The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha: Summer 2009

Summer 2009

INSIDE: Celebrate 20 years of LDI

of Alpha Sigma Alpha

■

Welcome Gamma Clio Chapter

■

First online officer transition program

ON THE COVER: Beta Lambda Chapter members from the University of Central Arkansas show their spirit at LDI in St. Louis by forming a life-size crown.

F E AT U R E S Summer 2009

11 15

5

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

6

RUSH OF RECRUITMENT

11

COVER STORY: CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF LDI

14

PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT IS AN INSPIRATION OF CHARACTER AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS

16

ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA DISTRICT DAY 2009–10: I AM SIGNIFICANT

18

ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA WELCOMES NEWEST CHAPTER— GAMMA CLIO

20 ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA’S STRATEGIC vision VISION 24 ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA UNVEILS ITS FIRST ONLINE OFFICER TRANSITION PROGRAM

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PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SUMMER 2009

of Alpha Sigma Alpha Volume 95, Number 3

Summer 2009

FROM THE EDITOR

DEPARTMENTS

Dear Readers, I feel like the summer months are never long enough and I cannot quite squeeze in every thing that I want to do.

I hope that you had much better luck than I did getting all your projects and traveling accomplished this summer.

21 FOUNDATION NEWS DEPARTMENTS 24 4 26 15 27 25 30 26 31 27 29 31

DISTRICT NEWS message from the president NEWS & EVENTS MEMBER PROFILES VOLUNTEER DIRECTORY s. june smith center news IN MEMORIAM foundation news FROM THE ARCHIVES district news

Well, as you may know, here at national headquarters we are always coming up with something new and are working diligently for our membership. This year we are unveiling our first online officer transition program and getting ready for District Day 2009–10: I am significant. You can read all about it in this issue.

And as always enjoy your reading!

news & events

Mizpah,

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

STAFF 10 10 10 10

EDITOR Editor/Communications & Marketing Coordinator Louise Morales, lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Produced by Maury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis. © Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Senior Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z. Reese, niz.reese@gmail.com

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

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

9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-871-2920 Fax: 317-871-2924 Email: asa@alphasigmaalpha.org ™

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

The inks used to print the body of this publication contain a minimum of 20%, by weight, renewable resources.

SUMMER 2009

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA

3

M essage from the president

Online tools offer Alpha Sigs new opportunities B Y C I N D Y K E L L E Y , National President

As I sit down and think about the message I want to share with you, I think about many of the new and exciting opportunities and programs Alpha Sigma Alpha is unveiling. Programs such as the new interactive, tech-savvy officer transition program for collegiate chapter officers funded through your generous support of the Foundation. With this program, chapter officers will now have at their fingertips access to resources to guide them through learning about their new leadership position within the chapter.

I think about the release of the new, members-only side of our Alpha Sigma Alpha web site. On this new private area, members will be able to access Alpha Sigma Alpha graphics, recruitment and marketing documents, national bylaws, national policies and procedures, alumnae and collegiate directories and much more.

And I think about the advances we will have this fall with collegiate chapter reporting through our new Officer Portal — Your Alpha Sig Desktop — thanks to an investment in an upgrade to our membership management system. No need to search for a stamp or allow extra time to get the report in the mail, chapters will now be able to complete and submit reports electronically through this system. And the volunteers that support our chapters will have access to the reports. Both collegians and volunteers will also be able to access and view resources in the document library.

What do all of these new opportunities have in common?

They are all member focused and all involve improvements and advancements in member services thanks to technology.

Today’s world is ever changing as is the way of doing business and communicating with one another and even accomplishing daily tasks.

Have you ever taken a moment to think about the ways technology impacts your life? Think about the various uses of technology you encounter in just the first few hours of your day?

From the technology used to wake you up to your programmable coffeemaker to the mode of transportation to get you to school or work. And how many of us check Facebook, texts and e-mail before we have our shower? Even if you have thought about the impact of technology on you previously, there is a good chance it has already changed somewhat from then to now.

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PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Just think about the ways you communicate with your friends, family and chapter sisters or even your bank, colleagues and volunteers. Technology plays a significant role in our world today. People are continually searching for ways to do things better and faster. And there are always pros and cons offered by those people who are affected by the resulting change.

Even in our ever-changing, fast-paced world, Alpha Sigma Alpha is proud to be an organization that has and will continue to stand the test of time. We are an organization that has a deep-rooted Ritual, rich heritage, proud traditions and unwavering values.

We remain member focused while also maintaining a strategic, fiscally responsible and technology-driven outlook for our beloved sorority. Alpha Sigma Alpha provides “high touch” services while striving to be “high tech” as well. We are proud to offer advancements and improvements in our member services and know you too will enjoy these new tech-savvy opportunities.

You can even choose to stay involved and connected with through many popular online networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Sister Circle. We want you to stay connected so please continue to read on and learn more about exciting happenings highlighted in this issue of the Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Love in ,

SUMMER 2009

B Y B A R B A R A S T R U B L E , - B Nominating Committee Chairman The 2010 Alpha Sigma Alpha nominating committee has been named and Barbara Struble, , as chairman of the committee.

Traditionally, the committee includes a collegiate chapter advisory board member, an alumnae chapter officer, a national volunteer representative and a collegiate chapter representative, who is typically the president of the reigning Crown of Excellence chapter.

The committee members for this biennium include: Kathy Burke, , Washington, DC, alumnae chapter member, Brenda Mesalam, XX, Theta Zeta chapter advisor, and Barbara Williamson,

, national historian. Work will begin soon on selecting the slate of officers for the 2010–12 biennium.

The nominating committee is directed to identify, interview and select candidates for national council. The national council develops the sorority’s strategic plan based on research and its view for the future and sets priorities for the biennium.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated enthusiastic commitment to the organization, proven administrative and financial skills, creativity, vision and strong interpersonal skills to work well with both collegians and alumnae.

The ability to motivate and communicate SUMMER 2009

through written correspondence and public speaking is essential.

The national council is expected to travel throughout the year and participate in frequent meetings, therefore a flexible schedule is important. In addition to face-to-face meetings, conference calls and email communications are used to conduct business.

Potential candidates should have a broad perspective of the sorority.

Experience or skills in mentoring would be helpful. It is recommended that a candidate for national council have prior experience serving as a collegiate chapter advisor, officer of an alumnae chapter, a national volunteer position or other volunteer leadership positions.

The nominating committee needs your assistance in identifying qualified members to serve. In order to complete deliberations in time to notify all members of the slate of officers, all nominations and related information must be submitted to the chairman of the committee by Oct. 15, 2009.

The nominating committee chairman will send an information packet to all nominees. It includes the board member agreement and a copy of board member responsibilities. A request for information accompanies the packet sent to all nominees. All nominees are asked to provide a position statement and resume to the committee for review. The position statement should include the candidate’s view on subjects such as the critical issues affecting Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Send nominations to: Barb Struble 323 Northway Drive Sun City Center, FL 33573 Nominating committee Barb Struble, - , Nominating Committee Chairman Kathy Burke, Brenda Mesalam, Barb Williamson,

Collegiate member — To be announced

The call for nominations is for the following positions: President Vice President of Operations Vice President of Finance Vice President of Communications Three Vice Presidents of Membership PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA

5

The rush of recruitment

‘You are a member of strong sorority, live it, talk it, dream it, work for it...’

BY AMBER SHAVERDI HUSTON,

, Membership Growth Coordinator On Jan. 3, 1903, Alpha Sigma Alpha held its first initiation of three new members. On Jan. 29, 1903, a second initiation was held for four new members.

This cycle has continued for over 100 years. The time has once again come for Alpha Sigma Alphas to begin preparing for recruitment and the sisterhood of new members. With the excitement of recruitment comes the

rush of preparing conversation skills, new T-shirts, recruitment parties, stylized songs, laughter and even tears.

The countless hours that go into the preparation for recruitment never goes unnoticed. Alpha Sigma Alpha’s future as a national organization depends upon the constant effort and skill of chapter recruitment. Whether our chapters participate in fully, partially, minimally

structured or continuous recruitment, it’s a national effort.

In preparation for recruitment, chapters should consider inviting area alumnae to attend and assist in recruitment initiatives. Each campus and local Panhellenic has specific rules for recruitment, however, alumnae can be involved in a variety of capacities.

Alumnae are great at assisting with

ent success m it ru c re to t Checklis ts

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. Vice presiden work wonders ts ea tr re le a t en Recruitm should schedu d recruitment an ns lp all tio he la re to t ic of publ recruitmen leading up to es tic ac es pr tic of variety cruitment prac comfortable. Re members feel ills, schedule of conversation sk e at or rp rengths. co in should and chapter st nhellenic rules Pa s pu m ca , events d chapter sidence halls an re s, ite su ve ha are tidy and Chapters that chapter spaces e th re su en d houses need to te the space an sure to decora Be . re. le itu ab rn or mem ns and fu te the decoratio da up lly ua in cont onfidence and gma Alpha! C Si ha lp A an tment.

Be proud to be lance in recrui a successful ba e rik st ss ne nd ki n committee. bership selectio overseen by Appoint a mem n committee is io ct le se p hi rs d recruitment The membe blic relations an pu of t en id es r present. the vice pr t with an adviso ee m s e ay w al e chapter on th and should help educate th ld ou sh ee e. itt ur The comm selection proced l membership proper nationa d recruitment e for support an na um al to t ou Reach referrals. lpha history.

Alpha Sigma A Embrace your join because new members l ia nt te po y; Share your stor te. hips they crea of the relations ol events, rticipate in scho pa s, pu m ts. ca on eet new studen Be present zations and m ni ga or s e pu th m le support ca mpus will enab d present on ca bers. em m w ne l Being active an ia ty of potent rie va a t ee m chapter to

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PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Recruitment coaching team leaders District District District District District District District District

2 – Stefanie Spatola, , sspatola28@yahoo.com 3 – Suzanne Barone, , smbar@verizon.net 4 – Kristina Carden, , klcarden@netzero.net 5 – Ashley Rasmussen, , ashkr@hotmail.com 6 – Alyson Hanson, , ahanson@sdrcoating.com 7 – Candice Huber, , asad7rctl@yahoo.com 8 – Jessie Stinson,

, jessiestinson@uni.edu 9 – Katherine Schwartz, , katy.schwartz@yahoo.com

SUMMER 2009

conversation skills workshops. Collegiate members can play the role of recruiters and alumnae can play the role of potential new members. This will allow the chapter members to practice giving house tours, sharing information about our sorority and the preference ceremony.

For our chapters that do not have fully structured recruitment, alumnae can assist in sending out referral letters and invitations to potential new members.

Following recruitment, invite alumnae to attend the Phoenix Degree; this is a great way to enjoy sisterhood and strengthen our bonds as sisters.

Alumnae also can help mentor new and initiated members. ●

Recruitment referrals

BY JULIE LEVINE, , District 4 District Facilitator

Recruitment terminology

As a teacher, I look forward to graduation day every year. Yes, it means the beginning of summer, but it also means the opportunity for me to share the experience of being an Alpha Sigma Alpha with some of my students, members of my church, daughters of my friends and other women in my community. Every summer I look forward to filling out recruitment referrals for women who are planning to attend college where an Alpha Sigma Alpha chapter is located.

I first met Chrissy Cunningham through family friends and was elated to find out she was going to Longwood University, VA. During the winter break of her freshman year, we were at a holiday party together and ended up discussing Longwood. Of course, I asked her if she was going through recruitment and when she mentioned was one of the sororities she was interested in, I knew I had to let the chapter know. The following January, Chrissy joined and even ended up joining the ranks of my own family within my chapter. Later she served Alpha Chapter as chapter president and attended convention in Albuquerque. I hope that my referral, in some small way, helped Chrissy become an and helped our organization gain another quality member.

As an alumna, I feel it is important to make the chapters aware that a quality, potential new member has arrived on their campus. By providing our chapters with names of potential new members, we are giving them more opportunities to meet wonderful women who can help lead Alpha Sigma Alpha. While I do not expect for them to give everyone I have referred a bid, I do hope they added her to a chapter wish list and took the opportunity to get to know her better. Chapters have written me thank you notes for referring a woman who ended up receiving a bid and becoming a member of their chapter.

The referral forms can be found on the national organization’s web site at www.alphasigmaalpha.org. The form is located on the alumnae resources page.

Please take a moment to check out the form and fill one out for young women who could be incredible additions to Alpha Sigma Alpha. ●

Alumnae = Multiple women who have graduated

SUMMER 2009

Alumna = Singular alumnae Quota = The number each NPC women’s fraternity may take during fully structured, partially structured or minimally structured recruitment.

Total = Chapter size determined by college Panhellenic council.

Target = Recruitment goal set by national headquarters for each chapter at the beginning of each semester.

Membership selection committee = Committee of chapter members comprised to help facilitate the national membership selection procedure.

COB = Continuous open bidding, COB is for chapters that do not meet quota during structured recruitment to reach Quota and/ or Total.

Snap bid = Option for a chapter that did not fill to Quota. Chapters can extend bids to potential new members who did not match to their preference. This takes place before bids are distributed and is limited to women who participated in the designated recruitment.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA

7

2008–09 r ecr uitment results Congratulations to our chapters that recruited to their recruitment targets and campus Total.

The following information was provided by chapter new member fee reports. At the beginning of each semester chapters are given recruitment targets by national headquarters as goals to help attain healthy and competitive chapter membership.

Alpha Sigma Alpha recognizes the hard work and determination of our chapters towards

CHAPTERS MEETING THEIR FALL TARGET District 2 District 3 District 4 Nu Nu Alpha Gamma Alpha Epsilon Kappa Gamma Eta Beta Epsilon Zeta Iota Epsilon Theta Beta Iota Delta Iota Epsilon Gamma Theta Beta CHAPTERS MEETING THEIR SPRING District 2 District 3 Nu Nu Alpha Gamma Delta Iota Epsilon Lambda Zeta Nu Zeta Gamma

recruitment success. Recruitment and membership education is the key to ’s future. We encourage all chapters to use the resources and assistance of district volunteers and national headquarters staff to attain their recruitment target.

TARGET District 4 Alpha Beta Epsilon Beta Pi Zeta Upsilon Theta Gamma

District 5 Zeta Tau

District 6 Beta Upsilon Theta Zeta

District 5 Zeta Tau

District 6

CHAPTERS RECRUITING TO CAMPUS TOTAL FOR 2008–09 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Nu Nu Alpha Gamma Alpha Zeta Tau Delta Iota Epsilon Lambda Beta Epsilon Zeta Nu Zeta Gamma Beta Pi Zeta Upsilon Theta Gamma

District 6

Recruitment figures methodology Since 2004 the National Panhellenic

to contact national headquarters with

from volunteers who are behind the

councils have collaborated to implement

scenes of recruitment. When a campus

release figure methodology (RFM). This

Panhellenic council registers with NPC to

will have to follow directions from their

methodology is a manner for calculating

implement RFM on campus, delegates

Greek life office and may need support

RFM figures during fully and partially

from NPC then assign an RFM specialist,

from advisors and volunteers.

structured recruitment to help potential

who is a volunteer, as the facilitator for

new members and chapters have a

that campus. From that point on the

Panhellenic communities. The

positive recruitment experience. RFM has

campus professional, who may be the

methodology was first created for large

helped establish an equal environment

Greek advisor or director of campus

Panhellenic communities to help increase

of pairity for Panhellenic chapters across

activities, works with the RFM specialist

the percentage of potential new

the country.

for the time leading up to recruitment

members matching their preference.

until the close of Panhellenic recruitment.

Since its introduction, RFM has been

During recruitment the RFM specialist

widened for the use on campuses with

and campus professional work together

three to five NPC chapters, which helps

to provide the Panhellenic chapters

create parity among the NPC chapters

invite a sufficient number of potential

with numbers for the next round of

and a happier environment for the

new members to each event to reach

recruitment events. Following recruitment

potential new members.

Quota at the close of structured

the RFM specialist sends a report to the

recruitment.

membership growth coordinator at Alpha

follow the guidelines set forth by the

Sigma Alpha and to NPC.

RFM specialist. By using RFM the

The purpose behind the use of release figures is threefold: 1. To allow each chapter on campus to

2. To allow each potential new member to attend chapter recruitment

Alpha Sigma Alpha supports the use

any questions.

The membership selection committees

RFM is not for all campuses and

It is in everyone’s best interest to

campus Panhellenic can utilize priority

parties that will ultimately match her

of release figures during fully structured

recruitment and flex lists, which help

preference with the chapter’s preference.

recruitment and encourages chapters to

increase chapters’ and potential new

3. To allow Panhellenics maximize the

8

RFM involves a great deal of work

Conference and college Panhellenic

contact national headquarters with any

members’ opportunities to match, which

number of potential new members who

questions. The sorority also encourages

is everyone’s ultimate goal.

accept bids from a sorority through

advisors and district volunteers who will

Panhellenic recruitment.

be assisting chapters during recruitment

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Source: 14th Edition of the NPC Manual of Information SUMMER 2009

District 7 Psi Psi Beta Lambda Beta Nu Delta Upsilon Zeta Omega

District 8 Beta Rho Gamma Lambda Delta Eta Zeta Kappa Zeta Phi

District 9 Alpha Beta Epsilon Epsilon Eta Eta Phi Phi Zeta Eta

District 7 Beta Lambda Delta Upsilon Zeta Sigma

District 8 Beta Rho Delta Eta Zeta Phi Delta Eta

District 9 Alpha Beta Zeta Zeta Phi Phi Zeta Eta Zeta Mu

District 7 Beta Lambda Delta Upsilon Zeta Sigma

District 8 Beta Rho Delta Eta Zeta Phi Delta Eta

District 9 Alpha Beta Zeta Zeta Phi Phi Zeta Eta Zeta Mu

A personal story from Ashley Riles on being a legacy As a little girl, I grew up around Alpha Sigma Alphas and in the house at Emporia State University, KS, for 13 years. I remember going to the attic and looking at old stuff. Some of the girls had their dresses for dances up there too, which I loved to look at as well.

My brother and I would eat dinner with my grandmother, Berta Archdekin, the Epsilon Epsilon house mom, and the women at the house.

We would watch them practice their recruitment skits, and sometimes I got to skip school for a couple of hours to watch the dress rehearsals!

I joined Alpha Sigma Alpha in 2005 as a Zeta Eta Chapter member, and my cousin, Courtney Archdekin, transferred to Rockhurst University, MO, and joined the Zeta Eta Chapter the next year.

My mom then joined as an alumna initiate. ●

Instilling the legacy of Alpha Sigma Alpha

BY JAN PEPPERDINE SMITH,

, & AMBER SHAVERDI HUSTON,

Zeta Eta Advisor and Membership Growth Coordinator In the history of Zeta Eta Chapter at Rockhurst University, MO, they have had 15 Alpha Sigma Alpha legacies become members of Zeta Eta. Legacies are sister/step-sister, daughter/ step-daughter, granddaughter/step-granddaughter or niece/ step-niece of an Alpha Sigma Alpha member. The chapter has utilized many tools in establishing a strong relationship with alumnae. Alumnae help the chapter by encouraging their sisters, nieces, daughters and granddaughters to join Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Zeta Eta takes every opportunity to meet potential new members. The university has a program for high school seniors to stay on campus for an overnight visit to experience college life. Many of the chapter members volunteer to be hosts and, while doing their job of showing the visiting seniors the campus, they also wear their letters, introduce them to their sisters and discuss Greek life. Chapter members also volunteer to be freshman orientation leaders and freshman mentors.

Not only do these activities help recruit, they give members a chance to know potential new members outside of recruitment parties, ultimately helping the chapter make better decisions when selecting new members.

The Zeta Eta members are also very active in other campus organizations, including many leadership roles. Members wear their letters on campus to show pride in their membership. They show support for their sisters at intramurals and other events.

At recruitment events, they talk about what it means to be an . Members give examples of sisterhood and how they support each other. They stress this is their “family.” For preference night, the entire chapter discusses what to share with potential new members. The chapter takes every effort to

SUMMER 2009

ensure that members are prepared for preference night and feel confident.

Legacies are considered important to the success of our sorority. Chapter members are strongly encouraged to get to know and give extra consideration to legacies during the recruitment process. If a potential new member is a legacy, there are five steps to remember. These five steps are also listed within our national policy on legacies. Please contact your district facilitator with any questions.

1. A chapter must invite a legacy to the first round of invitational parties and, when necessary, the second round of invitational parties to assure the legacy has been met by a representative cross-section of chapter members.

2. Any legacy invited to a preference party must be placed on the chapter’s first bid list.

3. A chapter must call the district facilitator or recruitment coaching team leader prior to releasing the legacy. The national volunteer will review the policy with the chapter and discuss the pros and cons of releasing a legacy so that the chapter understands the potential affects it may have.

4. The chapter president must call the sister/step-sister, mother/step-mother, daughter/step-daughter, grandmother/ step-grandmother or aunt/step-aunt of the legacy and tell her of the decision. The call must be made prior to the time the invitations are extended and made in the presence of the recruitment or chapter advisor.

5. If a legacy does not attend an invitational party on her own or chooses not to participate in Alpha Sigma Alpha’s recruitment, the chapter is not obligated to place her on the chapter’s bid list. ●

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA

9

A L P H A SI G M A A L P H A Potential New Member REFERENCE FORM

❍

❍

legacy recommendation

Potential new member recommendation

Information of potential new member Full Name: ____________________________________ FIRST

MIDDLE

Phone: (____) ______________

Street Address: _________________________________________

LAST

CITY

E-mail: _________________________

STATE

ZIP

High School Attended: ____________________

Academic Information

❍

Academic Class:

❍

Freshman

Sophomore

❍

❍

Junior

Senior

College/University to be attending/currently attending: ________________________________________________________

Family Information Names of parents/guardians: _______________________________________________________________________________

❍

Is this woman an Legacy?

Legacy Information:

Yes

❍

No

Name: ____________________________________ Relation: __________________________________

Chapter of Initiation: __________________

Relatives in other fraternal organizations (fraternity or sorority): __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Information of person making recommendation Full Name: ____________________________________ FIRST

MIDDLE

Phone: (____) ______________

❍ ❍ ❍

Street Address: _________________________________________

LAST

CITY

E-mail: _________________________

STATE

ZIP

Collegiate Chapter: _______________________

I have personally known the potential member for ______ years I know the potential member’s family Unknown but referred by reliable source Please add an additional sheet explaining how the potential new member encompasses our eight core values.

(Please give characteristics, leadership skills, honors, awards, extracurricular activities, community service, etc.)

MAIL FORM: Send this form directly to the collegiate chapter. Please contact national headquarters for the chapter’s mailing address at asa@alphasigmaalpha.org or (317) 871-2920. Send an additional copy to Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

FOR COLLEGIATE USE ONLY Date reference form received:

❍ 10

She joined

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

❍

Date acknowledged by the chapter: She joined

sorority

❍

She did not join a sorority SUMMER 2009

B Y B A R B W I L L I A M S O N ,

National Historian

From the television station W- to the L.E.A.P. (Love, Energy, Audacity, Proof) method, the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute (LDI) has been helping develop Alpha Sigma Alpha leaders for 20 years.

Countless women have benefited from LDI over the past two decades.

This summer, another group of women came together in Pittsburgh, PA, and St. Louis, MO, to continue the process of learning from each other and developing skills and assets that will carry them through their college years and well into their chosen careers.

In the 1960s, provided leadership events, but they were only for chapter officers. Paula Foreman, , vice president of program in the mid 1980s recalled, “My dream was to bring back the old Officer Training Schools that were held in the 1960s. My thought was also that we needed something on the off-convention years to bring chapter officers and members together under the guidance of the national organization and officers for more in-depth training, like a ‘mini’ convention.”

This new leadership program would prepare collegiate women for current and future challenges as leaders, not only within their chapters but also on their campuses and in future jobs.

According to Elaine Fuerst, , vice president of programs in the late 1980s, a core group of women decided LDI should not be just for officers. This core group wanted to know what Alpha Sigs actually did want, so the group sent out surveys to collegians and alumnae to see what people desired in a leadership seminar. Elaine then held a planning meeting at her house to compile the list into a workable LDI program.

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LDI sharing the vision for

20 years

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA

11

“Because of my sorority experience, I’m not afraid to try anything . . . friendship, leadership, job, travel, helping people, etc. I learned it at the feet of all the other great women— the national officers. Through the sorority, I’ve learned project management, teamwork and getting along with others.

The sorority experience gives you an edge over others. I love to hire sorority women. They know how to get along with other adults, how to plan events, how to raise funds and how to handle meetings.”

—Elaine Fuerst,

LDI 2009 was a big success this year.

Over 330 collegiate women from across the country attended events in Pittsburgh, PA, and St Louis, MO. Participants experienced the Radical Leap as they learned about love, energy, audacity and proof. Here are some of the things participants had to say: ■

“It was great! I learned so much from other chapters, as well as the whole program.”

■

“I learned the importance of ritual as well as how to positively motivate and lead people.”

■

“I can change the world if I just try!”

■

“I experienced a renewed love for my chapter and my sisters which encouraged me.”

12

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

“We decided what people wanted was to be leaders, not only in college, but the rest of their lives,” added Elaine.

Marti Stratton, , was among those women who served on national council and helped with the first LDI. She was part of the group that met at Elaine’s house to plan the event.

“It was the ‘perfect storm’ of all the ideas coming together to merge into LDI,” Marti remembered.

Kim Meyer, , chairman of membership education in 1986, was also involved in the initial planning group.

She recalls the planning session at Elaine’s house which was full of laughter, late nights and lots of ideas.

“Needless to say, it was very exciting!

The whole concept and scope were way beyond anything we had tried before.

I think we were as excited and nervous as the collegians who attended. We had a good program for them,” added Kim, “and we were confident in that.”

That first LDI at Penn State in October of 1989 began with a taped interview with Emma Coleman Frost, ,

by Deb Dietrich, .This interview gave everyone a glimpse of the woman who made LDI possible.

“Em Frost really wanted to do something that would have an impact at the chapter level by creating leaders,” Marti said. “Rosemary Carucci Goss was the key to selling the idea to Em.

Rosemary was very adept at seeing steps that needed to take to move forward in ways that were prudent, challenging and encouraging.”

Elaine wanted to share with collegians what the sorority experience can do for their futures. “Because of my sorority experience, I’m not afraid to try anything . . . friendship, leadership, job, travel, helping people, etc. I learned it at the feet of all the other great women—the national officers. Through the sorority, I’ve learned project management, teamwork and getting along with others.

The sorority experience gives you an edge over others. I love to hire sorority women. They know how to get along with other adults, how to plan events, how to raise funds and how to handle meetings.”

These skills were part of what Elaine wanted to share with the collegians through the LDI experience.

The first LDI program included conflict management and team building as well as taking the Myers-Briggs Personality Profile test. Chapter advisors from nearby came and talked about various jobs they had held and the expectations involved. These advisors went through conflict management as well. The collegians learned how to deal with conflicts between two people.

Everyone learned about interpersonal relationships.

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What was the result of the first Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute? It was a huge success! There was enormous participation from the 82 collegians and 14 national officers in attendance.

“The women got what they needed right there, and the rest of the information will incubate and bubble up when they need it,” reflected Elaine.

Kim added, “I remember leading the last session. We had these large, white boxes that we wrote the key concepts on—we stacked them one by one.

It was very high energy and kind of a review of everything we’d talked about during LDI.” Cindy Fundis Smith,

, was a facilitator at the first LDI and has helped plan several more while on national council. She met with Em multiple times and always talked to her after each LDI she planned.

“This was Em’s dream,” Cindy commented. “She believed in the potential of young women and what could provide for them. Em didn’t want these women to leave a LDI with a handout; she wanted them to have a whole notebook of material! She thought could provide that for our women.

Em was the most down-to-earth woman, a grandmotherly type.”

Marti agreed. “Em’s goal was to reach out and do something that mattered and

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would benefit chapters. We just followed what the bigger chapters were doing.”

Elaine concluded, “Em was pleased and thrilled with LDI. She was grateful and felt blessed that all of this was taking place under her name.”

Through the years LDI has changed themes and presentation styles, but the impact on lives has remained powerful.

“One of the most memorable LDIs I had was in Baltimore when the power at the hotel went out in a huge electrical storm,” said Nora Ten Broeck, , current vice president of operations and LDI facilitator. “It was out for several hours, but we continued on in the dark with the curriculum and had a lot of fun in the process!”

Melissa Koch Merriam,

, current vice president of membership, attended LDI in 1999. “LDI was a remarkable and fun experience for me. The opportunity to interact with women from other chapters, share ideas and work as a team was very rewarding. I was challenged personally as an individual.

The challenges helped develop me into a better member and leader. I was able to make more of a difference in serving my chapter the next year because of this experience.”

Keri Kemmerer, , attended LDI in St. Louis in 2001 and has great memories of her experience. “LDI was one of my favorite memories. It was a great

bonding experience where my chapter sisters were revitalized and motivated to take many new ideas back to our chapter.

I learned so much about myself as a leader and what it truly meant to be an . It was also such a great experience and opportunity to meet so many other sisters from all over and to really understand that bond we all had with one another.”

Brittney Payne, , attended the St. Louis LDI in 2007 and found a lifetime of sisterhood awaiting her. “I learned that not just my own sisters were my good friends, but that girls who were over 300 miles away from me invited me into their chapter with love and hospitality.

Another chapter much closer to my own chapter did the same thing when I ran into trouble with my car on the way to Missouri. I am very grateful to have met them and have them in my life now.” s of all ages can appreciate the dynamic and continuous power that an event like LDI can have on women’s lives.

LDI is the event that keeps on giving.

There are many women who first went to LDI as a collegian and had such a positive experience that they now return as a facilitator! What an awesome testimony to the importance of LDI in their lives!

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13

P ROFILE: Betty Urban Wallick

Past national president is an inspiration of character and concern for others

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BY CHRISTINE STRAPAC T H O M A S , National Vice President of Communications Since becoming a member in 1944, past National President Betty Urban Wallick, ZZ, has been leading, serving and making a difference in our sorority, her profession and the community.

She is an inspiring example of giving freely of yourself throughout her lifetime.

Her love and involvement in Alpha Sigma Alpha began at Central Missouri State Teachers College where Betty served as the Zeta Zeta Chapter president for two years. While living in central Pennsylvania, she was a long-time member of the Central Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter and held a variety of offices including president.

Since 1970, Betty served Alpha Sigma Alpha on the national level as Phoenix editor and national president. During the 1980s, she volunteered as historian, member of the National Panhellenic Conference delegation and Foundation chairman. During the 1988 convention, Betty was presented with the Evelyn G. Bell Award for her years of loyalty and service to Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Betty shared a passion for service in her professional and personal life. As a teacher of English and public speaking for 30 years, her dedication and loving guidance to young people led her to establish the National Honor Society and speech program at Central York High School, York, PA. When this Alpha Sig retired in 1985, she moved west to sunny Yuma, AZ. You might think she earned a well-deserved rest from volunteering . . . not Betty! She joined the Yuma Alumnae Panhellenic to assist with the mission of fundraising for collegiate scholarships for six years until the organization disbanded.

When a door closes, a window opens.

At Betty’s local exercise class, she met women who were involved with the Assistance League of Yuma. The parent organization, the Assistance League, is a 120-chapter, nationwide organization that puts caring and commitment into action through community-based philanthropic programs. The Yuma chapter raises funds in its all-volunteer thrift store to support

Operation School Bell, which provides new school clothing from head to toe for underprivileged children in the Yuma area. The chapter also provides teddy bears to fire and emergency personnel for traumatized children and new clothing kits to assault victims at the Yuma Regional Medical Center’s emergency room.

For the past nine years, Betty has volunteered at the Yuma Assistance League’s thrift store with friends Ceil Miller and Shirley Morris. Betty presently manages the department that stocks records, CDs and stationary.

Ceil Miller, a volunteer in the hardware department, met Betty there nine years ago. When asked about her relationship with Betty, Ceil said, “Betty is the most giving person I have met.�

These women are volunteers who became friends that support the league and one another. Their friendship has gone beyond the thrift store to attending baseball games, community theater and concert series.

Betty continues to volunteer in the store two to three days a week. Reflecting on why she volunteers at the thrift store, Betty replied, “I like doing good things and helping someone in any way that I can.�

What will future volunteering bring for Betty? She has plans to leave the Southwest and return to central Pennsylvania in 2010 to reside near family and old friends. Fellow Assistance League volunteers Ceil and Shirley will be sad to see their friend and fellow volunteer leave the area and thrift store. But there is no doubt that Alpha Sigma Alpha sister and volunteer, Betty Wallick, will continue to give full measure by making a difference in the Keystone State.

As Shirley Morris said, “Betty is a real lady. She is special.� Her sisters know that she is a special Alpha Sigma Alpha who loves life and enjoys each day to its ultimate good and inspires us to continue to lead and serve.

If you would like further information about the Assistance League and a chapter in your area, please visit their web site at www.assistanceleague.org.

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Member profiles Alpha Sig Peace Corps volunteer travels to Micronesia B Y B R I T T N E Y S L O V A K , Collegiate Chapter Editor/Historian

her newest Christy and ey. a local monk friend Chiki,

Zeta Lambda alumna Christy Piccoli Lejkowski did what most others are scared to do. She packed up her things, left everything she knew and went to a country on the other side of the world. With little knowledge of the language and not knowing anyone besides her husband Rick, Christy is now helping the less fortunate as a Peace Corps volunteer in Palau, Micronesia.

In the small country, far from Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, Christy found herself teaching freshman level reading and writing with little to no experience. She graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and became a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha in the spring of 2002.

“I came into this experience with no teaching experience and found myself responsible for 75 students! It was so nerve-racking those first few weeks standing

up in front of everyone trying to bridge gaps in language and culture, to engage the students in a way that would make them interested in learning from an outsider,” said Christy.

Since her arrival, Christy helped start a SAT prep program for college-bound students, worked with the local Red Cross Society and is currently helping organize a spelling bee to send one student to Washington for the national spelling bee.

While she continues to help others, her close of service date is slowly approaching in less than 10 months.

Christy further said, “I feel so lucky to have been afforded this opportunity, and it’s so great to know that I have the love and support of all my friends and family back home. The Peace Corps is such an amazing organization. I suggest that anyone with any interest in working overseas give it serious consideration.”

A collegian’s personal story on how she found the meaning of sisterhood B Y T A N G E L I A C A N N O N , Phoenix Contributor Although I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family where my sister was my best friend, I have longed for that same connection since I moved to Austin Peay State University (APSU). Despite having some of the best sorority sisters in the world, it was not until the spring of 2009 that I finally realized what the word “sisterhood” truly means.

From the moment I was introduced to my little sister, Kim Forsythe, I realized that we were perfect for each other. Not only did we participate in the same activities in high school, but as young women we enjoy doing the same things. We both have a love for cake icing — though many others simply do not understand it. We enjoy the same movies and keep each other laughing when we are together.

On Friday, March 27, 2009, we participated in the APSU School of Education’s first “Amazing Race.” When I signed up for this event, it simply did not click in my mind that we would be running. I simply thought that SUMMER 2009

this would be a fun activity to spend with Kim. In fact, during the race we ran at least six miles. Unfortunately, for me, I am not a runner. I despise running.

As Dr. Benita Bruster, the coordinator of the event, gave us the “1-2-3-go,” I did my best to run. I ran as fast as I could. But before we were even to the first stop, which was about a half mile away from the starting line, I was already breathing heavily and doubting myself. At this point, even though the race had just begun, I knew that I was not physically capable of completing this race. Kim, however, was not about to give up on me.

Through her constant encouragement, I did my best to keep up. I continued to run as fast as I could, although by this point, the only running that I could do was speed walking.

At each stop, a task had to be completed.

Some of these tasks included running to the top floor of the science building to drop a ball off the balcony, doing push-ups and sounding off to “I’m a Little Teapot” or doing one mile on the elliptical machine.

Although we were supposed to complete

each of these in a rotation, Kim knew that I was not able to do anything that was too physically strenuous. So, despite my trying, Kim completed most of the tasks.

By the time we Kim and Tangelia after the got close to the “Amazing Race.” finish line, two hours of constant physical torture had passed. We were both exhausted and decided to take a shortcut. This is when my ankles finally gave out, and I fell spraining my right ankle.

Although I tried to have Kim finish the race without me, she would not budge.

She wanted to make sure that I was okay.

At this point, I knew that I had no other choice. Through my tears and acute pain, I stood up and hobbled the rest of the way to the finish line.

We did not finish first, but I learned a valuable lesson. In times of trouble, a true sister will be your strength, your coach and your best friend.

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15

D ISTRICT DAY

Alpha Sigma Alpha District Day 2009–10: I am significant

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B Y N A Y D I A S P E A R S , Leadership Development & Event Coordinator Are you significant? Do you feel significant? Is sorority life significant in 2009? What does it mean to be significant?

These questions and many more will be the focus of Alpha Sigma Alpha District Day 2009–10 as we explore the significance of women leaders and mentors and address the significance of sorority life.

Collegiate participants will have the opportunity to attend a series of workshops including topics like “I am beautiful,” “I am responsible” and “I am balanced.” In addition to workshops like these that focus on the eight core values of Alpha Sigma Alpha, collegiate participants are also invited to attend “Gut Check Moments,” led by The Leadership Institute: Women with Purpose.

During the 2008–09 District Day events, The Leadership Institute facilitators who led “Managing Meeting Mishaps” for collegians and “The Act of Balance” for alumnae received positive evaluations from participants. Alpha Sigma Alpha has invited the organization to be a part of this year’s programming as well. “Gut Check Moments” will walk participants through exercises that help women determine their own personal values and then provide education in using those values to make productive and confident decisions.

Alumnae attendees will have the opportunity to participate in “Creating a Coaching Culture,” where they will learn the difference between coaching and managing as well as evaluate their own personal advising style. Alumnae attendees will also be invited to take part in a reception following the farewell at each event to celebrate the success and express appreciation to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation for its financial contribution to District Day. District Day 2009–10 will include graduating senior recognition, volunteer recognition, district guiding star announcements, philanthropic projects, alumnae receptions and all

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Dates and locations District District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 & 6 District 7 District 8 District 9

City Valley Forge, PA Pittsburgh, PA Charlottesville, VA Fort Wayne, IN New Orleans, LA Chicago, IL Kansas City, MO

Date Oct. 2–3, 2009 Nov. 20–21, 2009 Feb. 26–27, 2010 Nov. 13–14, 2009 March 5–6, 2010 Oct. 23–24, 2009 Feb. 19–20, 2010

Tentative agenda (this will look a little different for each district) Friday ■ 6:00 p.m.

■ 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

■ 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday ■ 8:00 a.m.

■ 9:00 a.m.

■ 9:30 a.m.

■ 10:45 a.m.

■ 11:15 a.m.

■ 1:00 p.m.

■ 2:30 p.m.

■ 3:15 p.m.

■ 4:30 p.m.

■ 5:00 p.m.

■ 6:00 p.m.

Registration opens Chapter officer and other roundtables Optional social networking event

Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation support Registration reopens Welcome Educational block I Mini-emporium Lunch Educational block II All group physical aim focus Educational block III Roundtables/break Farewell (collegiate attendees depart) Alumnae reception (alumnae only)

new programming provided by The Leadership Institute and local alumnae.

In addition, every participant will receive a District Day tote as part of the registration fee. See additional details below for other information about the exciting District Day events taking place this fall.

Registration information All collegiate and alumnae chapters will have received District Day registration packets in August. Each packet will include registration forms and marketing materials to distribute to the chapter.

■ The registration fee for District Day 2009–10 is $45.

■ Registration for the event is due roughly 4–5 weeks before the event.

Visit the Alpha Sigma Alpha web site for specific registration deadline details.

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■

■

Late registration is $55 and will be accepted up to two weeks prior to the event.

On-site registration is highly discouraged but will be permitted for a registration fee of $70.

Programming provided by The Leadership Institute is funded in part by a significant grant from the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

For more information about getting involved with the Foundation please contact Jessica McKenna, Foundation Chairman, at jessmckenna@gmail.com.

style!

Express significance in your life District Day 2009–10 will be an unforgettable event. So what are you waiting for? Get excited about understanding yourself, being confident and meeting new people. For more information about District Day 2009–10: I am significant, contact Naydia Spears, leadership development & event coordinator, at nspears@alphasigmaalpha.org or call (317) 871-2920.

Check out the web site to learn how you can order a District Day T-shirt. The pictured tote is free to all attendees.

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Alpha Sigma Alpha welcomes newest chapter— Gamma Clio

BY JESSIE STEINBERG, GAMMA CLIO Collegiate Editor/Historian On March 21, 2009, one might have heard the clacking of heels and soft whispers in State University New York (SUNY) Cortland’s Corey Union. The Gamma Clio Colony had finally been reinstalled as a collegiate chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Grins stretched across the faces of the 74 collegians and five alumnae as they left the Sanctuary Degree service.

Among the women attending the installation weekend were National President Cindy Kelley, , District 3 District Facilitator/Installing Officer Erika Butts, , National Vice President of Finance Kim Benson, -B, Membership Growth Coordinator Amber Shaverdi Huston,

, and Leadership Consultant Nicole Millar, . All of these wonderful women helped to re-install this chapter.

Our weekend started on Friday, March 20, 2009 with a get together held at SUNY Cortland’s Alumni House. We then proceeded to Corey Union Function Room where we were joined by members from the Delta Epsilon Chapter, Mansfield University, Gamma Iota Chapter, Rochester Institute 18

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of Technology, Epsilon Theta Chapter, Penn State University at Erie-Behrend College, and Zeta Gamma Chapter from Gannon University.

The next day we all met bright and early on the third floor of Corey Union to start the ritual that would change the lives of the women of Gamma Clio forever. After, we proceeded to Tinneli’s Hathaway House for the white luncheon. Cindy Kelley presented Gamma Clio members with copies of the Alpha Sigma Alpha’s history book, The Year’s Behind Us 1901 to 2001, on behalf of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation and Phoenix Recognition pins to honor the newest members for their hard work in re-establishing Gamma Clio. The new members of the Gamma Clio Chapter retired to their homes to get ready for the formal reception that evening.

Women in beautiful evening gowns and men in crisp suits arrived in pairs as the formal reception began. The Hathaway House ballroom lit up frequently from the camera flashes and women lined up as if it were prom again to take some of the many pictures that night.

The night was filled with inspirational speakers and warm welcomes into our new home. This formal reception was magical SUMMER 2009

for the Gamma Clio women. Every woman there wore a smile.

Finally, the weekend finished with the alumnae tea, a blast from the past.

Meeting all the wonderful women of Alpha Sigma’s past gave Gamma Clio members a sense of history.

Gifts received by the chapter Engraved scrapbook from Zeta Omicron Chapter and Theta Zeta Chapter Engraved white bible and brass gong from Laurel Highlands Alumnae Chapter Engraved guest book from Greater Birmingham Alumnae Chapter $15 gift from Zeta Psi Chapter Chapter business stationary and informal note cards from Theta Epsilon Chapter

New initiates Lauren Violet Hedger Joanna Elizabeth Saturno Lauryn Elyse Abdo Amber Elizabeth Anne Golden Elizabeth Catherine Grinnell Quinn Nicole Singer Lizz Rae Kirschbaum Melissa Ann Ford Melanie Nicole Tietjen SUMMER 2009

Katelyn Leigh Kort Alix Paige Wershba Marli Claire Dempsey Heather Ann Stumpel Erica Michele Ginley Jessica Agnes Reynolds Lauren Bryant Liddiard Samantha Jean Raineri Kayla Anne Douglas Katie Lynn Rich Katie Marie Freeman Jennifer Sara Doeing Haley Jean Hudson Jacqueline Kay Thomson Laura Bacigalupo Jamie Lynn Troxell Nicolle Samantha Arcara Kati Rae Meyer Jessica Anne Garcilazo Emily Anne Balles Katy Grace Greene Leanne Wulforst Samantha Lyn Horowitz LeeAnn Mazzarisi Nina Krisel Berke Dana Christine Fjermestad Danielle Borkowski Patti Lynn Latin Mandi L Wolf Ashley Lauren Seaver

Amanda Rose Bradley Jessie Tyler Steinberg Meghan Lynne Bathke Holly Bakker Laura Bald Gina Marie Barcia Courtney Elizabeth Blanchard Kara Kay Burns Faith Lauren Callahan Alison Claire Charlebois Sheryl Ciotola Courtney Elisabeth Claypoole Kailee Yeon Danford Caitlin Cassidy DeGroat Laura Marie DiLandro Lauren Dodenhoff Laura Farmer Katy Rose Fitzgerald Jessica Ann Fleury Melissa Hillock Gabi Alyssa Kanterman Michelle Crossett Kornet Stacey Lynn McElroy Jillian Elaine Miller Maria Murad Megan Murphy Mary Elizabeth Papageorgiou Victoria R. Peleaz Kristen Mane Pinsent Erica Rappaport Kristina Marie Roach Alaina Rose Sabia Jessica R. Schacker Samantha Szucs Courtney Alison Tousaw Melissa Tuller Lauren Turner

Alumnae initiates Helen Marie DiLandro Noelle Chaddock Paley Kristen Anne Freeman Eileen Marie Hedger Maryanne G. Balles

Advisors Noelle Chaddock Paley, Gamma Clio, Membership Advisor Sean Sherwood, Recruitment Advisor Heidi Morton, Standards Advisor

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Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Strategic Vision B Y L O R I S C O T T ,

Past National President B Y C I N D Y K E L L E Y , National President “Strategic planning is worthless — unless there is first a strategic vision” — John Naisbitt, author, Megatrends Who are we? What do we stand for?

Where are we going? Our strategic vision is set by the elected leaders of our sorority, the national council and takes root in our purpose, our mission, our core values and our vision statement.

Understanding the strategic planning process The Alpha Sigma Alpha strategic plan serves as a blueprint and reinforces the purpose of our organization. A builder would not consider constructing a facility without an architect’s blueprint.

Likewise, the national council and headquarters staff does not proceed without a solid strategic plan.

Strategic planning is the process that council uses to determine the direction of the sorority for the next three years.

A strategic plan is critical to the success of our organization because it articulates our intentions, our vision for the future, in writing. It is a “living” document that guides the actions and holds accountable the leaders, staff and volunteers of the organization.

From the strategic plan, staff members develop an annual business plan which details how the strategies and objectives of the strategic plan will be accomplished, by whom and in what timeframe.

The annual budget of the sorority, the allocation of resources to projects, activities and initiatives, is driven by the business plan. All three components are inter-connected and dependent on one another: strategic plan, business plan and budget.

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Year 1 Research & Gather Information

Year 2 Formulate Ideas & Develop Strategic Plan

“Strategic Planning will help you uncover your available options, set priorities for them, and define the methods to achieve them” — Robert J. McKain, author, How to Get to the Top . . . And Stay There Alpha Sigma Alpha’s leadership is dedicated to an ongoing strategic planning model that is goals-based.

The national council subscribes to a three year strategic planning cycle.

Year one is devoted to research and gathering information, year two is dedicated to formulating ideas and developing the plan and year three is assigned to promotion, education and implementation of the plan.

Research and gather information Alpha Sigma Alpha employs a variety of research methods to gather information for its strategic plan, including: ■ Membership surveys ■ Trend analysis (recruitment statistics, campus trends) ■ SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) ■ Environmental scan (cultural and higher education trends, issues impacting the future of women and girls) ■ Researching what other NPC groups and collegiate organizations are doing

Year 3 Execute Strategic Plan

■

Focus groups with members at District Day events ■ Appreciative Inquiry with various principal groups (staff members, Foundation trustees) The input of our membership is vital to the development of the strategic plan and likewise our members play an important role in the execution and evaluation of the plan as well.

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan” — Eleanor Roosevelt Formulate ideas and develop strategic plan Once all research and information gathering has been completed, the national council convenes for a series of strategic planning sessions. The purpose of these meetings is to disseminate, review and analyze the results of the research and information gathering. The national council formulates ideas and develops the strategic plan for the next three year period.

“Setting the goal is not the main thing.

It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan” — Tom Landry, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys 1960–1988

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Create the business plan The national council reviews the strategic plan and mission to determine what priorities exist for the coming year.

A business plan is developed by the national headquarters staff on an annual basis. The business plan is the detailed plan of work for the upcoming fiscal year.

This plan outlines how the organization will accomplish the short-term objectives in the strategic plan and who is responsible for completing the work.

The annual budget is determined based upon the business plan. Staff routinely provides council with progress reports and status of the strategic plan.

“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people” — Chinese Proverb Execute strategic plan The national council is responsible for informing the membership of the strategic plan, promoting the strategic goals of the organization and educating the members about the strategic direction of the sorority. Effectively communicating the objectives of the sorority allows for all stakeholders — collegians, alumnae, volunteers, parents and administrators to claim ownership and actively participate in achieving the mission of Alpha Sigma Alpha. The national council holds staff, volunteers and itself accountable for the implementation and completion of the strategic plan.

Celebrate successes A well constructed strategic plan must be realistic and measurable.

It is important to feel a sense of accomplishment as goals are achieved.

Seeing strategies and action plans realized is a motivating and inspiring experience.

Our strategic plan is continually scrutinized and adjusted to reflect current conditions within our Sorority and the Greek community. As the time closes on our 2006-2009 strategic plan, we evaluate our progress, celebrate our successes and adjust the 2009–2012 strategic plan as necessary. At least 50 percent of every council meeting is devoted to strategic thinking and planning. As one can see, it is a continuous endeavor.

Defining our vision One additional strategic discussion that has taken place over the past year is in regards to the sorority’s vision. When we answer the questions of who we are, what we stand for and where we are heading, we can look to our mission, our purpose and our core values.

And now we can also point to our vision statement which was adopted by national council in January 2009.

The vision of Alpha Sigma Alpha is to cultivate values and ideals in women who are known for their character and concern for others. Alpha Sigma Alpha inspires women to lead, to serve, and most of all to make a difference.

The purpose of Alpha Sigma Alpha is to foster close friendships between members and to develop women of poise and purpose.

The Mission of Alpha Sigma Alpha Alpha Sigma Alpha is a women’s organization that promotes high ideals and standards for its members throughout their lives by emphasizing balance among our four aims of intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development. Alpha Sigma Alpha provides opportunities through: Sisterhood — forming strong bonds of unconditional friendship based on common values and experiences; Heritage —expressed through creed, ritual and history; and, Leadership and Service — enhanced by chapter, campus and community involvement.

Our vision is to cultivate values and ideals in women who are known for their character and concern for others.

Alpha Sigma Alpha inspires women to lead, to serve, and most of all to

make a difference.

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21

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Strategic Vision Introducing the 2009-2012 strategic plan National council is pleased to unveil Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 2009–12 strategic plan.

The plan is built upon six key themes: membership growth, membership education and development, operations and technology, governance and leadership, character and commitment to service and organizational pride. Each key theme hosts two to four main target areas which are further defined by strategic goals.

Involving all members Strategically, it is critical that our Foundation receive support from each one of our members so our vision may come alive and become reality. Together, we can celebrate the sorority that is Alpha Sigma Alpha!

And each of us in turn can say with pride — I am Alpha Sigma Alpha!

We are Alpha Sigma Alpha!

Membership Growth Expansion ■ 85 Collegiate chapters by 2012 ■ Deliberate and purposeful expansion Alumnae Growth 100 Alumnae chapters by 2012 ■ We will have alternate and relevant opportunities for alumnae involvement.

■ All members are educated on the value and importance of alumnae initiation.

■

Recruitment All members will see the value of recruitment and will be enthusiastic in growing our sisterhood.

■ We will maximize opportunities for women to become members.

■

Governance and Leadership ■ ■ ■ ■

Expand the development of visionary leaders, effective staff and knowledgeable volunteers Maintain an adaptable and growing volunteer structure that emphasizes mentoring and opportunities Implement a purposeful succession planning process Provide personal and professional development opportunities for volunteers and staff

Organizational Pride Sisterhood and Lifetime Membership ■ Create enthusiasm for Alpha Sigma Alpha throughout a member's life ■ Explore and share a variety of meanings for lifetime membership commitment Image and Identity Preserve and protect our heritage ■ Develop visible leaders who make a difference on campus, in their community and in NPC ■

Public Relations and Marketing Promote consistent organizational values, brand and image and identify them through our marketing and public relations campaign.

■ Engage and involve our member's parents in the sorority experience ■

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Character and Commitment to Service Community Service & Philanthropy ■ Measure and share the impact of community ■ Develop a national philanthropic identity with an organization of similar goals.

Foundation Communicate the value and importance of the Foundation ■ Foster life-long giving to the Foundation ■

Risk Management, Personal Accountability, Personal Commitment Cultivate an environment that promotes healthy, secure, safe, and responsible women

■

Alpha Sigma Alpha

Membership Education and Development Advantage ■ Position Advantage as a lifetime tool for personal growth ■ Values-based educational programming ■ Provide values based learning opportunities in a variety of formats Ritual and Four Aims Increase member focus on ritual-based learning

■

Academics Encourage and support academic development for our members

■

Operations and Technology Headquarters Operations ■ To be ISO compliant, streamlined, efficient and environmentally conscious Finances Establish a framework for the protection of our assets ■ Develop alternate sources of revenue and establish long-term strategies for membership fee structure ■ Foster life-long giving to the sorority ■

Communications Promotion, protection and consistent delivery of the brand ■ Deliver professional and relevant communication ensuring members feel informed and connected ■

Technology Be a leader in utilizing innovative technology to expand programming and communications

■

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Alpha Sigma Alpha unveils its first online officer transition program B Y N A Y D I A S P E A R S , Leadership Development & Event Coordinator In 2007, Alpha Sigma Alpha began to recognize the need for an updated approach to what had been the officer transition program. Beginning that year, the national organization began exploring possibilities to provide members with a better way of transitioning new officers. After much research and a grant from the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation, a plan was developed to create an online, interactive officer transition program.

The goal of the program was to get away from the “passing the binder” method that took place consistently in chapter settings.

We wanted to provide some practical application practices to assist new officers in not only understanding their position but also how that position contributes to the overall success of the national organization. The program also includes information about the resources available, volunteer contacts and chain of command as well as multiple resources, examples and next-steptype assistance.

Features of the officer transition program include: ■ One-on-one interaction with national headquarters staff, national council and volunteers ■ Interactive flash presentations for all collegiate chapter positions ■ Next steps resources for creating an action plan for the position ■ Resources on goal setting, dealing with difficult people and strategic planning ■ Outline for a strategic planning retreat for the chapter ■ Officer-to-officer guides to help direct conversation for one-on-one transitions between old and new officers The program will be unveiled at the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute this summer. Collegiate officers will be able to use the program for the first time during the 2009 elections. The officer transition will work hand in hand with Alpha Sigma Alpha’s new Officer Portal, Your Alpha Sig Desktop, also launched at LDI this summer. These aspects represent Alpha Sigma Alpha’s continued goal to provide our membership with the most advanced and up to date technology available as well as continue our commitment to protecting and preserving the environment by decreasing the amount of paper used.

The national organization has plans to expand the officer transition program to include volunteer and advisor training over the next year.

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SUMMER 2009

S. June Smith Center news and updates

BY KENNETH HARRISON S. June Smith Center Executive Director

Thank you S. June Smith supporters First of all, thank you to all of you who contributed in some way during this past year. You can find a more detailed thank you on our Facebook Page and our Facebook Cause. Thanks to those chapters who sent in baskets for the auction at our Spring Gala. It was a last minute idea and we’ll get a reminder out early (and often) next year.

Ways to be involved online with the S. June Smith Center ■

■

■

Join our Facebook Cause, which you can find via the Cause application.

Invite your friends to join.

Join our Facebook Page and become a fan of the S. June Smith Center. And, once again, you can invite your friends to join.

Use Goodsearch.com as your search engine and list “S June Smith Center” as the agency you are searching for (note that there is no period after the “S”). Last year we received 1.3 cents per search (not much), which added up to a few hundred dollars (a little something we could use).

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Use Goodshop.com as your online shopping portal. As with Goodsearch, list us as the beneficiary. We receive a percentage of each sale (you can shop everywhere from Macy’s to Aeropostale to Brooks Brothers).

Just be sure to use the Goodshop portal as your starting point. Fill up your closet, stimulate the economy and support the S. June Smith Center.

Be a fashion diva, a good citizen and a philanthropist all with one click of the mouse. It’s magical.

News updates We continue to grow, despite the economic situation. Our largest program, the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program, has grown from serving 430 children a year three years ago to serving 575 children last year. We are on track to serve over 600 children this year. Our Project Together program is now in 12 different school districts, a 400 percent increase from two years ago.

We started a new program this past year, T3=Tinker, Touch and Taste, for children with feeding issues. We were able to do so because of a generous donation from the Delta Iota Chapter of at the University of Delaware.

It’s a fun program and our families love it.

For information on any of these opportunities, please contact Elyse Kauffman at (717) 299-4829 or ekauffman@sjunesmith.com. For more ideas on how to give, visit www.sjunesmith.org.

The S. June Smith Center is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation. All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Mail the S. June Smith Center at 600 Eden Road, Building I, Lancaster, PA 17601.

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25

Foundation news Group photograph of this year’s LDI participants in Pittsburgh, PA.

Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation 2009–10 Board of Trustees Jessica Bridwell McKenna, Chairman , Colorado State University – Pueblo jessmckenna@gmail.com Johanna Haag Gardner, Vice Chairman , University of Central Missouri mjhg1954@aol.com Lori White Scott, Secretary

, Emporia State University scottjk@kc.rr.com Angela Dantzler Bauldree, Treasurer , University of Southwestern Louisiana adbauldree@bellsouth.net Susanne Withsosky Alfonso NN, Drexel University Susanneasa@aol.com Marianne Busch Bullock , Central Michigan University mpbhoutex@earthlink.com Beth Zubinski Heidel , Eastern Illinois University bheidel86@comcast.net Bonita Marince Maurer , Indiana University of Pennsylvania bmaurer@us.ibm.com Anita L. Reichling -B, Kettering University Anita.Reichling@trimarkcorp.com Bente Fein Weitekamp Alpha Chi Omega bentefein@gmail.com Cindy Kelley, Ex-officio Trustee , Concord University ckelleygs@yahoo.com Kim Benson, Ex-officio Trustee -B, Kettering University kbenson6811@comcast.net The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation wishes to thank outgoing board of trustee members Diane Yencic James,

, and Jane Oleszewski Martin, , for their service and dedication to the Foundation.

Heritage Society members make it happen The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation is grateful to its Heritage Society members for their support last year. By contributing a minimum of $250 or more annually to unrestricted funds, collectively this group of enthusiastic donors donated over $50,000. The contributions helped provide educational programming for the 2008 National Convention and Leadership Conference and funded the Leadership Institute program at the 2008–09 District Day event, as well as aided scholarships, grants and a new officer transition program. Thank you!

This year, the Foundation is committed to awarding $30,250 in grant requests for the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute and District Day. But there is more we could do! These grants could be 100 percent funded through the generosity of just 121 Heritage Society members. Increased donor participation would allow us to fund future opportunities such as leadership consultant training, extreme leader weekend or new sorority programming initiatives.

Just think what the Foundation could do if: â– 200 sisters donated $23 per month = more than $50,000 in annual donations â– 500 sisters donated $5.75 per week = more than $125,000 in annual donations You can help the Foundation make that happen! Join the Heritage Society simply by contributing a minimum of $23 a month to unrestricted funds. Along with the satisfaction that you are supporting the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha, the Foundation will send you a beautiful badge to wear.

For more information, please contact the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation at (317) 713-1924, fndstaff@alphasigmaalpha.org or visit our web site at www.alphasigmaalpha.org/foundation.

Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation’s Mission To invest in the potential of women by promoting service, leadership and lifelong learning through charitable giving.

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PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SUMMER 2009

D istrict news

1

Relationships &

Integrity

2

1. Shanna Callan-Moody, , with Kris Allen, American Idol contestant, in Hollywood after he was declared safe after movie week (April 15, 2009) on the Fox television show American Idol. Shanna is good friends with Kris and his wife, Katy. They were all school mates since junior high and he even sang at her wedding. Katy invited her to be in the American Idol audience with her that particular week. This photo was taken while they were at dinner celebrating with him. During their little photo shoot, Shanna was inspired to teach Kris the Alpha Sig crown because she knew her sisters would get a kick out of it.

“He is an ultimate example of someone who was able to seek, aspire, and attain his goals and make his dream come true. Kris Allen wears the crown,” Shanna says. 2. The Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter put together Easter bag goodies for a local nursing home. 3. Zeta Pi alumnae and members of the Southern Colorado Alumnae Chapter Kristi Lettig, Andrea Sanchez, Janae Passalaqua, Deanna Miller and Heather Burke. The Southern Colorado Chapter collected formal dresses to donate to Becca’s Closet. 4. Epsilon Epsilon Chapter members Laura Mersman and Sarah Kirby during spring break at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in front of a metal palm tree.

4

3

SUMMER 2009

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27

D istrict news

1

Balance &

Learning

2

1. The Zeta Rho Chapter at the University of West Alabama in Livingston was awarded the James P. Homer Award for Most Outstanding Organization for 2009. Pictured left to right are Casey Smith, Ashley Jespersen, Brandi Burdett, Erin Hare and Lacy Isbell. In the front row from the left are Sarah Mercer, Erin Williams, Jessica Bridgmon, Ashlee Gray, Kelli Gargus and Ginger Snow. Kneeling in front is Olivia Evans. 2. The Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter, MS, at their annual Queen Narcissus Feast to celebrate Mardi Gras. In the front row are Beta Delta alumnae Susan Taylor Tullos, Kim Tillman Busche, Dolly Purvis Loyd and in the back row are Dottie Thomsen Long, Ursula Jones, Betty Eurie Wimberly and Lynn Jones Meador. 3. Zeta Lambda Chapter members at Rowan University at the powder puff football game during Greek Week. 4. A group of Alpha Chapter alumnae met in Virginia Beach to have a wedding shower for Heather Davis and a baby shower for Nancy Pillow Moore. In the first row from the left are Heather Davis, Wende Davis Temme, Tricia Popular Fisher, Jennifer Beazley Nielsen, Katie Allen Ellington and Katie Logan Bullock. In the back row from the left are Julie Wiley Levine, Michelle Ragsdale Sommardahl and Carolyn Nelson Peterson.

4 3

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PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

SUMMER 2009

N ews & events

Let's Twitter Kelly Morello, , received the 2009 Outstanding Alumna Award at the Philadelphia Area Panhellenic Spring luncheon.

Alpha Sigs making a true difference Many kudos go out to our collegiate chapters and individual collegians and alumnae who have received some high honors and recognition this spring on their local campuses and in their communities.

Our newly re-installed Gamma Clio Chapter rocked the SUNY-Cortland campus this spring and brought home the highest Greek honors. The chapter's president Lauren Hedger was awarded Outstanding Sorority Member of the Year and the chapter was named Outstanding Greek Chapter of the Year for best exemplifying the social, academic, philanthropic and community service attributes of the campus' Greek community.

The Zeta Rho Chapter at the University of West Alabama received honors this spring for being the most outstanding campus organization.

Our newest chapter, Theta Iota Chapter at Oregon Institute of Technology was named as the outstanding student organization at their campus leadership banquet which took place a few days before the chapter was installed. Be on the lookout for their feature story in the fall issue of the Phoenix.

Our colony at Texas A&M University-Kingsville received many honors at their leadership banquet. The group was recognized for the best community service project for breast cancer awareness, best collaborative effort for community service with Kappa Delta Chi and Outstanding Greek Chapter of the Year. Colony member Shanie Garcia also received recognition as a university Emerging Leader.

Our soon-to-be colony at Frostburg State University is currently known on campus as a local sorority, Alpha Gamma Sorority, was also honored at their university's banquet. The group received the Sorority of the Year award and was the top finisher in the sorority division in all award categories. Many individual members were also recognized for their scholastic achievements.

Our collegians are not the only ones making headlines. We also have some alumnae who are being recognized for making a difference in their area alumnae Panhellenic associations.

Congratulations to Jenny Sterrett, , for being recognized as Greek Woman of the Year by the Nashville Area Alumnae Panhellenic. Congratulations to Kelly Morello, , who was recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Alumna at the Philadelphia Area Alumnae Panhellenic.

Heather Riley, , was also recognized as one of Greater Kansas City Alumnae Panhellenic's Women of the Year.

Do you have some news you would like to share about your chapter or individual accomplishments? If so, please e-mail it to asa@alphasigmaalpha.org.

SUMMER 2009

Alpha Sigma Alpha is now on Twitter (http://twitter.com/asaHQ).

If you don't have a Twitter account, get one so you too can start to follow and see the various posts and updates. Currently, updates are being posted a few times a day.

Photos of members needed Have you ever been traveling and seen one of our sorority symbols like the phoenix, star, palm tree or crown? If so, please send your picture of you in front of the symbol to Louise Morales at lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org.

Pictures must be at least 500kb in size. Pictures submitted may be published in future issues of the Phoenix. Include your name, chapter and where the picture was taken.

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29

N ews & events

Colony and extension news

Alpha Sigs on Facebook In an effort to keep up with today’s social media, Alpha Sigma Alpha is utilizing Facebook to keep members well informed and connected. Through this method, we are giving up-todate news regarding Alpha Sigma Alpha. Join the Alpha Sigma Alpha Facebook group and Dot, The Ladybug fan page.

■ Facebook group — http://www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=25622734567 ■ Dot, The Ladybug fan club — http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Dot-The-Ladybug/ 132724015531?ref=sgm

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PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

We are pleased to announce that Alpha Sigma Alpha has accepted invitations to start new colonies this fall at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, and Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD. will also colonize in the winter of 2010 at Lake Erie College in Painesville, OH. We will also be visiting Valdosta University in Georgia this fall to give an extension presentation. An extension proposal has been submitted to McKendree College in Illinois.

Other campuses that have recently announced extension opportunities are Creighton University, NB, home of our closed Gamma Alpha Chapter, Arkansas State University, Lake Superior State University, MI, College of Charleston, SC, and Florida Southern College.

Our current colonies at Texas A&M University - Kingsville and Clayton State University have target installation dates this fall.

Beta Rho Housing Corporation update The annual meeting of the Beta Rho Housing Corporation of Alpha Sigma Alpha will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at the Beta Rho house at 1019 Ridge Drive, DeKalb, IL.

2008 convention newsletter wins award The 2008 Alpha Sigma Alpha National Convention and Leadership Conference newsletter, Grande Adventure, placed third in the newsletter category at the Fraternity Communications Association Annual Meeting. Members of the convention newsletter committee were Louise Morales, , Nancy Reese, , Dina Liberatore, , and Tracy Kiefer, .

SUMMER 2009

From the Archives

1928 READER’S GUIDE The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, the official quarterly publication of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, has been published continuously since 1914.

Its mission is to reflect the character of the organization and its members and to communicate the goals and direction of the sorority and Foundation.

Contact us Post us: The Phoenix, Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268 E-mail us: lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org Call us: (317) 871-2920; for magazine questions, select ext. 20 Fax us: (317) 871-2924 Visit us: www.alphasigmaalpha.org

SUMMER 2009

The photograph is a snapshot into Chi Chi Chapter’s (Ball State University) history as a local sorority, Phi Delta Psi. Initially the chapter was located at the Teachers College of Indianapolis which closed in 1933 when the school was absorbed by Butler University.

The chapter was relocated to Ball State University in 1936 and closed in 1995.

How to receive the Phoenix All collegiate members and alumnae members receive the Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Individual copies are mailed to each member’s permanent address and a few are sent to the chapter editor or the chapter house.

Parents and guardians Your daughter’s magazine is being sent to your address while she is in college.

We hope you enjoy reading it too.

If she is not in college, or is no longer living at home, please send us her new permanent address (see below).

How to change an address You can send address changes to the mailing address listed above or e-mail your old and new addresses to asa@alphasigmaalpha.org. You may also call us at (317) 871-2920, ext. 110.

How to get published

How to send a letter to the editor

Collegiate chapters and alumnae chapters: Each editor is a correspondent for the Phoenix magazine.

View deadlines and photo requirements listed below. Chapter updates and photos must be submitted via e-mail to lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org. If you have news about an individual alumna, please send information to lmorales@alphasigmaalpha.org or send information to the address above.

We always welcome your comments— both criticism and praise—about this publication. E-mail lmorales@ alphasigmaalpha.org or send mail to Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

Photo requirements

General deadlines for submissions Winter issue: Sept. 10 Spring issue: Dec. 10 Summer issue: March 10 Fall issue: June 10

Please e-mail only high resolution photos at least 500kb in size. Only pictures that are of good quality can be used. Pictures that are blurry or have been scanned do not produce well and therefore cannot be used. Pictures should tell a story of what is happening.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMa ALPHA

31

Thanks to the many alumnae who supported the Arista Alumnae Association, we received voluntary donations that allowed us to: â–

â– â– â–

Improve and expand the use of technology for communications with chapters, and our members Sister Circle development, launch and upkeep Expansion of the Alpha Sigma Alpha web site Overall sorority growth through the expansion of new collegiate colonies

Alpha Sigma Alpha needs your continued support!

In order to sustain these accomplishments and continue our growth, we must commit new resources to the sorority again this year.

Your continued support could provide: â– â– â– â– â–

â–

Continued sorority growth through new collegiate colonies and expansion Cap & Compass books for graduating seniors Alumnae receptions at convention and district days Expansions and updates to Sister Circle Training and support materials for volunteers working with collegiate chapters, alumnae associations and house corporations Special assistance for chapters facing challenges

Please consider renewing your support today by joining the Arista Alumnae Association.

Krystal Geyer Slivinski, Alpha Sigma Alpha Executive Director Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter President

To learn more about the Arista Alumnae Association or to register for membership, visit www.alphasigmaalpha.org or call (317) 871-2920.