How do you show care and concern for others?
"I show care for others by leading a life filled with compassion and empathy. I do random acts of kindness for anyone I encounter through an action like holding the door or an affirmation like letting a stranger know I love their outfit. Acts of kindness I have received have changed my life, so every day I choose to pass it forward as you never know how the little things in life can truly make the biggest impact in someone else’s."
AUTUMN KILDUFF COLLEGIAN, NN
"I show my care and concern for others through acts of service, otherwise known as my love language. I always want to meet others where they need fulfillment and support from a practical perspective. That might mean dropping off a meal to a new mom friend, jumping in with a team at church that is short-resourced on a Sunday, running an errand for my parents or doing tasks for my husband and son when they’re least expecting it!"
KATY BAIRD GATES ALUMNA, ΘΛ
"One of the ways I show my care for others is through the giving of my time! My sisters and I love to volunteer for local organizations like the St. James Food Pantry, and we work to build a stronger partnership with our local Girls on the Run chapter as well."
KERU OMAD COLLEGIAN, Z Φ
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Upon joining, each of us participated in the Sanctuary Degree Service . During our shared ritual we learned that by giving of ourselves to Alpha Sigma Alpha and to our sisters that much will be given in return. I am constantly in awe of the timeless teachings our Ritual provides us. Although Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Founders and early members may not have participated in the Sanctuary Degree Service as we know it today, the spirit of compassion, kindness, acceptance and generosity still resonated with them. It is a vital part of a strong sisterhood, being good citizens and elevating the influence of women in the world.
Alpha Sigma Alpha’s purpose is to cultivate friendship among members who are known for their character and concern for others. The Alpha Sigma Alpha experience brings together women of varied backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and goals, thus giving us the space to develop meaningful friendships that are powerful, vibrant and enduring. A sisterhood built from members known for their character and compassion is a mighty force. As a sisterhood, we can lead, impact and elevate the influence of women in the world.
Alpha Sigma Alpha asks us to give freely of ourselves, and in return, the Sorority provides formal and informal guidance on the many ways we can give to others. Collegiate and alumnae chapters connect members to local community efforts, the national organization offers opportunities to impact current and future leaders by volunteering for the Sorority advising the current and future leaders, or members can make an impact by donating to the Foundation so others receive the financial assistance needed to access a college education. Our value of generosity comes to life in different moments and formats, and our sisterhood enables us to positively impact our local and global communities with care, love and service.
“Life is not taking in only; it is giving out too. It is giving ourselves – freely – to other people, giving ourselves in comradeship, in understanding, in joy, in love.”
I am often asked why I volunteer for the Sorority. It’s simple – I had and continue to have the most amazing sorority experience. During my collegiate experience, I had wonderful advisors to whom I still turn for advice.
They ensured that my chapter sisters and I could safely find our way as leaders. The Eta Eta Chapter advisors let me make missteps, but they were always there to help me learn from them and coached me to find success. Without these women, I would not have been encouraged to seek chapter leadership positions nor attend the national convention & leadership conference or other student leadership conferences. They modeled giving without expecting anything in return.
Alpha Sigma Alpha members give because they believe in our purpose and vision. Past, current and future Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteers serve because they believe in us, they believe in you and they believe in the members who have yet to be recruited. Ultimately, we believe that Alpha Sigma Alpha can and will elevate the influence of women, and our daily actions reflect our commitment to fostering a sisterhood built on the teachings of our ritual in order to make this vision a reality.
Yours in agape love,
AMBER SHAVERDI HUSTON, HH NATIONAL PRESIDENT @ASAHUSTONVolume 109 | Issue 1
FROM THE EDITOR
Dear readers,
As members of Alpha Sigma Alpha, we know how impactful the lifelong membership experience can be. The many benefits of membership are shown in the support from our sisters, continuing to be lifelong learners and developing our skillsets and networking with sorority members around the world. We gain so much, and Alpha Sigma Alpha’s core value of generosity reminds us that for all we receive, we must also give to others. The Sorority inspires us to give freely of ourselves to impact our communities, others around us and the world.
The ways we give freely of ourselves looks different for each of us but have the potential to impact beyond our original intent. Just as a pebble creates a ripple when dropped into a lake, the acts of generosity we show to others ripple; touching the lives of many others and creating a widespread legacy of kindness. The stories in this issue show the many ways our sisters show care and concern for others; some have clear immediate impacts on our members' communities, others take time to make change we may never get to see firsthand.
I know the stories shared in this issue are just a fraction of the care and concern our members show to others every single day. The selflessness shown by Alpha Sigma Alpha members around the world continues to inspire me, and I hope, you as well.
Happy reading,
ALYSSA
MILESDIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
We welcome comments about this publication. Email asa@alphasigmaalpha.org or mail to:
Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha
9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN, 46268-3018. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. © Alpha Sigma Alpha
Send address changes, death notices and business correspondence to the national headquaters. Address all editorial correspondence to the editor.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.
DEADLINES
Summer March 10
Fall June 10
Winter Sept. 10
EDITOR
Alyssa Miles, Director of Communications & Marketing
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018
Phone: (317) 871-2920
Fax: (317) 871-2924
Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org
To participate, members must request to join the “Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club” Facebook group.
Join Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae in the upcoming book club discussions:
Feb. 2023: Before We Were Yours by Lisa
WingateDiscussion:
Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. ET
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023
Save the date for the 8th annual AΣA Night Out/In!
The idea is simple – grab a few sisters and go do something fun! It’s a night to celebrate your membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha. The possibilities are endless: go to a sporting event, try a new restaurant, grab a drink, host a game night, have a kid playdate or even just catch-up over Zoom with a faraway sister. The best part of AΣA Night Out is that your event is what you want it to be.
SAVE THE DATE
EMMA COLEMAN FROST LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Alpha Sigma Alpha provides emerging collegiate leaders with the opportunity to enhance their personal and leadership development at the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute (LDI). Weekend-long events will be held in the following cities:
ObamaMay 2023: The Light We Carry by Michelle
Discussion:
Wednesday, May 17 at 8 p.m. ET
Aug. 2023: Small Great Things by Jodi
PicoultDiscussion:
Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. ET
Nov. 2023: Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy
AdlingtonDiscussion:
Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. ET
Kansas City, MO | Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25, 2023
Philadelphia, PA | Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, 2023
Indianapolis, IN | Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30, 2023
Celebrate International Badge Day on March 6, 2023, by wearing your Alpha Sigma Alpha badge to celebrate sisterhood and your sorority membership.
GAMMA ETA REESTABLISHENT
Alpha Sigma Alpha is reestablishing the Gamma Eta Chapter at Penn State University in the spring semester of 2023. To refer a potential new member, please visit the referral form on the Alpha Sigma Alpha website. Questions regarding the reestablishment of the chapter can be directed to Shelby Coxon, director of membership growth, at scoxon@alphasigmaalpha.org. To follow Gamma Eta’s reestablishment, find them on social media at:
@alphasigmaalpha_psu Alpha Sigma Alpha at Penn State University
ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA BRAND
THROUGH THE YEARS
Important Updates from national council
Health Resources Webpage
Alpha Sigma Alpha added health and safety resources on the website to provide links that members can access when seeking resources pertaining to health and wellbeing. The creation of this webpage came as a result of the listening sessions national council hosted in the fall of 2022.
National Policy & Procedures Updates
Last fall, national council voted to update a number of national policies & procedures. Collegiate chapter officers, advisors and volunteers were informed of these updates via email in December 2022. All updates can be found in the National Policies & Procedures document on MyAΣA on the pages indicated below. The following policies are new or have been updated:
i. New: National Medical Amnesty Policy (page 24)
ii. Updated: National Policy on Human Dignity (page 25)
iii. Updated: National Policy on Alcohol and Drugs (page 21)
iv. Updated: National Policy on Hazing (page 24)
Since 1901, Alpha Sigma Alpha’s logo and brand have shifted many times. We are once again updating the Alpha Sigma Alpha brand to meet the needs of current and future members. Watch for the spring issue of the Phoenix to learn about the next phase of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s logo and brand.
v. Updated: National Procedure for Requesting Termination of Membership (page 41)
From Oct. 13 - 15, 2022, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) hosted its Annual Conference at The Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield Indianapolis Airport, just outside Indianapolis. More than 150 NPC member organization leaders, board members and other guests gathered together to discuss topics of mutual interest and build relationships. Event programming was divided into large group education sessions, peer group meetings and other activities such as time with representatives from businesses in the NPC Partner Program.
The event was followed by a regular meeting of the Council of Delegates, which is composed of one individual from each of NPC’s 26 member organizations.
2021-23 NPC Chair Cheri De Jong welcomed attendees to the NPC Annual Conference during the opening session on Thursday afternoon. “We are now officially back on schedule after the many delays and rescheduled events during the COVID pandemic,” said De Jong. “As we begin this conference, let us be mindful of the commitment we have to our member organizations and to each other as we strive to advocate for and grow our Panhellenic communities.”
Fall 2022 Annual Conference
Large Group Education Sessions
During the Annual Conference, NPC brought member organization leaders and partners together for large group education sessions to discuss higher education trends and their impacts to our organizations and to provide updates on two ongoing NPC projects.
• The Future of Higher Education
With Jeff Selingo: Jeff Selingo, a noted higher education author and speaker, offered his insight on current higher education admissions and enrollment trends and the impacts for institutions and sororities. He discussed at length how organizations are grappling with meeting Generation Z’s expectations regarding the student experience.
• Higher Education Trends: VPSA Panel: NPC CEO Dani Weatherford facilitated this panel discussion during which four higher education administration professionals shared their perspectives on trends in higher education and how those trends affect college students and our Panhellenic communities. Topics ranged from relevancy of the sorority experience and what they see as barriers to joining to how to best partner with campus personnel and faculty and their institutions’ approaches to student health and wellness.
• Data Project Update with Chris Smith of Smith Insights: Chris Smith provided an update on the NPC project to collect and analyze more recruitment and membership data and the implications for the Conference and member organizations.
• Summer Recruitment Marketing Campaign Update
With Heather Matthews: Heather Matthews, marketing consultant, provided an update on NPC’s summer recruitment marketing campaign, in which NPC’s volunteer recruitment marketing coaches provided direct coaching to 230 College Panhellenics to help them boost fall 2022 primary recruitment registration numbers and build marketing muscles for the future. Her presentation included a discussion of the campaign details, results, lessons learned and recommendations for future campaigns.
NPC also hosted the Conference Conversation for member organization leaders to discuss topics of high priority, including difficulties with housing, barriers to membership growth and threats from college/university overreach. The goal of this session was for leaders to gather information and opinions to help them with future decision-making regarding growth, sustainability and relevancy.
During the conversation, they shared their thoughts and organizational best practices, asked and answered questions and brainstormed ideas.
Peer Group Meetings
NPC also provided more than six hours for peer group meetings for member organization inter/ national presidents, executive directors/CEOs and chief panhellenic officers. Each group discussed topics they believed were important to discuss faceto-face. On Saturday morning, the peer groups also met for a short time with the NPC Board of Directors.
Other Activities
On Friday, attendees also had several opportunities to meet with representatives from NPC partner businesses. The highlight of the day was the Dinner With Partners, during which attendees participated in a spirited yet friendly trivia contest.
Ahead of and throughout the event, attendees could purchase sunflower stickers from the NPC Foundation to honor Panhellenic friendships and bolster the Foundation’s Spirit Fund. The NPC Foundation’s mission is to support NPC initiatives that enhance the sorority experience, including events such as the Annual Conference.
“It was a thrill to host our member organization leaders and partners during this Annual Conference near so many of our homes in Indianapolis,” said NPC CEO Dani Weatherford. “This event continues to serve as an important forum for everyone to come together for conversation and camaraderie in order to advance our organizations and the sorority experience.”
The next NPC Annual Conference is scheduled for Oct. 19 - 21, 2023, in Dallas.
Regular Meeting of the Council of Delegates
As part of NPC’s organizational structure and governance change that took effect in 2019, the Council of Delegates was created to ensure the voice of the NPC member organizations continued to guide the work of the Conference. The Council of Delegates is composed of an individual from each of NPC’s 26 member organizations, and delegates are tasked with attending membership meetings and voting on matters that come before the members.
In April 2022, the delegates voted to amend the NPC Bylaws to include two in-person meetings and two virtual gatherings annually. As a result of this change, the first regular meeting of the Council of Delegates, which now will occur between Aug. 1 and Nov. 1 each year, was held immediately following the NPC Annual Conference.
During this meeting, the delegates voted to amend several NPC College Panhellenic policies, heard presentations from NPC committee chairs, and discussed a handful of topics of mutual interest.
The delegates will next meet in person during the NPC Annual Membership Meeting on April 29 in Indianapolis.
Attending the NPC Annual Conference from left to right: Krystal Geyer Slivinski, ΓP, executive director, Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, national president, Sarah Johnson Gafron, BΘ, chief panhellenic officer and assistant director of collegiate services.Inspired by the Alpha Sigma Alpha's service & giving statement, D.O.T. Days (Donating Our Time) takes place the first week of October every year. During D.O.T. Days 2022, members reached 11,278 service hours with 82 chapters reporting. These submissions are only a handful of ways our members donated their time.
Theta Alpha, Coe College, IA, partnered with Willis Dady Homeless Services and helped paint a house for multiple families in need of a stable home.
Zeta Gamma, Gannon University, PA, went to the library and wrote messages on post-it notes containing encouraging words for anyone who read them.
Zeta Sigma, University of the Incarnate Word, TX, handed out treats to the kids at the local zoo as they came by in their Halloween costumes.
11,278
SERVICE HOURS
What first drew me to Alpha Sigma Alpha was the focus on serving others and the community. My time in A Σ A was filled with community service, volunteer opportunities and my favorite, D.O.T. Days!
I’m a former foster care and adoptions specialist and now I work at Compass High School. I teach student council and work as the school social worker and student support coordinator. I’m also blessed with the opportunity to be Miss Sierra Vista 2023, which is under the Miss America organization on a local level. My social impact as Miss Sierra Vista is “Putting the Care Back in Foster Care.” I’m able to use my experience as a social worker to advocate for youth in foster care, host drives to collect supplies for these youth and educate others on the adoption and foster care process.
My favorite A Σ A core value is generosity. I have always been passionate about serving others and I see the value in giving back to those who are in need. Even though my collegiate time with A Σ A has ended, I’m still able to implement the core values in my everyday life as I give back. I host an annual back to school drive where I collect school supplies that are donated to youth in need. I have also been collecting backpacks and
suitcases for foster youth to use as they change placements. I founded my own organization called Project Happiness Arizona in 2017 and A Σ A members have continued to support my organization. Earlier this year, I was invited to my chapter to speak about my social impact, and a few members even donated towards my cause.
I’m honored to be featured in this magazine and be able to share how A Σ A has continued to fuel my passion and helped to develop my social impact. In June of 2023, I will represent the city of Sierra Vista and compete for the title of Miss Arizona. If you would like to help make a difference in the lives of foster youth or watch my journey as I get ready to compete for Miss Arizona, please connect with me via Instagram: @caitlynkramer or @misssierravista.
I leave you with this final quote by Maya Angelo: 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' I’m thankful that A Σ A has given me the opportunity to find ways to give back, inspired me to continue to serve others even after my collegiate career and allows me to share my social impact on a national level."
SISTERS IN SISTERS IN
THETA ETA, ROGERS STATE UNIVERSITY, OK
For many years, members of the Theta Eta Chapter at Rogers State University have been volunteering at Wild Heart Ranch, a local wildlife rehabilitation facility. Wild Heart Ranch provides care and rehabilitation for more than 3,000 orphaned and injured wild animals each year. Since the Wild Heart Ranch operates solely from donations and volunteers, the Theta Eta Chapter provides necessary aid that allows staff members to dedicate their time to caring for injured animals.
When volunteering, members of the chapter help the Wild Heart Ranch in a variety of ways, including cleaning, ground maintenance and feeding animals. During a recent volunteer opportunity, two members, Kathryn Roberts and Ashley Hammock helped a staff member stabilize an injured crow who came into the facility with a broken leg. They ensured the crow received fluids and made a cast for the animal’s leg.
“Our members frequently express Wild Heart Ranch being their favorite local philanthropic partner,” said Kathryn. “Theta Eta finds meaning in the work that we do there.”
While many animals can be rehabilitated and released back into their habitat, some remain at the clinic to be under constant care. Chapter members frequently visit these animals including Helen the blind hawk, Lumpy the tortoise and Mary the loving raccoon who survived an accident that left her with brain damage.
TAMPABAY ALUMNAE CHAPTER
For the past three years, the Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter has hosted a canned food drive for The Kind Mouse, an organization that assists families and children in the local area facing food insecurity. The work of dedicated Kind Mouse volunteers allows school-aged children to focus on their futures by easing food hunger outside of school settings.
The Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter began volunteering when alumnae member, Lisa Brown, ΓΠ, served as a board member for The Kind Mouse. Over the past three years, participation in the food drive has continued to grow. The first year the alumnae chapter hosted the food drive, they donated a few bags of food. In 2022, they were able to fill an entire trunk full of food to donate.
“We enjoy supporting this group because The Kind Mouse is a smaller organization and directly benefits children in our community,”
-Sheri First, AB
IN ACTION IN ACTION
CHICAGO NORTH SUBURBAN ALUMNAE CHAPTER
Alumnae from the Chicago North Suburban Alumnae Chapter recently began a service project benefiting the WINGS Program, Inc., an organization offering housing, education, advocacy and other services to individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence. WINGS provides crisis care, food, clothing and shelter and connects clients with counseling, legal assistance, mentoring, career services and more.
EPSILON KAPPA, MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY, PA
In 1990, the Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Millersville University adopted a section of road in their local community. For 33 years, chapter members have been visiting their section of the road, collecting easily disposable items and litter that have been left behind.
“We all care about the environment and there is a feeling of satisfaction among all of us when we get to look back on how clean the area looks after we finish,” said Shaziya Roberts, Epsilon Kappa Chapter president. “This is something that is very important to us because it is an act of service that truly benefits the community. Being able to put our time into making the world a cleaner place is so rewarding.”
Chicago North Suburban alumnae attended an open house hosted by WINGS where they learned more about the mission of the organization. Afterward, the members knew they wanted to get involved in a hands-on way. The group began putting together kits of toiletries and warm clothing such as hats, socks and gloves to donate to WINGS.
The chapter visits the site four times a year to help reduce the amount of waste, plastic and litter to help keep their local community clean. This service opportunity also keeps the area clean and safe for wildlife by preventing them from ingesting hazardous materials.
“It was a fun project, and we liked being able to help families who are dealing with these issues,”
-Nancy Reese, BY
Together Alpha Sigma Alpha collegians, alumnae, family and friends raised $52,346 for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation through Joyously Give Nov. 14-15, 2022. Since its start in 2019, the Foundation's annual giving day continues to gain momentum as a way to celebrate Founders' Day.
Thank you for your gift in celebration of 121 years of Alpha Sigma Alpha
$52,346
DOLLARS RAISED
There were 346 gifts that raised $52,346 through Joyously Give; making the average gift size $151.29, up 30% from Joyously Give 2021.
317
DONORS
285 alumnae, 20 collegians, 1 parent and 6 friends of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Donors represented 95 chapters and currently live in 40 states, with a tie for the greatest number of donors between Beta Upsilon, Indiana State University, and Gamma Mu, Adrian College, MI, Chapters.
16
AMBASSADORS
16 Joyously Give ambassadors helped spread the word through ambassador links and raised more than $6,800. A big thank you to each of them for their extra support, in addition to personally giving.
20
MATCHES & CHALLENGES
There were 20 matches and challenges, to incorporate more state-based opportunities where donors currently live, or where members joined Alpha Sigma Alpha.
37
NEW DONORS
37 people made their first donation to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation through Joyously Give, with an average donation of approximately $56.
FOUNDATION DONOR IMPACT
Foundation donors are making a difference in the lives of Alpha Sigma Alpha women every day. During the 2022-23 year, the Foundation has and will be providing grants for the following programs and opportunities:
• Three keynote speakers during the 52nd National Convention & Leadership Conference attended by 378 members.
• Behind Happy Faces mental health curriculum for all collegiate chapters and their supporting volunteers reaching more than 4,500 people.
• Community Coaching program for select collegiate chapters focused on networking and communication skills.
• The Academy keynote presentation at three locations in spring 2023, anticipated to have more than 450 collegians are expected in attendance.
• Workforce Retention Bootcamp webinar series for staff members focused on engaging teams and reducing turnover.
• CrowdChange fundraising platform for all collegiate chapters to facilitate in easy and secure fundraising efforts for all three national philanthropic partners and local charities.
Donors provide the funds that make these grants possible. Donors impact current and future generations of Alpha Sigma Alpha members. Donors are the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation!
Thank you to everyone who has given to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation and for your continued commitment to elevating the influence of women in the world.
Pictured here is Beta Sigma, Missouri State University, celebrating their 75th Anniversary.
Below is the list of chapters celebrating a significant milestone during the 2022-23 academic year.
25years
Zeta Chi, Niagara University, NY – 3/21/1998
Zeta Omicron, Muskingum University, OH – 3/28/1998
Zeta Pi, Colorado State University-Pueblo – 4/18/1998
Zeta Rho, University of West Alabama – 5/9/1998
50years
Chicago Metro Alumnae Chapter – 3/19/1973
75years
Rho Chi, Wayne State University, MI – 9/14/1947
Beta Pi, Concord University, WV – 9/27/1947
Beta Rho, Northern Illinois University – 2/7/1948
Beta Sigma, Missouri State University – 11/1/1947
In the winter of 1960...
...members of the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter collected gifts for patients at the Indiana State Hospital. Pictured here are Paula Sierpe McKay, BY, and Elizabeth “Betty” Presnall Bliss, XX, entering the hospital’s gift depot.
Sisters participated in the beginning of semester activities fair. Members set up a table to talk to students interested in Fraternity
9
Members volunteered during freshman orientation to share information about Alpha Sigma Alpha and sorority
with incoming students.
Pictured: Natalie Giglio, Haley Carnaghi, Katie Nixon, Zoe Gilbert, Denice Drewek, Lanie Taylor
Collegiate and alumnae members won the Chapter Excellence Award, Community Relations Award and the Membership Development Award at the Fraternity Sorority Life Stars of Excellence Awards ceremony at Frostburg State University.
Pictured: Pauline Pascariello, Shelby
Wellington, Miranda Smith, Megan Meeker, Shawna Hawkins, Kat Tilley, Amber Greenbaum, Paige Smith, Alyssa Billings