The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha; Winter 2015

P page 6

HOENIX

Winter 2015 | Volume 101

of

SPREAD OUR

INFLUENCE ABROAD Results of the 2014 member assessment page 12

Gallup research on sorority/fraternity experience

Custom apparel and special merchandise for every Alpha Sigma Alpha is available at www.CrimsonCollections.com.

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 C O NT ENTS

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FEATURES Cover story, page 6:

Spread our influence abroad: Results of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 2014 assessment survey 12 Gallup research on sorority/ fraternity experience 18 Missing sisters: Are you among the missing?

20 International Badge Day 2015 21 Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute

D E PA R T ME N T S 4 Editor’s desk

6

5 From the president

PHOTO CREDIT: PHI PHI CHAPTER

22 District news 26 From the ASA Foundation 27 ASA Palms 30 News & events 31 From the archives

PHOTO CREDIT: EPSILON THETA CHAPTER

22

32 Woman of poise and purpose

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: GREEKYEARBOOK INSIDE COVER PHOTO CREDIT: TAYLOR CAMPANO, THETA SIGMA

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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HOENIX

of

E DI T O R ’ S D E S K Volume 101, Number 1

Dear readers,

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

Down the hallway from my office there is construction going on. Construction workers are knocking down walls, adding insulation, and opening up the current headquarters building to connect to the new extension.

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

I could be sitting here annoyed that the loud banging and machines are distracting me from my work, or that the subzero temperatures are creeping in through the construction down in my office causing me to shiver every moment or two.

(There, it just happened again.)

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

DEADLINES Winter

Sept. 10

Spring

Dec. 10

Summer March 10 Fall

June 10

EDITOR Katie Matis Smith, DH

However, I know what this expansion represents: growth and progress.

The future of Alpha Sigma Alpha will be well cared for with additional space for staff and resources. I am proud of our organization and look forward to what we will continue to do: serve each and every one of you and fulfill the ideals and legacy of the Founders.

I am ecstatic for you to read this issue of the Phoenix magazine. In the rest of the issue you will see our ritual fulfilled through the results of the collegiate member assessment, highlights from D.O.T. Days 2014 and meeting one of the two Alpha Sigma Alpha members who participated in the 2014 Miss America competition.

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nancy I.Z. Reese, BU

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018 Phone: (317) 871-2920

Mizpah, Katie Matis Smith @kmatis25

Fax: (317) 871-2924 Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

STAY CONNECTED www.facebook.com/AlphaSigmaAlphaSorority www.twitter.com/asaHQ www.youtube.com/user/AlphaSigmaAlphaNHQ www.pinterest.com/AlphaSigmaAlpha www.instagram.com/AlphaSigmaAlpha

S HA R E Y O U R T HO U G HT S We always welcome your comments—both

of

LONG LIVE ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA!

ksmith@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or send mail to:

A look back on #VIVA2014

Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha

Collegiate and Alumnae Award Winners

Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

Fall 2014 | Volume 100

criticism and praise—about this publication. Email

9002 Vincennes Circle

4

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HOENIX page 6

Introducing your 2014-15 Leadership Consultants page 20

F R O M T HE P R E S I DENT

It has been 17 years since I first heard the Ritual of Alpha Sigma Alpha and the words that shape our organization. These words in our ritual still have a profound impact on me just as they did when I was a collegian. The vow we share as members of Alpha Sigma Alpha is an essential part of our ritual and has always been very powerful to me. It is amazing to reflect on all the Alpha Sigma Alpha women who took the same pledge before and after me, who live all across the country and all agree to live up always to defend our beloved Sorority.

In early 2014, Alpha Sigma Alpha completed a membership assessment with collegiate members. Overall, we learned that the member experience benefits women’s lives through relationships and leadership development.

Now, I challenge each of us to spread our influence abroad by reflecting on the vow we took in our ritual.

This vow is a personal decision. It is a commitment from you to Alpha Sigma Alpha and each member. It is a privilege and honor.

But have you personally considered what each line means? As I was preparing for this opening, I was challenged to think about what it means to “spread our influence abroad.” The first thing that came to my mind was traveling far away. But I quickly realized that I could be taking this too literally. We all have influence to share. Abroad could simply mean sharing in your family, community and beyond.

I traveled as a leadership consultant and can think of many ways that I personally experienced sisters spreading our influence abroad. I think of sisters who personally made a significant influence on a situation or another sister. I think of a colony president who led and prepared her colony for installation and to be a chapter. I think of a woman who stood up to hazing in her chapter and was a key player in educating her sisters to change.

I think of the sister who kept sharing Alpha Sigma Alpha and recruiting new members when everyone else in the chapter seemed to slow down.

Which sister are you?

Each of us as Alpha Sigma Alpha members have agreed to do this.

We have taken the step to promise our unfailing loyalty. What does it mean to spread influence our abroad?

Here are some ways I think we can do this…

Ask a friend to join you for an Alpha Sigma Alpha event.

Be a leader in your chapter whether you hold an office or not.

Make decisions and encourage change, always remembering your values.

Lead others and stand up for what is right.

Be positive and show good will toward others.

Encourage and mentor sisters. Help them see their strengths.

How will you live up to the vow that you took as a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha? We can make an impact on others. We can leave things better than we found them. We can uniquely spread our influence abroad as women of poise and purpose.

In Alpha Sigma Alpha, Melissa Koch Merriam, EE National President

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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SPREAD OU R IN FL UE N C E A B R O A D

Spread our influence abr

RESULTS OF ASA ’S 2014 ASSESSME

6

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

road:

BY LEAH DOOLEY EICKHOFF, AB PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

In spring 2014, all Alpha Sigma Alpha collegiate members were invited to participate in an assessment of their Sorority experience. Through a partnership with EBI MAP-Works this assessment gathered information that will be used to guide decisions for the future of our organization.

ENT SURVEY

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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SPREAD OU R IN FL UE N C E A B R O A D

Whyassess assessourour membership? membership ? **Why

One of the first messages typically communicated to potential new members through the sorority recruitment process is that joining a sorority can be life-changing. Member organizations of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) each have their own way of communicating the vision or purpose of their organization to potential members. Alpha Sigma Alpha members quickly learn that the purpose of our organization is to foster close friendships between members and develop women of poise and purpose. We do this by creating opportunities and environments inspired by the mission and core values of our organization.

So this begs the question, if we say that membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha will be “life-changing,” or more specifically that we “foster close friendships between members and develop women of poise and purpose,” how do we prove it?

Often we rely on anecdotal evidence and storytelling to show the benefits of membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha. Most members can share a specific situation or moment where they personally saw the benefit of membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha. While this can be one layer of showing our value, it can be challenging to translate individual stories into evidence of personal development across the entire organization.

This is where assessment comes in. By asking strategic questions of our members we can identify if membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha truly does lead to development in the areas of our purpose, mission and core values. More importantly, we can find the areas of potential organizational improvement that will allow us to offer our members what they need as they strive to become confident leaders in their chapters, campuses and communities.

EBI MAP-Works? *WithWhyan understanding of the need to assess our membership, Alpha Sigma Alpha staff sought the expertise of trusted assessment leaders in the field of higher education. While a variety of options were explored, it was determined that EBI MAP-Works, a trusted leader in higher education assessment, was developing a fraternity/sorority organizational assessment that could be customized for Alpha Sigma Alpha and would be the best fit.

In consultation with the EBI MAP-Works staff, it was clear that this assessment would: Be professionally administered.

Allow for anonymity of individual members while providing the ability to see chapterlevel and national organization needs and trends.

Provide relevant, user-friendly statistical analysis.

one in on the most relevant information H gained from the data, as well as how to apply that information to future-oriented decision-making.

Ultimately, it was determined that this assessment would meet the objective of identifying the areas where we were achieving our organizational purpose and the areas we could continue to improve upon to enhance our members’ experience.

did we learn? *WithWhat a 43.9 percent response rate (2,403 collegiate members completed the assessment), we were able to reach some incredible conclusions about the Alpha Sigma Alpha collegiate experience. We were quickly able to see the areas where we are delivering on our promise to develop women of poise and purpose. In addition, we received some great information about a variety of membership demographics.

The assessment proved to be a useful tool for honing in on the areas of importance for our member growth and development.

The data gained from our collegiate membership also highlighted the areas upon which we can continue to improve. Overall, the data showed that our top organizational priority is the area of collaboration. If we, as members of Alpha Sigma Alpha, can collectively improve how we communicate with each other, work effectively with each other, treat each other respectfully and trust each other, our members will be more satisfied with their sorority experience.

It is important to note that collaboration is not the area that our members scored our organization lowest. However, this assessment showed that if we can improve in this area we will see a greater improvement in the overall member experience.

Our secondary priorities as identified by the assessment include these areas of learning: Personal development skills

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

Timeline of the

data-collection process

Self-worth Interpersonal relationship skills Sense of belonging Intrapersonal competence Again, these are not areas that we scored poorly on, but these do indicate areas of potential improvement for our organization.

In addition to the national organization results, 77 collegiate chapters and colonies were eligible for group specific reports to highlight their greatest successes and areas for improvement. Having received this information in summer 2014, chapters are using this information to improve their local efforts to develop women of poise and purpose.

What have we done with *this information?

Since reviewing the data, our organization has continued to identify ways to celebrate our successes and address areas of improvement. Of utmost importance is to be transparent with the information that was gained. If we keep the results secret, how can we expect our members to collectively work to improve on our priority areas?

With this philosophy in mind, our assessment data has been shared in the following ways: Specific communications to district and national volunteers.

Collegiate officer, advisory board, district and national volunteer access to the national reports through Officer Portal.

Breakout workshop offered at

the 2014 National Convention & Leadership Conference in San Antonio.

Individual staff consultation with collegiate chapter officers and advisors upon request.

In addition, Alpha Sigma Alpha staff and volunteers have collectively worked to incorporate the assessment priority areas into national programs throughout 2014-15. The assessment was taken into consideration as workshops were created for 2014-15 District Day events, and key findings will be incorporated into the curriculum for the 2015 Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute. The curriculum development project team has created a collaboration workshop to be used by collegiate chapters that is located in Officer Portal and can be used as a four-aim activity.

Of additional importance, the results from the assessment have guided the development of the 2015-18 strategic plan as well as the 2015-16 business plan for Alpha Sigma Alpha.

While these are just starting points, the information gained from the assessment will continue to influence the programs, services and opportunities offered to members of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

We look forward to continuing to celebrate the achievements identified through the 2014 Alpha Sigma Alpha assessment as well as our continued commitment to develop women of poise and purpose.

November 2013

Alpha Sigma Alpha decides to move forward with conducting the assessment with EBI MAP-Work s in spring of 2014.

January 2014

Communication about the assessment was sent to Alpha Sigma Alpha collegiate members. This communication included: personalized emails to chapter presidents and advisors, announcements on social media and in collegiate newsletters and outreach through district volunteers. In addition to general information about the assessment, collegiate officers were reminded of the need to update chapter rosters to reflect accurate chapter membership as of Jan. 30, 2014.

February 3 , 2014

An initial invitation email was sent to the 5,480 reported collegiate members.

February 6 , 2014

First reminder email was sent to all collegiate members who had not yet participated in the assessment.

February 16 , 2014

Personalized email was sent from Alpha Sigma Alpha headquarters staff to each collegiate chapter president and advisor with an update on chapter participation percentages.

February 17 , 2014

Second reminder email was sent to all collegiate members who had not yet participated in the assessment.

February 20-22 , 2014

Specialized outreach from district volunteers to collegiate chapters encouraging participation.

February 25 , 2014

Personalized email was sent from Alpha Sigma Alpha headquarters staff to each collegiate chapter president and advisor with an update on chapter participation percentages.

February 26 , 2014

Last chance email was sent to all collegiate members who had not yet participated in the assessment.

March 2 , 2014

Assessment process closed at 11:59 p.m. www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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SPREAD OU R IN FL UE N C E A B R O A D

A∑A

ogracompplehitedcsthe assessment Dem legians who

assessment

of col

28.3% 19.3% first year freshman; .1% 21 ; ior jun .4% sophomore; 28 ior sen ear h-y fift % senior; 2.6 ility; 16.7% live in a chapter fac a chapter in t (no 40% live on-campus s (not in pu cam off facility); 43.3% live ) ility a chapter fac

results

*

M mber Me t n a tio fac satisfa with chhaaptter programming

Social activities 57 6% emely – 57.

Extrem Moderately – 38.7% Not at all – 3.7%

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

Aver

er ma Alpha than any oth ass a leader in Alpha Sig

Alumnae activities Extremely – 34.6% Moderately – 53.2% Not at all – 12.1%

10

s e i t i tiv

ditional olved in at least one ad off our members are inv wn more gro e hav e they (Of those, 68% believ sttudent organization stu zat student organi ion.)

1

4

chapte r a c

73.2%

on nt

l sciences, 36.6% study socia services n ma hu health and 13.9% education forming arts, 13.4% visual/per d languages an ns tio ica commun ministration ad 12.8% business r he ot % .7 10 ysical sciences ph d an th ma 6.2% g, technology 3.9% engineerin and architecture 2.6% undecided

per week s p e urs

ber of m u n ho age

of study s a e r * A *

2

Service & charitable giving activities Extremely – 65.3% Moderately – 32.3% Not at all – 2.4%

5

Variety of programs Extremely – 49.5% Moderately – 45% Not at all – 5.5%

3

s Educational experience Extremely – 51.4% Moderately – 44.1% Not at all – 4.5%

6

Quality of programs Extremely – 55% Moderately – 40.9% Not at all – 4.1%

98%

Self-worth and compett ence 97% of o

ur members are m oderately to extremely proud of their membership in A lpha Sigma Alpha

our members are moderately to extremely like ly to recommend fraternity/sorority membership on their campus

98% of our mem bers moderately to extremely believe their membership in Alpha Sigma A lpha has led to an increase in their se lf-motivation 96% of our mem bers moderately to extremely believe their membership in Alpha Sigma A lpha has led to an increase in their se lf-esteem

Overall satisfaction

71%

of our members are extremely satisfied with their Alpha Sigma Alpha experience

26%

of our members are moderately satisfied with their Alpha Sigma Alpha experience

age numbe Aver ro

10.6% juniior or se en niio orr year

ce ervi ys

24 2 4..5 4 5% % so op pho ph om more year

None during cu rrent academic year – 2.3% 1-5 – 45.8% 6-10 – 31.9% 11-15 – 9.2% 16-20 – 4.6% 21-25 – 3% More than 25 – 3.3%

to comm u n itted it mm

s per month r u o co h f

When did you affiliat e with Alpha Sigma Alpha?

65% freshman year a

of

Interpersonal co

m

petencies: 80% of that their me our members mbership in A believe lpha Sigma A “extremely” e lpha has nhanced their ability to live with integrity .

Practical competen cies: 76% of our m that their me embers belie mbership in A ve lpha Sigma A “extremely” e lpha has nhanced their ability to assu of responsibili me positions ty.

Sel

f-knowledge: 81% of our memb their involvem ers believe th ent in chapte at r activities was consistent wit “extremely” h their person al values/belie fs.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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SPREAD OU R IN FL UE N C E A B R O A D

BY BRANDON BUSTEED, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GALLUP EDUCATION

GALLUP RESEARCH STUDY

ON THE SORORITY/FRATERNITY EXPERIENCE A survey released in May 2014 by Gallup revealed that college graduates who belonged to fraternities or sororities fare better than other graduates in a variety of long-term outcomes. Gallup partnered with the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Inter-fraternity Conference to conduct the research as part of the Gallup-Purdue Index. The Gallup-Purdue Index, a survey of more than 30,000 college graduates conducted earlier this year, was designed to better measure the relationship between the college experience and critical lifetime outcomes.

sorority members are thriving in purpose, social, physical and financial well-being.

Gallup research demonstrates that college experiences can correlate with success later in life. The Gallup-Purdue Index asked about many types of college activities. Not surprisingly, graduates who that belong to fraternities or sororities were much more likely to have been extremely active in extracurricular activities and organizations (39 percent vs. 16 percent), more likely to have participated in student clubs (73 percent vs. 53 percent) and more likely to have participated in intramural “...college sports (50 percent vs. 25 percent).

Based on Gallup-Purdue Index results, 16 percent of all college graduates were fraternity or sorority members while in school. According to Gallup’s research, graduates these graduates are significantly more likely to who belonged to be engaged at work. While 38 percent Perhaps less predictably, fraternities or sororities fare of graduates overall are engaged more fraternity better than other graduates in a while at work, 43 percent of graduates who and sorority members variety of long-term are members of fraternities or sororities are than other graduates (16 outcomes.� engaged. Engaged workers have found more than percent vs. 13 percent) strongly satisfaction in their careers. According to Gallup, these agree that they had professors who graduates are intellectually and emotionally connected with cared about them as a person, those who their organizations and work teams because they are able to do made them excited about learning and mentors who what they do best, they like what they do at work and they have encouraged them to pursue their dreams. The relative someone who cares about their development at work. In a related strength in these areas is likely one reason that significantly finding, college graduates who are members of fraternities and more fraternity and sorority alumni (37 percent) strongly sororities are more likely to be deeply interested in their work, agree that their institution prepared them for life after with 46 percent strongly agreeing with that statement. college than other graduates (27 percent).

Not only are fraternity and sorority members faring better in their careers, they are more likely to be thriving in other facets of life that affect well-being. Gallup found the biggest gap between fraternity and sorority members and other graduates was in the area of community well-being. While 52 percent of the former are engaged in the areas where they live and have pride in their communities, only 46 percent of the latter are thriving in community well-being. In addition, more fraternity and

12

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

Finally, Gallup compared fraternity and sorority alumni from different regions of the country and found that those from the south had the highest level of attachment to their alma maters. The findings of this study have been reported in many news outlets including the Wall Street Journal.

For a full copy of the report, please visit gallup.com.

37%

Post-Grad Preparation

OF FRATERNITY & SORORITY MEMBERS STRONGLY AGREE THAT THEIR INSTITUTION PREPARED THEM FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE.

27%

OF NON FRATERNITY & SORORITY MEMBERS STRONGLY AGREE THAT THEIR INSTITUTION PREPARED THEM FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE.

29,560

U.S. COLLEGE GRADS FOUND THAT GRADUATES WHO ARE MEMBERS OF FRATERNITIES OR SORORITIES ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE THRIVING IN ALL FIVE ELEMENTS OF WELLBEING DURING THEIR POST-GRADUATE YEARS

43%

OF FRATERNITY & SORORITY MEMBERS SURVEYED ARE ENGAGED IN THE WORKPLACE.

Well-being

38% This infographic was originally produced by the NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference Foundation.

OF NON FRATERNITY & SORORITY MEMBERS SURVEYED ARE ENGAGED IN THE WORKPLACE.

IS THE COMBINATION OF ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO EACH INDIVIDUAL (PURPOSE, SOCIAL, FINANCIAL, COMMUNITY AND PHYSICAL) — IT IS HOW PEOPLE THINK ABOUT AND EXPERIENCE THEIR LIVES.

SPREAD OU R IN FL UE N C E A B R O A D

BY J. PATRICK BIDDIX, PH.D.

NPC STUDY FINDS SORORITY WOMEN HAVE BETTER EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES A study funded by the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and conducted by J. Patrick Biddix, Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, found that sorority members graduate within six years, and “on time,” at a higher rate than non members.

The research confirmed claims that sorority members have stronger, more positive educational outcomes and retention rates than non-sorority members, according to NPC, a premier advocacy organization for women and the sorority experience.

For decades, research has linked sorority membership with multiple educational and psychosocial outcomes, as well as benefits to institutions such as increased retention and alumni giving rates.

This research effort communicates the results of a national, largescale analysis of postsecondary outcomes related to membership in a NPC sorority conducted between January and August of 2014.

Data include 4,243 students across 18 randomly selected fouryear institutions.

“For generations, our message has always been that sorority membership enhances the college experience and also provides lifelong support for members,” said Jean Mrasek, chairman of NPC. “The results of this report are indeed powerful in that they validate what we advocate on a regular basis and what we know to be true — that sororities contribute to the education and overall well-being of women.”

14

Retention rate Sorority members (93%) were retained from freshman to sophomore year at a higher rate than nonmembers (82%).

On Time graduation Sorority members (58%) graduated “on time” in four years at a higher rate than nonmembers (46%).

After accounting for pre-college characteristics, such as high school GPA and ACT score, as well as institutional differences, the likelihood of retaining was 3 times higher for sorority members.

After accounting for pre-college characteristics, such as high school GPA and ACT score, as well as institutional differences, the likelihood of graduating “on time” in four years was nearly 2.5 times higher for sorority members.

Graduation rate Sorority members (84%) graduated within six years at a higher rate than nonmembers (71%).

Final college GPA Sorority membership did not affect final college GPA.

After accounting for pre-college characteristics, such as high school GPA and ACT score, as well as institutional differences, the likelihood of graduating within six years was nearly 2.5 times higher for sorority members.

This study was supported by a grant and funds from NPC and the NPC Foundation, and includes findings via institutional research, registrar, financial aid and other staff from participating institutions.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

An interview with Chelsea Faber, BI Chelsea Faber was not always on track to be a police officer.

She entered Radford University in Radford, VA, as a business economics major, but after a year she knew that path was not where she was meant to go.

After an internship with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Washington DC, Chelsea knew that criminal justice was where she wanted to explore her passions.

Chelsea became a member of the Beta Iota Chapter in the spring of her sophomore year.

She was elected treasurer of her chapter the next year.

“I learned to be strong and responsible during my time serving as treasurer,” said Chelsea. “Alpha Sigma Alpha taught me about comradeship through sisterhood, working hard, working together and keeping balance with a busy schedule. It turned out to prepare me really well for the academy.”

Chelsea knows that her place as a police officer and perhaps in a federal role someday is a legacy she has come to learn and respect.

“I was always interested in the legacy of Alpha Sigma Alpha and my role within it. That has translated into my passions in my career aspirations.”

“I like to follow the happenings of Alpha Sigma Alpha and I plan to

“My time in Alpha Sigma Alpha was

stay in touch. I hope to make visits to my chapter and perhaps other

fundamental in graduating from the

local chapters and give workshops about safety and legacy.”

police academy. With Alpha Sigma

Chelsea graduated from the police academy in spring 2013, and she

Alpha on my resumé, I can achieve

will be working for three years before applying for a job in a federal

anything I set my mind to.”

law enforcement branch.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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PHOTO CREDIT: MISS KANSAS ORGANIZATION

SPREAD OU R IN FL UE N C E A B R O A D

An interview with Amanda Sasek, ZZ, Miss Kansas 2014 Amanda Sasek joined Alpha Sigma Alpha in 2009 at the

sorority to join, it meant more to me than who I could have the

University of Central Missouri. She immediately held a

most fun with or where I could “fit in” at that point.

leadership role in the chapter as scholarship chairman, but she would go on to serve the university as President

I wanted to look at the women in the organization and decide

of Students for Political Action and student and alumni

if they exemplified who I wanted to become. I was inspired to

ambassador. Amanda was recognized as the UCM Top

be more like them and I knew my decision was made.

Female Undergraduate and a UCM Outstanding Leader.

RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF ALPHA SIGMA In spring 2014, Amanda was crowned Miss Kansas and then

ALPHAS VALUES; WHICH RELATIONSHIPS HAVE HAD THE

appeared on the Miss America competition in September 2014.

MOST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY? As Amanda and as Miss Kansas, I am all about relationships. I would

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA?

not be where I am today if it was not for my professors at UCM. I

I fell in love with Alpha Sigma Alpha because when I talked to

graduated two years ago, and I know I can still call on any of them

the members during recruitment, I felt that they exemplified

to help me. Also, organizational leaders across campus, including an

what I wanted to be like. When making the decision on which

Alpha Sigma Alpha advisor have been so instrumental to challenge and encourage me.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

I value those relationships so much.

When I was at Miss America, I got a huge packet of letters from my Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters. Many letters were from sisters who I hadn’t even met, and I cannot tell you how much that meant to me. Fostering relationships helps keep me motivated and can be an extremely useful tool for whatever you choose to do in life.

AS SOMEONE WHO WAS ALSO VERY INVOLVED, WHY DO YOU BELIEVE BEING INVOLVED IN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS OUTSIDE OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA IS AN IMPORTANT TREND WITHIN OUR ORGANIZATION? It is important because the ability to network and form relationships is crucial to success in college and the workforce. My sisters were always encouraging each other to become involved across campus.

It not only shows that our women are well-rounded and involved, but that we are actively seeking opportunities to serve. We all wanted the campus to see us not as just a sisterhood of women, but as an organization that empowered women to be actively involved in all different kinds of areas. The skills I gained from working with multiple organizations were beneficial to me winning Miss Kansas and excelling at this job.

I am very proud to say that I was involved in Alpha Sigma Alpha.

I learned how to work with all different kinds of women, and I was challenged each day to exemplify a woman of poise and purpose.

I remember one of the seniors said to me when I joined “you will get out of this what you put in.” This was true for my experience in the Sorority and in everything I did throughout college.

The more you put into the organization, the more you get out of it. For me, I gained self-confidence and was motivated to put the

Amanda Sasek, ZZ, appeared in the Miss America competition in

time and effort into it. I knew the benefits of that commitment.

September 2014 on ABC. Photo credit: Miss America Organization

That motto still guides me with all that I do.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS?

the importance of service. I have been forever changed for the

I plan to complete my master’s degree and find a job that allows

better. The organization has helped me develop and realize skills

me to give back to society in a meaningful way. I love working with

I never knew I had. I have learned so much about marketing, public

people, and helping people and I can’t wait to see what God has in

relations, business and communication. I have learned an incredible

store for me.

amount about networking and forming and sustaining relationships.

HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY AS MISS KANSAS TO MISS

As I move forward to the final half of my reign, I am excited to see

AMERICA AFFECTED YOUR ASPIRATIONS?

where I end up. I have so many phenomenal connections, skills

The Miss Kansas Organization and Miss America Organization

and opportunities that would have never existed before becoming

teaches young women so much about dedication, hard work and

Miss Kansas. www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

17

M I S S I NG SIS T E RS

missing? are you among the

18

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

74,000 living sisters in ASA’s database More than 77,000 members total have been initiated from 1901-2015.

MYAΣA IS IN YOUR HANDS All members of Alpha Sigma Alpha have access to MyAΣA. There you can easily update your

27,000 without current mailing address

mailing, email, phone number, social and other

Of that total more than 27,000 have lost or incorrect mailing addresses.

If you are reading this page, you are probably not one of these 27,000. Phew!

If it is your first time logging into the site, you

Help us find these lost sisters by reaching out to sisters who have not received the Phoenix lately. Ask them to update their mailing address through MyASA.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or contacting national headquarters.

at (317) 871-2920 or asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org,

profile information.

can create a username and password in just a few easy steps. Contact national headquarters, if you have any questions.

1

40,500 without current email About 40,500 have missing or incorrect email addresses. This is mostly because most collegians are assigned a .edu email address from their institution, but then change email addresses after graduation and don’t tell us! Ah!

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If you graduated and have not updated your email address, you may do so in a few easy steps on MyAΣA. Important Fact If you are one of those people who does not love to open up an inbox full of spam emails, then it should make you happy to know that Alpha Sigma Alpha does not spam its members! Eureka!

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Alpha Sigma Alpha will send announcements and messages to all members a few times a year, including the Founders’ Day and Valentine’s Day message from the national president.

Beta Epsilon – 836 Alpha Beta – 777 Phi Phi – 733

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These chapters are the top three chapters with the most “lost” sisters, or sisters who do not have a good mailing address with the national organization. Have you seen these sisters? Have them update their information on MyAΣA. www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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BADGE DAY

FROM THE NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE

International Badge Day save the date

he save t

date

MARCH 2, 2015 Fellowship, leadership and a lifelong commitment to community service are the daily themes in the lives of sorority women — from our college members to alumnae.

On Monday, March 2, these women — who number in the millions — will celebrate International Badge Day during National Women’s History Month. On that day, all of us will honor our separate and distinct Greek-letter affiliations by wearing our badges or letters.

It’s a day set aside to acknowledge successful women around the globe, whether they are U.S. senators or university freshmen working for humanitarian aid in far-away continents.

The National Panhellenic Conference, one of the largest and oldest women’s

organizations in the world, is not alone in celebrating and acknowledging all that women do. Other groups, such as the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations and the National Multicultural Greek Council, celebrate in their own diverse ways to recognize women.

Each group is distinct in its fraternal bonds, and each will celebrate in different ways.

But all will be celebrating the diverse interests of women.

“It’s a day set aside to acknowledge successful women around the globe, whether they are U.S. senators or university freshmen working for humanitarian aid in faraway continents.”

On March 2, campuses and chapters across the globe join to celebrate achievements in science, community, government, media, literature, art, sports, medicine — and those female leaders who have had an impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women everywhere.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

L D I S U MME R 2015

Indianapolis June 26-28

Pittsburgh July 10-12

Kansas City, MO July 17-19

DI S TRI CT NEW S — D .O .T. DAY S E DI T I O N

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1. Zeta Chi Chapter, Niagara University, NY Spent the week restoring a home and building associated with a local church.

2. Delta Eta Chapter, DePaul University, IL Volunteered at the 2014 Chicago Marathon.

3. Delta Upsilon Chapter, University of Texas at San Antonio Volunteered at a Special Olympics field competition.

4. Zeta Iota Chapter, Stony Brook University, NY Hosted a Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

5. Beta Kappa Colony, Western Illinois University Planted flowers and shrubs and did yard work for campus and community.

6. Theta Phi Chapter, University of North Carolina at Pembroke Volunteered at local humane society.

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7. Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Central Missouri Hosted a Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

8. Theta Epsilon Chapter, Schreiner University, TX Volunteered to put together health and wellness packages to be sent to hospitals in Africa working with patients with Ebola.

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9. Eta Eta Chapter, Pittsburg State University, KS Volunteered at local Ronald McDonald house.

12. Phi Phi Chapter, Northwest Missouri State University Volunteered at a local nursing home and local hospital.

10. Zeta Tau Chapter, Grand Valley State University, MI Volunteered at local Ronald McDonald house.

13. Epsilon Theta Chapter, Penn State University at Erie - Behrend College Volunteered at a local Girls on the Run 5k event.

11. Gamma Psi Chapter, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Hosted a Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

14. Beta Beta Chapter, University of Northern Colorado Volunteered at a local food bank.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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DI S TRI CT NEW S — D .O .T. DAY S E DI T I O N

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27 15. Zeta Rho Chapter, University of West Alabama Hosted a Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

22. Gamma Gamma Chapter, Northwestern Oklahoma State University Volunteered at a local nursing home.

16. Zeta Sigma Chapter, University of the Incarnate Word, TX Volunteered at a local food bank.

23. Theta Upsilon Chapter, Boise State University, ID Hosted a Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

17. Gamma Zeta Chapter, University of Arkansas - Monticello Volunteered at a local grade school.

18. Theta Mu Chapter, Valdosta State University, GA Volunteered at a local food bank.

19. Beta Upsilon Chapter, Indiana State University Volunteered at a local Boys and Girls Club.

20. Alpha Chapter, Longwood University, VA Volunteered at a local children’s center.

21. Epsilon Phi Chapter, Indiana University Volunteered at a local food bank.

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24. Theta Eta Chapter, Rogers State University, OK Volunteered at a local nursing home.

25. Central Pennslvania Alumnae Chapter Volunteered for S. June Smith Center creating educational games for children.

26. Chicago North Suburban Alumnae Chapter Volunteered creating food packages for children affected by Ebola in Africa.

27. Alpha alumna Volunteered at Special Olympics coaching bocce.

29 28. Delta Rho and Zeta Upsilon alumnae Volunteered working and restoring a local theatre.

29. Gamma Omega alumna Volunteered at the 2014 Chicago Marathon.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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ASA FOUN D AT IO N N E W S

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 6, 2015 This year that legacy touched the life of recipient, junior Katie Dion, ZΘ, from Wagner College, NY. Since its founding in 1986, the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to intellectual development and lifelong learning by offering academic scholarships to graduate members, undergraduate members and nonmembers. Last year, the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation provided more than $10,000 in scholarships to our members encouraging them to explore their passion and purpose.

However, long before the announcement in 1996 that the Foundation would award all Sorority scholarships, Amy M. Swisher, professor of art education emerita at Miami University, OH, left her legacy by establishing the first named scholarship during the 1952 Golden Anniversary convention in Roanoke, VA. This scholarship is awarded to a member pursuing graduate or undergraduate course work in any field.

Amy M. Swisher served as the advisor of the Alpha Alpha Chapter and became an alumna initiate of the chapter in 1917. Fondly called “Miss Amy” by Alpha Alpha Chapter members, she was later awarded the title of advisor emerita. In 1953, she was the recipient of the Wilma Wilson Sharp Alumna award for her outstanding dedication and influence on our organization.

Miss Swisher passed away on Oct. 10, 1981, after turning 100 years old just two months prior.

Her legacy still lives on through her scholarship.

“I am very proud to be receiving a part of Alpha Sigma Alpha history through receiving [the Amy M. Swisher] scholarship.

Alpha Sigma Alpha has become my home at Wagner, so I am thankful to have been recognized and to be a part of something much bigger than just me or my chapter. I am proud to be a part of this Sorority.

My aspirations include becoming a certified physician assistant. I am currently enrolled in a program and am still exploring my options for specialty, but I am most interested in either orthopedics or neonatology. The expenses of physician assistant school are huge, from books to medical supplies and tuition. I was able to use this scholarship to help pay for some of my medical supplies like my stethoscope.

I am grateful to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation and Amy M. Swisher for providing this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship has continued to make me want to be involved in this organization following my graduation!”

Because of selfless sisters like Amy M. Swisher, more women will have the opportunity to reach their personal and professional aspirations through an Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation scholarship.

Electronic applications are now available on the Foundation site, www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/AlphaSigmaAlphaFoundation, and will be accepted until March 6, 2015.

Please contact fndstaff@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org for more information.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

ASA PALMS

ASA Palms The word palm means tribute, honor or praise. Alpha Sigma Alpha gives palms to alumnae and collegians for their successes and milestones.

Celebrating a personal, professional or volunteer success? Tell us about it!

Send your success stories to the editor at ksmith@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

Epsilon Epsilon Chapter, Emporia State University, KS

Mildred Webb Brown pictured with Foundation Chairman Christine Strapac Thomas, AΓ

Alpha Gamma Chapter, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Mildred Webb Brown, AΓ, celebrated her 100th birthday on July 17, 2014. Mildred attended Indiana State Teacher’s College, now Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1936. She taught grades 1-3 at Wyland Avenue School in Hampton, PA, and enjoyed going downtown by bus to shop, see movies or listen to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Mrs. Brown enjoys reading mysteries and the newspaper, caring for her houseplants and going out to eat, especially for ice cream.

She says the keys to her long life are her faith and family. She celebrated at a family party with her proud daughters, sons-inlaw, grandchildren and great grandsons.

National Vice President of Membership Kathryn “Kat” Wolfington Harth, EE, was recently awarded the 2014 Rising Star Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education. The award is given to an employee of a member institution or organization with no more than five years of experience in continuing education who has either developed or extended an outstanding program or division within a continuing education unit.

Kat is the coordinator for one of the largest conferences for K-State Global Campus, the Academic Chairpersons Conference, an award-winning annual national conference for academic chairpersons, administrators and faculty from all areas of higher education.

Information courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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ASA PAL M S

Delta Nu-B Chapter, Kettering University, MI Carol VanDeVoort Goodman, ΔN-B, will be recognized with the 2014 Kettering University Civic Achievement Award, which recognizes significant and unselfish contributions of time and effort that benefit a community.

Beta Delta Chapter, University of Southern Mississippi Dolly Purvis Loyd, BΔ, known as Miss Dolly, was recently bestowed the title of instructor emerita of marketing by the University of Southern Mississippi. She is one of two instructors in the history of the college of business to have been given this praised distinction. Dolly was an instructor in the USM Department of Marketing and Management from 1979 to 2014.

She recently was also honored with a scholarship endowment, the Dolly Loyd Marketing Scholarship Endowment, which will support a junior or senior majoring in marketing who holds a grade point average of 2.75 or better and demonstrates financial need.

Gamma Iota Chapter, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY Stacey Resnick Rychlewski, ΓI, has been recognized as the Rochester Institute of Technology Distinguished Alumni for the College of Applied Science and Technology for 2014.

Stacey graduated with a bachelor of science degree in food administration, and she now sits on the RIT President’s Roundtable.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

Carol, a founding member of the Delta Nu-B Chapter, has a vast list of community involvement, which includes serving in leadership roles in the Junior League of Baltimore and Association of Junior Leagues International, as well as volunteering with local school districts and for both of her alma maters, Kettering and Harvard.

Phi Phi Chapter, Northwest Missouri State University Melinda Roesch Roelfs, FF, is the director of admissions at Pittsburg State University, KS. She was recently recognized for distinguished service in her profession.

During the annual conference of the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (KACRAO), Roelfs earned the Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award. The award is the highest awarded to an individual by KACRAO.

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1 Campus Queens Congratulations to our collegians who were crowned homecoming queen!

1. Gamma Gamma, Northwestern Oklahoma State University Morgan Renbarger 2. Epsilon Epsilon, Emporia State University, KS Sertrice Grice 3. Zeta Zeta, University of Central Missouri Caitlin Stauffer 4. Eta Eta, Pittsburgh State University, KS Emily Mika 5. Gamma Clio, SUNY-Cortland Melissa Kulikowsky 6. Zeta Eta, Rockhurst University, MO Helen Schultz

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NEWS AND E V E N T S

New colony coming to the University of New Haven Alpha Sigma Alpha is excited to announce that we will be establishing a colony at the University of New Haven, CT in fall 2015.

University of New Haven quick facts West Haven, CT 6,500+ student population 50 percent female population NCAA Division II Institutional mission statement The University of New Haven is a student-centered comprehensive university with an emphasis on excellence in liberal arts and professional education. Their mission is to prepare students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society by providing the highest-quality education through experiential, collaborative and discovery-based learning.

Nearby collegiate chapters T heta Sigma, Southern Connecticut State University (New Haven, CT) Zeta Theta, Wagner College (Staten Island, NY) Gamma Phi, St. John’s University (Jamaica, NY) Nearby alumnae chapters Boston Alumnae Chapter New York City Metro Alumnae Chapter Interested in advising the colony? Contact us at asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org!

Binding Arbitration Effective 2014 all Alpha Sigma Alpha new members, existing undergraduate members and alumnae members making claims for personal injury, claims for damages to property or disputes of any nature will be referred for resolution through the Alpha Sigma Alpha Claims and Dispute Resolution Program. Please log onto to MyAÎŁA for a copy of the Claim and Dispute Resolution Plan and Rules.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2015

archives

from the

Fifty years ago, in the spring 1965 issue of the Phoenix magazine, Beta Rho alumna Helga Winker was featured for her travels around the world as a teacher. She is pictured here in Cairo, Egypt. Helga offers this piece of advice for her sisters, “…if anyone has the opportunity to teach overseas, don’t let it slip by. Take advantage of it. It is an experience never to be forgotten…one which you will never regret.” Helga Winker Stephansen retired in 2003 after many years of teaching in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. She and her husband raised three children and are now enjoying their seven grandchildren. Helga was a member and long-time treasurer of the Chicago North Suburban Alumnae Chapter. www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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9002 Vincennes Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

WOMAN OF

Poise and Purpose I came into this organization with a preconceived notion that I knew who I was and what I wanted to be without a strong consideration of others.

Today, I can proudly say that those paper walls have been knocked down.

Alpha Sigma Alpha has built in their place a solid foundation made with courage, resilience and love.

Alpha Sigma Alpha has not only given me a wonderful network of women within the organization, but it has allowed me to have a bond with the Panhellenic community around the world. Through a few career changes and living abroad, being a woman of poise and purpose has given me the confidence to make my own goals a reality and ensure I do so with kindness and integrity.

Alicia Welcher Schriever Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. Theta Zeta alumna