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Meet the slated National Council officers p. 12 Theta Omega Chapter installed p. 8

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#Imagine2016 Registration deadline is May 26! Register at AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/events/Imagine2016.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 C O NT ENT S

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FEATURES Cover story, page 6:

#Imagine2016 8 National Council slate 12 Theta Omega Chapter installation 16 NPC Annual Meeting recap 18 Beta Theta Chapter’s new house 19 Beta Beta Chapter’s centennial celebration

D E PA R T ME N T S 4 Editor’s desk 5 From the president

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15 From the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation 30 News & events 31 From the archives 32 Woman of poise and purpose

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E DI T O R ’ S D E S K Volume 102, Number 2

Dear readers,

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha (USPS 430-640) is

Journeys. Last weekend my journey was to Fort Wayne, IN. The weekend before that was to Chicago. A few weeks before then was to Dallas. In a few weeks I’ll head to Toronto to visit family and then later to Washington D.C. to run around the capitol with a girlfriend. These are mini journeys. Or rather, these are brief journeys that make up a much larger one.

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

DEADLINES Winter

Sept. 10

Spring

Dec. 10

Summer March 10 Fall

June 10

EDITOR Katie Matis Smith, DH

So what is next? Where has your journey taken you? Perhaps it was from college to your first job, or your first job to your current one with a better job title and bigger responsibilities. Perhaps it was a past relationship to your current one.

Perhaps your journey led you to the place you always knew you would be, or maybe your journey took you somewhere you would have never predicted.

What I love about everyone’s journey is that it is never-ending. Even if we feel as if our journey has slowed, or even stopped, it is simply a path your journey has taken you. It is where you have taken yourself.

So, where to next?

As you think about your journey, the paths you have walked and the road ahead, think about our journey as Alpha Sigma Alpha. Did Virginia, Juliette, Calva, Louise and Mary know the road ahead for Alpha Sigma Alpha? Maybe. Maybe not.

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nancy I.Z. Reese, BU

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018 Phone: (317) 871-2920 Fax: (317) 871-2924 Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

Maybe they just knew that the road ahead was for them at the time but also knew it would be for the rest of us, who also look ahead. Where will the road take Alpha Sigma Alpha next?

That is up to you. That is up to me. It is up to all of us.

Let’s go!

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

Mizpah, Katie Matis Smith @kmatis25

www.pinterest.com/AlphaSigmaAlpha www.instagram.com/AlphaSigmaAlpha

S HA R E Y O U R T HO U G HT S We always welcome your comments—both

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criticism and praise—about this publication.

page 8

Do you

feel like

Email asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or send mail to:

a fraud?

Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha

How to overcome impostor syndrome

9002 Vincennes Circle

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WinterPhoenixFINAL.indd 1

p. 6 New chapter installed in Colorado Alumnae surveyed on their membership experience

1/29/16 11:54 AM

F R O M T HE P R E S I D ENT

BY M E L I SSA KOC H M E R R I A M, E E | N AT I ON AL P RES I D EN T

As I write this message, I find myself on an energy-high from an inspiring women’s conference at my church that I recently attended.

I am carrying with me that feeling of a new found confidence to be myself and have a fresh perspective on my life.

One thing that resonated with me that the opening speaker, Glennon Doyle Melton, shared was about having the confidence to truly be who you are: the good and the bad, and to be a truth teller. She discussed how society encourages us to only share the good stuff, but we also need to be truth tellers. If we want to connect deeper with others, we need to be our imperfect selves. What a freeing feeling to know that we are enough and it’s OK to embrace everything about ourselves that makes us uniquely who we are.

As Glennon was talking about the relationships of truth tellers, she used a word that immediately sparked my interest as a sorority woman, “sistering.” “Sistering” is a term that is used by carpenters which refers to a reliable way to reinforce joists by adding another joist alongside the weak component. Sometimes, even a joist is added on each side of the weak one.

As I was listening, I thought about how perfect that term “sistering” is. It is having women come alongside you and walk with you in this journey when you are having a weak moment or an awesome moment. It means supporting someone else and living life together.

It means knowing the good and bad and still loving each other. It for me is what Alpha Sigma Alpha sisterhood is all about. It is lifting each other up, listening intently and being present in the moment.

in many forms. It’s the high-five after finishing a tough workout, the hug when you have had a rough day and the flight across the country to see your little sister get married. We all witness sistering moments every day and I’m sure there are hundreds more happening that we don’t see. I am reminded of what our Alpha Sigma Alpha badge says…

“Let this badge say to you, each day, each hour, that the glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served.”

This is what “sistering” is all about - loving, giving and serving.

May we be reminded each time we see our beautiful Alpha Sigma Alpha badge to embrace “sistering” each other!

Love In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

One of the joys of serving as national president is I have the opportunity hear about “sistering” moments when Alpha Sigma Alphas are supporting each other. Our members stepping up to love each other when there is a tragic loss on a campus, reaching out when a sister receives the news of a cancer diagnosis and celebrating together the excitement of a first job after college. Sistering comes

Melissa Koch Merriam, EE National President @melissaamerriam

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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C ONVENT I O N P RE V IE W

2016 NATIONAL CONVENTION & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ...

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2016

Choose #IMAGINE2016 for your family vacation, sisterhood getaway or chapter reunion!

Orlando inspires incredible stories like nowhere else; stories of imagination, curiosity and epic adventure.

Orlando is a destination where children and grownups alike can enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences exploring legendary theme parks, aquatic and unique attractions and luxurious escapes.

Join hundreds of sisters this July and make #Imagine2016 in Orlando this year’s unforgettable adventure.

FAMILY VACATION

CHAPTER REUNION

Choose #Imagine2016 in Orlando this summer alongside your next family vacation. In the days leading up to the national convention & leadership conference or the days following, you and your family can enjoy all that Orlando has to offer!

Choose #Imagine2016 in Orlando for your next chapter reunion. Celebrate your chapter’s reunion and a week of sisterhood at Alpha Sigma Alpha’s premiere event. With Orlando at your doorstep and the Hyatt Regency Orlando as your accommodations, your chapter reunion at #Imagine2016 will provide the best backdrop for sisterhood, heritage, leadership and service with a few of the following events:

The Hyatt Regency Hotel, this year’s hotel destination, is a family-friendly hotel with a poolside scene that will make you believe you are in the tropics. The pools and aquatics areas offer: C ascading waterfalls S lides B asketball hoops V olleyball nets P layground

SISTERHOOD GETAWAY Choose #Imagine2016 in Orlando for your summer sisterhood getaway. The luxurious Hyatt Regency Orlando gives you and your closest sisters an escape in upscale accommodations with premium amenities including:

Wednesday, July 6 Featured Speaker Glennon Doyle Melton Connections Reception Thursday, July 7 Leadership Conference & Kickoff with Jessica Pettitt 40th Anniversary Luncheon with Special Olympics Friday, July 8 Alpha Talks Foundation Red Tie Dinner

T ropical pools C oconuts Poolside Bar & Grill P rivate cabanas T hree acres of lush landscapes F ull service spa T ennis courts B ike rentals F itness classes

Saturday, July 9 50-Year Member Recognition Imagine Alpha Sigma Alpha Banquet

REGISTER AT ALPHASIGMAALPHA.ORG/ EVENTS/IMAGINE2016

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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Introducing the 2016-18 National Council Slate The 2016-18 national council slate as presented will be voted on by the membership at the 2016 National Convention & Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. #IMAGINE2016

President Melissa Koch Merriam, ΕΕ Vice President of Operations Heather Riley, FF Vice President of Finance Kelly McGinnis Morello, ΕΚ Vice President of Communications Kathryn Wolfington Harth, EE Vice President of Membership Jessica Bridwell, ZP Vice President of Membership Joanne Weber Catron, A Vice President of Membership Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH

Melissa Koch Merriam, EE Melissa Koch Merriam is a graduate of Emporia State University, KS, holding a bachelor's degree in business management. She served her chapter as a standards board member, risk management chairman, vice president of programming & ritual and president. She was honored by her collegiate chapter as Alpha woman, outstanding senior, a Frost Fidelity Award nominee, Panhellenic outstanding new member and Panhellenic community service award. She was involved in many campus organizations, including Order of Omega, GAMMA (Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol) and Rho Lambda.

She served the Greater Kansas City, MO, Alumnae Chapter as president, Panhellenic delegate and webmaster. As Panhellenic delegate, she served as grants and loans chairman and program chairman. She also was a founder and first president of the Fountain City, KS, Alumnae Chapter.

Melissa served the national organization as a leadership consultant 2000-01, Zeta Mu Chapter membership advisor 2001-03, District 9 recruitment coaching team leader 2002-03, District 9 facilitator 2003-05, volunteer recruitment and placement team leader 200507, vice president of membership 2007-10 & 2012-14, vice president of operations 2010-12 and currently serves as the national president.

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She served as a facilitator at seven Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institutes, presented workshops at national conventions and District Day events, participated in extension presentations and served on twelve installation teams. Melissa was honored with the Agape Award at the 2006 national convention & leadership conference.

She lives in Kansas City, MO, with her husband and four cats. She is passionate about animal welfare and is a long-time volunteer at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. She enjoys sports and crafting.

Professionally, Heather served her country in the Air Guard and is currently director of the Illig Family Foundation.

Professionally, Melissa works as a development coordinator for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Resources, Inc. She lives in Overland Park, KS, with her husband, Andy, and her three children.

Kelly McGinnis Morello, EK

Heather Riley, ΦΦ Heather Riley joined the Phi Phi Chapter at Northwest Missouri State University where she served her chapter as membership director and standards committee member. She was invited to join the Order of Omega and also participated in several other campus organizations.

Heather graduated with summa cum laude honors with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a minor in mathematics. Following graduation, she was accepted to the graduate chemistry program at Iowa State University, where she earned her master's degree in inorganic chemistry.

Heather has served the national organization in numerous roles including: Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute facilitator, convention project team member, member of extension presentations, District 9 district meeting coordinator and District 9 education coaching team member. Heather currently serves as a vice president of membership on national council. She is past president of the Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter and also served as secretary, treasurer and convention delegate for that alumnae chapter.

Kelly McGinnis Morello, served her collegiate chapter at Millersville University, PA, as song/sunshine chairman, treasurer, 10-year anniversary chairman and standards chairman. On campus, she served as vice president of Order of Omega and corresponding secretary of student senate. She graduated in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Kelly graduated magna cum laude from Villanova University in 2005 with a master's degree in human resource development and completed her MBA at Penn State Great Valley in 2014. She has earned her Senior Professional in Human Resources certification and holds a Project Management Professional certification.

Upon graduation, she traveled as a leadership consultant for the national sorority. As a founding member of the Greater Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter, Kelly has served as president, treasurer and ritual chairman.

She currently serves as alumnae chapter Panhellenic delegate for the Philadelphia Area Alumnae Panhellenic (PAAP) and is the PAAP treasurer.

A national volunteer since 1999, she was Epsilon Kappa membership advisor in 1999, Epsilon Kappa chapter advisor 1999-04, province director 2000-02, District 2 Advantage coaching team leader 2002-04,

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District 2 district facilitator 2004-07, volunteer recruitment and placement team leader 2007-08, vice president of membership 2008-12 and presently serves as vice president of finance. She has also participated in extension presentations, served as a delegate at seven national conventions, facilitated several leadership development institutes and has been a presenter at numerous District Day events. Kelly was honored with the Agape Award at the 2006 national convention.

Professionally, Kelly is the director of human resources for PRA Health Sciences, located in the greater Philadelphia region. She also serves as president for the Philadelphia Society of People and Strategy. She resides in Romansville, PA, with her son, Drew, and their dog, Max.

Kathryn Wolfington Harth, EE Kathryn Wolfington Harth graduated magna cum laude from Emporia State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and from the University of Colorado Denver with a master’s degree in informational and learning technologies. Kathryn served the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter as secretary, housing manager and president and was involved in many campus organizations. Her leadership was recognized through the Ruth Schillenger Outstanding Sorority Woman of the Year Award, the A Cappella Choir Outstanding Member Service Award and the Rho Lambda Leadership Award. As an alumna, she has been a member in the Lawrence, KS; Denver, CO; and Capital City (Topeka, KS) Alumnae Chapters.

Kat has volunteered for the Sorority in a variety of roles, serving as a membership advisor, district meeting coordinator, national convention & leadership conference team leader, District 9 facilitator, facilitator at the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute and presenter at District Day. She has served as a delegate at six national convention & leadership conferences and in 2008 was a recipient of the Agape Award. Kat currently serves the national organization as a vice president of membership.

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Kat currently works with online graduate programs through Great Plains IDEA and volunteers at Kansas State University on the advisory council for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, and as a coadvisor for the sophomore honor society Silver Key.

Jessica Bridwell, ΖΠ Jessica Bridwell is a graduate of the University of Southern Colorado (now known as Colorado State UniversityPueblo), Pueblo, CO, holding a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in business administration.

She is a founding member Zeta Pi Chapter, which she served as a member of the installation committee, vice president of public relations & recruitment and chapter president. While in college, Jessica was honored by her chapter as member of the year for two consecutive years and was heavily involved in student government and student life. After graduation, she traveled as a leadership consultant for the Sorority.

A volunteer since 2001, Jessica has served the national organization as District 9 Advantage coaching team leader, 2001-04, Zeta Zeta Chapter recruitment advisor 2001-05, colony/chapter development coordinator for Theta Rho Chapter, 2011-13, and she joined National Council as vice president of membership in 2014. In addition, she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation Board of Trustees from 200413, serving as chairman from 2008-11. Jessica has participated in several extension presentations and served on five installation teams, facilitated at numerous Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institutes and presented at multiple District Day events in various districts.

Jessica resides in Albuquerque, NM, with her dog Oscar and is director of development for the school of medicine at the UNM Foundation.

Joanne Weber Catron, A Joanne Weber Catron joined the Alpha Chapter at Longwood University, VA, in the 1980s, and she began volunteering for Alpha Sigma Alpha as the membership advisor for Alpha Chapter in 1997.

Joanne has served the national organization as the Alpha Chapter membership advisor 1997-2011, District 4 meeting coordinator 2008-13, volunteer management team member 2011-present, and the convention event team leader/ chairman for the 2012, 2014 and 2016 national convention & leadership conferences.

When Joanne was in college, Longwood University hosted a Special Olympics event. She volunteered to help out and has been volunteering for Special Olympics ever since. She began coaching in the 1980s and has coached aquatics, bocce and basketball. Currently Joanne is a local coordinator and coach for Special Olympics Virginia.

In the summer of 2014, Joanne served as Virginia’s bocce coach in the 2014 National Games in New Jersey, and in the summer of 2015, she was the bocce coach for Team USA at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

Professionally, Joanne is a special education teacher in Virginia.

She resides in Keysville, VA, with her husband, William, and is the mother of three children.

Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH Amber Shaverdi Huston graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Upon graduation she traveled as a leadership consultant for the national organization. Following her time as a consultant, Amber completed her Master of Science degree in student development theory at Eastern Illinois University.

Amber served as an education coaching team leader and RFM Specialist in 2006-08. In 2008 Amber joined the organization's headquarters staff as the membership growth coordinator. In that role Amber oversaw the organization's extension efforts, colonization and recruitment. Upon departing staff, Amber began advising the Theta Zeta Chapter at IUPUI where she continues to volunteer as their membership advisor. Additionally she volunteers as part of NPC's pilot program of area advisors for collegiate Panhellenics. Amber volunteers for a number of fraternal and association programs serving as lead and small group facilitator.

Professionally, Amber is the chief operations officer for Delta Sigma Phi National Fraternity. She is active within the Indianapolis community where she lives with her husband Andy. When not facilitating leadership programs or at work, Amber is following her favorite sport teams or trying out one of the new restaurants in Indianapolis.

About the nominating committee The nominating committee is directed to identify, interview and nominate candidates for Alpha Sigma Alpha’s National Council.

Members who served on the committee were: Chairman Cindy Kelley, ΒΠ National Volunteer Representative Jill Whittenburg Grider, ΒΓ Alumnae Chapter Representative Marianne Busch Bullock, ΒΘ Chapter Advisor Representative Caitlin Barkdoll, ΖΨ Collegiate Chapter Representative Kathryn Zielinski, ΘΖ

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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C H APTER IN S TAL L AT IO N

BY AUBREY WINN, ZZ, AND KELLY TAVERAS, GCLIO

Theta Omega Chapter at the University of New Haven, CT

In February 2016, Alpha Sigma Alpha installed its

Installation Weekend Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha was installed with 93 members on Feb. 13, 2016 at the University of New Haven, CT. The weekend celebration took place in New Haven, CT, at Amarante’s Sea Cliff. Collegiate and alumnae members came to celebrate the newest chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha, including members of the Zeta Theta Chapter, Wagner College, NY and Theta Sigma Chapter, Southern Connecticut State University.

At the installation banquet, University of New Haven’s Dean of Students Rebecca Johnson delivered a keynote message to the attendees. She spoke on the core values of Alpha Sigma Alpha and how they apply to life both in college and beyond.

“Hearing someone speak with such understanding on how our values can be applied to a professional life meant so much, especially coming from someone who isn’t a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and is also so important to the UNH community,” said senior Sami Higgins.

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Other speakers at the banquet included Leadership Consultant Kelly Taveras, ΓClio, Leadership Consultant Aubrey Winn, ZZ, and National President Melissa Koch Merriam, EE. Theta Omega Chapter installation team Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, national president Sue Zarnowski, ΘΣ, District 2 recruitment leader Abby Somers, ΘZ, membership growth coordinator Aubrey Winn, ZZ, leadership consultant Kelly Taveras, ΓClio, leadership consultant Values bonded sisters to become sisters Sisters Christina and Michelle Zheng (right) both knew they were interested in Alpha Sigma Alpha when colony recruitment began. They both attended a few recruitment events, and eventually were offered bids.

“I believe that Alpha Sigma Alpha's four aims: intellectual, physical, social and spiritual attracted us [both] to the colony. Growing up, our parents taught us to be versatile.” – Christina Zheng “Alpha Sigma Alpha's mission is to promote high ideals and standards for its members throughout their lives by emphasizing balance among their four aims. By living up to Alpha Sigma Alpha's mission, we believe we will make our parents proud. We aim high to strive for our parents' goal each and every day.” – Michelle Zheng

However, neither knew the other was going through recruitment until after a few events. They said that what brought them together again was their aligning with the values of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Founders to advisors Chapter advisory board members Jessica Luczkow, ΘΣ, Kristina Brower, ΘΣ, and Brianna Weller, ΘΣ, served as both advisors and mentors to the colony. All three know the journey, the challenging and the rewarding experience of starting a new chapter very well, as all three were founding members of their chapter.

“Watching this group of women who have worked so hard toward one common goal was bittersweet and extremely emotional,” said Brianna Weller. “It doesn't feel like it was that long ago that we began our journey to affiliate with Alpha Sigma Alpha, and to see another group of women achieve the same goal was unforgettable.”

Theta Sigma Chapter at Southern Connecticut State University was installed in Fall 2011. Jessica, Kristina and Brianna were all members of the local sorority that was seeking affiliation with a national organization, and eventually became members of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Their journey as colony members to charter members gave them the tools to advise the Theta Omega Chapter to success.

Top photo: Theta Omega advisors Jessica Luczkow, Kristina Brower and Brianna Weller Bottom photo: Members of the installation team Kelly Taveras, Aubrey Winn, Sue Zarnowski, Melissa Koch Merriam and Abby Somers

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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“I was proud of the chapter’s hard work, dedication and loyalty to Alpha Sigma Alpha,” said Kristina Brower, ΘΣ. “Watching them be installed brought back so many wonderful memories of when Theta Sigma was installed. It was awe-inspiring to see these women celebrate all their hard work knowing that we now hold this bond for life.”

“I have learned after going through this experience as a collegian that it was critical for the women of Theta Omega Chapter to have a strong and supportive advisory board,” said Jessica Luczkow.

“I have learned that my role in this advisory board to is to ensure that all these women know and understand they have someone to always come to in any need. That guidance, love and warmth is only going to build them into a successful chapter and a close unit of sisterhood.”

I nstallation gifts and donations sponsored by: National Vice President of Finance Kelly McGinnis Morello, EΚ, Suzanne Hebert, BZ, Susanne Withsosky Alfonso, NN, Donna Haines, GO, Meredith Anderson Cheryba, EΚ, Past National President Diane Yencic James, HH, District 2 Recruitment Leader Sue Zarnowski, ΘΣ, Chayna Wilson,EM, Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter.

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Charter members Taylor Baker Kaity Bastedo Christine Battle Alexis Bouffard Jessica Bradt Meagan Cauda Kayla Cheatum Nikki Claine Haley Crooch Lexi Cubberley Sydney Dennis SarahJane Derowski Stephanie DiChello Maggie Dugan Caitlin Duncan Kassandra Dunn Haley Duscha Rachel Dzialo Courtney Esposito Shayne Esposito Nicole Fisher Isabella Gracy Jordan Green Jazmine Gregory Andrea Grillo Lauren Hansen Samantha Higgins Lauren Houston Sabrina Hund Mariah Jimenez Breann Johndrow Monica Kowalski Samantha Kuvin

Chapter advisors Jessica Luczkow, ΘΣ Ashley Guerrera, ΘB

Destiny LaPointe Kimberly LeBlanc Jessica Leeb Nicole Maddie Amber-Lee Miller Meghan Morgan Cassidy Murphy Katelyn Murray Gabrielle Paez Gabriella Pericone Francesca Perticaro Krystle Pierce Muriel Pierrot Annamaria Primiani Elizabeth Racsko Brianna Reardon Jenna Reilly Melissa Rourke Sarah Ruell Marija Savaiko Julieann Scheindenbach Kassandra Skiba Erin Snyder Megan Souter Jessica Stoyer Kiera Terrell Emmalyn Thorpe Terri Tozzi Cynthia Vasquez Antonella Vazquez Savannah Virgili Nicolette Visconti Victoria Werner Emily Weschler

Kristina Brower, ΘΣ Paige Rummel, ΓClio

Christina Zheng Michelle Zheng Charter new members Lolly-Elizabeth Beichner Josalyne Beringer Sarah Bramlitt Ashley Britt Haley Cepelak Faith Cunningham Brianna Diaz Jessica Ebersole Alexandra Erdman Leann Forte Jeneane Frias Laura Keeley Corinne Krupa Anelia Marston Michele Mastrofilippo Angelina Meccariello Amanda Meyers Stephanie Pratt Nicole Riskick Stephanie Ruck Natalie Sussan Madison Venezia Deanna Weech Sabrina Williams Emma Wilson Alumnae Initiates Sidney Hernandez Lynn Virzi Primi

Brianna Weller, ΘΣ

ASA F O U NDAT I O N NEWS

FREIDA RILEY AWARD The Freida Riley Award is given in honor of Freida Riley of the Beta Pi Chapter. Freida was an outstanding teacher and her legacy was honored in the film, October Sky. The Freida Riley Award for Teaching Excellence demonstrates Alpha Sigma Alpha’s commitment to a quality education and recognizes outstanding Alpha Sigma Alpha educators.

It is the intent of the Foundation that the Freida Riley Award reward merit, based on the degree to which she exhibits the attributes ascribed to Freida Riley, BΠ, Concord University, WV. These attributes include: inspiring students to do their best, showing care and respect for students, and “going the extra mile” to make their students’ experiences memorable.

Applicants of the Freida Riley Award must: be an Alpha Sigma Alpha alumna in good standing be a full-time or retired public school teacher (K-12) have three full years of teaching experience (does not include student teaching) not have been a past recipient

Applications are due May 31, 2016.

VISIT ALPHASIGMAALPHA.ORG AND SEARCH "FREIDA RILEY AWARD."

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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NPC ANNUAL M E E T IN G

NPC ANNUAL

2015

MEETING

BY LEESA JING, ALPHA CHI OMEGA, NPC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

More than 225 supporters of the National Panhellenic Conference gathered Oct. 22-25 for the 2015 annual meeting. NPC delegations, staff, inter/national presidents, executive directors and communicators assembled at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. Meeting participants reflected on NPC’s accomplishments over the past year, learned from guest speakers, caught up with longtime friends and planned for NPC’s future.

Registration and NPC Foundation sunflower sales opened Oct. 22. Participants purchased sunflower stickers to honor women who have worked to advance the sorority experience. Those who received sunflower stickers wore them on their nametags throughout the

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weekend. All proceeds raised during the meeting — $6,855 — went to the Foundation’s Panhellenic Spirit Fund.

The first day of the event included meetings for the Executive Committee, board of directors, inter/national presidents, executive directors and communicators. The delegations had time to catch up at dinner and then gathered to discuss proposed legislation to prepare for the business sessions.

Friday, Oct. 23, attendees began their day by having breakfast with their committees or member organizations. After breakfast, the meeting officially opened with a business session. Once participants and guests were introduced and welcomed, Chairman Jean Mrasek, Chi Omega, gave a state of NPC address. Through each delegate, she highlighted 26 key accomplishments from the past year, including an

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Alpha Sigma Alphas in attendance of the NPC Meeting from left to right, standing: NPC Area Advisor Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, Third Alternate Delegate Eleanor Williams, A, Executive Director Krystal Geyer Slivinski,GR. Seated: Delegate Lynne Rachal Chambers, A,First Alternate Delegate Sue Zorichak, BB. Not pictured: National President Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, and Second Alternate Delegate Cindy Kelley, BP.

approved NPC position statement against sexual assault, the inaugural College Panhellenic Academy and a social media awareness campaign about the Red Zone — the first six weeks on campus when freshmen females are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault.

“Indeed, we have made great strides. NPC has found her voice. But our work continues,” said Mrasek. “We must listen to the voices of our students, alumnae, interfraternal colleagues and, yes, even our critics.”

After the opening business meeting, Finance Chairman Lynnda Hoefler, Delta Zeta, recognized sponsors and exhibitors representing 37 different companies during the luncheon held in their honor.

Later, inter/national presidents and executive directors spent time in the exhibit hall and attended a reception that evening with diamond-level sponsors Billhighway, Herff Jones and MJ Insurance ~ Sorority Division.

The afternoon included Panhellenics training for area advisors and area coordinators and continued with campus meetings. The second business session convened after dinner. Legislative Committee Chairman Patty Disque, Chi Omega, presented several key pieces of legislation. Delegates made history when they approved the proposed “Values-Based Recruitment” policy, which includes eliminating recruitment skits. The session concluded with the memorial service, which featured a video and musical tribute to honor 14 women who served NPC and passed away during the 2013-15 biennium.

Saturday was filled with educational and inspirational guest speakers.

During the town hall meeting, Steven Healy, partner at Margolis Healy, T. Rees Shapiro, education reporter for The Washington Post, and Andrea Nordmann, Texas Christian University chief compliance officer, shared a variety of perspectives about campus safety.

The Celebrating Panhellenic Excellence Luncheon recognized outstanding College Panhellenics and Alumnae Panhellenics.

Presentations were made to College Panhellenic Excellence Award recipients and the Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic Association, which received the 2013-15 Harriett Block Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award. In addition, G. Andrew Hohn of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign received the Outstanding Panhellenic Advisor Award.

NPC Foundation Women in Higher Education Achievement Award recipient Laura Osteen, Ph.D., inspired luncheon attendees by sharing insights on the impact sororities could have in higher education on the next generation. “Let us create space for greater complexity and commit through action — not only word — to diversity, and critically examine our costs within the broader higher education context in order to become the most trusted, lifelong learning organizations,” Osteen said.

During the final business session Saturday, Mrasek recognized U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks, R-Ind., Kay Granger, R-Texas, and Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., with a citation for being trailblazers by co-sponsoring legislation aimed at advancing solutions to make campuses safer. NPC Foundation President Janet Dodson, Alpha Sigma Tau, reported on the Foundation’s fundraising efforts over the past year. Representatives from Manley Burke LPA, Squire Patton Boggs and MJ Insurance ~Sorority Division also detailed their companies’ services to and support of NPC. Next, 13 different member organizations made special presentations to honor delegation members and support the work of NPC and the Foundation.

Mrasek closed the official business of the meeting by installing the 2015-17 Executive Committee: Chairman Donna King, Sigma Kappa; Vice Chairman Carole Jones, Alpha Omicron Pi; Advocacy Chairman Donna Chereck, Alpha Chi Omega; Finance Chairman Lynnda Hoefler, Delta Zeta; and Panhellenics Chairman Frances Mitchelson, Phi Mu. Interfraternal Service Award Winner Victor J. Boschini Jr., Ph.D., chancellor of Texas Christian University and Distinguished Service Award Winner Carol J. Warren, Pi Beta Phi, were recognized during the closing banquet. Following Mrasek’s final remarks, King addressed the body for the first time as chairman. She stressed her platform of leading with courage and conviction.

“My plan is for our forward trajectory to continue, as we move from being successful toward being truly significant,” King said.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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C H APTER C E L E BRAT IO N S

Beta Theta Chapter New Home In August 2015, Beta Theta Chapter at Central Michigan University built a new house. The original house only hosted five bedrooms and was in need of many repairs.

The new house can now house 16 members and can fit the entire chapter for various events. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Oct. 3, 2015, during the Homecoming celebration.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2016

Beta Beta Chapter Centennial Celebration – 100 years at the University of Northern Colorado On Feb. 19, 2016, Beta Beta Chapter celebrated its centennial anniversary.

The weekend of Feb. 19-20, 2016, more than 250 alumnae and collegians attended Beta Beta Chapter’s centennial anniversary celebration.

Activities of the celebration included a Friday night reception, house and campus tours and a centennial celebration banquet.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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DI S TRI CT NEW S — P O L AR PL U N G E

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Polar Plunge 1. Alpha Beta Chapter, Truman State University, MO 2. Zeta Eta Chapter, Rockhurst University, MO 3. Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Central Missouri 4. Epsilon Phi Chapter, Indiana University 5. Theta Upsilon Chapter, Boise State University, ID

Chapters across the nation participated in the Polar Plunge to raise money for Alpha Sigma Alpha's philanthropic partner, Special Olympics.

6. Z eta Beta Chapter, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 7. Z eta Kappa Chapter, Minnesota State University-Mankato 8. B eta Kappa Chapter, Western Illinois University 9. B eta Sigma Chapter, Missouri State University

10. Theta Pi Chapter, Utah Valley University 11. Theta Xi Chapter, University of Texas at El Paso 12. Gamma Mu Chapter, Adrian College, MI 13. Zeta Chi Chapter, Niagara University, NY 14. Beta Upsilon Chapter, Indiana State University

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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DI S TRI CT NEW S

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3 1. Amarillo Area Alumnae Chapter The Amarillo Area Alumnae Chapter celebrated Founders’ Day on Nov. 14 while welcoming a newly graduated senior to the chapter.

2. Chicago West Alumnae Chapter The Chicago West Alumnae Chapter created Christmas ornaments during their holiday chapter meeting in late 2015.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2016

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4 3. Dallas Alumnae Chapter The Dallas Alumnae Chapter gathered for the new year celebration with a high tea luncheon. Pictured: Tanya Trumbla Brewer, ΔΥ, Felicia Hyde, ZK, Bonita Maurer, ΑΓ, Gigi Fisher Firth, ΨΨ, Carla Torres Rober, ΘΞ, Kenyon Ecker, QE, Marianne Orlando Pignone, ΑΓ, Kathy Messina, GD, Tammy Ziegler Woodman, ΔX, Shannon Wilson Morgan, ΓΩ, Cindy Frosch, ET, Iris Leibowitz, ΖΛ, Betty Yount Gardner, BΛ, Janet Baird Gee, BG, Ginny Lloyd, ΓO, and Leigh Ann Greathouse, ΨΨ.

4. Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter The ladies of the NOVA Alumnae Chapter enjoy an outing at the White House Holiday Tour. Pictured: Lauren Shaw, ΘΒ, Nita Roncone, ET, Kathy Burke, NN, Illysa Schrager, QG, Angela Petro, NN, Pam Mika, ΕΨ, Kristen Shaw, ΘB, Jessica McNayr, ΒΘ, Monica Gregorio, EΓ, Michelle Cann, NN.

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5. Greater Rochester Alumnae Chapter The Greater Rochester Alumnae Chapter held an open house in the fall. The purpose of the event was to provide information about the alumnae chapter to sisters living in the Greater Rochester area and to hopefully increase membership and attendance at future events.

6. Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter The Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter hosted a holiday luncheon for sisters in December.

8. Beta Epsilon Chapter, James Madison University, VA Sisters took advantage of the snowy weather during Winter Storm Jonas.

7. Theta Epsilon Chapter, Schreiner University, TX Theta Epsilon Chapter volunteered at a local organization called Young Life. Members cleaned the building, did yard work, organized supplies and folded clothes.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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9. Delta Epsilon Chapter, Mansfield University, PA To fulfill the physical aim program in the fall, Delta Epsilon Chapter participated in a ropes course near campus.

10. Nu Nu Chapter, Drexel University, PA In fall 2015, Nu Nu Chapter organized an inaugural dodgeball tournament, benefitting Girls On the Run Philadelphia.

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Teams of five signed up for a bracket style dodge ball tournament, and the losers of each game got slimed just like on Nickelodeon!

Winners of each game advanced to the next round and the overall winning team received five Philadelphia Flyers tickets. Featured at the event was a Girls On the Run information table, raffle items and a baked goods table.

The event raised more than $2,700 for the Philadelphia Girls On the Run council.

11. Theta Phi Chapter, University of North Carolina-Pembroke Theta Phi Chapter volunteered for Girls on the Run in winter 2016 alongside Theta Chi Chapter, Methodist University, NC. 12. Zeta Nu Chapter, Moravian College, PA The theme for Moravian College's homecoming parade was Superheroes, and Zeta Nu went with the theme of The Avengers. Zeta Nu won second place in the competition.

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14 11 13. Delta Sigma Chapter, Saginaw Valley State University, MI A few of our sisters created a relay team to participate in this year's Homecoming contest. They had to toss a dodge ball into a trashcan, spinning in circles before running across a finish line, rolling in a giant hamster ball, and running a threelegged race. Overall the chapter came in third for Homecoming, based on participation and competition points.

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14. Theta Upsilon Chapter, Boise State University, ID Theta Upsilon Chapter hosted Dads’ Weekend October 24 & 25. A friendly game of dads vs. daughters kickball was played.

15. Zeta Gamma Chapter, Gannon University, PA Zeta Gamma Chapter held a sisterhood retreat in fall 2015.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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18 16. Gamma Omega Chapter, Eastern Illinois University Early in the semester the Gamma Omega Chapter hosted a charitable giving event called Greek Grill masters. We invited the other men and women from all sororities and fraternities on campus to compete to make the best burger. We sold shirts and raised money for the Special Olympics.

17. Beta Sigma Chapter, Missouri State University Junior Alli Moran from the Beta Sigma Chapter poses with her mother in front of the Moms’ Weekend banner that read, “Home is wherever I’m with you.” The day

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was filled with fun activities for the moms and daughters to take part in. One fun activity that many women participated in was a step by step paint demonstration at a little paint studio. It’s safe to say it was a fun weekend!

18. Theta Zeta Chapter, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Every fall, the Theta Zeta Chapter hosts the largest charitable giving event on campus, Hula Hoop for Hope. The chapter hula hooped for two days on the campus’ main courtyard and raised money by collecting donations from the community. They raised more than $3,500.

19. Theta Gamma Chapter, Christopher Newport University, VA Theta Gamma Chapter donated gifts to Christopher Newport University’s Captain Toy Drive. The chapter donated many gifts to the toy drive including a make-up kit, a toy tool belt and books. Captain’s Toy Drive collects toys for children in the Newport News area that would otherwise not receive many or any presents for Christmas.

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22 11 20. Gamma Clio Chapter, SUNY-Cortland Gamma Clio Chapter participated in the Out of the Darkness walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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12 21. Epsilon Phi Chapter, Indiana University Epsilon Phi Chapter hosted an anniversary celebrating three years since they were re-installed in 2013.

22. Delta Nu-A /Delta Nu-B, Kettering University, MI The Delta Nu-A and Delta Nu-B Chapters celebrated their 40 year anniversary this past summer.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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ASA PA L M S

ASA Palms The word palm means tribute, honor or praise. Alpha Sigma Alpha gives palms to alumnae and collegians for their successes and milestones.

Celebrating a personal, professional or volunteer success? Tell us about it!

Send your success stories to the editor at asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

Epsilon Lambda Chapter, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Samantha Ellwood, EΛ, was recently named executive director of Providence Connections in Pittsburgh.

Providence Connections strengthens families and enriches lives through comprehensive education and developmental opportunities for parents and children. The center serves more than 400 families through child care services, before and after school care, family support, parent and adult education, in-home visitation and family counseling.

Beta Iota Chapter, Radford University, VA Ann Dalton, BI, owns a successful non-profit organization Ranch RoundUp Equestrian & Farm Day Camp, a three day faith-based day camp for children ages 5 to 15 from diverse backgrounds.

The children are exposed to archery, horseback riding, crafts, blacksmithing, an air rifle range, devotions, fishing, jam-making, roping, water safety, turkey calling, an ice cream social and a cookout. What started with 10 kids has grown to more than 50, and the camp expects to continue to increase that number in the coming years.

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Epsilon Beta Chapter, University of Illinois Dr. Cheryl Kulikowski-Lentz, EB, was selected as Faculty of the Year for Walden University, NM, DBA Program, 2016.

Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Central Missouri Melody Place Edmondson, ZZ, released her book, Your Fashion Guide Based on Body Shape and the Space of the Waist. There are 19 total books in this series. (This is a correction from the Winter 2016 issue.)

Melody is an author currently residing in Tucson, AZ. Melody had a fast paced career in the fashion and retail industry in buying, merchandising and product development.

Her insight into the way clothes fit the female body, and the fact that clothing manufactured today is in only one WAISTPLACEMENT has passionately led her to promote THE SPACE OF THE WAIST®.

She hopes to encourage the industry to provide women of the world all Waistplacements, including short and long-waisted. Her work led to the discovery that it is the Waistplacement, not weight that is the key to dressing well and loving the body you have!

Theta Iota Chapter, Oregon Institute of Technology Erica McCay, QI, is part of the design team that created the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at University Studios Hollywood theme park in California. Erica works with NBCUniversal’s Creative Team, currently managing the design and installation of animated props and special effects.

“I get to help people become a part of the stories they love,” said Erica. “When you watch people go through Hogwarts in Orlando, and strangers finding common ground no matter where they’re from, it’s awesome.”

The park is scheduled to open April 7, 2016.

Read more about Erica and her interest in technology and engineering on the Alpha Sigma Alpha blog on AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

www.Amazon.com

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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NEWS AND E V E N T S

AΣA Night Out on May 19!

COLONY TO BE ESTABLISHED IN NEW JERSEY

Alpha Sigma Alpha is showcasing the inaugural AΣA Night Out on May 19, 2016.

This will be the second active collegiate chapter in New Jersey.

Alpha Sigma Alpha will be the fourteenth sorority and the sixth NPC organization on this campus, joining Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Phi Epsilon, Sigma Delta Tau, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Theta Phi Alpha. Recruitment for the colony will begin in fall 2016.

Alpha Sigma Alpha will establish a colony at Ramapo College of New Jersey in the fall 2016 semester.

AΣA Night Out is a night we want you to simply celebrate being an Alpha Sigma Alpha for a lifetime while uniting with sisters around the world who are also celebrating a night out with sisters.

The idea is simple; Make plans with a sister or many sisters on the evening of May 19.

> G o out for drinks G o out to dinner G o to the movies G o to an alumnae chapter event P lan a play date with you and sisters’ kids G o to a baseball game G o for a run Any activity counts, as long as you’re with a sister!

Then, connect with sisters around the world by posting your AΣA Night Out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #ASANightOut.

QUICK FACTS

Mahwah, NJ Public, liberal arts Enrollment: 6,008 Student/faculty ratio; 18:1

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CLOSEST COLLEGIATE AND ALUMNAE CHAPTERS Zeta Theta Chapter, Wagner College, NY Gamma Phi Chapter, St. John's University, NY Theta Omega Chapter, University of New Haven, CT Theta Sigma Chapter, Southern Connecticut State University

Share your event with us!

Submit your event on AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

Search “Submit your event,” and share the details so we can share your event on the website and social media!

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2016

New York City Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Interested in getting involved with the colony? Contact us at extension@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or (317) 871-2920.

archives

from the

One hundred years ago, Beta Beta Chapter, Colorado State College of Education (University of Northern Colorado) was installed on Feb. 19.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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9002 Vincennes Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

WOMAN OF

Poise and Purpose Poise - a self-confident manner; composure.

Purpose - to have meaning, why do you do something?

Even though we only have a few short years living together as sisters, the knowledge and strength of that time is carried on throughout every bit of our lives. Each day I draw from the strength and knowledge of my years as vice president and president of the Zeta Psi Chapter to run my business and live a balanced life.

I embrace family life with my two beautiful children while creating a business for them to face the ever-changing world with confidence and meaning: The world of technology.

I started a company called blue{shift}: creative coding for creative kids three years ago in London, England. We are now teaching hundreds of children every week from the ages of 4 to 14 years old not only how to code but how to become active participators and creators of technology.

I would not have been able to create, run and enjoy every day of this business if it weren’t for the poise and purpose I found from my sisters in Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Elizabeth Tweedale, ZY Loras College, IA Founder + Director blue{shift}: creative coding for creative kids www.blueshiftcoding.com