Anchor
The
of
Alpha Sigma Tau Vol. 87 No. 3 Fall 2014
The Impact of AST on Life After College
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 Alpha Sigma Tau volunteers, donors, and dues-paying alumnae members. Each issue of THE ANCHOR is digitally available and accessible to everyone online at www.alphasigmatau.org.
How to Update Your Name and Address You may call (317) 613-7575, visit www.alphasigmatau.org, or e-mail us at headquarters@alphasigmatau.org. If you prefer to submit your information via US mail, please complete the form on the National Website and mail it to: Alpha Sigma Tau National Headquarters, 3334 Founders Road; Indianapolis, IN 46268.
How to Contact THE ANCHOR anchor@alphasigmatau.org www.alphasigmatau.org
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 anchor@alphasigmatau.org; regular mail 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: Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi Alumnae Editor: Beverly Singel Molnar, Delta Collegiate Editors: Shanee Frazier, Gamma Rho; Leah Hollingsworth, Delta Upsilon; Kelli Purcell O'Brien, Delta Eta Design Editor: Michelle Zewe, Alpha Tau Photo Editor: Melanie Martin, Delta Eta
Dear Sisters, Summer has passed and fall has begun. Fall means the beautiful colors of autumn leaves, cooler temperatures, and collegiate women all over the country returning to their campuses to immerse themselves in the next stage of their educational path and college experiences. These are such exciting times for our collegians and also for our alumnae as we share in their journey. As members of Alpha Sigma Tau, we credit our sorority affiliation with providing us the growth opportunities needed to develop our full potential as a student, a leader, and most importantly as a woman. This past year, Alpha Sigma Tau had the opportunity through our membership in the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) to partner with Gallup and the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) to participate in the Gallup-Purdue Index. The Index is a comprehensive, nationally representative study of more than 30,000 U.S. college graduates with internet access. This yearlong study included an effort to understand the relationship between membership in sororities and fraternities and graduates’ overall well-being. As a member of a fraternal organization, the results of this study will not be surprising to you. The major benefits of the study’s results are that we can further validate the benefits of fraternal membership and change the negative perceptions to the greater public. In this issue of THE ANCHOR, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the results of the study and hear directly from sisters who attribute their success in the workplace to their membership in Alpha Sigma Tau. I am thankful for my membership in Alpha Sigma Tau, as I am confident that it has helped to contribute to my overall well-being as a woman, strengthened by commitment to the progress of mankind, formed lifelong networks among women, and developed my potential as a leader.
On the Cover: Photo Credit: SP-Photo/shutterstock.com
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In Sisterhood,
Tiffany K. Street National President Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority
In This Issue EPSILON EPSILON
4
Now Trending
5
Capturing the Experience
6
Business Experience Can Reflect Your ΑΣΤ Experience
8
Gallup Poll Results: Sorority Membership and Your Well-Being
10 Skills Transposed from Sorority to Career 12 Defying Gravity 15 115th Founders Day Challenge 19 National Panhellenic Conference EPSILON PI
21 Crowning Achievements 22 Alumnae 25 Collegians 30 Anchoring Thoughts
EPSILON ZETA
Read past issues of THE ANCHOR online at www.alphasigmatau.org.
ALPHA LAMBDA
Connect with Alpha Sigma Tau! facebook.com/alphasigmatausorority
linkedin.com Group: Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority
@AlphaSigmaTau
@alphasigmatau
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alphasigmatau.tumblr.com fall 2014
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NOW TRENDING
#alphasigmatau
Annabel
Alecia Brown
Nothing like spending my Sunday volunteering with my favorite sistaus #alphasigmatau #ast #ASTATL
so happy to have found my home️ #ΑΣΤ #AlphaSigmaTau
@Annabelc_
@aleeccia
12:32 PM - 12 Oct 2014
5:26 PM - 31 Aug 2014
Brittany Bekeske @BBekeske
Couldn't be any happier with my decision. #AlphaSigmaTau 4:58 PM - 24 Aug 2014
Hope
@hopelovewish
When you're having a pretty bad day and your sisters make it 100x better. #ILoveYouGuys #AlphaSigmaTau 12:20 PM - 2 Oct 2014
Britt
Angelina Marie
@warrickbrittany
@xo_angelinaaaaa
The fact that I have ΑΣΤ sisters all around the country blows my mind. I wish I could meet all of them #alphasigmatau
So happy to say that I can finally call Alpha Sigma Tau my home! #anchoredforlife #ΑΣΤ
1:18 PM - 14 Jun 2014
3:52 PM - 28 Sep 2014
Mummy Melissa @Mel_Carmack
ΑΣΤ gave me these 2 amazing ladies in my life and I couldn't be more thankful #anchoredforlife…
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@KenziAshlyn
love the fact that when I introduce new friends I get to call them my sisters! #AlphaSigmaTau 8:43 PM - 9 Sep 2014
4:51 AM - 9 Sep 2014
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Kenzi Ashlyn
#AST
#Taus
#AlphaSigmaTau
#TLAM
#TauLove
#ASTFoundersDay
#anchoredforlife
#ASTJAX
Capturing the Experience How one alumna’s leadership roles in ΑΣΤ helped her discover her true passion and opened doors to a successful career. By Tori Dixon, Epsilon Gamma, Staff Writer
Emily Jessee Estes, Second from Left
E
mily Jessee Estes, an alumna of the Psi Chapter at James Madison University, is truly living the dream. A newlywed in Midlothian, Virginia, Emily is enjoying married life while spending her free time pursuing her deep passion for health in the gym and kitchen, constantly experimenting with fresh recipes. Several years out of college, she is “just as close, if not closer,” to the women from her chapter, many of whom served as bridesmaids and maids of honor for one other. Emily was also lucky enough to discover her passion for recruitment early on as a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, which led her to become an Educational Consultant and eventually a campus recruiter. As President of a 120-member chapter during her junior year, Emily learned what it meant to recruit and to fill the role of a leader. After a successful term, in which Emily tripled the chapter’s community service hours and built strong national ties, she set her sights even higher. “I loved the impact I was able to have on my chapter, and after speaking with several leaders in the National Organization, I knew I wanted to continue working with ΑΣΤ by becoming an Educational Consultant following graduation,” she said. Working as an Educational Consultant (EC) opened many doors for Emily and provided valuable experiences; she learned to work and communicate with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, further honed her speaking and recruitment skills while teaching chapters how to better their own, and ultimately came to the conclusion that she had found her passion and wanted to pursue recruitment as a career.
Emily Jessee Estes, Far Left, Front Row
Emily is now working as a campus recruiter for a global packaging company, acting as the intermediary between hiring managers and students seeking positions as interns or co-ops. She screens applicants, makes job offers, and coordinates with potential employees across the company. Her experience as an Educational Consultant paved the road for her success in this position. “As an EC, I served as a liaison between the National Organization, the collegians, and the colleges [and] universities. Now I am a liaison between the world headquarters, the student candidates, and the different locations in which we are hiring. In both positions I am learning to communicate with individuals I may have never met in person and to make sure to prioritize competing tasks,” she says. The parallels are endless. Emily also pointed out that sorority women who are starting a career after graduation are especially lucky to have had experience in business meetings, presenting themselves, and dressing appropriately for a business casual environment. Emily is a shining example of why we are all so lucky to be involved in this exceptional organization. We are provided experiences, opportunities, and relationships that shape the pathways in our lives which lead us to happiness, passion, and deep fulfillment. Emily said, “Make the most of your experience with ΑΣΤ and take advantage of the resources and opportunities that being a member of a national sorority has to offer. If the opportunity presents itself to take on a leadership role, take it – it will teach you a lot and open doors.”
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Business Experience Can Reflect Your AST Experience
By Anita McCormick Pugh, Alpha Lambda Co-author, A Pathway to Profit
W
hat if everyone in your career cared about you, supported you, and communicated honestly with you to help you grow, just like your Alpha Sigma Tau sisters did while you were in college? What if you could go to your manager for help in the same way you could go to your Chapter Advisory Board members? Could that work-life environment exist? Some colleagues and I think it can.
Left to right: Anita McCormick Pugh, Dixon Bartlett, Chris Matthies, and Caroline Hipple
“
What if you could go to your manager for help in the same way you could go to your Chapter Advisory Board members?
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Many years after leaving school and sorority, I happened upon a quirky little company with an unusual owner. I was hired to fill in for two weeks and stayed 21 years! Everyone there worked hard, not just on company goals, but on individual aspirations as well. The company owner knew that if we succeeded in what we wanted, he would succeed in what he wanted. He made us feel important. We made him successful. During the years I was there, several colleagues and I had multiple conversations focusing on why the culture inspired so many, and we identified the ingredients that made it work. We always found ourselves saying, "We should write a book!" There was just no time. When that company ended, one of my colleagues landed the position of President of another organization, this time at a company well below the profit waterline. She determined that the way to profitability lay on the pathway of the culture that we had managed for over 20 years. She asked me to help her rebuild an environment that would engage the entire company population in its own success. My job was to show the leaders how to gain the cooperation of people in their departments by developing their skills and productivity. We started by including every employee in determining what that culture would look like—developing the mission, vision, and values. The result of these conversations was not unexpected. Although we hadn’t described the exact culture we had known to be so successful, invariably the responses came back showing that the people in our company had listed the same thoughts about the working environment that we envisioned. We were not surprised to find that the managers agreed on the guidance necessary to live the ideals, prompting us to work on how to practice those ideals every day and in every situation.
As managers, they first learned about themselves. Then they were ready to learn about the people they managed, essentially acting as “owners” of their company. We proved that leaders who select their teams based on talent and ability, guide them in developing their own best standards, and include them in the process, will be working with engaged people. Their teams will achieve individual success and play their parts in the organization’s success. We dubbed this environment the “Culture of Caring.” Lest you think that this is a hold-hands-and-sing-Kumbaya fest, let me assure you that this is not the case. In this management philosophy, a manager must care enough to work through rough spots and not just discard employees or their ideas. And the people on the teams must care enough to accomplish the goals expected. The focus is on results; the difference is that it is a mutual effort. In this culture, the “Boss” title goes away. Actually, not many of us like to be bossed around. Instead, if managers include us, give us responsibility, help us to work on our own goals while we work on company goals, and show us how our achievements become greater through cooperation, we will willingly participate because we own the goals of the company. Not only did this company become profitable, but many employees have said that it is the best place they have ever worked. People want to "own" where they work, and when they reach their own goals while also accomplishing company goals, something magical happens. Having transformed an underperforming company, the four of us who had learned the management philosophy in one company and implemented it in another finally decided it was time to write that book. Putting our thoughts together, we wrote A Pathway to Profit, a behind the scenes look at how to develop a culture linking people and profit, and a step-by-step guide to transforming an organization, whether it is a for-profit or a non-profit. When you find or create this environment, you have friends at work; you have a manager who cares and supports you. The better you work together, the more you accomplish. And you have fun. That first president who taught us so much believed that if you aren’t having fun at work you should be doing something else.
chose to join. That works in business as well. Ask questions. I’ve been asked what to do if you are a part of a large company that does not practice this management style. Do you buck the system? Between my jobs at these two companies whose culture I could influence, I worked for a large organization where my position did not give me that impact. Knowing that I would not change the company in a meaningful way, I decided to test the ideas of the yet-to-be-written book with the people whose lives I touched. My influence made a difference because, although these managers were very proficient in a technical environment, they had not learned about leading teams. I was soon sent to help departments that struggled because they were not working together. The principles explained in our book work in any organization, large or small. Of course the ideal is to have support from the top of the organization, but don’t let a lack of support stop you. Make a difference in your own realm. One of my favorite comments about our book came from an editor: “Sharing actual experiences to illustrate each step, the authors take their own advice and offer wisdom that seems to come from an old friend.” You could also read that as “. . . from an old sorority sister.”
Three questions Anita leaves for your consideration:
• Does this management philosophy sound like your sorority experience?
• Can you make it happen for you in your career?
• In addition to location, job responsibilities, compensation, and benefits, will you search for the culture where you want to work?
Maybe it sounds too good to be true, but having lived the “Culture of Caring” in two different companies, I know it can work in other organizations. Perhaps you are wondering where you find these organizations. I suggest that you ask yourself why you chose Alpha Sigma Tau over other sororities. II'm willing to bet that you did some research and talked to current sisters, discovering why they joined, why they like being part of a sorority, and what they found to be special about the one they fall 2014
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Gallup Poll Results: Sorority Membership and Your Well-Being By Brandon Busteed, Executive Director of Gallup Education Reprinted with permission from the National Panhellenic Conference
The Impact of AST on Life After College A recent survey released by Gallup finds that college graduates who belong to fraternities or sororities fare better than other graduates in a variety of long-term outcomes.
G
allup partnered with the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference to conduct the research as part of the Gallup-Purdue Index. The Gallup-Purdue Index, a survey of more than 30,000 college graduates conducted earlier this year, was designed to better measure the relationship between the college experience and critical lifetime outcomes. Based on Gallup-Purdue Index results, 16 percent of all college graduates are fraternity or sorority members. According to Gallup’s research, these graduates are significantly more likely to be engaged at work. While 38 percent of graduates overall are engaged at work, 43 percent of graduates who are members of fraternities or sororities are engaged. Engaged workers have found more than satisfaction in their careers. According to Gallup, these graduates are intellectually and emotionally connected with their organizations and work teams because
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they are able to do what they do best, they like what they do at work, and they have someone who cares about their development at work. In a related finding, college graduates who are members of fraternities and sororities are more likely to be deeply interested in their work, with 46 percent strongly agreeing with that statement. Not only are fraternity and sorority members faring better in their careers, they are more likely to be thriving in other facets of life that affect well-being. Gallup found the biggest gap between fraternity and sorority members and other graduates was in the area of community well-being. While 52 percent of the former are engaged in the areas where they live and have pride in their communities, only 46 percent of the latter are thriving in community well-being. In addition, more fraternity and sorority members are thriving in purpose, social, physical and financial well-being.
16%
of all college graduates are fraternity and sorority members
Not only are fraternity and sorority members faring better in their careers, they are more likely to be
THRIVING in other facets of life that affect
Gallup research demonstrates that college experiences can correlate with success later in life. The Gallup-Purdue Index asked about many types of college activities. Not surprisingly, graduates who belong to fraternities or sororities were much more likely to have been extremely active in extracurricular activities and organizations (39 percent vs. 16 percent), more likely to have participated in student clubs (73 percent vs. 53 percent) and more likely to have participated in intramural sports (50 percent vs. 25 percent). Perhaps less predictably, more fraternity and sorority members than other graduates (16 percent vs. 13 percent) strongly agree that they had professors who cared about them as people; they made them excited about learning and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. The relative strength in these areas is likely one reason that significantly more fraternity and sorority alumni (37 percent) strongly agree that their college/university prepared them for life after college than other graduates (27 percent). Finally, Gallup compared fraternity and sorority alumni from different regions of the country and found that those from the south had the highest level of attachment to their alma maters. The findings of this study have been reported in many news outlets including the Wall Street Journal. For a full copy of the report, please visit gallup.com.
their well-being.
Thriving in Elements of Well-Being College graduates who are members of fraternities and sororities are
MORE LIKELY to be deeply interested in their work.
MEMBER
NON-MEMBER
59%
Purpose
54%
54% 46%
Social Financial
48% 42%
52%
Community
46%
37% 43%
Physical
34% 38%
37%
Enthusiastic About Work Institution Prepared Them for Life After College
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Skills Transposed from Sorority to Career By Samantha Rill, Delta Delta, Staff Writer
T
he Alpha Sigma Tau experience will last us beyond our college years, yet there is also an uncertainty among newly graduated and soon-to-be graduated sisters about how to promote the Sorority experience to potential employers. Like many successful ΑΣΤ alumnae, Sarah DiDavide, Delta Delta, has benefitted from all that Alpha Sigma Tau has to offer, from her current career as the Guest Experience Manager for a small corporate housing business in Chicago, to a member of the Board of Trustees for a national non-profit organization. She is the Delta Delta Chapter’s Recruitment Advisor, a wife, a mother, and a woman who strives to contribute her share to the progress of mankind. Sarah has been a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau for nearly 15 years and credits the Sorority for her success in her career and her time as a board member for the Narcolepsy Network. “It helped me connect with my current employer since my first job before I graduated was as a nanny. My parents were alumni of other Greek organizations and knew I would be able to balance school and work. When I was ready to move to a different field post-graduation, the family hired me at their company and here I am 13 years later.” Sarah also explains that her time in the Sorority exposed her to many diverse personalities and people, which has helped her as Guest Experience Manager for the corporate housing company. “I met and worked with so many different types of people – my sisters, their families.” Her experience as a collegiate member also helped her in the Board meetings for the Narcolepsy Network, for which she currently holds two chair positions; she was able to keep the meetings more efficient and productive. “We would spend hours on the phone each month in discussion, no one was keeping track of what they had completed in their position, and there was no formal way of passing information on to the next chairperson when positions turned over. Due to my experience with Alpha Sigma Tau, I was able to make suggestions that I knew would help our Board run more efficiently.”
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The best advice Sarah gives to job-seeking sisters is to highlight their Alpha Sigma Tau experience on their resume, especially for the sisters who held positions within their chapters or their College Panhellenic Associations. “List all the positions and make sure you really talk about what you did in that position. If you think about it, the chapter is a business that you are running every day. You have a budget that you must work with and re-evaluate each year. You recruit new members that you think will be a great addition to your sisterhood. You manage events and create an experience. Also, reach out to alumnae. Ask them if they are hiring at their companies, will look over your resume, or even help with mock interviews. “My time as an Alpha Sigma Tau collegian gave me confidence. I knew that I could accomplish so much, and that with hard work and great people working with me, anything is possible.”
“
If you think about it, the chapter is a business that you are running every day.
”
How to Convey Alpha Sigma Tau Involvement on Your Resume 1. Be specific about what you accomplished. As Vice President of Growth, did you lead the effort in doubling your chapter’s size? As a member of the Philanthropy Committee, were you a leader in increasing your sisters’ individual philanthropic and service participation? Use numbers and percentages to indicate specific accomplishments, the size of the committee you chaired, etc.
2. Convey your ongoing membership. Your membership in Alpha Sigma Tau doesn’t end at graduation, so why should it have an end-date on your resume? Use “Alpha Sigma Tau – September 2012-present” when listing your membership. Conveying that your membership is ongoing demonstrates to potential employers that you’re committed.
3. Relate your accomplishments to the job you’re seeking. If you’re applying for a position in sales, outline your recruitment experience. If you’re applying for a marketing position, place emphasis on your involvement with the chapter’s social media plan and image on campus. Tie your experiences into the job or industry you’re pursuing; this may mean personalizing your resume for each application.
4. Use broad and relatable terminology. Sometimes the terminology we use as sorority members can be overwhelming for those who have limited experience with sororities. Use terminology that appeals to a broader, professional audience. For example, use “members” instead of “sisters.” Concisely explain what Officer Academy is, the purpose of Tau Honor Council, or criteria for being awarded Top Tau.
5. Include the soft skills that you learned and used. According to an April 2014 study by CareerBuilder, 77 percent of employers believe soft skills are just as important as hard skills. Soft skills relate to an employee’s people skills, whereas hard skills relate to learned processes to perform a specific job function, like computer programming. Examples of soft skills include: being dependable, possessing a strong work ethic, having a positive attitude, being team-oriented, balancing multiple tasks, communicating effectively, working well under pressure, remaining flexible, and possessing confidence. Since sorority involvement exercises these highly-desired skills, be sure to feature these qualities on your resume. When you’re communicating with potential employers, be prepared to provide specific examples of how you exhibited these characteristics.
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DEFYING GRAVITY By Shanee Frazier, Collegiate Editor and Staff Writer
Lindsay McDowell, Gamma Mu, shares her story of overcoming the barriers that accompany women in STEM fields.
L
indsay McDowall, a fifth-year senior and member of the Gamma Mu Chapter at West Virginia University’s Institute of Technology, is no stranger to the glass ceiling that often exists in male-dominated fields. But Lindsay, who is majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in chemistry with a focus on professional writing, has set her sights far beyond any ceiling and upwards into space—outer space to be exact. Lindsay had the unique opportunity during the summer of 2014 to take part in an internship program at National Aeronautics and Space Administration, more commonly
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known as NASA. While interning with this prestigious governmental agency, Lindsay was given multiple opportunities to showcase her skills, intelligence, and leadership qualities. However, many obstacles littered her path to making her mark in a field that she has dreamed of studying since she was a little girl. “I was surprised by the attitudes of the people that I encountered while interning,” Lindsay said. “There are roughly 6,000 employees in the (Lyndon B.) Johnson Space Center and they are mostly male. Even in the Habitation Center where there are more women, we have to fight to be taken seriously.”
Lindsay expressed surprise at the antiquated attitudes and behaviors that she contended with on a daily basis, especially considering the caliber of women who are making their mark at NASA. Nonetheless, she persevered with her dream of working on various research projects and endeavors in the field of engineering. She is aware that there are still many men who don't believe that women are capable of being engineers, but Lindsay stands firm on the idea that she is just as competent as her male counterparts, and says that the negative reactions only serve to strengthen her resolve to succeed in the field. “Many people don’t realize that most of the hand calculations used for the space projects are done by women because the males are the astronauts that get selected for missions and receive the majority of the press,” Lindsay said. Lindsay was met with genuine ignorance on some occasions, and blatant disrespect at others, all of which she took in stride. She noted that because of the business casual attire of blouses and skirts that she wore to her internship, she and the other women in the office were frequently mistaken for secretaries. Even when corrected, some of the men refused to take her presence or her research seriously. “I think women in engineering have it hard,” Lindsay continued. “People think that we are secretaries before they think we are engineers and then they assume that we have had a very light coursework to get to where we are.” Lindsay is not content to only prove that she is capable of doing the work required in this demanding field; she wants other young women to know that they have the potential to do it too. In partnership with the Girl Scouts of America, of which she is an active member, Lindsay does outreach at local high schools to encourage more females to study STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Lindsay is also quick to credit Alpha Sigma Tau in helping her find her educational path, and also for encouraging her to stay on track. She credits her Chapter Advisor Melissa Hatfield Atkinson for providing insight into the branch of engineering she eventually chose: chemical engineering. “I always knew I wanted to be an engineer,” she said. “My father is an engineer and I started out as a mechanical engineering major like he is, but after talking to my advisor and hearing about the work she did, I knew that chemical engineering was right for me.” Lindsay also praised her advisor for being a role model, both in the sorority and as a person. Melissa, along with other local alumnae in the field of chemical engineering, embraced Lindsay and was very supportive of her career goals, always willing to give valuable information. Lindsay acknowledged that her leadership roles within the sorority helped prepare her for the challenges she faced both in her field of study and in everyday life.
“I’ve held the positions of President, Collegiate-Alumnae Director, and Secretary, and one of the biggest lessons ΑΣΤ taught me was time management,” Lindsay said. “Besides that, I have learned how to work on a team. And our core values, especially graciousness and respect, have taught me that even if you don’t agree with someone, you can still respect them and work with them.” The leadership positions she held may have helped her find her voice, but Lindsay knows that it's her sisters who have made sure that she uses it. “Having supportive sisters is priceless,” said Lindsay. “They have always encouraged my dreams and have never told me that I couldn’t achieve them.”
{
Quick Women in STEM Fact: Women fill close to half of all jobs in the U.S. economy, but they hold less than 25% of STEM jobs. (source: American Association of University Women)
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ALPHA SIGMA TAU NATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC.
ALPHA SIGMA TAU 115TH FOUNDERS DAY RECOGNITION As we gather this November to celebrate our 115th Founders Day, we wanted to take the opportunity to speak with a donor who continues to inspire and challenge us to live in our vow to Alpha Sigma Tau every day. It is our pleasure to present this interview here.
F
oundation President Kris Haskin (KH) had the pleasure to speak with Michele (Shel) Hujarski Golob, PharmD, RPh, Delta Alpha (SG). Shel is the Northeast Ohio Regional Pharmacy Supervisor/MTM Clinical Specialist for Discount Drug Mart. Shel is a long-time donor to the Foundation, donating over $16,000 in the last 10 years. KH: What was it in your collegiate experience that made you stay involved with AST past graduation? SG: Mary Ellen Willmitch! She was my District President and the amount of enthusiasm, dedication, and love she had for the organization inspired me to want to do something after I graduated. When I started at Duquesne, I became their Assistant Chapter Advisor and loved working with the collegiate women! When the opportunity came to be a District President and then serve on the National Council, I was overjoyed to be able to serve the organization in these capacities! * Mary Ellen Willmitch, Alpha Rho, has served in a variety of positions for the Sorority including positions on the National Council, National Staff, and the Board of Trustees. She is also one of the “Sustainers” recognized at the 33rd National Convention in 2000. KH: What was it about your collegiate experience that made you want to support the Foundation? SG: Two Things: 1. It was part of my promise to the Organization upon Initiation. At first I only gave what I could, and as I was able to give more, I did. 2. I graduated with student loans and understand the stress
and burden it can be on someone just graduating and starting their life after college. I figured any help I could give to a fellow sister would be worth it. My little sister in the sorority was not able to finish college due to finances, so that was a sad moment for me and I wanted to be able to help others who were in the same situation. All too often we hear of people not being able to finish college due to finances, but an education is priceless because it can give you so many opportunities in the future! KH: Why was it important for you to create a scholarship*? SG: Similar to the last part of the previous question. I was at Convention and they were talking about the scholarship winners and what they were doing. Melinda** happened to be sitting behind me, and I turned to her and asked her, “How do I do that? I want to do that! I want to be able to help one of our members continue on with their education.” I was a District President at the time and saw too many good members leave school due to finances. * The scholarship referred to here is the Michele Golob Scholarship available to a graduate student who is in the final year of an ACPE recognized Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. ** Melinda Henry Oates, Gamma Gamma, has served in a variety of positions for the Sorority including positions on the National Council, National Staff, and the National Foundation. KH: Why did you call on others with a Match Challenge at the 40th National Convention in 2014? SG: I was not able to attend Convention and just wanted to do something to help our membership. I enjoy interacting with fall 2014
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our members and friends during Convention, so I thought that since I couldn’t be there, I want to do something that would hopefully make a difference. I was overwhelmed with excitement when I heard about all the first time donors! After serving on the National Council and seeing what an impact the Foundation donations have on our members, I wanted to see that continue. We have made amazing strides in the past five years with what we provide to our members. I don't want to see that end; I would love to see it grow each year! KH: What advice do you want to pass on to collegians – particularly juniors and seniors – about ΑΣΤ for life? And support of the Foundation? SG: ΑΣΤ is for life! I have made wonderful friends and met sisters I would never have met if I only limited myself to the short time I was in college. It has helped me succeed in my career and to become a better person. Supporting the Foundation is a great way to keep our Organization going. It doesn't take much to support either – give whatever you can! Think of what you had, or maybe didn't have, as a collegiate member. Don't you want that, and more, for those sisters to come?!
We hope that you enjoyed learning more about Shel and why support to the Foundation is important! With this in mind, we call on all members and friends to take part in our year-end campaign – the 115th Founders Day Challenge – to celebrate ΑΣΤ’s first 115 years! As Shel said, “It doesn't take much to support either – give whatever you can!” WE CHALLENGE – collegians and alumnae students to give $15 and alumnae and friends of the Foundation to give $115 or to create a recurring donation of $15 per month. All donations to this campaign will benefit the Annual Fund. We encourage everyone to donate during this 115 year anniversary fundraising campaign. Our goal is 115 new donors to the Annual Fund! All Annual Fund contributions fund educational programs that deeply impact members’ lives at the local level. These funds are made available to the Sorority through educational grants – YOU will have an impact on our Sisterhood immediately. You can donate in two simple ways:
Michele (Shel) Hujarski Golob, Left Photo credit: Discount Drug Mart
Connect with us! Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation
1. Online (through PayPal) http://alphasigmatau.org/foundation/founders- day-challenge/
2. Print/Mail a 115th Founders Day Challenge donation form, available at http:// alphasigmatau.org/foundation/founders- day-challenge/
Thank you for your support – we could not provide educational grants or scholarships without donors like you. We are excited to announce that 100% of the National Council and National Foundation Board members fulfilled this challenge by October 15! We challenge you to join us! Thank you for your support – and Happy 115th Founders Day!
@ASTFoundation #ASTNF2014 16
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Yes, I want to participate in the 115th Founders Day Challenge Enclosed is my check for:
☐ $15
☐ $115
☐ Other
Please return this form to: Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation 3334 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 Or you may log online at www.alphasigmatau.org/foundation/founders-day-challenge. Please help us keep you informed with the latest Sorority and Foundation news by updating your contact information below. First Name Middle Name Maiden Name Last Name Address City State Zip Code School Chapter Graduation Year Birthdate Preferred Phone Preferred Email The Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation, Inc. is approved as a tax exempt organization as defined by the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). A receipt will be sent to you after your donation or pledge has been received for tax purposes.
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TOGETHER, WE HELP EACH OTHER DO MORE. Nationwide® is proud to partner with Alpha Sigma Tau. You wouldn’t be involved with Alpha Sigma Tau if you weren’t passionate about being part of a group that shares your values, but that’s not the only reason you’re proud of being a member of Alpha Sigma Tau. Alpha Sigma Tau also believes in the importance of philanthropy and in playing an active role in your community. Nationwide shares these values, too, and that’s why our partnership works.
To learn more about what our partnership can do for you, call 1-317-613-7575 or visit alphasigmatau.org.
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National Panhellenic Conference The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the premier advocacy and support organization for the advancement of the sorority experience. Each of the 26 member organizations has an NPC Delegation of four alumnae members.
T
he National Panhellenic Conference (www.npcwomen.org) provides support and guidance for its 26 member inter/national sororities/women’s fraternities and serves as the national voice on contemporary issues of sorority life. Founded in 1902, NPC is one of the oldest and largest women’s membership organizations representing more than four million women at 655 college/university campuses and 4,500 local alumnae chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Each year, NPC-affiliated collegians and alumnae donate more than $5 million to worthy causes, provide $2.8 million in scholarships to women, and volunteer 500,000 hours in their communities, according to NPC. Alpha Sigma Tau’s National Panhellenic Conference Delegation members serve as the delegate and alternate delegates who represent Alpha Sigma Tau, serving as liaisons on the NPC Board of Directors. Some of their responsibilities include:
. Attending the annual NPC Meeting . Working with colleges/universities in their assigned areas . Working with designated ΑΣΤ chapters in their assigned areas . Serving as a liaison between the ΑΣΤ National Council and the NPC Delegation . Keeping current on their assigned colleges’/universities’ Panhellenic news . Holding membership on various task forces, committees, and groups for Panhellenic development
Beth Knaus McOsker, Alpha Lambda NPC Delegate Beth is a graduate of Radford University and is a member of the Tidewater Area Alumnae Chapter. She has held several positions in the alumnae chapter, including Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President. She has also held the positions of Recording Secretary, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, and President of the Tidewater Alumnae Panhellenic. “It is always rewarding to work with the women of Alpha Sigma Tau and the other 25 NPC member groups. Working as the NPC Delegate provides a sorority experience unlike any other,” said Beth. “If you want to get an understanding of what the National Panhellenic Conference does on the collegiate level, get
involved in the College Panhellenic through your collegiate chapter. Upon graduation, join your local alumnae chapter, and through them, you can get involved with the Alumnae Panhellenic Association. You never know where it may lead you!” Beth is particularly excited to attend the upcoming NPC Meeting in St. Louis and to work with the members of other NPC groups’ delegations. Beth reminds us that we joined a sorority with the understanding that it is a life-long commitment. She said, “I joined ΑΣΤ at the end of my junior year, so my collegiate experience was only one year of my journey; I’ve been a member of my alumnae chapter for 33 years. I would not change my experience for anything.” Carol is a graduate of Radford University and a member of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter. She has been the Chapter Consultant for Psi Chapter, has served on the awards and nominations committee, and has been a long-time member and officer of both the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter (where she's held President and Alumnae Panhellenic Delegate) and the Northern Virginia Alumnae Panhellenic Association (she’s held every office and committee chair position).
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Carol Zorger Mooney, Alpha Lambda 1st Alternate Delegate Carol particularly remembers the night of her Initiation into Alpha Sigma Tau, the beginning of what she calls a journey. “The personal development opportunities afforded to me over the years helped me to become a supportive military wife, a mother, a teacher, a leader, and a better woman. Had I not taken those Initiation vows on that February evening, I would not be the woman I am today,” says Carol. Carol urges sisters to get involved in the chapter and Panhellenic, and to stay involved after graduation as much as time will allow. “Often when women get married and have a family, they give up activities that they enjoy. Find the balance; do not give up that which has contributed to you being the woman you are today. Lower the time commitment as necessary but do not give it up completely. By giving up things that are close to your heart, you are giving up a piece of who you are,” she says. Carol’s daughters learned this by example. Both are graduates of James Madison University; one is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and the other is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, and they each balance sorority involvement with their growing family.
Jamie Jones Miller, Psi 2nd Alternate Delegate Jamie is a graduate of James Madison University and a member of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter. She started her post-graduation involvement with Alpha Sigma Tau as an Educational Consultant and after a year, joined the NPC Delegation. In 2007, she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the National Council as the Director of Alumnae until she was elected as a National Vice President. Jamie served on the Psi Chapter Advisory Board for 14 years and recently transitioned to a new role as National Vice President of the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation. 20
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Jamie particularly enjoys the annual North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)/National Panhellenic Conference Congressional Visits, or "Greek Day on the Hill.” Inter/national fraternity and sorority board members, staff, and collegiate leaders come to Washington, D.C. and visit their elected officials on Capitol Hill to advocate for the Greek experience. She said, “Since I work on Capitol Hill, this is one day each year when my professional and volunteer worlds collide and I see my ΑΣΤ sisters, as well as my NPC and NIC friends in my work environment.” “Membership in Alpha Sigma Tau is for life; not just for our undergraduate years,” Jamie continues. “NPC provides opportunities for alumnae to volunteer to advance the Panhellenic experience around the world. Our friends in NPC groups have similar, but unique, aims, values, and purposes. When we work together, we can achieve great things on behalf of our members and can ensure that the sorority experience is available and valuable for future generations of women.”
Joanne Rupprecht Walter, Psi 3rd Alternate Delegate Joanne is a graduate of James Madison University and is a member of the Stars and Stripes Virtual Alumnae Chapter. She was on the National Nominations Committee from 2006-2010 and has been on the NPC Delegation since 2010. When asked why more women should be involved with NPC, Joanne said, “Who doesn't want more sisters!? Being a member of Alpha Sigma Tau provides all of us with an opportunity to gain more sisters through Panhellenic involvement. Regardless of their specific affiliation, the women of the other 25 NPC member organizations strive to better their communities, honor their rituals, and live their organizations' values on a daily basis. I also encourage all alumnae to get involved in their local Alumnae Panhellenic Association.” (Find your local chapter at npcwomen.org) Joanne reminds us: “From recruitment to social events, value yourself and our organization enough to live in the joy and happiness, while standing up for what is right and just.”
Crowning Achievements Lauren Warren
Lauren Bendes Warren, Beta Xi, was recently awarded her Professional Traffic Operations Engineering License by the Transportation Professional Certification Board Inc. Receiving the certification required passing a 6-hour exam with 150 questions and previously two 8-hour exams to become a Professional Engineer.
Elaine Lindenblatt
Elaine Freed Lindenblatt, Alpha Iota, published “Stop at the Red Apple,” which tells the tale of the Red Apple Rest, a legendary restaurant open from the 1930s through the 1980s located halfway between New York City and the Catskill Mountains. The Red Apple Rest was patronized by many families and famous faces. “Stop at the Red Apple” is available via SUNY Press and amazon.com.
Andrea LaRay Rollins and Jaclyn Whittaker Andrea LaRay Rollins, Omicron, published “Asylum,” a fictional horror novel. For the artwork on the book’s cover, she solicited the creative talent from a chapter sister and triple-art-major Jaclyn Whittaker. The book is available at amazon.com in digital and paperback formats.
Cameron Griggs-Posey and Parker Roberts
Cameron Griggs-Posey and Parker Roberts, collegians of the Delta Eta Chapter, worked the Red Carpet by escorting artists to interviews at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science’s 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2014. The opportunity was offered through Belmont University’s study away program in Los Angeles.
Megan Swanson
Megan Swanson, Delta Eta, competed as a 2014 National Contestant in the Miss America Pageant. Megan, who represented her home state of Nebraska, is a proud promoter of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math) for women in the workforce and is an advocate for total body wellness – spirit, soul, and body.
Send information about your (or a sister's!) notable accomplishments to anchor@alphasigmatau.org with the subject "Crowning Achievements"!
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ALUMNAE Chapter officer email addresses are listed as they are on file with Headquarters. Chapter Editors are generally responsible for providing the following updates.
BALTIMORE
baltimorealumnae@gmail.com The Baltimore group has continued to stay busy and love it! At the beginning of the summer we met at the home of our past president Kirsten Heck, Gamma Pi, for a planning meeting. We also collected food for Animal Rescue Incorporated. Our next event was a fun pool party at the lovely home of Pam Vulkmer, Beta Mu. Three prospective members and their spouses came to enjoy the sun and pool. In September, we had a great brunch gathering at Little Havana restaurant, which is right on the waterfront. We are now actively involved with the Greater Baltimore Alumnae Panhellenic Association and will be well represented there. Our Oktoberfest, with beer tasting and good food, was held at the home of Diane Raycob, Psi. And, of course, we will celebrate Founders Day at the home of Nazie Spurrier, Beta Mu. As you can see, we are active and connected! Any alumnae living in or near Baltimore can contact us by email, on Facebook (Alpha Sigma Tau Baltimore Alumnae), or on Instagram (@AST_Baltimore).
BOSTON
Our members are experiencing and accomplishing great things! Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon; Sailynn Doyle, Gamma Delta; and Athena Mota, Gamma Delta, attended the 40th National Convention in Atlanta. Sailynn included daily updates from Convention in her travel blog (www. sailynnstraveladventure.com). In addition to being the Assistant to the President at Convention, Joanna was reappointed as a Staff Writer for THE ANCHOR. We have several new members in our alumnae chapter, and we’re all looking forward to scheduling a fun fall get-together.
htate@gmx.com
Eight members of our chapter attended the 40th National Convention in Atlanta. The summer is a busy time for all of us, but we got together in July to have a night out with just our sisters at Rosie O’Grady’s in Ferndale. In September we resumed our regular meeting schedule. October’s outing was at a local orchard, with some traditional Michigan fall festivities such as cider tasting, eating fresh donuts, and walking through a corn maze.
ERIE
BUFFALO
shaunie203@hotmail.com
mrsrachellis@gmail.com Two members received special recognition at Convention for their contributions to Alpha Sigma Tau: Rachel Binda Lis, Sigma, as an outstanding advisor to Sigma Chapter, and Michele Luppino, Sigma, who received the Ada A. Norton Award. The efforts of Cassie Pershyn, Sigma, as Historian were also rewarded as the scrapbook earned an honorable mention, as well as third place in the People’s Choice category. Our chapter typically takes a hiatus from formal events during July and August to allow more time to enjoy family vacations and other summer activities. We are always anxious to catch up at the September brunch meeting. This year’s potluck event was held in the summer home of Susan McNamara, Sigma, in Port Colbourne, Ontario. Jean Ryckman McNamara, Sigma, cohosted and Rachel Lis was in charge of the candy and raffle. Members are The Anchor
excited about upcoming events such as the annual Buffalo Philharmonic Holiday Pops concert, the Breast Cancer Walk, and other philanthropies. We especially look forward to our Founders Day celebration, to which all of our area collegiate sisters are invited. We will again sell Save-AroundBuffalo books as our major fundraiser. Area ΑΣΤs who would like to join the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter are invited to contact our Membership Chair, Rachel Lis, at mrsrachellis@gmail.com.
DETROIT METRO
cindytbo@gmail.com
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We held our annual elections in June and are excited to be led by the inspiring and enthusiastic Shauna Heinsler Jackson, Delta Alpha. Thanks to Past President Laurie Manning, Gamma Theta, for her hard work and dedication. Our fall calendar is packed with exciting events. In September, we held a happy hour at the Plymouth Tavern to hang out and just relax. We celebrated our Installation anniversary October 5 with a brunch at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, where we tried out the new adventure course and zip lines. On October 12, we joined the women of Gamma Theta for their 25th Anniversary brunch at The Pufferbelly restaurant. Also in October, we cleaned up our section of I-79 through the Adopt-AHighway program, which is always an adventure. We celebrated National Founders Day on November 2 by hosting collegiate women from Alpha Tau, Gamma Theta, and Delta Alpha for a brunch, again at the Stonehouse
ALUMNAE
and Spa this year. (We really like brunch.) At our November meeting, we will hold our annual Pine Mountain Philanthropy Night, where we fill stockings with small gifts to send to Pine Mountain for their holiday celebration. Please “like” our new Facebook page: Alpha Sigma Tau Erie Alumnae Chapter!
GREATER CHICAGO AREA krishaskin@gmail.com
We met in February for one of our favorite events—fondue. As always, we enjoyed both cheese and chocolate fondues. In April, we celebrated our 18th local Founders Day at La Tasca in Arlington Heights. While it was a small group this year, the evening was full of wonderful tapas plates and much laughter. Kris Haskin, Beta Pi, represented our chapter at the 40th National Convention in Atlanta, joined by members Sandy Leff, Beta Pi, and Debi Pyszka, Alpha Nu. These fantastic women spearheaded work at the ΑΣΤ Foundation area—Sandy’s phone was smoking with the number of credit cards she swiped through the Billhighway Give App for donations! At our annual BBQ in August, we planned events for the coming year, held elections, and recognized our Top Tau Jen Lapacek, Beta Pi, for all of her work on our behalf. It was a great time, with good food and many shared laughs. We have a few new events planned for this year, including a wine and art event, a self-defense course taught by an ΑΣΤ alumna, and Founders Day with the collegians and Chapter Advisory Board members of the Delta Delta Chapter.
INDIANAPOLIS
indyalumnae@alphasigmatau.org The Indianapolis Alumnae Association has been having a wonderful summer and fall. In August, we jammed to the grooves of the Beach Boys when they performed at Symphony on the Prairie. Thunderstorms delayed the concert, but they didn’t dampen our moods! In September, we prepared for the Alpha Sigma Tau display at the Indianapolis Alumnae Panhellenic’s Centennial Celebration event, which will be held in October and is chaired by our own Sally Belknap, Alpha. We also participated in a Wine and Canvas night! We had a great time testing our artistic abilities and expressing our creativity together. Next up on our calendar is a cookie-baking party and a Founders Day celebration. If you’re in Indy, we’d love to meet you!
LEHIGH VALLEY moofish@verizon.net
Our spring meetings began with a gathering in January at the food court of a local grocery store. After we shared good conversation and some delicious treats, a few of us took advantage of the locale and did our grocery shopping! March found us having fun at “game night,” and in April we gathered for our traditional Easter candy-making event. At our annual meeting in May, we enjoyed appetizers and desserts with a “before and after” theme. We met in August to plan our 2014–15 calendar. Plans for the fall include a craft night where we will make an ΑΣΤ-themed gift for our local collegiate chapters at Moravian College and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. We also plan to hold a combined Founders Day event with both chapters. In December, we will once again have our Christmas cookie/ornament exchange.
INDIANAPOLIS
NORTHERN VIRGINIA ASTNorthernVirginia@gmail.com
The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter kicked off fall with a “college colors” tailgate. All members came sporting apparel in their college colors. The event was catered by local barbecue restaurant Red Hot & Blue. We have many other exciting events scheduled for this fall, including Halloween Bunco, Paint Your Own Pumpkins, our monthly Lunch Bunch, and our annual Founders Day dinner, hosted by none other than Charlotte Floyd, Psi! We look forward to enjoying time together, reminiscing about convention, and planning future events. Follow us on Facebook or contact us at astnorthernvirginia@gmail.com.
PHOENIX VALLEY OF THE SUN danielegottlieb@hotmail.com
On April 26, members and guests enjoyed a wine tasting party at the home of Daniele Gottlieb. The owner of League of Rogues Winery introduced us to the art of winemaking and proper tasting methods. Our annual meeting was held May 3 at the home of Carla Young, where we had a delicious catered luncheon followed by a planning meeting and officer election. In September, five members attended a luncheon at Paradise Bakery at Tempe Marketplace. Two of our members belong to the Salt River Alumnae Panhellenic Association and participated in activities including the fall brunch, tour, and lunch at the Wrigley Mansion; trip to Desert Botanical Garden; and Super Bowl party. Nicole Davis Turnquist, Epsilon Alpha, continues to serve as Chapter Advisor for the Epsilon Alpha Chapter in Prescott and has met with them for a number of chapter events and other occasions.
ST. LOUIS
mwfoster_ast@hotmail.com Like many other states, Missouri had a significant amount of snow and ice last winter. We had to cancel some activities, but the St. Louis sisters were able to celebrate Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Easter together. Our tastes are eclectic, so we dined on the cuisines of Ireland, China, Italy, Greece, Japan, and the southern United States. To accommodate the working members, we are meeting on some Saturdays in addition to our regular Lunch Bunch meetings. St. Louis Alumnae continued our philanthropy for Pine Mountain, Habitat For Humanity of Franklin County, and Ride On St. Louis Equestrian Therapy. We also gave financial donations to a needy Missouri sister, the St. Louis Alumnae Scholarship, and the Wilson/Robinson Scholarship. To show our support of Extension, we donate to the newest chapters each year. fall 2014
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ALUMNAE
We are sad to report the passing of two longtime active members, Jewel Stephensmeier, Pi, and Marie Nemnich, Pi. Both spent their lives as educators, mentors, and travelers. Both sisters will be missed, but never forgotten.
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA ritarose56@aol.com
June was an exciting month for us. We sent a large delegation to National Convention, where our scrapbook was awarded First Place for Alumnae Chapter Scrapbook and First Place People’s Choice Award. Congratulations to Beth Carney Ebberman, Phi, who was elected to serve as a National Council Vice President. In support of the National Foundation, we donated two Louisiana-themed gift baskets to the silent auction. Congratulations to National Council Vice President Jamie Jones Miller, Psi, on placing the highest bids! At our spring meeting, Kazanna Mancuso, Phi, was voted Top Tau, an honor well deserved. This fall, we will participate in Relay for Life and Alumnae Day with Phi chapter. Our annual banquet with officer installation will take place in September. We look forward to reuniting with Phi alumnae for our local 75th Founders Day celebration in Hammond, February 27 - March 1, 2015.
SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA shelbylnorman@gmail.com
The Southeastern Oklahoma Alumnae Association is currently centered in Durant. We are working to build our membership as well as support Rho Chapter. We recently elected a new set of officers. We had a Homecoming tailgate at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in October, and our next business meeting will be in February. We are in the process of planning other social events and invite all alumnae to attend and be a part of our alumnae association.
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
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SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA
TIDEWATER
laurabeth.stricker@gmail.com An organizational meeting kicked off the new business year in September at the home of Robbie Cool, Alpha Lambda. We welcomed two new sisters from Alpha Lambda, who we hope will join our chapter. We have many plans and eagerly look forward to the coming year. We’re always looking for new members, so if you are in the Tidewater Virginia area, please visit our website at alphasigmatautidewateralumnae.weebly. com.
YPSILANTI–ANN ARBOR shilohkmaples@gmail.com
Although our chapter took a break this summer from our usual meetings, our members remained active in numerous ways. Several sisters attended the 40th National Convention in Atlanta, and Amanda Campbell Feaganes, Alpha, led a Ritual workshop. At our August business meeting, we began planning a fundraiser, Second Chance Social, to be held in spring 2015. Attendees will be encouraged to wear the ugliest bridesmaid or prom dress they can find—the wilder, the better—and compete for Best (or Worst) Dressed. On November 1, we will host a luncheon in Livonia to celebrate the 115th Anniversary of Alpha Sigma Tau’s founding. The event will include a delicious luncheon, social time, and gift basket and quilt raffles to raise funds for the multiple philanthropies and scholarships we support. Thanks to Martha DeCamp, Alpha, and Leslie Barr, Alpha, for organizing the event.
COLLEGIANS Chapter President email addresses are listed as they are on file with Headquarters. Chapter Vice Presidents of Community Relations are generally responsible for providing the following updates.
BETA
Central Michigan University britniebell@gmail.com Our chapter won many awards at our University’s Greek Gala, including Greek Chapter of the Year and Highest GPA on Campus. To raise money for Pine Mountain Settlement School, we hosted our biannual Grilled Cheese Fundraiser. We also sent five sisters to visit and volunteer at Pine Mountain Settlement School for spring break.
IOTA
Emporia State University eash@g.emporia.edu The Iota Chapter has kept active by volunteering with highway cleanup in the area and assisting with local history talks during Sundays on the Porch at the Red Rocks William Allen White Historic Site. We initiated three new sisters and pinned more new members after a variety of recruitment activities.
OMICRON
Concord University julie.lauderman@gmail.com In addition to character development workshops, active campus involvement, including as executive board members of the SGA, and a chapter Spring GPA of 3.03, the Omicron sisters had the opportunity to send several members to volunteer at Pine Mountain, an endeavor that helped them earn an Outstanding Community Service Award from Concord University. Our chapter has many achievements to be proud of as we look ahead to our 85th Anniversary celebration this spring!
Orleans Habitat for Humanity for two days helping to build houses for families in need. Project Prom is another event that we host in the spring; this year, we helped 33 young ladies find the perfect dress for their prom night! Although we had a very busy spring semester, the best part is being able to spend so much time with our sisters and strengthen our bonds with one another.
CHI
Shepherd University gallis01@rams.shepherd.edu The Chi Chapter has been undergoing many changes. Our chapter welcomed 11 talented sisters in the spring. We look forward to seeing their accomplishments! Our university moved formal recruitment to the fall semester; each sister did a great job making the new structure a success. Our chapter is incredibly proud of Samantha Barrett, Panhellenic Vice President of Recruitment, for her hard work! Chapter President Gwynn Allison, Kelly Schevitz, Kasey Franklin, and our Chapter Advisor Deb Lucas attended the Alpha Sigma Tau 40th National Convention this summer. They are eager to share the knowledge they gained with our chapter. Good luck to every chapter on this upcoming semester!
ALPHA EPSILON
Western Illinois University CM-Edwards@wiu.edu The Alpha Epsilon Chapter received 2nd place for GPA for all of Panhellenic Council, and 19 of our sisters made the Dean’s list. The chapter held Tau Splash and raised $600 for the American Cancer Society, and we also participated in Phi Sigma Sigma’s philanthropy, Phi Singled Out; Sigma Sigma Simga's Mr. Greek Pageant; and Chi Omega's Swishes for Wishes. Our chapter invited our alumnae back to our house for a sisterhood weekend, including a BBQ and bonfire outing. In honor of 60 years at Western Illinois University, all members of the chapter wore their Badge around campus!
ZETA TAU
Longwood University emily.waters@live.longwood.edu For the first time in our chapter’s history, Zeta Tau reached quota during formal recruitment! We achieved this goal through our dedication to become more involved on campus and to showcase our exceptional sisterhood. Due to campus renovations, the chapter room was closed for the spring semester, and we are celebrating the re-opening with an alumnae event on October 18.
PHI
ZETA TAU
Southeastern Louisiana University phipresident2014@gmail.com The Phi Chapter at Southeastern Louisiana University had a very fun-filled spring 2014 semester full of sisterhood, fundraising, and philanthropy events. In April, we had our first booth at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival where we sold cheese sticks and boiled peanuts and raised $2,000! We also worked with New
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COLLEGIANS
ALPHA LAMBDA
BETA ETA
klindsay1@radford.edu
omorris@siue.edu
At Radford University's Spring 2014 Greek Awards ceremony, we received the President's Cup, which is given to the Greek organization that demonstrates overarching excellence in all aspects of fraternity life; this is the first time the President's Cup has been awarded since 2011. We were also awarded the Panhellenic Council's Chapter of the Year Award, and the Edward D. Jervey Award for Panhellenic Unity. Christina Covington was recognized for her work as National President, receiving the Greek Alumnus of the Year award. Our very own Olivia Hilton won the Bonnie Hurlburt Award, and Rebecca Gaunt won Greek Woman of the Year.
We were honored to receive many awards in the spring, including: Greek Unity Spirit Award Individual Award – Ana Norville; PHC Outstanding Leader Award – Megan Splittstoesser; Greek Woman of the Year – Stephanie Little; Sorority New Member of the Year – Taylor Keel; Emerging Leader of the Year – Madeline McCune. We also raised over $100 for the local St. Louis Children's Hospital and bought toys for the kids in the cancer wing. We had an alumnae luncheon at Crystal Gardens where we invited alumnae to participate in games and get to participate in games in order to get to know the collegiate members.
ALPHA TAU
BETA IOTA
js101209@scots.edinboro.edu
bslanzal@millersville.edu
Our sister, Katie Brown, was awarded a scholarship from the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation. We did highway clean- up and also held a 5k to raise money for Pine Mountain Settlement School. During Greek Week, our chapter and sisters of the Delta Alpha Chapter from Gannon University, traveled to Penn State Behrend to cheer on our sisters at the Gamma Theta Chapter. We had a lot of fun and were so happy to get to know all of these wonderful ladies!
Chapter President Brianne Lanzalotto traveled to Northern Ireland for 11 days in June 2014, where she visited four cities and learned about the culture and conflicts within the country. The Beta Iota Chapter welcomed nine active, selfreliant, and trustworthy new members in spring 2014, and they have already taken on new positions and are incredible assets to Alpha Sigma Tau.
Radford University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
BETA MU
Salisbury University tduryea1@gulls.salisbury.edu We had the highest overall GPA on campus amoung all Greek Life Organizations! Our chapter’s annual Mock Rock raised more than $2,000 for Habitat for Humanity. We raised more than $10,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through Basket Bingo, auctions, and personal fundraising. We welcomed 41 new amazing women during our circus-themed formal recruitment.
ALPHA TAU
BETA NU
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
BETA DELTA
Duquesne University marissagero@gmail.com We were excited to win President's Cup this year, which signifies us as a sorority encompassing all the fraternal aspects that make us becoming of an Alpha Sigma Tau. ΑΣΤ also won Best Risk Management Program for the second year in a row. At the 10th Annual Miss Duquesne Pageant, our chapter raised $12,200.00 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and with this money, we were able to help four children receive their wishes. During Earth Week, our chapter held a Rita's Italian Ice sale and raised $120 and awareness for Pine Mountain Settlement School.
BETA EPSILON
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania britnee.mallory7@gmail.com In the spring, we volunteered to support our local fire company, the West End Volunteer Fire Company. Sisters from our chapter bonded by going on an all-day hiking trip through the mountains of Shippensburg. Also, our chapter had a blast by participating in a Zumba fitness class at our university, led by a certified instructor.
aer65938@huskies.bloomu.edu During the spring semester, our chapter accumulated more community service hours than any other organization. As a chapter, we did a secret Valentine gift exchanges, and we presented sister awards at the end of the semester. In the spring, we welcomed 14 beautiful new sisters!
BETA XI
Michigan Technological University kmsterni@mtu.edu In the spring, we participated in Relay for life, where we painted nails, and each color represented a certain type of cancer. For our member development events we had a scrapbooking and game night where we got to know our sisters better. At another event we made a video explaining who we are as individuals, and how those attributes strengthen our bonds as sisters. We took first place in a campus-wide ice sculpture competition. We also held an alumnae brunch at the end of the spring semester before the sisters went home for summer break.
BETA TAU
University of Massachusetts Lowell michellewelch34@yahoo.com Our chapter hosted and co-sponsored many philanthropy events in spring 2014. At the Student Activities and Leadership Banquet, our chapter was awarded the "Community Service by a Group" award. This is a prestigious award that we were very happy to accept; being recognized for our work within
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GAMMA LAMBDA
BETA UPSILON
gdigi486@live.kutztown.edu
New Jersey Institute of Technology sm554@njit.edu Last year we had an amazing turn out to our Habitat for Humanity Charity Ball, and we raised more than $1,400 for our local Habitat chapter of Newark and Paterson, New Jersey.
BETA CHI
Ferris State University beaudette0726@gmail.com This year two of our sisters, Katie Rachon and Nichole Conley, were honored with the Torchbearer Award. Torchbearer Awards are given to only 10 senior students at Ferris State who display outstanding leadership, community involvement, and scholarship. Our chapter was also named a Four-Star organization on campus. We also held a Parents Day for the families of our members. Our Parents Day entailed a formal dinner, as well as presenting academic awards from the school year.
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Through a successful informal recruitment, the Gamma Lambda Chapter welcomed eight new sisters. We also participated in community clean-up activities, celebrated our chapter’s anniversary with an alumnae potluck, and raised more than $800 for Pine Mountain and Habitat for Humanity through our Mr. Kutztown University pageant. In addition to staying active, the chapter learned how to stay safe; under the leadership of a sister who practices karate, we all learned useful self-defense techniques.
GAMMA XI
COLLEGIANS
the community was much appreciated. The Beta Tau Chapter initiated 10 new sisters and had a large alumnae presence at our annual Yellow Rose Banquet.
Grand Valley State University jackierose616@aol.com Gamma Xi sisters strengthened our sisterhood by supporting athletic teams together, hosting movie nights, and attending a Valentine’s Day party. Several sisters serve the university as Transitions Leaders to help the incoming freshmen successfully transition to college life. Over the summer, many of us served our hometown communities by helping teachers prepare for the end of the school year and working with a golf fundraiser to benefit leukemia and lymphoma research and support.
BETA OMEGA
Monmouth University aimeetillyer@gmail.com Last year we raised $1,300 for the Ashley Lauren Foundation and $1,500 for Habitat for Humanity. We are proud to say that last semester, we received gold level for our community service in the Monmouth Greek Excellence Packet. We also had an Easter egg hunt, participated in Zumba, went to iPlay America, and attended a resume building workshop that one of our Chapter Advisory Board members hosted for us.
GAMMA XI
GAMMA GAMMA
University of West Alabama mooreh5357@uwa.edu In addition to welcoming five new members during the Spring, we raised more than $1,000 for philanthropy through a Mardi Gras-themed Rock-a-thon and an Undy Run. Sister Hannah Moore was elected Greek Council President, and the chapter was ecstatic to receive both the Highest GPA award and the James P. Homer Award for Most Outstanding Sorority!
GAMMA ZETA
Frostburg State University ccradziewicz0@frostburg.edu Gamma Zeta sisters are involved all over Frostburg State’s campus! With eight SGA senators, four SGA executive board members, the President of Order of Omega, Panhellenic Vice President, recruitment counselors, and members of the President’s Leadership Circle, it’s plain to see that our chapter puts the Active in ΑΣΤ! When we’re not leading the campus, sisters are volunteering for Relay for Life, visiting Pine Mountain, raising money for Habitat for Humanity, and hosting an anti-bullying workshop.
GAMMA IOTA
York College of Pennsylvania tdantzle@ycp.edu
GAMMA RHO
Seton Hall University victoria.kelly@student.shu.edu Gamma Rho shines at Seton Hall! At the campus’s Greek dinner, our chapter was awarded Organization of the Year, while Chapter Advisor Jennie Kuhns and Chapter President Victoria Kelly were individually recognized as Greek Advisor and Greek President of the year. In the spring, we raised money for Pine Mountain and Habitat for Humanity through our annual Rock-a-Thon and bake sales. Through spring recruitment, the chapter grew to 82 total members with a lovely new member class of 20 sisters!
GAMMA TAU
Lebanon Valley College kjp003@lvc.edu The Gamma Tau Chapter has a lot to be proud of! 85% of sisters hold a Presidential Scholarship for academic excellence. Individual sisters have earned such honors as winning publication in an essay contest, receiving a grant to conduct biological research, and presenting research at various universities. Our chapter also participated in Relay for Life, held five social events, gained new members, and strengthened our sisterhood through a spa night, group Zumba classes, and weekly dinners.
The Gamma Iota Chapter inspired the campus community by hosting a workshop called “Step off the Scale” that sought to raise awareness about eating disorders and to encourage attendees to love themselves and their bodies.
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COLLEGIANS
GAMMA PSI
Retreat at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and had an incredible time volunteering at Nashville’s Color Run!
jlyon3@student.fitchburgstate.edu
Delta Eta had the best time participating in this past spring's Greek Week. Our chapter won Greek Sing, a performance competition between every sorority and fraternity on campus. Our theme was Music Hall of Fame. It was the first time a sorority has won in the history of the competition!
Fitchburg State University In May, graduating senior Heather Levinson was honored with Fitchburg State’s Senior Leader of the Year award, and Gamma Psi has been philanthropically active! We raised over $4000 during our swing-a-thon for the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), we are planning a board game-a-thon fundraiser for Pine Mountain, and will be volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. We are currently planning our chapter’s 10th Anniversary celebration.
DELTA ALPHA
Gannon University keane003@knights.gannon.edu Our chapter received sorority awards for Outstanding Public Relations, Outstanding Leadership, Outstanding Alumnae Program, and Outstanding Chapter Advisor. Philanthropy was a big part of our year. We participated in Day of Caring and Relay for Life, volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank, and hosted a jewelry party to raise money for Pine Mountain Settlement School. We also participated in a highway cleanup to maintain our adopted portion of I-79. We held Sisterhood Weekend and joined our local alumnae chapter for an event at an ice-skating rink. During spring recruitment, we welcomed 10 new members.
DELTA THETA
Moravian College steak01@moravian.edu The Delta Theta Chapter has made academic strides! Our overall spring grade point average was a 3.42, the 2nd highest out of all Alpha Sigma Tau chapters. Five sisters were inducted into The National Leadership Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa. The chapter has also made philanthropy a priority. We hosted our annual Mr. Moravian event, raising more than $500 for Habitat for Humanity. We sponsored two women who attended the spring break service trip with Habitat for Humanity in Pickens, South Carolina, and held a supply drive for a sister who went on a service trip to Honduras.
DELTA BETA
Fairmont State University hcunningham2@students.fairmontstate.edu Our chapter received the sorority award for Highest Cumulative GPA, and we also won the Tau Beta Iota Benefit Bowl, which is a flag football game between the sororities on campus. Sarah Stocker was named Greek Woman of the Year and Leanna Williams was named Sorority Greek Life MVP during our campus' first ever Greek Mixer Awards. We held our annual Family Day where we celebrated with our sisters’ families by handing out awards and enjoying a luncheon. In addition, we held our annual "Camp Tau" to form a closer bond with each other.
DELTA DELTA
DELTA PI
tmajet2@uic.edu
amcclellan@oglethorpe.edu
We were honored by many awards this year. The Delta Delta Chapter was named 2014 Sorority of the Year. Our Chapter President Tawni Majetic was named Collegiate Panhellenic Council President of the Year. Tamara Jardeleza was named Most Outstanding New Member of the Year, and Nicole Sammartino, Sorority Woman of the Year.
The Delta Pi chapter had more than 25 sisters participate in Oglethorpe University's first Greek Leadership Conference. Our chapter also became defending champions of Greek Week in 2014. We brought Christmas back in March with our philanthropy event, Holidays for Habitat. We invited Oglethorpe students and faculty into our home for Christmas morning breakfast and raised more than $520 for Habitat for Humanity.
University of Illinois at Chicago
The chapter focused on philanthropy and service. We raised more than $3,000 for Habitat for Humanity through our annual Date Auction. We also won first place in fundraising for Dance Marathon. Just recently, we hosted a Senior Citizens’ Prom at an inner-city nursing home in Chicago. Ladies traveled to Minnesota for the annual sisterhood retreat where they visited many tourist attractions, including the Mall of America. The chapter also successfully hosted a Parent's Day at Giordano’s with more than 100 guests. This spring we will be celebrating our 20-year anniversary at the University of Illinois at Chicago!
DELTA ETA
cassidy.brady@pop.belmont.edu Delta Eta had the highest cumulative semester GPA last spring with a 3.44. The chapter can work hard and play hard! Members had a blast during Sisterhood
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Oglethorpe University
The spring brought positive change: we welcomed two new members into our chapter, Tate Davis and Carrie Bushman. Our chapter also raised our cumulative GPA with the help of nine sisters who made the Academic Dean's List.
DELTA SIGMA
University of the Sciences acajka@mail.usciences.edu
Belmont University
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The Delta Sigma Chapter received the 2014 Community Relations Award from the university, recognizing our involvement with other organizations, both Greek and non-Greek. Our chapter placed first in Greek Week and placed in the University's Olympics, a competitive month-long tournament comprised of logical puzzles as well as athletic challenges.
DELTA TAU
Oakland University mmstarr2@oakland.edu Delta Tau won Outstanding Greek Organization of the year at Oakland University! Our Chapter Advisor Lisa-Marie Fredericks received the Carrie Stahle Award at the Yellow Rose Banquet at the 40th National Convention, and our Recruitment Advisor, Kristin Elam, won the award for Outstanding Greek Advisor at Oakland University. The spring semester included many philanthropy events. We volunteered with the Greening of Detroit and planted many trees in a Detroit park. We also volunteered at our local philanthropy, Haven House in Pontiac, to help women and children who have survived domestic violence. One of our finest achievements was breaking our previous record by packing 2,175 boxes of food for families in need at Focus Hope. This spring was the first time we had a formal and all of our sisters had an amazing time. This spring was also the first time we held a senior send-off that included letters from collegiate members to the new alumnae members. We came together to make scrapbooks for each new alumna, as well.
DELTA UPSILON
EPSILON ZETA
University of Virginia’s College at Wise caj9z@uvawise.edu UVa-Wise had its 60th birthday, and collegiate and alumnae sisters celebrated homecoming together. In addition to earning the 2nd highest GPA on campus, two sisters received positions on the college’s Honor Court, and one sister is Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper. We have raised more than $500 for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research, are hosting an MS walk for the town of Wise, delivered coats from a coat drive to Pine Mountain, visited a local nursing home to give gifts, play games, and give manicures, and filled mason jars with goodies for the nurses at the Southwest Cancer Center.
EPSILON ZETA
University of Virginia’s College at Wise caj9z@uvawise.edu UVa-Wise had its 60th birthday, and collegiate and alumnae sisters celebrated homecoming together. In addition to earning the 2nd highest GPA on campus, two sisters received positions on the college’s Honor Court, and one sister is Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper. We have raised more than $500 for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research, are hosting an MS walk for the town of Wise, delivered coats from a coat drive to Pine Mountain, visited a local nursing home to give gifts, play games, and give manicures, and filled mason jars with goodies for the nurses at the Southwest Cancer Center.
EPSILON THETA
Farleigh Dickinson University
Saint Leo University
bludlow@student.fdu.edu
jessa.albert@email.saintleo.edu
The sisters of the Epsilon Theta Chapter have been busy! Between sisterhood events, an alumnae retreat to get advice from older sisters, a Peter Pan-themed spring recruitment, participation in Farleigh Dickinson’s Relay for Life, and having two sisters elected to the Executive Board for the campus’s InterGreek Council, it’s absolutely no surprise that our chapter was named Sorority Chapter of the Year at FDU!
The Delta Upsilon Chapter won Highest GPA for the academic year of 20132014 amongst all Greeks on campus. The chapter also won the award for Most Community Service Hours.
EPSILON GAMMA
Armstrong State University td4368@stu.armstrong.edu The Epsilon Gamma Chapter continuously holds the title for the highest Panhellenic GPA on campus! Two sisters who serve on the Panhellenic Council were honored to represent Armstrong State University at the SEPC Conference in Atlanta, GA. Sisters involved with the Panhellenic Council also helped bring Phi Mu on campus! Our chapter hosted Heel-A-Thon to support St. Jude; Anklets for Austin in support of Austin, a child diagnosed with cancer; and numerous bake sales to support several different causes. We also donated $200 to Pi Kappa Alpha's PIKE Open in support of Multiple Sclerosis and $250 to Sigma Sigma Sigma's Dance for a Cure. Epsilon Gamma sent a noteworthy 11 sisters to the Alpha Sigma Tau 40th National Convention.
EPSILON EPSILON
North Miami Campus of Johnson & Wales University RShort01@wildcat.jwu.edu Our sisters attend Greek training sessions to improve our chapter and are involved in other organizations and sports on campus. Sisters took a dunk in the tank to raise nearly $200 for Women in Transition, a non-profit organization that helps women overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. Through the tremendous efforts of our Vice President of Growth and her committee, our chapter was able to recruit eight women!
COLLEGIANS
This year, our chapter participated in a T-shirt decorating activity during which each sister had a different color of paint covering their hand. When our president said, "Tag a sister who…" followed by inspirational and encouraging descriptions, we touched a sister who had that trait. The result was a tie-dyed shirt with the handprints of all sisters, reminding us that we touch each other in some way every day.
EPSILON PI
Rhode Island College bhelgerson_3170@email.ric.edu In June, sisters participated in United Way of Rhode Island's Day of Action. They helped sort, label, and pack 22,159 books, which were collected through the 3rd annual book drive, designed to improve childhood literacy. Our members also participated in the United Way of Rhode Island Back to School Celebration, at which some of the books were distributed in backpacks along with other school supplies for families that cannot afford them. The Epsilon Pi Chapter has also been working within Greek life. This summer, all of the executive boards from each Greek organization went on a retreat together to improve inter-Greek relationships, leadership skills, and team building. Two of our newest members, Brittany Ferzoco and Juliana Lima, have already taken on positions on our college's Panhellenic Council. Out of all of the Greek organizations on campus, we have the highest cumulative GPA.
EPSILON RHO SUNY Geneseo ekf6@geneseo.edu Our chapter celebrated our 1st Anniversary in April, and what a year it’s been! Members are actively involved in leadership roles around the campus, and sisters were inducted into Order of Omega, with Alpha Sigma Tau being the most heavily represented sorority amongst inductees. Along with Kappa Sigma fraternity, we hosted a volleyball tournament and raised nearly $1,000, and sisters completed a total of 316 hours of community service in the spring!
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ANCHORING THOUGHTS
"What Has Alpha Sigma Tau Meant to Your Career?" Kari Nadeau Hampton, Zeta Tau
Kari Hampton (right) is an Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education at Lynchburg College. Photo Credit: John McCormick
“Alpha Sigma Tau has taught me to be a strong woman in general and to be the leader who makes the unpopular choices if they are the right choice. I also learned to balance my time, which has been very important for me as I balance being a student working on a doctorate, a mom, and a full-time professor. I learned so much from Alpha Sigma Tau – more than I ever imagined joining a sorority could teach me.”
Amariah Gonzales, Beta Theta
Dominica DelaCruz, Amariah J.F. Gonzales, and Bri Rodriguez
Jennifer Brown, Sigma
Janet Dodson, Iota
Jean Mrasek, NPC Chairman, and Janet Dodson, President of the NPC Foundation
“In the early ’80s Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi, and I served on National Council together. She suggested I needed to meet Robert Shorb. He was a rising financial aid professional on the East Coast and I was in the Midwest. At a financial aid conference I made the connection. Bob and I made fast friends. Bob served as a member of my cabinet the year I served as the National Chair of the National Association of Student Financial Aid (NASFAA). In fact, he and I now work together at Tuition Exchange, Inc. During my time as an undergraduate in the Iota Chapter, I learned the importance of flexibility and communication. The time spent with Alpha Sigma Tau throughout the years has taught me to be bold in my thoughts and to stand tall in my beliefs. I am a strong, sensible leader in part because of my life-long connection with Alpha Sigma Tau.”
Teena Johnson, Alpha Gamma
“My chapter helped to fund my master’s degree in education and special education with the Lois Anne Cook Scholarship, and I am now a hardworking educator in New York City.” Jennifer Brown with students of New World Preparatory Charter School
Morgan Shiflett, Alpha Lambda
Morgan Shiflett, graduate assistant in fraternity and sorority life at Ball State University
“I told the story at Preference last week about how being introduced to Jamie Jones Miller, Psi, at Convention led me to my first Greek advising job at Lynchburg College. And without Sonda Ruholl Clocksin, Beta Pi, (who was my District President back in the day!) encouraging me to join National Staff, I would have never realized that I enjoyed working with college students, and I wouldn't have pursued Greek advising as a career. And without that push in that direction so long ago, I don't think I would now be working on my Ph.D. in organizational leadership!”
Katie Morgan, Student Government President at Frostburg State University
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“Alpha Sigma Tau helped me find my place at my undergraduate institution. It provided me with friends, values, and betterment of self. Nationally Alpha Sigma Tau helped me find who I really was and what I was passionate about. Working for Headquarters was truly a life-changing experience that allowed me to work with hundreds of exceptional women. Today as I pursue a master’s degree in student affairs administration and higher education with an assistantship in fraternity and sorority life, I couldn't be more grateful to ΑΣΤ for helping me realize how much I love working with students. I will never be more grateful to be a part of something like this. Alpha Sigma Tau is for now, for tomorrow, forever!”
Katie Morgan, Gamma Zeta
Teena Johnson
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“Being a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau taught me how to overcome obstacles and face challenges with a positive attitude. My sisters taught me how to be a leader, always believed in me, and helped me realize my potential. Now a recent graduate, I'm working my first dream job and I am the happiest I have ever been. I could not have done this without the Sisterhood. And every day I proudly wear my letters at work (because it's really cold in my office and I have an awesome Columbia soft-shell with our letters on it!)”
“Alpha Sigma Tau helps me to be the woman and leader I am today. I attribute my successes in my college career to my affiliation with sorority life and all the opportunities that have come from it. I am Student Government President and a member of Presidents Leadership Circle, for top leaders on our campus.”
Officer, Volunteer, and Staff Directory NATIONAL COUNCIL
NATIONAL FOUNDATION BOARD
National President Tiffany Street, Delta Mu tstreet@alphasigmatau.org National Vice President Erika McManus Bukva, Delta Rho ebukva@alphasigmatau.org National Vice President Emma Bunnell, Phi ebunnell@alphasigmatau.org National Vice President Beth Carney Ebberman, Phi bebberman@alphasigmatau.org National Vice President Jamie Jones Miller, Psi jmiller@alphasigmatau.org National Vice President Kristin Walker, Alpha Lambda kwalker@alphasigmatau.org
foundationinfo@alphasigmatau.org President Kristin Haskin, Beta Pi Vice President Rita Bertolino, Phi Vice President Jamie Jones Miller, Psi
NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE DELEGATION NPC Delegate Elizabeth Knaus McOsker, Alpha Lambda bmcosker@alphasigmatau.org NPC 1st Alternate Delegate Carol Zorger Mooney, Alpha Lambda cmooney@alphasigmatau.org NPC 2nd Alternate Delegate Jamie Jones Miller, Psi jmiller@alphasigmatau.org NPC 3rd Alternate Delegate Joanne Rupprecht Walter, Psi jwalter@alphasigmatau.org
PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS 1984-1986 Gail Shockley Fowler, Alpha Lambda 1986-1992 Patricia Nayle, Phi 1996-2002 Martha Drouyor DeCamp, Alpha 2002-2008 Patricia Klausing Simmons, Delta 2008-2014 Christina Duggan Covington, Alpha Lambda
VOLUNTEER PERSONNEL Academics Coordinator Amy Sherman St. John, Zeta Tau Chaplain Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi Historian Jennifer Marshall, Alpha Gamma New Member Coordinator Jennifer LaBonte, Delta Omicron
THE ANCHOR anchor@alphasigmatau.org Editor Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta Associate Editor Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi Alumnae Editor Beverly Singel Molnar, Delta Collegiate Editor Shanee Frazier, Gamma Rho Collegiate Editor Leah Hollingsworth, Delta Upsilon Collegiate Editor Kelli Purcell O’Brien, Delta Eta Design Editor Michelle Zewe, Alpha Tau Photo Editor Melanie Martin, Delta Eta Staff Writers Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon; Darcy Coulter, Epsilon Xi; Tori Dixon, Epsilon Gamma; Shanee Frazier, Gamma Rho; Leah Hollingsworth, Delta Upsilon; Ashley Hoogstraten, Beta Pi; Lauren Irby, Zeta Tau; Beverly Singel Molnar, Delta; Samantha Rill, Delta Delta; Elizabeth Miller Villegas, Delta Rho; Lauren Crawford Welch, Delta Psi
STANDING COMMITTEES GOVERNING DOCUMENTS COMMITTEE govdocs@alphasigmatau.org NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE nominations@alphasigmatau.org Chair Shauna Heinsler Jackson, Delta Alpha Members Jessa Albert, Delta Upsilon; Alice Ball, Epsilon Gamma; Esther Fontenot Barrios, Phi; Rachel Presskreischer, Delta Phi Alternates Stacey Daniel Fragile, Gamma Mu; Stephanie Little, Beta Eta BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair Patricia Nayle, Phi pnayle@hal-pc.org Secretary Martha Drouyor DeCamp, Alpha Members Amy Brooks, Alpha Xi; Carol Cooper, Zeta Tau Emily Ashby McIntire, Alpha Lambda; Jean Ryckman McNamara, Sigma; Jamie Jones Miller, Psi
HEADQUARTERS STAFF Executive Director Jim Paponetti jpaponetti@alphasigmatau.org Director of Operations Holly Morris hmorris@alphasigmatau.org Director of Finance Pam Myhre, Gamma Theta pmyhre@alphasigmatau.org Director of Membership Growth Gretchen Stahl Foran gstahl@alphasigmatau.org Recruitment Specialist Ashley Smith, Psi aksmith@alphasigmatau.org Chapter Services Specialist Kate Wehby, Gamma Xi kwehby@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Olivia Hilton, Alpha Lambda ohilton@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Bethany Yost, Beta Delta byost@alphasigmatau.org Member Engagement Coordinator Justina Solties, Gamma Theta jsolties@alphasigmatau.org Administrative Assistant Jessi Zabriskie admin@alphasigmatau.org
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National Headquarters 3334 Founders Rd Indianapolis, IN 46268
Indianapolis, IN Permit 5409
Alumnae, it's Time to Reconnect! There may be an alumnae chapter or association interest group forming in your area! Charlotte, NC Nancy Betler nbetler@yahoo.com
Harrisburg/Hershey, PA Nicole Farber nmf002@lvc.edu
Houston, TX Lolita Murrah lolitamurrah@gmail.com
Savannah, GA Whitney Hooker whitneyhooker86@gmail.com
San Antonio, TX Veronica Lopez v.lopez89@gmail.com
Jacksonville, FL Jennifer Robinson Cafiero TheJenson@me.com
Rio Grande Valley, TX Ronica Jackson ronica.m.jackson@gmail.com
Lansing, MI Kristi Gdanetz MacCready ASTLansing@gmail.com