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CONVENTION 2015 DETAILS NEW PROGRAM FOR ALUMNAE A NEW HOME AT ILLINOIS
A Sister’s Mission Sandra Schiffili Salerno, Indiana ‘00, shares her painful discovery of learning her baby needed to have half of her brain removed.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Thoughts from Sandi Epsilon Omicron Chapter President Taylor Watkins unveiled her chapter’s charter alongside National President Sandi Edwards during the Installation luncheon at Oklahoma State University. Photo credit: Digital Pix
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You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” - Steve Jobs Trusting your gut. We all have had that feeling where we’ve felt torn with a decision, but deep down inside, you get that feeling – you know the one I’m talking about. Whether it is trusting your instincts to take that new job or sign up for a new class, we rely on our gut feeling to give us that quick ‘is this a good idea?’ check. Do you think our ten Founders had this gut feeling on April 17, 1893? Or, what about the decision for Alpha Xi Delta to expand as a national organization?
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Our Founders were pioneers. Every April 17, for the past 122 years, we celebrate their vision of a Fraternity that would give to its members love, friendship and strong impulses toward leading nobler lives. We benefit greatly from the trailblazers that went before us; we learn from their successes and how they handled the challenges they faced. Think back to when you decided to join Alpha Xi Delta. It just felt like home, right? I bet that was your gut talking. We recently installed three chapters (learn about them on pages 14-15), and it certainly takes a strong, bold young woman to take that leap of faith to start a chapter from the ground up. Even though her chapter wasn’t as established as other organizations on campus yet, Alpha Xi Delta spoke to each of these women and made them feel at home. In this issue, we also meet a Sister who trusted her gut instincts as a
mother to get the correct care for her daughter when answers were not readily available. By doing so, she was able to save her daughter’s life and give this special little girl a chance to thrive. As we look to the summer months, I want to personally invite you to our 51st National Convention in Boston. I can’t express fully in words how fun it is to reconnect and renew your Alpha Xi Delta membership at Convention. You’ll just have to trust me (and your gut), and come see for yourself in person! You can get all the details about Convention on pages 8-11. I hope to see you soon! Loyally,
Sandi Edwards National President
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51st National Convention | We hope to see you in Boston, July 1-4, 2015.
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A Clear Vision of Life | We recently
launched A Clear Vision of Life: The Wellbeing Program for alumnae members.
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A Sister’s Mission | Sandra Schiffli Salerno, Indiana ’00, shares the story of why half her baby’s brain was removed. Cover Photo Credit: Chris Dominque, The Photo Shop Texas
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#social101 | Jamie Sigler, East Carolina ’97, co-founder of J Public Relations, shares her take on building and protecting your digital identity.
CONTENTS 4 Letters to the Editor 5
What’s Trending?
14 Installation Update
38 Philanthropy News
16 Tales from the Road
44 C hapter Eternal
6 Q&A
18 Foundation News
47 F rom the Archives
12 Housing News
34 M ember News
48 F oundation Memorial and Honor Listing
Connect with us!
Join the conversation with Sisters and keep up to date with the Fraternity by following us on our social media channels.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta is published three times per year in spring, summer and fall/winter by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity.® POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE QUILL OF ALPHA XI DELTA, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Volume 112/Issue 1 Copyright 2015 by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity; all rights reserved. Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity 8702 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.872.3500 www.alphaxidelta.org fhq@alphaxidelta.org Submission Deadlines Summer issue – June 1 Fall/Winter issue – September 6 Spring issue – January 23 Submission Procedures Text and photographs may be emailed to the Editor or to the Fraternity Headquarters address listed above. Photographs submitted become the property of the Fraternity. Digital images must be taken using the highest settings on a camera that’s at least 3.2 megapixels. Address/Name Changes Visit www.alphaxidelta.org or mail changes to 8702 Founders Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268.
I received my fall/winter 2014 issue in the mail in December, looked through it, and headed out the door to dinner at my boyfriend’s mother’s house. I’d been dating him for nearly 16 months and thought I knew his family pretty well. The conversation came up randomly about Greek life at college and his mother said, “I was the president of my sorority.” I had no idea she was even in one, and I responded, “Wow! I was the vice president of mine, too. Which one?” Well, when she said, “Alpha Xi Delta”, I screamed and nearly spit out my dinner in excitement! I couldn’t be happier that my hopefully soon-to-be future mother-in-law is also my Sister. It was an awesome moment!
National Executive Director Elysia Balster Gallivan, South Dakota ’93
- Nicole Pace, George Mason ’98
Director of Communications and Marketing Lauren Blankenbaker Felts, Indiana ’03
I took my daughter, Kathleen Serio, on a college visit to Marshall University. After we completed our tour, met with a math professor and sat through a statistics class, I asked her if she wanted to see the sorority house. She decided that would be fine, if only to see how it compared to sorority houses she had seen on TV and in movies. When we walked up to the front door, I was relieved to see some heads through the window because that meant someone would answer the door. The Sister who did was smiling, welcoming and gracious. I explained I was an alumna from the University of Kentucky and asked if someone could show us around the house. Two other girls in the dining room smiled, said hello and engaged us in conversation.
National Council 2013-2015 National President Sandi Edwards, Kentucky ’75 National Vice Presidents Suzanne Cantando, UNC Asheville ’92 Michele Herbst Evink, South Dakota State ’86 Nancy Fehremann Gainer, Iowa State ’69 Micaela Isler, Texas ’91 Fatima Johnson, UNC Asheville ’95 Nealy Patty Wheat, West Georgia ’97 The Mission of The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta: To inform, inspire and challenge. To sustain and nurture membership loyalty and interest. To recognize individual, group and Fraternity accomplishments. To provide a forum for the exchange of information and opinion. To be the permanent record for the Fraternity.
After checking with the house mother for permission, which impressed me, we were given a tour. Kathleen saw the lovely, comfortable and inviting home. Wherever we went, Sisters greeted us, engaged us in conversation and made us feel welcome. When the tour came to an end, the girls in the dining room talked to Kathleen and, on their own, told her why they had chosen to attend Marshall and what they liked most about it. They wished us well and thanked us for stopping by. We thanked them and left. We did not even get down the steps when Kathleen exclaimed, “I want to be one of them!” She gushed about how much she loved the people she met, how much she loved the house, how nice everyone was and how the house mother was making cookies! She couldn’t believe it. She told me that, until she had gone to the house, Marshall was OK, but after having met my Sisters, she really wanted to come to school there. She was euphoric. So, I am writing to say THANK YOU for conveying to my daughter what my words could not. You truly brought into living reality our Sisterhood of women. You demonstrated to her the special bond that is created when you become a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Because of you, Kathleen now gets it. She gets how being a member of Alpha Xi Delta not only enhances your college experience, but also gives you a connection for life. Regardless of where Kathleen chooses to attend college, I know that our visit will make a difference in her future. Because of this, my heart is full of sunshine and I will remember you always. - Kim Starr, Kentucky ’79 and Past National President
What’s on your mind? Have a comment about an article in The Quill? Drop us an email at quilleditor@alphaxidelta.org or send a note to The Quill, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. We reserve the right to select letters for publication and to edit for style and length. 4
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what’s trending now Extension Update Alpha Xi Delta is proud to announce we will colonize new chapters this fall at Kennesaw State University and Texas Tech University (TTU). “Alpha Xi Delta alumnae throughout Texas and across the country are thrilled to establish a chapter at Texas Tech,” said Alpha Xi Delta’s National President Sandi Edwards. “Through our aligned values, our deep traditions, and plans for the future, we know this partnership will create an environment for positive growth in the TTU community and provide more young women the opportunity to realize their potential.” Texas Tech, located in Lubbock, Texas, is a public research university with more than 33,000 enrolled students. It is currently home to 11 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organizations, making Alpha Xi Delta the 12th NPC sorority to join campus next fall. Kennesaw State University is located in Kennesaw, Georgia, and is home to six NPC organizations. As Georgia’s third-largest university, Kennesaw State offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a growing doctoral program.
$3 million and counting Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is excited to announce we have raised more than $3,000,000 for Autism Speaks, with $1 million raised in just this past year! “The number of children being diagnosed with autism is still growing at an alarming rate, and the women of Alpha Xi Delta
will continue to do our part to support the mission of Autism Speaks. We are grateful to Autism Speaks for giving us the opportunity to help improve the lives of children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders,” said National Executive Director Elysia Gallivan.
Tag Me!
#TFJTuesday
Instagram is a fun way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. Snap a photo with your mobile phone, choose a filter to transform the look of the image and upload it for your friends and family members to view on Instagram. A recent hashtag has been circulating every Tuesday to celebrate our Sisterhood - #TFJTuesday. Every Tuesday, tag your photos (and us…@alphaxidelta) on Instagram with #TFJTuesday. We may even feature our favorite photos in the summer issue of The Quill!
Happy birthday, Alpha Xi Delta! On April 17, Alpha Xi Delta celebrated her 122nd birthday. How will you make this Alpha Xi Delta’s best year? Will you make the time to lend your talents as a volunteer? Or, will you share your treasures with a donation to the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation? Let’s reflect on the tireless efforts of the Sisters who came before us and consider how you can help further our vision of inspiring women to realize their potential.
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Q&A
Q
hat’s your W favorite app?
A Pandora! I always have to have music playing, whether it’s working out, studying or spending time with my Sisters. - Kari Hart, Youngstown State ’13
I love the Tiffany Engagement Ring Finder. I have fun trying on all the rings and dreaming of diamonds.
GymPact--you put money on how many times you’ll work out that week. If you don’t make your goal, you pay your per-workout fee. If you make your goal, you get a piece of the pot. It’s not much, but I paid for two races with my earnings last year. Great motivation! - Amy Hollinger, Towson ’97
- Michelle Caillouet, Henderson State ’04
Duolingo! It’s a great way to learn new languages, and it’s really fun! iStudiez Pro is a great app for keeping track of classes and school work. - Claire Simons, UNC Asheville ’14
I love the app called Studio. It’s perfect for graphic design and picture editing. I use it for all my business work! - Kait Tunnell, East Tennessee State ’11
What’s your favorite summer reading book? Submit your response to quilleditor@alphaxidelta.org for possible entry in the next issue of The Quill.
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Afterlight! It can make even the worst pictures from incandescent lighting look pretty. - Becca Oliver, Eastern Washington ’09
I like Timehop because I love reliving great memories through past Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts. - Carolyn Cotham, Southwestern ’13
As a teacher, I love Remind! It’s an opt-in messaging app that allows me to send reminders to students and parents safely and securely. Recipients can “stamp” the message to indicate receipt. Highly recommend it for educators of all levels! - Elana Coan, San Diego State ’92
Weather Bug! This allows you to pinpoint the closest station to your house. - Andrea Fournet, Louisiana State ’71
Blue Herringbone Pocket T-Shirt Alpha Xi Delta t-shirt featuring an adorable herringbone design and a matching front pocket! Available in unisex sizes. Product SKU: #GMS1415 $32.50
XI BOUTIQUE AD
Xi Boutique, our official store, offers a variety of merchandise for you to show your Alpha Xi Delta pride. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we also offer custom group orders at affordable prices. By shopping at Xi Boutique, you support Alpha Xi Delta and give us the opportunity to provide more programming and educational opportunities to our Sisters. Shop at www.xiboutique.com or call us at 317.608.3379.
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CONVENTION 2015
Make memories in Boston! Registration for Alpha Xi Delta’s 51st National Convention in Boston is now OPEN! For registration details, visit www.alphaxideltaconvention.org. All Sisters are invited to attend this special celebration.
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Convention Agenda This list is an overview of what to expect each day of Convention. A more detailed schedule will be available at www.alphaxideltaconvention.org.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
Convention Information
Wednesday, July 1, 2015 – Saturday, July 4, 2015
ACCOMMODATIONS The Sheraton Boston Hotel is located just four miles from Boston Logan International Airport. Enjoy indoor access to shopping and restaurants at The Shops at Prudential Center and Copley Place or one of their Boston Back Bay restaurants. Stroll just a few blocks to Copley Square, the Charles River, the Museum of Fine Arts or Fenway Park. The hotel room rate is $174 per night. You may book your hotel room online or reservations may also be made by phone at 1.888.627.7054. Be sure to reference Alpha Xi Delta Conference Room Block if you are making a reservation via phone. As a reminder, hotel reservations are NOT included in the registration fee. Hotel reservations must be made individually.
GETTING TO CONVENTION Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the attendee. Best fares will likely be found through an internet search, but all are welcome to use the Fraternity’s travel agent. Kim Criscuolo Email: KCriscuolo@cctrvl.com Toll Free Phone: 800.952.1998; Extension 4902 Phone: 972.643.4902
REGISTERING Attendees must register online via Exclusively Xi. If you are unable to register online, please contact Fraternity Headquarters at 317.872.3500 x123 or fhq@alphaxidelta.org. Registrations received after May 29, 2015, are subject to a late registration fee.
The Workout, Alpha Xi Delta’s comprehensive recruitment training program will take place from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. as a special pre-Convention activity (The Workout is for collegiate members who serve as Membership Vice President for their chapter.) Alpha Xi Delta’s 51st National Convention will kick off officially at 6 p.m. on July 1 with our Sisterhood Social event. This event will feature an hors d’oeuvre reception, plenty of fun and time to visit with Sisters from near and far!
THURSDAY, JULY 2 This first full-day of Convention will get started with Initiation and Delegate Orientation. The bulk of the day will be focused on education and the five areas of wellbeing with general session speakers and educational breakout sessions. We are excited to host Glennon Doyle Melton, author of Momastery.com and “Carry On Warrior- The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life”, as one of our general session speakers. Then, celebrate your school and state pride at the Welcome Banquet.
FRIDAY, JULY 3 Want to help us Light It Up Blue? If so, please plan to join us at the Philanthropy Breakfast! We will celebrate our partnership with Autism Speaks before launching into the business of the National Fraternity at our first National Chapter meeting. Education sessions will fill in the afternoon agenda, and we will celebrate the amaXIng work of our chapters and associations during the Awards Celebration.
SATURDAY, JULY 4 The morning of the Fourth of July will be free time for all attendees to explore the historic city of Boston in all of its Independence Day glory! Gather back at the Sheraton in the afternoon to conclude the business of the National Fraternity at our last National Chapter meeting. Once business is complete, get dressed in your cocktail attire for our beloved Rose Banquet, where we will install our national officers. After the program, we will board a boat, Spirit of Boston, to cruise around the Boston Harbor. This cruise will feature a fantastic dinner, fun with Sisters and a spectacular view of Boston’s fireworks.
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CONVENTION 2015
Cost and Package Options FULL REGISTRATION (available April 13th – May 29th)
THE WORKOUT
$625 per person.
Wednesday, July 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sisters, get ready to tone your recruitment muscles! The Workout, Alpha Xi Delta’s comprehensive recruitment training program, will take place at Convention this summer. All Membership Vice Presidents are highly encouraged to attend. This program is for collegiate members only. For questions regarding The Workout, please contact Heather Chibuk at hchibuk@alphaxidelta.org.
LATE FULL REGISTRATION (available May 30th – June 12th) $675 a person. Additionally, some special packages and individual tickets are available for purchase. Here is a breakdown of the available package options:
EDUCATION PACKAGE This package begins with the Sisterhood Social at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 and concludes at the end of our education sessions on Thursday, July 2. Come enjoy some fun with Sisters at the Sisterhood Social, witness Convention Initiation, partake in hearing fantastic general session speakers, including Glennon Doyle Melton, author of Momastery.com and “Carry On Warrior - The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life”, and round out the day with plenty of opportunities for education and growth at our education sessions.
CELEBRATION PACKAGE This package begins with the Awards Reception on Friday, July 3 and concludes at the end of the Rose Banquet on Saturday, July 4. Honor our accomplishments at the Awards Celebration, spend time with Sisters, enjoy historic Boston on Independence Day, attend a National Chapter meeting and cap the experience with an evening on the water on Spirit of Boston, complete with dinner and fireworks overlooking Boston Harbor.
Attire With the exception of the events listed below, the attire for Convention is Quill attire. Shorts, halter tops and similar casual clothing are not appropriate. THE WORKOUT: Dress is casual. (Collegians Only)
PHILANTHROPY BREAKFAST Friday, July 3. Help Alpha Xi Delta Light It Up Blue, as we celebrate our partnership with Autism Speaks. Don’t forget to wear blue!
AWARDS CELEBRATION Friday, July 3. Come enjoy a reception and awards ceremony as we celebrate Alpha Xi Delta individuals, chapters and associations’ successes.
ROSE BANQUET Saturday, July 4. The celebration will begin at the hotel when we install our National officers. After the program, we will be cruising around the Harbor enjoying delicious food, time with Sisters and the Fourth of July fireworks aboard Spirit of Boston. Note: The cruise is part of the Rose Banquet and is not a separate event.
AWARDS CELEBRATION: Suitable attire is either a dress or nice pantsuit. INITIATION CEREMONY: White or cream-colored dress or pantsuit, and white or cream-colored shoes must be worn for the Initiation.
SISTERHOOD EVENT: Dress is casual.
ROSE BANQUET: Please plan to wear either red, white or blue semi-formal or cocktail attire as we celebrate The Fourth of July.
WELCOME BANQUET: Wear your school colors as we celebrate our school and state pride! This is Quill attire.
OTHER ITEMS TO PACK:
PHILANTHROPY BREAKFAST: Wear blue to support our partnership with Autism Speaks™!
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WELCOME BANQUET Thursday, July 2. Show your school and state pride with your wardrobe as we officially welcome you to Alpha Xi Delta’s 51st National Convention.
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• Quill badge • Sunscreen • Sunglasses
• Lip Balm • Camera • Walking Shoes
• Umbrella • Sweater • Money to shop at Xi Boutique
Meet our General Session Speaker
AUTHOR
Glennon Doyle Melton
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lennon Doyle Melton is the author of the inspiring and hilarious New York Times bestselling memoir, Carry On, Warrior. She is the founder of Momastery.com, an online community where hundreds of thousands of readers meet daily to experience her shameless and laugh-out-loud funny essays about marriage, motherhood, faith, addiction, recovery, and serving the marginalized. She is also the creator and president of Together Rising, a non-profit organization that has revolutionized online giving through “Love Flash Mobs” and has connected countless families in need with hundreds of thousands of dollars in critical resources. Glennon became a sensation when her personal essays, which give language to our universal (yet often secret) experiences started going viral. Her hilarious and poignant observations have been read by millions, shared among friends, discussed at water coolers and have now inspired a social movement. Glennon is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and other publications. Carry On, Warrior, Glennon and her philanthropic work have been featured on “The Today Show,” “The Talk,” and NPR as well as in Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s Day, Glamour UK, Family Circle, Parents Magazine, American Baby and Newsweek, to name just a few. A popular speaker in the U.S. and internationally, Glennon speaks frequently to diverse audiences including corporations, universities, faith communities, non-profit groups, mental health professionals, parents’ organizations, women’s leadership and non-profit conferences, and writing groups. When speaking to corporate and association audiences, she motivates leaders and employees to build trust and cohesion
on their teams by embracing courage, boldness and purpose in their life’s work. Drawing from her own personal story of addiction and recovery, Glennon inspires mental health and addiction/recovery audiences with her authentic, empowering, hopeful, and fresh perspective on healing. She speaks with passion and humor to diverse faith communities about freedom, joy, peace, inclusion and loving ourselves and each other. Speaking with parents’ groups and community organizations, Glennon employs her trademark wit and candor to encourage us all to step out from behind masks of perfection and start connecting with one another by showing up as our real, messy and beautiful selves. She is known for her unique ability to inspire women to embrace unity and each other. The fact that her events sell out across the county is testament that her authenticity, power and humor translate forcefully from the page to the stage. Glennon expresses universal truth through storytelling, giving voice to our shared experiences and allowing us to feel known. She invites us to believe in ourselves, to be brave and kind, to let go of the idea of perfection and to stop making life harder by pretending it’s not hard. She easily expresses what so many of us think, but would not dare say aloud. Glennon is a courageous truth-teller and hope-spreader, a wise and witty friend who emboldens us to believe in ourselves and reminds us that the journey is the reward. She shows us that by shedding our weapons and armor, we can stop hiding, competing and striving for the mirage of perfection, to build lives, relationships, homes, businesses and communities.
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NHC: UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHAPTER RENOVATION RECAP
WELCOME HOME,
KAPPA! Swapping in a softer, feminine palette and creating an inviting living and learning space took this chapter house at the University of Illinois to a whole new level through the work of the National Housing Corporation and interior designer Linda Hartman. It’s bright and beautiful now, but it didn’t always look this way. Check out the transformation!
BEFORE The living and parlor rooms had extensive damage to the flooring and the trim was heavy and dark. New, bright white trim and beautiful wood floors are showstoppers in the new living room design.
LIGHTEN UP A calming palette of neutrals with pops of color opens up the room and creates an attractive look. Since Kappa is a large chapter, multiple seating options are a must to accommodate places for Sisters to study and socialize. A playful mix of patterns provides a youthful, yet refined look to the once drab and dark parlor and living rooms.
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THE PORCH The color palette from the living and parlor rooms flows to the sun room to create a great space for Sisters to study. The windows open the space up and provide great natural light that complements the brightness of the white trim and X-back chairs. The chaise lounges, featuring nail head trim, are a sophisticated and comfortable place to relax.
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CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS
Chapter Installations
Franklin & Marshall College
Oklahoma State University
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Chapter: Iota Psi Installation date: December 7, 2014
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma Chapter: Epsilon Omicron Reinstallation date: January 31, 2015
The school: Established in 1787, Franklin & Marshall College (F&M) is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate liberal education. The college is currently home to more than 2,300 students and five National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) groups.
The school: As Oklahoma’s only university with a statewide presence, Oklahoma State University (OSU) improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research, and outreach. Established in 1890, OSU has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 120 nations.
Colony snapshot: Alpha Xi Delta received and accepted an invitation to colonize a chapter at F&M in April of 2014. Public relations efforts began that spring, followed by a complete colonization in the fall of 2014. The colony celebrated Bid Day in September, and since then our colony women at F&M have shown great pride in their chapter, on campus and within Alpha Xi Delta. Our colony at F&M officially became the Iota Psi Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta on December 7, 2014. The Iota Psi Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta is now the fifth National Panhellenic Organization on F&M’s campus.
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Colony snapshot: Alpha Xi Delta is now the 13th National Panhellenic Conference organization on the OSU campus. The Fraternity accepted the invitation to recolonize its Epsilon Omicron Chapter in July of 2013. The chapter was first installed at Oklahoma State University in 1968. The colony was officially reinstalled at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center on Saturday, January 31. A luncheon was held at the OSU Student Union following the Installation where nearly 250 Sisters, family and friends celebrated the new chapter. At the luncheon, the chapter was presented with its official charter.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Location: Madison, Wisconsin Chapter: Theta Reinstallation date: March 1, 2015
The school: The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university founded in 1848 when Wisconsin achieved statehood and is the official state university of Wisconsin. UW–Madison is organized into 20 schools and colleges, which enrolls 29,504 undergraduate, 9,430 graduate and 2,526 professional students. Its comprehensive academic program offers 132 undergraduate majors, along with 149 master’s degree programs and 120 doctoral programs.
Alpha Xi Delta’s Theta Chapter was first installed on January 16, 1905. The chapter, along with seven other sororities, left campus during the midst of the Vietnam War era, and was reestablished in 1980. Theta Chapter remained active on campus and within UW-Madison community until it became dormant in 1996. Since the chapter’s establishment in 1905, more than 1,000 women have joined the organization and continue to call the Theta Chapter home.
Colony snapshot: Alpha Xi Delta accepted the invitation to return to UW-Madison in December of 2013. A full, Fraternity-coordinated colonization effort occurred in the fall of 2014. The chapter was officially reinstalled on March 1, making them the 12th National Panhellenic organization at UW-Madison.
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TALES FROM THE ROAD
What’s it really like
to travel for the Fraternity? Educational Leadership Consultants (ELC) have the opportunity to work with Alpha Xi Delta’s newly colonized chapters and travel across the country to meet Sisters through one-on-one meetings and chapter programs. It’s truly a unique experience that is full of opportunities for a young woman to realize her potential. What lessons did you learn about yourself while traveling? “It takes a lot of maturity, independence and flexibility to be an ELC or LC. I’m sure I had those qualities even before I traveled, but the experience really emphasized those abilities and gave me confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to.” – Michelle Hartnett, Nebraska-Lincoln ’88, Foundation Trustee and 1992-1993 Educational Leadership Consultant What were your professional growth opportunities while traveling? “I gained the ability to speak comfortably in any setting, whether that is a one-on-one meeting or a ballroom full of people. I learned how to follow through on a new level as well as develop my problem solving skills. I saw obstacles firsthand and was able to provide solutions and options for people. It was real-life learning to experience. I learned the power of connections and relationships, whether it is with volunteers or campus professionals. You never know when these connections will matter and how important it is to always be mindful of the impression you leave.” – Elysia Gallivan, South Dakota ’93, National Executive Director and 1996-1998 Educational Leadership Consultant What Alpha Xi Delta volunteer opportunities were available to you after you finished traveling? “The foundation of information you gain as a traveler is great preparation for volunteering. As a member of your local chapter, you are exposed to some volunteers, but when you travel for Alpha Xi Delta, your eyes will be opened to the
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hundreds of women volunteering across the country with our chapters. While I have been a Chapter Advisor and an Area Facilitator, I wouldn’t have known about the volunteer role that I currently serve in, and have served in for the last decade, had I not traveled for the Fraternity.” – Andi Fouberg, South Dakota State ’95, National Ritual Director and 19992000 Educational Leadership Consultant As our current team of ELCs wrap up their year on the road, here’s what they have to say: “I learned how to adjust to any kind of environment. My rich travel experience has truly prepared me to be ready for whatever situation is handed to me, and I look forward to using these new skills in whatever path life leads me.” - Brooke Dorris, Educational Leadership Consultant “This job has helped me to figure out that my true passion is working with college students and my desire to pursue a career in higher education.” - Shelby Young, Educational Leadership Consultant and former Leadership Coach
Are you a past Educational Leadership Consultant or Leadership Coach? Let us know how that position inspired you by sending your comments to quilleditor@alphaxidelta.org.
Alpha Xi Asks The Leadership Coach (LC) Program is a portion of the Alpha Xi Delta traveling team. The traveling team’s other members are Educational Leadership Consultants. LCs support collegiate chapters by presenting programs centered on life and leadership skills to our undergraduate members. LCs Bailey Hamm, Florida Atlantic ’10, and Anna Salvaggio, Western Michigan ’10, had the opportunity to facilitate more strength-based visits this academic year than any previous year as more chapters recognize the benefits of this special
program that is unique to Alpha Xi Delta. With each program, members are able to hone in on what makes them unique and follow-up with a one-on-one meeting to discuss and brainstorm how they can utilize their strengths to support their own goals and the goals of their chapter. Here’s what Bailey and Anna had to say about their experience facilitating strength-based programming:
Anna Salvaggio, Western Michigan ‘10
“Four Domains of Leadership.” This portion takes the focus off the meaning of individual strengths and helps members understand how they can be the most constructive and effective team players.
Bailey Hamm Florida Atlantic ‘10
What do you think is the most impactful portion of the strength-based programming?
A portion of the program talks about the basement of our strengths, how they can be viewed negatively, the balcony of our strengths and way we can see them in a more positive light. This is most impactful because it is where women really connect that their strengths are what make them great, while giving them words to stop the negative talk of their strengths.
How have you seenMost chapters put strengths impactful into practice?
Some chapters I have worked with become so jazzed to implement strengths into their daily operations that they appoint a StrengthsQuest chair! This position essentially comes up with ways to talk about strengths at chapter meetings and highlights women who are seen using their strengths in different way.
I use all of my strengths as an LC, but I would have to say I love being an Activator. Activator means turning thoughts into actions. For me, it means creating momentum for chapters and pushing Sisters to be their best.
Which strength do you use most?
My Futuristic strength helps me think about how my individual coaching sessions and programs will affect the women I am meeting. Using this strength, I am able to help Sisters develop their visions for Alpha Xi Delta’s future and see the potential they have to move us forward.
I included my strengths in the header of my resume and was asked about them in multiple interviews. This gave me an opportunity to share my leadership strengths with potential employers and show them the value of my Alpha Xi Delta experience.
How can you continue to incorporate strengths beyond college?
Interviewers will be blown away with your ability to articulate what your strengths are and how you use them. Being able to do so will give your interviewer a better idea of who you are and the talents you bring to the table.
So much of our time in leadership roles is about team work and collaboration. This program not only prepares our chapter leaders in their teams and supports the development of our chapters, but it also helps them in other organizations in which they are members.
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FOUNDATION NEWS
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS MEET THE ZELMA PATCHIN GRANT RECIPIENT Jessica Nelson, West Virginia Wesleyan ’05 Using the Zelma Patchin Grant from the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation, I was able to attend the National Autism Conference at Penn State University during the summer of 2014. I teach children with autism at a public school during the day. I am a board certified behavior analyst, and after school I work at a behavior center with children who have autism. The conference provided me with cutting-edge information that would be useful in both settings, and I have already been able to apply what I learned at the conference this year. I want the Foundation donors to know how much their support means to me, both in my professional career and in my role as an advisor for our collegiate members. I have liked being able to be a role model to collegians for lifelong membership and continued involvement. You are inspiring women to do more and remain involved, while teaching them that Alpha Xi Delta will be there during your college years and beyond. The Zelma Patchin Grant provides financial assistance to Alpha Xi Delta alumnae seeking personal or professional development through conferences, programs or seminars that are not for credit. Applications must be filed sixty days prior to the program For more information, go to www.alphaxidelta.org/grants-and-awards
Alyssa Canestro, Boise State ’11 Alpha Xi Delta has helped me grow as a student. My Sisters were able to help me focus on majoring in Health Policy when I didn’t get into our highly competitive nursing program. Our chapter is really good at recognizing Sisters with high GPAs, and it is a great feeling
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to be honored. The scholarship from the Foundation was so helpful to me at the time because my family was financially challenged. Knowing what it meant to me and seeing how it helped my situation, supporting the Undergraduate Giving Challenge is the right thing for me to do.
UNDERGRADUATE GIVING CHALLENGE The 2014 Undergraduate Giving Challenge was an amaXIng success with a total of $18,000 given by 975 collegiate Sisters who stepped up to make their mark on the Alpha Xi Delta they love. In 2012, The Foundation transitioned the Senior Challenge to The Undergraduate Giving Challenge. During this annual challenge, each collegiate member is encouraged, or challenged, to make a gift to the Foundation of $18.93. Collegiate members giving $18.93 or more during the year are recognized by our Heart Sunshine Circle and receive a special dangle to wear proudly on their badge.
THE FOUNDERS’ CHALLENGE Our Founders were trailblazers for future generations. They came together when there were few women attending college and boldly formed a women’s organization that would provide female students with a positive college experience, support and friendship. In 2014, the Foundation introduced The Founders’ Challenge, an opportunity for you to give back to the organization that has given us all so much. Your generosity — whether the few dollars you would have spent on a cup of coffee or something more–furthers the dream of our Founders. “True to our Founders’ vision, Alpha Xi Delta continues to provide opportunities for young women. In every way, she is shaping the lives of tomorrow’s business and civic leaders; tomorrow’s teachers; and tomorrow’s mothers, Sisters and friends,” said Sandi Edwards, Alpha Xi Delta National President. You can be a trailblazer for future generations like our Founders. The Founders’ Challenge is underway. Make your special gift at www.alphaxidelta.org/give or call 317.872.3500. Your gift honors our past and invests in our future.
Aof Life Clear
n o i s i V
THE WELLBEING
PROGRAM
Alpha Xi Delta is excited to roll out A Clear Vision of Life: The Wellbeing Program, an educational program specifically designed for Alpha Xi Delta alumnae.
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A CLEAR VISION OF LIFE: THE WELLBEING PROGRAM FOR ALUMNAE
B
ased on the book, “Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements” by Tom Rath and Jim Harter, the program offers “Challenges” related to the five elements of Wellbeing: Career, Social, Financial, Physical and Community. If you haven’t already picked up a copy of the book, be sure to do so and complete the Wellbeing Finder assessment, which is accessed online through a special code in the book. If you’re going to order your book online, register for the Amazon Smile program and give a portion of your purchase price back to the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation!
There is one prize per Challenge, so if you complete all five Challenges each time around, you have the chance to win five different prizes! To be considered for a prize, your challenge report form for each completed challenge has to be submitted before the following dates: MAY 2015 CHALLENGE Submit forms by August 5, 2015. AUGUST 2015 CHALLENGE Submit forms by September 30, 2015.
Pin with us!
So, how does this all work?
Five times per year, in February, May, August, October and December, new Wellbeing Challenges will be released. There will be one Challenge per Wellbeing element (Career, Social, Financial, Physical, Community) and you are welcome to participate in as many or as few as you like. Instructions for how to complete each Challenge will be posted on Exclusively Xi in the Resource Center, which can be accessed from the left side bar menu under Communications. There is a folder for A Clear Vision of Life and five sub-folders within it, one for each Wellbeing element. Open the folders, read the Challenge information and decide how you want to participate. Each time you complete a Wellbeing Challenge, be sure to fill out the Reporting Form and be entered into a drawing to win a prize related to that Challenge. Here’s how:
Be sure to follow the Wellbeing Element boards on the Alpha Xi Delta Pinterest account (pinterest.com/alphaxidelta) to learn more about each element and find additional tips and information to improve your Wellbeing!
1. In Exclusively Xi, click on Forms in the left side bar menu. 2. At the top of the page you will find the Wellbeing Challenge Report Form. Click on that and fill out the information about yourself, which Challenge you completed and what you gained from the experience.
Disclaimer: Please note that A Clear Vision of Life: The Wellbeing Program is intended to be a fun and informational way to improve your personal Wellbeing across five areas of life. Any advice, recommendations, tips and activities should be utilized at your own discretion, and any lifestyle changes should be addressed first by a medical professional. A Clear Vision of Life: The Wellbeing Program is an educational program specifically designed for Alpha Xi Delta alumnae based on the book, “Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements” by Tom Rath and Jim Harter. While participation is not contingent on reading the book—the book is an excellent way to further understand and develop your personal wellbeing. Each book purchase comes with a free code to take the online Wellbeing Finder assessment. You can purchase your book at any major book seller, however we encourage you to order (or download to your Kindle) through the Amazon Smile program. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your book to the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation if you visit smile.amazon.com and select the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation as your charitable organization.
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The Wellbeing Team The Wellbeing Team has been hard at work preparing for this program, and they look forward to your participation in the Challenges.
MEET THE TEAM
Sarah Shinn Eastern Michigan ’97
Physical Wellbeing Coordinator Megan Foster Indiana Pennsylvania ’03
Mary Lu Adams
Beth Bouchard
Bethany ’06
Bucknell ’13
Career Wellbeing Coordinator
Social Wellbeing Coordinator
Lauren Berger
Sarah Farwell
New Hampshire ’06
Southern Maine ’02
Financial Wellbeing Coordinator
Community Wellbeing Coordinator
Associate Director of Education and Leadership If you have any questions about this program, please email fhq@alphaxidelta.org.
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#SOCIAL101: PROTECTING DIGITAL IDENTITY Charlotte West: A pioneer inYOUR women’s athletics
#SO 22 the
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OCIAL 101 BY LAUREN FISHER, INDIANA ‘08
T
here has been a lot of talk lately about how social media and technology are affecting our lives. People are taking technology cleanses, deleting their Facebook accounts and turning off their cell phones just to see if this lack of social media can help improve their lives and their relationships with those around them. Maybe it’s because of these stories that I find myself sitting at a table, eating lunch with a friend, noticing all of the people who are on their cell phones or frantically typing on their tablets. As I notice all of these individuals consumed with their technology, I can’t help but wonder what has grabbed their attention. Is it a Facebook status update, a tweet, a photo
on Instagram, an email from a co-worker or friend, a text or Snapchat? In today’s society, it’s easy for us to stay connected via social media. Smart phones allow users to log on and post a picture, send out a Tweet and update statuses on the go within seconds. People are using social media to stay in touch with their friends and family members – posting everything from pictures from college parties, status updates about their children’s first day of school, complaints about their current jobs and views on politics. All of these posts and pictures make up a person’s digital identity. According to Jamie Sigler, East Carolina ’97, co-founder
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#SOCIAL101: PROTECTING YOUR DIGITAL IDENTITY
of J Public Relations, a digital identity is a person’s online brand. “It’s who you are, and it’s how the world sees you,” Jamie said. “Building your social media is like building the brand of you.” When thinking about your digital identity, Jamie says think about what you want others to think about you and how you want to portray yourself to the world. “You really need to think about who you are, what makes you tick, what you’re interested in and what you stand for,” she said.
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Social media and digital identity go hand-in-hand with one another. Everything you post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn helps shape who you are online. If someone clicks on one of your social media profiles or stumbles upon your profile through visiting a friend’s page, they are going to form opinions about you based on your posts and pictures, and sometimes this might be the very first impression a stranger has of you. According to Jamie, the first step to
“
BUILDING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA IS LIKE BUILDING THE BRAND OF YOU. making sure you have a positive digital identity is making sure you have a good profile picture. “Really make sure you are putting your best foot forward,” Jamie said. “Even if it’s private, make sure that you have a good picture that is a good representation of yourself because people that you don’t know are going to be looking at it.” In addition to your profile, social media users need to constantly think about what they are putting out there. Even
”
if your profile is just meant for family members and friends, strangers and potential employers will find them. When interviewing a candidate for a potential job, Jamie always goes online to look at his/her Facebook page and Instagram account. “I don’t want somebody that’s seen chugging a beer or talking negatively about drama,” Jamie explains. “You can post a picture of your real life–that’s good. I want to see people’s personal sides. But just be thinking about what you’re putting out there.”
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#SOCIAL101: PROTECTING YOUR DIGITAL IDENTITY
When it comes to what you should post online and how to build your online persona, Jamie has some tips. 1. Decide who your audience is going to be. “Decide what your goal is for each social media avenue and what kind of layout you like,” Jamie said. LinkedIn for example, is more of a professional social network and should be used for building your professional contacts. Ask yourself if you want your Facebook page to be just for friends and family members or if you’re going to use it for both personal and professional reasons. She recommends looking at various social media accounts to see what you like and don’t like.
2. Don’t waste a post and/or photo on something random. “It’s so easy to point and click and put something out there, but just like getting ready in the morning, always be putting your best foot forward,” Jamie said. She recommends taking well thought-out photos and urges individuals to consider the lighting when taking pictures. 3. Don’t over post. “Make sure that your posts are meaningful, otherwise you start to become a little irrelevant,” Jamie said. When it comes to Instagram, she recommends posting just one or two pictures a day to avoid cluttering your followers’ feeds. 4. It’s not all about you. “Don’t just sit there and talk about yourself,” Jamie said. “Come in and interact with others!” Jamie recommends posting articles that you find intriguing or acknowledging friends for their accomplishments. Leave comments on different posts and pictures and respond to individuals when they reach out and talk to you online. 5. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much you post online. When forming a post, consider how you want the world to see you and what you want others to think about you. “I have people in my feed who are complete Debbie Downers or others who are airing information that’s really personal,” Jamie said. “Those types of discussions aren’t for me, and they aren’t necessarily for me to share with the world. You have to go back and ask yourself who you truly are and what you stand for.” Anyone can start a Facebook page, Twitter account or Instagram profile and start building their online persona, but remember, it takes work to build a good digital identity and have a positive social media experience. In addition to being active within each community, Jamie believes we need to educate young adults and teenagers on some of the current dangers associated with social networking. Some of those dangers include online predators and cyber bullying or the ability to quickly post a photo online. If you or someone you know posts a picture of you taking part in an illegal activity or doing something that affects your image, it can prevent you from getting on a sports team, getting into college or even landing a job. “You need to think about what those
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pictures and posts you’re putting out there say about you,” Jamie said. “And you also need to be really realistic that anything you put online, or anything that goes up to the cloud, lives there forever. It could negatively affect you for the rest of your life. Now, it’s easier than ever to post a picture, send out a message and stay connected with friends and family. This ability to tune in to social media twenty-four seven raises concerns about how it affects the way children, teenagers and young adults socialize and communicate with each other. “I think the mentality of constantly being plugged in affects your ability to actually connect when you’re connecting,” Jamie said. She says that it’s important to find a balance between staying plugged in and turning off your devices and advises people to make an effort to put away their cell phones, tablets and computers and connect with those around you. “At the end of the day, nothing means more than a visit with a friend or family member or seeing somebody in person,” she said. We’re all guilty of spending too much time with our electronics, and in an effort to become more connected with those around us Alpha Xi Delta wants to challenge Sisters everywhere to unplug from their electronics. Make an effort to go out to dinner with a Sister or pick up the phone and call a long-time friend or family member. We’re not saying give up on social media and technology all together, as we know building an online identity is important, but don’t let social media and the need to stay connected take you from the moment and prevent you from making memories that go beyond the computer screen.
“
JAM I E SI G L E R Jamie Sigler is the co-founder of the bi-coastal public relations agency, J Public Relations (JPR), one of the nation’s leading PR agencies. In 2014, JPR was named #84 on O’Dwyer’s 100 Top PR Firms, ranking as the #12 top PR firms specializing
I THINK THE MENTALITY
in travel. The agency was also honored with the #5
OF CONSTANTLY BEING
Social Media, now with more than 22,000
PLUGGED IN AFFECTS
Sarah Evens joined the JPR team and became
YOUR ABILITY TO ACTUALLY
Delta’s Bid Day at East Carolina University and
”
CONNECT WHEN YOU’RE
spot on UWire’s list of the Top 25 PR Firms on followers on Twitter. In 2008, Alpha Xi Delta Sister Jamie’s business partner. The two met on Alpha Xi became lifelong friends. Together, the two launched JPR’s east coast operation in 2009.
CONNECTING.
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A SISTER’S MISSION
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THOUGH SHE MAY BE LITTLE, SHE IS
fierce Sandra Schiffli Salerno, Indiana ’00, shares the story of why half of
her baby’s brain was removed.
I
n December 2011, a beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby girl named Lillian entered the world. She was proudly welcomed by her parents Sandra, Indiana ’00, and Neal Salerno, and big sister Vivian. Although this day was filled with the happiness that new life brings, little did this new family of four know that in less than two years they would be faced with a decision to remove half of Lillian’s brain to save her life. Sandra’s pregnancy with Lillian was cut short at 36 weeks when she experienced a placental abruption and had to deliver the baby via an emergency C-section. At birth, everything appeared to be fine and the Salernos were sent home to begin the next chapter in their lives. At around six months, Sandra noticed that Lillian wasn’t meeting milestones, in particular the size of Lillian’s head. It was measuring small for her age, but they chalked it up to her being born four weeks early. It wasn’t until she started early intervention physical and occupational therapies that her limitations became noticeable.
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A SISTER’S MISSION
Images from left to right: Lillian participates in several types of therapies, including aquatic therapy. Here she is with her therapist, Alyssa Zimmerman. | The Salerno family today. | Lillian two months after she had surgery to remove half her brain. | Lillian and her sister Vivian having fun playing with bubbles. Photo credit: Chris Domingue, The Photo Shop Texas
At eight months old, Lillian was taken to
a pediatric neurologist for MRI scans of her head. “We just knew looking right away that something wasn’t right because the right side of her brain was way smaller than the left side,” Sandra recalled in an interview with FoxNews.com. “And that’s when [the doctor] told us that Lillian had a condition called polymicrogyria, and that it encompassed 90 percent of the right side of the brain.” So, what is polymicrogyria? It’s a condition characterized by abnormal development of the brain before birth. The surface of the brain normally has many ridges or folds, called gyri. In people with polymicrogyria, the brain develops too many folds, and the folds are unusually small. It can cause neurological problems, epileptic seizures, developmental delays, vision loss and muscle weakness or paralysis. At the time of diagnosis, the doctors told Sandra and Neal that the condition could be genetic, but tests failed to find any genetic link. Sandra noticed that Lillian wasn’t looking over or responding to her when she talked on Lillian’s left side, so she decided to do some research. “I started Googling hearing loss and polymicrogyria, and what popped up was CMV – I had never heard of it before,” Sandra said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common
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infection that is usually harmless. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life. Among every 100 adults in the United States, 50–80 are infected with CMV by the time they are 40 years old. Most healthy children and adults infected with CMV have no symptoms and may not even know that they have been infected. Others may develop a mild illness when they get infected and have the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, fatigue and swollen glands. But since these are also symptoms of other illnesses, most people don’t realize that they have been infected with CMV. Cytomegalovirus can also cause serious disease in babies who were infected with CMV before birth (referred to as congenital CMV infection). This means that in the United States, about 30,000 children are born with CMV each year. About 1 in 150 children is born with congenital CMV infection. And, about 1 of every 5 children born with congenital CMV infection will develop permanent problems (such as hearing loss or developmental disabilities) due to the infection. Infants and children who are infected with CMV after birth rarely have symptoms or problems. In the second trimester of her pregnancy with Lillian, Sandra got sick and was diagnosed with bronchitis and had to go through three different courses of antibiotics to rid her body of the infection. After doing her research, a light went off for Sandra, and she wondered if she may have had CMV.
After discovering the link between CMV and hearing loss, Sandra took Lillian to her pediatrician for a hearing tests. After it was found Lillian had profound hearing loss, Sandra insisted Lillian also be tested for CMV infection. The results were positive. “For six months, we lived under the cloud of not knowing and thinking she was fine,” Sandra told FoxNews.com. “While we were at home with what we thought was a healthy child, this virus was just attacking her hearing and her brain.” After receiving positive CMV test results, the Salernos made an appointment with Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison, an infectious disease specialist and CMV researcher at Texas Children’s Hospital, to determine if Lillian had acquired the infection before or after birth. Dr. Demmler-Harrison helped Sandra track down the blood spot taken for tests after Lillian was born. All newborn babies get screened for common conditions, and the tests go to the state labs to test for different diseases. Currently, CMV is not a disease that is tested with these blood spots. The two women had to appeal for the sample to be sent to the CDC for testing. The results of the CDC testing proved positive that Lillian’s CMV infection was congenital, which means the virus was passed onto Lillian in utero from Sandra.
“I don’t blame it on the doctors that were treating me. Maybe it’s not talked about enough,” said Sandra. “What really kind of upset me is there are in utero treatments that can be done on the pregnant mother–they’re not FDA approved or anything for that use–but they are used off label and have been known to help,” she noted in an interview with FoxNews.com. Lillian was started on antiviral medication immediately after receiving the positive CMV test results. “We started Lillian on antivirals that week in an effort to stop the CMV infection that was damaging our daughter’s brain and hearing. No one can say for certain, but I believe Dr. Gail saved our daughter from losing her hearing completely by getting us started so quickly. She is our hero for many reasons,” said Sandra. But, the journey was not over yet, as Lillian was still continuing to suffer from seizures. Just after her first birthday, in January 2013, Lillian had an appointment with Dr. Michael Quach, a pediatric neurologist at Texas Children’s Hospital where she underwent a 48-hour electroencephalography (EEG) so doctors could get a better understanding of why she was having so many seizures.
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A SISTER’S MISSION
spells were gone! I call what happened on surgery day a miracle, but I also know it was due to Texas Children’s Hospital, their world class facility and the teams of specialists who treated Lillian,” said Sandra.
In early 2015, the Maddie’s Mission Team met with Senator Kolkhorst for consideration to sponsor CMV legislation. It was during this visit Senator Kolkhorst agreed to sponsor our bill. Left to right: Ann Blalock, Sandra Schiffli-Salerno, Lillian Grace Salerno, Becky Ghazi, Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Farah Armstrong and Jenny Bailey.
“After just an hour into our stay, Dr. Quach came in with his team to tell us more bad news. Our daughter had 25 seizures within that first hour and they needed to administer medications to stop the seizures,” recounts Sandra. Lillian was suffering from seizures at an alarming rate – up to 300 per day – while maxing out on three seizure medications per day at the young age of 18 months old. Dr. Quach, along with a multidisciplinary neurosurgery team at Texas Children’s Hospital, told the Salernos the only way to save their daughter would be to perform a radical brain operation called a hemispherectomy – an entire disconnection and partial removal of the right hemisphere of Lillian’s brain. She would have to live her life with half a brain or risk dying from seizures. In an article published by FoxNews.com, Dr. Quach explained that children’s brains have a great deal of plasticity. If you disconnect the side of the brain associated with language skills, the remaining functional hemisphere will pick up the slack, he noted. This is one of the reasons why doctors suggest radical hemispherectomies for young children in cases like Lillian’s. On August 8, 2013, the Salernos handed over their precious daughter into the hands and care of Dr. Daniel Curry and his team at Texas Children’s Hospital. During this nine-hour surgery, part of Lillian’s temporal lobe was removed to gain access to the fluid-filled ventricles in the center of the brain. Once inside the ventricles, doctors were able to expose the cables that connect one side of the brain to the other, and disconnect them. “Just ten days after the surgery, our daughter crawled across her hospital room, and the twitching and staring
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THE SUPPORT OF SISTERHOOD Aside from family and close friends, Sandra credits her Alpha Xi Delta Sisters as being some of the biggest cheerleaders for Lillian. “Some of the biggest supports have been women that I haven’t spoken to in awhile. Because we’re all the same age and a lot of us are having children, I have had several Sisters reach out to me letting me know they are talking to their doctors about CMV and getting screened,” said Sandra. The day of Lillian’s surgery everyone wore purple to show their support for the Salernos, a color associated with epilepsy awareness. “A ton of our supporters were members of Alpha Xi Delta, their friends and family. We received a ton of support messages, and it was really heartwarming,” recounts Sandra. MARCHING FORWARD Today, Lillian is three years old and doing fantastic. She regularly attends a Mother’s Day Out class where she is a member of a class with typically developing children. She is walking, running and learning to say a few words – things that wouldn’t have been possible without the removal of half of her brain. While Lillian continues to thrive post-surgery, Sandra has not given up her fight to educate others about the importance of CMV screening. She works with MaddiesMission.org and StopCMV.org. She filed a bill, along with a group of CMV moms, Dr. Gail Harrison and Senator Lois Kolkhorst, called Texas SB 791 and a companion bill, Texas HB 2174, in the House. The bill proposes the establishment of a CMV education and outreach program to raise awareness among health care providers, parents, pregnant women and women who may become pregnant, about congenital CMV (cCMV). The bill also proposes testing for cCMV of every infant who fails his or her first hearing screening. Hearing screenings are required already by Texas state law. “To go through what we’ve been through is heartbreaking, but imagine losing your child,” she said. “We’re the lucky ones.”
“To go through what we’ve been through is heartbreaking, but imagine losing your child, we’re the lucky ones.” WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CMV According to the CDC, CMV is the most common congenital (meaning from birth) viral infection in the United States, with 1 in 150 children being born with congenital CMV. More children will have disabilities due to congenital CMV than other well-known infections and syndromes, including Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Spina Bifida and Pediatric HIV/AIDS. The good news is, CMV infection is potentially preventable. CMV is present in saliva, urine, tears, blood, mucus and other bodily fluids. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is important after contact with diapers or oral secretions. For pregnant women, this is especially important if they are around a child who is in daycare, playgroup, or interacting with other young children on a regular basis. Here are a few simple ways to avoid exposure:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, feeding a young child, wiping a young child’s nose or drool and handling children’s toys • Do not share food, drinks or eating utensils used by young children • Don’t kiss a child less than 6 years of age on the lips or cheek. Instead, kiss them on the top of the head and give them a big, long hug. There are tests available to pregnant women to determine if they have had CMV. Talk to your healthcare provider to obtain more information. For additional information about CMV, visit www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html.
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MEMBER NEWS
EAST TENNESSEE STATE The Gamma Theta Chapter at East Tennessee State University placed first at blue and gold days during Homecoming and placed third in the canned food creations event. All of the canned foods were donated to a local food bank. In addition, the chapter volunteered with the local Boys and Girls Club. - Charlotte Hudnall, hudnall@goldmail.etsu.edu
WESTERN MICHIGAN Anna Duemler, Keelin Guerin and Lauren Montague show off rose covered letters the Theta Eta Chapter at Western Michigan University created for recruitment. - Keelin Guerin, keelin.k.guerin@wmich.edu
UNC ASHEVILLE The Zeta Tau Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Asheville successfully hosted an AmaXIng Challenge: Karaoke for a Cause, raising more than $1,200 for Autism Speaks. With a panel of three volunteer judges, many performances ended with a standing applause, especially the three performances of the winning participant, Victoria Byrd. Victoria, a student at UNCA, not only made additional donations to Autism Speaks, but wowed every person in the crowd and the judges with her outstanding vocal abilities. - Scottie Hill, mhill2@unca.edu 34 the
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HARTFORD Approximately 30 Sisters from the Epsilon Nu Chapter at the University of Hartford held a reunion in Farmington, Connecticut, where they had the chance to visit campus, meet the current chapter women and reminisce about the “old days”. It had been more than 25 years since some of them had seen each other, with the reunion consisting mostly of women who were initiated in the 80s and early 90s. The gathering was organized by Jodi Harmon Kenney, Hartford ’88. - Beth Rosenberg Sanders, bsanders@nbaa.org
IDAHO STATE The Iota Kappa Chapter at Idaho State University held a “Xi’s Around the World” event for their alumnae Sisters. Every semester, the chapter throws an event in honor of alumnae chapter members. The “Xi’s Around the World” event featured food from different countries and activities such as trivia pertaining to country’s flags. The event ended with a chopstick relay race with marshmallows, which provided a fun opportunity to bond with Sisters and build teamwork. - Kevallyn Drake, drakkeva@isu.edu
ST. LOUIS The St. Louis Alumnae Association hosted their annual Holiday Cookie Exchange in December at the Epsilon Xi Chapter House where alumnae of all ages and from multiple chapters gathered to share some holiday cheer. If you’re interested in learning more about the St. Louis Alumnae Association, email axidstlmembership@gmail.com.
UNC WILMINGTON The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Zeta Chi Chapter hosted a dessert competition as a fun event for Sisters to mingle with potential new members. Sierra Wagner and McKenna Nelson won first place in the competition and Jordan Hall, Sara Jones and Kaitlyn Knight (pictured left to right) won second place. A celebration erupted at this event when Chapter President Tia McNair announced the chapter had the highest GPA on campus! - McKenna Nelson, kmckennanelson@gmail.com
PITTSBURGH The Pittsburgh Alumnae Association hosted its annual holiday brunch for collegiate and alumnae Sisters at the home of Rose Kunkel Roarty, Ohio ’46. Mrs. Kunkel Roarty has hosted the brunch at her home for close to 65 consecutive years! - Paula Schmeck, schmeck-myers@verizon.net
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MEMBER NEWS
CHICAGO NORTHWEST
NEW ORLEANS
The Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Association enjoyed appetizers and desserts at a winter meeting. Sisters had fun playing Alpha Xi Delta trivia, decorating ornaments and making scarves for their adopted chapter. -Deb Keyes, axiddeb@gmail.com
Sisters of the Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of New Orleans volunteered at Central Bark in New Orleans with Save-An-Angel, an organization that sells reorganized Mardi Gras beads to help dogs with cancer. Pictured from left to right are Meara McNitt, Kalie Emma and Meagan Riche. - Meara McNitt, mmcnitt@my.uno.edu
PENN STATE Shanna Mason, Penn State ’12, and Callie Clasby, Penn State ’13, take a break at Kicks for a Cause, a philanthropy soccer tournament where fraternities form teams to play each other and Sisters serve as their coaches. The event raised nearly $785 for Autism Speaks. - Mary Duggan, mld5493@psu.edu
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CORNELL The Alpha Beta Chapter at Cornell University welcomed home new members during a “Let It Be Alpha Xi” themed bid day celebration. Pictured left to right are new members Kate Carmichael and Brittany Ward. - Nicole Golias, njg56@cornell.edu
PIKES PEAK The Pikes Peak Alumnae Association hosted a pot luck brunch that was filled with fun and laughter as most Sisters arrived in unusual hats! Those who failed to go by the suggested hat theme were given a special hat to wear, such as a shark, clown, hair curlers and other silly hats that placed them in the hall of shame! The best part of the day was helping Jean Swartzendruber, Syracuse ’45, celebrate her 88th birthday and gathering in the beautiful garden at the home of Deb Grandia, Northern Colorado ’68, for a group photo. Pictured from left to right, front row: Jean Swartzendruber, Sandy Zautcke, Jeannette Bruce, Gina Esposito, Joleen Poe, June Hallenbeck, Gini Simonson, Victoria Hank, Ann Hall and Deb Grandia. Back row: Stacy Butler, Carol Gugat, Georgina Schreiner, Lynn Hanford, Fran Dudenhoeffer, Dareleen Schaffer, Sue Bigus, Lori Langin, Sami Sample and Natalie Brown.
WASHINGTON The Nu Chapter at the University of Washington welcomed home 40 new members at a “Saving Xi Best” themed bid day celebration. - Kim Benzin, kimbenzin@yahoo.com
EASTERN WASHINGTON Nicole Branstetter (pictured), Eastern Washington ’11, and Madison Azim, Eastern Washington ’12, worked with Panhellenic and other campus organizations to collect more than 80 bras to donate to women in need through the non-profit organization, Breast Intentions. - Tansy Schroeder, tansy.schroeder@eagles.ewu.edu
CAL STATE STANISLAUS Sisters from the Iota Beta Chapter at California State University Stanislaus participated in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. From left to right: Tanya Keys, Malia Salas, Marisa Rodriguez and Amari Brewster. - Amari Brewster, amarib795@icloud.com
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MEMBER NEWS
TOWSON Sisters at Towson University participated in a Coaches Powering Forward for Autism event in February. Alpha Xi Deltas volunteered to face paint and pass out information about autism to game attendees while showcasing our partnership with Autism Speaks. – Lydia Ramsey, lydiaramsey@yahoo.com
WEST VIRGINIA Lucky Lucente, West Virginia ’12, holds up signs to raise autism awareness at the Iota Chapter’s 5K for Autism Speaks event. The chapter raised more than $10,000 for Autism Speaks!
KENT STATE The Beta Tau Chapter at Kent State University held their annual Xi Man event this past fall, a philanthropy fundraising event where sororities and fraternities perform skits and dances that incorporate facts about Autism Speaks. The theme for this Xi Man was “A, B, Xi’s”. Each organization was assigned a letter and could do any topic under that letter. Some groups chose topics such as Disney’s “Up”, Vegas themed or “Sesame Street.” Along with the skits, each organization chose a “Xi Man” to answer questions about autism. The chapter’s fundrasing goal was $36,000; however, the grand total of the night was $53,128.27 raised for Autism Speaks! - Kasey Carrender, kcarrend@kent.edu 38 the
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GEORGIA TECH Actor Scott Eastwood, Actress Britt Robertson and Author Nicholas Sparks stopped by the Gamma Eta Chapter house while doing press for their new movie, “The Longest Ride”! – Kaitlin Johnson, kaitlinsjohnson@att.net
WEST GEORGIA
NEVADA-LAS VEGAS From left to right: Kiera Neilson, Ashley Allen and Sierra Hickey represented Alpha Xi Delta, along with other members of the Iota Epsilon Chapter, at a Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. - Tiffanie Schaeffer, schaeffe@unlv.nevada.edu
The Zeta Omega Chapter at the University of West Georgia hosted Football FrenXI, a philanthropy football tournament. The chapter grilled out and cheered on teams while members from the University and community played in the tournament. Overall, the event raised $2,000 for Autism Speaks. - Olivia Albanese, oalbane1@my.westga.edu
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MEMBER NEWS
OLD DOMINION The Delta Mu Chapter at Old Dominion University volunteered at the National Walk Now for Autism Speaks event held in Washington, D.C. on October 5, 2014. Sisters had fun as they chanted, clapped and encouraged Walk participants at the finish line. - Harley A. Russell, hruss007@odu.edu
ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
MARYLAND
The Theta Phi Chapter at the University of Alabama at Birmingham hosted the Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks even on November 1, 2014, in Hoover, Alabama. More than 400 people, and as many as 55 teams, were in attendance. At this event, more than $40,000 was raised, with $29,000 of that total being raised by Theta Phi Chapter. Sisters also volunteered at registration and hosted activities for the children at the event. - Jordan Cornelius, jordanec@uab.edu
Beta Eta Chapter at the University of Maryland held Xiti with the Xis, a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. At Xiti, more than $6,000 was raised for Autism Speaks! - Rachael Grant, rachgrant@verizon.net
LYCOMING Sisters at Lycoming College held many events to raise money for Autism Speaks this past semester, with their largest event, Baked Xiti, that raised more than $600. In total, the chapter has raised more than $1,200 for Autism Speaks. - Alysha Ardell, ardalys@lycoming.edu
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Be sure to check out our blog at theinsideink.org, or our Facebook page to see more photos and stories!
Max Miller By Rebecca Miller
speaks to Alpha Xi Delta
The Denver Alumnae Association of Alpha Xi Delta held its annual philanthropy meeting where the group was treated to a young guest speaker. Max Miller is a 12 year old boy with autism who spoke to the group about the importance of their support of Autism Speaks. Young Max was diagnosed at the age of five and did not speak until he was six. Through interventions and therapies, Max learned how to read by the age of 10. Max recalled how difficult it was for him during those early years. He used art to communicate with his mother and decided to write a book about having autism. Max compiled his art and essays into book form and the result is “Hello, My Name is Max and I Have Autism”. His intention is to educate others about what it is like to have autism through his perspective and elicit compassion for kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Max brought his original art to the meeting and answered questions about what it was like to have autism. His mother, Rebecca Miller was present and reaffirmed the importance of organizations such as Autism Speaks and the good they provide to families
affected by autism. Max was gifted a tablet by Autism Speaks and the local representative, Jessica Ross, has provided unwavering support for Max’s book and presentations. Children like Max exemplify the need for continued support of organizations like Autism Speaks. Families like the Millers benefit from Autism Speaks in ways that may seem intangible. Autism Speaks has been instrumental in helping children like Max be covered by insurance so they can have access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies that are crucial in helping children like Max. Max Miller is a success story. It was recommended to his mother that she institutionalize Max. She refused. It took some time but she finally found a program for Max at Eagleview Elementary. The interventions provided by his ASD program helped this young man become a thriving public speaker, artist and self-advocate. Max’s book is available for fundraising purposes. Contact Jessica Ross at Jessica.ross@autismspeaks.org for more information. You can read more about this inspirational young man on the Autism Speaks website at http://bit.ly/maxmiller. - Submitted by Barbara Stover, barbstover@comcast.net Left: Max proudly displays the book he wrote, “Hello, My Name is Max and I Have Autism”. Right: (Left to right): Barbara Hoover, Philanthropy Chair for the Denver Alumnae Association, Jessica Ross, Autism Speaks Representative, Max Miller and his mother Rebecca Miller during the Denver Alumnae Association’s annual philanthropy meeting.
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WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY RECAP
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1. Elysia Gallivan, Alpha Xi Delta’s National Executive Director, helped close the trading floor of the New York City Stock Exchange by striking the gavel. 2. Alpha Xi Deltas at “The Today Show” on April 2, 2015. 3. Members of Epsilon Lambda Chapter at Rider University, Iota Nu Chapter at Monmouth University, Zeta Eta Chapter at West Chester University, The College of New Jersey Colony and Alpha Xi Delta staff celebrated World Autism Awareness Day in New York City.
4. Left to right: Lindsay Eichelman, Director of Events and Administration for Alpha Xi Delta, Elysia Gallivan, Jaclyn Renner, Albany ‘06, and Maeve MacKenzie, Syracuse ‘05. Renner and MacKenzie work for Autism Speaks in the New York City office. 5. Left to right: Lindsay Eichelman, Elysia Gallivan and Liz Feld, President of Autism Speaks at the Empire State Building lighting ceremony in honor of Light It Up Blue.
Coming Soon!
ALPHA XI DELTA ALUMNAE SURVEY As an alumna member, your feedback will assist in enhancing the alumnae experience of bold and talented Alpha Xi Delta women for years to come. From June 10 - July 14, we will be conducting a survey open to all Alpha Xi Delta alumnae members. We will launch the survey by sending it via email to all alumnae in good standing with the Fraternity who have a valid email address on file. We encourage you to reach out to your Sisters to make sure they have their information updated in Exclusively Xi, so that we can reach as many Sisters as possible. In appreciation of your participation, five $100 Amazon.com gift cards will be awarded at random after the survey is complete. To participate in the survey, starting June 10: 1) Respond to the email. If we have your current email address on file, you will receive an email invitation to participate in the survey. You will be able to access the survey from the email. 2) Visit www.alphaxidelta.org and click the survey link under the Members section. 3) Call Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Headquarters from June 10 – June 24 if you’re unable to access the internet, and a staff member will assist you in completing the survey. Call 317.852.3500 between 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Eastern time, Monday – Friday. Please indicate you’d like to complete the alumnae survey. The survey will be open from June 10 – July 14, 2015. Thank you in advance for your valuable feedback. alphaxidelta.org 43
CHAPTER ETERNAL
The spring 2015 Chapter Eternal
includes all the names of Sisters whose passing
was reported to Fraternity Headquarters between September 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015. Sisters are listed alphabetically in chapter order, along with their initiation year. To notify the Fraternity of a Sister’s passing, please send an obituary, memorial service pamphlet or other written confirmation to Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Headquarters. Alpha Chapter Lombard/Knox College Juanita Erickson Bassi ’45 Mary Switzer Wolf ’36 Beta Chapter Iowa Wesleyan College Mildred Gross Berger ’36 Gamma Chapter University of Mount Union Carolyn Dimit Couchie ’45 Joanne Williams Rood ’52 Lillian Addicott Sell ’40 Martha Blum Strauch ’40 Epsilon Chapter University of South Dakota Barbara Brisbine ’66 Mindy Rumbolz ’03 Betty Brooks Thal ’42 Zeta Chapter Wittenberg University Barbara Wolfe Culler ’46 Joan Warth Doering ’50 Deborah Duncan Jenkins ’83 Eta Chapter Syracuse University Marilyn Allen ’53 Margaret Roblin Elam ’46 Patricia Yellen Finkelstein ’64 Theta Chapter University of Wisconsin Janice Livermore Hayes ’48 Sheila Maloney Kammer ’55 Iota Chapter West Virginia University Jane Silliman Anderson ’50 Adelaide Thieroff Luchetti ’50 Ann McMillion Wood ’38
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Kappa Chapter University of Illinois Elizabeth Barber Davis ’41
Hale Crosby Thornton ’40 Clara Knight Turner ’41 Jo Ann Rydin Wolcott ’48
Mu Chapter University of Minnesota Rosemary Borchert ’44 Esther Peterson Henk ’20 Ardelle Wessberg Negard ’48 Florence Gorman Sedlack ’21
Phi Chapter Albion College Marjorie Mizener Curtis ’43 Mariel Smale Lockyer ’45 Sally Walker Schaefer ’48
Nu Chapter University of Washington Gail Rasmussen Green ’49 Xi Chapter University of Kentucky Judith Ann Kelley Dolt ’58 Michaelene Bogan Garbo ’41 Omicron Chapter University of California-Berkeley Betty Jo Phillips Hallock ’53 Pi Chapter Ohio University Doris Brunn Francis ’48 Betty Geiler Porter ’42 Marynelle Aumann Shields ’44 Rho Chapter University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dorothy Anderson ’41 Priscilla Campsey Finnell ’39 Margery DeLamatre Sorenson ’51 Sigma Chapter University of Iowa Catherine Harmeier Boylen ’41 Donese Waterman Putnam ’45 Tau Chapter University of New Hampshire Meredith Brown Pearlstein ’64
Psi Chapter The Ohio State University Joan Kellough Mitchell ’50 Carol Clouse Wagner ’59 Alpha Gamma Chapter Coe College Mary Martin Bickett ’29 Alpha Delta Chapter Oregon State University Helen Ward Kyle ’57 Millicent Evenden Olson ’44 Alpha Epsilon Chapter University of Michigan Grace Jones Lantis ’37 Nancy Taylor Smith ’49 Alpha Eta Chapter Purdue University Barbara Compton Brown ’45 Ruth Krueger Maertz ’48 Alpha Theta Chapter Northwestern University Merilyn Kohout Farrar ’44 Alpha Lambda Chapter University of Oregon Blanche Gustavson Crook ’38 Nadine Robertson Rockwood ’45
Alpha Mu Chapter Ohio Wesleyan University Frances Wilcke Erskine ’39 Katharine Perkins Lorenz ’49 Mary Ann Tomlinson Pretzinger ’51 Margaret Diehl Robinson ’43 Carol Minta Edmunds Stohrer ’53 Alpha Omicron Chapter Hunter College Ruth Pahler Pretat ’48 Alpha Rho Chapter Allegheny College Elizabeth Carol Brady Dougherty ’36 Alpha Phi Chapter University of Pennsylvania Helen Williams Stevens ’45 Alpha Chi Chapter Randolph-Macon College Dorothy Coddington Kouri ’35 Alpha Omega Chapter Florida State University Juanita Purchase Brown ’37 Helen Linnemeier Watson ’31 Beta Beta Chapter Washington University Margaret Trowbridge Conner ’43 Mary Geisler Walsh ’35 Beta Gamma Chapter Centenary College of Louisiana Della Marie Owens Burris ’46 Jewell Bridges Hobson ’54 Helen Jennings Sproull ’42
Beta Eta Chapter University of Maryland Mary Jent Byrne ’53 Myra Wallace Murphy ’48 Carolyn King Scudder ’47 Beta Theta Chapter Michigan State University Anita Basso Allen ’46 Mary Makedonsky Clark ’58 Beta Kappa Chapter Baldwin Wallace University Mildred Brotz Cook ’42 Ruth Froehlich ’41 Beta Lambda Chapter Pennsylvania State University Frances Reist Bush ’42 Helen Herr ’44 Anna Kozusko Kuhn ’89 Barbara Cooper Sowter ’42 Joan Maher Wood ’54
Beta Omega Chapter Memphis State University Barbara Matheson Wilson ’55
Epsilon Gamma Chapter Western Carolina University Ellen Wheeler Boyd ’67
Gamma Beta Chapter Marshall University Martha Hartley Randolph ’71
Epsilon Delta Chapter Indiana State University Mary Seprodi Neal ’76
Gamma Delta Chapter University of Nebraska at Omaha Joan Palladino Anderson ’53 Helen Howell ’52
Epsilon Eta Chapter South Dakota State University Alyce Hellstrom Marcovich ’73
Gamma Epsilon Chapter California State University – Fresno Dorothy Jane Bolt Fox ’65 Laurie Best Marks ’75 Gamma Zeta Chapter Eastern Michigan University Judith McKitrick Allard ’57 Lynn Weinert Dittmar ’54 Jeanne Morgan Swihart ’55
Beta Mu Chapter Bowling Green State University Beth Branyan Baughman ’68 Diane Brigger Gregorc ’58 Betty Toy Hopkins ’43 Nancy Chase Johnson ’58
Gamma Tau Chapter Ohio Northern University Sheyl Joann Sidles Downey ’76 Dorothea Hays Hartong ’63
Beta Nu Chapter Culver Stockton College Charlotte Deiling Hilmer ’43 Helen Richter Jones ’50
Gamma Psi Chapter Frostburg State University Jean Hansen Cranmer ’72 Eileen Llewellyn Diffenderfer ’65
Beta Pi Chapter Indiana University Joan Ewing ’51 Joanne Bondurant Raihala ’53 Virginia Kindig Simons ’48
Delta Theta Chapter St. Cloud State University Laurie Wallak Stillwell ’74
Beta Tau Chapter Kent State University Avis Jeananne Pinney Haynam ’49 Beta Phi Chapter University of Connecticut Myrtle Bruce ’49 Beta Psi Chapter Carroll University Helen Converse Janquart ’57
Epsilon Theta Chapter West Liberty University Mary Voellinger Rice ’66 Epsilon Iota Chapter Newberry College Anne Perreyclear ’73 Epsilon Mu Chapter University of Northern Colorado Kathy Mitchell ’76 Epsilon Pi Chapter Jacksonville State University Janet Atkinson Powell ’69 Lorna Stewart Usrey ’86 Alpha Deuteron Chapter Johannah King Bell ’88
Delta Kappa Chapter Slippery Rocky University Mary Susan Judson McConnell ’64 Delta Xi Chapter Georgia State University Gloria Newman Culbertson ’70 Karen Kephart Hallberg ’81 Delta Pi Chapter Defiance College Carol McKenna ’67
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be the heart of Alpha Xi Delta by paying your national alumnae dues!
Your yearly payment of $20 will go into the “Be The Heart” fund of Alpha Xi Delta and go towards: • Alumnae programming, support and cultivation
• S upporting volunteer education and development
• Special alumnae events and campaigns (including alumnae receptions, young alumnae events, etc.)
•R ose Petals Program for Alpha Xi Delta legacies •A lumnae awards and recognitions
Members like you make it possible for Sisters to realize their potential. Pay your dues online at www.alphaxidelta.org/AlumnaeDues. If you currently pay your annual National Alumnae Dues through an organized Alpha Xi Delta alumnae association, you may continue to do so and do not need to pay online. Thank you for your commitment to Alpha Xi Delta.
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
from the
O
archives
riginally published in the November 1953 issue of The Quill, Sisters from the Alpha Xi Chapter at UCLA modeled bathing suits from across the decades at the 23rd National Convention, held
in Pasadena, California. With Nancy Gulick at the microphone are (left to right) Gwen Yentis, Sondra Darnell, Dorothy Rietkirk, Lorraine Zanotti, Diane Wilson, Joy Myers, Mary Marvin, Alice Jones, Shirley Bach, Marlys Thiel, Gini Miller and Barbara Mullen.
alphaxidelta.org 47
FOUNDATION NEWS \ Memorial Gifts
MEMORIAL GIFTS The Alpha Xi Delta Foundation recognizes Memorial Gifts from September 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
Linda Hall Altmann, West Virginia Wesleyan College by Carolyn Saxton, West Virginia Wesleyan College Maria Anello by Francesca Panorese, University of New Hampshire Mary Elizabeth Bargman by Melinda Ruffing Stone Schoenwald, Ohio Wesleyan University Maxine Evans Blackburn, Wittenberg University by Sara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State University Ruth Fowler Brown, Ohio University by Giles Memorial Foundation Donna Rigg Buffington, University of Nebraska at Omaha by Betty Fideler Dale, University of South Dakota, Dianne Ensign Ziegler, Purdue University Nancy Berry Collard, University of Southern Maine by Suzanne LaCroix, University of Southern Maine Blanche Gustavson Crook, University of Oregon by Maryella Velguth Tierney, University of Oregon Jennifer DeVito, sister of Jacqueline DeVito by Jacqueline DeVito, University at Albany Evelyn Gibbs Dice, Northwestern University by Suzanne Mitton Petru, Northwestern University Peggy Martin Dorsey, West Virginia Wesleyan College by Mary Dorsey Taylor, West Virginia Wesleyan College
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Sheryl Sidles Downey, Ohio Northern University by Teri Wynn Okrutny, Ohio Northern University
Dorothy Van Valkenburg Lewis, Stetson University by Mary Lewis Pierson, Northwestern University
Joan Ewing, Indiana University by Ruth Lindenberg Heywood, Indiana University
Jennie Morgan Lombard, University of Michigan by Judy Sellevold LaBreche, University of Michigan, Barbara Libs Murray, University of Michigan
Barbara Gaston Fellows, West Virginia Wesleyan College by Shirley Kincaid Walker, West Virginia Wesleyan College Kitty Brunn Francis, Ohio University by Atlanta-North Metro, GA Alumnae Association Marjorie Morrison Friel, University of California-Los Angeles by Nancy Christy MacReynolds, University of California-Los Angeles Tracy Goodwalter by Christina Munck O’Hara, Hillsdale College Nancy Wilhite Haldrup, Northwestern University by Barbara LaDage Robinson, Northwestern University Carol Petersen Hall, Northern Illinois University by Anita Petersen Drake, Northern Illinois University Helen Richter Jones, Culver Stockton College by Robert Jones, husband of Helen Richter Jones Anna Kozusko Kuhn, Pennsylvania State University by Becky Amos-Stuart, University of Washington, Linda Lutz Dettmer, Baldwin Wallace University, Michelle Soderquist Hartnett, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Helen Steinich LeBarron, University of Wisconsin-Madison by Norma Malmanger Liebenberg, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State University Ruby Atkinson Leonard, Oregon State University by Janet Leonard Baillie, Oregon State University
Winifred Mackil by Patricia Mackil Larson, Kent State University Andrew Macrina, son of Catherine Cahill Macrina by Catherine Cahill Macrina, West Chester University Isabel Pickett Marshall, Monmouth College by KJ Witty, Marquette University John McClaflin, husband of B.J. Hall McClaflin, University of Denver by Betty Fideler Dale, University of South Dakota Shirley Clements Mewborn, Georgia Institute of Technology by Jessie Knowlson Somoza, Georgia Institute of Technology Sandra Zita Mohall, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown by Rick Mohall, husband of Sandra Zita Mohall Jane Morley, mother of Laura Morley Zuidema by Laura Morley Zuidema, Alma College Mary Burt Brooks Nash, Northwestern University by Mary Lou Milam Entzminger, University of Charleston Carol R. Peterson by Trudy Portewig, Florida State University Loma Bowers Proctor, University of Denver by Betty Fideler Dale, University of South Dakota James Redman, husband of Jean Crawford Redman by Jean Crawford Redman, Purdue University
Lynn Ledwitch Reid, Georgia Institute of Technology by Cindy Nora Hart, Georgia Institute of Technology, Laurie Osborne, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kim Pace Noonan, Georgia Institute of Technology Catherine Mason Reynolds, University of Southern Maine by Suzanne LaCroix, University of Southern Maine Laurie Best Rodrigues, California State University, Fresno by Elizabeth Eberle Payette, California State University, Fresno, Margie Stolshek McIntyre, California State University, Fresno Nancy Rugh, Monmouth College by Susan Barrett Boelke, Monmouth College Suellyn Matevia Sekulich, Michigan State University by Judith Anderson Honhart, Michigan State University Betty Frost Simpson, Oregon State University by Julie Lambert, Oregon State University Kelly Sizer, Thiel College by Monica Anderson, Thiel College Carol Jean Smith, Jacksonville State University by Sara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State University Martha Davies Stone, Randolph-Macon College by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan University Mary Falvey Stuedle, mother of Kristin Stuedle by Kristin Stuedle, Western Kentucky University Barbara Tatar, sister of Betty Tatar Wiseman by Betty Tatar Wiseman, Central Michigan University Jane Terveer, The Ohio State University by Ellen Dettra Kunst, The Ohio State University Dennis Thomas, husband of Dawn Haines Thomas, Frostburg State University by Pam Gardiner Enger, Frostburg State University
Marilyn Sloan Thompson, The Ohio State University by Carol Morgan Smerz, Defiance College, Jean Walter Mahan, The Ohio State University Babette Sellhausen Trader, University of Maryland by Christine Burris, daughter of Babette Sellhausen Trader, Diane Trader, daughter of Babette Sellhausen Trader Joan Turner, University of Charleston by Cathy Kawash Leikhim, University of Charleston Pamela Walz, daughter of Ada Walz by Ada Wold Walz, Denison University Joanne Mateer Weaver-Stroh, University of Pennsylvania by Nancy Frank Offner, University of Pennsylvania Cathy Brady Weston, Eastern Michigan University by Joy Morrison Farmer, Eastern Michigan University
Autism Speaks by Betty Darnell Nelson, Knox College Jenny Awrey, University of Washington by Megan Horst Foster, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Pam McCormick Barkman, Baldwin Wallace University by Kelly Jones, University of Central Florida Alessandra Barletta, University of New Hampshire by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University Katie Beermann, Sonoma State University by Renee Beermann, mother of Katie Beermann Beta Psi Chapter by Hannah Emerson, Carroll University Wendy Block by Jessica Block, Pennsylvania State University Janet Garmhausen Bock, The Ohio State University by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan University
HONOR GIFTS The Alpha Xi Delta Foundation recognizes Honor Gifts given from September 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014.
All my Sisters who know someone with Autism by Sophie Chen, American University Alpha Xi Chapter by Patricia Dillon Clegg, University of California-Los Angeles Alpha Kappa Chapter Becky Anderson Wiseman, Kansas State University Lyannet Alvarez, University of Nevada-Las Vegas by Omega Financial, Inc. Mollie Dunn Arthur, University of Northern Colorado by Judith Eichberger Bender, University of Northern Colorado
Mabry Cheshire, cousin of Lezlie McKenzie by Lezlie McKenzie, Georgia Institute of Technology Children with Autism by Elva Dughi Byrne, University of California-Berkeley Virginia Clyde, University of Arizona by Margaret Payne Greene, Stetson University Natalia Crowe, cousin of Lezlie McKenzie by Lezlie McKenzie, Georgia Institute of Technology Maggie DiCesare, DePaul University by Julie Wilson Dillon, University of Illinois Karolyn Bardin Diefenbach, Florida State University by Kyle Robb, Pennsylvania State University Susan Harvey Dingle, Albion College by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan University Susan Kuhn Dunlap, Bethany College by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan University
Jill Foster Bortel, Defiance College by Jan Colton Belka, Slippery Rock University
Kristen Ellefson Elgie, University of Texas at Austin by Sue Eicher Mamber, Kent State University
Jen Brady, University of Nebraska at Omaha by Maggie Koenig, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Travis England, brother of Brittany England by Brittany England, Wright State University
Denise Brown, University of Northern Iowa by Kim Starr, University of Kentucky
Lindsay Finniss, University of New Hampshire by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University
Emily Burns, Wright State University by Omega Financial, Inc. Ginny Carroll, Western Kentucky University by Marisa Walden Lacey, Texas State University-San Marcos Kelsey Carter, Western Kentucky University by Omega Financial, Inc. Jackie Celeste, University of Maryland by Debbie Caseley, mother of Jackie Celeste
Betty Shetler Frank, The Ohio State University by Sue Cooper Kirschner, The Ohio State University Ashley Frederick, Stetson University by Omega Financial, Inc. Theresa Furman by Madalyn Grutzius, George Mason University Paige Gallagher, Southeast Missouri State University by Donna Gallagher, mother of Paige Gallagher
Gamma Psi Chapter by Mary Comer Martirano, Frostburg State University Gamma Eta Chapter by Janice Nease Wittschiebe, Georgia Institute of Technology Gamma Eta Pledge Class of 1974 by Elizabeth Doyle Wright, Georgia Institute of Technology Lila Goble, great aunt of Paige Tanaka by Paige Tanaka, Georgia State University Jenna Guy, University of Northern Iowa by Omega Financial, Inc. Nancy Watson Harvey, Iowa Wesleyan College by Shelley Wilmes Grider, Iowa Wesleyan College Diane Hastings, University of MissouriSt. Louis by Omega Financial, Inc. Alyssa Holland, University of New Hampshire by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University Lauren Howell, University of New Hampshire by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University Karen Smith Hughes, Georgia Institute of Technology by Cynthia Smith King, Georgia Institute of Technology Torrie Hutchison, mother of Jessica Hutchison by Jessica Hutchison, University of Illinois Iota Chapter by Joanne Walker Bowie, West Virginia University Jen Irwin, Georgia Institute of Technology by Joe Irwin, father of Jen Irwin Barbara Reitsma Johnson, Florida State University by Joan Reitsma, Florida State University Tiffany Keenan, University of New Hampshire by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University
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FOUNDATION NEWS \ Honor Gifts
Elfriede Thiele Kelso, Hunter College by Virginia Drick Messing, Ohio Wesleyan University Darren Kenner, father of Abby Kenner by Abby Kenner, Ohio University Millie Kotlan Kolar, Marietta College by Susanne Gettings Ray, Marietta College Jennifer Emerick Kuntz, University of Northern Iowa by Jamee Maurer Klein, University of Northern Iowa Julie Lambert, Oregon State University by Christine Nilsen Marciano, Oregon State University Alvan & Carol Lampke by Miranda Lampke, University of North Carolina-Asheville Marijon Chandler Lococo, University of Kentucky by Sandi Edwards, University of Kentucky Tonia Mannschreck, mother of Ellen Mannschreck by Ellen Mannschreck, University of Nebraska Kearney Chelsea Marcantonio, University of Southern Maine by Meilin Brodeur, University of Southern Maine Brittany Marien, University of New Hampshire by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University Kelsi Martin, Bowling Green State University by Omega Financial, Inc. Claudia Martinez, Syracuse University by Ricardo & Gloria Martinez, parents of Claudia Martinez Olivia Mathison, Henderson State University by Heather Lowe, Henderson State University
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Sharon McCone, Henderson State University by Kristie Fox Johnson, Henderson State University
Jane Fursey Ralston, University of Mount Union by Ellen Gibson Goodwin, West Virginia University
Anna Minmier, University of Texas at Austin by Omega Financial, Inc.
Rho Chapter by Gina Todero Mangine, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abby Moriarty, University of New Hampshire by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University
Karen Kerker Roberts, California State University, Northridge by Jean Sauer DeFrances, Florida State University
Ally Morrison, George Mason University by Melanie Holwood, West Chester University
Arlene Schwob Roberts, Drake University by Amy Holobyn, Indiana University South Bend
Sandra Mullen, mother of Caitlin Mullen by Caitlin Mullen, Youngstown State University
Bre Rogy, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville by Bri Januszyk, Ohio University
Samantha Nagy, Rider University by Stephen Nagy, father of Samantha Nagy John Neff, father of Morgan Neff by Morgan Neff, Kent State University Kaylee Noon, University of Central Florida by Megan Lawrence, University of Central Florida Danica Vanasse Olson, Marquette University by Jean Koza Leider, University of Iowa Outgoing Iota Rho Execuctive Board by Julie Wilson Dillon, University of Illinois Wilma Peterson by Taylor Watkins, Oklahoma State University Sally Russum Pleasants, University of Nebraska at Omaha by Margaret Payne Greene, Stetson University
Cathryn Sawalski, St. Norbert College by Elizabeth Krajnik, St. Norbert College Sara Schneier, Temple University by Mindy Frohlich, mother of Sara Schneier Morgan Spradling, Marietta College by Omega Financial, Inc. Marjorie Merrill Stewart, Stetson University by Lucy Ward Bodnar, Stetson University Tau Chapter by Jenna Jordan, University of New Hampshire The Ladies of Epsilon Xi by Vanessa Sparrow Hill, Jacksonville State University Karin Lang Urbanczyk, Wittenberg University by Lexi Urbanczyk, Oklahoma State University Linda Vejvoda, Alpha Kappa House Director by Alyssa Neher, Kansas State University
Leah Vicini, Michigan State University by Kierstin Sanch, Michigan State University Kristen Vilcans, Cornell University by Diane Vilcans, mother of Kristen Vilcans Sandy Gleason Walston, University of Washington by Janice Sheldon Baumback, University of Washington Lucy Ward Bodnar, Stetson University by Linda Gorman Rodriguez, University of Georgia Cheryl Johnson Weldon, Georgia Institute of Technology by Amy Nottingham Choate, Georgia Institute of Technology Janice Nease Wittschiebe, Georgia Institute of Technology by Mary Hinson Nowers, Georgia Institute of Technology, Alethia Bigbie Thompson, Georgia Institute of Technology Patricia Wright by Alexia Zilliken, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
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Goodbye doesn't have to be goodbye. Stay connected with Alpha Xi Delta after graduation by making sure we have your updated contact information.
It’s as easy as logging into Exclusively Xi and updating your member record. Questions? Email us at fhq@alphaxidelta.org.