The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2024 by Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority

OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

WINTER 2024

P. 18

Defying the Odds Alpha Chapter alumna climbs to South Everest Base Camp a year after skydiving fall

TABLE OF CONTENTS

features 8

2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE

GAMMA ETA INSTALLATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE FOR WOMEN

16 18 22

D.O.T. DAYS RECAP DEFYING THE ODDS CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES

in every issue 3 4 5 6 20 23 24 26

FROM THE PRESIDENT

PHOENIX FEATURES FROM THE EDITOR NEWS & UPDATES ELEVATE & INFLUENCE FROM THE ARCHIVES FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAPTER NEWS

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F ROM T HE N AT ION A L P R E S I DE NT Resilience is a quiet force within women that helps us weather storms, grow and excel despite the myriad challenges we may encounter. It is a remarkable quality that enables us to turn setbacks into steppingstones, transforming adversity into opportunity. Throughout history, women have demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for resilience; overcoming societal constraints, prejudice and systemic barriers to achieve remarkable feats. When I think about the women choosing to attend college, specifically Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Founders, they were not encouraged to seek additional education nor were they empowered to gather as a group for the purpose of elevating women. These women were brave, bold and had foresight. They were younger than us and yet they envisioned an everlasting sisterhood; a sisterhood that has faced multiple adversities. The power of resiliency lies in its ability to foster personal growth and empowerment. When faced with obstacles, women have the innate ability to adapt, learn and emerge stronger. Resilient women not only weather storms but use the storms as catalysts for positive change. As shared in Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 50-year Member Service: “May you have the grace to continue to work conscientiously and with thankfulness and joy; to work with peace, prudence and patience, never surrendering to weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention.” I see strength in the faces of our Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters and it’s their strength

that provides our sisterhood with agape love. I think about the women who care for one another in times of sorrow and remember that sisterhood helps us back to our feet. Sometimes between the flows of life we don’t see/talk to our sisters as much as we used to, but when needed they are there, unwavering in their support. Moreover, the power of resiliency is contagious. After spending time with our sisters this fall, my strength and joy was renewed. I saw our Ritual and values come to life. I observed the genuine care and concern the members have for one another, I saw our sisterhood and it made me immensely proud. As we continue on our individual journeys, let us recognize and celebrate the power of resiliency within ourselves, our sisters and in the women around us. By doing so, we not only honor the strength that resides within each of us but also inspire a legacy of courage and honor the dreams of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Founders. May we aspire to elevate the influence of women in the world. Arista,

AMBER SHAVERDI HUSTON, HH NATIONAL PRESIDENT @ASAHUSTON

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Phoenix features How has your membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha supported your personal development? Erin Bryce, ΘZ "My membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha supported my personal development because coming into the sorority for the first time, I was extremely timid and unsure about holding a position. Now, I am finishing up the year as my chapter’s VP of Finance and have become more involved not only within my own sorority, but also on my campus and in the Panhellenic community."

Jazmine Thomas, ZO "My experience in Alpha Sigma Alpha has helped me to realize that divine alignment is always at play. The person I was when I first joined in 2011 versus now has definitely endured a plethora of changes. Every moment led me to become the woman of poise and purpose I am today. In choosing to say yes, even when unsure, I've learned no event in life will ever go to waste."

Nadia Kessling, BK "Becoming a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha has helped me to grow into the woman I am today! It has taught me the importance of generosity through our philanthropies as well as balancing a sorority, being a division one athlete and a student. AΣA has also given me my forever home and lifelong friendships! It has taught me to always wear my invisible crown and to aspire to seek every new challenge each day and attain a life full of enjoyment and integrity."

Caitlin Barkdoll, ZΨ "I've always contributed my fondness of personal development to my collegiate days. Going to District Days, the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute and Convention sparked something in me. Ever since, I've looked for ways to better myself and the people around me. Those experiences led me to be a leadership consultant, and the skills I learned in that role have continued to serve me in my professional life." 4

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FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, The new year is often a time of self-reflection and setting goals. While editing this issue, I found myself reflecting quite a bit on the strength of women, particularly the resiliency of sorority women and the support we find in Alpha Sigma Alpha. In the time I have been a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, I graduated college, lost friends and family members, got married, experienced a global pandemic and I am now expecting my first child this year. In all that time, I had sisters by my side celebrating or offering emotional support. It is in those times, I am especially thankful to Alpha Sigma Alpha for bringing me strong, empathetic and understanding women. What I have learned from my membership is that the true beauty of sisterhood is the display of unwavering support and unconditional love. When I needed it, there was someone there to remind me I am strong and can persevere. Alpha Sigma Alpha encourages us to support not only our sisters, but those around us, by influencing each of us to be women who show others care and concern. Not only has the Sorority given me kind and compassionate friendships, but it has also shown me how to extend this kindness to others.

OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Volume 110 | Issue 1 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

As you navigate 2024, I encourage you to reflect on how you can show care and concern for yourself and others in your life. Remember, we can each make a large impact in the lives of others through what often feels like small acts of kindness. Sisterhood is resiliency in action. In Agape Love,

ALYSSA HUTCHINSON MILES, ΘZ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

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

DEADLINES Summer March 10 Fall June 10 Winter Sept. 10

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.

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

EDITOR Alyssa Miles, Director of Communications & Marketing

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NEWS & UPDATES

PHOENIX 2024 PRINTING SCHEDULE

The Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club connects members with a shared passion for reading. Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Alumnae Book Club has four book selections and discussions each year. All discussions take place live via Zoom with the questions made available one month prior. Join Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae in its upcoming quarterly book club discussion: Wednesday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET. “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

To participate, members must request to join the Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club Facebook group.

Join other Panhellenic women and celebrate your membership on International Badge Day. On March 4, 2024, wear your Alpha Sigma Alpha membership badge and share how your sorority membership has impacted your life.

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The Phoenix is now printing twice a year and being delivered digitally twice a year. See below for which issues will be delivered to your inbox or your mailbox.

Alpha Sigma Alpha at Bluefield State University We are pleased to announce that Bluefield State University has selected Alpha Sigma Alpha to join their community as the first National Panhellenic sorority on campus. Bluefield State University is an HBCU (historically black college or university) located in Bluefield, WV. The emerging chapter will join Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi fraternity Inc. on campus. National Headquarters staff and volunteers will be on campus this spring and official recruitment activities will begin in late February. If you are interested in serving the chapter as an advisor or in another capacity, please complete the volunteer interest form at AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/volunteer-interest-form/ Questions regarding the emerging chapter, contact Shelby Coxon, director of membership growth at scoxon@alphasigmaalpha.org.

Save the date for the 8th Annual AΣA Night Out on Thursday, May 16, 2024. AΣA Night Out is an opportunity to engage and connect with your sorority sisters. Whether you want to catch up with your best friends or meet new sisters, this event is about sharing the evening with your Alpha Sigma Alpha pals. The best part is that you decide how you will spend time together. The possibilities are endless; meet up for happy hour, try a new restaurant or plan a reunion with chapter sisters from all over the country on zoom. If you are not sure what to do, check out the Alpha Sigma Alpha calendar at AlphaSigmaAlpha.org to join an event. Don’t forget to take photos and utilize the hashtag #ASANightOut when posting on social media. Have the best time with your Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters!

HERMES SOCIETY F A L L

2 0 2 3

I N D U C T E E S

Alexa Hergenhan, IΓ

Nicole Causevic, ΓΛ

Kaylyn Hinkle, BΣ

Rachel Maass, ΓI

Sohini Alim, ZI

Catherine Harris, ΓX

Emily Krol, EK

Eden Harvey, ZY

Anna Noles, BN

Abigail Bierbaum, BN

Taylor Ivy, EA

Gabriella Sciancalepore, IΓ

Ellie McAfee, ZP The Hermes Society is an academic honor society created in 2009 exclusively for members of Alpha Sigma Alpha. The society was created in an effort to continue to advance Alpha Sigma Alpha’s commitment to fulfilling the intellectual aim of the Sorority. Undergraduate members are accepted annually through an application process. Congratuations to all the fall 2023 inductees!

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2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

SAVE THE DATE KA N S A S CITY, M O | J ULY 10-13, 2 0 2 4 | K A N S A S C I T Y M A R R I O T T D O WNT O WN 5 3 RD N AT I O NAL C ONVE N T I O N & L E A D E R S HI P C O N F E R E N C E

The national convention & leadership conference is Alpha Sigma Alpha’s biennial event where members gather to conduct sorority business and to celebrate a sisterhood focused on elevating women. • • • •

Experience the powerful feeling of Alpha Sigma Alpha national sisterhood and have an opportunity to foster close friendships. Celebrate Alpha Sigma Alpha’s past, present and future by learning about the sorority’s history and celebrating the sorority’s achievements. Participate in educational programming on a variety of topics based on personal development and operational training. Have the opportunity to make a difference in the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha through the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

Learn more at www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org. Registration opens in March 2024. 8 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

2022-23 AWARD WINNERS

Featured Keynote Speaker

DANIELLE BAYARD JACKSON Building Female Friendships Wednesday, July 10 In this keynote, Danielle will share how to turn connections into meaningful friendships and discuss behavioral tendencies that serve as barriers to connections. She will also dive into the role that positive (and negative) friendships play on our mental health and how to best maintain friendships over time. Danielle is known for sharing research-based strategies with warmth and humor to equip listeners with tangible ways to deepen their connections. She will also focus on tangible ways we can create a culture of connection and belonging, , and is the author of Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships.

Featured Keynote Speaker

HER SORORITY JOURNEY: CASSIE LITTLE Redefining ‘Recruitment Ready’ Thursday, July 11 In this program Cassie recenters members’ recruitment priorities by unpacking the importance of authentic sisterhood and relationships. Her guided reflections will lead all attendees to take individual ownership of their sorority journey and own their unique role in recruitment. Collegians and alumnae alike will leave equipped to strengthen their sisterhood and prepared to welcome potential new members into Alpha Sigma Alpha. After this keynote, Cassie will lead three tracks for collegians during the educational program blocks on Thursday.

CONVENTION SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 Registration opens Welcome & keynote speaker Danielle Bayard Jackson Welcome reception Ruby Points reception THURSDAY, JULY 11 Keynote speaker Her Sorority Journey, Cassie Little Leadership Conference tracks First business meeting Off-site excursions FRIDAY, JULY 12 Sanctuary Degree Service Ritual workshops Panhellenic luncheon Second business meeting Foundation Red Tie Dinner All attendee social gathering SATURDAY, JULY 13 Third business meeting and Memorial Service Membership education sessions Awards banquet Cocktail reception

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NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE

NPC Hosts Fall 2023 Annual Conference WRITTEN BY: AJA PIRTLE, NPC CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

From October 19-21, 2023, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) hosted its Annual Conference where more than 170 member organization leaders, board members, partners and guests gathered 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 business representatives in the NPC Partner Program. A regular meeting of the Council of Delegates followed the event. 2023-25 NPC Chair, and Alpha Sigma Alpha member, Kelly Beck welcomed attendees to the NPC Annual Conference during the opening session on Thursday afternoon. “One hundred and twenty-one years ago, nine member organizations came together to formally create the National Panhellenic Conference. They were focused on creating standards that all sororities would adhere to, along with fostering cooperation and mutual assistance. As we gather this week, let us embrace the continued spirit this Conference was founded upon, which has and will continue to play an integral role in navigating our path forward together.” LARGE GROUP 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 on our organizations and to provide updates on two ongoing NPC projects. •

Promoting the Women’s Only Experience: Lessons from Women’s College Admissions: Patty O’Neil, an NPC director, moderated this discussion

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of higher education professionals with experience working at three distinct historically women’s colleges and universities. The panel explored the parallels between NPC member organizations and theirs, growing opportunities, trending concerns and how others are approaching these challenges. •

Impact of the Changing Legal Landscape: You Agreed to What? with Toby Eveland: Toby Eveland, managing partner for Saul Ewing LLP’s Chicago office, reviewed several recent campus situations and provided recommendations for community-wide efforts to protect the sorority experience. Eveland paid particular attention to agreements that bind our organizations and members in ways that may compromise our rights to associate.

•

What’s Happening on the Ground? Thoughts from College Panhellenic Officers and Advisors: Jenna Lutz, NPC director, moderated this discussion of current College Panhellenic officers and FSAs, and their experiences with current programs, policies and practices. Alpha Sigma Alpha member Brittany Bowman, Bλ, was one of the three collegiate panelists

•

NPC Data Deep Dive 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.

NPC also hosted the Conference Conversation for member organization leaders to discuss topics of high priority, including the definition of growth in our community and the guiding statements of NPC. In addition, NPC provided an update on recent Conference successes in promoting growth through marketing. PEER GROUP MEETINGS NPC also provided opportunities for peer group meetings for member organization inter/national presidents, executive directors/CEOs and chief panhellenic officers. Each group discussed topics they believed were essential to discuss face-toface. OTHER ACTIVITIES On Thursday evening, attendees gathered to hear updates from the NPC Foundation and to honor the recipient of the 2023 Women in Higher Education Achievement Award. 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. During Friday’s luncheon, attendees celebrated winners of the Distinguished Service, Interfraternal Partner, Outstanding Panhellenic Advisor and Harriet Macht Outstanding Panhellenic Awards and their service to the sorority community. On Friday evening, conference attendees were hosted by Texas Christian University Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. with a Worth Hills Greek Village tour and dinner and cocktails at the Legends Club overlooking the TCU Amon G. Carter Stadium. “Our Annual Conference is a time for us to unite as a Panhellenic Community. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to learn together, share and celebrate the many reasons why we love our sorority

community,” said Dani Weatherford , NPC chief executive officer. “We look forward to coming together again next year in Indianapolis.” The next NPC Annual Conference is scheduled for October 17-19, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. During this meeting, the delegates voted to amend several NPC College Panhellenic policies, provided feedback on the current Total Method Setting Team project and discussed a handful of topics of mutual interest. The delegates will meet again in person for the NPC Annual Membership Meeting on March 23 in Indianapolis.

Members of Alpha Sigma Alpha in attendance at the Annual Conference. From left to right: Sarah Johnson Gafron, BΘ, chief panhellenic officer & assistant director of collegiate services, NPC Chair Kelly McGinnis Beck, EK, Brittany Bowman, Bλ, Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, national president, Krystal Geyer Slivinkski, ΓΡ. executive director

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2GAMMA 0 2 2 - 2 3 ETA AWAINSTALLATION R D WIN N E R S

Gamma Eta Chapter Returns to Penn State

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The Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha was reinstalled on October 7, 2023, at The Pennsylvania (Penn) State University in State College, PA. The celebration began on Friday with an open house on the Penn State campus. Guests included campus administrators, members of other campus organizations and loved ones of the soon to be initiated members. On Saturday, collegians and alumnae gathered at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center for a day of celebration. The day began with a sisterhood breakfast with words of inspiration from Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, national president, to the soon to be initiated members. Following breakfast, the initiates participated in The Sanctuary Degree Service followed by the Installation of a New Chapter Service. Members of our Epsilon Theta Chapter as well as alumnae served as sponsors for the initiates. The evening concluded with a banquet celebrating the chapter’s reinstallation. The reinstallation banquet, hosted by Chapter Support Specialist Alex Horton, IH, included toasts to the chapter by Penn State graduate Maddie Elias, EΘ, Region 10 Membership Commitment Leader Molly McDonough, IA, and National Vice President Chayna Wilson, EM. Director of The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Megan Pepper also gave words of encouragement to the new chapter and expressed the importance they play in the Penn State community. The banquet included presentations of gifts to the chapter, advisors and the presentation of the Phoenix recognition pins to all founding members. The evening concluded with the presentation of the Gamma Eta Chapter charter by Amber Huston, HH, national president.

INITIATED MEMBERS: Megan Anderson Sam Bahnick Siyona Behera Kori Brown Taylor Brustman Alexa Calvanese Jaden Cerreta Anja Cheyette Olivia Cichocki Paige Clark Arianna DeArmas Meghan Hepworth Isabella Iacoviello Skyler Imbrogno Zoe Jakl Jasmine Jimenez Lizbeth Ledesma Sophia Lenderman Jen Levin-Nussbaum Katie Marangoni Grace Nicolai Ava Paravati Laura Petrasic Kyli Ramsay Bridget Reheard

Abigael Reilly Tess Reilly Caitlyn Ripka Victoria Salopek Kendall Schweitzer Aleksandra Sielski Megan Slingluff Valentina Sousa Isabella Tarsitano Angelina Thacker Leah Verderame Zulma Villalta Isabella Walters Claraa Wenk NEW MEMBERS: Lily Kefe Olivia Lang GAMMA ETA CHAPTER ADVISORS: Hailey Bowers, IH, chapter advisor Kayla Lessor, ZT, membership education advisor Lori Mowery, EK, membership commitment advisor

Kaitlyn Kubler, ZΛ, faculty & social responsibility advisor INSTALLATION TEAM: Amber Shaverdi Huston, HH, national president Chayna Wilson, EM, vice president Krystal Geyer Slivinski, ΓP, executive director Erika Butts, EK, director of operations Shelby Coxon, ZM, director of membership growth Alexandra Horton, IH, chapter support specialist Molly McDonough, IA, region 10 membership commitment leader Hailey Bowers, IH, chapter advisor Kayla Lessor, ZT, membership education advisor Lori Mowery, EK, membership commitment advisor

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T H E IMPO R TA NCE OF S E LF-CAR E FO R W OMEN

The Importance of Self-Care for Women WRITTEN BY: SARA BLOUT, BΣ

Life is hard, especially in today’s society. As women we are expected to be positive and handle it all. To have that career and the family while doing both parts perfectly. Some women manage the family and household by themselves, some are single parents and others take care of aging family members. That’s a lot for one person to deal with. Society often expects women to put everyone else before themselves. So much so that we often feel like if we put ourselves first, we are letting everyone down. All of this can lead to feeling stressed out, exhausted and unable to move forward. Prevention of this is important and although it seems impossible at times, there are ways to combat it. We can utilize selfcare and the support of other women to prevent and fight back against stress and burnout. Afterall, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care offers the ability to fill our own cup to better help others.

College or seeking higher education

Starting a career

Starting a family

Self-care is important to our overall health and wellness because it helps prevent stress from turning into burnout. Burnout is a state of complete mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. Stress can become an issue at any point and we can use the power of self-care to help ourselves before it leads to burnout. Self-care is not just taking a bubble bath or having a cheat meal.

Balancing life with young children

Caring for aging parents

Financial stress

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Self-care is intentionally and mindfully doing things that bring you peace and relaxation; this means being present with yourself in the moment, not dwelling on the past or obsessing about the future and paying attention only to what you are currently doing.

THE MOST COMMON POINTS OF STRESS IN A WOMAN’S LIFE:

PHYSICAL SELF-CARE There are many types of selfcare we can harness to improve our wellness and better deal with stress, including physical self-care. This includes anything that improves your physical health such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and exercise. When you are taking care of your body in these ways, your overall wellness will improve. You can implement these self-care techniques into your daily routine in a few ways. Try getting into bed around the same time each night and getting up in the morning around the same time every day. This will help your body get more consistent sleep. You can also meal plan or meal prep once a week and make extra servings of meals when you cook. The trick is to cook once and have many meals from that one meal prepping session. When you can’t meal plan or prep, try to make purposeful healthy choices in what you order when you are out at restaurants. You can incorporate light exercise into your day by planning to take walks during breaks at work, perhaps during your lunch hour or before/after work. You don’t have to go to the gym to reap the benefits of exercise. Exercise is also known to alleviate stress and boost your mental health. Use these techniques of physical self-care to promote your overall wellness and help your body recover from stress. EMOTIONAL SELF-CARE Another type of self-care to prevent and handle stress is emotional self-care. These are activities that support your mental health and wellness. These techniques will help you become more resilient to everyday stressors and prevent burnout. Remember to do these activities with mindfulness. Intentionally focusing on being in the moment while practicing these techniques will help you gain the most benefit. Some examples of emotional self-care are writing in a journal without judgment about what you are struggling with, watch a favorite TV show

or movie, spend some time on your hobbies, read a good book, talk to a friend, listen to your favorite music and consider asking for help when you feel overwhelmed. Another form of emotional self-care is talking with a therapist. When you are feeling stressed and challenged by everything life throws at you, seeing a therapist can help greatly. College campuses often have mental health professionals and community resources available for students. Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where you can access a therapist for free or a discounted cost. Mental health services may also be covered by your medical insurance. Combining physical and emotional self-care practices with therapy is an effective way to lessen your everyday stress levels and prevent burnout. MAKING TIME FOR SELF-CARE AND SUPPORTING OTHERS Incorporating these activities into your already busy schedule can seem daunting and at times impossible. It’s easy to waste time on social media and use that as a distraction from all the stress you are experiencing. Oftentimes social media will make us feel worse about ourselves and situations. It appears that everyone else is far from being stressed out and not struggling at all. None of that is true. Replace the time you spend on social media with some of the self-care techniques we have discussed here. You can support other women in their self-care as well by reminding your friends to make time for their own selfcare. Plan time to go out to lunch or dinner, go to a movie and talk about what’s going on in your lives. Prioritizing your self-care and encouraging other women to do so is a powerful way to combat stress and prevent burnout. Ask for help when you are feeling overwhelmed and stuck. Encourage other women to do the same. Remember that you can’t take care of others if you haven’t taken care of yourself first. Avoid doom scrolling on social media and other unhealthy or unhelpful activities that take energy from you. Fill your cup with things and people that make you happy and give you positive energy. With positive energy we can prevent falling into burnout. With positive energy we can change our lives.

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D . O . T. D AYS RE CAP

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. This week is set aside for all AΣA members across the country to focus on making an impact in their local communities through hands-on service and charitable giving projects. These submissions are only a handful of ways our members donated their time.

Beta Kappa, Western Illinois University The chapter took part in holiday card making for the local nursing home.

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Gamma Lambda, Loyola University, IL Members donated their time by cleaning up Loyola Beach.

Gamma Zeta, University of Arkansas-Monticello Members volunteered at the local county fair by placing ribbon awards and helping support other fair tasks.

Iota Gamma, Ramapo College, NJ Sisters made bracelets for the upcoming Girls On The Run 5k.

Theta Lambda, Frostburg State University, MD Chapter sisters, along with some alumnae, made cards for the Ronald McDonald House.

Epsilon Upsilon, Penn West University-California Chapter members came together to engage in community cleaning at Rotary Park, PA.

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DEFYING THE ODDS

DEFYING THE ODDS With support from her Longwood friends, alumna climbs to South Everest Base Camp a year after skydiving fall

Originally printed in the Longwood Magazine Sping 2023 Issue.

BY MATTHEW MCWILLIAMS

One November day in 2021, Jordan Hatmaker, Alpha, fell out of the sky. It was 57 degrees in Norfolk that day with clear skies. Perfect for jumping. Her coach had some extra time, so why not get another jump in? It was her second skydiving jump of the day from 13,500 feet. The first one had gone perfectly, and Hatmaker was tantalizingly close to earning her “A” skydiving license, which meant she could jump solo as much as she wanted. That’s when her parachute didn’t open, the nightmare for skydivers. From that height, she was falling as fast as a human body can fall, and the ground was coming up quickly. One year later, Jordan Hatmaker climbed to Mount Everest Base Camp. The Skydiving Bug The Jordan Hatmaker who arrived at Longwood in the mid-2000s is the same Jordan today: bubbly, energetic, relentlessly positive. Someone who makes friends easily, whether it’s with her sorority sisters in Alpha Sigma Alpha or really anyone who happens to catch her in conversation. She’s a person hellbent on getting the most out of every day. “A lot of people coast through life, just going through the motions and they’re happy doing that,” she said. “I’ve always been different. I want to actually live my life to the fullest rather than just say the words. So I guess I’ve always sought out adventure.” 18

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

That sense of adventure led her to try skydiving when she was 28 years old, and she caught the bug. She decided to get her “A” license for solo jumping. That meant dozens more training jumps. Hatmaker and a coach would jump out of a plane at the same time, and the coach would put her through drills to develop midair skills that solo jumpers need. “Small movements have a huge effect on your position in the air,” said Hatmaker, who majored in communication studies. “If you de-arch your back slightly, your fall will slow slightly. If you tilt your shoulders, you’ll move right or left. That day, I was working on matching my coach’s level—she’d go above me, and I’d maneuver to match where she was. When we were done, we moved away from each other so we could pull our chutes safely.” Skydivers call the packs that hold their parachutes “harness containers,” which work like this: When a diver pulls the cord, a pilot chute is released. A small dome of fabric that’s attached to the top of the main parachute, the pilot chute catches the wind and pulls the main parachute out of the harness container. When all goes right, which happens well above 99% of the time, according to the United States Parachute Association, both parachutes open and the skydiver’s 125 mph free fall slows down to about 17 mph, allowing a safe descent to earth.

Lucky, Not Lucky Hatmaker fell into that unlucky 1% when she pulled her cord during the second jump on Nov. 14, 2021. The pilot chute was released, but it got caught in what skydivers call a “burble,” a pocket of dead air behind the person where the wind is broken. Think of a NASCAR race, where drivers ride inches from each other’s bumpers so the car in the front breaks the wind and the second car can glide along in the slipstream with no resistance. In that burble, the pilot chute began to twist around Hatmaker’s right leg. There was no force pulling her main parachute out of the container, and so her chute stayed in her pack, and the free fall continued. “In emergency situations, I’m not the type of person to freak out and freeze,” she said. “I just went into survival strategy mode. I remember thinking that maybe I could get out of it.” She couldn’t—and hit the ground at approximately 70 miles per hour. Her left leg hit the ground first, forcing her tibia into her ankle and shattering the bones. It was one of the worst breaks possible, but ironically also lucky. Doctors told her that landing on her leg probably saved her life, because much of the incredible force that is released when a person hits the ground at that speed was absorbed by her leg. The rest of the force broke five vertebrae, crushing her spinal cord and caused incredible swelling that left her paralyzed from the waist down for the next month. “I’m fortunate to be alive,” she said. “I feel really good, but I still think about it every day. Not so much the bad parts—the pain and the struggle to recover— but the blessings that have come out of it. Small things roll off my back easier. I know it’s a cliché, but the grass is greener and the sky is bluer. And I’ve met a lot of amazing people throughout this journey who have made my life immeasurably richer.” Some of those amazing people were fellow Lancers she had lost touch with over the years since graduation. “So many of my former classmates reached out to me after my accident,” she said. “It was like a mini reunion on social media! But it goes to show you what they say about Lancers: Once you are part of that family, everyone rallies around you when you need them.” No Room for Doubts Incredibly, after several months of physical therapy, she was ready for her next adventure. Almost a year to the day after she was paralyzed, Hatmaker climbed one last boulder at Mount Everest South Base Camp. Spray-painted on the side of the rock are the elevation numbers “5364 m,” which is nearly one mile higher than she was when she jumped out of that plane. It was a trip she had planned for more than a year—before her accident. Despite her devastating injuries, she never

doubted that she would not only make the trip to Nepal but also make it to the top of base camp. “I think having that goal definitely helped,” said Hatmaker, who is a Navy account manager for Darley, a defense contractor. “Even in the hospital when my legs wouldn’t move, I never thought that there was a chance of missing the trip.” Make the trip she did. In November 2022, she flew into Tenzig-Hillary Airport in Nepal, often rated as one of the most dangerous airports in the world because of its short runway and surrounding mountainous terrain. “I had a moment of nervousness,” she said. “The plane that we got on in Nepal looked just like the plane I jumped out of when I had my accident.” But Hatmaker did what she always does: persevere. Her weeklong journey to South Everest Base Camp was rough going, but on the way up she crossed some of the most iconic landmarks on the famous journey, including the Hillary Bridge. Strung 459 feet between two cliffs and 410 feet above a rushing stream, the suspension bridge is decorated with colorful flags. When she climbed over the final boulder to reach base camp, she knew that she could accomplish anything. “The sheer size of the mountains was breathtaking,” she said. “You just feel so small. But everyone at base camp cheers when someone makes it up there. I just stood there and soaked it in. A year earlier, almost to the day, I didn’t know if I’d be able to walk again, much less climb boulders for over a week to get to this point.” Nature Calls One of the questions everyone asks is: Are you going to skydive again? “I think I need to do it again for myself. That’s just the type of person I am,” she laughed. “The question is whether I’ll ever jump solo again.” While that question is percolating, she’s got a list of more adventures to plan. Scuba diving is something she’s “always wanted to try.” Perhaps another summit—somewhere in Patagonia seems fun. But whatever it ends up being, she knows what she’s looking for. “Something big.” Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT

Elevate & Influence BARB WILLIAMSON, EE, ALUMNA I signed the back of my driver’s license in college to be an organ donor after hearing a speech about organ donation. I can’t say I gave it much thought after that. It was just something I wanted my family to know I was willing to do if I were ever in a fatal car wreck. Fast forward to 2023. My cousin Mindi has battled ADPKD or polycystic kidney disease for the past 11 years. Cysts form in the Barb (right) and her cousin kidneys and enlarge the kidneys until they can no longer function. Mindi (left) at the Mayo Clinic. Blood pressure medication can slow the progression, but ultimately renal failure occurs. Mindi’s goal was to see her children grow up and graduate before her disease progressed to the point she needed dialysis or a transplant. She got her wish in May 2023 as her youngest child received his college degree, but at the same time her kidneys were in very bad shape. Mindi and I had discussed her declining health every time we were together or talking on the phone. I kept thinking we had more time for a cure to be discovered or a new treatment developed. No immediate family member was medically able to donate a kidney to her. Mindi is one of the most positive people I know, but the situation was wearing on her. She told me of a study that Mayo Clinic was conducting that would allow transplant patients to live post-transplant without taking anti-rejection drugs. This could have been a game changer. I was so excited about the study and what it could mean for Mindi, that I signed up to be her partner in the study. I began the extensive process of getting tested as a kidney donor in February at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. That involved vials and vials of blood work, 48-hours of urine collection, a heart catheter, chest x-rays, stress tests and tests that I couldn’t even pronounce the name of. After my testing was complete, Mayo Clinic canceled the study due to lack of participants. We were so close to getting approval to participate, but it wasn’t completed in time. We were crushed by the news.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

Alpha Sigma Alpha's vision is to elevate the influence of women in the world. In each issue of the Phoenix Magazine, members will be featured who are living Alpha Sigma Alpha's vision, purpose and values in their everyday lives.

I received approval from the transplant team in May 2023 for a traditional kidney donation to Mindi, and we immediately scheduled the transplant for early July. It might sound scary to have a kidney removed, but the actual surgery was easy. I had very little pain and was discharged from the hospital the morning after the transplant. By that afternoon I was walking on the beach. I couldn’t lift over 10 pounds for 6 weeks, but that was it! Life went back to normal very quickly for me. Mindi’s journey has been tougher, but she’s doing great, too. It’s a very delicate balance for the doctors to keep the new kidney healthy enough to function but also not get rejected by the host body. Mindi has blood labs drawn weekly and her meds are tweaked constantly in that fine dance between function and rejection. Some of the restrictions she’s under seem strange—must wear shoes in the house (in Florida!), no gardening or sticking her hands in the dirt, must wear a mask around people and her diet is extremely restricted by type of food, temperature of food and washing everything she eats—but they are actually a matter of life or death for her. Mindi continues to focus on the positive side of her health, being thankful for each and every day she has with her husband and children. I am a strong believer in giving blood, signing the back of your driver’s license to be an organ donor and anything else we can do to help each other. Life’s struggles and journeys are meant to be shared. It’s how we can learn from each other’s failures and successes and how we can be there to support each other. “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.”

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

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CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES

CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES Below is the list of chapters celebrating a significant milestone anniversary during the 2023-24 academic year. Interested in planning an anniversary event? Contact Director of Volunteer and Alumnae Services Melissa Merriam at mmerriam@alphasigmaalpha.org.

25 YEARS

Zeta Xi, Lindenwood University, 3/21/1998 Zeta Sigma, University of the Incarnate Word, 11/21/1998 Zeta Tau, Grand Valley State University, 3/27/1999 Zeta Upsilon, University of Lynchburg, 4/10/1999 Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, 1/4/1999 Livingston AL Alumnae Chapter, 4/27/1999 (inactive) Triangle Alumnae Chapter, 5/1/1999 (inactive) (Triangle is in Raleigh, NC – the Raleigh-Durham Chapter is active)

Delta Lambda, Virgina Polytechnic Institute, 4/17/1974

Dayton Alumnae Chapter, 6/6/1949 (inactive)

YEARS

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

YEARS

100 YEARS

Mu Mu, Eastern Michigan University, 1/19/1924

FROM THE ARCHIVES