2012 Winter CREST

THE CREST The Alumnae Newsletter of Alpha Sigma Tau ~ Fall 2011 / Winter 2012

Inside This Issue:

From A to Z— Proud to Be AST!

From the Desk of the National President It is all about the WHY! Why are we members of Alpha

Sigma

Tau? Very sim-

By Vanessa Florence, Zeta,

ply, we are members of Al-

Editor of THE CREST

pha Sigma Tau

This Winter 2012 Edition of THE CREST features 15 pages of just a few of the great reasons, from A to Z, to be proud to be an AST. From being Anchored for Life to living life with Zeal, we have it in our Sisterhood. Read on to find out what our sisters have to say.

Articles begin on page 4.

to and

profoundly positively

touch the lives of women. That is probably the

Alpha Sigma Tau National President, Chris Covington, takes time out during Officer Academy for a quick photo with some woman can have on Officer Academy attendees.

most amazing gift a the journey of her life.

Alpha Sigma Tau is an Exceptional Sisterhood. By helping each member find Fulfillment of Self and her Beauty of Spirit, we fulfill our vision everyday.

In August, the leadership of Alpha Sigma Tau, including the National Officers, members of the Board of Trustees, National Foundation, and Headquarters Staff met in Indianapolis, IN, to hold its first ever Enterprise Leadership Summit. During our summit we discussed the vision and mission of the Sorority and how we can collaborate our efforts to give our members the Exceptional Sisterhood that they are dreaming of and how we can support each other in making this dream possible.

Prior to the summit, participants were asked to read several books on high performing team development and successful organizational change. We spent a great deal of time learning about each other and our world and inSource: www.etsy.com under the seller KZukowski

dustry environments. Cindy Stellhorn, Vice President at MJ Insurance Soror~ Continued on ~Continued onpage page3 ~3 ~

From the Desk of the Director of Alumnae Is it just me or are you also seeing a lot of examples of Alpha Sigma Tau's exceptional sisterhood these days?

This summer and early fall, I've heard stories about old friends reuniting on Facebook, new alumnae groups looking to get up and running, honors being bestowed upon members for leadership and service in their communities, and collegiate chapters with remarkable recruitment results.

I only have to log in to Facebook and Twitter to find out what Alpha Sigma Taus across the country are up to! It is exciting to learn about the many ways that Alpha Sigma Tau is impacting people's lives. Social media tools like Facebook and Twitter have enabled Alpha Sigma Taus to become and stay connected ,and to show off the best of our sisterhood.

Alpha Sigma Tau's social media outlets have provided our members with opportunities to share their good news and for the Sorority to communicate with our members. For example, it is not uncommon to see collegiate chapters using Facebook to recognize or promote their members who are celebrating birthdays, running for student government, or competing for an award. This fall, collegiate chapter recruitment results were an-

The sisters of Alpha Gamma reunite for Homecoming 2011

nounced with pride on Facebook, prompting dozens of "likes" from Alpha Sigma Taus all over the country! Alumnae chapters and associations use Facebook to announce special events and service projects, which often allows those members who are not able to participate on a regular basis to stay involved with alumnae in their area. I've seen collegiate chapters use Twitter to support fellow Greeks on campus, often promoting philanthropies and community service projects hosted by other fraternities and sororities at their school. One collegiate chapter uses Twitter to highlight Alpha Sigma Tau's symbols and creed!

Social media has brought collegians and alumnae together in new ways and has the potential to make the Alpha Sigma Tau experience a global one. Facebook and Twitter are an easy and convenient way to stay in touch with old friends and network with new ones, but don't forget the power of a personal touch. There is nothing like finding an envelope with your name on it in the mailbox or a message from your best friend in your voicemail!

In sisterhood, Jamie Jones Miller, Psi Director of Alumnae

P.S. Follow me on Twitter at JJonesAST!

T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 2

Continued from Page 1: From the Desk of the National President Listening to our members everyday is one of my greatest joys. And hearing the positive feedback from the increased, expert services they are receiving reaffirms the member’s strategic plan we are fulfilling. In one of the best conversations I had with an alumna, she indicated, “I like that we are doing things well and not just doing them. No one should go out of their way to be mediocre!

And I’m glad we are going out of our way to be the best!”

But I also enjoy hearing the suggestions for areas that are in the queue for improvement or could be in the future.

We know we are just starting to improve the Sorority’s service in a very systematic way, so your consistent, wellity Division, provided an informative high level view of thought out input is greatly appreciated. Thank you for risk in our industry.

being connected with Alpha Sigma Tau.

Then together, we developed a 30,000 foot view for Alpha Sigma Tau’s strategic areas of focus. With the Do more than others think possible! comments from the meeting, data from external resources, and visioning work from the board, the Headquarters team will further develop the how and the when the areas of focus will be fulfilled based on our

In your service, Chris Covington

available resources. Fulfillment of the strategic plan will National President take the Sorority to a whole new level of success!

We’ve already make great strides in selecting a new membership development program with TLI. New recruitment/retention resources are available through our partnership with Recruitment Boot Camp and our new staff member Gretchen Stahl, who focuses on recruitment/retention/extension. Alpha Sigma Tau also continues to upgrade our infrastructure with the Patriot database and new officer portal and accounting/billing software. These tools allow our amazing Headquarters team to efficiently and effectively operate the business side of the Sorority. We know where we are and where we are headed, and we have solid information with which to work.

T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 3

A is for ANCHORED FOR LIFE I’m not just an alumna of Alpha Sigma Tau—I am an active member, for life.

I have been fortunate to call Miami my home after graduation and thus be able to stay active with my home chapter, Epsilon Epsilon from Johnson & Wales (North Miami, FL).

As an active sister, you will find me at collegiate chapter meetings, in the stands cheering them on in their activities, and of course encouraging other alumnae in the area to join us. As a member of the Alpha class it is inspiring to see the current sisters continue to build on our strong sisterhood. Recently I had the opportunity to share my undergrad experience with the potential members who participated in the Fall 2011 Recruitment. As I spoke about the best decision I ever made, joining Alpha Sigma Tau, and how I’m truly anchored for life, I noticed how these young women’s eyes lit up and

Source: Goffgough.com

their face couldn’t help but beam a smile. When I finished speaking, I felt a warmth sensation across my body and my heart was pounding. Looking around the room were young women who were about to make the best decision in their life and become part of our growing family.

Remaining active after my collegiate experience is what makes my sorority experience extra special. I am an Alpha Sigma Tau, anchored for life.

Submitted by Dirsa Garay, Epsilon Epsilon

B is for BEAUTY OF SPIRIT "I believe in cultivating beauty of spirit and graciousness of living in all my contacts with others."

This simple line represents all the qualities of our beautiful Alpha Sigma Tau sisterhood. Beauty of Spirit is also our connection as sisters. No matter the distance we are always there for one another. Through thick and thin,the beauty of our connection surrounds us. Our spirit lives through all of us and helps make our sisterhood that much stronger. The eight founding women that started our Beauty of Spirit continue through all of us.

Together we have made their sorority ours. The purpose of Alpha Sigma Tau provides our values and beliefs, and helps connect each and every sister to one another. No matter the distance, we are anchored forever .

Submitted by Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon, Staff Writer

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C is for COLONIES TO CHAPTERS I was a collegian on April 28, 2007 - the date Epsilon Epsilon Chapter was installed on the Johnson & Wales University, North Miami Campus. I was so proud when the National Staff came to our campus for the Installation Ceremony. As happy as we all were that day, no one could deny that it had been a long road to create our chapter.

Epsilon Mu of University of Buffalo, a colony to chapter success story

We were 17 sisters strong, but prior to our chartering, the EE colony was struggling. We

learned that creating a chapter is no easy feat! For EE, establishing a new sorority on a tiny campus posed its challenges. Although we were well-supported and guided by the National Sorority, it was a struggle for us to recruit members while getting acquainted with all the ins-and-outs of being part of a highly respected organization.

Just like chapters, we formed a formal Executive Board to oversee the business of the colony and ensure we were following sorority protocol. We committed to weekly meetings every Monday evening and studied our new member guides, working hard to learn the Greek alphabet and all the songs and prayers. We collected school supplies for Pine Mountain Settlement School, and hosted educational programs for the student body on our campus. We made new friends at the 2007 Officer Academy, as well as with our fellow Greeks at school. We pulled inspiration from the eight women who had the vision for Alpha Sigma Tau in 1899, as well as the National Staff and Council members (whose names we all learned how to spell!). We dedicated many hours to ensure our Installation Banquet would be a special event for the National Staff, the campus administration, our guests, and us.

Creating a chapter was a challenge, but for the 17 determined women of the now Epsilon Epsilon Chapter, it was an extraordinary experience that reaped incredible rewards. We formed unbreakable bonds, learned what true leadership is, and came up with creative problem-solving skills. Our minds were stretched beyond what we thought possible, and we all grew up a little during this time. We blossomed from teenage girls into young adult women. Our founding legacy continues to live on with nearly 40 women who have been part of the Epsilon Epsilon journey, and with all the women to come.

For information on Creating a Chapter, visit http://www.alphasigmatau.org/collegians-on-campus/establish-a-chapter Submitted by Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon, Staff Writer

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D is for DIVERSE PERSONALITIES When I joined Alpha Sigma Tau back in 2001, the Zeta Chapter was one of the most diverse chapters on campus. There were women from all walks of life, with a variety of interests and majors. There was no cookie-cutter image of an Alpha Sigma Tau. Everyone was accepted for who they were. This was the main reason I joined Alpha Sigma Tau. I didn’t want to be just another sorority girl. I wanted to be me, that was in a sorority. Because of our non cookie-cutter image, we became known as the “non-traditional” sorority on campus. What a proud accomplishment!

Submitted by Kate Wagner, Zeta

E is for EXTRA ORDINARY SISTERS After I graduated from college in 2008, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to work in Europe. One of the places I had done my externship had hired me back on a one year contract. I only knew a handful of people while I was there; my (now) husband was one of them. Lonely, I went on to the Alpha Sigma Tau website (at the time, the inCircle) and looked up sisters from around the world. I was thrilled to find one that also lived in Germany, at an Army post about 70 miles away. A few e-mails and phone calls later, we scheduled a day to meet. I was in awe that someone I met online would make over an hour long drive in a foreign country. She gave of her time and self despite having a family and a husband deployed, to be with me , an Alpha Sigma Tau she never met or seen before.

This extra-ordinary sister did not know how homesick I was for American things, yet she anticipated it. She drove me to a military installation and treated me to American delights— American fast food, Bisquick, graham crackers, Dr. Pepper, and conversations in English. I was in awe that someone would do this for me. This “little America” was so comforting. After that, we kept in contact and met several times—including an Alpha Sigma Tau weekend with three other sisters living in Germany. She was even able to help me out when I moved from Europe to Florida (who would have thought that we would end up living just 2 hours away from each other again!). This just shows the extraordinary measures a sister in Alpha Sigma Tau makes not because someone is in need, but just because she is a sister. I would name her, but she asked to remain anonymous.

Submitted by Stacey Welch, Epsilon Epsilon T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 6

F is for FIRE When I think of the letter F and Alpha Sigma Tau, I think of Fire. Thankfully, this is not because we lit a fire in a house or anything of that sort. This was not a literal fire but a figurative fire that was placed in my heart through my collegiate and continuing alumnae time in Alpha Sigma Tau. The fire of sisterhood burns with: community service, friendships, putting others’ needs first, prioritizing, helping others, getting things done, working together, teamwork…. I think of those memories often.

Also, when I think of AST and Fire – I think of the eternal fire of the candle that burns at rituals and the fire that burns in all of our heart as Taus. Whenever you met a Tau from anywhere in the world, that fire is rekindled. That fire continues to be grow when any Tau lends a helping hand or provides direction. That fire will always burn for a Tau! Submitted by Lauren Welch, Delta Psi, Staff Writer

G is for GRADUATION First it was a bid, then a pin, and finally a badge.

Now her graduation stole beams gold and emerald green colors among the sea of black gowns as she leaves behind four years of accomplishment.

The wisdom she gained will

now transform into action. Instead of using her creative ideas at a sorority meeting, she uses them in business meetings.

This spirited

woman offers her strength and support to her Alpha Sigma Tau at Indiana University of PA (Delta Chapter) Homecoming 2011

pledge sister, her best friend, when asked to be the Maid of Honor in her wedding. She contin-

ues to selflessly give her time to service and relationships, continuing to demonstrate commitment and faithfulness to the lives of others around her. Graduation isn’t the end of sisterhood, it’s just a bridge to a world of opportunity. And an Alpha Sigma Tau jumps at the opportunity to share her ideals with the world.

Submitted by Stephanie Sanders, Beta Theta, Staff Writer T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 7

H is for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

In 2002, as the then-National Philanthropy Coordinator, I was honored to have the unique opportunity to lead Alpha Sigma Tau in a new direction with the addition of a National Service Project. Often times you find a “top-down” approach as to what happens in an organization and what programs will be delivered. However, the success of philanthropy projects depends on the workers having ownership. Therefore, for over a year and a half, surveys were distributed to collegiate and alumnae chapters as to which philanthropic organization Alpha Sigma Tau should adopt—or if we should create our own program. Opinions were solicited, researched, presented, resurveyed and finally placed before the Collegiate and Alumnae chapters, National Council, National Headquarters and National Foundation for votes. and all were noted and discussed. In the end, all agreed: Habitat for Humanity would be a perfect fit for Alpha Sigma Tau. Today all chapters are educated on the mission of Habitat for Humanity through the Facts of the Week program at weekly meetings. Each chapter participates in at least one Habitat for Humanity event a year.

To learn more about how you can support Habitat for Humanity in your community, go to: www.habitat.org.

Submitted by Vanessa Florence, Zeta, Editor of THE CREST and former National Philanthropy Coordinator

I is for INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Home of Alpha Sigma Tau National Headquarters 3334 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 1.877.505.1899 headquarters@alphasigmatau.org We are also on Facebook and Pinterest! Check us out!

T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 8

J is for JOBS AND CAREERS OF A TAU We are everywhere and can do anything. We are: Teachers of the Year. Corporate Officers. Social Workers. University Professors. Therapists. Banking Executives.

ParaOlympic Gold Medalists. Stay-at-Home Moms. Military Service Members. Executive Chefs. Longaberger Consultants. Television Newscasters. Event Coordinators.

WWE Producers. Nurses. Realtors. Creative Directors. Theological Experts. Military Wives. Athletic Trainers. Professional Photographers. Lawyers. Authors. Chemists.

Administrative Executives. Entrepreneurs. Graphic Designers. University Life Coordinators. Doctors. Marketing specialists. Musicians. Physical Therapists. Engineers….

And more! Best of all, we are sisters.

Submitted by Vanessa Florence, Zeta, Editor of THE CREST Colleen Coffey-Melchoirre, Delta Eta, earns her PhD and now works for Phired Up!

K is for KINDRED SPIRITS I’ve met many ASTs from all over the country, and what always strikes me is that we are kindred spirits. Our political leanings, our religious beliefs, our professions may be different, and yet we’ve all got a certain intangible “something” that we all share.

Dictionary.com defines kindred spirits as “a person who shares beliefs, attitudes, feelings, or features with another.” So many times, I’ve heard our collegiate women saying that the ASTs they’ve met from another chapter are “just like us!” I see this with the women from my own chapter, some of whom I haven’t seen in years – a gesture, a phrase, a smile of theirs is just like one of

Jessica Treener and Vanessa Florence only met once at Convention, but still found time to have lunch when Jessica came to Vanessa’s town.

mine.

Whenever you meet another AST, whether it’s at a party, at the office, or on vacation, you instantly feel comfortable with her, don’t you? Well, we share the same beliefs (obviously), but it goes deeper than that – we are indeed kindred spirits. Submitted by Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi, National Chaplain T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 9

L is for LOVE Alpha Sigma Tau is a family and in each family there is love. I love all my sisters for who they are and they love me for who I am. They don’t love me because of my clothes or the car I drive, or if I have money. They love me for being me.

My loving sisters have taught me to love and grow as a person. Alpha Sigma Tau is a family ,and in each family there is love.

In college we have moments where we want to give up; my sisters have always been there to help me keep going forward and encouraging me. They show their love everyday through small and simple little things: a morning text of “Have a nice day”, buying me a lunch when I’m broke or an ice cream when I’m down, and a hug when I’m about to cry. That is what a family does.

They show you their

love in ways that other people don’t see. It is love that brings all of us together.

“Bound by ties that naught can sever,” this tie is LOVE. We are sisters, friends, roommates, partners in crime, bridesmaids. We are… a family. We will always be anchored for life, and that anchor is Love.

Love… that is all that Alpha Sigma Tau is.

Gaby and her Delta Chi sisters showing Alpha Sigma Tau love during Bid Day at Christian Brothers University.

Submitted by Gaby Gomez, Delta Chi

M is for MICHIGAN NORMAL SCHOOL The birthplace of Alpha Sigma Tau. Now known as Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Michigan Normal School had among its student body eight women who were interested in starting a sisterhood during a time when women who attended university were scorned and ridiculed by their male counterparts. These brave women founded Alpha Sigma Tau on November 4, 1899. More than 112 years later, Alpha Sigma Tau is still going strong.

Submitted by Sally Belknap, Alpha, Editor of THE ANCHOR

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N is for NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) provides support and guidance for its 26 member inter/national sororities/women’s fraternities and serves as the national voice on contemporary issues of sorority life.

Founded in 1902, NPC is one of the oldest and largest women’s membership organizations representing more than 4 million women at 655 college/university campuses and 4,500 local alumnae chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Each year, NPC-affiliated collegians and alumnae donate more than $5 million to worthy causes, provide $2.8 million in scholarships to women, and volunteer 500,000 hours in their communities. Alpha Sigma Tau, as a member of the American Education Sororities (AES), merged into NPC in 1951.

Submitted by Sally Belknap, Alpha, Editor of THE ANCHOR

O is for OFFICER ACADEMY Exceptional training for collegiate chapter officers, Chapter Advisers and Recruitment Directors. Officer Academy is held on each non-Convention year and includes instruction on leadership, recruitment skills, conflict resolution, risk management and other areas of need . Collegiate women take the skills they’ve acquired during this training and incorporate them into daily sorority life.

Submitted by Sally Belknap, Alpha, Editor of THE ANCHOR

T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 1 1

P is for PROGRESS OF MANKIND "I will strive to contribute to the progress of mankind."

P is for the progress that the organization of Alpha Sigma Tau continually makes. Chapters across the nation are working towards helping others move forward by contributing the traits we all have to offer. As sisters, we're always willing to extend a helping hand and let others know that we will do what we can to help. We started as a chapter of eight, and the progress we have made since 1899 is apparent in the chapters spread nationwide.

Alli and the Phi Chapter participate in a hands-on project for Habitat for Humanity.

Submitted by Alli Miller, Phi Chapter

Q is for QUALITY VS. QUALITIES Let’s face it. At one point or another in our collegiate days as an active Alpha Sigma Tau, we sat with each other contemplating the quality of various women aspiring to become New Members. Did her personal qualities equal a quality member? Did her campus activities measure up to our standards? Would her persona match what we considered to be proper? Which of her traits or talents would best fit in with us? Invitations were extended based upon our perceptions of their personal qualities. Twenty years later, I think not about the qualities I brought to Alpha Sigma Tau but rather about the personal quality I gained as a Sister. Friendships were reinforced with unconditional support and trust. Self-empowerment was nurtured. Loyalty, compassion, and responsibility were encouraged. We learned through example, and eventually became the role models. The quality of what we gained far outweighs the qualities we initially brought to the table. Twenty years, later my quality of life has been enriched by the various qualities each woman shared with me.

Submitted by Christina Palumbo-Parente, Zeta

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R is for RESPECT The highest level of esteem for the worth of ourselves, our sisters, our peers, our community, our history, our future, and our values. “R” is for Respect, one of the core values of our exceptional sisterhood. Founded on this principle, we women of Alpha Sigma Tau understand the importance of motivating each other through positive encouragement and equality. This core value humbles us to look at the bigger picture of what our sorority can do to change the community and world that surrounds us. Respecting others allows us to be Panhellenic with other Greek Organizations on our college campuses and spread a good example of the virtuous character of Alpha Sigma Tau women. By incorporating this important value into our daily lives we can make the world a little happier and richer.

Submitted by Rebecca Schnadelbach, Phi Chapter

S is for SISTERHOOD When I pledged Alpha Sigma Tau in the spring of 1982, I began a lifelong journey with a group of women that would forge a connection much deeper than the bonds which a typical friendship could possibly provide. Although I live nearly 2,000 miles away from many of these women, the tie that continues to bind our hearts is the bond of sisterhood.

It is interesting that when we all started this journey some 25 years ago, we were strangers, but over the course of time our relationships grew. We had different majors and came from different backgrounds but we had our shared experiences combined with respect and a common cause to unite us.

The challenges we endured back then seem so minor now compared to the things we have each experienced in our lives. But because we had that time together when we were just beginning to find our way in life, we know that we can count on these dear ones today no matter what we are going through.

Despite the distance between us, I am blessed to have frequent contact with many of my Alpha Sigma Tau sisters.

Through the use of technology, we share our hearts and our heartaches. We share recipes and the latest news of our children and lives. We share our victories and our defeats. And when the news comes of a cancer diagnosis or the death of a loved one, our hearts ache to comfort and be beside one another.

The relationship we share reaches far beyond the miles between us or the years since we’ve physically been together.

In fact, whether we were members of different chapters or even during different decades is irrelevant. The bond of sisterhood bridges distance and generations. We have been divinely joined and related.

Blest be the tie that binds; Our hearts in world-wide love; The fellowship of kindred minds; Is like to that above.

Submitted by Barb German, Alpha Xi T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 1 3

T is for TIME Last year, my chapter celebrated its ten year anniversary. In 2000, AST was the only Panhellenic group on campus. As a founding sister, it was hard to describe to the current collegians just how hard we had worked to start the chapter on our small campus, and we hoped that we were building a foundation that would allow the chapter to grow and thrive.

Ten years later, they are still the only Panhellenic chapter on campus and they are working just as hard. There aren't words for how proud we, as founding sisters and alumnae, were of the Delta Rho collegiate members that night. Of all the things we did during those frantic months leading up to our installation, at some point we learned and implemented the "right" things to sustain the chapter and share the sisterhood of Alpha Sigma Tau through the years.

Time is one of our most precious commodities these days. There is a lot of competition for it. Volunteering as an Advisory Board member takes time. Driving to alumnae chapter meetings takes time. Attending Officer Academy or Convention takes time. Writing this article took time! But time is also valuable as an investment in our Sorority.

Submitted by Erika McManus Bukva, Delta Rho

U is for UNFORGETTABLE When I sit down to write about the unforgettable moments I've experienced in Alpha Sigma Tau, I realize that I could scribe quite the novel with all my memories. I didn't know at age 17 that I would be making one of the biggest and best decisions of my life. Who knew that you could be so connected to other women, that the age difference doesn't even register simply because they are your sister? To you, she is the person that you know you can always depend on and always turn to.

Every time that I participate in the Candle Lighting Ceremony is one of those moments which impress upon my memory. You see a serious side of the Sorority, recognizing its women who continue to fulfill their commitments: some for decades, others just beginning. I notice the adoration in the eyes of my sisters. After 18 years, I still watch in admiration as these women light their candles before me. I've been able to meet many of them and to know them on a personal level. After my candle is lit, I feel excited watching the alumnae and collegians, knowing that they represent the future of our Sisterhood and wondering what might be in store. Throughout the ceremony, I feel proud to be a sister and am still in awe of what it all means. It is a moment in which I rededicate myself to the Sisterhood and my role as an advisor. No doubt, if you stand near me, each time you will see that my eyes well up. I always try to connect at some point afterwards with the person from whom I lit my candle and whose candle was lit from mine.

Submitted by Dana Bortz, Gamma Lambda T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 1 4

V is for VOCAL Any sister who has been back for a homecoming or sisterly reunion can attest that Alpha Sigma Taus are vocal! The days are filled with laughter and joyous conversations about yesteryear and catching up on the happenings of their present day lives. The night brings on the fun sorority songs, chants and cheers. No matter how much time passes, when you meet up with the sisters, it’s like no time has passed at all.

Sisterhood is Epsilon Mu showing their spirit vocally!

forever.

Submitted by Vanessa Florence, Zeta, Editor of THE CREST

W is for WHATSOEVER IS OF GOOD REPORT Our founders chose Philippians 4:8 as one of the cornerstones of AST. I remember learning to recite Philippians 4:8, and I always wondered about “good report”. I had no idea what it meant, but I knew it would be on the test! So what does it mean and why is it important to us? Good report is also translated as “commendable” or “admirable”. In everything our Founders created for us, the focus is on the good, positive things. I’m sure you’ve heard the quote that begins “thoughts become actions…”. The things on which we focus our minds affect our choices and our behaviors, which determine our success in life. AST not only gives us the skills to be exceptional women, but she also constantly reminds us to seek out those things that are honorable and admirable that keeps us on the right path...those things that are of Good Report.

Submitted by Teena Reasoner, Alpha Gamma (Source: lamplightart.com)

T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 1 5

X is for XENIAL Some of the most special moments of sorority life I remember center around collaborating with nearby colonies and chapters. I remember visiting the Penn State Altoona campus in 2005, as the now-Delta Omega chapter was working toward 'going national' as a sorority. It was great to be able to share Gamma Pi's ideas and to answer their questions about the transition. The sisters welcomed us with open arms, just as Alpha Sigma Tau welcomed them into the sisterhood in 2006. Being welcomed by other chapters, and welcoming others to our Gamma Pi, was just another reminder that Taus share a strong, national bond. You can always count on a Tau to be xenial (aka hospitable).

Submitted by Gabrielle Slanina Gallagher, Gamma Pi

Y is for YOUNG AND THE YOUNG AT HEART

We are not a sisterhood of collegians, and then a sisterhood of alumnae. We are a sisterhood of sisters. No matter what age we are, sisters we will always be.

(Left) On the eve of her 101st birthday, Allison Bressler, Alpha Tau and Volunteer and Alumnae Services Coordinator, and Jim Paponetti, Executive Director, delivered a dozen yellow roses and one red rose on behalf of the entire Sorority to Sigma Chapter (Buffalo State College) alumna, Eleanor Mason.

(Center) Sister of Phi enjoying one another’s company during a Homecoming social event.

(Right) Dr. Betty Schantz, a Zeta initiated in the Spring of 1948, was a keynote speaker at Zeta’s 90th celebration in the spring of 2011. She stands here in unique photo op with Kayla Quinn, the youngest and newest AST in attendance.

T HE CRE ST, F all 20 1 1 / Wi nt er 20 1 2 ~ P ag e 1 6

From A to Z—Proud to Be AST!

Z is for ZEAL Alpha Sigma Tau N a t i o n a l H e a d q u a rt e rs 3334 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 Toll Free: 1.877.505.1899 Local: 317.613.7575 E-mail: headquarters@alphasigmatau.org Moved? Name Change?

New E-Mail?

Please contact HQ to update your information .

Looking for an Alumnae Association near you?

Want to volunteer?

Contact HQs Alumnae and Volunteer Services Coordinator, Allison Bressler, Alpha Tau, abressler@alphasigmatau.org

The spirited ladies of Alpha Gamma

Where to Pay Your Alumnae Dues: www.alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/pay-your-alumnae-dues

Dictionary.com defines zeal as “fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor”. I think this is a perfect way to describe the women of Alpha Sigma Tau. Alpha Sigma Tau brings together women who are passionate about what we stand for. The zeal for Alpha Sigma Tau is evident in the alumnae women who still devote their time and talents to the sorority, whether by holding a position, or just answering the call for help from a sister. Since our founding, members have endeavored to provide and advance the field of education for all. Our sisters also display a zeal for our servicemen and women in the Armed Forces by being personally involved in THE CREST Staff Editor

projects to support our warriors. Alpha Sigma Tau sisters are also passionate

Vanessa Florence, Zeta vflorence@alphasigmatau.org

about the relationships they have built with each other, and are eager to dem-

A huge thank you to all the sisters who helped make this edition possible!

tivates a sense of zeal for life in each one of her members by providing the at-

Our next edition is all about Anchors and Sisters! If you have an article you’d like to submit, please contact Vanessa at the above email. We’d love to hear from you!

THE CREST reserves the right to accept/deny submissions and edit for space and clarity.

onstrate the depth of those bonds at a moment’s notice. Alpha Sigma Tau cul-

mosphere for each woman to engage in her passions. It is this kind of zeal that fosters the growth of our exceptional sisterhood.

Submitted by Teena Reasoner, Alpha Gamma