The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha: Winter 2012 by Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority

P page 6

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hoenix

Alpha Sigma Alpha brings help and

hope to the Joplin, MO, community

Theta Pi Chapter installation

Winter 2012 | Volume 98

6 Zeta Alpha Chapter women pose in REBUILD JOPLIN T-shirts. PHOTO CREDIT: Courtney Caldwell

w i nter 2 0 1 2 C O NT ENTS

FEATURES Cover Story, page 12:

“Celebrating12 our Journey” 2012 National Convention & Leadership Conference 6

PHOTO CREDIT: Katie Matis, DH

Alpha Sigma Alpha brings help and hope to the Joplin, MO, community

Theta Pi Chapter installation

National Panhellenic Conference 2011 annual meeting

D E PA R T M E N T S

12 PHOTO CREDIT: Virginia Beach CVB

PHOTO CREDIT: Denver Alumnae Chapter

Editor’s desk

From the president

Foundation news

District news

News & events

From the archives

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hoenix

E di to r ’ s D e S K Volume 98, Number1

Dear readers,

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

In the fall issue of the Phoenix, we rolled out the new brand promise of Alpha Sigma Alpha, to develop women of poise and purpose. While working on this issue, it was apparent to me that many of our members are already making good on this promise.

published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Produced by Shelle Design Inc., www.shelledesign.com. ©Alpha Sigma Alpha Send address changes, death notices and business correspondence to the national headquarters. Address all editorial correspondence to the editor. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to

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

DEADLINES Winter

Sept. 10

Spring

Dec. 10

The collegiate and alumnae members making their way through daily life after the tragic tornado in Joplin, MO, the national volunteers who are working hard to plan the 2012 national convention & leadership conference in July and the women of the newly installed Theta Pi Chapter, Alpha Sigma Alpha’s first collegiate chapter in the state of Utah, are all women of poise and purpose. These sisters are just a small sampling of the many members delivering on the brand promise. You can expect to read the stories of more Alpha Sigma Alpha members in future issues of the Phoenix and how they too are delivering on the brand promise.

Summer March 10 Fall

June 10

EDITOR

I hope that you enjoy reading this issue and start thinking about how you will leave your legacy as women of poise and purpose.

Erika Ann Butts, EK ebutts@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z. Reese, BU

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Erika Ann Butts Phoenix Editor

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

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criticism and praise—about this publication.

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Email ebutts@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or send mail to: Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

F rom the P r es i dent

Delivering on our brand promise… B Y C INDY KELLEY, BP | N ATI O N A L PR E SI D E N T

How many of us are loyal to a certain product or brand over all others? Why is that? I often encounter people who have this type of brand loyalty with soft drinks – avid Coca Cola fans versus Pepsi consumers, and I must admit that I often find myself in this group. Companies everywhere work hard to establish a name for themselves and strive to create a product or service that drives their business. And most successful organizations realize that as important as the product or service is that they deliver, it is equally important to ensure the product does what it is supposed to do consistently and that customer expectations are being met at every step along the way. The “how” and “why” are just as important as the “what.” How many times have you made a purchase only to be disappointed with its quality, life span, service or the fact that it just did not live up to your expectations? In today’s economy, consumers look for deals but they are not always willing to sacrifice quality and service in order to get a less expensive product. Brand loyalty often stems from companies living up to their brand promise. Dr. Jean Wilcox, co-author of AbuLLard’s “ABC’s of Branding,” says “a brand promise is the statement that you make to customers that identifies what they should expect for all interactions with your people, products, services and company. It is often associated with the company name and/or logo.” Perhaps one of the most widely identifiable brands belongs to Apple. It is a brand that focuses on the delivery of its brand promise. Apple focuses on delivering on what it values most: quality, simplicity, innovation, collaboration, significance and courage. These values represent their brand promise and guide their decision making and customer experience. You may be wondering why you are reading about brand promise in a sorority magazine. Just as women are being savvy shoppers regarding the products and services they purchase, we also are considering how we invest our most treasured resources – time,

talent and treasure in the activities that we pursue. We do not want to waste our valued resources on involvements that do not meet our expectations. As a national sorority, we must ensure we are delivering on our brand promise. Our mission, vision, creed, ritual, core values and logo help make up our brand promise. How are we doing on delivering on our brand promise? Take a moment and think about these few questions: F What expectations do you have when you see the Alpha Sigma

Alpha logo and tag line or when you read our mission or creed? F W hen you participate in sorority educational initiatives, do you feel they are built upon our core values and vision? F I n what ways has the sorority helped you to be a woman of poise and purpose? FH ow do you measure the impact that Alpha Sigma Alpha has had on your life? FC an you communicate the benefits you have gained from your Alpha Sigma Alpha experience? As you reflect on your Alpha Sigma Alpha experience and how it has helped to define who you are, I hope you will honor and continue to enjoy your lifetime commitment to the sorority. I invite you to share your feedback on these questions and how you think we are doing on upholding our brand promise. I would love to hear from you and can be contacted at asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org. As we welcome 2012, I look forward to continuing to partner with you to ensure that Alpha Sigma Alpha’s promise to develop women of poise and purpose endures.

In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

our ASA s isters

Alpha Sigma Alphas bring help and hope to the Joplin community

05.22.11 BY Leah WestFALL, ΔΗ | Phoenix Contributor PHOTO CREDITs: Courtney Caldwell

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

On May 22, 2011,

It was not long after the tornado carrying 200 mph winds touched down and

a devastating

action. The tornado hit at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2011, cutting a six-mile

tornado hits

including damage to school buildings, hospitals and the roofs of two

Joplin, MO

lingered in Joplin, MO, that Alpha Sigma Alphas across the country sprang into path of destruction through the city. It left more than 2,000 structures leveled, fire stations. The tornado also caused damage to thousands of homes and claimed the lives of more than 160 individuals.

Joplin is the home to Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Zeta Alpha Chapter at Missouri Southern State University. There are also many Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae members who live in the Joplin area. “Before I knew it, it was 10:30 at night, pitch black in my house and all you could hear were constant sirens,” said Tara Marr Horinek, ΗΗ, an ΑΣΑ alumna who attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS, and now lives in the Joplin area with her husband and three young sons. Tara lives about three miles from where the tornado actually hit. While their home was not damaged by the tornado, the homes of her friends and neighbors were. “That night feels like a surreal experience,” said Tara. At the time of the tornado, Samantha Eriksen was the president of Zeta Alpha Chapter. Samantha said, “Knowing that a very intense storm was passing through Joplin made me very nervous. After I found out how terrible it was, my first thoughts were to my sisters that lived in town. Mentally, I went through and made a list of sisters that lived or worked where it hit and began calling. The phone lines were extremely touchy and you were lucky if your call went

Joplin High School after the tornado touched down.

through. Only text messages were making it through, so that was our main form of communication. I didn’t find out that all of the members in our chapter were accounted for until the next day around noon. Some of our sisters’ phones were dead or not with them. The phone calls I received from national headquarters and our district facilitator, Kat Wolfington Harth, EE, were very comforting.” Beta Sigma alumnae do their part to help those in Joplin While some individuals and residents of Joplin were heading away to escape the destruction caused by the storm, two ΑΣΑ alumnae made travel plans to head into town and get to work. Nicolette Cusick, ΒΣ, and Keely Bontrager,

ΒΣ, who attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, returned to the Joplin area in the height of the damage to volunteer their time and efforts wherever they could. Nicolette now lives in Denver and Keely lives in St. Louis. The two chapter sisters remained close after graduation and took time off from work to travel to Joplin. Nicolette’s family lives in Joplin, and thankfully they were all safe after the tornado. The chapter sisters still wanted to do whatever they could to help those in the Joplin community. Keely recalls picking Nicolette up from the airport in a car so loaded with donated clothing, food and goods from friends and family that there was no room for Nicolette’s luggage. The two women

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our ASA s isters

volunteered at the salvation army organizing the donated materials that were brought in, purchased gift certificates with donated money to be distributed to those in need of clothing and other essential items and spent $300 at PetSmart to help stock the area’s humane society. Keely and Nicolette also spent some time volunteering at the humane society. “The Joplin residents are all so strong and were helpful in lifting each other up,” said Keely after her volunteer experience.

Women of the Zeta Alpha Chapter and Gerad Ewing from GetSomeGreek.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

Alpha Sigma Alpha and GetSomeGreek support Joplin residents Shortly after the tornado, Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters was contacted by Gerad Ewing, owner of GetSomeGreek, a company in St. Louis that designs and sells apparel and accessories to fraternities and sororities. Alpha Sigma Alpha and GetSomeGreek have worked on many other projects together, including designing logos and T-shirts for District Day events, as well as for the national convention & leadership conference. Gerad, and his team at GetSomeGreek decided that due to the company’s close proximity to Joplin, they would do everything they could to help. “Many, if not all of us, at GetSomeGreek had friends, family or both that were directly impacted by the disaster,” said Gerad. Gerad approached Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters staff with the idea to create and sell a T-shirt where all proceeds were donated to the American Red Cross. Even though GetSomeGreek has worked closely with ΑΣΑ for years, this was the first time the two organizations collaborated on a philanthropic effort.

The collaboration between the two organizations and the designers at GetSomeGreek resulted in a REBUILD JOPLIN T-shirt that served as a sign of optimism for the community of Joplin. The bright yellow T-shirt, printed with bold black ink read, “Proud of our past – Rebuilding our future” and featured a sunburst and the state of Missouri. The shirt sold for $15 on GetSomeGreek.com, with the intent that all proceeds of the T-shirt would be donated to the American Red Cross in Joplin to help with their relief efforts. GetSomeGreek and ΑΣΑ agreed on the goal of a $5,000 donation. Alpha Sigma Alpha helped promote the sale of the T-shirts to our members and also members of other fraternities and sororities through social media.

philanthropy are a focus during college, the value never fades. It is no surprise, that when tragedy struck in Joplin, there were ΑΣΑs not only on the scene but also working behind the scenes, with solutions and possible ways to help. Tara commented on the realness of the tragedy, “By it being in a city where we have an ΑΣΑ chapter

you instantly think of someone you’ve met from the collegiate chapter, or alumnae in the area and worry about them,” she said. But there’s always an ΑΣΑ ready to help. “I love how ΑΣΑs from all over the country jumped at any chance to help,” said Keeley. “That really shows what our sisterhood stands for.”

“The effort with the T-shirts really was twofold,” said Gerad. “It was not only about raising money for the community, but spreading a message of courage and hope during the rebuilding process.” On Dec. 6, 2011, the Zeta Alpha Chapter and GetSomeGreek presented a check to the American Red Cross for $5,000 during a small press conference on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. David Dillon, the executive director financial development for the Greater Ozarks Regional Chapter of the American Red Cross, accepted the check on behalf of the Red Cross.

Tornado destruction in a Joplin neighborhood.

Our values in action In a time of tragedy, ΑΣΑs are known to band together. The values of service and leadership are ingrained in Alpha Sigma Alpha, and while community service and

A wall of hope in the Joplin community.

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T heta Pi s isters

By Carli Timpson, ΖΝ, Former Leadership Consultant

Theta Pi Chapter installed on In the fall of 2009, five women seeking to promote sisterhood and service formed a social organization called the Kappa Sisters at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, UT. Two years later, the 23 members of Theta Pi Chapter celebrated their entry into the Alpha Sigma Alpha family with sisters, family and friends. The Theta Pi Chapter was the first national/international fraternal organization chartered at UVU. The chartering of the chapter was a historical accomplishment on the university’s campus. “The chapter coming together in unity and sisterhood, while working towards a common goal to become the first sorority at UVU and the first chapter of Alpha

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

Sigma Alpha in Utah, has made me very proud. They’ve made history at UVU and in their own lives,” said Chapter Advisor Allison Roach Mueller, ΒΚ. Installation guest speaker, Marissa King, serves as Utah Valley University’s program coordinator of clubs and organizations. Marissa’s speech used Lewis Carroll’s Alice Through the Looking Glass to highlight the enormous potential for experience and enjoyment the women have before them as a result of their involvement with Alpha Sigma Alpha at UVU. Marissa also encouraged them to continue their efforts in the expansion of the Greek community at the university.

Theta Pi Chapter members, with their Chapter Advisor Allison Roach Mueller, ΒΚ.

The next national fraternity/sorority to join the Theta Pi Chapter was the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, which was installed as a chapter in mid-November 2011. Together the two chapters will work to increase campus pride and improve fraternal relations with the larger university community.

New initiates of Theta Pi Chapter:

Oct. 29, 2011

Sarah Burton Jordan Coy Madison Davis Neftalin de Leon Na’Shaya Gilliam Amberly Larsen Madison Leavitt Mia Liechty Lina Linwood Devon Lonergan Briauna Mason Holly Matthews Constanza Moreno Mary Peay Skyler Pusch Sarah Schwarz Annalaura Tucker Claire Wayment Kristen Williamson Stephanie Willis Haleigh Wooden

New members of Theta Pi Chapter: In the time between receiving installation approval and receiving their charter, the women of the Theta Pi Chapter worked diligently to complete the Advantage program, elect their leadership and develop as a sisterhood. “The core values and aims of Alpha Sigma Alpha make for a well-rounded woman. It is nice that as a national organization I can go anywhere in the country and find women who are equally well-rounded because of ΑΣΑ,” said chapter secretary Holly Matthews. Theta Pi’s installation took place on Oct. 29, 2011, in UVU’s alumni house and in the lakeview room overlooking a sunset reflected on Utah Lake and the Wasatch

Mountains. The banquet was attended by sisters, parents, family and friends who gathered to dine on a formal buffet in celebration of the women’s achievements. The installation team consisted of National President Cindy Kelley, ΒΠ, Leadership Consultant Carli Timpson, ZN, Membership Growth Coordinator Katie Matis, ΔΗ, Colony Development Coordinator Sue Zorichak, BB, and District 7 Education Coaching Team Leader Leigh Ann Levy Greathouse, ΨΨ. Also in attendance were members from the Beta Beta Chapter at the University of Northern Colorado, who drove more than 18 hours roundtrip to celebrate the historical weekend.

Emily Barnett Shelcy Carpenter

Gifts to the chapter were sponsored by: Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter Epsilon Epsilon Collegiate Chapter Theta Gamma Collegiate Chapter Theta Nu Collegiate Chapter Cindy Kelley, ΒΠ

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2012 conv ent ion

By Lynne Capraro Cona, ΝΝ, Convention Project Team Coordinator & Hilary Moe, ΕΕ, Leadership Development & Event Coordinator

Alpha Sigma Alpha is thrilled to welcome you to Virginia Beach, VA, July 11-14, for the 2012 Alpha Sigma Alpha National Convention & Leadership Conference – “Celebrating our Journey.”

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

Wednesday Wednesday will begin with excitement, hugs and reunions of sisters as registration opens at 1 p.m. This year’s convention hotel is a unique property. The Founders Inn and Spa has a lot to offer. Spend the afternoon checking into your hotel room, catching up with old friends or making an appointment at the hotel’s Flowering Almond Spa. Beginning at 5 p.m., convention goers can attend the mentor/mentee event,

which will pair a first-time convention attendee with an experienced convention attendee. These pairs will get to know each other, while the experienced attendee helps the first time attendee navigate her way through the schedule and events happening throughout convention. The national convention & leadership conference will officially kick-off at 6 p.m. with a welcome from national president,

Cindy Kelley, ΒΠ, and a keynote speech from Ginny Carroll, called “The Gift of Sorority – Celebrating our Journey.” Following the welcome session, bring your best tea party hats and outfits and make your way to the garden tea party networking reception. Enjoy delicious finger foods and the company of your ΑΣΑ sisters while celebrating the beginning of a fantastic convention journey. The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation will also host an invitationonly reception later Wednesday evening. Thursday The fun of the national convention & leadership conference continues Thursday. For convention attendees who like to start their mornings with a good workout, join an exercise activity beginning at 7 a.m. or take a peaceful walk or run through the beautiful property of the Founders Inn and Spa. Thursday morning’s official events will begin with an all-group gathering at 9 a.m. that will be full of surprises that you will not want to miss. Thursday also marks the official leadership conference portion of the national convention & leadership conference. You will have the opportunity to attend two educational workshops Thursday morning and one in the afternoon. You can look forward to educational workshops on a variety of topics ranging from personal development, home improvement, personal finance, community service and more. At 12:30 p.m. we will all join together for an inspirational and historymaking philanthropic luncheon. Then at 3:15 p.m., all convention voting delegates will attend delegate orientation for a quick tutorial on convention business meetings and voting procedures. Following delegate

orientation, Alpha Sigma Alpha will kick off its first business meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday evening will have convention attendees enjoying a night of free time in Virginia Beach. Pack your bathing suit and a towel as you will have the opportunity to take a trip to the oceanfront for a fun night with your ΑΣΑ sisters. If you are looking for a unique area experience, you can also sign up for a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk. Enjoy a three-course dinner, drinks and entertainment while sailing the Norfolk Harbor. Friday Friday morning begins early for convention attendees wishing to participate in the 7 a.m. exercise activity. At 9 a.m. convention attendees will come together for the second convention business meeting. Friday afternoon we will celebrate and recognize the volunteers of Alpha Sigma Alpha at the volunteer recognition luncheon and will continue the afternoon with an open forum at 3 p.m. to hear about new and exciting things happening with ΑΣΑ. Also on Friday, plan to spend some time browsing through the famous ΑΣΑ Foundation raffle. Friday evening convention attendees are invited to a Red Tie Dinner hosted by the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. The night will close with a fun outdoor reception and pool party. Saturday Saturday morning starts at 7 a.m. with a walk/run on the trail around the Founders Inn and Spa for the early morning exercisers. At 8:30 a.m. all convention attendees will gather together in white attire to celebrate new sisters becoming members of our sorority at the Sanctuary Degree Service.

Inn and Spa. The Founders

The morning will continue with the final business meeting and the memorial service. Convention attendees can look forward to a Saturday afternoon of free time to socialize, spend time at the Flowering Almond Spa, swim, travel back to the beach or sightsee in the city. At 7 p.m. everyone will gather for the “Then and Now – Celebration of Sisterhood” awards banquet. Following the awards banquet, bid farewell to Virginia Beach at the 2014 national convention & leadership conference reveal dessert party. Sunday As a wonderful week of sisterhood comes to a close, plan to spend some extra time in Virginia Beach taking in everything the area has to offer. Pack your suntan lotion and spend a sunny day on the beach, check out the Virginia Beach Aquarium & Marine Science Center, do some extra shopping at The Town Center or visit attractions outside of the city, including Busch Gardens and the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. Are you a golf fanatic? If so, Virginia Beach has several premier golf courses. If your family is joining you in Virginia Beach, the city has several family-friendly attractions including the Ocean Breeze Water Park, Grommet Island, a beach playground for children and families and the Norfolk Tides baseball team. To find out more about Virginia Beach and what to do if you are extending your vacation, go to www.visitvirginiabeach.com.

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2012 conv ent ion

Virginia Beach CVB

2012 National Convention & Leadership Conference off-site activities ΑΣΑ beach invasion Free Thursday evening, you will have the opportunity to invade the oceanfront of Virginia Beach with your ΑΣΑ sisters. Transportation to the beach will be provided, and you will get to enjoy the best of Virginia Beach. The beach is a 20-minute car ride from the convention site. Virginia Beach’s oceanfront is home to hundreds of delicious restaurants, unique entertainment, shopping, excursions and the famous King Neptune sculpture. This will be a free-time evening on the beach for attendees, so make sure to research and plan reservations for dinner and excursions ahead of time.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

Check out www.visitvirginiabeach.com for plenty of ideas on where to eat and what to do. You may sign up for this trip when you register for convention. Spirit of Norfolk $60 per person If you are looking for a unique experience in the Virginia Beach area, the Spirit of Norfolk dinner cruise is for you. Take a boat cruise through the Norfolk Harbor, while enjoying a fine dining experience. A three-course meal, drinks and entertainment prove to be a fantastic time for anyone who sails with the Spirit of Norfolk. A minimum of 20 people is required for this trip to take place, so

gather your best pals and plan a luxurious night out cruising on the water, eating and having fun. Alumnae registration To register for the 2012 national convention & leadership conference, download the registration at www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org. Collegiate chapter registration All collegiate chapter and colony members should register by filling out the national convention & leadership conference registration form, found at www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or on the Officer Portal.

Keynote speaker: Ginny Carroll Alpha Sigma Alpha is excited to host Ginny Carroll, CEO of inGiNuity, a company focused on building personal competence and improving team synergy through possibilities planning, skill development workshops and retreats, governance coaching and keynotes.

Virginia Beach CVB

Ginny will speak to Alpha Sigma Alpha members about “The Gift of Sorority – Celebrating our Journey.” Alumnae and collegians will walk away from this program with a better understanding of the history of the sorority movement, realizing that ritual is the foundation of a strong sisterhood and appreciating that lifetime sorority involvement empowers us to develop skills critical to success throughout our lives. Prior to establishing her consulting business in 2001, Ginny worked for a software company in product development Virginia Beach CVB

and prior to that spent 15 years working for her national sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. For five of those years, she served as the national executive director. Ginny is a strong proponent of the Greek experience,

Pre-conference Alpha Sigma Alpha is excited to offer a volunteer pre-conference for collegiate chapter advisors and volunteers. Ginny Carroll, CEO of inGiNuity, will be leading a volunteer pre-conference on Wednesday, July 11, from 1-5 p.m. The pre-conference will focus on building strong volunteer teams and advisory boards, boosting group and personal morale and will help volunteers and advisors understand strategies for working with collegiate members of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Visit the Alpha Sigma Alpha website for more information.

evidenced by the Anson Award, presented to her by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors in 2006. The award is presented nationally to a “well-respected individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the fraternity/sorority community and who fosters positive change to advance the fraternal movement.” In 2010, she received Delta Delta Delta’s Vision Award for significant contributions to Delta Delta Delta and the interfraternal movement and Alpha Sigma Tau’s McCrory Award for contributions to the interfraternal movement. Ginny graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic communication and is a member of the International Alliance for Learning and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Ginny also will be presenting educational workshops during Thursday’s leadership conference.

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NPC Annual m eet ing

National Panhellenic Conference 2011 annual meeting By Jennifer M. Siler, ΑΔΠ, Editor of The Adelphean The National Panhellenic Conference delegation members, executive directors, inter/national presidents, editors, NPC office staff members, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and guests gathered at the Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, TX, Oct. 14–16 for the 2011 annual meeting. Throughout the three-day event, various groups and committees met to discuss the business of the conference, learn from guest speakers and plan for the future. “Advancing Sorority Together” was the theme of the annual meeting. In her opening remarks, NPC Chairman Eve Riley, Delta Delta Delta, told attendees that “The Conference is doing very well in our vision, mission and value statements and in our organizational effectiveness.” Important accomplishments during this biennium include a total review of the NPC bylaws, a partial review of the Unanimous Agreements and a report on the results of the Measurable Outcomes Committee. Friday evening, Dr. Lori S. White, Sigma Kappa, vice president for student affairs at Southern Methodist University, discussed the future of higher education in the 21st century and the impact of NPC. Saturday morning featured a town hall meeting with presentations by Kyle Niederpruem, Kappa Delta; Erin Nemenoff, Theta Phi Alpha; and Anne Emmerth, Chi Omega. Kyle Niederpruem, owner of Kyle Communications, a public relations and social media strategy firm

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

in Indianapolis, addressed “The Brand Promise.” A brand is a promise to your audience, constituents, customers or members. “It is who you are and what you hope to deliver to the world,” said Kyle. Kyle then detailed what she’s doing next for NPC: FU pdating the brand message and platform FC reating FAQs for use by member groups FP roducing a fill-in-the-blanks crisis communication plan for member groups FC onducting a media training refresher course for groups coming to Indianapolis Erin, chairman of the Measurable Outcomes Committee and a doctoral research fellow with the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, reported on the 2010–11 NPC survey compiled by the committee. Survey results show organizational, operational and programming information — along with bragging points. Highlights include: F2 6 NPC member groups reported a total of 4,292,824 initiated women. F2 6 NPC member groups reported 3,031 collegiate chapters. F2 2 NPC member groups reported 67 newly chartered chapters. F2 4 NPC member groups reported that 92,294 of the women pledged were initiated (102,284 total women pledged), for a 90.2 percent initiation/retention rate. F 1 2 NPC member groups reported that the average new member GPA for fall 2010 was 3.09.

F 1 9 NPC member groups reported

that 1,063 scholarships were awarded for undergraduate study. F 1 6 NPC member groups reported that 30,380 undergraduates are housed in property owned by an NCP member organization. FN PC member groups’ national philanthropic activities raised $16,659,749. Anne, formerly the executive director of Chi Omega, reported on the Measurable Outcomes Committee retention pilot study that measured Panhellenic-wide retention at six target campuses. She explained that the pilot study showed that NPC member groups do a great job of initiating their members, and retention through graduation varies significantly by campus. Although unable to make a blanket statement about NPC member groups’ contribution to campus retention, campusby-campus we could make a strong case that sororities help schools retain students. Anne suggested that the next steps for this pilot study could be to identify campuses for additional analysis. Nicki Meneley, Alpha Chi Omega, NPC executive director, showcased the RecruitmentPREP toolkit that will help prepare women for recruitment. Developed in conjunction with Interactive Collegiate Solutions, www.icsmg.com, this interactive website allows women to learn about the recruitment process in general and offers campus-specific recruitment information, resulting in a personalized handbook for the potential new member.

The Alumnae Awards Luncheon Saturday featured guest speaker Jan Langbein, Chi Omega. Jan is executive director of Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas and until 2009 held a presidential appointment as a senior policy advisor to the director of the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. During the closing banquet Saturday night, Pete Smithhisler, president and CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), received the Executive Committee Interfraternal Service Award. Lissa Bradford, Kappa Alpha Theta, received the Executive Committee Distinguished Service Award.

closed the meeting with these words: “We can reflect on the past, but we must realize that the world is moving faster than ever. We must adapt to changing times, but hold fast to the principles that have gotten us this far. When it comes down to it, look to the sister on your left and your right and ask how they will strengthen your potential.”

2011-2013 NPC Executive Committee Chairman: Jane Sutton, Alpha Xi Delta Vice chairman: Jean Mrasek, Chi Omega

Alumnae Panhellenics Committee Chairman: Mary Jane Beach, Kappa Alpha Theta

Budget and Finance Committee Chairman: Josette Kaufman, Phi Sigma Sigma

College Panhellenics Committee

After the new Executive Committee was installed, Jane Sutton, Alpha Xi Delta, NPC chairman for the 2011-13 biennium,

Chairman: Julie Johnson, Kappa Delta

Legislation passed at the meeting A complete review of the bylaws resulted in the following legislation being adopted during the annual meeting: • Associate member groups may now have one nonvoting representative on the board of directors and no more than three alternate representatives. • The number of board of director votes needed to accept an active or associate member was changed from five-sixths to three-fourths. • Active member groups delinquent in paying dues may be present at the meeting but will have no vote. • Any vacancy to the appointed positions on the Executive Committee that occurs in the first six months of a term will be considered a full term when calculating time served. • The bylaws can be amended by a three-fourths vote of the members of the board of directors. • Regarding the Unanimous Agreements (UAs), it was clarified under the section titled Jurisdiction of Panhellenic Associations (Section II, 1, C, vi) that in the area of infringements, polling means “Surveying to collect data that reflects a chapter’s internal information or requiring documents that are considered confidential material regarding the chapter’s internal operations.”

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s NPC delegation at the 2011 meeting. Front row from left: Ellen Funk Morris, ΒΛ, second alternate delegate, and Lynne Rachal Chambers, Α, delegate. Back row from left: Cindy Kelley, ΒΠ, national president, Krystal Geyer Slivinski, ΓΡ, executive director, Sue Zorichak, ΒΒ, first alternate delegate, and Eleanor Borbas Williams, Α, third alternate delegate.

• In the Panhellenic Compact, legislation was passed that defined further the membership acceptance guidelines and clarified the so-called calendar year rule allowing an eligible woman to participate in primary recruitment if she had previously declined a bid, did not receive a bid, had her pledge broken, or had a COB pledge broken. The clarification states that she is ineligible to be pledged until the beginning of the next year’s primary membership recruitment period. • Collegiate membership dues paid by NPC member groups will increase by 3 percent per collegiate member, effective Jan.1, 2013. It was also resolved that annual reviews conducted by the Budget and Finance Committee recommending further increases to collegiate membership dues will be presented to the board of directors at the annual meeting. The conference also passed the following changes to the unanimous agreements: • Sovereign Rights Protection: This UA ensures that all College Panhellenic documents and policies do not infringe on the sovereignty, rights and privileges of the individual NPC member fraternities and the NPC Unanimous Agreements. • NPC Hazing Policy: This UA added the NPC Resolution on Hazing to the Standards of Ethical Conduct section. *This article has been edited for length

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Fall 2011

F oundat i on N ews

Dot partners with the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation to launch eDots.

Step Start at the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/asafoundation. Step

2 Select the ΑΣΑ Foundation eDot link on the left side of the page.

Step

3 Select the eDot you want to send. Make sure to take a look at them all. We keep adding more and we are always looking for new events to celebrate.

4 Step 5 Step 6 Step

Type a personal message to accompany your eDot. Scroll down and select to whom you want it sent. Confirm your choice and select the payment button. You will be directed to a secure page for your payment information.

Step

7 Have fun sending eDots to all your sisters!

Meet Shannon... The Alpha Sigma

Alpha Foundation welcomes Shannon Priddy, ΑΒ, as the development coordinator. Shannon earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology from Truman State University, MO. Shannon traveled as a leadership consultant for Alpha Sigma Alpha from 1997-98, was a member of the Boston Alumnae Chapter and, most recently, completed two years of service in the U.S. Peace Corps.

How will you leave your legacy? Join the Wilma Wilson Sharp Society by including Alpha Sigma Alpha as a beneficiary in your will, retirement plans or trusts. For more information, visit www.alphasigmaalpha.org/foundation/leave-your-legacy.html.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

D i str i ct N ews

2 1. A lpha Beta Chapter members, Truman State University, MO, show their spirit for Greek week 2011. Front row from left: Caroline Stamp, Christina Rejko, Marina Klier and Caitlin Collett. Back row from left: Sara Holmes, Ashley Johnson, Ali Kartmann, Rachel Morgan, Kathryn Freeman, Alex Loucks, Michelle Berryman, Josie Collett and Emily Schepers. 2. The Mid-Michigan Crown Alumnae Chapter gathers for an event during the summer 2011.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012

3. T he Philadelphia Metro Alumnae Chapter’s annual ladybug picnic on Aug.6, 2011, brought together members and families for an afternoon of swimming and barbeque. Front row from left: Sandy Best Harper, KK. Middle row from left: Christel Lutz Nickum, ΚΚ, Stefanie Ainge Hahn, ΕΚ, and Lori Sherel, ΚΚ. Back row, from left: Kathy Gaughan Gallagher, ΚΚ, and Karen Sweeney Knellinger, KK

4. Denver area alumnae gather in August 2011 to celebrate the birthdays of Esther Kauffman Gatseos, ΒΒ, and Dorothy Hughes Johnson, ΒΒ. Pictured from left: Esther Kauffman Gatseos, ΒΒ, Barbara Johnston Hofmockel, ΒΨ, Dorothy Hughes Johnson, ΒΒ, and Ellen Funk Morris, ΒΛ.

7 5. T he Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter gathers at the home of president Sheri Hendren First, ΑΒ, for a couples dinner with the theme of “red, white and you.” 6. The Beta Lambda Chapter, University of Central Arkansas, helped move in freshman, as well as upperclassmen, in August 2011. From left: Kaleigh Angleton, Katie Wood, Erin Mackey and Lennon Bates.

8 7. Three Delta Nu-B Chapter members, Kettering University, MI, studied abroad in Germany. While in Germany, they did a lot of traveling. This photo is in Athens, Greece, where the 2011 Special Olympics were held in the Olympic Stadium. From left: Angela Gaabo, Marisa Mitchell and Emily McElroy.

8. A group of Beta Sigma Chapter women take a break during recruitment prep week at Missouri State University. From left: Sam Hostler, Emily Kay, Becca Sommerhauser, Alaina Netsell and Shannon Brown.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

News and e v ents

International Badge Day 2012 International Badge Day 2012 will take place on Monday, March 5, 2012. The theme for International Badge Day this year is “Wear Your Letters on Your Heart.” Whether you are an alumna or a collegian, you can join in the celebration. Organize an event for your colleagues or ask your mayor to issue a proclamation in recognition of International Badge Day. Celebrate in person or celebrate online through social media networks. For more resources visit the NPC website, www.npcwomen.org, Facebook or Twitter to check for updates on International Badge Day activities.

Finance manager hired Megan Russett, ΓΙ, joined the national headquarters staff on Dec. 5, 2011. Megan earned her bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, NY. Previously, Megan worked for Macy’s Inc. and also traveled as an Alpha Sigma Alpha leadership consultant for the 2010-11 academic year. As finance manager, Megan will oversee accounts payable and receivable; process all membership initiations, badge ordering and certificate ordering; recommend improvement to financial policies and procedures of national headquarters and assist the executive director with the financial administration of the organization.

Two leadership consultants hired Alpha Sigma Alpha has hired two additional leadership consultants to travel for spring 2012. A’dja Jones, ΒΣ, graduated in December 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in history/ antiquities from Missouri State University. She held the positions of social chairman, special events co-chairman and parliamentarian. She was also an emerging leaders facilitator and a student orientation advisement and registration leader on campus. Suzanne Haynes, ΒΛ, graduated in December 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in English from the University of Central Arkansas. She held the positions of fundraising chairman and chapter treasurer. She was also a member of the Greek judicial board on campus.

Colony & extension update Alpha Sigma Alpha installed three collegiate chapters in the fall 2011. The Theta Pi Chapter at Utah Valley University was installed on Oct. 29, 2011, the Theta Rho Chapter at West Texas A&M University was installed on Nov. 12, 2011, and the Theta Sigma Chapter at Southern Connecticut State University was installed on Nov. 19, 2011. The sorority will have two colonies during spring 2012, Capital University, OH, and University at Buffalo, NY.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2012