The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha; Summer 2012 by Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority

P page 6

hoenix

Summer 2012 | Volume 98

Theta Tau Chapter installation page 8

L ike the phoenix, she arose as a new woman after losing 200 pounds

6 Members of the Theta Tau Chapter at Capital University, OH. Photo credit: Katie Matis Smith, Î&#x201D;Î&#x2014;

sum mer 2 0 1 2 C O N T E NTS

FEATURES Cover story, page 8:

Like the phoenix,12she arose as a new woman after losing 200 pounds 6

Theta Tau Chapter installation

PHOTO CREDIT: Katie Matis Smith, dh

Sisters in the sports industry

District Day 2012-13: Responsible women

D E PA R T M E N T S

8 PHOTO CREDIT: Bethany Good Photography

PHOTO CREDIT: Dallas Alumnae Chapter

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk

From the president

Foundation news

District news

News & events

From the archives

Cover PHOTO CREDIT: Bethany Good Photography

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hoenix

E di to r ’ s D e S K Volume 98, Number3

Dear readers,

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. Produced by Shelle Design Inc., www.shelledesign.com. ©Alpha Sigma Alpha Send address changes, death notices and business correspondence to the national headquarters. Address all editorial correspondence to the editor. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.

I will admit that I have the most difficultly balancing the physical aim of Alpha Sigma Alpha into my schedule. I am better at taking time to focus on my intellectual, social and spiritual development. I think, I’ll go to the gym next week, or I’ll eat a healthier breakfast tomorrow, today I just am just too busy. In this issue of the Phoenix, we share the story of one alumna who realized that she had no more time to make excuses about her physical well-being. Erin Meyer, EE had to make big changes in her life to make her health a priority and lose weight, and she tackled this with a positive attitude. I found her story very inspiring and motivating, and I think that you will too.

DEADLINES Winter

Sept. 10

Spring

Dec. 10

Summer March 10 Fall

June 10

EDITOR Erika Ann Butts, EK

Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z. Reese, BU

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

For many sisters, thinking about the physical aim of the sorority also brings to mind memories of playing intramural sports with sisters or participating in a fun game of kickball to celebrate dedication days. To reflect this aspect of our physical aim, we have also included an article in this issue about sorority sisters who have made professional sports their career. Did you know that we have two sisters working at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut? I hope that you enjoy this issue and take some time this summer to reflect on your own physical well-being. Carve some extra time out of your day to take a walk and relax or try a new healthy recipe and make your health a priority.

9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

Phone: (317) 871-2920 Fax: (317) 871-2924 Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

Stay Connected

Erika Ann Butts Phoenix Editor

www.facebook.com/AlphaSigmaAlphaSorority www.twitter.com/asaHQ www.youtube.com/user/AlphaSigmaAlphaNHQ

S HA R E Y O U R T HO U G HT S We always welcome your comments—both criticism and praise—about this publication. Email ksmith@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or

HOENIX

Spring 2012 | Volume 98

send mail to: Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

page 16

ASA 2012-15 strategic plan page 10

National council slate announced

page 22

Sorority formals of days past

F ro m the P r es i d ent

A focus on the physical aim of Alpha Sigma Alpha B Y C I ND Y K EL L EY, B P | N AT I ON AL P RES I D EN T

The focus of this edition of the Phoenix is on one of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s four aims – our physical aim. It has me thinking about healthy living and how it factors into our aim. I am sure many, if not all, of us at some point in our lives have been concerned about our health, weight, diet or physical appearance. Well at least, we thought about it as we declared New Year’s resolutions or perhaps when we saw photos of models, hung out with a group of girlfriends or contemplated swimsuit season. In today’s world, there is an increase in poor health choices that is leading to a huge array of physical and mental health issues for females. The words “healthy living” are most certainly on the tongues of many and the focus of numerous studies and programs. Organizations that are female-centric are realizing their role in helping members live healthier lifestyles, and this focus is starting with girls and young women. With an increase in childhood obesity, girl-focused groups such as the Girl Scouts and Girls on the Run are trying to do something about it. To help gain perspective, the Girl Scouts Research Institute has bridged a gap that speaks to girls’ attitudes about health, diet, weight, body image and exercise in a research study titled “The New Normal? What Girls Say About Healthy Living.” Major findings of this study show that today’s girls define health a little differently. Girls in the study felt “that even though it is important to eat right and exercise, it is equally important to appear “normal,” feel good about yourself and be supported by family and friends.”

she outlines some of the thoughts and struggles that girls of all ages go through in regards to their physical and mental health. “… It can be tough, nowadays, being a girl. Sometimes we can be mean. Sometimes we can really hurt each other’s feelings. Sometimes we feel ugly. Trying to feel beautiful about ourselves is a challenge when all we see in magazines are pictures of girls and women that have been created on a computer. Sometimes we compare ourselves to those pictures and feel like we don’t measure up. Sometimes we feel dumb. Not every girl in the world can make straight A’s, and when we don’t, it’s hard to find the ‘smarts’ inside of us. Sometimes we feel unpopular. We might feel like we don’t fit in or we don’t look right in our clothes. We might look in the mirror and wish that we could look like someone else. I know you feel all of these things sometimes. Because, you know what? I do too. I’m just an older girl inside an older body. But my friends and I all struggle with the same kind of feelings. Even 40 year-olds want to be popular sometimes.” As Alpha Sigma Alpha focuses on the physical aim, I hope you too will consider how this aim takes hold in your own lives. As you read above, it doesn’t have to be just about exercise and physical fitness. It should encompass the whole, inside and out, beautifullypackaged individual that you are. Here’s to a happy, healthy summer!

Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run International, an organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through a running and self-esteem program that encourages positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development, also addresses the holistic view of healthy living. In her book, Girls Lit from Within: A Guide to Life Outside of the Girl Box,

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T heta Tau s isters

Character initiates

Theta Tau Chapter

Lindsey Hutton

Shelby Rohr

Christine Angiuoli

Sarah Rowe

Chelsea Annis

Kala Schiff

Jordan Ayers

Jenna Schmerge

Kayla Barnett

Dayna Scott

Sarah Bear

Celia Sheets

Hayley Brooks

Alyson Smith

Audrey Chrisman

Heather Speaks

Paige Ciccarone

Megan Sweet

Theta Tau Chapter installation weekend agenda

Allison Clem

Ashley Taylor

Friday, March 30, 2012

Kelly Covert

Ashley Wales

• We Are Crusaders reception with friends, student

Anaya El-Naggar

Morgan Grismer

Charter alumna initiate

Shayna Hague

Emily Williams

Molly Gill Andrea Green

Sydney Hammond Sally Johnston

Charter new member

Megan Kaunert

Sara Mackay

Jessica Heck

installed on March 31, 2012 BY Lindsay King, EH | 2011-12 Leadership Consultant

organization leaders, campus faculty and staff. • We Are Alpha Sigma Alpha reception with Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae and collegiate members. Saturday, March 31, 2012 • Sanctuary Degree Service, Service for Installation of a New Chapter, Service for Installation of Collegiate Chapter Officers. • White Luncheon celebrating the in-

Brandi Keeton

stallation of the chapter with Alpha

Lauren Klein

Sigma Alpha alumnae and collegiate

Mackenzie Kyes

members.

Kelly Lehrer

• The Installation Banquet at The Co-

Jamie Liess

lumbus Crew Stadium in downtown

Lynndsay Little

Columbus with more than 150 family,

Samantha Malone

friends, Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae

Kathryn Mason

and collegiate members in attendance.

Natalie McCullough Rachel McDonald Madison Mikhail

Chapters attending installation weekend:

Erika Miller

Installation team for the Theta Tau Chapter

Zeta Omicron Chapter –

National President Cindy Kelley, ΒΠ

Katie Metzinger

Amanda Molaskey Kristen Moore

Muskingum University, OH Central Ohio Alumnae Chapter

Membership Growth Coordinator

Shannon O’Malley

Katie Matis Smith, ΔΗ

Danielle Parisey

District 3 District Facilitator

Carly Poling

Pictured above top: Theta Tau Chapter President Lindsey Hutton displaying an engraved silver platter from the Alpha Sigma Alpha National Council at the white luncheon. Pictured above bottom: The women of Theta Tau immediately following installation services.

Leadership Consultant Lindsay King, ΕΗ

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

Sue Zbikowski Barone, ΓΞ Installation Chairman Ashley Taylor, QΤ

Fun facts about Theta Tau Chapter: • Zeta Pi Lambda, the local sorority, was founded and chartered in 1962 for strong independent women who believe in the four core values of scholarship, leadership, friendship and Christianity. • The chapter continues to embrace their local mascot, the zebra. • Half of the women in the Theta Tau Chapter are nursing majors.

The executive board of the Theta Tau Chapter.

Gifts/donations to the chapter sponsored by Ohio Alumnae Cincinnati, OH, Alumnae Chapter Dayton, OH, Alumnae Chapter Washington, D.C. Alumnae Chapter Greater Kansas City, MO, Alumnae Chapter Buffalo, NY, Alumnae Chapter Alpha Chapter, Longwood University, VA Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Central Missouri Founding mem bers of Theta Tau Chapter sh membership owing off thei certificates. r

Eta Eta Chapter, Pittsburg State University, KS Delta Sigma Chapter, Saginaw Valley State University, MI Zeta Mu Chapter, Missouri Western University Zeta Psi Chapter, Loras College, IA Theta Rho Chapter, West Texas A&M University Sue Zbikowski Barone, ΓΞ, District 3 District Facilitator

Donations to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation on behalf of the Theta Tau Chapter installation Cindy Kelley, ΒΠ, national president Zeta Eta Chapter, Rockhurst University, MO Eta Eta Chapter, Pittsburg State University, KS

h ting wit celebra stallation y e ll e K in dy and the ent Cin hapter l Presid Nationa of Theta Tau C nquet. rs ba membe e installation th t a m tea

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

O ur A SA s isters

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

Like the phoenix, she arose as a new woman after losing 200 pounds BY Dina Liberatore, ZN | Phoenix Contributor

Erin Meyer, ΕΕ, admits that her weight was always an issue while growing up. She was an overweight child and keenly remembers hitting 300 pounds while on the scale at the doctor’s office during her freshman year of high school.

By the time she started college, Erin had already tried almost every diet in the books in an attempt to lose weight. She tried the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, Weight Watchers plans, weight loss pills andeverything in between to no avail.

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O ur A SA s isters

Photo on left; “Erin with her Epsilon Epsilon sisters”; photo in middle; “Crossing the finish line of the Rock the Parkway Half-Marathon/5K 2012 in Kansas City, MO”; photo on right, “Erin posing with a couple of her students after finishing a race”

The accident In 2006, Erin was a junior at Emporia State University, KS, majoring in elementary education. She was elected vice president of alumnae & heritage for her chapter, involved in many other clubs and honor societies and had just started the student teaching practicum for her major. She was also at her heaviest weight, 445 pounds. It was not until a terrible accident that year that Erin gained the courage and commitment to change her lifestyle, take control of her weight and improve her health for good. While driving home from work on Memorial Day, Erin was involved in a car accident so serious that rescue workers were forced to use the Jaws of Life to remove her from the vehicle. Erin suffered from ribcage bruising, trauma to the head and chest and a stress fracture in her right knee. Her injuries were treated immediately. However, one month later, that same knee, weakened by the strain of the accident, snapped in half as Erin got out of bed one morning. Reconstructive surgery on her leg and the months of physical therapy that

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

followed forced Erin to drop out of college for a semester. She was told by her doctors that if she did not lose weight, she would never be able to walk again.

fried chicken, walking versus driving, ordering her salad dressing on the side and, most importantly, understanding what a true portion size actually is.

The plan

While watching her points and exercising regularly, the weight slowly began to come off, and Erin’s knee also started getting stronger. She walked first with a walker, then with crutches and a cane until she was well enough to walk on her own.

Erin was told she needed to lose 150-200 pounds. She joined Weight Watchers in order to reach her goal. Weight Watchers is not a diet, but is instead a program designed to encourage people to lose weight through eating right and living a healthy lifestyle. It is a community of people who provide support and accountability for each other while they work to achieve weight loss goals and make better choices about diet and exercise. “I chose Weight Watchers... because I really got a lot out of the collaboration and relationships with other members and the team leaders. We would work on goal setting, share ideas and recipes and encourage each other to make better choices,” said Erin. Losing the weight was a slow process, but Erin understood this and began to make small decisions everyday that began to add up, such as choosing grilled chicken over

Since 2006, Erin has lost an amazing 230 pounds and is now at a healthy weight. While making the decision to eat healthier and to exercise is a personal decision, Erin admits that she could not have done it alone and was supported through the whole experience by her Epsilon Epsilon Chapter sisters. “While I was recovering from knee surgery, my sorority sisters... would call every day, write letters, send care packages and visit on the weekend,” said Erin. And when she was well enough to visit the chapter at Christmastime, the sorority house mom added some of Erin’s favorite Weight Watchers recipes to the dinner menu for the chapter women.

Success and Triumph Erin also experienced many milestones along the way that gave her strength and inspiration to continue to her goal. She completed her first 5k, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, in February 2011, and describes running across the finish line as one of her proudest accomplishments. “It was a pretty big moment after being told that I would never walk again,” she said. Since that time, she has also finished the Heart and Sole 10k in Olathe, KS, with some of her fifth grade students and recently walked the Kansas City Rock the Parkway half marathon. Erin likes to compare her body transformation to the legend of the phoenix. She said that in some ways she felt that she had a life with nothing to look forward to when she was carrying an additional 200 pounds on her frame. After all of her hard work, she feels like she was born again as a healthy woman able to enjoy life to the fullest. To complete her body transformation, Erin needed surgery to remove almost 20 pounds of extra skin that hung on her body after she had reached her goal weight. The extra skin made running and exercise painful and caused Erin to feel self-conscious and embarrassed to date. After her health insurance company rejected her claim to receive the $25,000-$50,000 surgery, a local news station heard about Erin’s amazing story and referred her to a plastic surgeon who agreed to do the surgery at no cost last summer. Since her surgery, Erin has been joyously living each day to its ultimate good. She continues to eat healthy and exercise and has kept the weight off for more than five

years. She stays busy teaching fifth grade and has started dating again, currently in a relationship with a man introduced to her by a sorority sister.

[restaurant] menu ahead of time to be able to make good decisions, learn to vocalize what you need when ordering and ask how items are prepared,” Erin said.

She has become an inspiration for women all over the country who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle and recently spoke as the keynote speaker at a Weight Watchers national celebration in Kansas City. Erin also was named the first runner up for the Weight Watchers “Most Inspiring Weight Loss Story Competition” in November and was recommended to appear in People magazine for its “Half Her Size” issue.

Consider hiring a personal trainer or consultant: Health is an investment and, if you can afford it, putting some money into it can be beneficial. Trainers and coaches are people who care about helping you achieve your health goals and will make you feel more accountable. Erin hired a personal trainer in the past and now consults with a wellness coach whom she meets with weekly. She discusses successes and challenges from the past week, and her coach outlines workouts that will fit into her varied and often hectic schedule.

The advice Because Erin understands the daily struggles associated with weight loss and has personally experienced many challenges and successes in her own journey toward a healthier lifestyle, she offers advice to sisters who might need the motivation and inspiration to begin their own weight loss journeys.

Don’t quit when you reach your goal: Maintaining your goal weight can be just as difficult as losing the weight.

Weight loss won’t happen overnight: Erin imagines weight loss as a mutual fund. A mutual fund has daily gains and losses, and while there may be times when you do not see improvement, your investment will gradually show continued progress over time if you keep working at it.

Erin said, “Some of my biggest struggles [since deciding to lose weight] have to do with maintenance. Now that I’m at my goal weight… I’m not as structured as I was before, and I give myself more freedom.” Erin realized that she needed more accountability in order to keep the weight off, which is one of the ways that her wellness coach helps her.

Managing different environments: Birthday parties, vacations and eating out with friends are always difficult times to make good decisions regarding food. However, while it can be easy to justify transgressions during special occasions, learning to manage different environments was an important part of Erin’s weight loss plan.

It’s OK to treat yourself sometimes! Erin claims to have an Achilles’ heel for ice cream and carrot cake, which she occasionally does indulge in. “When I go somewhere for ice cream, I need to taste every flavor because if I am going to use [my Weight Watchers] points, I want to be sure it’s exactly what I want,” Erin said.

“Don’t be embarrassed to make your own snacks and take them in your purse. View the

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sisters in spo rts

SISTERS IN the

BY Tracey H. Kiefer, ΒΚ | Phoenix Contributor

sp rts Industry

Our physical aim is one of the key components of ensuring that we, as Alpha Sigma Alphas, are living well-rounded, balanced lives. Whether it’s making time to center your mind in conjunction with your body in that yoga class, taking a walk outside on your lunch break, going for a bike ride with the kids on a Saturday morning or getting up an hour earlier to sneak in that extra workout, most of us try to incorporate our physical aim into our busy lives one way or another. Many of us also translate our love of a certain sport or team into an expression of the physical aim. What could be better than spending a beautiful afternoon outside at your favorite ballpark or stadium cheering on your favorite team? These sisters are doing more than just fitting it in; they have found ways to incorporate the physical aim, whether it is their love of sports or physical fitness, or sports/entertainment into their careers. Claudia Beltran, Delta Eta,

Growing up, she went to Bulls games and enjoyed watching Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Every Sunday was scheduled around the Bears game and the family attended numerous White Sox games every summer.

Coordinator of Client Services and Database Administration, Chicago White Sox “If you are doing anything less then your best than it is a waste of your time. Who would have thought that I would be working for a professional baseball team for my career? I definitely didn’t, but I worked hard and made it a goal to be the best I could be.” Claudia is a huge Chicago sports fan. Both of her parents were born in Mexico where soccer is very popular, so her family is

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

very sports-oriented. Claudia said that the concept of sports being a part of her life was ingrained in her at a young age, and she played soccer and tennis in high school.

Working in sports was not exactly the career path Claudia originally had in mind. After graduating from DePaul University in Chicago in 2008 with a major in psychology and minor in communications, she initially planned to take a year to explore career options and pursue a Ph.D. A career in sports never crossed her mind, but when she

came across an internship opportunity with the White Sox she figured she had nothing to lose. After applying and going through the interview process, Claudia was offered a seasonal position that incorporated sales and multicultural marketing.

Claudia currently maintains client relationships and communications, oversees all database functionality, plans season ticket events and is the liaison between ticket sales and other front office departments.

and work my way up. I did everything I could to work hard and make connections with my fellow interns and coworkers.

What makes Claudia love her job? “I remember attending baseball games with my family when I was younger, everything about the experience from the foul balls, hot dogs, foam fingers and in-game contests is still instilled in my mind, and it is an honor to now play a small part of that in our fans lives. “Working in sports requires a lot of time and asks that you leave the ‘fan’ in you at the door. However, this different perspective allows you to listen to fans and really make their experience memorable. We do not sell just game tickets, we sell an experience and lifetime memory. It is such a compliment having fans call to thank us and let us know how much fun they had at the game/event they attended,” said Claudia. Claudia’s advice for sisters interested in a similar career “Working in sports and the entertainment industry in general is all about who you know and the impression you make. The last thing I wanted to do as a recent college graduate was take an internship; I felt I had every qualification to be hired somewhere full time. I had to come to terms with the fact that I needed to start from the bottom

“Do not be afraid to reach out, take chances outside of your comfort zone and make connections. We live in a very competitive world, but you are the only you in this world and that makes you unique,” said Claudia. How Claudia relates her career to our physical aim “Baseball is America’s favorite pastime and we not only encourage the tradition to live on, but also to create the experience. At the White Sox, the motto is, ‘Passion. Pride. Tradition.’ This should be words to live by in all aspects in one’s life. In a world where technology is taking over and children are infatuated by television, video games and computers... we challenge them to come to the outdoor ballpark and create a new experience,” said Claudia.

Daniela Guitelman, Gamma Iota, Segments Editor, RIT SportsZone, the collegiate sports television network Daniela’s love of sports played a large part in planning her college concentrations and ultimately will shape her future career decisions. Daniela has been a New York Mets fan since she was very young - due to her Mom’s life-long love of the Mets. Daniela goes to as many Mets games as she can, and is translating her passion for the

team into her career, as she is working for the New York Mets this summer. Daniela has always been interested in film and television, and she has played sports her whole life for fun and competitively on the softball team in high school. She felt that working in the entertainment industry focusing on sports was the perfect job for her. Her current job at RIT SportsZone combines Daniela’s love for sports and major in film perfectly; and she hopes to translate the combination into a full time job when she graduates. “I love what I do. As a film student, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. In terms of sports, I love watching and playing sports – it’s the perfect combination,” said Daniela. Daniela currently makes the most of her job and incorporates the physical aim by promoting sports, being active and having school spirit. The work that she and her coworkers do paid off when RIT SportsZone

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sisters in spo rts

was recognized with an Emmy at the 2012 College Television Awards. “I love working at SportsZone because its super fun, and I love being part of the school spirit that we have and being proud of our sports teams. Our Rochester Institute of Technology women’s hockey team just won the national championship for Division 3 and moved to NCAA Division 1. Our men’s hockey team has gone to the semifinals multiple years in a row,” said Daniela.

Jani Burke, Delta Epsilon, Manager, Programming Content Screening, and Christina Draper, Delta Epsilon, Lead Network Coordinator, ESPN, Inc. “I love sports and entertainment so what better way to combine the two than work at ESPN,” said Jani Burke.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

Both Jani Burke and Christina Draper were actively involved in sports in high school and college. Jani was a basketball and football cheerleader in college. Christina was on track, softball and basketball in high school and was the sports director for Mansfield University’s radio station. Christina works at ESPN in production operations, integrating live events with studio and ensuring all programs on the 17 ESPN networks air properly. What makes Christina love her job? “I get to watch sports for a living. Sports has always been my passion; it has always driven me to be involved and stay involved with a team. I love getting up each day and looking at how the day is lined up with either event meetings or conference calls and then relaying your knowledge back to your staff,” said Christina.

Jani is the manager of programming content screening. She relates the teamwork involved in her work to the lessons she learned as a collegiate sister about having mutual respect and working as part of a team to get a job done. What makes Jani love her job? “I work in television, which was always a dream, and I get to watch sports for a living so who wouldn’t love that? My team is able to serve sports fans around the world everyday. It’s so fun to have everyday be different as sports are never the same from day to day. The MLB game tonight will be different than the MLB game tomorrow night. It’s also fun to see the unexpected at work, I remember walking down the hallway one day and coming towards me was Darth Vader and his storm troopers… I stopped in my tracks in disbelief! ESPN, Inc is also a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, which is another reason why I love my job,” said Jani.

Jani took a chance during her last semester in college and contacted a Mansfield University alumna to ask about a tour of ESPN. The alumnus was able to arrange the tour as well as passing along her resume which resulted in an interview during the tour. Jani was lucky enough to start working for ESPN one week after receiving her college degree. “I find myself very, very lucky to have such good fortune. I actually never applied to any company before ‘falling’ into my career at ESPN. I will be celebrating my 12th anniversary in May 2012,” said Jani. Christina wanted to work at ESPN since she was in junior high school. She watched and played every type of sport and wanted to be a sportscaster at the network. In college, she realized that her passion was more focused on the behind the scenes planning and execution, so she followed a more technical class schedule instead. Christina then utilized contacts she made through her advisor to get her resume directly to a hiring manager at ESPN. “ESPN was the only place I wanted to work and that was the first place I interviewed and received a job offer,” said Christina. Jani’s advice for sisters interested in a similar career “Be willing to get your feet wet in a position that might not be your ‘dream job.’ If you are proactive, reliable and work hard, the job you really want to do will become available. I am not saying that someone should settle for a job they don’t want,but you don’t want to be close minded. Also, opportunities and jobs will not fall into your lap, and you have to work hard before being rewarded,” said Jani.

Christina’s career advice for sisters “Follow your heart and don’t give up. This business, particularly television, is predominantly a male business but, women are slowly coming up the ranks with senior management and making a statement in my career. Always take time to get to know the people around you as you never know how they could help your dream come true,” said Christina. ESPN’s corporate campus is actually bigger than some colleges, and ESPN encourages employees to take time out of their busy days and utilize the campus grounds and fitness centers to stay active and fit. Jani says that because of the size of the campus, she is able to do a lot of walking, which helps her stay healthy. Christina and Jani both feel very lucky that they had the belief system and bonds of Alpha Sigma Alpha to help them transition from collegians to alumnae. Jani started at ESPN a few months before Christina and the chapter sisters were able to form a new friendship when they started working together right after graduating and moving to a new town. Both women also find time to volunteer for Alpha Sigma Alpha as advisors to the Theta Sigma Chapter at Southern Connecticut State University. Christina is the recruitment advisor and Jani is the standards advisor. “The bonds you make as a sister can and will last a lifetime if you cultivate them. It’s amazing how when you meet another alumna, you can instantly connect because you have the same belief structure. I am so thankful for the 15 years of sisterhood I have under my wings and look forward to many more to come,” said Jani.

Christine Pleban, Delta Eta, Manager, Event Marketing and Sales, for Feld Entertainment

“I love my job and what I do. I am surrounded by dynamic individuals that push me to be my best every day.” Christine grew up in a sports family – playing and watching sports from the time she was small. She played varsity soccer, basketball and tennis in high school and played soccer at Loyola University, New Orleans before transferring to DePaul University in Chicago. Christine’s family are huge hockey fans and love the Colorado Avalanche. “The Avs came to Colorado when I was just a wee one. We had a huge rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings and there’s nothing like a sell-out game with the energy of a rivalry of that nature. Plus I love hockey jerseys, they’re comfy,” said Christine. Christine works for Feld Entertainment, the company that owns and operates Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Monster Jam, Supercross and FMX. She is the local promoter for all of the shows that come to St. Louis and the area properties - the Edward Jones Dome (home of the St. Louis Rams), Scottrade

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sisters in spo rts

Center (Home of the St. Louis Blues) and Chaifetz Arena (home of the SLU Billikins). Christine is currently responsible for all aspects of the shows, including ticketing, negotiations, media buys, group sales, public relations, grassroots, large partnerships and sponsorship tie ins. Christine’s goal is to one day be part of the Field Entertainment international team. What makes Christine love her job? “For someone who loves sports and entertainment, I have been able to see all the inner workings for major international tours; everything from sports, to concerts to family events. I have also met high profile executives that have influenced my decisionmaking and approach to the job. Plus I get to hang out with athletes from ice skaters to motocross riders” said Christine. She credits knowing what she was passionate about and hard work with getting her to where she is now on her career path: “I always had a passion for the industry and went to games all the time with my family. I put myself out on a limb to get my first interview and job as an intern with the Chicago Blackhawks. I submitted my resume blindly with no connections and over prepared for my interview. When I was hired, it was less than a week of working there that I knew I was in the right industry. I have been so fortunate with the path I am on but it has not come without long hours, hard work and consistent motivation. With there being stiff competition in the sports/ entertainment industry, I have to continue to strive for my own personal best results daily as I have huge expectations to fill, both personally and professionally,”

“For someone who loves sports and entertainment, I have been able to see all the inner workings for major international tours; everything from sports, to concerts to family events.” - Christine Pleban, Delta Eta Christine relates the physical aim of ΑΣΑ to the stamina and health required for her career. “Sports and entertainment require long non-traditional hours. I will go weeks without a day off and work long hours, sometimes not leaving stadiums and arenas until midnight. It’s so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in our line of business and find ways to keep yourself active, eating right and getting enough sleep. There is a tremendous balance that comes with a career in this field,”

others and wanted to be able to share with others what massage therapy did for me as well as what it could do for others,” said Jamey.

Jamey Nalezinek, Beta Beta,

In her free time, Jamey competes in National Physique Committee Figure Competitions for fun.

Denver Alumnae Chapter, registered massage therapist “I get to have an immediate, positive impact on people’s lives.” Jamey is a sport massage therapist for the Colorado Mammoth (pro indoor lacrosse) and the Denver Outlaws (pro outdoor lacrosse). Jamey loves sports and was a competitive gymnast for six years (from age 2-12). Jamey sustained an injury to her right hip at age 12 and has since had four hip surgeries, two of them being replacements on the same side. Jamey credits massage therapy with helping her overcome her injuries. “Massage therapy has played a key role in my recovery. I have always enjoyed helping

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

Jamey suggests that any sisters interested in becoming a massage therapist should narrow down their search to eliminate non-accredited institutions. She also said that “massage therapy can be physically demanding. You must already be in reasonably good health, free from illness or pain that may inhibit your performance or cause self-injury.”

F oundation N ews

Chapter challenge raises money for

Rachael Dismukes, ΒΝ, presents Bonita Marince Maurer, ΑΓ, Foundation trustee, with the check the Beta Nu Chapter raised during the chapter challenge.

The Foundation chapter challenge is a fundraising initiative, designed to inspire collegiate and alumnae chapters to be creative and raise money for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. Throughout the year, collegiate and alumnae chapters are encouraged to hold fundraisers for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. At each District Day event, chapters share their fundraising ideas during a brief presentation to District Day attendees. Prizes are given at each event for most creative fundraiser and most money raised. This year 45 collegiate and alumnae chapters raised $12,934 for the Foundation through the chapter challenge initiative. This money will go towards funding sorority grants like programming at the 2012-13 District Day events.

Here are a few chapter challenge highlights: u The Zeta Beta Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls raised $272 selling feather hair extensions to women on campus and to other District 8 sisters the Friday evening before District Day. They won the prize for most creative fundraiser in District 8. u The Beta Nu Chapter at Murray State University, KY, held a hot cider sale to raise money for the Foundation, and they won the prize for most creative fundraiser in District 6. u The Mid-Michigan Crown Alumnae Chapter sold Christmas ornaments from the famous Christmas store, Bonners, in Frankenmuth, MI, and raised $536.95. They won the prize for the most money raised in District 5.

he Southwest Indiana Alumnae chapter T held a Lia Sofia jewelry party and raised $150 for the Foundation.

Each chapter that participated found ways, big and small, to donate to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. We are looking forward to next year with a goal of 100 percent participation from our collegiate chapters and increased participation from alumnae chapters. Thank you for fundraising for the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha. A complete list of winners from each district, along with ideas for your chapter fundraising, can be found at www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/Foundation.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

As members of Alpha Sigma Alpha, living our eight core values each day is an important part of who we are as an organization. At District Day 2012-13, Alpha Sigma Alpha will unveil a new District Day schedule and program in partnership with the Response-Ability Project and CAMPUSSPEAK to focus on our core value of responsibility. Mike Dilbeck, of the Response-Ability Project and creator of the Every|Day Hero Campaign, will be joining Alpha Sigma Alpha to provide programming geared toward overcoming bystander behavior and negative situations. The programming will focus on preventing situations such as:

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

u Hazing u Alcohol & substance abuse u Bullying u Discrimination

Not only will these topics be useful to attendees in their sorority experience, they can be applicable to any area of life, including family. Whether you feel comfortable intervening during these situations or not, attending District Day will provide you with the tools and resources to become a hero for someone else.

What’s in it for me? Collegiate members: Collegians can be exposed to many negative situations during their collegiate years. The stress of making ends meet, pleasing everyone, staying on top of schoolwork and balancing a schedule can

BY Hilary Moe, ee | Leadership Development & Event Coordinator

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be triggers for many bad behaviors and situations. College students are constantly faced with issues such as drinking, substance abuse, discrimination, sexual assault and hazing. All of these topics will be addressed at District Day, and you will gain resources to combat these issues personally or lend a helping hand to someone else dealing with them.

Alumnae members: Alumnae might not see an immediate connection in this program to their personal lives, but as adults with children and careers, these topics can appear right before your eyes. Maybe you have a child in school who deals with bullying on a daily basis. Maybe you are experiencing or witnessing discrimination or sexual assault at work, or maybe you have a close friend or family member with a substance abuse

problem. The Response-Ability Project is designed to help anyone at any age deal with these topics and become a hero for someone.

What will the District Day schedule look like? District Day attendees will experience a new schedule for the event. All of the educational programming during the event will focus on being a responsible person. During the first half of District Day, attendees will spend the morning in a large group, participating in the ResponseAbility Project led by Mike Dilbeck. Then participants will move to smaller breakout sessions facilitated by Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteers. These sessions will serve as debriefing time to process and continue the conversations that began during Mike Dilbeck’s keynote. Attendees will share and hear personal stories and come up with their own plans to combat bystander behavior. After the morning events, everyone will gather together for an interactive working lunch and hear special messages from the national organization. Following lunch, District Day attendees will chose different educational workshops to attend. These workshops will continue the theme of responsibility with an infusion of chapter operations, alumnae programming and personal development. District Day will end with an all-group closing session. District Day 2012-13 will be an exciting and life-changing event for all attendees. Alpha Sigma Alpha is excited to continue sponsorship of the Every|Day Hero Campaign by providing the ResponseAbility Project programming at District

Day. ΑΣΑ members will leave District Day with tools and resources to be responsible women who seek to combat bystander behavior and positively influence others in their lives.

Also at District Day – Career track

Another exciting addition to District Day 2012-13 is the addition of a career track specifically for graduating seniors and young alumnae. Alpha Sigma Alpha is partnering with JobBound Training Solutions to offer the program. Translating the sorority experience: The insider’s guide to landing your first job This program is designed to assist sorority members in making their experiences as a sorority member relevant in any job opportunity. The program covers topics such as résumé writing and tips on networking and interviewing, while featuring the skills and experience gained from being a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. The career track will be a three-hour course during the afternoon portion of District Day and will be open to juniors, graduating seniors and alumnae who have graduated in the past three years. The goal of this career track is to provide Alpha Sigma Alpha members the opportunity to utilize the tools and skills they have gained as a sorority woman to help begin a successful career. Young alumnae who are not able to attend the entire District Day are encouraged and welcome to attend the career track from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at District Day for free.

District Day schedule at a glance 8-8:45 a.m. – Registration 9-9:30 a.m. – Welcome session 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Response-Ability Project Keynote 10:45 a.m. – Noon – Advisor certification 10:45 – 12:00 p.m. – Response-Ability Project breakout sessions 12:15-1:15 p.m. – District Day luncheon 1:30 – 5 p.m. – Advisor certification 1:30-4:30 p.m. – Career track for graduating seniors and young alumnae 1:30-3 p.m. – Educational workshops part 1 3:15-4:30 p.m. – Educational workshops part 2 4:45-5:30 p.m. – Closing activities

Registration information Registration for District Day 2012-13 will be available in August. Registration fees are $45 per person. Collegiate chapters may register by filling out the District Day registration form on the Officer Portal. Alumnae registration forms will be available on the Alpha Sigma Alpha website.

Dates and locations District Day 2112–13: Responsible women District 2 – Nov. 10, 2012 – Breinigsville, PA District 3 – Nov. 3, 2012 – Pittsburgh District 4 – Feb. 23, 2012 – Richmond, VA District 5 – March 23, 2013 – Fort Wayne, IN District 6 – Jan. 26, 2013 – Memphis, TN District 7 – March 2, 2012 – Dallas District 8 – Oct. 27, 2012 Milwaukee District 9 – Feb. 13, 2013 – Kansas City, MO

Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation Programming from Mike Dilbeck, of the Response-Ability Project and creator of the Every|Day Hero Campaign is provided in part by a grant from the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. All District Day events will feature opportunities to participate in the Foundation Red Ticket Raffle and the Foundation chapter challenge.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

D istrict N e w s

3 1. The Theta Alpha Chapter at Coe College, IA, prepared a meal for their local Cedar Rapids police force at their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dinner for Heroesâ&#x20AC;? event. 2. M embers of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter made the drive from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to visit the S. June Smith Center in Lancaster, PA.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012

4 3. The seniors of the Zeta Omicron Chapter at Muskingum University, OH, pose together before their final homecoming parade. Front row from left: Crystal Clawson and Steph Myers. Middle row from left: Sara Penn, Alyssa Lowstetter, Erica Cazzell, Betsy Free, Ashley Fox and Katie Borkoski. Back row from left: Jess Durant, Cassie Marsh, Jayme Workinger, Jenny Marshall, Paige Williams, Hayley Sutphen and Leigh Ann Amspaugh.

4. Members from the Zeta Tau Chapter at Grand Valley State University, MI and the Beta Theta Chapter at Central Michigan University pose for a picture at a Special Olympics event.

7 5. Members of the Boston Alumnae Chapter at the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in October 2011. From left: Dawn Eades, ΕΦ, Gina Nagy McKinnon, ΕΞ, Amy Fritz, ΕΩ, Janet CrookConroy, ΒΠ, Jennifer Richard O’Beirne, ΕΦ, and Julie Lords, ΖΔ. 6. The Philadelphia Metro Alumnae Chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary with its annual brunch in February. Current chapter president Stefanie Ainge Hahn, ΕΚ, and past presidents Stefanie Spatola, ΔI, and Kathy Gaughan Gallagher, ΚΚ, conducted the ritual for the anniversary of alumnae chapters.

8 Members watched a slideshow of the chapter’s history as they ate and chatted. In addition, executive board members of nearby Nu Nu Chapter at Drexel University, PA, joined the celebration. 7. Charter members and chapter advisor of the Epsilon Tau Chapter at University of Maryland Baltimore County recently met for a reunion with their husbands. Front row from left: Katy Mulroe Stango, Christy Wood Conklin, Rachel Sochol Solomon, Cristina Rouiller, Christine Strapac Thomas, ΑΓ, former ET Chapter advisor and Andrea Schumacher. Second row: Rhonda Martin.

8. The Dallas Alumnae Chapter hosted their annual Easter basket stuffing event in April. They stuffed 20 baskets full of goodies to give to the men and women at the Arlington Adult Day Center. From left: Adrienne Zimmerman, ΒΜ, Adrienne’s daughter, Olivia Zimmerman, Ginny Lloyd, ΓΟ, Nancy Demerath Young, ΒΦ, Kathy Messina, ΓΔ, Bonita Marince Maurer, ΑΓ, Tammy Ziegler Woodman, ΔΧ, and Wendy Partain Gerstenkorn, ΒΜ.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

News and e v ents

Program development and communications & marketing coordinators hired Leah Dooley Eickhoff, ΑΒ, joined the national headquarters staff on June 6, 2012. Leah earned her bachelor’s degree from Truman State University, MO, and earned her master’s degree in college student personnel from Western Illinois University. She previously worked for Alpha Sigma Alpha as a leadership consultant from 2000-01 and has held numerous Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteer positions. Leah was the director of Greek life and leadership programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology and most recently, Leah held the position of associate director of student activities at Christopher Newport University in Virginia. As the program development coordinator, Leah will manage all aspects of the sorority’s educational and training initiatives and programs. Working closely with members of the volunteer curriculum development & programming task force and national headquarters staff, she will ensure that the sorority is providing relevant, appropriate support, education and training to its members. Leah will also oversee the ΑΣΑ Advantage initiative and will manage the relationships with Alpha Sigma Alpha’s national philanthropic partners.

Katie Matis Smith, ΔΗ, previous membership growth coordinator, transitioned into the communications & marketing coordinator position on June 1, 2012. Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and digital cinema from DePaul University in Chicago in 2008. She previously worked at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania as the assistant director of broadcast and multimedia and has been the Alpha Sigma Alpha membership growth coordinator since 2010. As the communications & marketing coordinator, Katie is responsible for overseeing all sorority communications including social media, the Phoenix magazine, website, e-newsletters and press releases. She also directs the sorority’s marketing plan and manages promotional material for the sorority.

Colony & extension update Alpha Sigma Alpha has been invited to colonize at Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, in fall 2013. Western Illinois University is the home to Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Beta Kappa Chapter. If you are interested in getting involved with this colony, email us at extension@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

If you are interested in getting involved with our fall 2012 colonies at Indiana University (Epsilon Phi Chapter reestablishment) or Boise State University, contact us at extension@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Summer 2012