The Anchor: Fall 2018 by Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority

ANCH R

THE

OF ALPHA SIGMA TAU Vol. 91 No. 3 Fall 2018

Women And Money:

Finding Your Financial Voice

Letter from the President The Anchor is the official magazine of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and is published semiannually by the Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority, 3334 Founders Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. How to Receive The Anchor The Anchor is mailed to volunteers, donors, and connected members of Alpha Sigma Tau. Each issue of The Anchor is digitally available and accessible to everyone online at www.alphasigmatau.org.

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How to Update Your Name and Address Members can update their name, address, email, and other contact information by using AΣT Connect, the Sorority’s web portal for members. To access AΣT Connect, visit www.alphasigmatau.org and click “Member Login” at the top of the page. Log in and click “My Information” to make changes, or use the “Sign Up” feature to get a user name and password. Non-members may call 317-613-7575 or e-mail us at headquarters@alphasigmatau.org. How to Contact The Anchor anchor@alphasigmatau.org 317-613-7575

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How to Send a Letter to the Editor Do you have a comment about an article in this or any other issue of The Anchor? We want to hear from you! Letters to The Anchor can be sent to the Editor via email at anchor@alphasigmatau.org; regular mail at The Anchor, 3334 Founders Road; Indianapolis, IN 46268; or fax 317-613-7111. Please include your name, chapter, school, and year of Initiation. The Anchor reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the Editor and edit for space and clarity. The Anchor Staff Editor: Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta Associate Editor: Tara Walker Gross, Zeta Tau Alumnae Editor: Beverly Singel Molnar, Delta Collegiate Editors: Shanee Frazier, Gamma Rho; Leah Hollingsworth, Delta Upsilon; Kelli Purcell O'Brien, Delta Eta Staff Writers: Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon; Cassie Cristea, Gamma Theta; Lindsay McDowall Davis, Gamma Mu; Cassie Helmer, Alpha; and Lauren Welch, Delta Psi Designer: Elizabeth Dawson, Phi

Dear Sisters, The topic of financial planning is not a common one shared by most women in day-to-day conversation. Why do we not discuss the matter? Is it because we do not feel educated on the topic? I believe it is because as women we do not feel comfortable discussing it with others. Whatever the reasons, there is no fault in discussing financial planning strategies that can impact your future with other women. Several common issues affect women related to finances, such as gender pay inequality. In modern culture, there is an increasing number of women who are the sole financial providers for their families and a record number of single women purchasing homes independently. Today compared to previous decades, women are active participants in the finances of their families and homes, either sharing the financial responsibility or maintaining sole responsibility. Based on these changing trends, it is essential for us as women to educate and empower ourselves.

In addition to this issue of The Anchor, we will provide other financial resources, tips, and articles through social media and our member newsletters, The Crest and Connections. Please make sure you are following Alpha Sigma Tau on social media and stay tuned for the next issues of our email newsletters.

In this issue of The Anchor, Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters share resources and articles with us to educate us on financial planning and how to make informed financial decisions. The information in this issue is relevant to women at all stages of their life whether you are a college student, a recent college graduate beginning your career, navigating your career path, planning for retirement, or already retired. Resources include topics from minimizing student debt to how to navigate salary negotiations to retirement and estate planning.

Let’s define excellence together,

In closing, I hope you find this issue of The Anchor helpful in your financial education and planning. I invite you to not only read the information but also share the information with Sisters and other women in your life. It is our role as Alpha Sigma Taus to empower our lives and the lives of other women, so let’s commit to learning and growing together.

Tiffany K. Street, Delta Mu National President

Connect with Alpha Sigma Tau /alphasigmatausorority

@alphasigmatau

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Group: Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority

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In This Issue:

L-R: Maura Dzambo, Gamma Zeta L-R: Sisters Gina Marie Mejias, Alissa Grams, Lexy Klein, Jessica Skrelunas, Olivia Callahan, and Jenna Skrelunas, Delta Upsilon

Read Past issues of The Anchor online at www.alphasigmatau.org.

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Financial Health

Understanding the Cost of College

Drowning In Debt?

10 Ways You Can Cut Costs & Save Cash Now!

You're Not Your Parents Yet

Understanding Your Paycheck

Landing Your First Job

Know Your Worth

Charitable Giving

Donating To Charities

Creating A Legacy

Midterm Planning

Tip For First-Time Home Buyers

Rethinking Money

Becoming Debt-Free

Intelligent Investing

Types Of Retirement Investing

National Foundation

Collegiate Chapter Updates

Alumnae Chapter/Association Updates

Anchoring Thoughts

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L-R: Kayla Kuczynski and Jayme Henning, Beta

Presidential Remarks

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#bidday Join the Conversation #AST

#Taus

#alphasigmatau

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Not paying enough attention to your financial health can ripple beyond just your money. It can create unnecessary stress, cause friction with loved ones, and keep you from living the life you envision.

DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON WOMEN Finances affect women differently than men. While women have made significant strides towards financial equity in recent years, issues like pay disparity, the effect on lifetime earning potential caused by staying home with kids, and the simple fact that (on average) women outlive men continue to be challenging. There are no easy answers to these and other concerns, but the following pages seek to at least start you on your journey to financial health. No matter what stage of life you are in, we think you’ll find some helpful tools, tips, perspectives, and insights here.

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Dough. Clams. Cheddar. Moolah. No matter what you call it, how you manage your money is one of the most important aspects of living a happy, fulfilling life. In fact, many medical and mental health professionals consider your financial health to be just as important as your physical health. Money impacts every aspect of life from paying for the basics (food, clothing, shelter) to supporting your family to enjoying the “extras” like travel and hobbies.

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FINANCIAL HEALTH

FINANCIAL TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH COLLEGE

UNDERSTANDING THE

COST OF COLLEGE By Cassie Helmer, Alpha

TUITION

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Many schools have a tuition calculator on their website that will help you determine the initial cost of your credit hours. There will be sticker shock, but don’t let the first tuition number you see define your expectations! There are many opportunities for scholarships and other financial aid that may be available to bring that number down. Contact your campus’ financial aid office.

FEES AND SURCHARGES In addition to tuition, colleges add fees and charges for technology, student activities, and more. Extra costs such as class lab fees may be unavoidable, but other expenses such as an application fee may be waived by contacting your school’s admissions office. Do your homework so that fees do not surprise you at the last minute.

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ROOM AND BOARD Often, colleges require new students to live on-campus, which brings an additional cost for both lodging and food. Living on-campus has its benefits. You’ll have low or non-existent transportation costs, and the fixed cost allows you to budget better. Off-campus living might offer more space and flexibility but with increased rent, food, and transportation costs. Weigh the cost of buying all your own groceries and spending time cooking against going to the dining hall every day. Identify your needs so that you can make the best financial choice, as well as get what you want.

TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are an investment in your learning. Get a good deal for your money! In some cases, you will need to get the book or lab packet from the on-campus bookstore because it’s either specific to your school or impossible to find elsewhere. Otherwise, avoid this if you can. Websites such as Amazon, Thriftbooks, Slugbooks, and Chegg are known to offer better prices if you can wait for shipping. Rent used books, if possible, or borrow from a friend.

A BUDGET FOR EVERYTHING ELSE Your needs and wants will change during college, but if you plan ahead for some additional expenses, it will help you balance your finances and your extracurriculars. Things like travel, late night fast food, or Alpha Sigma Tau gear from the Emerald Boutique will be a lot easier to pay for when you plan ahead and provide for a bit of financial wiggle room.

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GET HELP Are you a college student who needs help with finances or do you know someone who does? Many colleges and universities offer free financial counseling for students. These offices go by many different names: Financial Services, Office for Financial Success, and Financial Counseling Office, to name a few. Many of these financial aid offices also offer counseling. Search your campus' website for terms like "financial counseling" to see what your college offers.

financial counseling

FINANCIAL TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH COLLEGE

DROWNING IN DEBT? By Cassie Helmer, Alpha

When someone says the word college, you may think good times, new friends, and exciting careers. However, for many people, college can also mean expensive and lifelong debt. College is a time of immense change and often leads to students taking on greater financial responsibilities. For many, some student debt is unavoidable. But it is important to understand your full range of financial options to lower – or possibly even eliminate – the amount you'll need to borrow. T H E AN C H OR

LOOK FOR OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPORT.

There are various financial options for the modern student besides loans: grants, work study, scholarships, part-time jobs, and more. Check with your campus’ financial aid office or scholarship office. Your academic advisor may also have scholarship information or other resources that pertain to your specific field of study.

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If you or your parents served in the military, you may be eligible for the G.I. Bill, which provides educational assistance to service members, veterans, and their dependents. Your military service may also qualify for college credit, which can reduce your course load and, in turn, the amount you’d need to borrow.

DON'T BORROW MORE THAN YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED. One common mistake is overestimating college costs and taking out too large of a student loan. In most cases, your student loan provider will pay your tuition, room and board, and associated fees directly to the college and send any leftover amount to you. These leftover funds can be used to cover personal expenses as well as school costs (textbooks, class supplies, etc.). Another misstep is using student loan money for social activities like eating at restaurants or going out with friends. This overestimation can get anyone into trouble. A student loan is not “free money” and definitely comes with strings attached, such as interest rates and the potential to affect future credit scores. You have to pay it back, so it’s best to only take out the minimum amount of loans needed to cover your school expenses.

GIVE ANY UNUSED MONEY BACK. A little-known fact is that you can give unused loan money back to your loan provider. This will lower the total amount you owe as well as keep interest from accruing on returned amounts. Check with your financial aid office or loan provider for information on how to do this.

MAKE A BUDGET TO KNOW WHAT YOU NEED. Creating budgets is one of the most useful skills you can have. If you are unsure how to start, there are free instructional apps and websites such as Mint and Quicken that can help you decide where to spend your money. Make a list of your known expenses and adjust how much of your money you want to devote to the essentials, such as bills and groceries, as well as discretionary spending, such as grabbing coffee with friends and going to the movies. Many financial apps can even send an alert to your phone if you want to be notified when you are spending too much in certain areas. Always keep track of loans and any interest that has accrued so that debt does not sneak up on you when it comes time to pay back the loans. Budgeting will help you learn your limits and identify “must haves” that you will need during college – and what you can do without. Being honest about your spending habits and making changes if necessary are the first steps toward responsible financial wellness.

BUILD YOUR SAVINGS.

AVOID CREDIT CARDS.

RESEARCH LOAN FORGIVENESS. The federal government offers loan forgiveness for certain professions like teaching or qualified public service (like working for a government agency or nonprofit). Also, service programs like AmeriCorps offer Education Awards which, upon completion of service, help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or repay student loans. Popular AmeriCorps programs include Teach for America and City Year. (Learn more at americorps.gov.).

NEED FINANCIAL COUNSELING? For someone facing serious debt, perhaps for the first time, the most important thing to remember is that it is never too late to ask for guidance and to turn around your finances. Your college’s financial aid office can help; many campuses offer financial counseling resources. Check out the graphic on the next page for ways to get the financial help you may need.

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Another way you can quickly accumulate debt is through the use of credit cards. If possible, avoid using credit cards until you are skilled in budgeting and are sure you can handle the responsibility. Pay your card balance off every month so you don’t accrue interest. Like loans, it can feel like you have “free” money on your credit card because you do not have to hand over cold hard cash from your wallet every time you use it. At the end of the month, however, your bill still has to be paid or interest will quickly stack up. Credit card debt can affect your future plans, such as getting a nice apartment or an auto loan.

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Whatever financial aid you receive, your funds might not be ready right away. Make a plan to have at least some savings available in the meantime to purchase any textbooks or supplies you need immediately. Also, use non-loan money that you’ve saved for expenses as often as possible. This is especially true for social expenses and other costs not related to your education. The less you have to borrow, the less you have to pay back.

FINANCIAL TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH COLLEGE

10 Ways You Can Cut Costs &

SAVE CASH NOW! 1 WORK STUDY T H E AN C H OR

A great way to make money while at school is a work study! Work studies are federally or statefunded programs that help allow students with financial need get part-time jobs. Eligibility is determined through your FAFSA application. You can contact your student aid office for more information on work study options at your campus!

2 ASSISTANTSHIPS

If you are a graduate student, look into assistantships. Assistantships can include part time-teaching or paid research, which make them an excellent educational experience as well!"

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3 SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are free money that can help cover college expenses. Not all scholarships are academically based. Many universities also offer scholarships for leadership, athletics, etc. Did you know that Alpha Sigma Tau also offers scholarships to members? It’s important to remember that scholarships can be offered year long, so always keep an eye out for any upcoming scholarship applications!

4 RENT TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks can be expensive, and buying them can really put a cramp in your wallet - especially if they’re for a general education class. A helpful alternative can be to rent your textbooks rather than purchasing them. It’s a cheaper alternative and you don’t have to hold onto any books that you won’t use in the future.

5 BUY BULK

6 SELL OLD SUPPLIES

7 PARTICIPATE IN GIVEAWAYS

8 SHARE WITH FRIENDS

Buying items in bulk can help you pinch pennies in the long run. For supplies that you know you’ll need to continuously purchase (like shampoo or paper towels), buying in bulk is a more money-conscious choice. Plus, you won’t have to worry about replenishing your items as often.

Restaurants, clothing stores, movie theaters, etc. are all potential places that take a student discount! When you’re out and about, take your student ID with you and ask if they have a student discount. It’s a simple way to save a couple bucks!

10 UTILIZE YOUR CAMPUS

Campuses have several free benefits for students to take advantage of. Cancel your gym membership and utilize the rec hall (sometimes they can even offer free classes, like yoga or Zumba!). Check out the campus events and maybe even scoop some free food while you’re there!

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9 USE YOUR STUDENT ID

If you and your friends share an apartment, you can split who is bringing what items! Or if you are taking the same classes, you can share some of your items to help lower your costs. Of course, you’ll have to talk with your friend first and make sure you both agree on the arrangement!

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Don’t hesitate to participate in campus giveaways. “Many clubs, organizations, and campus offices host giveaways throughout the year. It could be winning a Panera gift card for participating in your residence hall door decorating contest, or sharing a social media post for an Amazon gift card! You might be surprised at what you could win.

Old supplies in your closet that you haven’t used in several semesters? Try selling them to students who can use them in the future! Campus bookstores can take back old items, and there are online communities you can utilize to sell your items. It adds some cash to your pocket while helping others.

STARTING OUT

Give Yourself Time To Grow

YOU'RE NOT YOUR PARENTS YET DON'T CRAVE A LIFESTYLE YOU CAN'T AFFORD

Make budgeting a habit and budget for the things you need first. T H E AN C H OR

BE PATIENT It’s easy to compare yourself to others who are further in their careers. Just remember, it took them time and patience to get to where they are today.

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BE REALISTIC Research the average salary of recent college grads in your major. Entry level jobs won’t pay as much as higher-level positions.

UNDERSTAND COSTS Understand moving costs and costs of living in your city. Do your research and ask others about what they wish they knew before they moved.

START SAVING NOW Put a small amount of each paycheck into your savings account.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAYCHECK GROSS WAGES

NET/TAKE HOME PAY

This is how much you earned for the pay period before taxes and other withholdings are taken out. It generally includes hours worked and pay rate, and sometimes "amount paid to date" for the year.

This is your gross income minus all applicable withholdings. It's the amount that goes into your pocket or bank account.

EARNINGS STATEMENT

Sample Company Name 1234 Street Ave. City, LA 56789 EMPLOYEE NAME

SSN

Mabel Chase

GROSS WAGES

RATE

HOURS

CURRENT TOTAL

720.00

CHECK NO.

PAY PERIOD

PAY DATE

1234

607221

12/22/17 - 12/28/17

12/29/17

CURRENT TOTAL

FICA MED TAX

10.44

542.88

FICA SS TAX

44.64

2,321.28

FED TAX

92.40

4,804.75

LA STATE INCOME TAX

26.00

1,352.00

T H E AN C H OR

INCOME

XXX-XX-0123

EMPLOYEE ID

YTD DEDUCTIONS

YTD NET PAY

CURRENT TOTAL

CURRENT DEDUCTIONS

NET PAY

37,440.00

9,783.31

27,656.69

720.00

173.48

546.52

WITHOLDINGS

PAID TIME OFF (PTO)

These vary by employer but typically include retirement; health, dental, and vision insurance; and other benefits to which employees contribute a share. Employers may pay a portion of benefit premiums or match employee contributions. Check to see what benefits you are eligible for.

This is your accrued vacation, sick, and personal time - both how much you've used and how much you have left.

INCOME TAXES

PAYROLL TAXES

This is the amount held by your employer for federal and state income taxes. Your employer submits these amounts on your behalf to the IRS and your state's income tax agency.

Known as FICA, these withholdings help pay for Social Security and Medicare - federal programs that provide financial benefits to retirees, disabled people, and minor children and spouses of deceased workers and retirees. By law, employers pay half of the FICA tax on behalf of their employees.

Please Note: The information above is for regular salaried or hourly employees of an organization - the most common type of employee. Contract workers, on the other hand, typically do not receive benefits and have to submit their own income and all FICA taxes (not just half). If you are a contract worker or are considering becoming one, please consult an attorney or certified tax professional to make sure you are compliant with all tax and insurance laws.

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YTD GROSS

STARTING OUT

19 Tips from HR Pro Janet Hogan for

LANDING YOUR

FIRST JOB

Janet is an alumna of the Beta Eta Chapter and Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Hormel Foods

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"WOW" your future employer! You are graduating and it's time to enter the daily grind! Now is when you should put together a resume that will "wow" your future employer. There are many resume help sites, but they can be a bit confusing. As a human resource professional, I review a lot of resumes and am always surprised by what I find. Here are some things to avoid when preparing your resume: 1. Leaving out how to contact you.

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2. Too much embellishment - remember, most companies do a thorough background check before any offer is finalized. 3. Creating a complex and/or difficult-to-read resume. 4. Using poor grammar and not using action words to start your sentences. 5. Not highlighting the reasons someone should hire you and why are you a fit for the business and culture. 6. Not including any type of people leadership or management in part-time jobs, including the management of money (if applicable). 7. Missing honors or achievements, no matter how small. Include academic honors and Alpha Sigma Tau awards you earned or had a hand in earning with your chapter. 8. Not including leadership roles held in various clubs or groups. 9. Not including community service or extracurricular activities as experience. Creating a great resume can be easy, but it requires thought and a little bit of creativity to highlight all of your accomplishments. Websites like Resumegig.com and Resume-Now.com can provide assistance, such as templates to help build your resume.

I got an interview! Now what? Your killer resume just helped you get that interview with the company of your dreams. Now what? Well, there are a lot of interview pitfalls that, if not navigated well, can hurt your chances of getting your dream job. So what should you do? 1. Invest in a good quality suit. It doesn't have to be expensive – just something classic in black or navy – and not too flashy or revealing. You want to highlight your skills and what you bring to the table.

3. Know your resume. I can't tell you how many times I have asked a candidate a question about something on their resume, and I received a blank stare. Be ready to give good examples of your experiences and accomplishments.

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2. Research the company. Know what they do, their values, their community involvement, etc. Their website is a good resource and if the company is publicly-traded, I recommend listening to the latest earnings call and reading any and all news releases you can get your hands on. These will provide insight into how the company is doing, as well as help you prepare your questions.

4. Don't be shy! Interviewers want to know that the candidate is a go-getter and truly wants the role.

5. Be ready to contribute. Articulate what you can do for the company. The interviewer also wants to know "what's in it for them."

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6. Show eagerness to learn. You will likely be asked about experiences or skills you don't have. If you feel you can learn those skills, say so. 7. Don't slouch, fidget, or ramble. Sit up straight, keep your hands still, and try to be concise and accurate in your answers. 8. Be prepared. Arrive with good questions about the role and the company. Do not ask about pay or benefits. Those questions are for after they make you an offer. 9. Make eye contact. If your eyes are wandering, it can appear that you are making up your answers as you go along. Also, you don't want a stare down, but looking at your note paper on occasion is fine. 10. Finally, be yourself! It's too hard to pretend to be someone you are not. Most companies don't want overly formal people anymore, which is why it’s important to research the company and get a feel for the culture. Finding the right company with the right culture is crucial to being happy in your new role.

Good luck with your job search!

STARTING OUT

KNOW YOUR WORTH By Lindsay McDowall Davis, Gamma Mu

"Know your worth, then add tax." This is a popular saying online, usually referring to relationships – but the same phrase can be applied to a woman’s career. So what does it mean to know your worth? T H E AN C H OR

Women hold nearly half of all professional jobs. However, in the S&P 1500 (a stock market index), women comprise only 11% of executive- and senior-level positions. How is it that women, while half of the workforce, hold barely one out of every 10 major positions? Much of it has to do with how women perceive their worth in the workplace and, ultimately, leverage that worth to climb the leadership ladder. One such woman is alumna Janet Hogan, Beta Eta. Janet is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Hormel Foods, and she has both examined and experienced the complexities of this problem. “We need to understand what the value of our positions are in the marketplace,” she explains. “We need to make sure that we are holding out for what that value is.”

SALARY NEGOTIATION When considering worth, the most frequent comparisons made between men and women are the gender pay gap and the disproportionate balance of men and women in leadership roles. “Women typically have a hard time negotiating for themselves,” Janet observes, sharing her thoughts on how these gaps come to be. “We’re not as assertive when it comes to our career, and we often don’t come across as confident or strategic in communication.” Men and women have a tendency to communicate differently, leading to different impressions in conversations. In Janet’s experience, men negotiating are often more upfront with their demands, while women can be a bit more reserved. So how do women begin to understand their worth as they move through their careers? “Don’t take the first offer,”counsels Janet. “Come back and say that you’re light in this part of the employment offer and see what the employer does. See if they offer you more. That can help you get an idea of your worth in the job market.”

GROW YOUR WORTH Your worth in the job market should always be growing, no matter what stage of life you are in. Even as a stay at home parent, there are ways to ensure your worth is in line with that of your peers to an extent. “Keep up with your skillset,” Janet advises. “If you’re an accountant, stay up to date with regulations. If you’re an engineer, keep up with how technology progresses. However, also recognize that you won’t come back on the exact same level because your peers will have had more experience at that point.”

A NEW DAY Overall, Janet sees the tides turning. “Our time has come,” she says. “People coming out of school work hard and network appropriately. I don’t see why women shouldn’t have 50% of leadership roles in the next couple decades. It’s happening.”

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For collegiate women, Janet recommends starting to work on your worth now by taking leadership roles both in and out of sorority, focusing on academics, and doing community service. Part-time jobs are also highly worthwhile because they give you experience in customer service, financial management, and other skills that employers often seek.

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Janet also recommends mentoring and training to improve worth. “I’ve had a lot of great male and female mentors,” she says. “I’ve watched successful women and tried to model myself after them. I’ve also taken assertiveness training. It took five years into my career to learn the balance of being overly assertive versus not assertive enough.”

CLIMBING THE LADDER

Three Ways to Boost Your Income With

CHARITABLE GIVING By Lindsay McDowall Davis, Gamma Mu

Most people don’t think of charitable giving as a potential income source, but it can be. The options below may provide an immediate tax benefit, while also ensuring a steady income stream for you and your loved ones. Different plans have different rules (such as when you can start withdrawing funds) and tax benefits vary from state to state. You should always consult a certified financial planner to explore the full range of options that best serve your charitable and financial goals.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY T H E AN C H OR

A charitable gift annuity is a contract between a donor and a charity. As a donor, you make an irrevocable gift of $5,000 or more to a charity. The charity then invests your gift. As the “annuitant,” you will receive a predetermined fixed monthly or quarterly payout from the charity until the end of your life when the charity receives the remainder of the gift. Under this giving model, annuitants may be able to claim immediate partial charitable tax deductions for their initial gifts and, based on age and life expectancy, a portion of the payments received from the charity may be tax-free.

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST

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Charitable remainder trusts (CRT) are similar to charitable gift annuities, but rather than donating directly to the charity, you make a large gift to an irrevocable charitable trust. Set-up and terms of the CRT can vary, but you or a beneficiary then receive a set percentage of the trust’s value on a specified basis. At the conclusion of a predetermined time frame, remaining CRT assets are then distributed to the charity of your choice. A CRT may also designate a donor-advised fund as a beneficiary.

POOLED INCOME FUND A pooled income fund is a special charitable trust that is usually (but not always) established and managed by a qualified nonprofit. Individuals and their families can make an irrevocable gift to an organization’s pooled income fund, which may qualify for an immediate partial taxdeduction. The fund then invests the donation(s) received, and contributors receive dividend income distributions based on the performance of the investments on a predetermined frequency. These distributions are considered ordinary income by the IRS and are subject to income tax. At the end of the donor’s life, the charity receives the remaining assets.

TYPES OF ASSETS YOU MAY CONTRIBUTE:

CASH

STOCK

MUTUAL FUNDS

ASSETS

Some pooled income funds allow other assets like life insurance or real estate. Check with your favorite charitable organizations about what gift vehicle options they may offer, and always consult with your financial planner.

DONATING TO CHARITIES By Emily Hamsher Kindred, CFRE, Beta Delta, AΣT Director of Development

As members of Alpha Sigma Tau, community is central to everything we do and is even highlighted in our Creed, as we commit to contributing our share to the progress of mankind. Whether it's our chapter or campus communities or in the city or town we call home, charitable giving is a big part of living our Sorority’s values. Here are some pointers on giving:

START NOW

BUDGET FOR GIVING

GET THE FULL TAX BENEFIT Donations made to 501(c)3 nonprofits may be deducted from your taxes if you choose to itemize. For some organizations, you'll need to donate to their foundations – like the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation – to get this tax benefit. Consult with a tax professional to learn more.

MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT Many employers will match their employees' personal charitable donations. Use the search tool available at alphasigmatau.org/foundation/employermatch to easily look up your employer and, if available, the details of their matching gift program to begin doubling (or tripling!) your impact today.

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Set aside an amount you can afford every month. Many charities offer automatic withdrawals to make it as easy as possible to give. A little each month can have a big impact over the course of a year.

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You don’t have to reach a life benchmark to begin donating to causes you care about. Charitable giving and the organizations you choose to support are a representation of who you are as a person, and you can and should start now, even if the amounts seem relatively small.

CLIMBING THE LADDER

One Sister’s Experience with Estate Planning and Planned Giving

CREATING A LEGACY By Ben Nemenoff, Director of Marketing

For Sarah Hinshaw, Delta Nu, donating to nonprofits isn’t just about furthering the causes she supports. It’s about continuing her life’s mission and creating a legacy that lasts well after she’s gone. T H E AN C H OR

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However, legacy and estate planning have not always been at the forefront of Sarah's mind. When she started her career, her attention was focused on other financial matters like insurance and retirement savings. Eventually, her parents encouraged her to also create a will, which today includes planned giving to the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation and her alma mater Beloit College, among other organizations. Here are some insights she picked up along the way.

HAVE THE RIGHT MINDSET Death is a part of life and planning for it is important. Estate planning ensures that your wishes are carried out. It also leaves clear instructions for your loved ones during a difficult time. “It’s not a comfortable topic to talk about with family or anyone else,” Sarah says. “But it forced me to think about what will be done in my name after I am gone.”

FOR PLANNED GIVING, IDENTIFY THE CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT THE MOST When deciding which organizations to include in her will, Sarah asked herself two critical questions: “What organizations have I consistently supported with donations? What organizations’ missions resonate with me personally?” To answer these questions, Sarah took an analytical look at her donation history. She reviewed her tax documents to find organizations she has supported long-term. This data told Sarah a story. “I saw what was important to me,” she recalls. “It gave me all the information I needed when deciding where my money should go.” Determining where to give is important, but so is deciding how much.

For this, Sarah factored the impact her dollars would have at different organizations she supports in her will. “Making an impact is important to me and my values,” she says. “So I asked myself, ‘how big of an impact would my donation have at a given organization?’ I donate the most to Alpha Sigma Tau and Beloit College. Beloit is a large institution with lots of resources, so my money goes further with Alpha Sigma Tau. It will have the most impact there.”

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Estate planning doesn’t only enshrine your values after you pass away. It can also ensure that your wishes are carried out during an incapacitating illness or injury – a time when you are unable to make your desires known. This includes legal, financial, and medical decisions, some of which may need to be made in an emergency.

Sarah established powers of attorney to address her concerns. Powers of attorney are legal documents that empower a specific individual or individuals to make financial, legal, and medical decisions on your behalf, if you are unable. Often, powers of attorney are accompanied by a living will, a written statement detailing a person’s wishes regarding their medical treatment if they are incapacitated and unable to make important medical or end-of-life decisions.

There are numerous laws and regulations that govern estate planning and planned giving. These vary from state-to-state and sometimes county-to-county. Engage the services of a lawyer or other certified professional who has expertise in estate planning where you live to ensure you have the best options for you and your loved ones.

FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT Living your values is not only about what happens in life, but also about your legacy and what you leave behind. When estate planning, there are a lot of details that require attention. It is easy to lose sight of why you are doing it in the first place. You should always keep the why in mind. “After I pass, I want my money to still do what it does while I’m alive – to support causes I care about,” Sarah says. “I have worked hard to build a legacy that continues my mission after I am gone.”

“You have to advocate for yourself and your future. This includes the future that will exist after you have passed.”

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SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

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For Sarah, this was a significant concern. Her family is in Indiana and California, far away from her home in Virginia. “I had to think about becoming ill,” she shares. “What would I want to happen? Who would I trust to make the best decisions for me until my family could arrive?”

CLIMBING THE LADDER

MIDTERM PLANNING By Lindsay McDowall Davis, Gamma Mu

People usually have short- and long-term plans, but the mid-term can surprise us and really derail our goals and stability. Here are some mid-life surprises that can sneak up on you when you're not paying attention:

CHILDCARE AND COLLEGE COSTS

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Everyone knows that having kids isn't cheap, but the expenses can end up giving one "sticker shock." Daycare can cost $1,000/month or more, and college tuition is one of the fastest-growing expenses today. Check with your employer to see if they offer an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for childcare, and consult a certified financial planner about setting up a college-savings account. Both can help you plan better and save money.

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KIDS MOVE BACK HOME/PARENTS NEED HELP There's nothing wrong with helping family, but don't overextend yourself. Avoid withdrawing from your retirement accounts or dipping too deep into your savings.

HEALTH SCARE Nobody expects to get sick, but the truth is that most people eventually experience some type of serious health condition, especially as they age. You can protect yourself and keep your costs as low as possible by making sure that you have adequate health insurance and understanding all of your policy's provisions, such as network providers, covered expenses, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Make certain that your financial and medical powers of attorney are current, make clear your wishes, and designate someone to help finalize decisions with your best interests in mind, if needed.

Tips for First-Time

HOME BUYERS By Licensed Realtor Dana Vann, Delta Rho

More and more single women are becoming homeowners. This is great news! Home ownership is a big part of the American Dream for many, bringing with it a sense of security and accomplishment. As a licensed realtor, I know that many first-time buyers (and even some second-timers) have questions about the process and what options are available to them. Here are a few tips that my clients have found helpful:

Buying a home is probably the largest investment you will ever make. Start planning early by setting up a savings account for down payments, closing costs, inspections, etc. You may not need some of these funds, but having them readily available is a good idea.

We often don’t think about the effect our credit score can have until it is too late. When applying for a mortgage, your credit report can determine which loans or special promotions you can qualify for, your interest and/or mortgage insurance rate, etc. In other words, it can cost you a lot more money in the long run if you don’t pay your bills on time! Check your credit score with one of the three major agencies: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Each are required by law to give you a free copy of your credit report once a year.

FIND AN AGENT It is our job to take care of you! A great agent will walk you through the entire process and protect you from the unknown. There are a lot of legal forms, inspections, due diligence periods, and financial documents needed throughout a real estate transaction. Find a real estate agent you like and make sure you are comfortable with how they share information and answer your questions. In most cases, your agent fees are paid by the seller so, as a buyer, your agent’s services are free to you.

NO NEW CREDIT Opening a new line of credit (such as a new credit card or car loan) after you have been pre-approved for a home loan can create a lot of trouble. It may even cause you to lose your home loan – even if you’ve already been pre-approved. The lender will do a final check before closing, so if you opened a new loan and it changes the amount of mortgage payment you can afford, you could lose your new home before closing.

THINK FOR THE FUTURE Think about how your needs may change in the next few years. Buying a home is a long-term investment and, yes, you can sell and buy again. But doing so within the first few years of a home purchase can cost you in the long run. Think about what your needs may be in the next few years to decide which home is best for you. There are many other things you should also be aware of, such as home inspections, neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and so on. But when starting your home buying journey, the items listed above are the most important. Your agent should walk you through the rest. Good luck and welcome home!

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PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME

Just like a great real estate agent, a great mortgage lender is your saving grace. By talking with a lender prior to your home search, they can determine any red flags on your credit report, offer ways to fix them, and provide you with a pre-approval amount. By knowing how much home you can afford, you know where to start your search. There are also many types of loans, and lenders will let you know which type is best for you and why. Working with a lender and gaining pre-approval gives you a more solid foundation when putting in an offer!

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PLAN EARLY

FIND A TRUSTED LENDER

CLIMBING THE LADDER

Modern Financial Decision-Making and

RETHINKING MONEY By Lauren Welch, Delta Psi and Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)

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Financial responsibility in modern households and other scenarios looks vastly different than in years past. Overall, women are waiting longer than previous generations to get married, live with significant others, and have children. More and more women are making major financial decisions on their own. For women who are married or in committed relationships, it is now more common for women to be the sole breadwinner. There is also a difference in the way money is managed in a household, as women take on more financial responsibility or are solely responsible for the family budget. Because of these changes, as modern women, we need to start rethinking money.

WHAT DOES YOUR BUDGET LOOK LIKE? Often, financial decision-making is seen as difficult and too complicated, when it doesn’t need to be either. One of the most important financial tools to use (and the one most dreaded!) is the budget. Creating a budget helps set the stage for your goals, both over the short- and long-term. A budget helps you put savings first by putting a name to each dollar you earn. Once you have worked out a preliminary plan, you can work (and rework) it. There are a handful of free budget apps for your phone, as well as templates you can find on the Internet. Setting a realistic budget will allow you to think big picture and create long-term plans around your financial goals – such as paying off debt, or saving and planning for retirement, vacations, and vehicle purchases. In my years of experience helping people with their financial situations, the first question I always ask is, “Do you have a budget?” Almost every time, the answer is no. The lack of a budget is the biggest cause of financial challenges.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS VS. WANTS? An important concept to keep in mind is needs vs. wants. You need a car to get to and from work, but you want an expensive brand new one. You need to eat, but you want to go out to a fancy restaurant. Your needs might be different than your partner’s, and you might differ in opinion about what constitutes a need rather than a want. It’s important to recognize this before starting a financial conversation.

ARE YOU MANAGING FINANCES WITH ANOTHER PERSON?

This can be easier said than done. The first step to being on the same page is sitting down and talking about what each of you wants financially and setting the goals to get there. It is crucial to set the stage for this conversation, as it could easily cause an argument that prevents you from completing it. Set ground rules and goals for the conversation, knowing that you will exit it working together on the same team. Remember that there will be differences of opinion on how money should be spent. Create an environment where you can respectfully challenge each other and be open to each other’s suggestions.

There is a lot to understand about personal finances. Rule #1 is not to spend money on things you don’t understand; some examples are life insurance, investments, or timeshares. Fortunately, there are many qualified financial professionals out there who can help. First, have confidence in your social network. Ask people you trust for referrals to financial professionals. Social media might be a great place to ask for and get these recommendations. Second, look for a professional who is an expert in the industry of your specific needs. For example, a financial counselor provides advice on debt, budgets, and credit, but does not provide financial products (like retirement investments). A financial advisor will work with investing and retirement plans. Third, be sure you find someone who will explain everything to you and who is, just as importantly, happy to do so. This person will have the heart of a teacher and will want you to grow financially.

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DO YOU HAVE ALL THE HELP YOU NEED?

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Education, empowerment, and encouragement will go a long way toward you and another person making financial decisions together. Money is one of the biggest causes of fights among people who share finances or make major financial decisions together. This most often includes couples, but can also be friends, family, roommates, and others. But what exactly are they fighting about? Often arguments stem from disagreements with a partner’s financial decisions. Assigning dual financial responsibility can be helpful in alleviating many arguments. If you and another person are setting goals and making decisions together, there is more unity, more peace, and usually, more responsible spending! When going down the path of financial togetherness, it is important to put aside issues like who earns more money, and instead discuss how you will set and achieve your shared goals. Focus instead on the idea that once you are married, in a committed life partnership, or mutual financial endeavor, two become one – including your finances. The key idea here is that all the money goes into one pot for your shared goals, especially once you are both on the same page and making decisions together.

SAVING FOR THE FUTURE

My Journey: Overcoming the Treat Yo'self Culture &

BECOMING DEBT-FREE By Justina Solties, Gamma Theta, Director of Communications and Engagement

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“Treat Yo’self!” Many of us recognize this famous phrase from the Parks & Recreation episode which revolves around beloved characters Donna and Tom treating themselves to essentially anything they want.

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While Treat Yo’self Day originated as a fictional storyline, the Treat Yo’self mindset has become part of our society’s reality. The norm in our country’s culture is no longer to save for an item on a wish list. We’re now too dependent on instant gratification, so we purchase the items on credit or take out heaping mounds of student loans to cover the costs. Before this popular catchphrase even existed, I was unknowingly living the Treat Yo’self lifestyle in a way that’s more common than we all may realize. In 2012, one year after my college graduation, I found myself with $82,000 of debt. Of that, $65,000 was student loans, $16,000 was a car that I really couldn’t afford, and $1,000 was past credit card purchases. I ‘treated myself’ throughout my college days and beyond, and those choices caught up to me when it was time to begin repaying my loans. While I had a steady job, money was leaving my bank account faster than it was coming in, and I was living paycheck-to-paycheck trying to make my monthly bills. One afternoon when

I realized my $90 student loan payment was only reducing the principal balance by a few dollars, I hit my breaking point. I refused to accept debt as my reality and made a decision to take ownership of my situation. The first change I made was getting a parttime job to supplement my full-time income. While working seven days a week wasn’t how I envisioned my young adulthood, it was an undeniable factor in being able to achieve my goal of becoming debt-free. As a result, I learned how to truly value my time. The next inevitable change was cutting spending. I was able to immediately reduce my monthly bills by living with roommates, and I adopted a mindset where I kept my purchasing and consumption simple. I also switched to only using cash to pay for purchases, which was much more eye-opening than using a debit card. One of the hardest changes was learning how to resist feeling FOMO (fear of missing out) and saying “no” when activities weren’t in my budget. This lifestyle change helped me become more intentional with my spending. Lastly, I took every opportunity I could to meet my goal. Tax refund? Paid down my debt. Extra paycheck one month? Debt. Payment for helping my neighbor clean their house? Debt. Savings sitting in my lock box from

Justina's Tips to Avoid

when I was born? You guessed it - paid down debt. All of the little things add up. These behaviors helped me form a habit of always being mindful of surrounding, yet sometimes hidden, opportunities.

Throughout my journey, I’m sure I missed out on things that I wanted to do at the time, but it all seems so trivial now. I can’t even recall specific things I sacrificed to achieve my goal. It’s empowering to make tough choices and short-term sacrifices for long-term gain. Now I am living my best life, aligning my spending with my values and enjoying the moments that really matter – completely free of both debt and guilt.

When I was living on a strict budget and there were things that I wanted to do but my budget didn’t allow it, I used the following methods to avoid feeling like I was missing out:

FIND AN ALTERNATIVE: When a friend suggests grabbing dinner, suggest something more affordable, like meeting up at a local cafe instead. Most of the time, the get-together isn’t about where; it’s about spending quality time with people you care about. What is another activity that’s very similar to what’s suggested and is more budget-friendly? 28

MAKE A SWAP: When a friend suggests doing something that you really want to do, reallocate some of your money within your budget. Budgets are all about prioritizing your activities and if this activity is a priority to you, then find other areas in your budget that you will sacrifice in the short-term to make it work. What area of your budget will you temporarily downsize in order to make room for this activity?

SKIP & DON'T LOOK BACK: When your gut tells you something just isn’t going to be able to work within your budget parameters, commit to it and accept skipping it altogether. The key with this tactic is to not look back on your decision with regret. It’s easy to get bogged down in the here-and-now, but keep in mind that there’s no shame in prioritizing your financial well-being. How can I begin to say ‘no’ to things that aren’t a good fit for me right now?

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I am proud to say that in four years, slightly before my 29th birthday, I became completely debt-free. Like most goals worth chasing, it took a lot of hard work, diligence to stay focused on the task, sacrifice to put my goal ahead of my desires, and perseverance to get back on track when a bad week or two threw me off. To anyone considering a similar goal, my advice to you is to evaluate your reality and set challenging yet attainable milestones. As they say, if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. Stay focused, and when you do get sidetracked, don’t be discouraged. Put your mistakes behind you and move on. As long as you’re moving forward, you’re making progress.

(Fear Of Missing Out)

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The goal of paying off my debt originated out of anger – anger that I was limited in what I could do today because I was still paying for yesterday. By the time I was making the last payment, the goal became about empowering myself to realign my spending with my personal values and desires. It was about allocating my hard-earned dollars to things I cared about now - not things I bought years ago. It was about investing in my future self and learning from the mistakes I made and couldn’t change.

FOMO

SAVING FOR THE FUTURE

Saving For Your Golden Years and

INTELLIGENT INVESTING Retirement can be one of the most enjoyable times of life – full of fun, family, and taking that trip you always wanted. But it requires a lot of planning to make sure you have enough money to pay the bills and do all the things you want. We spoke with alumna and co-host of the Smart Women Invest podcast Michelle McKinnon, Delta Phi. She is also a Certified Financial Planner and Senior Financial Advisor with Payne Capital Management in New York City. Michelle shared some of her insights on smart retirement planning. T H E AN C H OR

WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS PROFESSION?

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I started out as an environmental studies major and took a college job at a greentech venture capital firm. There, I gained an interest in finance and changed my major. I have always been passionate about helping women and have a lot of women clients today, so it’s been a great fit.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS YOU HAVE ABOUT SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT PLANNING? Start now, no matter how much money you have to save. Young people especially have decades for their money to grow. It’s almost like a ‘free lunch’ – your money can grow on its own and typically double every 10 years or so, depending on your investments. Second, look where you can save NOW, no matter how small. Maybe you don’t buy that cup of coffee every day, or choose to quit the gym membership you never use. Go over your budget to find places to save and invest that money for your future. Third, make sure you are maximizing your employer’s match to your retirement account. That’s free money! Ultimately, the way you build wealth is by saving money and investing it wisely in the market.

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE LOOK FOR IN AN ADVISOR? Find a good advisor who you trust, who ‘speaks your language,’ avoids too much jargon, and communicates in a way that works well for you. It’s like finding a doctor. You want someone you trust and understand, but who you are also comfortable questioning. Everyone digests information differently. You shouldn’t be scared to ask questions and your advisor should welcome that. I’ve seen too many people lose money because they were afraid to ask questions.

HOW AGGRESSIVE SHOULD I BE WITH MY RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS? Like with all investments, that depends less on your age and more on your goals. If your goals are nearer, be more conservative. If your goals are farther off, be more aggressive. Look at your timeline. Start with your goals then pick your investments.

HOW DOES RETIREMENT PLANNING DIFFER FOR WOMEN? On average, women tend to outlive men. Even if you’re 60, you may live another 35 years. So, women need to plan more and may need to be more aggressive with their investments to make sure the money lasts.

As women become more financially independent, we also need to become more confident about finances. Part of my job is to help women achieve this.

TELL US ABOUT THE PODCAST "SMART WOMEN INVEST".

These can be very different experiences for women than for men, especially when it comes to closing the gender gap in the workplace. Women need to be their own champions and demonstrate their own worth, both now and in the future.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS OR ADVICE? Investing for retirement is important. But don’t lose focus on your medium-term finances. Have emergency savings and other investments you can access without having to pay penalties and higher taxes. If all your money is locked up in retirement accounts, you’ll have a harder time accessing it. It’s important to have both.

Smart Women Invest is Michelle McKinnon and Jennifer Angell’s podcast that educates women of all ages about their finances and helps close the gender money gap. Find it on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

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It is my baby! Now I have a co-host, Jennifer Angell. We aim to educate women about finances by sharing insights and stories. We’ve had episodes like budgeting for various stages of life, and how and when to ask for a promotion at work.

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Women can have a very different relationship with money than men. Typically, men tend to be more aggressive with their investments, whereas women tend to be more conservative. Men generally feel better when asking questions of an advisor as well.

SAVING FOR RETIREMENT

Types of

RETIREMENT INVESTING Like most investment options, retirement investments offer lots of choices. Below are some of the more common options. We recommend consulting a certified financial professional to review all options available and help make the best choices for you and your family.

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401(K) / 403(B)

TRADITIONAL IRA

Typically offered by employers, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are funded through payroll deductions. Most employers offer a match to your contributions, so try to withhold at least enough to qualify for a full match.

Contributions to a Traditional IRA donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count as taxable up to a limit, which means you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay income tax on them. If it's an employee benefit, your employer will deduct your Traditional IRA contributions before withholding taxes. Otherwise, you can deduct contributions from your taxes when you file. In either case, you pay income taxes on the money you withdraw during retirement.

SIMPLE IRA An alternative to 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, Simple IRAs tend to be offered by smaller employers and usually also include a match.

PENSION Pensions are considerably less common than they once were but they still do exist, especially for government employees. Pensions offer set monthly payments to retirees for the rest of their lives.

ROTH IRA With a Roth IRA, you pay income taxes on the money you put in. But, the money grows tax-free and you pay no taxes on withdrawals during retirement. Like a Traditional IRA, there are limits to how much you can contribute.

Just like you, we stand for something bigger. The connections you make in college and beyond help you move forward with your life. Our connections make us more than just a business, but rather a company that cares.

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Learn more about our partnership.

Nationwide Insurance has made a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ÂŠ 2017 Nationwide AFC-0286AO (02/17)

AlphaSigmaTau.org

317-613-7575

NATIONAL FOUNDATION

Dear Sisters, I hope you are enjoying this issue of The Anchor and have picked up a new tip or been motivated to do something different as it relates to your own financial wellness. Too often, the topic of personal finance is seen as taboo, but open conversations are critical to breaking down barriers and empowering ourselves and other women to play an active role in our own financial journeys.

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In 1982, the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit to provide members and friends with the opportunity to make tax-deductible donations in support of the Sorority’s educational and charitable initiatives.

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Charitable giving is an important aspect of financial wellness, and the Foundation is humbled by Sisters like you who have continued to choose this extraordinary Sisterhood as a philanthropic priority since that time. Your support today enhances the sorority experience for our newest members and paves the way for generations to come while providing critical educational programming and academic scholarships that help alleviate the burden of record-high tuition costs for our younger Sisters.

Together with the Sorority, the Foundation remains steadfast in our mission to invest in women by instilling the skills necessary to navigate life and inspire members to enrich their own lives and the lives of others. We have continued to grow since our establishment, and we are proud to offer Foundation supporters many different options when it comes to how they give back and where their dollars go. This includes our monthly giving program, which allows the opportunity to meet charitable giving goals while maintaining a monthly budget, recognition through the Legacy Society for Sisters and friends who choose to include the Foundation in their will and estate plans, gift designations designed to ensure your contribution benefits the areas you’re most passionate about, and more. If you aren’t yet a supporter of the Foundation, or if it’s been a while since you made your last gift, I hope you’ll consider choosing us as you continue on your own financial journey in the season ahead. In the fall of 1899, our eight founding Sisters dreamed of an organization that would break down barriers, advance ambition, and empower women through Sisterhood. 119 years later, you help shape that dream. Thank you again for your generous and continued support. In Sisterhood and Friendship,

Kris Haskin, Beta Pi President, Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation

Legacy Society The Legacy Society recognizes individuals or families committing bequests/estate gifts of any percentage or dollar amount to the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation. One is recognized by this society as soon as the Foundation is notified of a formal gift commitment, leaving a legacy that you can enjoy today. Planned gifts enjoy immediate tax benefits and are at the core of lasting philanthropy and our vision of empowering women and growing the future. Thank you!

Sarah Hinshaw, Delta Nu

Heidi Simon Craft, Delta Nu

Dr. Edward Jervey

Martha Drouyor Belknap DeCamp, Alpha

Patricia Nayle, Phi

Charlotte Evans Floyd, Psi

Bobbie M. Nichols, Alpha Gamma

Gail Shockley Fowler, Alpha Lambda

Melinda H. Oates, Gamma Gamma

Stacey Daniel Fragile, Gamma Mu

Rose Marie Schmidt, Theta

Nicole Noyse France, Alpha

Justina Solties, Gamma Theta

2018 Annual Giving Circle Recognition The Foundation is proud to offer annual giving levels to recognize individuals or chapters contributing $100+ within one calendar year to any of the Foundation’s initiatives. Make your 2018 contribution by December 31 to qualify for annual giving circle recognition. The Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Thank you!

Emerald Circle ($10,000-$24,999)

Investor’s Circle ($500-$999)

Ruby Circle ($5,000-$9,999)

Believer’s Circle ($250-$499)

Eternal Light Circle ($2,500-$4,999)

Supporter’s Circle ($100-$249)

Yellow Rose Circle ($1,000-$2,499) To see your current contribution total for 2018 and the amount remaining until your next giving circle level, visit the “Giving” tab inside of Alpha Sigma Tau’s online member portal, AΣT Connect. Log in to AΣT Connect by visiting alphasigmatau.org and clicking “Member Login” at the top of the screen. Use existing credentials or quickly sign up for a new account.

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To learn more about planned giving or to notify the Foundation of an existing bequest, please contact Emily Kindred, Director of Development, at ekindred@alphasigmatau.org or 317-613-7566.

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Carol Baril, Beta Zeta

NATIONAL FOUNDATION Monthly giving is a budget-friendly way to support charitable organizations you are passionate about. Automatic recurring donations allow you the option of donating in comfortable increments that have the potential to add up to big impact over the course of a year. Additionally, automatic recurring contributions allow the Foundation to plan and operate more efficiently, which helps us give you, our generous supporters, the best return on your investment. We are proud to recognize recurring donors to the Foundation through the Friendship & Fidelity Monthly Giving Circle. Thank you to the individuals below, who are active members as of September 2018.

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Jaz Acosta, Epsilon Upsilon Jessa Albert, Delta Upsilon Mary Askins, Alpha Lambda Melissa Hatfield Atkinson, Gamma Mu Francesca Renee Bailey, Epsilon Gamma Alice Ball, Epsilon Gamma Nicole Moretta Ball, Sigma Carol Baril, Beta Zeta (Quarterly) Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon Rebecca Zoeller Bathon, Beta Pi Ashley Brown Beasley, Beta Zeta Sally Brancheau Belknap, Alpha Rita Bertolino, Phi Angie Bong Tamara Stegehuis Bonifield, Beta Xi Emily Boockoff, Epsilon Sigma Laura Rose Brophy, Beta Tau Cayte Merryman Brown, Psi Erika McManus Bukva, Delta Rho Sara Burns, Delta Eta Tracy Ciabattoni, Zeta Ashley Clark, Gamma Mu Jennifer Cohen, Gamma Rho Carol Cooper, Zeta Tau Jenni Cornelius, Beta Eta Christina Covington, Alpha Lambda Amanda Davis, Delta Upsilon Lindsay McDowall Davis, Gamma Mu Kathy Phipps Dennis, Alpha Lambda Ashley Deppe, Gamma Zeta Sarah DiDavide, Delta Delta Lettie Cottrell Dreyer, Delta Delta Laun Spoharski Dunn, Gamma Pi Erin Dyne, Gamma Theta Kristina Moron Eaton, Gamma Delta Megan Escobar, Gamma Tau Stacey Daniel Fragile, Gamma Mu Nicole Noyse France, Alpha Dr. Theresa Gallo, Delta Phi Valerie Patton George, Alpha (Annual) Shel Hujarski Golob, Delta Alpha Meilyng Gonzalez-Adams, Gamma Theta Rachel Bourgeois Green, Phi Anne Curran Gruber, Alpha Janice Grundy, Beta Xi Kaitlin Musloe Hall, Delta Alpha

Jess Harper, Delta Mu Tina Harper, Delta Mu Kimberlee Harrell, Gamma Gamma Melanie Evans Hartle, Delta Alpha Brea Haywood, Alpha Kirsten Heck, Gamma Pi Sarah Hinshaw, Delta Nu Ashley Nicole Hoogstraten, Beta Pi Whitney Williamson-Hooker, Epsilon Gamma Mary Howard, Beta Zeta Ronica Jackson, Epsilon Beta Shauna Heinsler Jackson, Delta Alpha Jenni Kemmery, Delta Sara Kendle, Zeta Tau Alex Kennedy Karen Laursen Kessler, Beta Xi Emily Hamsher Kindred, Beta Delta Jordan Knuth, Beta Pi Canda Kroger, Rho Jessica L. Kromer, Delta Beta Jackie Oesmann Kruk, Delta Alpha Jennie Wysocki Kuhns, Gamma Rho Jenna Lewis, Gamma Gamma Megan Ganser Lynsky, Epsilon Gamma Michelle Macey, Gamma Delta Megan MacFeat, Beta Mu Nadia Sawka Maddens, Theta Michelle Zewe Markley, Alpha Tau Jenn Marshall, Alpha Gamma Julie Lauderman Martin, Omicron Mary Eubanks Mazzola, Delta Rho Emily Ashby McIntire, Alpha Lambda Shae Woodward McLin, Phi Beth Knaus McOsker, Alpha Lambda Andrea Rogers Mersiovsky, Rho Alli Miller, Phi Jamie Jones Miller, Psi Allie Ellis Mills, Gamma Gamma Beverly Molnar, Delta Carol Mooney, Alpha Lambda Holly Morris Meredith Rambo Murray, Gamma Pi Jullie Driscoll-Nauman, Zeta Tau Patricia Nayle, Phi Ben Nemenoff

Bobbie M. Nichols, Alpha Gamma Kelli O’Brien, Delta Eta Melinda H. Oates, Gamma Gamma Christina Alexandria Oates, Gamma Gamma Katherine Onyshko, Delta Phi Stacy Opiela, Gamma Lambda Jim Paponetti Kathleen Wheat Perschbacher, Gamma Xi Stephanie Piazza, Alpha Pi Sarah Pinkerton, Delta Pi Crystal Poe, Omicron Rachel Presskreischer, Delta Phi Debi McCain Pyszka, Alpha Nu Jessica Langkamer Quinones, Delta Diane Rand, Beta Pi Debbie Ray, Alpha Emma Bunnell Rice, Phi Erica Richards, Beta Mu Mary Jane Rodriguez, Gamma Gamma Jamie L. Rossi, Gamma Theta Karen Ryan, Zeta Tau Samantha Wilson Ryan, Epsilon Kappa Tiffany M. Saragian, Beta Tau Suzanne Lilliquist Schultz, Delta Briana Simko, Beta Delta Ashley Smith, Psi Leah Smith, Beta Delta Justina Solties, Gamma Theta Joell S. Sperry, Gamma Theta Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta Alice Thomas, Beta Phi Kimberly Topel, Gamma Rho Elizabeth Langston-Tullos, Alpha Gamma Michele Upright Dana Vann, Delta Rho Kellie Margaret Vehlies, Epsilon Epsilon Sara Velasco, Epsilon Beta Kristin Walker, Alpha Lambda Joanne Rupprecht Walter, Psi Kate Wehby, Gamma Xi Diane Marie Wehby, Gamma Xi Bethany Nicole Yost, Beta Delta Jessi Zabriskie

Interested in becoming a member of the Friendship & Fidelity Monthly Giving Circle? Setting up your automatic donation is quick and easy. Visit: http://alphasigmatau.org/foundation/recognition/ and select “Monthly” from the Gift Recurrence options to begin making your secure contributions today.

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COLLEGIATE CHAPTER UPDATES What is your chapter most looking forward to in the new academic year?

Alpha, Eastern Michigan University

The Alpha Chapter members are looking forward to their Annual Grilled Cheese Event, where they serve good food for a good cause!

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Beta, Central Michigan University

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Our Beta Chapter collegians are working toward personal and chapter goals this semester. We are excited to develop ourselves with the support of our Sisters, as well as foster stronger relationships within our Sisterhood. We look forward to focusing on academics and plan to work with individual Sisters who need help raising their GPAs.

Zeta Tau, Longwood University

Our campus has a traditional festival called Oktoberfest, and the whole student body gets involved. We are looking forward to a year full of fun and excitement!

Chi, Shepherd University

We are looking forward to seeing our alumnae at Homecoming, as well as initiating our new member class of 19.

Beta Eta, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville We are excited to get to know all of our new members! Our biggest goal is to get more involved with Dress for Success by creating a sizable, successful fundraising event that we can continue, as well as other exciting events.

Beta Iota, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

The Beta Iota Chapter Sisters at Millersville University have a lot to look forward to this year. Most innovative is our new attendance policy, which reprioritizes events by the number of points assigned.

Delta, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Alpha Gamma, Henderson State University

Beta Rho, Arkansas Tech University

Omicron, Concord University

Alpha Phi, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Beta Tau, University of Massachusetts Lowell

The Delta Chapter members are excited to see our Sisters again after a long summer break! We are also thrilled to welcome four new members to our chapter.

We’re excited to watch our chapter grow by empowering more women, and simply growing closer together as a family.

Our chapter members are so excited to have a new member class of 20 Sisters to introduce into the world of Alpha Sigma Tau! Our recruitment went quite well this year, and our new members are truly wonderful!

We are most looking forward to our new primary recruitment period starting in January 2019, this school year. We can’t wait to welcome a new class of Sisters!

Our chapter’s women are looking forward to getting to know our new members on a deeper level and creating bonds of Sisterhood. We are so excited to welcome our new Sisters!

It’s finally fall, and our Sisters are filled with excitement for the upcoming year! We’re excited to welcome new women into our chapter and show them what Alpha Sigma Tau means to all of us!

Beta Chi, Ferris State University

This year, our chapter is looking forward to focusing on our philanthropic efforts, including our annual Anchor Slam volleyball tournament in November. We will donate all proceeds to our local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate!

Our Sisters are very excited to welcome our new Sisters and spend time with each other. We have many fun Sisterhood events and activities planned.

Our women are excited about getting to know our new members, reconnecting with alumnae at Homecoming, and participating in our two major philanthropy events for this semester: Treats4Troops and Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods.

Gamma Omega, La Salle University

Gamma Xi, Grand Valley State University

Delta Alpha, Gannon University

This year, the Sisters of Gamma Xi are looking forward to bringing home a new member class, improving relationships with groups on campus, and strengthening our Sisterhood!

Delta Alpha members are looking forward to continuing to build relationships between every one of our Sisters! We have various Sisterhood events in the works, including apple picking and trips to the pumpkin patch and ice skating rink.

Gamma Rho, Seton Hall University

Delta Theta, Moravian College

Gamma Rho members have had an exciting semester so far! We took over Six Flags for a day and caught up with alumnae, as well. We also just finished Tau Week, where we had events such as Tauco Tuesday and our yoga event, NamASTe.

The Delta Theta Chapter Sisters are looking forward to welcoming new Taus during recruitment and participating in philanthropy events close to our hearts!

We look forward to the different Sisterhood events we have planned for this semester, like our picnic retreat!

Delta Pi, Oglethorpe University

We’re looking forward to finding out which positions our new members run for during officer elections in December. We’re already excited to see them grow!

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This November, our Sisters are most looking forward to Explorathon, a dance marathon that our school is hosting. It raises money for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and their efforts to fight childhood cancer. Our chapter’s team members are excited to participate and raise money!

Delta Nu, Beloit College

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Gamma Mu, West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Gamma Tau, Lebanon Valley College

Delta Sigma, University of the Sciences

We look most forward to welcoming our new Sisters this year. We also look forward to holding our new bonding activities to help us grow as a Sisterhood.

Delta Tau, Oakland University

We are excited to welcome new Sisters into our chapter and empower each other to grow and become leaders. We cannot wait to meet new members who share our values and will strengthen our Sisterhood.

COLLEGIATE CHAPTER UPDATES

Delta Upsilon, Saint Leo University

Our chapter collegians are most looking forward to bonding with Sisters during our retreat and reconnecting with alumnae during Homecoming Weekend!

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Delta Phi, New York University

The Delta Phi Chapter women are excited for the New York Dance Marathon, working with the Women’s Wellness Initiative, Big Little Reveal, Greek Week, and more, during this new academic year!

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Delta Omega, Penn State Altoona

Our chapter members are most looking forward to branching out into the community, while also heavily focusing on the growth of our members!

Epsilon Iota, New York Institute of Technology Our chapter members are looking forward to fundraising for organizations we support and going on adventures around the community with all of our Sisters.

Epsilon Mu, SUNY University at Buffalo

Our Epsilon Mu collegians are back after a refreshing summer, and we’re ready to continue strengthening our bonds with one another! After learning so much from other chapters’ members at Convention, we are excited to take what we learned and apply it within Epsilon Mu!

Epsilon Xi, Gustavus Adolphus College

We look forward to getting to know our new members this fall through Sisterhood events, community service, philanthropy, and social events! We are excited to build closer connections with each other and continue our excellence in academics over the year.

Epsilon Omicron, University of Southern Indiana

We recruited 34 new members in September. We are excited to watch them grow in the Epsilon Omicron Chapter and teach them everything about Alpha Sigma Tau.

Epsilon Rho, SUNY Geneseo

Sisters are excited to be back together again for the fall semester. We are excited about all the recruitment events we have planned. We are also looking forward to our retreat, during which we can grow closer as a chapter.

Epsilon Sigma, Bridgewater State University The Epsilon Sigma Chapter women are most looking forward to the many volunteer opportunities we have ahead. Last semester, we completed over 1,000 community service hours! We hope to reach or exceed that goal again!

Epsilon Phi, Winona State University

We have so much to look forward to that we had a very tough time deciding what to include here. We all look forward to meeting our newest Sisters, sharing in our Women’s Wellness Week, and participating in WarriorThon.

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ALUMNAE CHAPTER/ASSOCIATION UPDATES What are you most looking forward to for the fall and holiday seasons? Do you have any special plans for Founders Day?

Baltimore T H E AN C H OR

The Baltimore Alumnae Chapter looks forward to spending time together and enjoying the cooler weather this fall. We are hosting our annual Oktoberfest beer tasting at a Sister’s house, and have a Founders Day celebration scheduled.

Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Alumnae Association kicked off our second year in September and we look forward to an exciting year of programs and events, including a visit to the pumpkin patch in October, a Founders Day banquet in November, and an ornament exchange in December. Our beautiful Founders Day event at a local country club was one of the highlights of our first year and we can’t wait to celebrate our exceptional Sisterhood again.

Charlotte

The Charlotte Alumnae Association recently held elections and the new executive board has been busy planning tons of fun events for the fall! To kick off our exciting season, we took in a production of Grease; one of our Sisters played the role of Rizzo, and we are so proud of her! We will take trips to some pumpkin patches and participate in Light the Night, a walk to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For Founders Day, we have a Friendsgiving planned and can’t wait to celebrate!

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Buffalo Birmingham

In August, we helped the Gamma Gamma Chapter by making adorable sunflower notifiers for Bid Day. We met at a local restaurant in September to plan Homecoming activities at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. We look forward to a day of fun and Sisterhood at our tailgate. Upcoming fall events include cheering on the UAB Blazers and the University of West Alabama Tigers! We are also focused on our philanthropy, My Sister’s Closet, a program in Birmingham that mirrors the Dress for Success mission. We’ll meet for dinner to celebrate Founders Day in November, then wrap up our year with a Christmas party at a Sister’s house, where we’ll enjoy food and gifts.

This year's Convention was fantastic! Due to the close proximity, we had a huge turnout (14 women) attending this year from the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter. The schedule allowed for plenty of time to explore the city of Pittsburgh, meet up with old friends as well as meet new women—many of whom were motivating and inspiring. We especially enjoyed hanging out with women from our own chapter and getting to know them in a more extended casual setting. It was great to see alumnae programming offered this year, and we were thrilled with the opportunity to present and speak to topics relevant to alumnae chapters today. However, our very favorite part of this amazing weekend was having one of our very own honored at the Yellow Rose Banquet with the Lois Schweikart O’Dell Anchor Award. Congratulations to Nicole Ball!

Detroit Metro

Fall is important to our chapter. This is when we all get back together after a summer break and look forward to growth as we help the local collegiate chapter with their recruitment, then welcome recent graduates into our alumnae chapter in October. For Founders Day, we look forward to celebrating with the Delta Tau and Alpha collegiate chapters and the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter.

in homes located in underserved, high-risk communities. It is a great way to educate the community, reduce risk, and save lives. We are excited to get together and celebrate Sisterhood for Founders Day.

Edwardsville

Greater Chicago

At our annual barbecue in August, we planned the upcoming year and recognized our 2018 Top Tau, Loretta Cottrell Dreyer. We are headed to the pumpkin patch with family in October, will potluck for brunch on Founders Day, and will gather in December for our annual holiday party and gift exchange.

The Lehigh Valley Alumnae Chapter is in our 35th year! In October, we will gather for a Halloween-themed party and will collect items for a local women's shelter. We will celebrate Founders Day by gathering at a local restaurant. For the holidays, we will continue the tradition of our ornament and cookie exchange. We will once again collect gifts for a local charity.

The Lowell Alumnae Chapter is gearing up for our fall events and finalizing plans at our September meeting. We hope to include families in more of our events, such as apple picking and our annual holiday party. Our vice president, Katie Cook, has coordinated our philanthropy plans, and we look forward to giving back to women in need in the community. For Founders Day, we decided to go out for a yummy brunch to reminisce about our Alpha Sigma Tau memories.

Phoenix/Valley of the Sun

Twenty years ago our alumnae association was founded, and this September we are celebrating in style with a high tea at the Arizona Biltmore in Scottsdale. In October, we will join other volunteer groups and the city fire departments to install free smoke alarms

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Lowell

Erie

The Erie Alumnae Chapter is excited for fall leaves, crisp air, and all things pumpkin! This fall we plan to continue the tradition of a trail ride at a local stable and a visit to the nearby wineries. It’s a great way to connect with Sisters and enjoy the changing colors of the season. We will also continue our tradition of hosting Founders Day and inviting the local collegiate chapters to join us.

Lehigh Valley

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This summer, the Edwardsville alumnae enjoyed an outdoor concert, delicious Italian food at an area restaurant, and painting at Pinot’s Palette. For fall, we are in high gear with our favorite service projects. Serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis in October really kicks off the season of giving for all of us. In November, we sort thousands of canned goods following the Scouting For Food drive. We will celebrate Founders Day with our Beta Eta Sisters on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus. This day brings so much pride to each of us, as we join with our newest Sisters to celebrate being an AΣT. We all look forward to celebrating the holiday season with our Christmas party and food pantry drive in December, followed by a dessert party at a member’s home to reward our hard work. For more information on our events, check out our Facebook page: Alpha Sigma Tau Edwardsville Alumnae.

St. Louis

The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter elected a new board to keep the chapter thriving. Our new president Samantha Schaefer is joined by vice president Autumn Asher BlackDeer, secretary Becca Bohrer, and editor Mollie Propheter. We started off our time as a committee at Boogaloo in Maplewood, Missouri, where we discussed possible get-togethers and how to get more involved with our community. Our goal is to grow our chapter and make other area alumnae feel welcome. More women attended our second meeting, a happy hour at Drunken Fish, where we exchanged ideas on how to include Sisters’ families as well. Events planned include a family picnic and a Sunday brunch, with more to come. We are excited to see everything unfold!

Travel the World with Alpha Sigma Tau! South Shore

The South Shore Alumnae Association started the summer with a cookout attended by alumnae Sisters from four different collegiate chapters. In June, three members enjoyed the first nice weather of the season while raising awareness of heart disease during the American Heart Association Heart Walk. We are excited for our local colleges’ homecoming events in October, after which we will have an alumnae bonding session with some sweet treats and Hocus Pocus!

Experience Barelona's art, architecture, and cuisine. Stroll through the Barrie Gòtic, see the work of architect Antoni Gaudí and artist Pablo Picasso, and don an apron in a Catalonian kitchen and sip cava, Spain’s sparkling wine at a family-owned winery in the countryside.

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Southeastern Louisiana

This fall, the Southeastern Louisiana alumnae are looking forward to football! For the first time in 50 years, the Lions of SLU (home of Phi Chapter) took on the Louisiana State University Tigers. We enjoyed Sisterhood, good food, and football at our “tau”gating event, “Lions, Tigers, and Taus, Oh My!” In October, we will host an event to support our Lions for Homecoming. We will celebrate Founders Day with the members of the Phi Chapter. We always enjoy sharing our Sisterhood with collegiate members. We’ll round off the year at our annual Christmas lunch, where we will collect supplies for local homeless veterans.

This extraordinary 11-day Grand Tour of Europe combines river, rail, lake and mountain travel and features The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Cruise along the most scenic sections of the Rhine River and ride aboard three legendary railways—the Matterhorn’s Gornergrat Bahn, the famous Glacier Express and Lucerne’s Pilatus Railway!

We invite you to join us in a celebration of brother and sisterhood on our 7th Interfraternal Cruise, while exploring astounding glaciers, native traditions, and awe-inspiring scenery on a 10-night cruise along the Alaskan and Canadian Pacific Coast.

Tidewater

In December, the Tidewater Area Alumnae Chapter plans to ride the Norfolk Botanical Garden open-air tram through the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. This will be the first time we have attended this event. We are excited to drink hot cocoa, see the lights, and bond as alumnae. For Founders Day, we have looked into booking a private room at a restaurant for dinner, where we will have celebrate Founders Day and share Alpha Sigma Tau memories.

Get your passport ready and visit travel.alphasigmatau.org for more information.

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EXP RES S YO U R AF F I N I TY TO A LPH A S I G M A TAU

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ANCHORING THOUGHTS

ANCHORING THOUGHTS By Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta Editor, The Anchor

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While this issue focuses on how women achieve financial wellness, the broader message is that like any other aspect of well-being, we don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Financial wellness can be an overwhelming aspect of life for all of us, but industry experts are there to guide us, and Sisters are always there to support us.

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As an insurance professional, I understand much of the mystery surrounding premiums, limits, deductibles, and coverages, but it wasn’t always this way. Before I began this career, I used to view my auto insurance policy as a daunting puzzle, and what I didn’t realize at the time was that I certainly didn’t have to solve it alone. A quick call to my insurance carrier and a few questions later, and I would have been much more comfortable with the coverage I had purchased. Now that I’m well-versed in the insurance arena, by virtue of my career, I am delighted to be that Sister that others lean on to help understand their policies and realize

that insurance should work for you, not against you. It’s a powerful thing when a person knows the coverage they purchased, understands what’s included and excluded, and sees the value in the protection they’re receiving from their policy. However, even though I’m now wellversed in insurance and able to help many Sisters decipher their own insurance policies, some financial aspects of life are admittedly still foreign concepts to me. And perhaps there are concepts that you’re still learning, too. But each time we get in the driver’s seat of our financial wellbeing, we invest in our own peace of mind. And this peace of mind applies to all aspects of financial wellness. By taking care of ourselves, our families, and our futures in a well-planned and informed manner, we’re well on our way to financial success – however each of us chooses to define it. Just remember that you don’t have to make that journey alone.

OFFICER, VOLUNTEER, AND NATIONAL STAFF DIRECTORY NATIONAL COUNCIL

NATIONAL FOUNDATION BOARD

National President Tiffany K. Street, Delta Mu tstreet@alphasigmatau.org

foundationinfo@alphasigmatau.org

National Vice President Amanda Michele Davis, Delta Upsilon adavis@alphasigmatau.org

Vice President Jamie Jones Miller, Psi

National Vice President Dr. Theresa Gallo, Delta Phi tgallo@alphasigmatau.org National Vice President Jenni Kemmery, Delta jkemmery@alphasigmatau.org National Vice President (Collegian) Cassidy Nulty, Alpha Psi cnulty@alphasigmatau.org

President Kristin Haskin, Beta Pi Secretary/Treasurer Rita Bertolino, Phi

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

nominations@alphasigmatau.org Members Tylar Benedetto, Epsilon Mu (collegian); Jen Dodson, Zeta Tau; Tara Foncannon, Epsilon Omicron; Ashley Harris, Zeta Tau; Samantha Karwin, Delta Phi; Allie Mills, Gamma Gamma; and Eva Warren, Epsilon Tau (collegian)

National Vice President Katherine Onyshko, Delta Phi konyshko@alphasigmatau.org

GOVERNING DOCUMENTS COMMITTEE

NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE DELEGATION

Chair Kristina Moron Eaton, Gamma Delta keaton@alphasigmatau.org

NPC Delegate: Jamie Jones Miller, Psi

Members Esther Fontenot Barrios, Phi; Theresa Gallo, Delta Phi; Kayla Herr, Delta Theta (collegian); Katie Perschbacher, Gamma Xi; Rachel Presskreischer, Delta Phi; Arielle Sabot, Delta Phi (collegian)

Delegation Members: Carol Mooney, Alpha Lambda; Joanne Walter, Psi; and Bethany Yost, Beta Delta

PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS 1984-1986 Gail Shockley Fowler, Alpha Lambda

2002-2008 Patricia Klausing Simmons, Delta

Associate Executive Director of Member Services Angie Bong abong@alphasigmatau.org Director of Meetings and Events Rachel Bourgeois Green, Phi rgreen@alphasigmatau.org

VOLUNTEER PERSONNEL

Director of Development Emily Kindred, Beta Delta ekindred@alphasigmatau.org

Master Facilitators Melissa Atkinson, Gamma Mu; Chelsea Belote, Beta; Jen Cohen, Gamma Rho; Steven Crudele*, Pi Kappa Alpha; Danielle Cywka, Beta; Maureen Fillmore*, Gamma Phi Beta; LisaMarie Fredericks, Beta Xi; Jordan Frederking, Upsilon; Sarah Hinshaw, Delta Nu; Brieanna Hodskins*, Pi Beta Phi; Jenn Labbance, Zeta Tau; Zachary Littrell*, Sigma Pi; Shae McLin, Phi; Deb Padgett*, Alpha Gamma Delta; Katie Perschbacher, Gamma Xi; Sarah Polkabla, Gamma Zeta; Benjamin Powell*, Pi Kappa Phi; Kendra Scott, Psi; Hope Swaim, Delta Upsilon; Mary Woodbury, Epsilon Sigma; and Brittani Wyskocil*, Alpha Epsilon Phi

Director of Operations Holly Morris hmorris@alphasigmatau.org

(* denotes friend of Alpha Sigma Tau)

Editor, The Anchor Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta Associate Editor, The Anchor Tara Walker Gross, Zeta Tau Alumnae Editor, The Anchor Beverly Singel Molnar, Delta Collegiate Editors, The Anchor Shanee Frazier, Gamma Rho, Leah Hollingsworth, Delta Upsilon, Kelli Purcell Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Delta Eta Designers Melissa Abriola, Alpha Tau and Elizabeth Dawson, Phi Staff Writers Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon; Darcy Coulter, Epsilon Xi; Cassie Cristea, Gamma Theta; Lindsay McDowall Davis, Gamma Mu; Olivia DeFilippo, Psi; Tori Dixon, Epsilon Gamma; Shanee Frazier, Gamma Rho; Cassie Helmer, Alpha; Leah Hollingsworth, Delta Upsilon; Ashley Hoogstraten, Beta Pi; Lauren Irby, Zeta Tau; Beverly Singel Molnar, Delta; Samantha Rill, Delta Delta; Elizabeth Schilling, Delta Upsilon; Elizabeth Miller Villegas, Delta Rho; Lauren Crawford Welch, Delta Psi

PANHELLENIC SPECIALISTS Panhellenic Specialist Megan MacFeat, Beta Mu mmacfeat@alphasigmatau.org Panhellenic Specialist Erica Richards, Beta Mu erichards@alphasigmatau.org

Director of Finance Pam Myhre, Gamma Theta pmyhre@alphasigmatau.org Director of Marketing Ben Nemenoff bnemenoff@alphasigmatau.org Director of Communications and Engagement Justina Solties, Gamma Theta jsolties@alphasigmatau.org Assistant Director of Chapter Services Brittany Booth bbooth@alphasigmatau.org Assistant Director of Growth and Extension Ashley Smith, Psi aksmith@alphasigmatau.org Growth Specialist Jessa Albert, Delta Upsilon jalbert@alphasigmatau.org Chapter Services Specialist Emily Boockoff, Epsilon Sigma eboockoff@alphasigmatau.org Member Engagement Coordinator Kirsten Heck, Gamma Pi kheck@alphasigmatau.org Chapter Services Coordinator Alex Kennedy akennedy@alphasigmatau.org Communications Specialist Michelle Zewe Markley, Alpha Tau mmarkley@alphasigmatau.org Growth Specialist Sarah Pinkerton, Delta Pi spinkerton@alphasigmatau.org Accounting Assistant Michele Upright mupright@alphasigmatau.org Chapter Services Coordinator Kate Wehby, Gamma Xi kwehby@alphasigmatau.org Administrative Assistant Jessi Zabriskie admin@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Jamie Bider, Delta Upsilon jbider@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Marlene Camacho, Delta Upsilon mcamacho@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Jess Harper, Delta Mu jharper@alphasigmatau.org

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2008-2014 Christina Duggan Covington, Alpha Lambda

T H E AN C H OR

1986-1992 Patricia Nayle, Phi 1996-2002 Martha Drouyor DeCamp, Alpha

HEADQUARTERS STAFF

Chief Executive Officer Jim Paponetti jpaponetti@alphasigmatau.org

Indianapolis, IN Permit 5409

National Headquarters 3334 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268

How can I| T H E AN C H OR

How can I help find Lost Sisters? How can I reconnect our Sisterhood? How can I be the missing link?

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Thanks for keeping in touch with Alpha Sigma Tau! We'd love your help in ďŹ nding some of the nearly 32,000 Sisters who may not be hearing from us because we're missing valid contact information like:

mailing address

phone number

email address

Do you know a Lost Sister? Find out at

alphasigmatau.org/lost

Search by chapter and if you see a Lost Sister that you know, suggest contact information be added to her member record. It's quick and easy! Questions? Email communications@alphasigmatau.org

The Anchor: Fall 2018

Articles inside

Saving for your Golden Years and Intelligent Investing

My Journey Overcoming the Treat Yo'Self Culture and Becoming Debt-Free

19 Tips for Landing Your First Job

Modern Financial Decision Making and Rethinking Money

Creating a Legacy