The Anchor: Fall 2015

ANCH R

THE

OF ALPHA SIGMA TAU Vol. 88 No. 2 Fall 2015

Be Well

Learn how Alpha Sigma Taus are Achieving Wellness for Themselves and Others

Also inside: Page 20: Alpha Sigma Tau’s refreshed brand identity

Letter from the President The Anchor is the official magazine of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, and is published semiannually by the Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority, 3334 Founders Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268.

How to Receive The Anchor The Anchor is mailed to 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 U.S. mail, please complete the form on the National Website, print, 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 at anchor@alphasigmatau.org; regular mail at The Anchor, 3334 Founders Road; Indianapolis, IN 46268; or fax 317-613-7111.

Please include your name, chapter, school, and year of Initiation. The Anchor reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the Editor and edit for space and clarity.

The Anchor Staff Editor: Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta Associate Editor: 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, It is hard to believe that the summer has come to an end and the fall season has begun. In many ways, fall is about new beginnings for our collegiate chapters as they begin a new semester, recruit new members, and create lasting friendships and memories.

New beginnings allow us the opportunity to grow and advance as women, which is the essence of membership in Alpha Sigma Tau. All organizations, whether for-profit or nonprofit, have to consistently examine what is in the best interest of the organization to ensure that there is growth and evolution.

The world is constantly evolving, and organizations must always look to the future and find innovative ways to remain relevant in our changing world.

The leadership of Alpha Sigma Tau has connected with our members over the past year to obtain their feedback through several surveys and focus groups. The purpose of these requests for feedback was to truly understand what the membership wants for the future of Alpha Sigma Tau, and what is important to our members individually.

Through this data collection, the members made it very clear what direction they collectively envision for the future of the Sorority. Therefore, based on that feedback, the National Council has developed four strategic areas of focus. These areas are: • Alumnae Engagement and Involvement • Growth and Extension • Marketing and Communications • Philanthropy The mission of Alpha Sigma Tau is to invest in women by instilling the skills necessary to navigate life and inspire members to enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

With this mission in mind, I am honored to share with you that Alpha Sigma Tau is developing a unique philanthropic initiative centered on women’s wellness.

The conceptual framework for this women’s wellness initiative will be the Six Dimensions of Wellness developed by Dr. Bill Hettler, cofounder of the National Wellness Institute.

The purpose of the initiative is to enhance the wellness of Alpha Sigma Tau members and empower them to improve women’s wellness in their communities through service activities and projects. Through this initiative, we will establish partnerships with a network of nonprofit organizations committed to

this purpose. Our members will have the opportunity to work with these nonprofit organizations to advance their missions while focusing on women’s wellness.

This is just a sneak peek into the exciting evolution of Alpha Sigma Tau in relation to our philanthropic outreach. Our members have spoken loudly – they want more opportunities for community service and philanthropy that are relevant to Alpha Sigma Tau’s mission. They want opportunities that will have an impact on their local communities, as well as globally. They want an exceptional national brand identity as it relates to philanthropy while maintaining autonomy to choose projects most relevant to their chapters. The Alpha Sigma Tau women’s wellness initiative will do each of those things and so much more. Together, we will continue to change and grow, while holding true to our founding values. This is an exciting time for Alpha Sigma Tau and I look forward to this journey with you!

Empowering women to excel in life,

Tiffany K. Street, Delta Mu National President

Coming Soon!

Over the coming weeks and months, Alpha Sigma Tau will roll out more about the women’s wellness initiative – including how you and your chapter can be a part of it!

In the meantime, read this issue of The Anchor to see how Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters are achieving wellness in their own lives, and helping others to do the same!

In This Issue: 4

Now Trending

6

What is Wellness?

8

Emotional Wellness

10

Intellectual Wellness

12

Occupational Wellness

14

Spiritual Wellness

16

Physical Wellness

18

Social Wellness

20

Alpha Sigma Tau's Refreshed Brand

24

National Foundation

26

Crowning Achievements

28

Collegiate Chapter Updates

34

Alumnae Chapter Updates

38

Anchoring Thoughts

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

Connect with Alpha Sigma Tau facebook.com/alphasigmatausorority

linkedin.com Group: Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority

@AlphaSigmaTau

@alphasigmatau

pinterest.com/alphasigmatau

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President's Letter

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Cover photo by Tracy Rodriguez Photography, www.tracyrodriguezphotography.com

2

Now Trending Samantha Jegglie @SamJeggs

So excited to be an Alpha Sigma Tau!!

8:18 PM - 14 Sep 2015

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4

Alpha Sigma Tau @AlphaTauUCA

Congratulations to our Upsilon Chapter on welcoming 59 new members into our Sisterhood! @AlphaTauUCA #ASTBidDay 10:13 AM - 1 Sep 2015

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Congratulations to our Delta Pi Chapter at Oglethorpe University on their 18 new members! Welcome to Alpha Sigma Tau!

Delta Phi AST at Cumberland @ASTCumberland

We hope our founding members enjoyed their first #ASTBidDay! 8:15 PM - 12 Sep 2015

Bridgit Hockersmith @BridgitLee

Home is wherever I'm with you!

Glad I found my home and my Sisters at Alpha Sigma Tau! 9:58 AM - 13 Sep 2015

September 20, 2015

We're so glad that you're anchored with @alphasigmatau!

Join the Conversation #AST

#ASTilluminate

#alphasigmatau

#Taus

#anchoredforlife

#ASTFoundersDay

#taulove

#ASTJAX

#TLAM

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What is T H E AN C H OR

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Wellness?

By Lauren Welch, Delta Psi

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am a financial counselor, so I believe 100 percent in the value of wellness. I am also a business owner, nonprofit employee, community member, volunteer, author, advocate, Christian, mother of one (soon to be three) adoptive children, and military wife – meaning at times, single mother. I would not be able to live successfully without wellness.

What does wellness mean? On the outside, the definition is “to be aware and make choices towards a healthy lifestyle.” We think of washing our hands, taking our vitamins, and going to the doctor for check-ups or when something doesn’t feel right. We might also think of exercise and eating right to complete the package of our physical wellness.

But is that all wellness is? Of course not. The World Health Organization defines wellness as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." The National Wellness Institute describes it as: a "conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential." In other words, wellness is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth.

As students, employees in the workplace, mothers, friends, and women in general, how do we achieve complete and whole wellness?

On a recent Sunday at church, our Pastor told the story of Horatio Gates Spafford, a successful nineteenth century businessman in Chicago. In 1871, his son tragically died. Later that year, he lost practically every investment, leaving his business on the rocks. Two years later, he sent his wife and four daughters ahead on a much needed family vacation, and Horatio planned to join them later.

However, the ship they were on was in a collision, and all four of his daughters were killed. Only his wife survived. As he went across the Atlantic Ocean to be with his grieving wife, he penned a hymn: “When sorrow like sea billows roll; Thou hast taught me to know; it is well, it is well with my soul.” The hymn, It Is Well With My Soul, is still sung by many, and the story behind it is a magnificent testament to wellness. Even in the face of tragedy, Horatio found a way to accept it and find peace in the things and people that he still had with him. He is an example to all of us.

Wellness is also a cycle. In taking care of your whole self and allowing others to take care of you, one day when it’s needed, you can take care of others. Whether we realize it or not, each of us accomplishes this on a daily basis through

friendships, working together, teaching each other, and lending a helping hand. We improve our own wellness while helping others to do the same.

My own life exemplifies this cycle of wellness. I live on a military base. My husband is gone one to two weeks a month, traveling for his job. I love my job and my life, but it is a complete balancing act. I have a work calendar, personal calendar, everything calendar, color-coded sticky notes, two cell phones, and plenty of to-do lists – but wellness in life takes balance. There are days, especially when my husband is away, that my wellness could easily go out the window.

Why should we care about wellness? If we do not place importance on our wellness, not only are we crucially affected, but so is everyone we come in contact with throughout our lives.

How are you working towards your complete wellness, and the wellness of others?

• Intellectual • Occupational • Spiritual • Physical • Social These six dimensions will serve as the foundation of Alpha Sigma Tau’s wellness initiative and accompanying philanthropic and service endeavors.

Six Dimensions of Wellness Model ©1976 by Bill Hettler, MD © National Wellness Institute, Inc. NationalWellness.org 715-342-2969

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I achieve this by doing what brings me joy and fills my cup. I know that my complete wellness is important and things that do not contribute to my wellness – and that might do the opposite – need to be avoided. I believe in myself and I know what fulfills me emotionally, intellectually, socially, spiritually, physically, and at my job on a daily basis.

• Emotional

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But even on those days (and especially on those days), we make a mental checklist of our wellness.

We recognize that much of our wellness comes from our state of mind – a feeling and belief from within, like in Horatio’s situation. We say “yes” to things that improve our wellness and “no” to those things that don’t. We point to the things that we need. We ask for help and we help others.

We seek wellness on all the dimensions that are featured in this issue of The Anchor. We keep a positive attitude and a strong sense of self. We are open to new experiences and new challenges.

We desire work and opportunities that matter to us. We build strong personal relationships with others. We live lives that reflect our values and beliefs. We exercise, check in with the doctor, and fill our bodies with nutritious food. We also do not let the fulfillment of any of these stress us out.

Alpha Sigma Tau is proud to partner with the National Wellness Institute to provide the women’s wellness initiative. Developed by co-founder Dr. Bill Hettler, the Institute’s Wellness Wheel offers six dimensions of wellness:

Emotional Wellness: Tara Walker Gross, Zeta Tau

By Samantha Rill, Delta Delta

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Have a positive attitude, high self-esteem, a strong sense of self, and the ability to recognize and share a wide range of feelings with others in a constructive way.

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motional wellness is often the “forget-me-not” of the Wellness Wheel. People are so used to ignoring their emotions and being told to “walk it off,” that many have forgotten how to recognize their emotions and themselves under the masks they create.

Writer, speaker, and Alpha Sigma Tau alumna Tara Walker Gross, Zeta Tau, is no stranger to this. She had a mask of her own, finely tuned after years of ignoring the person she truly was: a self-described “geek.”

“I was never open about my interests and what I reading,” Tara says, recalling how she hid her science fiction books in high school and college, enjoying them in secret. “But then, I realized I was unhappy,” she continues. “I was unhappy because I was afraid to accept who I was.”

That realization compelled Tara to bare her “nerdy soul” and conquer those fears that once held her back. When she did this, she began to see she was not the only one who had struggled with these feelings. “I put myself out there,” she recalls. “Then I realized there are a lot of people who were, and still are, in the same boat … especially women.”

Accepting her “inner nerd” didn’t come easy for Tara, especially in the male-dominated worlds of science fiction and fantasy. She got some pushback and criticism. “I wanted to share what I love with people inside and outside of the ‘geek’ community of clubs, conventions, and cosplay.” she says. “Most of the time, the people who question me don’t know me. They are strangers. But for every negative thing that comes to me, there are hundreds of positive ones.”

as vehicle to talk about women confidently defining themselves,” she says. “It’s about openly living well in your own skin.”

Learning to live as her true self has given Tara the confidence she needs to pursue the life she wants.

For Tara, this includes publishing her debut novel in December 2014, a western called The Way of Reckoning.

Tara has been inspired by the growing popularity of strong female characters in science fiction and fantasy, who are more accepting of their emotions.

“The characters are getting better and, wherever I go, I encourage women to look up to these role models,” she explains. “Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones is my favorite character because she shows there are other ways to be strong outside of the physical. You can be open about your struggles and experiences, and admit that it’s okay to not be okay. And it’s even more okay to talk about it.”

Tara recognizes that is not only important to discover self-confidence within herself, but also help others achieve it as well. She writes for the popular website, thegeekiary.com, which promotes and discusses “geek” culture and media. She also has her own blog, A Geek Saga, and has spoken at major science fiction and fantasy events like San Diego Comic-Con. Last November, Tara was invited to present at TEDx Sarasota, a local program of the popular Ted Talks. There, she delivered a talk, called “Self-defined – Geeky and Proud,” about being a woman “geek” in a world of popular male geeks like Steve Jobs. “I try to use these venues as

“

Embrace yourself for who you are, what you do, and what you love.

”

Check out Tara online!

Blog: http://ageeksaga.blogspot.com Her Tedx Sarasota talk, “Self-defined – Geeky and Proud,” is on YouTube.

Her debut novel, The Way of Reckoning, is available for Amazon Kindle.

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“Interestingly, the more I embraced myself, the more I realized I didn’t need some of the friends I had,” Tara says. “Supportive friends and family are incredibly important. I loved what I was doing.

Even if my friends didn’t get it, they still supported me because it was me.”

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Tara’s advice?

“Embrace yourself for who you are, what you do, and what you love,” she says. “It will give you a life filled with happiness, even through the struggles.

Surround yourself with those who support you, but give yourself the foundation of loving yourself first.”

Intellectual Wellness:

Jessa Albert, Delta Upsilon and Kaci McLaughlin, Beta Tau T H E AN C H OR

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By Kelli Purcell O'Brien, Delta Eta

Be open to new ideas. Be creative, think critically, and seek out new challenges.

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hough their paths to the city were different, Jessa Albert, Delta Upsilon, and Kaci McLaughlin, Beta Tau, have come together in Memphis, Tennessee, to share their knowledge and make a difference in the lives of their students through their work for Teach for America.

Jessa Albert (left) and Kaci McLaughlin (right), in Memphis.

Teach for America is a national program that enlists, develops, and mobilizes many of the nation’s most promising future leaders to become public school teachers for two years in low-income communities across the country. Teach for America also offers aspiring teachers an alternative path to becoming licensed teachers.

Jessa, an education major at St. Leo University in Florida, was accepted to join Teach for America during her junior year. “I was looking for the opportunity to do something different,” she says. “I wanted to see and experience life in a different part of the country.” She was offered and accepted the position in Memphis in November of her senior year, and has since embraced the opportunity to work with a different educational population and get a wider range of experiences while she is young.

Engaging these students led Kaci to consider postgraduate opportunities to continue improving the educational and life experiences of underserved students. “I applied to Teach for America during January of my senior year,” she recalls. “I became more and more invested and excited about the work as I moved through the layers of the interview and selection process. I’m thrilled to be a part and for the opportunity to encourage young people to strive for the next steps of their educations.”

Imagine the surprise of both women when they got to Memphis and realized they were both Alpha Sigma Taus. “We happened to be sitting across from each other eating chips at a Mexican restaurant one day,” Jessa recalls. “We found each other!” adds Kaci. “Now I make her do everything with me!”

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Teach For America values what it means to be an Alpha Sigma Tau. - Jessa Albert

Learn more about Teach for America!

Visit www.teachforamerica.org.

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While drawn to Teach for America to meet the same challenges as Jessa, Kaci’s path was a different one.

During her time at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Kaci tutored students in SAT preparation and was an active member of a group that mentored high school students. While tutoring, I worked with students who had encountered many challenges to their own intellectual achievement,” Kaci says.

“Often, they had been discouraged from applying to colleges or felt that there was no point in applying to more well-known schools because they wouldn’t be accepted. It was eye-opening.”

Both also agree that, even more than the shared joy of seeking out new challenges that come with helping others grow intellectually, they share the bond of Sisterhood that made them instant friends.

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Since Jessa had already completed her licensure requirements with her degree, she did not need to join Teach for America. Instead, she was drawn by the challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the intellectual development of students. “The program is very selective, and I don’t think I would have been accepted if Teach for America hadn’t seen that I had something to contribute,” she explains.

“Also, my professional goals include leadership positions in education. Having this exceptional experience will send me forward in that direction and allow me the chance to impact others as well."

Both women agree that their involvement in Alpha Sigma Tau gave them the skills and the strengths that led to their selection in this highly competitive program – skills they are now using in the classroom. “Teach For America values what it means to be an Alpha Sigma Tau,” Jessa says. “I think that the early and frequent encouragement toward campus and chapter involvement, along with the variety of leadership experiences, were appealing to the program.” Kaci agrees. “Being part of our Greek Council’s tutoring and mentoring programs had a lot of appeal,” she explains. “I have brought that experience to my school in Memphis.”

Occupational Wellness: Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon

By Elizabeth Schilling, Delta Upsilon

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Seek to have a career that is interesting, enjoyable, meaningful, and that contributes to the larger society.

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t has long been said that if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life. However, finding that job, and thus realizing occupational wellness, is not always easy. It focuses on your search for a calling and involves exploring various career options to find the best fit.

Joanna Barrett, founding member of the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Florida, found her calling in her passion for yoga. “Yoga has led me to explore who I am and what my purpose is – on and off the mat,” says Joanna. “Understanding yourself is the

first step to occupational wellness.” In addition to teaching various styles of yoga, Joanna has blended the practice of yoga and psychology to become a yoga therapist. Joanna is also a meditation coach for a new technology app called 10% Happier, which leads users through a two-week guided meditation course. She works as the development coordinator at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center as well.

the steps needed to reach your goals,” she says. “I also think about how influential my own workforce mentors were in the grand scheme of my career path.” Joanna often relies on reaching out to leaders in a field of interest and establishing relationships with mentors. “It is the wisest first step towards discovering where your passion lies.”

“Follow your dreams and passion,” Joanna concludes.

“Embark on a journey of selfexploration that leads to curiosity and a deeper understanding of your body, mind, thought patterns, emotions, and purpose in life.” It is then that you will achieve occupational wellness.

Joanna did not begin her career as a yogi. She experienced the same career changes that are often inevitable in today’s competitive job market.

“Now my life’s work is to take my experiences and be of service and help others.”

The connection Joanna shares with the art of yoga and meditation equips her to carry her passion past being an ordinary career – it is instead a calling to contribute to the well-being of her community and to the progress of mankind. “As a yoga therapist, I work with individuals for whom depression, anxiety, and trauma are weighing too heavily on their lives,” she says.

When asked about her discovery of her calling and how others might aspire to find their own passionfilled niche within society, Joanna has a quick answer. “Vision work is so important to figuring out exactly what you want and then figuring out

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Now my life’s work is to take my experiences and be of service and help others.

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Learn more about Joanna's work!

Visit www.joannabarrettyoga.com.

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Occupational wellness was mere terminology with no meaning in Joanna’s life at the time. “I don't remember the specifics of my first class, who the teacher was, or how many students were in the class,” she continues. “But I remember feeling my feet on the ground, stable and comfortable in my body during the poses. I could feel my heart beating.”

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“I previously had a demanding job in the event industry, a difficult boss, and long commute to a job I hated every day, and I constantly felt ‘stuck in a rut’,” Joanna recalls. “People close to me encouraged me to try yoga to help with the high stress I was enduring, and the physical and emotional effects that came along with it. I was petrified to go to my first yoga class and had no idea what to expect, but at the same time, I was desperate to do something.”

Spiritual Wellness:

Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire, Beta Pi

By Shanee Frazier, Gamma Rho

T H E AN C H OR

Find meaning in life events, demonstrate individual purpose, and live a life that reflects your values and beliefs.

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hen reflecting on the idea of spiritual wellness, there are many different paths the mind might traverse: holistic methods involving nature and meditation, brick and mortar buildings that feature religious images, or perhaps taking a disciplined approach to maintaining optimal physical health. All of these options spell out different ways that millions of people have tailored to fit their individual sense of inner peace and well-being.

People sometimes mistakenly believe that many different schools of spiritual thought cannot reside harmoniously, but Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire, Beta Pi, proves every day that combining nature, religious beliefs, and preventive health measures are a recipe for personal success and spiritual well-being.

LaJoyce was a founding member of the Beta Pi Chapter at Eastern Illinois University, where she was initiated with 71 of her Sisters in 1982. She served as the Chapter Advisor of the Delta Zeta Chapter at East Stroudsburg University for 12 years, and later served as the National Chaplain from 2013 to 2014.

“I am proud to be a member of a Sorority that lives my shared values and ideals,” she says. “I hope that each of my Sisters will be challenged to go deeper into her individual faith – whatever it is – and have a greater understanding of it.”

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I hope that each of my Sisters will be challenged to go deeper into her individual faith – whatever it is – and have a greater understanding of it.

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After caring for her husband until he eventually succumbed to the virus, LaJoyce had a significant realization. “Right away, I knew I was called to take my personal tragedies and turn them into something useful and lasting for others,” she says.

She shared her experiences in a book called Faith Under Fire: Betrayed by a Thing Called Love. She developed an HIV/AIDS awareness program called Scared Straight: What You Don’t Know About HIV Can Kill You and tours the country, speaking to churches, civic organizations, college campuses, and any other organization that will allow her the opportunity to spread her message of prevention.

Her rules for life are profound yet simple: take care of yourself - mind, body, and spirit. Get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of water. Add a significant dash of faith to the mix, and you have the path to spiritual wellness.

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LaJoyce is also an ordained minister, counselor, and holistic healer who now tours the country educating others on the issues of prevention, nutrition, and the idea that, no matter your faith, spirituality can guide you to wellness. LaJoyce’s path to spiritual wellness had an incredibly difficult start – one that would be impossible for most to even imagine.

After graduating from college, she became involved in a whirlwind romance that was soon followed by marriage to a man who she later realized she barely knew. Two years into their marriage, she learned that her husband was HIV positive and that he had kept this information hidden from her. Thankfully, LaJoyce did not contract the virus herself. “Even this test was not able to shake my faith in God,” she recalls. “In fact, I believe that my life was spared so that I could share my experiences and educate others.

Never one to rest on her accomplishments, LaJoyce is always ready to move on to the next project when she feels called. In the past, she has left lucrative jobs, such as a successful career in publicity with Arista Records, where she worked with artists like Aretha Franklin and the Notorious B.I.G. In 1997, she wrote the novelization of the hit movie Soul Food. But she gave up these things without hesitation when she felt the stirrings of her faith leading her elsewhere. “It was simple,” she states clearly. “God had a new assignment for me – the practice of holistic medicine.” In addition to being an ordained minister, LaJoyce holds doctorates in Naturopathy and Naturopathic Ministry. She is also a master herbalist and Certified Group Fitness Instructor who sees patients, conducts workshops, and lectures on wellness nationwide.

”

Want to learn more about LaJoyce?

Check out her website, askthegooddoctor.org Many of her books can be found on her website and on Amazon.com.

Physical Wellness: Hanna Engebretson Epsilon Xi

By Ashley Hoogstraten, Beta Pi

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Take care of your body for optimal health and functioning.

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C Hanna Engebretson (right)

ollege senior Hanna Engebretson is known around the St. Peter, Minnesota, campus of Gustavus Adolphus College as the President of the Epsilon Xi Chapter. But she is also known as a tireless advocate of physical well-being in the group fitness classes she teaches, at the campus orientations in which she coaches freshmen, and in the campus’ Health and Wellness and Running clubs where she leads fellow students. Ask anyone: her passion for physical fitness resonates at every stop she makes.

Campus-wide, Hanna has also introduced her own personal creation, Find Your Flow, a well-being initiative created for students, faculty, and staff to participate in throughout the month of January.

“There are a lot of individuals seeking out ways to improve their well-being,” she says. “But they did not feel as though they had a safe and supportive network to do so.” During Find Your Flow, Hanna has arranged for speakers, workout classes, a book club, open discussions, and other fun-themed events (such as a morning smoothie “pump up” party) to promote personal well-being across campus.

In addition to Find Your Flow, Hanna regularly leads fitness classes as a group fitness instructor certified by the American Council on Exercise.

During the summer, she teaches water aerobics to middle-aged and older adults at an outdoor pool near her home. During the school year, she teaches

When asked for the one piece of advice Hanna would leave with a fellow collegian, she says: “Balance is key. It is so easy to say, but extremely hard to find.” She also suggests finding an activity you like and sticking with it. “Even 20 minutes a day is enough to get your heart rate up and endorphins running,” she offers. “And find a support system. I never would have found my love for running if it weren't for the women who supported me on my early training endeavors.”

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Variety is a key factor in maintaining a healthy body.

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Hanna’s reputation carries into her Sorority life too, infecting her fellow Alpha Sigma Taus with her passion for physical wellness. She leads chapter-wide workout classes for all of her Sisters. “The classes have become a great way to involve all of my Sisters in Epsilon Xi,” she says. “They serve a dual purpose as well, becoming a Sisterhood bonding activity for all of the women.”

a yoga-sculpt class and several types of HighIntensity Interval Training (HIIT) regimens, such as the four-minute strength-builder, Tabata. Her courses are held in an aerobics room in the campus gymnasium, and students of all levels and abilities have attended. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the attendance,” says Hanna. “I thought the yogasculpt class would draw mostly females on campus, but it has been well-attended by men as well. It turns out yoga is for everyone!”

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However, the path to physical fitness hasn’t been without its obstacles. “I’ve been training to run a full marathon, which I’d like to do at least once a year,” she says. “But that stresses your body, and I sustained a few injuries.” Undeterred, Hanna turned to yoga and weight-training. “It has taught me that variety is a key factor in maintaining a healthy body,” she explains. “Nutrition is important too, and I love to research nutrition and experiment with different recipes. I am notorious for my fruit regimen.

I have a banana with breakfast, an orange with lunch, an apple as an afternoon snack, and grapes with dinner every night. I love fresh food and how my body feels when I am feeding it right.”

Social Wellness:

Katherine Onyshko, Delta Phi

By Ben Nemenoff, Alpha Sigma Tau Director of Marketing and Communications

T H E AN C H OR

Make willful choices to enhance personal relationships and important friendships, and do your part to build a better community.

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strong social network is key to life success. Just ask Katherine Onyshko, Delta Phi. She will gladly tell you how she has leaned on her friends, colleagues, and AΣT Sisters for support over the years, and offered support to them in kind. That support has encouraged her through the “ups and downs” of life, whether it was as Chapter President of Delta Phi, a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, a mentor to young female professionals, or as an attorney with the Chadbourne & Parke law firm in New York City, her current role.

Onyshko was a Midwesterner from Wheaton, Illinois, traveling far from home to attend college.

“When I first arrived at New York University as an undergraduate, I was drawn to Alpha Sigma Tau because they were intelligent, driven women doing their own cool things, and they were completely supportive of each other. We always offered support and talked each other through both our good and bad days. It made me confident that I could go off and do anything, and I knew I had these great women on my team.”

However, Katherine’s true pride and joy from her Peace Corps service was the creation of the Girls Leadership Camp in 2010. As part of her service, she administered a small scholarship to local middle schoolers. “There were many incredible, intelligent young women in these schools,” she recalls, “but many didn’t have the support and encouragement

Many of the original 33 women have expanded their own social networks to include Katherine. “I’m Facebook friends with some of them,” she says.

“They’re all grown up now, and I’m very proud to say that they’re getting ready to attend college!”

Back in the United States, Katherine continues to maintain her own strong network and encourages others to do the same through mentoring and other initiatives. “Build a strong social network,” she says. “Be there to support others, and it will come back to you.”

Learn more about the Peace Corps!

Visit www.peacecorps.gov.

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After an eight-week training period, Katherine went straight to work at her Peace Corps site near Dakar, Senegal, in Sub-Saharan Africa. She knew the value of strong social networks, so she organized a peer network for local tailors, jewelry makers, sculptors, and other entrepreneurial artists. “Many of the Peace Corps volunteers I served with knew local artisans,” she explains. “For example, I knew a tailor and another volunteer knew someone who worked with leather. It occurred to us that they can connect to produce new items for sale, such as leather purses with cloth linings. We hosted a fair for artisans to connect and we took them to other local fairs for the same purpose.”

The afterschool program morphed into the first Girls Leadership Camp, which Katherine describes as a long, difficult process. “We wanted to partner with a local college to host the camp, and work with other local partners as well,” she says. “Whenever I hit a wall, other volunteers offered support and helped me get through it. I did the same for them, and in the end, we got it all done!” The initial Girls Leadership Camp enrolled 33 young women. “It was incredible,” Katherine remembers. “These bright young women were allowed to daydream and set aspirational goals without anyone shooting them down.” The Camp is still running strong today and is the model for urban empowerment camps within Peace Corps Senegal.

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After graduation, Katherine was inspired to join the Peace Corps, in part because of her parents.

“They always encouraged me to travel and learn about other cultures,” she explains. “My mom would start almost every day by telling me to go make it a good day or do some good in the world. There are so many opportunities to serve overseas, and the Peace Corps is one of the best ways to do meaningful work in areas that need it.”

they needed. By high school, many of them would be drawn into side jobs like housework and they would fall behind.” Katherine again drew on her social network and worked with other Peace Corps volunteers to start an after-school program for these young women. “Sometimes we did schoolwork,” she says. “Sometimes we just talked about their futures.”

Proudly showcasing Alpha Sigma Tau’s refreshed brand identity!

Our Brand is Our Identity Think about some of the best known brands in the world – Apple, Toyota, Ikea, and Trader Joe’s, just to name a few. These brands, along with many others, represent more than just a logo – they represent an ideal and a set of values that people rally around and return to time and time again. After all, how many Mac users do you know that would ever consider using a different brand of computer? Probably not many.

The brand of Alpha Sigma Tau is no different. There have been many logos over the years, but they have all represented the same core things: • A long and distinguished legacy that started 116 years ago.

• Time-honored traditions and Ritual that guide us to be the best versions of ourselves.

• Lifelong Sisterhood grounded in shared values.

These things are timeless: fueled by the past, excelling in the present, and oriented towards the future. This is our identity, our brand—our face to the world.

This past spring, more than 1,400 Sisters in Alpha Sigma Tau shared their thoughts on Sorority marketing and communications efforts through surveys and focus groups.

In addition to questions about messaging and methods, we also explored what being an Alpha Sigma Tau truly means.

We asked questions like: Why did you join? Why do you stay engaged? How has being a Sister enriched your life?

Answers to these questions continue to guide the Sorority into the future. The refreshed logo and tagline are a direct result of what we heard.

To design the logo and tagline, Alpha Sigma Tau turned once again to our friends at the marketing firm Rhyme & Reason, who had previously done an amazing job branding our Illuminate program.

They presented two design options to the membership, who were then asked to share their preferences and thoughts.

Nearly 2,600 collegians and alumnae gave their feedback!

More than 90% selected and offered improvements on a version of the selected logo. A focus group helped affirm the final revised selection.

That being said, a major part of branding is to create a consistent “look” across different communities, and reflect what is shared through the Alpha Sigma Tau experience. This is only achieved if everyone follows the Visual Identity Guide and Style Guide.

Both resources have been posted online at www.alphasigmatau.org/ brand-identity.

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The Process

To help members, chapters, and others best use the Alpha Sigma Tau brand, the Sorority has developed a Visual Identity Guide and Style Guide. While design standards should always be followed, we also want each Alpha Sigma Tau to share in the identity. After all, that is what being in a Sorority is all about! Members are invited to take ownership of brand elements (such as the logo) and use them in their own marketing and communications efforts as part of their Sorority experience.

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“With this logo and tagline, we are trying to capture the essence of being an Alpha Sigma Tau,” explains National President Tiffany K. Street, Delta Mu. “With this new look, we are changing the way we showcase ourselves to the world.

But it doesn’t change who we are. We are still the same strong group of women committed to excellence, intellect, graciousness, respect, and building meaningful connections with others. Just like our Founders and the great women who followed, we still seek to empower women to excel in life, and to enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

Much like the recent ‘refresh’ of our mission, vision, and values, the new logo and tagline will help keep us relevant as a membership organization in today’s world.”

How to Use the Refreshed Brand

“

In the logo survey and focus group, some of the most popular words used by members to describe the logo and tagline were: Classic Elegant Feminine Modern Simple Pretty

As women of Alpha Sigma Tau, we strive for excellence on a daily basis. The anchor, which is a symbol of hope and strength, defines our values.

Professional Clean Fresh Sophisticated Traditional Fun

– a collegian from the logo survey

“

Alpha Sigma Tau is about Sisterhood and excellence within a group of women, but is also about celebrating Sisterhood. I think that this logo displays both.

– an alumna from the logo survey.

What does Defining Excellence mean?

Defining Excellence embodies what it means to be Alpha Sigma Taus – strong, confident women who exemplify AΣT’s values of excellence and graciousness, and who see the Sorority as a way to grow through shared friendship, respect, and member development.

The word defining has significance as well.

As a verb, it conveys a sense of always striving to achieve an even greater sense of excellence. As an adjective, it says that we set the standard for excellence.

Like what you see here?

Show your Alpha Sigma Tau pride!

Visit the Emerald Boutique (www.astemeraldboutique.com) for merchandise branded with the new logo!

”

”

TRENDING NOW Alpha Sigma Tau’s Emerald Boutique has released new items!

VISIT

www.astemeraldboutique.com

DID YOU KNOW? We offer custom designs and products for group orders at the guaranteed lowest price.

National Foundation

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Have you met the

Founders Day Challenge?

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t’s incredible to think that this November, Alpha Sigma Taus across the country are honoring the 116th anniversary of our founding. Anniversaries are a great opportunity to remember our shared history, celebrate our present, and perhaps most importantly, look forward to our future.

I reflect on this a lot and think about how, with the generous support of donors to the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation, the Sorority continues to build on the shared legacy of our founding. Through

the Foundation, we have helped foster the development of thousands of collegiate members through scholarships, leadership development, and innovative, life-changing programs like Illuminate and Not Anymore.

Imagine what more we could accomplish with your support as a donor to the Foundation.

In honor of Founders Day, I humbly request that you join me by meeting the Foundation’s 2015 Founders Day Challenge. This year, we are challenging

all alumnae to donate at least $116 to the Foundation’s Anchor Fund, or give a recurring gift of at least $18.99 per month. Each collegian is challenged to donate at least $18.99.

In gratitude for all that you have done and will continue to do,

Kris Haskin, Beta Pi Foundation President

The Alumnae Chapter/Association and Collegiate Chapter with the highest percentage of individual members donating to the Founders Day Challenge will each receive 10% off a group order at the Emerald Boutique for spring 2016.

The Alumnae Chapter/Association and Collegiate Chapter with the highest total monetary donation to the Challenge will each receive 15% off a group order.

To make a donation, please visit: http://alphasigmatau.org/foundation/founders-day-challenge.

You can make an online donation or download a mail-in form.

The Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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Honor our History. Grow the Future.

Accept the Challenge!

To Show Our Appreciation!

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Almost every dollar raised by the Foundation goes directly back to members in the form of innovative programs and scholarships that support the education of members of all ages. By supporting the Foundation, you are helping ensure that Sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau at every chapter receive the support they need to become the best women that they can be.

Crowning Achievements

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Donalinda Ace, Iota, has been installed as the 2015–2016 President of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Alumnae Panhellenic in New Mexico. Dona’s presidency marks the first time a delegate from Alpha Sigma Tau has served as President in the organization’s 75 year history.

Johnelle Hunt, Upsilon, was recently inducted into the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame. Initiated as an Alpha Sigma Tau in 1951, Johnelle was inducted by her Chapter Sister Nanalou Snow, who herself was one of the leaders who started the Hall of Fame.

A long-time New Mexico resident and former professor at the University of New Mexico, Dona was unsure what role Alpha Sigma Tau could play there. “The university does not have an ΑΣΤ chapter and there is no ΑΣΤ alumnae group here,” she says. “Although ΑΣΤ is not very active in New Mexico, I’ve still been called to serve my Sorority as an Alumnae Panhellenic Delegate.”

In the 1960s, Johnelle, along with her husband J.B., founded the J.B. Hunt Company and J. B. Hunt Transport, which is now one of the largest transportation logistics providers in the country. She currently holds a seat on the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institution Advisory Board, is the Founding Chairman of the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society for Washington County, and is a founding executive board member of the Ozark affiliate of Susan G. Komen. Her other former titles include, among others, Campaign Treasurer for the University of Arkansas’ Leadership Team entitled “Campaign for the 21st Century” and Co-chair of the University of Central Arkansas’ Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee.

Alumnae Panhellenics play an important role in informing fraternity members and the public about matters of importance to the fraternity world. In Albuquerque, fundraising for scholarship awards is one major priority.

Each year, the Panhellenic awards collegiate scholarships to members of each of the four nationally-recognized sororities at the University of New Mexico: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Pi Beta Phi. Dona served as Vice President of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Alumnae Panhellenic last year and following this year’s presidency, she will serve as Delegate-at-Large in the 2016–2017 academic year.

Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta, recently earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, which is held by just over 2% of all those employed in the insurance industry in the United States.

Considered to be the premier designation in property and casualty insurance, designees must pass extensive national exams covering topics such as insurance law, contracts, rate-making, risk management, finance, and ethics, just to name a few. Since 2011, Kate has also earned her Associate in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Underwriting Management (AU-M).

The Hunts were chosen as the Arkansas Easter Seal Arkansans of the Year in 1990. Among many other awards, Johnelle received the Worthen Professional Women of Distinction Award in 1992, was included in “The Top 100 Women” list in Arkansas from 1994-1998, and has been inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame alongside her husband.

Kristin Palmsiano, Delta Delta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is the Dance Marathon intern for the Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, one of the highestranked pediatric hospitals in the state and in the nation. The Dance Marathon at UIC has consistently donated more than $20,000 each year in the past three years. The women of Delta Delta have always been a part of that, and Kristin has been involved every year since she was initiated.

Send information about your (or a Sister's) notable accomplishments to anchor@alphasigmatau.org with the subject "Crowning Achievements"!

TOGETHER, WE HELP EACH OTHER DO MORE. NationwideÂŽ 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 our 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 1-866-238-1426 or visit AlphaSigmaTau.org.

Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products Underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, OH 43215. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle design are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Š2014 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. AF0-0576AO.1 (9/14)

Collegiate Chapter Spotlight Beta Delta Duquesne University Quick Facts: T H E AN C H OR

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Chapter Name: Beta Delta School: Duquesne University Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Year Chartered: 1971 Number of Active Sisters: 82 Local Philanthropy: Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Inc.

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hilanthropy is a key part of the Alpha Sigma Tau experience, as the incredible work showcased on the following pages demonstrates. For the women of the Beta Delta Chapter, and their award-winning philanthropy, it is an all-consuming passion that culminates in their Miss Duquesne fundraising event for MakeA-Wish.

“For us, it is more than raising money and cutting a check,” says Gina DiPaolo, Beta Delta’s Vice President of Community Relations. “Many of our members know people who have had a wish granted through the organization, either in high school or college. It is a very personal experience that we all share together. Plus, Make-A-Wish lets us know what they do with the money, so we can see the impact of our efforts, which is very rewarding.”

Last year, Beta Delta’s efforts provided funding to grant three wishes: giving a little girl a swimming pool, sending a boy on a trip to Disney World, and buying a teenage girl a backyard playset.

Miss Duquesne is Beta Delta’s main fundraising effort, a pageant-like event that the chapter holds every November. For the past few years, they have raised about $12,000 each year for Make-A-Wish. For Miss Duquesne, student organizations across campus nominate a woman

they know to “compete” in the pageant, in which participants share their talents and fun facts about themselves. “It’s not just fraternities and sororities that participate,” explains Gina. “Professional groups, the student newspaper, and others all nominate someone to take part. It’s a great way for us to connect to the rest of the campus, too, and build some school pride.” The event’s 2015 Chair Kelsey Newcamp agrees. “Every year, more organizations across campus come together to support this fundraiser,” she says. “Every year, I’m overwhelmed at the impact we can make.”

For their efforts, Beta Delta was recognized with Duquesne University’s Best Philanthropy Event award last year, when they raised more money than any other student organization on campus.

"It is so uplifting to be a part of an organization that embodies the same values as I do, and works together to serve other people within our community,” concludes Miss Duquesne’s Chair Assistant Melissa Mossing. “I’m so proud to be a Sister of Alpha Sigma Tau and the Beta Delta Chapter.”

The 2015 Miss Duquesne event will take place in November.

Do you want to showcase your chapter like this?

Email your chapter’s accomplishments to anchor@alphasigmatau.org!

Collegiate Chapter Updates With the start of a new academic year, we asked collegiate chapters about their favorite upcoming philanthropic and service projects. Here is what they told us!

Sigma, State University of New York at Buffalo State We are most excited about participating in Cooks For Kids at the Ronald McDonald House in Buffalo. This benefits families of terminally ill children by providing housing during their treatment. We cook meals for the families staying there.

Alpha Pi, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania The Alpha Pi Chapter is aiming to volunteer together on a Habitat for Humanity build during the spring semester.

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Delta, Indiana University of Pennsylvania The Delta Chapter is eagerly anticipating the return of their Miss IUP Scholarship Pageant, an event that provides its winner with a $1,000 scholarship and donates all proceeds to Pine Mountain Settlement School.

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Zeta, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania The Zeta Chapter is excited to participate in our annual Rock-a-Thon! It benefits the Pine Mountain Settlement School and our local philanthropy, the Clinton County Women’s Center. We rock on rocking chairs for 24 hours and go canning around campus. We raised approximately $1,600 this fall, and can’t wait until next year.

Phi, Southeastern Louisiana University The Phi Chapter recently hosted a Waffle Night benefitting Pine Mountain Settlement School. People came to our house and were served waffles with any number of toppings.

It was a huge success!

Beta Epsilon, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Over the summer, four of our Sisters had the opportunity to travel to Pine Mountain Settlement School. We spent the week at the school helping with their summer time program where kids attended during the day to learn. It was an amazing opportunity and we cannot wait to do it again soon!

Rho, Southeastern Oklahoma State University We are very excited to be teaming up with another organization on our campus to put on a pancake dinner to support the local Boys and Girls Club here in Durant, Oklahoma.

Psi, James Madison University This semester, the Psi chapter will be partnering with Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity to host a Bumper Ball Soccer tournament. This event will benefit our local philanthropy, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Beta Iota, Millersville University of Pennsylvania The Beta Iota Chapter recently won Lambda Chi Alpha’s sponsored Canned Castle event by collecting canned goods and monetary donations to benefit Feeding America!

Collegiate Chapter Updates

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Beta Xi, Michigan Technological University Beta Xi is very excited to participate in Make A Difference Day 2015. The event brings student organizations and other groups together on one day to help with service projects throughout the city including beautification and cleanup.

Beta Phi, California University of Pennsylvania Beta Phi Chapter is anxiously awaiting our seventh annual Sweetheart competition. All of the proceeds from the event go to Pine Mountain Settlement School. We are also excited about many charity walks we have lined up, as well as volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.

Gamma Theta, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College The Sisters were beyond excited to volunteer at Apple Fest for the YMCA's Camp Sherwin! At the service project, we worked with children who are less fortunate and helped set up and run games for them.

Beta Pi, Eastern Illinois University Beta Pi ladies are excited to organize and host their first blood drive in December, and have the opportunity to create a service project to involve the entire campus community!

Beta Chi, Ferris State University Beta Chi Sisters are hosting Anchor Slam, a volleyball tournament fundraiser that benefits Habitat for Humanity and their local ReStore.

Gamma Iota, York College of Pennsylvania Our chapter has already had Sisters participate in several service and philanthropy projects! We are also excited to volunteer at the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Beta Tau, University of Massachusetts Lowell We are excited to participate again in Relay for Life in April. While working with other campus organizations and cancer survivors last year, we raised nearly $4,500 for the American Cancer Society!

Gamma Epsilon, State University of New York at Potsdam We have been focusing on Adopt A Highway, which we joined this past spring. After a visit with Educational Consultant Jordan Frederking, we are now also looking to add a local philanthropy, while participating in Derby Days with Sigma Chi to support cancer research.

30 F AL L 2015 Gamma Lambda, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania This year Gamma Lambda held its first Anchor Slam, a philanthropic soccer tournament that raises money for Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Sisters helped run the tournament and signed up teams.

Collegiate Chapter Updates

Gamma Rho, Seton Hall University In September, Gamma Rho lent a hand at the annual Ride-4-Avi motorcycle tour and barbeque which benefits the son of an alumna who faces a rare neurodegenerative disease, A-T. We assist with face painting and children’s games, and look forward to this event every year. We also look forward to participating in the “Spike Out Arthritis” volleyball tournament and the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

Delta Eta, Belmont University Delta Eta Sisters are excited to continue their service relationship with Habitat for Humanity by volunteering at their local ReStore, interacting with the customers, and getting to directly see the people they’re helping.

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Gamma Mu, West Virginia University Institute of Technology The Gamma Mu Chapter created care packages to send to an Army K-9 unit overseas. With a Sister active in the military, we wanted to do something to honor our military personnel.

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Gamma Xi, Grand Valley State University The Gamma Xi chapter raised $7,620 for Relay for Life and were the #1 Greek Team and third overall team for fundraising this year! The chapter always has a blast supporting such an amazing cause!

Gamma Pi, Lycoming College The Gamma Pi Chapter is currently coordinating a 5K run that will benefit Pine Mountain Settlement School.

We are hoping to have it in a scenic environmental area in order to raise awareness for what Pine Mountain does.

Gamma Upsilon, California State University, Los Angeles Gamma Upsilon is excited to continue contributing to The Walk to Defeat ALS. We do this in honor of the father of one of our Sisters, and embrace the belief that "my Sister's battle is my battle." We will contribute by walking and raising money for the cause.

Gamma Omega, La Salle University This fall, we are very excited to participate in a few different charity walks. We will be returning to the ALS Walk and will also be participating in La Salle University’s B+ Walk for childhood cancer. We are most excited to be participating in a new philanthropy, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk, to support one of our Sisters.

Delta Theta, Moravian College The Delta Theta Chapter is most excited about their fall 2015 Mr. Moravian Talent Show! It is the largest campus event that the chapter sponsors, and all ticket proceeds are donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Delta Iota, Providence Campus of Johnson & Wales University The Delta Iota Chapter can’t wait for their Annual Charity Gala! Sisters donate their time to work the event and gather additional donations, all of which benefit Pine Mountain Settlement School, Day One, and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Collegiate Chapter Updates

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Delta Tau, Oakland University The Delta Tau Chapter will be hosting their first, soon to be annual, fashion show to benefit Haven, their local philanthropy.

Epsilon Epsilon, North Miami Campus of Johnson & Wales University We were most excited to volunteer for Best Buddies. This year, we will help with their Friendship Ball for high school and college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We volunteered last year and it was a great experience!

Epsilon Mu, State University of New York at Buffalo We are very excited to host our second annual Bowling for Cancer event! This year, some proceeds will go to another fraternity member from the University at Buffalo, who is currently fighting brain cancer. We have also already done a few walks, including Making Strides.

Epsilon Theta, Fairleigh Dickinson University The Epsilon Theta chapter kickstarted Relay for Life on campus. This year, we raised over $1,000 to help in the battle to fight cancer.

Epsilon Nu, McDaniel College This semester we have already had a fundraiser at the Sweet Frog frozen yogurt parlor to raise money for Parkinson's disease research. The effort supported one of our alumnae, who was running in the 5K, Pacing for Parkinson’s.

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Epsilon Beta, University of TexasPan American So far we have been very active in helping our community so we hope to keep that going for the rest of the semester! We helped clean a nearby highway and we also volunteered at our local animal shelter. The women of Epsilon Beta always have an amazing time volunteering at the animal shelter, so we hope to be helping more in the future!

Epsilon Gamma, Armstrong State University We have many philanthropic events planned for the semester, but are most excited about our Second Annual Fall Festival benefiting Pine Mountain Settlement School. Both on-campus and outside organizations set up activity booths for kids! The event will be held on our campus and is open to the public.

Epsilon Lambda, Indiana University South Bend This year we are changing our philanthropy to focus on people with disabilities. We kicked off our new philanthropy with a trivia night that was very successful. We look forward to more successful events!

Epsilon Omicron, University of Southern Indiana The Epsilon Omicron Chapter is most excited for our new fall philanthropy event called Alpha Sigma Tau's Hollywood Game Night. It benefits Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Our chapter contributes to Pine Mountain by holding an event for them every year.

Collegiate Chapter Updates

Epsilon Rho, State University of New York at Geneseo Our chapter held a volleyball tournament to benefit our local philanthropy, Haven House. Haven House is a shelter for domestic violence victims in Buffalo, New York.

We co-hosted this event with Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Epsilon Sigma, Bridgewater State University The service project that we are most excited to participate in is the Heartbeats for Down Syndrome Buddy Walk.

This walk helps to raise money for the Heartbeats for Down Syndrome organization. We help raise money for the walk and volunteer on the day of the event!

Congratulations to Upsilon Chapter on their new chapter house!

Upsilon House: The house is in keeping with other architecture at the University of Central Arkansas. However, the chapter wanted the house to remain unique at the same time, so they placed a permanent gold anchor in the front yard.

Upsilon Front Entryway: The front entryway of the house is decorated for fall.

Upsilon Anchor Wall: The Anchor Wall is very near and dear to the Sisters of Upsilon Chapter. Listed among chapter photos are the names of alumnae donors who felt the urge to give back and contribute to the Sorority and chapter that "built” them.

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The Upsilon Chapter at the University of Central Arkansas recently opened their new chapter house – supported by the university’s administration and the generous financial support of Upsilon alumnae.

Congratulations, ladies!

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Epsilon Pi, Rhode Island College We are excited to participate in Relay for Life again on our college campus!

Last year, we raised just over $4,000.

Many of our Sisters helped out at the event while others walked for a cure!

We cannot wait to do it again this year!

Alumnae Chapter Updates We asked alumnae chapters and associations to share their proudest philanthropy and service projects. Here's what they had to say.

Buffalo

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Baltimore

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Our chapter has stayed busy, meeting monthly. At our August get-together, we collected backpacks, pens, notebooks, rulers, crayons, and other school supplies for Anne Arundel Public Schools.

Boston-area alumnae Athena Mota, Sailynn Doyle, and Cheralyn Tucker at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Boston

Athena Mota, Sailynn Doyle, and Cheralyn Tucker joined Home Instead Senior Care North Dartmouth for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Alumna Ryan Farrell and her Sisters from Fitchburg State University organized an event for Brain Injury Awareness Month in March, for which they learned a great deal about traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Buffalo Alumnae Chapter recently became aware of Project Homeless Connect, an exciting project sponsored by the Western New York Coalition for the Homeless. The group collects travel-size personal care items and distributes them to homeless members of our community.

While we did not have sufficient time to prepare for the main event in September at the Buffalo Convention Center, we were pleased to learn that the Coalition will accept items at any time. To that end, we are planning this as our December service project.

Charlotte

For the past three years, our group has participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. We had our largest participation ever for this year’s event on October 3 at Marshall Park. Each member of our alumnae team raised money to support this great cause.

Alumnae Chapter Updates Detroit Metro

The Detroit Metro Alumnae Chapter continues our annual tradition of adopting a family for Christmas. Each year, we select a single mother with children, and each Sister buys gifts for a family member. At our December meeting, we all wrap the gifts together. A few Sisters take the gifts to the families, and they are always so thankful. Last year, we even got one little girl a bike!

Lehigh Valley

In October, the Lehigh Valley Alumnae Chapter will hold a philanthropic event called Tau’s Bras. We will collect new bras and feminine hygiene products for Distributing Dignity, an organization that distributes these items to women in need.

Lowell

Edwardsville

Lansing Area

As a very new group, the Lansing Area Alumnae Association is still working on choosing a philanthropy/service project.

We look forward to finding the right philanthropy for our group!

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Edwardsville alumnae collected more than 100 pounds of food for their local food pantry at their Christmas party in December.

We are a small group, but we accomplish a lot. One of our favorite service projects is serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House servicing Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. The residents are so thankful and we enjoy hearing their heroic stories as they watch over their children. Another activity in which we participate is collecting canned goods at our Christmas party to donate to area food pantries. In the past, we have donated more than 100 pounds of food. We also support the Beta Eta chapter’s Pink Hair Day for breast cancer research. These inspiring projects keep our Sisterhood real and together.

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This holiday season, the Lowell Alumnae Chapter hopes to adopt a family through The Wish Project in Lowell, for which we will buy gifts to put under the tree for the entire family. We also hope to support a great cause through an alumna who works for Arbonne International. Every year, they raise funds to donate shower gift sets to women's domestic violence shelters throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Northern Virginia

The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter supports the Northern Virginia Alumnae Panhellenic Association in a walk to raise awareness and funds for Circle of Sisterhood, an organization that brings sorority women together to create opportunities for girls worldwide. The second annual walk was held October 3 at Lake Accotink. We will also support Project USO Elf this holiday season by providing gifts for children in military families. Since we are located in an area with a large population of service members, this project is meaningful to us in many ways.

Alumnae Chapter Updates Mile High

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For our fall philanthropy, in conjunction with Denver Area Panhellenic, we are collecting school supplies for Bansbach Academy, the on-site school for Denver Children’s Home, which provides therapeutic, educational, and community-based services to traumatized children and families. This winter, we will participate in Operation Santa Claus, which provides gifts and food to more than 250 needy families in the Denver area during the holidays. We hope to work the gift-wrap stations a few days before Santa makes his deliveries. To wrap up the year, we will take part in Denver’s Largest Baby Shower to support Denver Health’s Newborns in Need (NIN) program for families who are struggling to make ends meet. NIN collects baby items such as diapers, wipes, blankets, clothes, and other necessities to fill their Warm Welcome bags for new moms and dads. We will begin collecting supplies in January and deliver them to Denver Health in May.

Philadelphia-area alumnae volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Phoenix Valley of the Sun alumnae Daniele Gottlieb, Daniella Eriksson, Lisa Webb, Ashley Beaudette, Sharon Carpenter, and Brittany Martinek enjoyed a brush party in August.

Phoenix Valley of the Sun

Phoenix Valley of the Sun alumnae plan to coordinate with the Epsilon Alpha Chapter to support Habitat for Humanity by serving lunch to one of the build groups.

St. Louis

For many years, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter has volunteered for and financially assisted Ride On St. Louis, which offers equestrian therapy for mentally and physically handicapped children and adolescents. We have also taken groups of interested citizens for tours, resulting in new benefactors.

Members volunteer at the annual summer festival, collect aluminum cans, clean the pastures and stalls, and organize trivia nights. Seeing the children improve is very fulfilling!

Philadelphia

In September, the Philadelphia alumnae teamed up with the Gamma Omega Chapter to help the Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity ReStore celebrate five years in the community. We were excited to meet the workers and patrons, and even entered some of the raffles! This ReStore has many regular customers that we were fortunate to meet—some with very interesting stories to share. The Philly alumnae plan to return to the ReStore to volunteer again. We are keeping active, with plans already underway for events throughout the fall.

Alumnae in southeast Louisiana lend a helping hand at Relay for Life.

Southeast Louisiana

We are getting ready for our annual philanthropy, Relay for Life, in November.

Alumnae Chapter Updates This event, which benefits the American Cancer Society, is close to our hearts since several Sisters have battled cancer.

In addition to walking laps, our chapter sells grilled cheese sandwiches. Our collegiate chapter also has a booth, and it is a wonderful opportunity to bond with them as well.

Tidewater

The Tidewater Area Alumnae Chapter had a fantastic year. We held a yard sale to raise money and donate goods to Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and Samaritan House. We also participated in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Beach Bag Program, which provides needy students with necessary food items during weekends and vacations. For 2015–2016, we plan to have another early fall yard sale to support these charities, and also hold a supply drive for the local charity ForKids, which helps provide housing and education for homeless families.

Interested in establishing an Alumnae Chapter?

Are there a lot of Alpha Sigma Taus in your area, but nothing that brings you all together? Start an alumnae chapter!

Like collegiate chapters, alumnae chapters and associations foster lifelong friendships grounded in shared experiences. Involvement with an alumnae chapter or association offers unique opportunities for new leadership roles, personal growth, professional development, community service, and, most importantly, fun! Joining an alumnae group is a social experience, connecting members from all stages of life and bringing them together within the bonds of Sisterhood.

Interested?

Contact Kirsten Heck, Chapter Services Coordinator, at kheck@alphasigmatau.org or 317-613-7230.

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Tidewater Area Alumnae Chapter held a June social with Sisters and future legacies.

Each year, the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor alumnae participate in the Adopt-A-Family philanthropy during the holiday season.

A social worker matches us with a family in need from the University of Michigan Pediatrics Clinic, and we purchase and donate holiday gifts. Each member provides a gift or donation of money for the family, and we spend time at our Christmas party wrapping the gifts.

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Anchoring Thoughts

By Kate Sweeney, Gamma Theta, The Anchor Editor

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ellness: the quality or state of being healthy in body, mind, and spirit – especially as the result of a deliberate effort. The latter part of that definition exemplifies how each of the women in this issue of The Anchor achieved their own state of wellness. Being happy and healthy doesn’t always come easy. It takes hard work and determination. It often requires taking a risk. It pushes a person to figure out what she thinks, how she resolves issues, when she is most motivated, and why she does the things she does.

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xercising, eating healthy, working a dream job, having a family, writing a book, volunteering for a good cause, traveling the world – there is only so much any one of us can fit into our lives. However, if someone takes the time to figure out what they want and need most, she can create her own definition of wellness and live that healthy life to the best of her ability.

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ike so many others, Alpha Sigma Taus find ways to be well. Whether finding a healthy balance of homework and a social life, or running a business and being a mom – it takes patience and purpose. And through the power of Sisterhood, we find ways to make each other feel whole.

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ook at your own life and think about what makes you happy and fulfilled. How do you use the good in your life to outweigh the bad? How do you overcome adversity when everything (and sometimes, unfortunately, everyone) is telling you that making a change is impossible?

N

ot everyone achieves wellness easily. Each of the women profiled in this issue overcame hurdles on their way to well-being. However, sometimes wellness exists even when we think it’s missing.

E

ven when our minds and bodies don’t seem to be in a state of total wellness – maybe a loved one passes away or you break your leg – it’s not impossible to be well. Admitting that you need help, and asking for it, can also be a sign of wellness. Feeling defeated from time to time is normal; staying that way can be harmful. Finding our own wellness should be a priority, but sometimes helping others find theirs can be just as fulfilling. Each of the women in this issue illustrate this as well.

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elf-fulfillment is about feeling happy and satisfied as a result of making an effort to realize your full potential. As members of Alpha Sigma Tau, we “believe in the fulfillment of self” and each of us should work to find our own happiness, and also assist others in doing the same.

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ocial. Emotional. Intellectual. Occupational. Physical. Spiritual. While each of these aspects of wellness were featured here separately, they can all be intertwined and affect each other. Some may have more of an affect on you than they do someone else. Go find your own balance and be well!

Officer, Volunteer, and National 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 Rice, 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

PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS

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 Master Facilitators Melissa Hatfield Atkinson, Gamma Mu; Lauren Bolden, Alpha Phi; Sara Brown, Gamma Pi; Jennifer Cohen, Gamma Rho; Lisa-Marie Cox Fredericks, Beta Xi; Jenny Greyerbiehl; Grace Johnsen Nelson, Beta Eta; Jennifer Kemmery Nowotnik, Delta; Kathleen Wheat Perschbacher, Gamma Xi; Jade Silva; Nicole Turnage, Beta Rho

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 Schilling, Delta Upsilon; Elizabeth Miller Villegas, Delta Rho; Lauren Crawford Welch, Delta Psi

govdocs@alphasigmatau.org Chair Andrea Rogers Mersiovsky, Rho Members Erika McManus Bukva, Delta Rho; Lettie Cottrell, Delta Delta; Allison Miller, Phi; Katherine Onyshko, Delta Phi; Theresa Gallo-Osorio, Delta Phi Miranda Lundin, Delta Eta; Cate Rubin, Delta Nu

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 Alternate 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 Chapter Services Angie Bong abong@alphasigmatau.org Director of Operations Holly Morris hmorris@alphasigmatau.org Director of Finance Pam Myhre, Gamma Theta pmyhre@alphasigmatau.org Director of Member Education Gretchen Stahl Foran gstahl@alphasigmatau.org Director of Marketing and Communications Ben Nemenoff bnemenoff@alphasigmatau.org Recruitment Specialist Ashley Smith, Psi aksmith@alphasigmatau.org Chapter Services Specialist Kate Wehby, Gamma Xi kwehby@alphasigmatau.org Accounting Specialist Andrew Cundiff acundiff@alphasigmatau.org Member Engagement Coordinator Justina Solties, Gamma Theta jsolties@alphasigmatau.org Chapter Services Coordinator Kirsten Heck, Gamma Pi kheck@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Bethany Yost, Beta Delta byost@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Jordan Frederking jfrederking@alphasigmatau.org Educational Consultant Brittany Marshall bmarshall@alphasigmatau.org Administrative Assistant Jessi Zabriskie admin@alphasigmatau.org

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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

GOVERNING DOCUMENTS COMMITTEE

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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

STANDING COMMITTEES

Indianapolis, IN Permit 5409

National Headquarters 3334 Founders Rd Indianapolis, IN 46268

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Alpha Sigma Tau National Convention

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

JUNE 23 - 26, 2016

DEFINING EXCELLENCE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

Want to Present a Program at Convention?

Submit Your Idea!

Alpha Sigma Tau is seeking program presenters for the 41st National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, June 23-26, 2016. We invite all interested alumnae, collegians, and friends of the Sorority to submit proposals for educational programs to be held during Convention.

Proposals are due by December 11. Submit yours today!

Learn how at alphasigmatau.org/convention/call-for-programs.

Questions? Contact Gretchen Stahl Foran, Director of Member Education, at gstahl@alphasigmatau.org.