2004 Fall/Winter ANCHOR by Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority

ALPHA SIGMA TAU National Headquarters 1929 Canyon Road Birmingham, AL 35216-1723

Phone

FAX

(205) 978-2179

(205) 978-2182

news bits

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alumnae honors Congratulations to Teresa Helmlinger on becoming the first woman president of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). In July 2003, Helmlinger was

E-mail

inducted as NSPE's president for 2003-2004 and the first woman to claim the

aststaff@mindspring.com

honor since the Society's founding in 1934. The year before. she was named to the

Homepage

"Im pact I00" by Business Leader magazine for her contributions to the business

www.alphasigmatau.org

community of North Carolina's Research Triangle Region . Helmlinger told Business

National Council

Leader magazine that her motto was, "There are many things in life that will catch

president Patricia Klausing Simmons, d

your eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those.'' She was a member of the Iota Chapter at Emporia State Un iversity before transferring to North

vice president Sailynn Doyle,

Carolina State Un iversity, where she graduated.

secretary Karen Laursen Kessler, 83

Barbara Farth ing Stricker, an alumnae member of

treasurer Denise Klein Dutter, 83

the Alpha Delta Chapter at Southwest Missouri State University, was recently conferred as a Master

collegiate chapters Melissa Hatfield Atkinson,

master and mentor

and Mentor -- the highest honor bestowed by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Academy. Stricker

alumnae

began volunteering in 1978 at the Boys Club of

Lara Cegala-Williams, \f'

Ventura in California and served as an arts and

expansion Tiffany Street. dM

crafts instructor. Over the years, she added to her responsibilities and worked in management, program and staff supervision , training, and board and

fraternity programs Kathy Pulice Baecker, 0 publications

fund-raising support. In 1986, Stricker joined the national staff to direct the Services to G irls Project. She was instrumental in helping the organization move from serving only boys to servings both girls and boys.

Anna M. Golladay, X _

Foundation president Lenore (Sybil) Seibel King, \f'

new colonies Alpha Sigma Tau is proud to welcome the following new colon ies:

first vice president Gail Shockley Fowler, AA

second vice president Julie Bell Bruington, I

Gamma Psi Colony: Fitchburg State College , Fitchburg, MA Delta Chi Colony: Christian Brothers University, Memph is, TN Delta Psi Colony: Johnson & Wales University. Denver, CO Delta Omega Colony: Penn State University- Altoona, Altoona, PA

secretary Charlotte Evans Floyd. \1'

Epsilon Alpha Colony: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Prescott,AZ Epsilon Beta Colony: Un iversity ofTexas- Pan American. Edinburg,TX

treasurer Rose Marie Schmidt, (-)

Epsilon Gamma Colony: Armstrong Atlantic State University. Savannah. GA Epsilon Delta Colony: Roge rs State University - Claremore. OK

in this issue .

•

features 4

Health Awareness: Mental Illness and What We Can Do As Sisters

New National Service Project Habitat for Humanity

Introducing - The Legacy of 1899 Fund

35th National Convention Highlights

2004 Convention Award Winners

Anchorline Form

columns 32

2 5th Anniversary Brings Special Meaning to Beta Mu Founding Sister

AST Members Help U.S. Marines Change the Lives of Afghani Children

Role of Alumnae

news 20

Collegiate News

Alumnae News

THE COVER: ALPHA LAMBDA COLLEGIATE WOM E

T H E IR

Real World I Road Rules

SHOW TH EIR E N E RGY D URING

RECRUITM ENT E VENT .

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by Sarah Phillips

ea College can be stressful on many levels We are constantly mundated wrth new classes, new (nendshtps, new responsibilities and the (act that, (or many of us, we are truly on our owr: (or the first time m our ltves On top o( trus, many chrome rllnesses, Doth mental and phystcal, can momfest themselves whet' you are m your twenties Durmg th s wne o( maJor dtanges tf1 our ltves, many o( us can be unaware o( the drastic toll these tllnesses can take even before they are dtagnosed In thts first o( two articles dtscusstng what happens whe'l you health (a1ls /'II hâ&#x20AC;˘ghltght one 11/ness - fibromyalgta, sornethmg tf>at I arn extremely (amtltar wrtJt because I becante til wrth rt when I was 19 F01/rng health can be a very diffiwlt thmg to deal wrth peC:tally when away (t m ~ orne No one around you can (! ly understand how you a e fee mg and row to help yo w are you ~ drng ba Before w look m<fepth at one however, lets look at <everal other areas where tllnesses a >trtke

MENTAL ILLNESS Depression When looking at psychological illnesses, one warning I learned in my psychology courses must be shared: Just because these illnesses may sound vaguely familiar, this does NOT mean you suffer from the illness. Depression is the most common psychological disorder occurring in young people. Many first year students suffer from a form of depression related to the fears of moving away from home, missing family, and most of all missing friends. A "normal" level of depression for a "normal" person does not require clinical treatment. Yet, this type of depression can lead to a much deeper and more serious form of depression that requires intervention. A study of 91 full-time freshman women enrolled at a large university showed that many of these women put great stress on themselves because of their attempts to keep up with high-

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awareness school friendships. The study found that the "preoccupation of holding on to pre-college friendships often interfered with the process of forming new relationships at college:' Greek women can encourage new students by holding recruitment events that center on writing letters home or creating collages with pictures the women brought to school with them.This helps nurture a feeling that the women are not distancing or forgetting old friendships, while they are creating new ones with the women in the sorority. Homesickness and stress can develop into full-fledged depression that can require treatment. Depression has several symptoms: mood (feel ing sad, helpless, hopeless, etc.), cognitive symptoms (negative thoughts that color view of self and future), motivational symptoms (trouble getting up in the morning, beginning projects, etc.), and physical symptoms (loss of appetite, sleepiness, etc.). Ninety-two percent of depressed patients no longer derive pleasure from some major interests in their life and 64 percent lose their enjoyment of other people. Depression is not just a feeling of sadness; it is also feeling guilty over the problems that are bothering you and having much lower self-esteem. People who are depressed often feel doomed, having many reasons for failure and no reason to believe they have any hope for futu re success. Everyone is vulnerable to depression. People of every race, ethnic group, socioeconomic status, and gender can become depressed. But, depression is also impacted by genetics. You are more likely to be depressed if first and second degree relatives suffer from depression, but this does not guarantee that you too will develop depression. We have seen an increasing rate of depression over the last fifty years and it appears that it will continue as time passes. One reason for this increase may be that the rate of diagnosis is greater because the public as a whole is more aware of mental illness and more likely to seek treatment as the stigma (although still very much present) lowers. The onset of depression is often found in those in their twenties and decreases as age increases. Twenty-five to 30 percent of undergraduates have at least mild symptoms of depression.Another study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that one in ten college students admitted to having suicidal thoughts during the 12 months preceding the survey.Those students were also more likely to engage in high risk behaviors of smoking, heavy drinking, marijuana, cocaine, and other drug use. Also, in 1992, a study of more than 3,000 twelve- to fourteen-year-olds in the southern U.S., showed nine percent had already experienced a depressive episode, meaning that they are more likely to have more episodes as they age totaling more than those who

first experienced depression during middle age. Depression is the third leading cause of death of people aged I5 to 24. Women are twice as often diagnosed with depression as men. This does not necessarily mean women are more depressed than men are, but it does show that they are more likely to recognize the symptoms and seek treatment. Some ethnic groups have an increased risk of suicide including Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives.Those who live alone are more likely to consider and commit suicide, but those in a fraternity or sorority are less likely to, which shows the importance of social support. Depression is thought to be linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are drugs that are available to help treat depression but as with many types of mental disorders, drug therapy and sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist are preferred because drugs alone are effective, but not as effective, as the combination of drugs and therapy. Everyone must admit that when you talk about what's bothering you, the problems seem less daunting. If you have someone close to you that you can talk to, share with them; but if you suspect that your problems are greater and you are in need of more professional help, please see a doctor. For people who do not feel comfortable sharing with others, starting a journal can be helpful. Journals are an incredible means of expressing your thoughts and fears in a concrete manner and allow you to go back to your ideas and evaluate them later.You can see if they were valid concerns or if they were irrational thoughts. I also suggest finding some other means of release. Whether it is exercise, writing, or the arts, find a way to get the negativity out so that you can move on to more positive ideas. Another form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is found in many people during the winter. Because it is caused by lack of exposure to sunlight and lowered physical activity, symptoms may be relieved by increasing physical activity, exposing yourself to more light by sitting in atriums, or installing more lights in your dorm room. Other psychological disorders that often appear while persons are in there

twenties are b eating disorde

Jar disorder (manic-depression), and the development or continuance of

Bipolar Di.o-.r I will only briefly talk about bipolar disorder here because I believe that the best way to understand an illness like this is to read or hear the experiences of someone who has suffered from this illness. For this, I will suggest the book An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison. She is a professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins who suffers from bipolar disorder. This book is about her personal experience with the disease as well as information on the clinical side of this illness. If you know someone who suffers from this illness or you are curious, please pick up this book. It is a quick read and is very informative without drowning you in heavy medical jargon. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression. The depressive aspect to this is similar to regular dep but it is much more seve~:"e. It is often accompanied by overeating (as opposed to a tite) as well as hypersomnia (continual feeling of sleepiness). On the flip side, mania of euphoric or irritable thoughts, frantic acts, and insomnia. Although to healthy people the idea of being in a continual "high" state sounds wonderful,

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this is actually what makes the experience more difficult. People with the disorder have a hard time understanding how detrimental this state is and often will cease taking medication to prevent the cessation of this state which then causes larger problems in their lives. This is because the manic state leads them to participate in dangerous behavior. For example, they will often times go on large shopping sprees that they cannot afford or participate in promiscuous relationships.

Eating Disorders Eating disorders can either be the excessive intake of food or the restriction or denial of food .Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are the two main forms of eating disorders. Although they have distinct features, they do have some common symptoms and common beginnings. People with anorexia and bulimia are believed to be trying to exert a form of control over themselves and their environment that they feel they are currently lacking. Anorexia's main symptoms are an intense fear of gaining weight (although they are underweight), a distorted body image, and the refusal to keep weight at a "normal" level. Even when they are emaciated, people with anorexia feel fat. The consequences of anorexia can be extremely harsh including lowered body temperature and blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, retarded bone growth, cessation of

pag 6

menstruation, and anemia. The irregularities in heart rate may cause death.You could also become more susceptible to disease because of the possible suppression to your immune system. Ninety-five percent of those with anorexia are women.The prevalence of this disorder seems to be rising; one in I00 females suffers from it. Onset of anorexia is usually in early adolescence, but it can begin at any age. Anorexia usually ends in early adulthood but those having suffered from anorexia tend to still struggle with their body image although not in such an extreme form . Among college students, as many as 30% say they binge at least twice a month, and 16 to 20% say they binge once per week. However, people with bulimia are excessively self-critical about appearance and their binges.They then purge by misusing laxatives, diuretics, and other medications as well as vomiting.The cycles of binging and purging will take hours out of a person's day. Many people who suffer from bulimia also suffer from depression because of their guilt over their inability to control their food intake. Only some people with bulimia are under weight; many people are normal in weight. The effects of bulimia can be detrimental to health.Yomiting often brings stomach acid into your throat and mouth leading to tooth decay. It can also lead to menstrual problems and an imbalance of electrolytes can cause heart failure. Some researchers believe that eating disorders are variations of

mood disorders but it is unclear if the anxiety and depression that often accompany the eating disorders are a cause or an effect of the disorder. The other reasons why they might be mood disorders are the prevalence, the types of people most common to suffer from them and cultural norms.The prevalence of anorexia and bulimia has increased in recent years and is common in developed countries and uncommon in undeveloped countries. White women are more likely to develop an eating disorder than black women. These two findings also have led to the idea that cultural norms play a role in the development of these disorders. Western cultures put unrealistic standards of beauty on women and young women try everything they can to reach that standard. Treating eating disorders includes working with the family because of the idea that anorexia is a means of showing autonomy. More recent approaches tend to rely on behavior and cognitive changes by identifying environmental triggers for binging, introducing feared foods, and identifying the problem areas and working toward a more positive and realistic body image. Here is where the question of whether or not depression and anxiety disorders are a part of the illness or side-effect arises, because a symptom of depression is the prevalence of negative thoughts that are often unrealistic as well as the anxiety that is also unrealistic. A sorority can help its members when evaluating eating disorders and other unhealthy means of weight loss in ways as simple as having open discussion about body image and teaching what is true beauty. Sorority Growth & Development events can accomplish this, o r speakers can be invited to talk about body image and/or health and body weight. You can discuss why we believe we should look a certain way, different ways you can combat those ideas with more realistic thoughts and standards, a healthy body weight and ways to lose weight that will not cause long term damage. If a member is suffering from an eating disorder, you need to remind her that you love her, trust that she will find their own path to recovery, ask her to take responsibility for her action, and offer support if she get discouraged.You need to be careful that you don't stand over her or watch too closely what she is eating, nor should you urge her to eat or not to eat. Listen to your sister and avoid comparing her to other sisters. If you are having problems dealing with your feelings toward this sister then you can go to a counselor yourself to talk about what is going on. Just remember that sisters should be there for each other, without judgment or criticism.

The Physical Side The onset of chronic illness and people's first experiences dealing with illness away from home usually happen in their twenties. Illnesses such as Juvenile Onset Diabetes and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis can afflict children, but because of their age, they are often more deeply supported by their family. For those living away from home, whether they are in the work world or at college, getting sick can be a very trying experience. Knowing when to go to the doctor, where to get prescriptions filled, and how to take care of yourself on your own are new challenges of adulthood that few people think

When to See a Doctor When is it necessary to see a doctor and when isn't it? For every cold and sniffle, a trip to the doctor can get very expensive and is probably a waste of time. Colds are viruses. Let me repeat that, colds are viruses! There is nothing a doctor can prescribe to help you through your cold. Antibiotics are only useful if it is a bacterial infection, not a viral infection. Please don't demand that your doctor or campus clinic prescribe them. Overuse of antibiotics is one reason stronger strains of illnesses surface making it harder for our bodies to combat them. Over the counter medications are available to help relieve symptoms and get you ~hrough the cold. Be careful which types of over the counter drugs you buy and how they will react with any prescription medication you may be taking. For example, if you are on any form of anti-inflammatory drug, you should not take a cold medication that has a pain reliever in it. This may result in a drug overdose. If you feel you need additional pain relief, please consult your doctor before taking anything See your doctor if the symptoms you are experiencing last for more than 4-7 days with no sign of improvement. This could be a sign of something more serious than just a simple cold or flu bug. If after the symptoms are gone, you are still feeling tired, lethargic, or sleepy you should also see your doctor.Tiredness can be a sign of more serious or chronic illnesses that can be treated under a doctor's care.

Listen to Your Doctor If a doctor instructs you to take an antibiotic, take it. Do not quit taking your medication even if the symptoms are gone unless the doctor tells you to stop. Often times the symptoms are the first things to go, while the bacteria is still lingering in your body. Having spent a great deal of time in doctors offices, I have observed that college students are among the most cynical patients.They believe that the college is providing low quality care because they don't like students.Yes, you may run into a few irritating members of the medical community but these people are not the majority. Even if they appear to not listen to you, consider their experiences with irrational college students with a runny nose that insist antibiotics are the cure all. Many of the doctors are doing their best for you and the community as a whole. The likelihood is that if you are sick. the rest of your floor will become sick as well, which means a flood of students headed for their office.

What if it's more than a cold? Probably the most difficult situation to deal with while away at college is if a major illness strikes.There are several reasons for this. The first is having to find medical attention on your own or missing class to go home to seek help. Not knowing what is wrong with you can be the hardest part of getting sick This is complicated by not having someone there to take care of you like your parents would. It is also hard to tell others about your illness. I had to deal with this dilemma myself. During my sophomore year of college, I suddenly had flu-like symptoms that I never really

about.

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recovered from .After a week, I went home (which was an hour away)

ried about how someone or something else will affect us. By knowing

to see my general practioner about my tiredness and the pain I was

and expressing your own limitations, it will be easier to explain them

experiencing throughout my body. After a thorough physical, she was

to others. For example, I was put on medication to help me sleep at

unable to figure out what was wrong with me, although she did agree

night so my roommate and sorority sister made a sign that either she

I was ill. She sent me to see a rheumatologist for further testing and

or I would flip over when I went to sleep. We even used it for nap-

examination. There I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain

time in the afternoon so that I (we) would get undisturbed sleep. My

and fatigue syndrome. In very basic terms, I'm tired and hurt every

sisters respected that and would come back later if they needed

day for what most would think is no reason at all. In truth, I hurt

something.

because I do not reach the deepest level of sleep at night and therefore my body does not heal, leaving me in pain. I was sent to a physi-

How to Deal with Someone Else's Illness

cal therapist where I learned that on top of that, I had weak stomach

Dealing with someone else's illness can sometimes seem harder

muscles (found many times in young women), flat feet, and I am slight-

than being the person with the illness. I say this because you are less

ly bow-legged. All of these little things compounded my pain. By doing

likely to understand what is happening than the person who is expe-

exercises to strengthen my stomach and knees, some of my pain has

riencing the illness. If it is someone very close to you, I suggest the

eased. I was then placed on medication to help me sleep at night as

same thing I would for them, learn about it! The more you know, the

well as pain medication.

more intelligent questions you can ask that person. Before asking any-

I went through a very difficult adjustment period during which I

thing about the illness, however, fi rst ask that person if she minds talk-

continued to attend class, did homework, and kept up with my posi-

ing about it. If she is a very open person, there should be no conflict

tions within the sorority. My medication and exercises took months

for her to talk to you about it People, no matter how ill, are not

to fully work and I continued to struggle daily with even the smallest

made of glass and can handle a lot more than we tend to give credit

of actions. By far the hardest thing I did was to tell my sisters what

for.

was wrong with me. I made the mistake of telling them before I had

NeXt, respect her ability to know her own limits. If it is your

dealt with it entirely myself. Through tears I explained my new situa-

sorority sister, don't hold her back because of her illness. If she

tion. I initially felt supported by them.Yet, they did not fully grasp the

believes she can be the best darn Sorority Growth & Development

situation and their own misgivings about my health led to a very diffi-

chairman the chapter has ever seen, trust that she will and do not

cult situation which almost caused me to leave the sisterhood.

refuse her solely on her medical history. If she is unable to tie her

Looking back on it now, my own inability to help them understand

own shoes and she has medical problems then that is something to

led to the problems I had with the group as a whole. I thought that

consider. Yes, she does have limitations that other sisters do not, but

they would come to me to talk to me about my illness, forgetting that

that does not mean that she should sit in the corner and be useless if

talking to someone about illness is very difficult to do.

she thinks she can contribute.

The first step to dealing with illness is to learn what you can

If she is sick, or her illness flares up or worsens, just be courte-

about it. You are already at the most valuable resource a person could

ous. Offer her help but don't be offended if she refuses. Never hover

have, a college.At a college you have articles, journals, and books that

around if she has said that she needs rest, because having someone

other public libraries may not have access to.You also have the

watch your every breath isn't exactly soothing. I know my roommate

incredible knowledge of your professors at hand every day. Once you

got worried many times when I would get sick from the flu or a cold

know more about an illness, you are able to understand it, why it

which would in turn make my fibromyalgia worsen, but she was really

occurs, and how to manage it, which are incredibly powerful coping

good about helping me when I asked but still leaving me be when I

skills in and of themselves. The next way to cope is, after learning

needed rest.

about your illness, think of useful questions to ask your doctor. When

Illness can be a very scary but also a very strengthening experi-

you are first diagnosed, you are often caught off guard, you may not

ence.You learn what your limits are, but also how much you can han-

know a thing about the illness (let alone how to pronounce it!), and

dle. Especially with chronic illness, you see how strong you really are

therefore are unable to ask educated questions about what you can,

and that there is so much in life to enjoy that you once took for

should, or should not do.

granted. It's amazing how much you don't think about being able to

Once you understand your situation better, this is the time to let people around you know what is going on.Your sisters care about

get out of bed every day and not hurt. The best advice to give the person dealing with illness and those around that person who want

you and worry, but don't always know the best way to talk to you

to help is support each other, take it one day at a time, and enjoy

about it And, well, let's face it, we're all rather self-centered and wor-

even the little things in life .

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Alpha Sigma Tau Members Help U.S. Marines Change the Lives of Afghani Children Finding good news in the War on Terror is difficult. The news channels do not always give a full picture of the good we are doing in so many places around the world. There are a few places in Afghanistan where we are making strides, one child, one Marine at a time. A difficult situation in Afghanistan has evolved into a beautiful story of American generosity and eager Afghani child ren because of the amazing men and women of the Marines of Task Force Lima. Earlier this Spring, Carol Mooney (Alpha Lambda), requested help from fam ily, friends and NOVA

ALT s in gathering gently used and new school supplies to support a fam ily fri end, Col. Brad Duty, serving in Afghanistan. Many of Col. Duty s family, friends , and strangers worked to gather, sort, buy, and ship boxes and boxes of school supplies to him. The response to his request was overwhelming. Children and schools from all over the NOVA area and the East Coast area responded with great generosity. The Mari nes have provided unwavering protection and now provide an opportunity for the future . Many Afghani schools have received the supplies. Members of the NOVA Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau collected and shipped over 30 moving boxes of supplies to the Marines of Task Force Lima. Thanks to Col. Duty, we have been able to help our service men and women help those who are truly in need. Let us never forget; let us never lose sight of what we are fighting for ; and let us never forget who is fighting for it! We each have a role: small or large, direct or indirect -- we have a duty we must fulfil l.

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Amid the jumble of workshops, business meetings and sisterhood activities at Convention, Alpha Sigma Tau members held true to their commitment to service , declaring Habitat for Humanity International Alpha Sigma Tau 's national service project. "Habitat for Humanity is a natural partner for Alpha Sigma Tau," said Patricia Simmons, National President, at the Sorority's annual Convention in Savannah. "Habitat's mission to end poverty housing by making safe and decent shelter a matter of conscience, regardless of political, social or religious difference , mirrors our beliefs and motto of being 'active, reliant and trustworthy.' The announcement provides AI.T members and alumnae a range of partnering opportunities, from working with Habitat Campus Chapters on their campuses; to working with nearly 2,000 Habitat affiliates across the United States; to working with Collegiate Challenge, school break house builds held across the country; to Global Village trips, working with families in need around the world . "Because we have chapters in many of the communities in which Habitat already works, this enables Alpha Sigma Tau to establish a national service project that provides service at a local level," says Simmons. "With this, college chapters and alumnae groups can give back to their own communities; they can work in their own back yards."

"We're so proud to be affil iated with such an outstanding group of women ," says Sandra Graham , director for special projects in Habitat's U.S. Affiliates Department. "Their service eth ic and commitment to making a difference are so strong, and it adds anothe r voice to Hab itat's growing chorus that everyone deserves a simple , decent place to live ."

contributing

our share to

"The opportunities to get involved are nearly endless," says Patricia Simmons. " Especially w ith programs such as Habitat's Women Build," which encourages women to get involved in the construction of Habitat houses. "Womenbuilt projects such as these w ill provide our members an opportunity to learn construction in a supportive environment and to develop skills they can use throughout their lives ."

the progress of mankind

The partnership significantly expands the philanthropy of the Sorority, which also supports Pine Mountain Settlement School in Harlan , Ky., as its national philanthropy. Alpha Sigma Tau is the first national Panhellenic organization to forge a partnership with Habitat, and AI.T National Council said the Sorority may blend the support by doing some homebuilding in the Harlan community to complement the work with the environmental education center. Among potential partnership projects are: --Assisting in building a new home with the partner Habitat family --Creating housewarming gifts --Registering volunteers at the construction sites -- Baby-sitting for children of homeowners and volunteers -- Speaking about the work and mission of Habitat for Humanity International --Starting a Habitat Campus Chapter and becoming active members --Writing about a Habitat experience for local or collegiate papers.

pag 10

Alpha S~gma Tau chooses Hab~bt for Human~ty as nahonal serv~ce projed

Members also say the partnersh ip will allow them to leave something beh ind that has such mean ing as a home for a hardworking and committed fam ily. "The work itself would be rewarding," says Simmons. " Getting to know the family, the volunteers; but being able to stand and see your work and knowing the change it will bring ... that's pretty special."

About Habitat for Humanity International Hab1tat for Humamty /nternat1onal1s a Chn tian mm1 try d diCated to ellmmatJng poverty llou mg. Founded m 19 76 by M1llard Fuller, along with h1s wife. Undo, Hab1tat for Humamty lntemational and 1ts affiliates in more than 3.000 commumtJ s m 92 natJons hove bwlt and sold more than 150,000 homes to partner families with no-pro~t, ze~mterest mortga . wwwhob,.. tat.org

afha路~路tOU---------~11 1! ! ! ! ! ! 1! 1!1! ! !~--------

Whereas, Alpha Sigma Tau desires to add a national service project to our philanthropic resume that focuses on our membership's time, talents, and love of service. Whereas , Habitat for Humanity International is an organization that prides itself on direct service to others, following the ideals of Alpha Sigma Tau, • mission of eliminating poverty housing and homelessness from the world and making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action - regardless of political, social or religious differences - reflects our open motto of being "active, self-reliant, and trustworthy," • is located in 2000 communities across the United States and on 31 college campuses where an Alpha Sigma Tau chapter currently exists - making programs accessible to collegiate and alumnae associations, • enables Alpha Sigma Tau to create a service philanthropy with implementation at a local level - giving members an opportunity to give back to their community; and Whereas, Alpha Sigma Tau's membership has deemed Habitat for Humanity's mission and work . . . • highly motivating and rewarding, • exceptional as it directly affects the community where one lives or attends college, • a life altering experience, not only for the family who receives the house, but also for our members; and Whereas , Alpha Sigma Tau sisters feel that with a partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. .. • members will come away from the experience with a new sense of self, • members can see a tangible product of our time and have a sense of accomplishment, • members feel that their work along side future homeowners would be immense! y rewarding, • would allow members an opportunity to leave something behind that has such meaning, • can assist in developing a bonding within local chapters/associations and on a national scale; and Whereas , no other National Panhellenic organization ... • Officially supports the partnership with Habitat for Humanity International; Therefore, be it resolved, that Alpha Sigma Tau adopt a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, International as a National Service Project on this date, the 25th of June in the year 2004.

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Legacy of 1899 fund Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our future from November 4, 1899 to today, Alpha Sigma Tau members have dedicated their time, energy, and money to support our Sorority. The Legacy of 1899 fund is being established to provide premier professional educational programming at our National Convention, Officer Academy, Regional Leadership Workshops and District Days.

I I

The establishment of the Legacy of 1899 fund will raise monies to benefit the membership and provide educational opportunities. We will then be able to offer programming to our membership to help with life and leadership skills, which will benefit our Sorority and help us remain at the forefront in the Greek world. To meet this goal, it is imperative that we intensify our efforts to generate alternative revenue sources. To continue our success as a strong Sorority, we must create an independent source of funds that allows us the flexibility in providing the needed professional programming. I

Much of the resourcefulness and financial support needed to continue our success comes from our membership and friends of Alpha Sigma Tau. Like the eight founders of Alpha Sigma Tau, we need you to become a founder within the Legacy of 1899 Fund. By asking each member, collegiate and alumnae, for a minimum donation of $18.99, in honor of our establishment in 1899, we can reach unlimited heights. The goal this year is for 1,899 members to donate $18.99. Please be a part of honoring our past and shaping our future. Donations may be sent to Alpha Sigma Tau Headquarters, 1929 Canyon Road, Birmingham, AL 35216. Please make your check payable to Alpha Sigma Tau Legacy of 1899 Fund.

page 12

~ - ~ 路tau

s in years past, the National Convention of Alpha Sigma

During the Saturday sessions, National Council elections were

Tau proved to be an exciting week and one sure to be

held. The following are the newly elected officers for the 2004-200

remembered by all. We would like to share with you a

term:

few highlights from the Convention by briefly summariz-

ing the events.

National President: Patricia Klausing Simmons, Delta National Vice President: Sailynn Doyle, Gamma Delta

The convention began with an afternoon orientation session led

National Secretary: Karen Laursen Kessler, Beta Xi

by the Convention Coordinators, Kris Haskin and Sally Belknap and

National Treasurer: Denise Klein Dutter, Beta Xi

the National Vice President, Michelle Harvey-Meyers. The night con-

Director of Collegiate Chapters: Melissa Hatfield Atkinson,

tinued with Keynote Speaker, Erin Weed. Shortly after graduating from

Gamma Mu

Eastern Illinois University, Erin received a phone call that changed her

Director of Expansion: Lisa Aldridge, Beta Xi

life. She learned that her Sorority sister and good friend, Shannon, was

Director of Fraternity Programs: Kathy Pulice Baecker, Theta

brutally murdered while attempting to fight off an attacker in her own

Director of Alumnae: Lara Cegala Williams, Psi

apartment near campus. Erin was haunted by the thought that so

Director of Publications: Anna Golladay, Chi

many young women lacked some of the basic self-defense skills that can make a differ-

•

ence in an attack situation. Erin's personal crusade is to teach young college women how to fight back against potential assailants.The evening was full of energy and it was evident that no one left

the even without a feeling of empowerment and the educa-

tion on how to defend herself when necessary. The week continued with both general sessions and the tradi-

In addition, four Council members were recognized for their

tional Ceremonial and Memorial gathering. The general sessions were

service: Michelle Harvey-Meyers, Jennifer Kemmery, Christina

full of a variety of events - including Constitution, Bylaws and Standing

Tierman, and Nancy Rivard. Nancy was also honored with the

Ru les proposed revisions and the National Council annual reports to

National Council Ring - an acknowledgment of her 4 years of service

the Convention body.

on the National Council

During Friday's session, we were joined by Sandra Graham, direc-

Savannah, Georgia was truly a picture-perfect setting for the

tor for special projects in Habitat for Humanity's U.S.Affiliates

week and it was evident that southern hospitality, despite the humidi-

Department. Ms. Graham and Patti Simmons, National President,

ty, was in the air. Set on the banks of the Savannah River, which forms

announced that Habitat for Humanity International would now be

the border between Georgia and South Carolina, the city's historical

Alpha Sigma Tau's national service project (see page I0).

landmarks were a part of our sightseeing adventures. Some sisters

On Friday evening, the true entertainment began. Having been

participated in the famous tours -ghost tours that emphasize the

encouraged to bring with us a costume that represented a certain

Civil War and book tours that focus on the book Midnight in the

decade during the 1900s, there was no shortage on fun this evening.

Garden

With costumes ranging from flappers to disco dancers and hippies to

Juliette Gordon Low while others walked the cobblestone streets

FAME dancers, the Sigma Soiree was an energy-filled night of dancing,

and took advantage of the wonderful shopping that downtown

costume contests and munching on goodies. It would be an under-

had to offer.

of Good and Evil. Girl Scouts visited the birthplace of founder

statement to say that a good time was had by all.

!!!!!!!!!11111111~----------------- afha·~·tau

page 13

MCCRORY ORDER OF INTERFRATERNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD

CONVENTION

AwARD

Laura Sweet - Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority ALUMNAE SCRAPBOOKS

First Place

Detroit Northeast Suburbs

First Place Second Place

Gamma Pi Delta Upsilon

COLLEGIATE SCRAPBOOKS

WINNERS

Third Place Honorable Mention

Sigma Beta Mu, Gamma Xi & Beta Theta

PEOPLE'S CHOICE SCRAPBOOK AWARD

Collegiate Chapter

Phi

Alumnae Chapter Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor STAFF CERTIFICATES

CHAPTER ADVISERS Amy Brooks Zeta TeLoa Butler Rho Tanya Cichosz Beta Xi Rachel Encke Delta Mu Allison Finken Sigma Anne Gruber Gamma Xi Shannan Hanson Delta Iota Alpha Lambda Dr. Edward Jervey CHAPTER CONSULTANTS Diana Roth Delta Alpha

Omicron

Jenn ifer Miles Candy Nelson Tracy Peterson Linda Price Emily Spencer Michelle SunderlandRealejo Laura Waldron

Alpha Tau

Mary Ellen W illmitch

Phi Delta Nu Gamma Pi Beta Epsilon Beta Delta Iota

50- YEAR MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE

2003 -- 127 members celebrated 50 years of membership 2004 -- 14 7 members celebrated 50 years of membersh ip ALUMNAE CHAPTER TOP TAUS

Boston Buffalo Greater Chicago Detroit-Northeast Suburbs Lehigh Valley Lowell Northern Virginia St. Louis Tidewater Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor

Yolanda Bauer, Beta Theta Dolores Crapsi Schm idt, Sigma Jennifer Lapacek, Beta Pi Kathleen Monticello, Theta Rebecca White Zanette,Aipha Tau Kristie Brooks Donovan, Beta Tau Carol Zorger Mooney,Aipha Lambda Maxine Stevens Graftage, Pi Sherry Ayers, Zeta Tau Joyce Berg,Aipha

ALUMNAE CEP LEVEL RECOGNITIONS

2002-03

Anchor Level Emerald Anchor Level Gold Anchor Level

Alumnae Club Stars

Greater Chicago Edwardsville Boston Lehigh Valley Buffalo Detroit-Northeast Suburbs Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor Northern Virginia PhoenixNalley of the Sun Kansas Sunflower

St. Louis T idewater Lowell

2003-04

Pearl Anchor Level Emerald Anchor Level Gold Anchor Level

Alumnae Club Stars

p age 14

~ 路 ~ 路 tau ._

Edwardsville Greater Chicago Detroit-Northeast Suburbs Ypsilanti-Ann Arbor Northern Virginia St. Louis Lehigh Valley PhoenixNalley of the Sun

Boston Tidewater Buffalo Lowell

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

MARTHA DROUYOR BELKNAP DECAMP OUTSTANDING ALUMNAE CHAPTER PHILANTHROPY AWARD

2002-03 First Place Second Place

2003-04 Detroit First Place Northern Virginia Northern Virginia Second Place Detroit-Northeast Suburbs Third Place Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor Honorable Mention Lehigh Valley

MARTHA DROUYOR BELKNAP DECAMP OUTSTANDING COLLEGIATE CHAPTER PHILANTHROPY AWARD

2002-03 First Place Psi Second Place Beta Tau Third Place Delta Epsilon Honorable Mention Omicron Gamma Tau

2003-04 First Place Second Place Third Place

Gamma Theta Psi Gamma Tau Delta Phi Honorable Mention Phi

MU IC AWARDS

Borrowed Music and Original Lyrics 2002-03 First Place Upsilon - "A Sister Like This" Second Place Delta Eta - "Lean on A Sister" Third Place Beta Eta - "I Want You to Want Me" Borrowed Music and Original Lyrics 2003-04 Beta Mu- "Let It BeAST" First Place Second Place Upsilon - "I Love Alpha Tau" Third Place Delta Tau - "We All Belong" Original Music and Lyrics (Combined winners from both years) First Place Omicron - "Anchored in You" Second Place Delta Upsilon Third Place Delta Mu - "Sisters Never Let Go" 200 I ALUMNAE ORIGINAL WORDS AND BORROWED MUSIC First Place Baltimore Alumnae Chapter - "Sisters" FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE

Jennifer Erb, Delta Alpha NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP IMPROVEMENTfrNCREASE AWARD

2002-03

2003-04

Delta Eta

Beta Pi

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Omic ron Beta Tau Gamma Pi Delta Sigma

Ps i Beta Pi Gamma Xi

Chi Beta Mu Delta Epsilon

Alpha Lambda Beta Iota Delta Eta

NEW MEMBER PROGRAM AWARD

2002-03

Zeta Tau

2002-03

Beta Eta

2003-04

Delta Delta & Delta Zeta

RECRUITMENT AWARD

2002

Phi

COLLEGIATE NATIONAL IMPROVEMENT AWARD

First Place Second Place Third Place

Delta Beta improved 42.23% Gamma Rho improved 41 .55% Delta Theta improved 37%

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ afha -~路tca.t

page 15

COLLEGIATE DISTRICT CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARD

Alpha District Beta Tau Beta District Gamma Pi Gamma District Delta Epsilon Delta District Beta Upsilon Epsilon District Alpha Ph i Zeta District Gamma Tau Eta District Chi

Theta District Delta Beta Iota District Zeta Tau Kappa District Delta Eta Lambda District Gamma Gamma Mu District Upsi lon Nu District Beta Chi

Xi District Alpha Omicron District Beta Xi Pi District Alpha Epsilon Rho District None Sigma District Delta Alpha Tau District Alpha Pi

ELIZABETH WILSON CHAPTER EXCELLENCE AWARD

2002 First Place Second Place 2003 First Place Second Place Third Place

Delta Mu I01.5% Gamma Pi & Delta Eta I00.5% Gamma Pi 101.47% Delta Eta I00% Delta Mu 99.72 %

MARGARET MACDONALD CONVENTION BELLE AWARD

3 Years Erika Bukva Tanya Cichosz Colleen Coffey Sailynn Doyle Jessica Fayard Heather Frankhouser Anita Guynn Jean Knaus Carol Mooney Sarah Phillips Michelle Sunderland-Realejo Dolores Schmidt

Mary Beth Kelley Jennifer Kemmery Lara Cegala-Williams Karen Kessler Elizabeth McOsker Carol Anne O 'Leary Sue Slick

SYears Tracy Fowler Lisa-Marie Fredericks Anna Golladay Kristin Haskin

IS Years Betty Gail Elliott Ann Gruber

22Years Edith El liott Marty DeCamp Sally Wales

16 Years Patricia Nayle

25Years Sybil King

IOYears Kathy Baecker Margaret Bonger Melanie Foster Florence Sodus

17 Years Jean McNamara 19Years Carolyn Alexander 20Years Charlotte Evans Floyd Rose Marie Schmidt 21 Years Mary Bolton

SCHOLAR HIP AWARD

2002 First Place Second Place Third Place 2003 First Place Second Place Third Place

Delta Mu (3.31 GPA) Delta Theta (3 .255 GPA) Delta Eta (3.254 GPA) Delta Upsilon (3.46 GPA) Psi (3.23 GPA) Delta Theta (3.22 GPA) COLONY

'ARD

I st Time Convention Delta Chi, Delta Psi, Delta Omega. Epsilon Alpha, Eps ilon Beta & Epsilon Gamma Excellence Award Epsilon Alpha

pag 16

FOUNDERS CHALLENGE

Omicron, Alpha Gamma, Alpha Tau, Beta Pi, Gamma Iota & Delta Phi FOUNDERS AWARD

Omicron, Concord College ORDER OF THE YELLOW ROSE

Kathleen M. Callahan, Vanessa Emch Florence, Zeta Tenna Johnson Reasoner, Alpha Gamma Mary Lou Fondren Scott, Pi LOIS SCHWEIKART O'DELL ANCHOR AWARD

Pam Wales Szafarczyk, Sigma Donna Pniewski Tiefenbach, Theta Elizabeth Wilson, Pi CARRIE W. STAEHLE AWARD

Anne Gruber, Gamma Xi Julie Hodas Tolhurst, Delta Alpha MARY LOUISE DOYLE PANHELLENIC AWARD

Jennifer Erb, Delta Alpha Tamara Stegehuis Bonifield, Beta Xi Elizabeth Ann Knaus McOsker,Aipha Lambda ADA A. NORTON AWARD

Melanie Welsh Foster, Pi Jean Ryckman McNamara, Sigma MARY CHARLES ADAMS ASHBY CONVENTION TOP TAUALUMNA

Heather Frankhouser, Zeta MARY CHARLES ADAMS ASHBY CONVENTION TOP TAUCOLLEGIAN

Laura Squires, Phi MARGARET MACDONALD CONVENTION BEAU AWARDS

I Year Mr. Jeff Cottrell Mr. Jim Mooney Mr. Guynn Mr. W illiam Simmons Mr. Mark Atkinson 2Years Mr. Michael Krigbaum 3Years Dr. Edward Jervey 4Years Mr. Allen Clark 6 Years Mr. Don Rhodes

MARTHA DECAMP/ EDWARD JERVEY AWARD

Gamma Pi, Lycoming College

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page 17

page 18

afha路~路tOU--------------------~

Highlights from the

2004

Convention, Savannah, GA

COLLEGIATE NEWS

Z ETA L OCK H AVEN U

1VERS1TY OF

P ENNSYLVANIA L OCK H AVE ' P A

BETA CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVE R ITY MT. PLEASANT, MI

The Beta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau is off to a wonderful semester after the women had a much-needed five weeks off of classes. They began with a week of formal recruitment and then finished a week of COB in which they received a total of ten wonderful ladies who make a great addition to their already incredible sisterhood. During the first week of formal recruitment they followed the same routine beginning with house tours, followed by a day of philanthropy, then a night of the ''Tauscers" and ended with an invite only dinner. For COB, the sisters had a much more informal week of meeting women, but it was still incredibly successful. The new sisters included Karen Arnold, Andrea Spencer, Tania Borboni, Lacie Smith, Jessica Mentzer, Shelly Harding, Sarah Thompson, Colleen Foy, Rachel Allen, and Lindsey Conklin.

D ELTA

The Zeta Chapter had a very successful and fun filled Homecoming Weekend . The weekend started off with the sisters working on a float for the parade, which was held Friday night, through the middle of Lock Haven . Everyone painted their own costumes and the float, which brought out some sisters' creative sides and not so creative sides. During the Homecoming Weekend, the chapter also held its local fund-raiser, Rock-a-thon. Sisters rocked in rocking chairs for 24 hours straight to raise money for the Women's Crisis Center. AII the donated money goes toward supplies and cash for the women in the center. The sisters raised approximately $700! The time passed by quickly thanks to the support of alumnae who stopped by with food and their stories of when they participated in Rock-a-thon. The event was even more memorable for the newer sisters who got to meet some of the alumnae for the first time.After the event, the sisters headed up the football field to support their sweetheart John Smeltzer while he played in the Homecoming football game. There was a great show of sisterhood when young and old sat together in the stands wearing letters and cheering on the team.

I NDIANA UNIVE RSITY OF P ENN YLVANIA I

DIA A, P A

OMICRON Recruitment this year started by speaking with women and handing out slips of paper inviting them to informal recruitment. The sisters wore their letters proudly to spread the faces within the Sorority. The themes for recruitment included: In Love with Alpha Sigma Tau, Down on the Farm, Winter Wonderland, and Letter Days. New member activities included Greek Week, Big/Little events and planning and holding a formal. Miss IUP, an annual scholarship pageant for all the women at IUP, is celebrating 16 years of success and everyone is excited to be involved. The money raised from the event will be donated to Pine Mountain Settlement School. The sisters also held a "Greek Feud" to raise funds .

Co CORD COLLEGE ATHE

It has been a busy spring semester at Concord College for the Omicron Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau. They began by holding two interest meetings for recruitment.At the first interest meeting everyone got to know each prospect personally and welcomed four women that night. The second interest meeting was a Pot Luck dinne r where all of the women stuffed their faces with great food . Everyone had a great time and welcomed six women at this recruitment event. Sisters also participated in many fund-raisers and philanthropies. Some of these include collect-

ing pennies for Pine Mountain, selling teddy bears for the American D iabetes Association, and participating in Relay for Life to help with cancer research . "Flash back to the 60's" was a dance the sisters sponsored to help raise money for Relay for Life . Some members are going to help with the phone-a-thon to help raise money for Concord College and with Panhellenic Council's "Take Back the Night," which promotes domestic violence awareness.

R HO IVER ITY

D uRANT, OK Th is has been an exciting and memorable year for the Rho Chapter. It began with the start of a great recruitment. A total of e ight new sisters were initiated into the chapter. Sisters part icipated in several Southeastern Oklahoma State University events that included helping with move-in-day in August, setting up a booth at the Organization Fair, attend ing the annual Domestic Violence Vigil, and participating in all of the Parents Day and Homecom ing events. For ph ilanthropy projects, members picked up trash at Candy Cane Park a nd made Halloween candy bags to take to a local nursing home . Rho sisters also so ld Krispy Kreme donuts fo r their fund-ra iser, which was successfu l. Socia l events included a Halloween soc ial at the skating rink w ith the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and a scrapbooking party to help out with the making of the chapter scrapbook. The lad ies of Rho Chapter kicked off the spring recr uitment w ith several events-bowli ng, s kating, game night, and a cookout.

The Rho Chapt e r takes a swing at formal recruitm nt.

pag 20

year to get to know its new members. The women of A:ET are thrilled to see Lo GWOOD C OLLEGE what all these new members have in FARMVILLE, VA store! In regards to Recruitment Weekend, the chapter had an alumnae From a successful recruitment to planning campuswide educational activities, guest speaker, Brandi Watkins, who Zeta Tau sisters proudly wear the letters spoke du ring the last round of recruitof Alpha Sigma Tau. Through informal ment and ten other alumnae. The sisters recruitment and thank Brandi, and all open houses, Zeta of their special Tau welcomed nine guests. It was truly an new members. The honor to have them theme of recruitcome back and visit. ment was "Uptown The ladies of A:ET Girls, Living in an Upsilon Chapter are A:ET World." The anticipating a great new member prosemester; however, as gram is designed every chapter knows , so that new members, while learning fund raising is the about the tradikey! Fundraising tions of A:ET, also Chair, Haley Crafton form life lasting organized a Gold bonds. This semesTournament; where ter the chapter money collected was participated in sevdonated to "Relay for eral adopt-a-highLife" which is a walk ways, as well as Tiffany Tr uitt and Kelly Kameros. ZETA designed to raise TAU, await their chapter's new members. showed their supmoney for cancer port for walks held research. The Upsilon Chapter particiby other campus sororities. The sisters last year and wanted to raise pated of Zeta Tau look forward to swing-amore money to donate this year. The then held in March. The siste rs also sisters are so excited to get this fundplanned, along with the aid ofWellness Advocates, a mock rave. The mock rave raiser underway because it will not only served to educate students on the danbe a great money maker, but also a fun gers of raves while also providing enterway to keep in touch with alumnae and tainment. Zeta Tau is also proud to be meet new people from around the comco-sponsor of Longwood 's production munity. of The Vagina Monologues. The purpose of the performance is to educate and raise money for a women's shelter in Richmond .

ZETA TAu

UPSILON U NIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS CONWAY, AR

This semester, the Upsilon Chapte r for Alpha Sigma Tau took twenty-three new members for the Spring 2004 class. Not only are these women beautiful and talented, but they also have so much to offer to the chapter. The Ups ilon women are anticipating a wonderful and exciting

PHI SOUTHEA TERN LOUISIANA

NIVERSITY

HAMMOND, LA

The first night of formal recruitment, prospective new members learned about the strong values of Alpha Sigma Tau; the second night, philanthropy; the third night, the various activities around school and the community; the fourth night, the serious and ritual side of A:ET. New members got their first taste of philanthropy participating in the Buddy Walk, a benefit for children with Down's Syndrome. After spending time with other members, friends and the children, the new members were ready and waiting to jump into more philanthropic activities. The chapter's newest project is with the House of Serenity, a homeless shelter.Around Christmastime everyone pitched in and bought gifts for the children at the shelter. Over 200 gifts were given to children from the chapter! The sisters sold raffle tickets fo r tailgating packs, which included an ice chest, ch ips, dip, and gift certificates to celebrate the return of the University's football team after 20 years. The chapter also held a concert featuring a local band. To top the semester off the chapter had one of the highest so rority GPAs o n campus.

CHI SHEPHERD COLLEGE SHEPHERDSTOW ,

There is no doubt that the Chi Chapter remained extremely busy throughout the semester. They kicked off the year w ith informal recruitment.AII three so ro rities on campus worked with each other in an effort to raise Greek numbers. The sisters publicized w ith a banner and flyers and held an ice cream social, puzzle night, and a pajama party. Homecoming was the biggest endeavor last semester by far. The chapter participated in skits, float decorating, the academ ic bowl, the pep rally, and supported two sisters on Homecoming court. They ended up with an overall th ird place fin ish, but won Ash leigh G ross, Leigh Sm it h an d Amber W atso n of the UPSILON C hapter en joy t heir tim e at the the judges over with their rendiBoys and G irls Club. tion of "Cell Block Tango" from

~~---------------..... ~-~-teal

page 21

the play Chicago. The group was the first ever to receive a perfect score! The weeks of effort put into Homecoming this year were a bonding experience none will ever forget. The ladies of the Chi Chapter participated in their annual "Teeter Totter" with the Lambda Chi's. Both organizations pledged to teetertotter for 24 hours straight to raise money for the American Diabetes Association . They also sent $1 00 to Pine Mountain Settlement School and $1 00 to their very own Sarah Cree Scholarship. On Halloween, everyone spent the day in costumes. The sisters held a party at their local philanthropy, Canterbury Nursing Home , and then headed over to Shepherdstown Elementary School to participate in their fall festival where they organized games in the classrooms. I } AMES MADISON

The Psi Chapter held recruitment early in the fall, which resulted in 45 new members. Prior to recruitment a large group redecorated the chapter house . The foyer and basement were freshly painted and newly mounted black and white pictures were hung in the basement. The Alpha Zeta new member class held many fund-raisers including a Vera Bradley purse sale , and a ticket raffle. The sisters contributed back to their community by visiting their "adopted grandparents " at Sunny Side Retirement Home each week. They also participated in a Halloween trick-or-treat event with the children of Harrisonburg. The children and sisters took treats to Sunny Side and a great time was had by young and old.Adopt-a-Highway took on a whole new meaning this semester.After a few years off, a large team of sisters went out and cleaned it up and are looking forward to helping keep the road clean for many years to come.

women they would like to get and are contacting them weekly. The theme for the open bid party was a luau. The members have an intramural basketball team and they are about to begin wally ball. Fundraising is a big deal this semester as well. So far a potato buffet and bake sale are on the agenda. They would also like to put together a mud volleyball or Ooze ball tournament. Miss Arkansas USA is a member nf Alpha Sigma Tau ; the sisters plann e ... _ 路Jig get together to watch the pageant.

PEN

ARKADELPHIA, AR

This semester the sisters worked heavily on recruitment. The chapter goal was to double its size. They have a wish list of

p g 22

~ - &9na 路 tC11

YLVA

MAN FIELD, PA

Alpha Epsilon started off great this semester with an interest bid. Everyone enjoyed the cupcakes and punch and the games designed to get better acquainted . The sisters welcomed eight new members from this party. The chapter participated in the "Activities Fair" held at the Union with other Greek organizations. They decorated a table with letters and other AL.T items to attract prospective new members. For philanthropy this semester, sisters sold flowers and candy for Valentine's Day and delivered them personally. The money was donated to Pine Mountain Schooi.Aiso for Valentine's Day the chapter hosted a "Valentine Date Party" where everyone enjoyed each other's company and refreshments. The women of Cabinet Board spent a Sunday together to become a stronger group. A piece of paper was passed around with a name on top and sisters wrote something nice about each person on the paper. The chapter is also having an All House Retreat for everyone to bond in the house . The retreat helps lift spirits and tie sisters together stronger than ever.

RADFORD, VA

worked hard on recruitment and the decorations. To help needy families in the community, sisters collected canned goods. Other philanthropies included, Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity. Everyone has been really excited about fundraising. In the past the chapter has sold Sheeu coupons and worked at Roanoke Civic Center events. At the Civic Center, the sisters sold concessions and received I0% of the proceeds. lntramurals have high participation, especially basketball.

Spring recruitment went very well and some amazing women joined the sorority. For theme night they did a Real World/ Road Rules Friendly Competition Challenge. The games correlated with AL.T images and phrases. Everyone

The Alpha Xi Chapter worked on developing a new New Member Program as well as on the chapter's communication among the sisters. Mansfield University has a Five Star system for the Greek Community. The Greeks participate in several activities with the Greek Coordinator, Jodi Hare, and points are given based on the participation level. Certain points give you a 1-star to 5star rating. Just like a movie rating, the 5-star rating is the highest rating a Greek organization can achieve. The Alpha Xi Chapter was proud to achieve the 5-star rating during the fall semester.

EDINBORO YLVANIA

EDINBORO, PA

The semester has been a hectic one! Formal recruitment began very soon after Christmas break. The sisters chose a Hawaiian theme complete with an AL.T surf shop; and for philanthropy, a flower theme where everyone made flower pens to donate to a local nursing home. They also colored the first page of a coloring book, wrote a get-well note and donated the books with crayons to the local children's hospital. Through formal recruitment and COB parties, nine new members joined the Alpha Tau Chapter. A main focus this semester was bringing sisters and new members closer together. They held an

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

During Greek Week, the ALPHA TAU Chapter enjoyed their third place prize after Greek Sing.

ice cream social, a progressive dinner, two sleepovers, and a pizza party at the local pizza pub.A new idea this semester was to have sisters get back together with their own new member class and plan an event fo r themselves and the new members.

B ETA D ELTA D UQUESNE UNIVERSITY PITTSBURGH, PA

This spring, the Beta Delta new member class included 24 new members; the biggest sorority new member class on Duquesne's campus up to this point. The Beta Delta volleyball team made it to the championship game and came in second place overall. In the fall, sisters attended a charity walk in the Pittsburgh area called Light the Night where they all walked for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Last spring they came in second place overall in carnival with the show, "Story 'Bout a Country Boy and Gal." It also won best scenery and best choreography. This past fall, the chapter also placed third in the campus' Greek Week.

BETA ETA SOUTHERN I LLINOIS UNIVERSITY EDWARDSVILLE,

The Beta Eta Chapter at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville had a very eventful year thus far. They started off the fall semester with a BANG! Their first project was fall recruitment. The sisters worked very hard preparing and are very proud of how well recruitment turned out. Everyone had a great

time meeting all the women interested in A.ET and got a fabulous new member class. Eight fantastic new members! For philanthropy the chapter participated in Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity which all enjoyed. They just had their most awaited event, Powder Puff against the Alpha Phi's. Everyone is now looking forward to new sisterhood events, the formal dance and most of all convention. The third annual Trivia Night is also coming up.AII in Beta Eta are having a great time and are proud to be an A.ET!

B ETA ThETA ST. MARY's UNIVE RSITY SAN ANTONIO,

During the semester, the chapter was able to take part in a lot of activities as sisters, to not only further their friendship but also to grow as sisters. The sisters participated in Continuing The Heritage, a campuswide community service project to clean up around campus. This event was a good opportunity to work with other Greek organizations and an opportunity to promote their sisterhood to the St. Mary's University students. They prepared for the upcoming year by setting the calendar at a retreat early in the year. The retreat also allowed them to renew their bonds as sisters and start the year strong. The sisters did a craft project for each other to show their A.ET pride. For recruitment, the sisters sported A.ET shirts for the first week, held a game night in one of the residence halls, and went out to

play miniature golf and ten-cent bingo. To relax after a hard week of recruitment, all the sisters went to a sister's house for a sisterhood event. The sister's mom was very gracious and cooked everyone breakfast. This allowed the sisters to mingle in a more informal atmosphere and allowed those from out of town to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

B ETA IOTA MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY OF PE N YLVANIA MILLER VILLE , PA

Beta Iota Chapter had a very busy semester. Recruitment began with a few "get to know you " events. Sisters sat around with prospective members and explained to them briefly about the sisterhood and had them tell a little something about themselves. The next event was a mocktail party where sisters got dressed and had a girls' night. Members made smoothies and enjoyed a variety of snacks. This semeste r Beta Iota started a new philanthropy program that involves sisters visiting residents at a nearby Mennonite home. Sisters were excited to get more involved in the community.

SALISBURY STATE

Fall 2003 was a very busy and exciting semester for the Beta Mu Chapter. It was their 25th Anniversary on the Salisbury University campus. To celebrate, the sisters held a special anniversary Founders Day banquet. At the event, many alumnae attended including a full table of founding sisters and a Past A.ET National President. They had a great formal recruitment and were able to welcome 12 great new members. Quota was met too! The semester was filled with fun activities where the entire sisterhood was able to bond with the new members. Beta Mu A few BETA IOTA sisters celebrate Homecoming. Steph Olexovitch was the chapter's charity queen , held a fund-raising activity at a and sisters held a picnic to hono r her hard work. local restaurant and sold

page 23

Yankee candles. They also raffled off incredible tickets to a Thanksgiving weekend Redskins game. The chapter participates in many philanthropic events including: adopt-a-highway, volunteering at the local humane society and donating Christmas presents and dinners to two very large underprivileged local families . Academically, Beta Mu had a very strong semester. They now have the highest GPA of all Greek organizations on campus. Beta Mu teamed with up some Sigma Phi Epsilon boys and won the floor hockey team school championship. The sisters also came in 2nd place at the Delta Gamma "Anchor Splash," a day filled with swimming activities.

BETA BLOOMSB U RG U

IVERSITY OF

PENNSYLVANIA BLOOMSBURG, PA

The Beta Nu Chapter held a turkey dinner where each sister helped prepare the food and shared dinner together as a Sorority. The theme for recruitment was Winter Wonderland. The members sang a new song called " Listen to Your Heart." Recruitment went extremely well and the chapter ended up with a new member class of seventeen ambitious and determined women. The sisters participated in cleaning Bloomsburg's town park at least four times during the semester. For Valentine's Day the chapter sold candygrams on campus. Students paid one dollar to send a card and lollipop to their friends or whoever. The sisters personally delivered the candy-grams on Valentine's Day. Every year the chapter participates in Fall Fest and organizes a game for everyone to play on campus. This year they created a beanbag toss that was challenging but addicting and most of all fun . They won third place for creativity. This past summer all the sisters met on campus to help the freshmen move into the dorms . The extra help made things a lot easier for the families. Everyone enjoyed this event and the freshmen were thrilled that moving in went quickly and smoothly. BETA

page 24

passionate about the cause as they are. In October the chapter got the privilege of meeting Educational Consultant Seleena Carpenter. The sisters were all very excited about her arrival, especially when they learned she had been president of the Alpha Chapter. Since she was coming to visit Massachusetts right before Halloween, the sisBETA XI sisters enjoyed a little dog walking ters thought a good place for their philanthropy project. to take her would be the Salem Witch Village. MICHIGA TE H OLOGICAL UNIVER ITY Everyone had a great time looking at all HOUGHTO ' MI the old graves and exploring the wax museum . Later, Seleena gave the chapter The one philanthropy project the Beta an excellent interactive presentation on Xi Chapter always loves to participate in how to improve communication skills in is walking dogs for the local animal the chapter. alliance. Sisters from our chapter contact the animal alliance to set up a suitable time and then either walk dogs, clean cages, or play with the cats. One of their most time consuming yet favorite times of the year is Winter Carnival at Michigan Technological University. Organizations build monthlong snow statues on campus or in front of their houses. The sisters are lucky enough to be able to build the statue right in front of their house every year. The sisters put a lot of time into the statue perfecting detail and smoothing out snow. It is also a great time with sisters. They put on music and work hard and it always is a lot of fun . BETA T AU UNIVERSITY OF MA

One of the Beta Tau Chapter's favorite fall activities is the annual Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston, Mass. One of its alumnae, DonnaMarie Grenier, passed way due to this illness. During her illness and continuing since, the chapter has felt a strong dedication to helping raise funds and awareness for this cause. This year the crisp October stroll was interrupted by rain, but it didn't stop the sisters. They had fun jumping in puddles and catching up with each other, while meeting many new faces who are as

BETA

UPSILON

TITUTE OF TECH OLOGY

NEWARK, NJ

The women of the Beta Upsilon Chapter accomplished a lot this year. Members maintained their high academics, dedication to community service, and improved their social and business skills. Out of all the sororities on campus, Beta Upsilon had the highest GPA, the most women in the Honors College, and the most women on the Dean 's List. For philanthropy, sisters adopted a highway. The chapter was recognized for its outstanding community service events. Their recruitment program was also exceptional this year. With the introduction of a recruitment mascot, the green M&M, and alluring recruitment events like Touring the Taus, Picture Perfect, and Anchors Away with AI:T, the chapter welcomed six new members. With our motto self reliant, active, trustworthy in mind, the Anchor as our guide, loving, hardworking and creative sisters, the Beta Upsilon Chapter will continue to strive hard because the sky is their limit.

PENNSYLVANIA CALIFORNIA, PA

In the fall, the Beta Phi Chapter collected pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House to raise money for cancer patients, collected clothes for the needy, participated in a canned food drive , recruited two new members, participated in Homecoming, won the Chamber of Commerce Award, participated in town clean-up, attended a Mock Trial, participated in the non-alcoholic mix-off, and attended the Yellow Rose Formal. In the spring, the chapter planned the following events and activities: recruitment, fund raisers of candy bars and magazines, meet the Greeks, Greek Week, Health Fair, set-up/tear down at the Clarks concert, and volunteering at Children's Hospital.

GAMMA GAMMA UNIVERSITY OF WE T ALABAMA LIVING TON , AL

This semester the chapter had a very successful recruitment and welcomed six new members. They also had a clothing drive with a local fraternity, Sigma Pi. Every Tuesday the sisters play bingo at the local residence nursing home. They decorated Valentine's Day cards and gave the residents sugar free candies. Everyone had a blast. The annual rock-athen is coming up and every Wednesday there are workgroups to clean the adopted stream and mile. They also have a SG&D every Wednesday after workgroups where they go out to eat. To raise money this semester the sisters are going to Talledega's NASCAR race . GAMMA DELTA UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT

BETA OMEGA

DARTMOUTH

MOUTH UNIVERSITY

NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA

WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ

Here at Monmouth University, the Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau is expecting a pretty busy semester ahead . They have just completed their spring recruitment, including a Round Robin of the six sororities on campus. Then they continued meeting with women who were enthusiastic and interested in becoming new members of Alpha Sigma Tau. On the last day the sisters extended thirteen bids to the interested women. The entire Sorority is very enthusiastic for the six-week new member recruitment and is proud of all the women. Other than recruitment, the chapter had a Valentine's Day fund-raiser. At this fund-raiser, they sold candy, lollypops, and other Valentine's Day items, making a profit of fifty dollars to go towards the Spring Formal. The sisters are also planning a few philanthropies, including visits to local soup kitchens, and maintaining the highway for the Adopt-A-Highway program. The Big Event is a program in which Monmouth students and organizations donate a whole day to doing community service throughout West Long Branch and neighboring towns.

The Gamma Delta Chapter at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has been very busy thus far. The sisters advertised for Spring Recruitment by having flyers made with their information and hung all around campus. Flyers were also handed out at recruitment tables in the campus center. A large banner was made displaying Sorority letters and recruitment information and then hung in the campus center. The theme this semester was Winter Wonderland. The sisters held a philanthropy event during recruitment that involved making care packages for the soldiers that were

their age and stationed in Iraq. The packages held some necessities that the soldiers who allowed to carry on th em (ex: razor blade, toothpaste , baby wipes, candy, toothbrushes). Also accompanied by these packages were Valentine letters that both sisters and potential new members hand-wrote themselves. For fundraising, they have held two bake sales. One was for Pine Mountain Settlement School, and the other was a Valentine's Day themed bake sale and raffle in which restaurants in the area donated gift certificates to raffle off. Sisters contributed by making goods that had a Valentine theme. GAMMA Z ETA FRO TBURG STATE

IVER JTY

FRO TBURG,

The women of the Gamma Zeta Chapter have had a great spring semester. The sisters recently completed Panhellenic recruitment and walked away with six new women who will be great assets to the Sorority. Ph ilanth ropy projects included Special Olympics, clothing drive , volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Nursing Home , and a pen pal program with local middle school girls. The chapter held a semeste r-long cand le fund-raiser and set several new goals to include more Sorority Growth and Development events. Gamma Zeta planned three SG&D events that included a makeover party, spaghetti dinner, and bowling. GAMMA THETA PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY AT BEHREND ERIE,

GAMMA DELTA siste rs prepare for their Halloween bake sale.

The main event for the Gamma Theta Chapter was the 2nd Annual Mr. and Miss. Penn State Behrend Pageant. Many Greeks showed up last year for the first pageant, and the women of Gamma Theta hope to draw in a larger nonGreek crowd by advertising more in the newspaper and in campus buildings. The chapter made more effort to util ize campus resources to info rm

page 25

potential new members of recruitment activities and plans for the upcoming semesters. Most, if not all of Gamma Theta's events, need publicity and the newspaper helped out tremendously by not only reaching students, but also faculty, staff and the administration.

Philanthropy events included adopt-ablock, working with the Girl Scouts and holding a blood drive.

GAMMA IOTA

GAMMA LAMBDA K UTZTOWN UN IVER ITY OF PE

YLVANIA

KUTZTOWN ,

YORK COLLEGE

At Kutztown Univers ity, no Greek organ ization is allowed to have more than a 40-member quota. The only circumstance is by taking women through COB. This year, Gamma Lambda expanded its recruitment program by handing out fliers in front of the dining halls, dormitories, and campus events about formal recruitment. During formal recruitment, members The women of the GAMMA THETA Chapte r. brought the women into the center of the room and told YoRK, PA them about the chapter and what makes AIT different from other Sororiti es. The chapter also added a big sister/little sisFor spring recruitment, the Gamma Iota ter sleepover to its new member proChapter held events in its campus hall gram and created more activities where for one weekend. The sisters had a there is a more sister/new member conbeach theme , played icebreaker games, tact. Sisters expanded philanthropy into and on the last night held ritual. The recruitment sign-up period was the only the new member program. During "Operation Snowflake," two sisters and promotional poster the university would allow the chapter to put up. Signs were two new members are paired up in made to announce the recruitment perigroups of four and were sent to shovel snow for the elderly. Other major ph iod sign-up times and where sign-ups were being held. For COB, two large lanthropies included Toys for Tots drive posters were done up announcing the with the Allentown Marine Reserve , St. two days, times, and location that the Jude's Hospital, Ribbon Sale to fight events were being held. Several handagainst Breast Cancer and Big Brothers/ outs were made with the same informaBig Sisters program. tion and given out in dorms.

GAMMAMU OF TECH OLOGY

Mo TGOME RY, WV

The Gamma Mu Chapter at West Virginia Institute of Technology participated in a wide variety of events this semester. The women planned events with each other to have fun and get to The GAMMA LAMBDA Chapter partici pates in Toys for Tots.

pag 26

know each other better as a group. This semester, the Gamma Mu sisters as a group have gone to a home men's basketball game as a recruitment event and passed out fliers while talking to potential new members concerning joining the Sorority. Also, we have had a game night in which we gathered together and ate food while playing charades. The Sorority is currently planning recruitment events and activities as a group, trying to find unique ways to get involved around campus.

GAMMA

GRAND VALLEY

The chapter held eight COB events, which included a "pamper me" party, game night, ice skating, bowling, a craft night, movie night, a "make your own sundae" evening, and a trip to Mongolian Barbeque. They held a preference on Feb ruary 6, a fun event, which ran smoothly. New members w ill be attending weekly meetings every Wednesday night. New Member Educator, Ashley Briggs, conducted these meetings. The meetings taught the new members about Alpha Sigma Tau, and prepared them for the National exam.At some of these meetings, a "Green and Gold" Tau night is held where the initiated members are given an opportunity to interact with the new members through a bonding activity. For the last new member meeting before the new member exam, a game of Jeopardy was planned in which the active initiated members will ass ist the new members in studying for their exam. Each week philanthropy chair, Stephanie St. Jaques, updates the Sorority sisters at meetings in regard to upcoming events in which they may take part. The two mainstays of philanthropy are working at Liz's House in Grand Rapids and " Relay for Life."

GAMMA

The Gamma Pi Chapter currently exists w ith 56 active sisters and has recruited nine new-members for their Alpha Beta ne member group. Nearly half of the sis-

ters live together on the Alpha Sigma Tau floor in a dormitory specifically for Greek members. Alpha Sigma Tau is the largest Greek organization at Lycoming, made up of sisters who are involved in a great deal on and off campus. The sisters are members of varsity level sports, including volleyball, swimming, lacrosse, and cheerleading; and are part of many organizations including Student Orientation Staff Leaders, Resident Advisors, Student Academic Resources, Choir, Habitat for Humanity, and many more college groups. Gamma Pi spent the Fall 2003 semester selling programs for the college football games as a yearlong fund-raiser. Other fund-raisers, led by chairs Jenn Uber and April Benz, included a ghost lollipops sale at Halloween, selling Sheetz hoagie coupons, hosted Twister at the campus carnival, and other special projects. Philanthropies, led by chair Nichole Fultz, included collecting can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, selling ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness and the Susan G. Kamen Foundation, collecting can goods, volunteering at the Antique Roadshow, joining Hand in Hand (a carnival for disabled buddies), as well as plans to participate in Daffodil Days this coming spring, and volunteer to baby-sit for professors and staff. For more information about the Gamma Pi Chapter visit our site: http://www.lycoming. edu/orgs/ast or e-mail President Lerin Hill at hilleri@lycoming.edu. G AMMA TAU LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE ANNVILLE, PA

The Gamma Tau Chapter has been busy with recruitment and the new member activities. They completed the two-week formal recruitment period. The sisters hosted parties themed as a soda shop that featured a question and answer session, dispelling rumors about Greek life and sharing personal stories of why each sister became involved. Other recruitment themes included a graffiti theme where each sister decorated a white Tshirt with her name and positions within the Sorority. Prospective new members decorated the sisters with finger paint. The new member class consisted of five women who will make fine assets to the

chapter. The Gamma Tau chapter participated in full force in the campuswide Relay For Life event to benefit the American Cancer Society. Projects are also underway to benefit a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and a local family that is struggling with illness. For fundraising, the sisters participated in one of the College's Underground Delivery Nights in which students call the snack bar-style dining hall and have food delivered to their rooms and a portion of the proceeds go to the participating organization. GAMMA PHI MERRIMACK COLLEGE NORTH ANDOVER, MA

The first event Gamma Phi started the semester out with was "Tau Hiti." The event helped sisters get to know some of the incoming freshmen and gave the chapter an opportunity to show off its hand-made tropical pattern letters. Everyone had a wonderful time. In the fall , the chapter welcomed Seleena Carpenter. Members showed her a good time by taking her to watch the home team play hockey and a little local bowling in the late night. Later in the semester some of the women participated in the walk for diabetes.A donation was made on behalf of the chapter, and sisters were well received with thanks from the American Diabetes Association. Throughout the semester sisters showed their ALT spirit on campus with Halloween candy handouts to all of the students. The student body was pleased with Gamma Phi 's generosity and thanked the women for the gesture. The chapter also advertised "Get Your Hugs and Kisses From ALT." The sisters handed out Hershey's Hugs and Kisses with an attached message - "from the sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau." This was a great way to get people talking and get the ALT name out on campus. GAMMA CHI WILLIAM PATTERSON UNIVERSITY WAYNE , N}

This semester has been an exciting one for the Gamma Chi Chapter. During the first week back, they received a visit

from Sarah Marten. She joined the sisters for table hour in the commuter cafeteria where the entire chapter gets together for lunch. Here , everyone has a chance to catch up, talk about upcom ing events, and interact with the other Greek organizations on campus. Sarah held workshop about recruitment and encouraged the sisters to think of ways in which they could get a larger amount of women to recruit. There were also workshops about rituals and values where everyone talked about what it means to be ALT to them as well as what made the GAMMA CHI Chapter unique. The last meeting Sarah passed around cards and everyone was asked to take three different colors. They went around the table and were asked to read the question out loud and answer the first idea that came to mind .As each color group of cards was read, the questions required a deeper answer. It is exercises like this that the sisters feel help them learn more about each other and themselves.

GAMMA OMEGA PHILADELPHIA , PA

The Gamma Omega Chapter welcomed nine new members. The new member class hosted a campuswide clean-up philanthropy event. The chapter recently adopted a new philanthropy at a local shelter called the Covenant House. The house has around 50 low-income residents and also works with community outreach. A different group of six to I0 sisters visit every Friday for approximately four hours.AII the Greek organ izations on campus look forward to Greek Week. Gamma Omega is sponsoring a Jell-0 wrestling event, which all the other Greeks look forward to every year. The chapter is actively involved in the philanthropic efforts of other Greek organizations as well. Members participate in the Gamma Phi Beta "Up T ill Dawn," the Delta Sigma Phi softball tournament, and the Phi Gamma Delta "Bid for Bodies." The chapter also sponsors teams for the student government basketball marathon, which raises money

page 27

for children with cancer.

DELTA ALPHA GANNON

IVERSITY ERIE,

The chapter welcomed three new women this last semester and had another very successful new member program thanks to the wonderful work of the new member director. The sisters held various COB's throughout the year to help with the recruitment process. These included an ice cream social, progressive dinner at the house, a barbeque at the house for Labor Day, dinners on Monday and Wednesday nights at the campus center, a chip and dip party at the house, a Thanksgiving dinner, and a Christmas decoration party at the house in December. Some of the new member programs included big/little night, pillowcase night, movie night, and name that sister. After initiation everyone went out to Ruby Tuesday's for a celebration dinner. It was nice to have a bunch of Alpha Sigma Taus out together on such a special night. For philanthropy this year the Delta Alpha chapter participated in many activities, GIVE day with Gannon University at the end of September and "Stepping in to Stamp Out Homelessness" week. They sat in a box along AJ's Way and helped to collect donations for the homeless. The sisters also did their Mercy Center for Women collection throughout the month of December. They were able to collect two truckloads of clothes to give to the center. The center greatly appreciated the hard work for the benefit of the battered women.

DELTA DELTA I ER ITY OF lLLINOI

AT CHICAGO CHICAGO,

Spring 2004 proved to be a busy semester for the Delta Delta Chapter at UIC. Recruitment was a bit time consuming, but fun nonetheless. We met some great women and the events allowed us to show the fun times of sisterhood. Recruitment events included a coffee get together, ice-skating at Millennium Park, and even a pizza party at a restaurant. After all that, the chapter initiated

p age 28

~ - &9na 路 t<aJ

During the sleepover, the new members are able to spend time with their new member class as well as their big sisters. They participated in fun activities such as creating pillowcases and watching movies. Yarn Activity is one of the most enjoyable events of the semester. The whole idea behind the activity is to allow the new members to learn something about each of the sisters. and for the sisters to learn something about them. The way that it works is that one of the sisters starts off with a ball of yarn, proceeds to tell a story, and then throws the ball of yarn to another person while still holding her piece. The activity ends when all of the peoDELTA DELTA sisters enjoy a mixer ple in the room have told a with Theta Xi Fraternity. story and is each holding a piece of yarn. sisters of Delta Delta helped out the Greater Chicago Food Depos itory, an organization that donates food to local shelters and centers for the homeless in Cook County. Later in the semester, PENN YLVA lA members volunteered to help out as EA T STRO D BU RG, PA "Hustle Up the Hancock" people and answer the phones and take bids for The Delta Zeta Chapter is already so WTTW Chicago, the local PBS station. very busy with many activities. During recru itment they held three events. The DELTA EPSILON first two were casual get-togethers MAru T COLLEGE while at the third they did a Rose Po GHKEEP IE, NY Ceremony to show potential new members the serious side the Sorority. The sisters held a sisterhood retreat and The Delta Epsilon Chapter participated many new bonds among sisters were in a "Welcome Back" lunch in which all formed as well as old ones rememmembers came together in the Student bered. Theme for Greek Week is the Center of the college to catch up with 80's and all of the sisters are very each other. Upon retu rning to Marist, members became very active in recruitment. This semester the theme, "Alpha Sigma Tau Island", has been a wonderful and fun way to inform potential new members about AI.T through various games and ice breakers. Sisters participated in the new member program activities that included Woodstock, a big and little sleepover, yarn activity, and Greek Week. Woodstock is a day where the entire sorority gets together and drives down to Woodstock, New York. It is a fun-filled day of bonding DELTA THETA women enjoy homec m111g for the sisters to share together.

five new members. Rose Barnes, the social chair, worked hard to plan socials with other organizations. Recently the chapter held a mixer with one of the local Hispanic fraternities , Sigma Lambda Beta, and a movie night with another fraternity, Theta Xi. For ph ilanthropy, the

on the float the c nstru t d

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __

excited to participate. The chapter is also volunteering at the Red Cross blood drive held every semester. They hope to have many other philanthropy activities in the coming months. DELTA ETA B ELMONT UNIVERSITY N A HVILLE, T N

The Delta Eta Chapter participated in many activities to celebrate sisterhood and sisters everywhere . The chapter held a blood drive on campus, and for fundraising, the sisters held a car wash and sold and delivered bags of candy and balloons on campus to celebrate Valentine's Day. One of the chapter's big social events was Mardi Tau, and annual event. On campus, the chapter held a faculty/staff appreciation breakfast to let faculty and staff know how much we appreciate their love and kindness. As the semester progressed, the sisters found more and more opportun ities to spread the love of their sisterhood through academics, socials and campuswide events. DELTA THETA MORAVIAN COLLEGE BETHLEHEM,

Sara Marten visited the Delta Theta Chapter and stayed with the sisters that lived at the Alpha Sigma Tau house . Throughout the weekend, sisters from different new member classes took her to meals in the cafeteria. That way she got a chance to spend individual time with each sister. Sara had a workshop with sisters and talked about rituals and traditions and how it is important to keep them strong. Panhellenic sponsored a recruitment event in the cafeteria where potential new members could get to know Alpha Sigma Tau sisters and also see what the Sorority is about. During the week, the potential new members toured each Sorority house. Delta Theta's theme was Valentine's Day and the house was decorated beautifully. All the sisters were divided into rooms in the house and sisters guided the potential new members around the room. In the rooms, sisters asked the

potential new members questions like what their greatest accomplishment has been and where they see themselves in ten years. These questions allowed the sisters to get to know more about potential new members and allowed the potential new members to talk and make an impression on sisters. Staying with the Valentine's Day theme , the sisters made edible valentines and donated them to a local food bank for philanthropy. This was such a great event. The potential new members had a great time and it allowed sisters to sit with potential new members and talk to them more. The Valentines were a great idea and a good way to help others. DELTA LAMBDA SIENA HEIGHTS COLLEGE

ADRIAN,Ml

The new officers of Delta Lambda Chapter tackled the beginning of this semester in full force! The semester started off with a reunion to commemorate Delta Lambda Chapter's five-year anniversary! On January 31 , alumna and current members met for a night of gossip, chitchat, reminiscing, and food. It was a beautiful event and concluded with a reading of the story behind Delta Lambda Chapter. Back in early January, Alpha Sigma Tau coordinated with the on-campus theater fraternity,Aipha Psi Omega, to hold Siena Heights University's 2nd annual Film Fest. Several past and present sisters are members of Alpha Psi Omega. The Film Fest has been known to launch some amateur film careers and bring laughs to a stressed out student body! The first fund-raiser of the year began; women baked cookies, brownies, and rice crispy treats and sold them for a small profit. Some might have gotten eaten in the process! A fabulous theme for informal recruitment created quite a stir on campus and within the chapter. The local mascot, the turtle, led to a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle" themed recruitment. Women who attended the parties were able to paint pet turtle rocks, make T-shirts using Ninja Turtle stencils, and actually have a chance to watch the famous flick about Leonardo, Donatello, Michaelangelo, and Raphael!

DELTA

CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY LEBANON, TN

During this semester the ladies of the Delta Mu Chapter of Cumberland University have been busy with activities on and off campus. Members kept busy with recruitment and the search for new sisters, but also took time to help out wherever their services were needed. The Cumberland Fine Arts Department had a Shakespeare program that some of the sisters attended and ushered the guest to thei r seats. The chapter also worked with Habitat for Humanity and a local newspaper company in Lebanon. Delta Mu planned a function to try and get the students even more involved with campus activities. Alpha Sigma Tau held a bake sale for the hungry students on their way to classes. Five sisters participated in a penny drive to raise extra money for the South Eastern Panhellenic Conference . The sisters attended many sports activities and campus functions and tried to let everyone on campus know that the sisters take pride in their ALT sisterhood. Although they were busy with activities, the sisters tried to take time to be together and really appreciate one another. The chapter took a drive to the country and had some real "sister time." DELTA

BELOIT COLLEGE BELOIT,

The sisters used brochures to recruit new members at campuswide events. Members attended a basketball game and gave support to the women's basketball team. They are also trying new recruitment techniques and styles. Five new members joined the Delta Nu chapter and all five ladies will be great additions to the house. Du ring Valentine's Day weekend , they helped out with the Blood Drive and also participated in the MS Walk in Milwaukee .. Some members are also helping out with the Help-Yourself Program in Beloit and raising money for Pine Mountain Settlement School. The living

page 29

room in the house was just painted during winter break and the house also received a stereo system, DVD player, cookbooks, speakers, and miscellaneous items from their first adviser and her husband . Other items were also received from alumna during the holiday season. The chapter just set up an account with ezfundraising.com to make it a continuous fund-raising activity. To help out on campus they are helping host Vortex (a rock concert) to come on campus in February.

LTA RHO CHOWAN COLLEGE MURFREESBORO, NC

The Delta Rho Chapter started the fall semester off strongly ready to approach the campus with the fall recruitment week "What's Behind Your Mask?" But the weather didn't want to cooperate. Hurricane Isabel hit Chowan College sending everyone home for about a week. Once returning from the break they continued with the recruitment week welcoming their Theta class. The Theta members were initiated on December 7. The most successful fundraiser of the Fall semester was the seat cushion sale, which the sisters sold at all sporting events held on campus. They also took part in the 2nd Annual Harvest Fest; where the college creates a safe environment for the local children to come out and go trick-or-treating. The children also painted a pumpkin. For Homecoming the sisters entered the parade with the theme " Fluttering High With A:ET." The women got creative with hangers and panty hose creating wings that they wore in the parade.

u PHILADELPHIA , PA

Delta Sigma sisters have been working hard in the area of recruitment and held an interest meeting where 25 women attended. It was an informal session where prospective new members

DELTA SIGMA

learned about the Sorority, recruitment, philanthropy and academics. The sisters held a movie night and during this event the members were able to get to know the women on a more personal level. Ten women were welcomed into the chapter this semester. For philanthropy, each sister baked a casserole and donated it to the homeless shelter. The sisters feel this is a great way to help out the community and donate their time. The chapter also organized a day where students can come to a private room and be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.A speaker also came to educate the student body on the topic. New fundraising ideas are in place this semester including a pool tournament in which students compete for gift certificates. The sisters also held multiple bake sales.

D ETROIT,

The Delta Tau Chapter is extremely excited about the semester and focused on recruiting new members and sisterly bonding. Recruitment on campus was informal and they welcomed two new members. Some of the new member activities included, bring your own banana, where ladies showed up with their banana and sisters made them a sundae, a toga party, bumper bowling, and philanthropy night. For philanthropy night, they made Valentine's Day cards for children

at the Grey Centers of Hope. They are also participating in Pennies for Pets, which is a race towards $2,000 worth of pennies in order to purchase a digital camera for the Humane Society. Some fund-raising activities included, bake sales and value cards. College-wide events consist of a College Bowl, Sigma Pi 's Studio 54 party, and Winter Carn ival.

NEW YORK NEW YORK,

From fundrais ing to Spring recruitment the Sorority has been busy. The most eventful night; however, will be the Chapter installation on March 27 at La Maganette, an Italian restaurant in Manhattan that " looked fitting for the special occasion," according to Megan Walker, the Installation Chair. All of the members are "very excited." Spring Recruitment just took place, for which Recruitment Chair, Stephanie Velasquez, creatively put together a Candy Land theme! Specifically, Stephanie picked five treats that applied to a different character on the board game for each of the five nights. One night there was peppermint hot chocolate for Mr. Peppermint while playing marshmallow pong, licorice for Mr. Licorice wh ile watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and another night the sisters and the recruitmed women frosted cupcakes in

DELTA T. U

honor of Queen Frostene while makin a mess all over their Candy Land Tees g th~t they were sporting. Stephanie had shirts made with a picture of the Candy Land board game on the front of white tees -very cute. Third North residence hall, however, is not only famous for its Valentine candy grams. This apartment building, between 3rd Avenue and I Ith Street with its courtyard and dining hall is also home to the AI.T house, which , 12 out of the 28 (not counting the nine new members) live in , and it is very special to all.

D ELTA CHI COLONY CHRlSTIAN BROTHERS UNI VER ITY M EMPHIS,

The chapter helped with campus movein and spoke at the Greek Orientation event for freshmen. Some semester events included a birthday dinner for their president at Applebee's, a sisterhood movie night, a visit from the Educational Consultant and a garage sale to benefit their local philanthropy. Everyone also helped out the children at the Target House by playing games. For Halloween fun, the sisters visited a cornfield maze and enjoyed a hayride . Recruitment events included a lunch at the Serendipity Tea Room, roller-skating, a showing of the movie Grease, and a game night of Harry Potter Clue. Everyone enjoyed the tradition of painting the school's rock, playing Capture the Flag and the annual bonfire at one of the sisters home .

}OHNSO DENVER, CO

The women of Delta Psi are excited to be the Delta Psi Chapter. At Johnson and Wales University in Denver, we are one of the first two sororities on our campus and the women are busy enjoying the initiation process and all the love that comes with being sisters. Delta Psi is a group of 26 beautiful and very hard working and spirited women. While

members work hard, they just wanted to let you in on some of the chapter's plans. The campus approved Greek housing that will start in the fall of 2004, and the chapter welcomed its first National visit. The sisters designed a philanthropy project and worked on getting a rock-a-then stared for fund raising. Again , the sisters of Delta Psi thank everyone for all the letters and support in the past months and everything you will continue to do with us throughout the entire process. Believing in us enough to start a new chapter means a lot to all the women and our university. ''The time when you need to do something is when no one else is willing to do it, when people are saying it can 't be done ." -Mary Frances Berry.

DEI.TA OMEGA COLON PENN STATE UNIVE RSITY ALTOONA ALTOONA,PA

The Delta Omega Chapter only recently began its journey as a colony - hoping along the way to become a well-spirited organization that is interactive on the Penn State Altoona campus. As an organization, Delta Omega strives to bring itself and the community together. One event that AI.T enjoyed being invited to and participating in was The Red Dance sponsored by the Black Student Union. The Red Dance was a recruitment event for women and men to come out and meet one another. Food was served and dancing was done. Sisters participated in Greeks at the Game, which allows each sorority/fraternity to come out and show their support for the PSU athletics. The bid-day celebration was a chance for each new member to introduce themselves into the entire Greek community.After introduction, AI.T held a ribbon ceremony - a first step into sisterhood for the AI.T. AST helped PSU Altoona with canning for THON , which supports the Four Diamonds. PSU Altoona raised enough money to send two dancers to Penn State for THON.

page 31

Ann~versary

Mean~nl For Beta Mu alumna Debi Flaig Meeks, November 21, 2003 marked a special day in her life.As a founding member of the Beta Mu Chapter, Debi celebrated not only the 25th Anniversary of Beta Mu's initiation, but on that day, her daughter Lauren Hall was initiated into the chapter. For Debi and Lauren,Aipha Sigma Tau forged the bonds of sisterhood as well as created a legacy that will live on forever. History of Beta Mu

On February I, 1978, Beta Mu became an official colony of Alpha Sigma Tau at Salisbury State University. Organized by then District President Gail Shockley Scott and Traveling Counselor Susan McCauley, twenty women came together to form a sisterhood. Four months after the colony's installation, four members attended the National Convention in Natural Bridge, Virginia. At the Ceremonials on the opening night of Convention, Kathy Schmitt (Beta Mu adviser), Laurie Boruta (pledge trainer), Donna Bytella (president), Debbie Lynn Flaig (vice-president), and Cynthia Ann Kirby (social service) were formally initiated into the National organization. After convention, these women returned to Salisbury State's campus with renewed energy and new ideas to help

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build the colony. During the fall semester, the Beta Mu sisters organized their first recruitment. Just like our chapters today, the colony decided on a couple of themes to use during recruitment. Sisters Molly Hall and Susan McCarthy came up with "Tau is the Word," from the movie Grease. The women rewrote the lyrics to "Grease Lightning", "Sandra Dee", and "We Go Together" to capture the true ideals and values of the Sorority. For the colony's second party, "Country Time Taus ," sisters dressed in jeans and checkered shirts and ate watermelon. The final party featured a Candlelight Ceremony representing the formal side of Alpha Sigma Tau. The Beta Mu sisters happily welcomed 18 new women into their colony.

After all their hard work, the colony's formal installation was held on November 18, 1978 at Trinity Methodist Church. To make the ceremony complete, several members of the National Staff participated in the event and attended the chapter's banquet: Mrs. Thomas King, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Floyd, Mrs. Harold Scott, Mrs. Charles Ashby, Mary Ellen Willmitch, and Susan McCau ley. Other honored guests included two area alumna members, Martha Robertson and Debbie Kuhn.

At the banquet, Mrs.Ashby presented the chapter with it's charter, and Mrs. Julian Floyd presented the plaque. Then Mrs. King presented the chapter president with the chapter's gavel. Gifts presented to the chapter from the National Oorganization included a Bible, a silver tea and coffee service, candle holders and an Alpha Sigma Tau cushion. In addition to the gift presentations, the "best pledge" awards were given to Rochelle Nieves and Debi Flaig, an honor she would be able to share with her daughter Lauren 25 years later as Lauren was also voted "best new member." Generation to Generation

After graduation, Debi focused on other matters like work, marriage, and motherhood, to name a few. While everyone's lives take shape in a myriad of ways, one thing remained constant the link between sisters. Debi remained in touch over the years with fellow Beta Mu sisters, but it wasn't until her daughter Lauren started looking at college that the link to LT become even stronger. According to Debi, her daughter's plans did not originally include Salisbury State or Alpha Sigma Tau. However, once

Ocean City, Maryland. Several Beta Mu founding members attended the celebration and reminisced with Gail Shockley Fowler on how Beta Mu got anchored . That evening, Gail Fowler also launched a scholarship drive for Beta Mu through the AL.T Foundation.

ngs Spec~al to Beta Mu LJ~ng S~si:er

For Lauren, the banquet was an opportunity to meet the alumnae her mother always talked about. She said, "I felt so honored to be officially a member of Alpha Sigma Tau and privileged to join with such a great group [of women] in my [new member] class."

Lauren decided to go to the same college as her mother, she immediately decided to participate in formal recruitment. During recruitment, Debi hoped she would go AL.T. Lauren remained open-minded to all the sororities. When it was time to decide, Lauren noted, " I saw AL.T as a diverse group [of women] all committed to the Sorority. I knew that was where I belonged and have not doubted my decision for a second." On bid day, Lauren accepted her new member bid and became one of 12 members of the Beta Gamma new member class of Alpha Sigma Tau. When her daughter accepted her AL.T bid, Debi reached out to see if she could participate in her daughter's initiation. While the initiation plans were underway, Lauren and her new member sisters worked together and fulfilled their new member duties. As the time ticked by, Lauren was eager to be initiated. Little did she know that her mother was going to play a part in her initiation.

Now Lauren 's collegiate life is full of academic endeavors as well as sorority activities. Lauren was elected as Corresponding Secretary. While she shares in all the ups and downs of Sorority life with her sisters, Lauren can also share with her mother. It's not everyday your mother becomes not only your friend , but a sister as well. Times have changed, but some things will always last. When asked the differences between college life today versus 25 years ago, Debi noted that while many things have changed, but the friendships and sisterhood have transcended many generations. The camaraderie we shared is still alive and well." The historical information provided came from The ANCHOR Spring 1979 edition.

On the eve of November 21 , 25 years after becoming a member of AST, Debi helped initiate her daughter in the chapter. As the ceremony began, Lauren waited her turn to step forward and place her name in the Beta Mu ritual book and begin her journey as a member of Alpha Sigma Tau. When the moment arrived for Lauren to receive her badge, Debi presented her daughter with her badge. It was an amazing and emotional moment for everyone in the room. Debi noted, "There was not a dry eye in the house! " After the ceremony ended, Debi had a chance to look at the Ritual Book. She noticed that 25 years earlier, she signed her name in the book as the 4th member of the Beta Mu Chapter. On that night, Lauren became the 414th member of the chapter! The number 4 became another common link between mother and daughter. The next day, November 22, the Beta Mu Chapter held its 25th Anniversary/Founders Day Banquet at the Princess Bay Side in

Lauren is shown here (center row, 2nd from left) with her new member class.

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ALLUMNAE NEWS

BuFFALO

The Buffalo Alumnae Chapter opened the new year in January with a wonderful luncheon at Daffodil's Restaurant. In The Spring term began with a celebratoFebruary, Carol Wolf, a consultant, ry event at Pizzeria Uno where they author and workshop leader, spoke held their rescheduled holiday dinner about simplifying our lives. They also along with a January meeting. Their hosted their annual Valentine's Day party annual Yankee Gift Swap is always the and Cookie Bake for highlight of the holithe Babcock Street day gathering, and Boys and Girls Club. even though it was The March meeting delayed by nearly a was held at Alice's month, was enjoyed Restaurant where they immensely! Despite celebrated Nicole the incredibly cold Moretta's wedding with temperatures that showa kitchen gadget plagued the er. Many members parNortheast for most ticipated in the annual of the term, they Buffalo Panhellen ic continued to meet fundraiser, a dinner and regularly under the cruise on the Miss leadership of presiBuffalo Boat. At the dent, Sailynn Doyle. May meeting, officers Philanthropy efforts were elected, sisters included creating gift the Pine viewed bags filled with toiMountain video and letries for the Market members welcomed Members of the Botson Alumnae Ministries in New Chapter met at the home of Stephanie four graduating colleBedford, MA (homeSeel to create I00 bags filled with toigiate members into the letries for the Market Ministries in New less shelter for men), Bedford. alumnae chapter. participating in and Everyone looked forcollecting nearly ward to the June mystery trip and rep$300 for the March of Dimes Walk resenting the chapter at the National America, the Convention philanthropy Convention. projects, and continued support for Pine Mountain Settlement School and the Boston Area Panhellenic group. Their DETROIT-NORTHEAST alumnae liaison ties remain strong with SUBURBS Shannan Hanson serving as the Delta Iota Chapter Adviser, Michelle The first half of 2004 found the memSunderland as the Gamma Delta bers of the Detroit-Northeast Subu rbs Chapter Adviser and Katrin Mjos as the Alumnae Chapter involved in Gamma Phi Chapter Adviser. Sisters many projects and activities. attended the Spring Formals sponsored January brought out their creby these three collegiate chapters. ative sides in crafting wine glass Painting their own pottery at the charm rings. February brought Clayroom has become a much anticipatspouses and significant others to ed spring ritual. This year they comjoin them in dinner and an bined pottery painting with a bridal evening of fun and games. The shower for Michelle Sunderland. Delta Tau Collegiate Chapter Summer plans include attending the honored our sisters with an inviNational Convention and an anniversary tation to a pasta dinner, which luncheon to be held in Savannah in celewas very tasty. With the onset bration of their five year anniversary as of spring, sisters celebrated their an alumnae group.

BOSTON

pag

annual May luncheon with the women who are dear to their hearts: moms, daughters, aunts and more. An outing to see the show "Menopause the Musical" at the historic Gem Theatre and lunch together at Small Plates was enjoyed by all who attended. Several members attended the Detroit Panhellenic Scholarship Luncheon where Alpha Sigma Tau collegian Stephanie St. Jacques was awarded a scholarship. Our own Tammy Bonifield, Panhellenic treasurer, organized the raffle and Cindy Manardo provided the herbal centerpieces. Sisters joined together to celebrate Rose Marie Schmidt's 80th birthday. After a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" she was presented with some of her favorite things: yellow roses, golf balls, potato ch ips, butterscotch candies and a special donation to the scholarsh ip fund that bears her name. Th irteen members prepared to attend the National Convention to share their experiences w ith sisters from across the nation.

GREATER CHICAGO The December holiday party was held at Diane Rand 's home where she se rved a wonderful Ital ian meal. Gifts were exchanged in the spirit of the season. The annual fondue party was a delightful tasting of cheese and chocolate fondue followed by planning for Convention and philanthropy projects. Pampered Chef provided a fundraising opportunity at the Haskin 's. In April, Lori Poore hosted the Local Founders Day ceremony and reception. An outdoor luncheon of sandwiches and salads was held at the home of Lisa Schellinger where plans fo r the National Convention were finalized.

LOWELL, MA

Meetings were held monthly and were hosted by members of the chapter. Sisters typically spend quality time together both before and after all meetings. Sisters participated in the Avon ' Breast Cancer Walk in May. Members along with family and friends volunteered at the event, helping with crowd control and cheering on participants. The annual Yankee Candle fund raiser was a great success.A collegiate/alumna social was held in conjunction with the February meeting. Collegiate members of the Beta Tau Chapter at UMASSLowell gathered with Lowell alumnae members for a Hawaiian social. Each sister was provided with a nametag with her name translated into Hawaiian. Activities included a hula hoop contest, a Hawaiian feast, and games. In April , alumnae sisters attended the Yellow Rose Semi Formal hosted by the Beta Tau Chapter. Member Sarah Hefferan Rine received a recognition award for her work at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut.

plans included their annual Family BBQ. It is a great social event to develop their most basic bonds of sisterhood and is regarded by many as truly the best part of the year. At the BBQ, they will collect school supplies for the JAMPACKS program, which provides backpacks for children living in NOVA homeless shelters. They extend an invitation to join them whether you live in the Northern Virginia area or are just visiting!

The Tidewater Area alumnae pose at their Summer Social

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

As they begin their 57th continuous year as an active alumnae chapter the dedicated members continue many of their traditions and venture into some new areas. To meet the purpose of Alpha Sigma Tau and to enrich their membership, they continue to seek out new ways to meet the needs of their membership and to continue their legacy of sisterhood. The NOVA alumnae chapter is growing by leaps and bounds and having a fantastic time in the process! They continue to get new members through their chapter website www.alphasigmatau-nova-a lum.org. They have also been taking advantage of several Ar.T e-mail lists, and sending out "e-vites" to various events such as Pottery Night, Theatre Night, Movie Mania, Spa Day and more. Several members participated either as volunteers or as racers/walkers in the I 5th annual Komen National Race for the Cure in Washington , D.C. to raise money for breast cancer research. A large delegation planned to attend the National Convention in Savannah, GA for some fun and sisterhood. Summer

Manager of the Democrats of Gila County Office. Cynthia McCrory is serving a second term as treasurer of the Salt River Alumnae Panhellenic. She volunteers with Jun ior Achievement and is a docent at the Arizona State Un iversity Fine Arts Museum. Karen Anderson was re-elected vice president of the Lyric Ope ra Theatre Guild, a support group for the music theater program at Arizona State University. She is also a member of Salt River Alumnae Panhellenic and United Methodist Women.

TIDEWATER, VA Phoenix Valley of the Sun Alumnae Clu b

PHOENIX VALLEY OF THE

SuN CLuB Members of this alumnae club met in January at the home of Cynthia McCrory. Joining them was Colleen Coffey, Ar.T Expansion Educational Consultant, who was in Arizona for the establishment of a colony at Embry Riddle in Prescott. In April, Lisa Webb hosted their Annual Meeting and eelection of officers. Nell ie Correa, their "Ar-T MOM " was presented with her daughter Ginny's lavaliere in honor of her support of the group. They adjourned to enjoy a delicious potluck brunch. Members active in community affairs include Ginny Correa Creager, who was appointed Recruitment Specialist in the Advocacy Network for AARP Arizona. She was also appointed a Payson Precinct 2 Committeeperson by Gila County and plans to run for election. She is the newly selected Operations and Office

Sisters and spouses celebrated the various seasons with a Ch ristmas party in December and a June luncheon cruise on Linkhorn Bay and Lynnhaven River in Vi rginia Beach. Founders Day was held at the Cavalie r Golf and Yacht Club where they were joined by the Delta Rho Chapter of Chowan College. Ph ilanthropy projects have included Citizens Committee to Protect the Elderly, Pine Mountain Settlement School and collection of Campbell Soup labels. Gail Miller acted as the Tidewater Panhellenic delegate and sisters supported the fashion show and luncheon held at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Fundraisers and programs included a games night, yoga night, yard sale and an auction held during each monthly meeting. Good ie bags were sent to both Delta Rho at Chowan and Alpha Lambda at Radford University. Member Gail Guthrie was honored as '路'Teacher of the Year" at her elementary school. Lynn Sull ivan Hess has served as president of her Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter and Cathy Polychronic served as an officer.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ afha路~路tC11

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Are you aware that AET has

Board of Trustees

a Board ofTrustees? You should be. It was established in 1990 when a resolution was passed at the Richmond Convention calling

National Staff, and thus are aware of the

for the formation of the Board.

traditions, purposes, and history of A LT.

as those of the Council, Convention, and Foundation. It will initiate action to find answers. Members, individually and col-

Do you know why it was formed?

What are the duties of the Board?

lectively, are the best source as the

It exists to insure that all activities of

The Board must keep abreast of what's

Board sets an agenda.

ALT are consistent with its purpose, its

going on with ALT. After receiving all

traditions, and to assure the preserva-

basic materials of the National Council,

tion of its ritual and historical integrity.

the National Convention, the National

Who's on the Board ofTrustees now?

Foundation, the Alpha Sig-Nal, the

Anna Margaret Young Rhodes

Constitution revisions, the National

(Psi) is the Chairman

Panhellenic Conference reports , etc., the

Bobbie Nichols Tucker (Alpha Gamma)

were selected and directed to deliberate

Board evaluates, renders opinions, and

Carolyn Conner Alexander (Pi )

regarding the Board of Trustees. Today,

advises the Sorority.

Mary Glor Bolton (Sigma)

Who are the members? Originally, the four living past-presidents

Mary Ellen Willmitch (Alpha Rho)

there are five members. They are chosen from alumnae, in good standing, who

How can I be involved?

have been members of ALT for at least

The Board welcomes concerns of indi-

thirty years, have been members of the

vidual members, of chapters, etc., as well

Interested in finding out even more about Alpha Sigma Tau? Visit our most up-to-date resource

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c+ha - ~-tau

To many people the term "Sorority" is directly related to college years and college reunion or Homecoming events. In reality, although most members' most active Sorority involvement is at the collegiate level, the mere existence of Sororities relies very heavily on the alumnae members. They are the leaders - the infrastructure that allows the National Organization to exist and prosper and to offer the wonderful Sorority experience that builds character, leadership skills and lifelong friendships to incoming students. Without alumnae involvement, Sororities would cease to exist. As each of us was initiated into our sisterhood, we vowed and promised continued support at the alumnae level. Alpha Sigma Tau offers alumnae members much flexibility in becoming involved and staying connected. Alumnae activities are organized on the basis of where you currently live, not where you attended college. For those individuals who do not reside near others, an "Anchor Chapter" membership keeps you connected.

Following are short descriptions of each level of alumnae asso ciations: Alumnae Chapters - made up of seven or more members who meet at least seven times per year. They collect dues, select eight officers, support philanthropy projects, observe Founders Day, submit five reports annually, and establish a bank account. They are eligible for National awards and can vote at convention if in good standing. Alumnae Clubs - composed of four to six alumnae who hold a minimu m of four meetings, including a Founders Day celebration, during the year. They collect dues, establish a bank account, elect four officers and submit three reports (mid, annual , and dues) each year. Alumnae Social Teams - meet two to four times each year on a social basis. They collect dues, select a president and treasurer and complet e two reports (annual and dues) each year. Alumnae Support Teams - a group of alumnae who meet and functi on to support a collegiate chapter/colony or expansion effort. They collect dues, select a president and complete two reports (annual and dues) each year. Hope Groups - a group of alumnae in a specific area who have expressed interest in meeting together with a goal to become one of the above recognized alumnae associations. They collect dues , submit reports to t he Alumnae Expansion Coordinator, observe Founders Day and support a local philanthropy.

e roe o a umnae The most intense and time consuming alumnae involvement would be a Council or Staff position. These are voluntary positions that keep the organization functioning on the executive or advisory level. For most sisters, alumnae association membership fits more easily into their busy life schedules. Alumnae members generally meet on a monthly or quarterly basis. The alumnae groups are much less structured and time consuming. They run on a more social agenda with philanthropic projects and fun events thrown in for good measure! They allow us to both continue our friendships and develop new ones when relocating to new areas. They provide a common bond and a great network of sisters nationwide.

Our alumnae organization also provides for individuals who were not initiated into a Sorority during college to join our sisterhood as alumnae affiliates. This allows us to expand our membership base and share our sisterhood with individuals who are interested.

HOW you stay involved is not nearly as crucial an

issue as that you DO stay involved! The picture is complete only when each puzzle piece is in place - where do you fit in? In future issues look for information on the alumnae associations that currently exist and information on how to organize an alumnae association in your area. In the meantime, stay informed by visiting the Alpha Sigma Tau website www.alphasigmatau.org and joining the Alpha Sigma Tau alumnae yahoo group.

page 37

AnchorLine Alpha Sigma Tau ... Friendships Forged in Tradition a mentoring and networking program for members NAME: LAST

MAIDE

MIDDLE

FIRST ADDRESS:

ZIP:

STATE :

CITY: PHONE :

HOME: ( WORK: (

)

CELL: (

E-MAIL :

FAX: (

)

Initiation Year:

Collegiate Chapter Affiliation: Alumnae Chapter Affiliation:

Check ONE and complete the information below: I would like to help other Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters. Please add my name, mentoring information , and career cluster to the program. I understand that this information may be released to any Alpha Sigma Tau member who requests this information. Please HELP me! I am entering or re-entering the job market, moving to a new community, and/or need life transition support. I would like mentoring information from Alpha Sigma Tau Alumnae. Select Appropriate Mentoring Category: [] Career

[] City/Community Information

[] Life Transition Support

(if career or tran sitional life phase, ee infor matio n on next page.)

City:

Closest Metropolitan area:

-----------------------

Occupation Cluster(s ): ---------------------------------------- 路- - - - - Occupation Title/Description: Transitional Life Phase: Return comp leted form to: AnchorLine- Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority 7166 Holly Berry Court Hamilton, OH 45011 Fax 513 .759.2842 E-mail: lcegala hotmail.com

pag 38

-tw

•

JOlU

Anc or L~ne

·-------------------Occupational Clusters A.

:i I

Agriculture & Environment Conservation , Foresty, Horticulture, Landscaping, Recycling , Wildlife Architecture, Engineering & Design Drafting, Graphic and Interior Design, Surveyor, All Engineers, Architect Communications Advertising, Broadcasting, Journalism, Media, Public Relations, Publi shing, Reporting, Writing Computer & Science All Computer!fechnical Support, Data Process ing, All Scientists Construction & Trades Automotive, Electrical , Mechanical , Painting, Plumbing, Textile Cultural & Arts Crafts, Entertainment, Film, Museums, Music, Performing, Photograph y, Theater, Actress Education & Counseling All leve ls ofEducation, Emp loyment Services, Librarian, Social Work, Administration , and Counselor Finance Accounting, Banking, Consu lting , Economist, In vestments, Math , Statistics, Auditor Government, Non-Profit & Religion Military, Ministry, Public & Social Services, Volunteer, FBI, Legislative Aide, Fund-Raising, Translator Health & Medicine Dentis try, Nursing, Pharmacy, Phy sician, P sycho lo gy, Therapists, Veterinary, Dietician, Optometry, Pathology, Dermatology, Sales, Consultant

Rome Economics & Family Consumer Science Child and Day-care Service, Family Counselin g, Food Marketing and Deve lopment, Homemaker L. Hospitality Caterin g, Chef, Co nventions, Food Services, Hotel , Restaurant M. Legal & Law Enforcement Attorney, Court Reporting, Judicial, Paralegal, Police N. Management & Administration Administrative Support, Clerical, Human Resources, Personnel, Public Relation s, Company President 0. Manufacturing Equipment Maintenance, Factory Operation, Pl ant Management P. Recreation, Leisure & Travel Airlines, Fitness Sports, Tourism, Public Relation s Q. Retail Consumer, Desig n, Fashion , Merchand i ing, Manager R. Sales & Marketing Buyer, Irnport./Export, Insurance, Rea l Estate, Representati ve, Research, Whole sa le, Telemarketin g, Marketing, Manager, Sales S. Transportation & Moving Shipping & Freight, Trucking T. Other Please specify.

Life Transition Support A. Adoption B. Child Care

Death of a loved one D. Divorce E. Graduate School decisions F. Health Issues (eating disorders, cancer, depression etc) G. Loss of job H. Motherhood and Parenting I. Retirement J. Single Living

page 39

Zu:.

a.+&o

Alpha Sigma Tau is headed to ''the happiest f>lace on earth" for the 2006 Convention. Walt Disney World!!! AST will be hosting the 2006 National Convention at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort. Join your sisters from across the country from Wednesday, June 28,2006 to Sunday, July 2, 2006. Sisters and their families can enjoy a special room rate of $1 19/night for a single/double and $139/night for a triple/quad. These room rates have also been secured for three days pre & post of convention (based on availability). If you are interested in enjoying DisneyWorld with your sisters and family, please contact Sailynn Doyle, National Vice President, at BilxD: nd@hotmail.com as soon as possible. Alpha Sigma Tau wants to ensure that we have enough rooms reserved for all sisters and their families. Don't be late for a very important date!!! Do you own your own business or work for a philanthropic corporation~ If so, please consider sponsoring a program and/or speaker at the 2006 Convention. Alpha Sigma Tau is seeking sponsorships from businesses across the country. All sponsors will be recognized throughout convention on banners, t-shirts, registration materials and/or programs. Support your sorority by becoming a sponsor! For more information on how you can supportAipha Sigma Tau, contact Sailynn Doyle, National Vice President at sailynnd@hotmail.com.