek to give unselfishly and attain a sisterhood that empowers all members.

Happy Founders’ Day Alpha Sigma Alpha,

AMBER SHAVERDI HUSTON, HH NATIONAL PRESIDENT @ASAHUSTON

Members from the Iota Alpha Chapter.

Early members of the Alpha Chapter in 1903.

FROM THE EDITOR

Dear readers,

Invigorated is the word that comes to mind as I reflect on my experience attending Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 52nd National Convention & Leadership Conference in Baltimore this past summer. Seeing sisters reunited after four long years apart to celebrate sisterhood, focus on personal and professional growth and champion the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha filled my cup and left me truly excited for the future of our beloved Sorority.

After attending my first national convention & leadership conference as a collegian in 2018, I didn’t think I could be more in awe of the scale and power of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s membership. However, witnessing the passion from collegians, shared wisdom from alumnae and celebration of chapter and individual award winners this summer proved me wrong. The women of our organization continue to remind me of a quote by Ida Shaw Martin written for the Phoenix in 1916: “You are a member of a strong sorority…Live it, talk it, dream it, work for it.” On every level and in so many ways, members of the Sorority are dreaming and working for its future.

As we settle into fall and near 121 years since Alpha Sigma Alpha’s founding, I encourage you to think about how you can live, talk, dream and work for our future in your everyday life. Perhaps it’s volunteering your time to the Sorority, mentoring a fellow sister or simply sharing your Alpha Sigma Alpha experience with someone you know. No action is too small because the combined actions of us all can make a profound impact.

Happy reading,

ALYSSA HUTCHINSON MILES, QZ

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

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

Volume 108 | 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

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

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.

DEADLINES

Miles

Vincennes Circle

IN 46268-3018

(317) 871-2920

(317) 871-2924

Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

NOV. 14-15, 2022

Celebrate Founders’ Day with a gift to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation that elevates the influence of women in the world!

Visit JoyouslyGive.org to learn more.

Champions of the Phoenix

The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation is excited to announce a new giving opportunity for donors committed to the current and future wellbeing of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. These women are visionaries, advocates and champions of our Sorority. Champions of the Phoenix donors commit to donating $2,500+ annually through a personalized giving plan. Donors at this level will be the first to learn of Foundation developments, have a direct link to both trustees and staff and serve as an inspiration for others in the legacy created through giving. Please email fndstaff@alphasigmaalpha.org with the subject line “Champions of the Phoenix” if you are interested in learning more.

GIVE BACK TO ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA BY VOLUNTEERING

Alpha Sigma Alpha is seeking volunteers to help advance the Sorority’s vision to elevate the influence of women in the world.

We welcome members and friends who have time, energy and passion for Alpha Sigma Alpha to serve as volunteers. All are welcome to volunteer regardless of age, location or ability.

Volunteers give back to the sorority while developing as leaders and professionals.

Are you interested? Scan the code below to fill out a volunteer interest form.

Collegiate, Chapter & Individual Awards

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.

THETA TAU, CAPITAL UNIVERSITY, OH

2021-22 Collegiate Chapter Awards

ASPIRE CHAPTERS have members who have shown a commitment to each other, their chapter and the national organization by upholding the high ideals of the Sorority.

Beta Theta, Central Michigan University

Zeta Lambda, Rowan University, NJ Epsilon Phi, Indiana University

Theta Kappa, Texas A&M UniversityKingsville

SEEK CHAPTERS have members who have built on that commitment and have embraced the responsibility of membership to ensure that the Sorority remains strong.

Zeta Gamma, Gannon University, PA Theta Lambda, Frostburg State University, MD

Alpha Beta, Truman State University, MO

Delta Kappa, University of Southern Indiana Epsilon Epsilon, Emporia State University, KS

ATTAIN CHAPTERS have members who have vowed fully to uphold their role, responsibility and commitment to being an energizing influence in the future of their chapter and Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Nu Nu, Drexel University, PA

Theta Eta, Rodgers State University, OK Iota Lambda, Flagler College, FL

Beta Nu, Murray State University, KY

Eta Eta, Pittsburg State University, KS

Gamma Iota, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY

Gamma Chi, Bryant University, RI

Theta Gamma, Christopher Newport University, VA

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

Crown of Excellence Chapter Winner — Theta Tau, Capital University, OH

(continued on

Four-Star Chapters

These chapters uphold the high ideals of the Sorority in the areas of membership, academic excellence, finances, membership education, chapter operations, philanthropy, national meetings, ritual, organizational image, national bylaws, policies and procedures, advisory board and alumnae involvement.

Iota Gamma, Ramapo College of New Jersey Alpha, Longwood University, VA

Zeta Nu, Moravian University, PA

Zeta Eta, Rockhurst University, MO

Theta Tau, Capital University, OH

Recruitment Excellence Award

Beta Nu, Murray State University, KY

Recruitment Excellence Award

Theta Upsilon, Boise State University, ID

Sidney Gremillion Allen Panhellenic Award

Iota Gamma, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Rose Marie Fellin Financial Excellence Award

Beta Nu, Murray State University, KY

Dr. S. June Smith Service & Giving Award

Theta Tau, Capital University, OH

Academic Excellence Award – Spring 2021 Zeta Gamma, Gannon University, PA

Academic Excellence Award – Fall 2021 Zeta Eta, Rockhurst University, MO

2021-22 Alumnae Chapter Awards

ALUMNAE CROWN OF EXCELLENCE

Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter

Outstanding Membership Growth Award

Springfield Alumnae Chapter, MO

Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Engagement Award

Chicago North Suburban Alumnae Chapter

Outstanding Service & Giving Award

Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter, FL

Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Support Award

Greater Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter, FL

Crown Recognition

Boston Alumnae Chapter

Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, NY

Central Arizona Alumnae Chapter

Central Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter

Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, NC

Chicago Metro Alumnae Chapter

Chicago North Suburban Alumnae Chapter

Chicago West Alumnae Chapter

Country Roads West Virginia Alumnae Chapter

Dallas Alumnae Chapter

Greater Atlanta Alumnae Chapter

Greater Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter

Greater Denver Alumnae Chapter

Greater Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter, FL

Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter

Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter

Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter

PHOENIX BEST FEATURE

AWARD WINNERS

Justine Wan, NN

Lisa Argento Boyer, EN

Anjelica Fiol, ZΦ

Hanan Stiff, BN

Spring 2022 Phoenix:

Alpha Sigma Alpha — Grappling with Our Past, Looking Towards a Better Future

Outstanding Programs Award

Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter

Communications Excellence Award

Central Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter

Star Recognition

Ark-La-Tex Alumnae Chapter

Springfield Alumnae Chapter, MO

Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter

Philadelphia Metro Alumnae Chapter

Pittsburg Alumnae Chapter, KS

Rhode Island Alumnae Chapter

Richmond Alumnae Chapter, VA

Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter, FL

Tidewater Virginia Alumnae Chapter

Western Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter

Alpha Sigma Alpha

Alumnae Chapter Crown of Excellence Winner - Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter

Outstanding New Member Award

Isabella Weingartz, Delta Nu-B Chapter at Kettering University, MI

“Isabella lives up to Alpha Sigma Alpha’s core values through her devotion to all activities. She always follows through on what she commits to throughout all of her different obligations on campus and displays personal commitment and accountability wherever she goes. Not only that but Isabella’s ability to make a continuous effort to spend time with sisters and friends, while being so involved exemplifies her ability to manage balance and relationships. She is driven by her strong character and her mission to love life and joyously live.”

Generous Spirit Award

Kate Foreman, Nu Nu Chapter at Drexel University, PA

“Kate fills her days with satisfying activity by giving back to the Philadelphia and New Jersey communities. In the Nu Nu Chapter, Kate participated in Special Olympics Fall Fest cheering on volleyball players and helping to coach the game as well as Carnival for a Cause to raise money. She also volunteered at the Race Like a Girl Event on campus for Girls on the Run helping to fundraise with raffle baskets and selling T-shirts. Outside of Alpha Sigma Alpha, Kate is the service vice president of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority and works with organizations such as Project HOME, The Bethesda Project, and Books Through Bars. She also is the community service chairman for Drexel’s Mastering Cosmetics and has donated more than 100 blankets and $300 worth of period products.”

Outstanding Athlete Award

Madison Brunson, Theta Chi Chapter at Methodist University, NC

“Madison hails from Saint Petersburg, FL and currently dominates the field for the Methodist University Women’s soccer team in Fayetteville, NC.

When she is not playing soccer, working out in the gym, studying in the library, or working, she serves as the Theta Chi vice president of public relations & recruitment.”

Frost Fidelity Award

Abigail Kyle, Beta Nu Chapter at Murray State University, KY

“Abigail was nominated for the Frost Fidelity Award because she is constantly showing her character and concern for others by putting others first and always checking in with our members’

well-being. Abigail creates a space for members to feel important and reminds sisters of the vows they took during initiation and she is a true reflection of the organization’s mission and purpose.”

Elizabeth Bird Small Award

Carleigh Stallcup, Theta Eta Chapter at Rogers State University, OK

“Carleigh’s Alpha Sigma Alpha experience and the way she lives her life is the true definition of self-confidence, self-control and self-sacrifice. Through her efforts in and out of Alpha Sigma Alpha and her thoughtful servant leadership, she expresses gratitude for every member of the chapter.”

Brenda Rua Chappell Outstanding Advisor Award

Brenda Rua Chappell, Chapter Advisor for Eta Eta Chapter at Pittsburg State University

“During her tenure as the chapter advisor, the Eta Eta Chapter has won almost 40 awards from the national organization, including the Crown of Excellence four out of the last ten years. Her impact as an advisor has benefited Alpha Sigma Alpha members greatly, and the Pittsburg State community has noticed as well…Brenda’s care and concern for others is a true testament to her patience and belief that everyone has something valuable to offer the world. Perhaps her greatest triumph is that she continues to be a cancer survivor. Her strength and bravery in fighting cancer…twice…has inspired women all around her.”

In addition to being named the recipient, the award was renamed after Brenda in honor of her years of service.

Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Advisor Award

Jim Gulbranson, Coordinator of Greek Life at Northwest Missouri State University

“Jim is a Lambda Chi Alpha, and he absolutely lives by word and deed of showing care and concern for others. Since beginning his career at Northwest Jim has had the ability to challenge old ways of thinking in a way that allows students to learn through the process and still feel supported. He’s led the charge to make positive changes within the campus community and he's impacted hundreds of students in his work as the coordinator of Greek Life. Jim’s personal support of our Phi Phi Chapter and the national organization is a partnership we are honored to have and proud to recognize him as one of our lifetime supporters.”

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma

Agape Award Lisa Argento Boyer Epsilon Nu, State University of New York – Brockport

Lisa joined the Epsilon Nu Chapter at the State University of New York – Brockport and has served Alpha Sigma Alpha in a variety of roles including province director, recruitment leader, Panhellenic liaison and secretary of the Greater Rochester Alumnae Chapter.

Inspired by her father’s work with the Divine Nine, Lisa is passionate about promoting the Greek experience and has focused her efforts on creating community among alumnae of all NPC groups. Lisa has served a remarkable 13 years collectively as the Alumnae Chapter City Panhellenic Delegate for Greater Rochester and Brockport and has represented Alpha Sigma Alpha as an NPC Area Advisor.

Lisa has brought her passion for inclusivity and allyship to our organization. She led a team of dedicated members to research and write the history of Alpha Sigma Alpha through a DEI lens that appeared in a Phoenix article earlier this year. Her clarity and compassion in that process has helped our organization to acknowledge our past and look towards a more inclusive future.

Agape Award

Leah Dooley Eickhoff Alpha Beta, Truman State University, MO

Over the course of her membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha, Leah has contributed to almost every aspect of the Sorority. She worked on headquarters staff as a leadership consultant right after graduating, and more recently as program coordinator where she brought her strategic and data-driven mindset to ensuring our curriculum and programming was impactful and high quality. Leah has volunteered at the chapter level as an advisor, at the region level as an education and recruitment leader, and at the national level on the Ritual coaching team and currently as the data study

team leader. If that wasn’t enough, Leah also represented Alpha Sigma Alpha as an NPC Area Advisor and now serves as the College Panhellenics Committee Area Advisor Coordinator with NPC.

All these experiences have given Leah an incredible depth of knowledge about higher education and fraternities and sororities.

Anyone who has worked with Leah on a project or team knows that she brings this knowledge, and high expectations, to anything she is involved in. She consistently challenges others around her to aim for their absolute best.

Leah also loves the Ritual of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She helped create and deliver Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Service Immersion Experience for five years and during that time she made sure the every moment of that service experience was rooted in our ritual.

Agape Award

Caelee Gibbs Lehman Epsilon Epsilon, Emporia State University, KS

At Emporia State University Caelee served as social chairman, standards chairman, vice president of programming & ritual, vice president of membership education, and vice president of public relations & recruitment.

After graduation, Caelee wasted no time jumping into her alumnae experience. She has volunteered at the region level as a recruitment coaching team member and Panhellenic liaison. She served as president of the Greater Omaha Alumnae Chapter and later the vice president of the Greater Topeka Area Alumnae Chapter.

Prior to the structural changes within NPC, Caelee served as third and then second alternate delegate, then went on to represent Alpha Sigma Alpha as an Area Advisor.

In more recent years, Caelee has put her strategic thinking skills to work as a member of the nominating committee and the board & leadership advancement committee. She

is currently leading the community college structure task force as they explore the potential for future expansion.

Caelee takes nothing for granted and approaches every volunteer opportunity, friendship, and task with gratitude and purpose.

Hermes Society Honorary Member

Christine Torbert

Ramey, Epsilon Tau, University of Maryland

Christine always strives to continue learning and expanding her knowledge of the complicated world around us. Her background and undergraduate degree are in nursing but when she considered pursuing a master’s degree, she wanted to challenge herself and obtained an MBA.

She has combined these two areas in her current work where she examines how health equity issues and social conditions impact families, generations and communities. By learning about her own privilege and listening to individuals who may be underserved or have skepticism about the health care system, she hopes to understand how to bridge those gaps and help individuals and their communities achieve their highest level of health.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marymount University and a Master’s in Business Administration in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. She completed a certification in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida and is pursuing a second certificate from the University of South Florida in ethical leadership. She has co-authored several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals focused on the social determinants of health and health inequality.

Christine currently serves as the Region 9 finance leader and is a member of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter where she has served as secretary and editor.

Evelyn G. Bell Award Patti Blunt Vollbrecht, Delta Zeta, University of Wisconsin –Whitewater

Patti Vollbrecht started her leadership journey at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she helped found the Delta Zeta Chapter when she found no other chapter met her needs. She served as Delta Zeta’s founding president and membership director.

In her over 50 years of membership, her commitment to Alpha Sigma Alpha is demonstrated by her ongoing desire to grow our organization and spread its influence. Her love and enthusiasm for the Sorority led to the recruitment of five women—including her daughter—to join ASA through alumnae initiation. She built an alumnae chapter from scratch as well as helped form the Milwaukee Alumnae Panhellenic. In her current role as a member of the alumnae coaching team, she continues to ensure our members have the best experience possible.

Her smile, warmth and laughter draw others to her. She is a staple at region events such as District Day and The Academy, an inspiring small group facilitator at LDI and a crowd favorite at convention.

Patti embodies our core value of enjoyment and leads by example, ensuring every interaction is both fun and informative. There is no doubt that you will walk away inspired and smiling every time you see her.

Helen Corey Award

Janet Crook Conroy, Beta Pi, Concord University, WV

Janet Conroy joined the Beta Pi Chapter and she hasn’t stopped serving Alpha Sigma Alpha since.

From district meeting coordinator to chapter advisor, from Foundation volunteer to alumnae coaching team member, from convention event team member to alumnae chapter president, Janet has served the organization at every level in her 30+ years as a volunteer.

Whether it was during her time as province director in the late 1990s or leading the Boston Alumnae Chapter to their 100-year celebration just last year, this member is a shining light in everything she does.

She is always seeking to improve herself and the world around her. A recent Harvard graduate, she personifies the idea of chasing her dreams.

Wilma Wilson Sharp Award

Joanne Weber Catron, Alpha, Longwood University, VA

Initiated into the Alpha Chapter at Longwood University, Joanne would go on to be the membership advisor for the chapter over a 14-year period.

She has served the Sorority in numerous capacities including district meeting coordinator, convention planning team member and leader, volunteer management team member, service & giving coaching team leader, and national vice president of membership on national council.

In addition to her long list of volunteer positions within Alpha Sigma Alpha, Joanne has also volunteered for more than 20 years as a Special Olympics coach, fundraising and promoting access for athletes of all abilities.

Professionally, Joanne has been an educator for over 30 years. She has dedicated her life to special education, providing support to children and their families. She now provides training and support to fellow educators.

Throughout her three decades as an Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteer, she has embodied our secret motto and provided a living example of what it means to live our values.

Recognition of Eminence Award

Morgan David Hager, Beta Lambda, University of Central Arkansas

Morgan is a knowledgeable and respected environmental scientist and engineer

who has committed herself to the ethical, responsible, and sustainable production of energy.

She earned a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Arkansas.

After receiving her master’s degree, Morgan was selected to be part of a four-person engineering team and took part in a global engineering training program. This launched a 10-year career at Murphy Oil, where, across the organization, she improved health, safety and environmental awareness, upheld the highest rates of compliance, and implemented a drone task force to provide quick and comprehensive incident response and compliance onshore, offshore and internationally.

Morgan’s efforts have included participation and input to numerous steering committees to devise strategies for health, safety and environmental improvements in the gas and oil industry, including Harvard University and the United Nations. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation and the North American Energy Transition Advisory Board, in addition to consulting with the President of the United States on environmental issues.

Morgan currently serves as the vice president for health, safety, environment, and regulatory at Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City, OK, where, in 2020, she received the award for Best Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainable Development from World Oil for leading the development of the Hazardous Atmosphere Reduction Plug, a life-saving device that reduces potential harmful inhalation of carcinogenic components and one of the year’s most groundbreaking developments in her industry.

Morgan credits Alpha Sigma Alpha for helping shape her foundation of lifelong learning and development and still today will cite our four aims. To honor that experience, she has continued to support her collegiate chapter, Beta Lambda, where the chapter room is named after her.

During the week, attendees were empowered to make a positive impact in their relationships, communities and the world.

Members attended educational sessions to build their skills in resilience, communication, problem solving, goal

Members participated in a service project supporting Girls on the Run.

To reveal the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation’s fundraising update, members played the “Price Is Right” game higher or lower.

(Above) Alpha Sigma Alpha recognized 33 women for their 50 years of membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha. (Middle cutout)

Alpha Sigma Alpha initiated Sally Rosalez at the Sanctuary DegreeService

“Feel the fear and take action anyway.”

DIMA GHAWI

“You must not wait for your life to change, you must change your own life.”

ALEXA CARLIN

“Make the change with just who you are, just where you are, with who you have with you.”

KRYSTAL N. CLARK, M.ED.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma

KEYNOTE

Elevate & Influence

Service with Special Olympics was something I had done even before my time in AΣA. When I was in high school, I volunteered at a Special Olympics Little Feet Meet. It was genuinely uplifting to see these children put their everything into their relays, and also into the friendships they made that day. During recruitment, I got to learn more about the service that Alpha Sigma Alpha does for Special Olympics. Even though at that point I already knew Alpha Sigma Alpha was my home, learning about the work we do for these athletes only made me more certain that this was where I belonged. Once I was welcomed into the Zeta Upsilon Chapter, it only made sense for me to run for service & giving chairman.

I try to carry the values of AΣA with me. Growth is, of course, one of our eight core values, but it is much more than that. ... I continue to find myself growing, and I have definitely grown from the scared freshman who participated in recruitment. AΣA has taught me that in anything you do, be prepared to grow.

When I participated in recruitment, I was a scared freshman who didn’t know if she was meant for sorority

life. On the first night, the sisters of ASA welcomed me with such loving arms–it was like I had known them for forever. I try to carry the values of ASA with me. Growth is, of course, one of our eight core values, but it is much more than that. Growth is the ability to admit that you don’t know everything and to learn from that. This doesn’t mean that growth comes without fear. Growth can be scary, but it can be just as wonderful too. I continue to find myself growing, and I have definitely grown from the scared freshman who participated in recruitment. ASA has taught me that in anything you do, be prepared to grow. You will never know everything, and you will change your mind on some things. Allow yourself the space to grow into yourself, and you will certainly get the most out of not only ASA, but of life as well.

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s vision is to elevate the influence of women in the world. In each issue of the Phoenix magazine, at least one member will be featured who is living Alpha Sigma Alpha’s vision, purpose and values.

MADDIE MILLER, ZY, ALUMNA

Membership: By–the-numbers Recruitment is an opportunity to expand Alpha Sigma Alpha’s membership. Continuous recruitment into our sisterhood is how Alpha Sigma Alpha will grow and thrive. Alpha Sigma Alpha saw a decrease in total membership from 2020-21 to 202122. Declining college enrollment and continued effects of the pandemic have impacted our membership.

While most recruitment happens at the collegiate level, all Alpha Sigma Alphas have an impact on recruitment. Collegians and alumnae can refer family and friends and promote ASA. To refer a potential new member, share information about a local chapter with them or visit AlphaSigmaAlpha.org to learn more. Alumnae can serve as advisors, volunteer regionally or serve on a resource team so that chapters are positioned for immediate and long-term recruitment success. If all chapters had recruited to total, Alpha Sigma Alpha would have recruited 2,301 new members.

closed this year

Wisconsin-

State

OH

20

MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Virtual Leadership Summit

Alpha Sigma Alpha was committed to delivering education even when in-person programming was limited due to the pandemic. This led us to creating three virtual leadership summits with curriculum focused on the topics of resilience, inclusion and self-advocacy. 309 collegiate members participated.

Virtual Collegiate Keynote Series

Alpha Sigma Alpha continued to offer virtual collegiate keynotes in lieu of The Academy. The average attendance at each keynote was 429

• Ross Sazbo: Taking Care of Your Mental Health

• Bobby Gordon: Informed Decisions: Alcohol & Other Drugs

• Amanda Goodenough: Welcome to the Struggle

• Tina VanSteenburgen: Recruitment Revolution

• Lori Bednarchik, Ph.D.: If Not You, Then Who?

Alpha Connect Sisterhood Series Podcast

National President Kelly Beck continued to host a podcast connecting with members from across the country to share their life stories.

Hermes Society

The Hermes Society is Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Academic Honor Society. Applicants must be a junior, senior or graduate student, have been a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha for at least one year and hold a minimum GPA of a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• 43 women were inducted into the Hermes Society in 2021-22.

• 479 women have been inducted into the Hermes Society since its inception in 2009.

Crown Connections

The Crown Connection is a monthly Zoom meeting for members of alumnae associations and chapters. The purpose of the meetings is to come together to share ideas, best practices and discuss the alumnae experience. Multiple Crown Connections were held in 2021-22 and will continue into 2022-23.

Volunteers: By-the-Numbers

• 472 total advisors

• 69% of required advisor positions filled

• 74 total number of region volunteers

• 88% of region volunteer positions filled

• 101 national volunteers

Live Virtual Officer Trainings

This year Alpha Sigma Alpha created a new live officer training program. This program featured an opportunity to train officers and allow them to network with other chapter leadership. Officer trainings occurred for the president, treasurer, vice president of PR & recruitment and standards chairman. Four additional trainings were provided for standards boards.

Behind Happy Faces

Behind Happy Faces, first introduced in 2020, provides volunteers and chapters with mental health education. Holistic wellbeing and an understanding of mental health is important to Alpha Sigma Alpha and for that reason, the Sorority asks that all volunteers who work directly with collegiate members complete the educational modules prior to being placed as a volunteer. Modules include:

Lesson 1: Understanding Mental Health

Lesson 2: Your Mental Health

Lesson 3: Changing Ineffective Coping

Lesson 4: Talk to a Sister

Lesson 5: Before the Breaking Point

60 chapters completed at least one of these lessons this year.

DEI STATEMENT / Alpha Sigma Alpha views diversity as the full range of identities, perspectives and experiences our members bring to the organization. The interplay between these differences and similarities creates the richness of our membership. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where all members feel a sense of belonging. This is only achieved if members feel comfortable expressing every dimension of their authentic selves and trust they will be respected.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)

As a sisterhood that brings together members of varied backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs and cultures, we recognize the Sorority’s position to bring thought leaders and experts together in a volunteer capacity that will not only provide greater resources, but help Alpha Sigma Alpha grow and thrive. In 2020 Alpha Sigma Alpha developed a diversity, equity & inclusion task force consisting of four work groups that each had objectives aligning with our previously adopted DEI plan of work:

• Historical Research & Documentation Workgroup

• Membership Experience Workgroup

• Learning & Development Workgroup

• Membership Selection Workgroup

A final task force report was provided to national council in May 2022. Implementation of the resources developed and feedback provided will occur over the 2022-23 year. The historical article, “Alpha Sigma Alpha — Grappling with Our Past, Looking Towards a Better Future,” written by the historical research & documentation workgroup was published in the Spring 2022 issue of the Phoenix. For more information about Alpha Sigma Alpha DEI statement & framework visit www.alphasigmaalpha.org.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

The Alpha Sigma Alpha leadership continues to work diligently to ensure we are protecting our financial position. Alpha Sigma Alpha has not been immune to the financial impact of COVID-19. Declining membership and increasing costs have had a financial impact to our overall operations.

From 2019 to the current budget, we have reduced expenses by 25%. A copy of the 2020-21 Balance Sheet, Income Statement and an overview of the 2022-23 budget can be found on MyASA

The notes below highlight this past year’s focus on financial stability:

• Working with our investment advisors, Alpha Sigma Alpha adopted a socially responsible investment policy referred to as an ESG policy (environmental, social and governance).

• Collegiate dues were evaluated in relation to affordability and accessibility.

• With increase of remote staffing, a portion of the national headquarters facility is empty. This portion of HQ has been put on the market for lease.

• Alternate revenue streams are continually evaluated. The Ruby

Points Club, an alumnae wine club, was established and the Alpha Sigma Alpha online store,Crimson Collections was remodeled.

• The Nickels & Dimes Newsletter continues to be sent monthly to collegiate chapter treasurers and shares financial best practices for chapters.

• The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation continued to support sorority initiatives by providing $95,488 in grants.

• 829 alumnae supported Alpha Sigma Alpha by participating in the alumnae dues program.

• Alpha Sigma Alpha applied for the Employee Retention Credit and received credits for three quarters.

• The staff structure continues to be adjusted to meet the needs of members while at the same time operating within our financial capabilities. There will no longer be 5-6 leadership consultants hired annually, but rather 2 full-time chapter support specialists who focus on working with chapters.

EDUCATIONAL BENCHMARKING, INC.

In Fall 2021 collegiate chapters participated in the Educational Benchmarking, Inc. (EBI) Assessment. This survey helps Alpha Sigma Alpha understand member needs and wants in the areas of education, programming and operations. Below is some of the feedback provided:

response

rate (75 chapters had response rates of 50% or more)

When asked what has contributed to their development as a woman of poise and purpose, chapters responded with the following:

Chapter social events – 13.1%

Relationship with an older member – 10.7%

Sisterhood meetups – 9.7%*

Community service – 9.2%

Participation in Ritual –9.1% Charitable giving – 8.2%

Holding a chapter officer position – 7.2% Reflection on the Ritual – 6.9%

Options less than 6%: Relationship with a chapter advisor, Behind Happy Faces, Sexual Assault Prevention Program, The Academy, visit from a leadership consultant, Virtual Leadership Summit, serving on Panhellenic or fraternal council, visit from a region or national volunteer, Collegiate Keynote Series, National Convention & Leadership Conference, LDI.

When asked which core value they applied most frequently, members chose: Growth -18.6% Generosity – 9.3%

of respondents believed that Alpha Sigma Alpha significantly contributed to developing them as women of poise and purpose.

Relationships – 17.6% Integrity – 9.1% Balance – 14.5% Enjoyment – 9% Responsibility – 14.4% Learning – 7.6%

* “Sisterhood meetups” was likely understood as chapter sisterhood events at the local level and not the national events that are offered.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AND PLANS FOR PROGRESS

As we embark on the 2022-23 year, below are highlights from the 2022-23 organizational plan of work, which directly aligns with the Sorority’s strategic plan:

Strengthen sorority assets

• Evaluating Alpha Sigma Alpha’s volunteer structure by the volunteer culture & structure study team

• Converting and migrating to a new database

• Researching a new Learning Management System

Enhance member experience

• Returning to in-person Academy events starting in Spring 2023

• Rebranding and creating a new website to match our vision and purpose

• Revamping the collegiate officer structure to provide options for different sized chapters.

• Beginning research for revising the membership education program

• Providing an additional lesson in Behind Happy Faces: “Sympathy, Empathy and Compassion”

• Researching and writing a history supplement from 2001- 26

• Continuing development of DEI programming and support to chapters and members

• Obtaining and compiling member feedback regarding non-binary membership by the non-binary membership eligibility study team.

Expand organizational reach

• Continuing research and planning for future potential expansion to two-year institutions by the community college structure task force

• Reopening of the Gamma Eta Chapter at Pennsylvania State University

• Implementing of a virtual alumnae chapter model

• Revitalizing of the extension materials to match the new brand

• Advocating for NPC policies that promote growth

Phoenix

Alpha Sigma