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 @ASAHUSTON

Volume 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 MILES

DIRECTOR 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 Wingate

Discussion:

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:

Obama

May 2023: The Light We Carry by Michelle

Discussion:

Wednesday, May 17 at 8 p.m. ET

Aug. 2023: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Discussion:

Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. ET

Nov. 2023: Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy

Adlington

Discussion:

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