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Gracious and Kindly Hearts Learn more about Alpha Xi Delta’s history of service and meet Sisters who are living out the vision of our Founders. TWO NEW CHAPTERS INSTALLED
A NEW FUNDRAISER FOR AUTISM SPEAKS
OMEGA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Thoughts from Michele
I
love the power of words. After all, the pen is mightier than the sword! When I hear the word philanthropy and think of the people in my life that carry it out, I can’t help but think of our own philanthropic work with Autism Speaks. Alpha Xi Delta is an army of women dedicated to raising awareness of autism. What a power we have in our numbers, our commitment and our cause. As I said, I love words and often look to words, their meanings and their origins. Here, it is best to look at synonyms. Philanthropy has many synonyms including: charitable, generous, benevolent, humanitarian, public-spirited, altruistic, magnanimous, caring, compassionate and kind. I can think of countless women in my life I would use these words to describe. One of them is very close to my heart. My mother, Mary McCormick Herbst,
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Epsilon Eta ’03, embarked on a journey in 1996 to become a volunteer for CASA. CASAs are court appointed special advocates that serve as guardians ad litem to children in the middle of terrible circumstances. They are adjusting to new foster homes, temporary homes and new schools, all while attending court hearings. CASA volunteers advocate for the child and speak for their best interest as custody discussions are held. Many children are better for my mother’s willingness to become their voice in the conversations that shape their future. Great job, Mom! In her spare time, she delivers books from the public library for those that are homebound. She ministers to the sick by distributing Communion. She sees the needs of others and works, through the gifts she’s been given, to meet those needs. She is a woman dedicated to charitable, generous, compassionate,
Michele traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, in February for the Installation of the Kappa Gamma Chapter at the University of South Carolina. She is pictured with the Executive Council of the chapter and its official charter.
caring and altruistic acts. That’s my mom. In the last Quill, I spoke of the living reality of the Sisterhood of women. Philanthropy is our opportunity to share our love and the gifts we’ve been given with others. We are reminded; our Sisterhood exists within the reality of humanity. Each day, we are given a new chance to make a difference. Enjoy the opportunity to read about the great work our Sisters are doing across the Alpha Xi Delta realm to make this world a better place.
Loyally,
Michele Herbst Evink National President
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Welcome to our Sisterhood! | The
Kappa Gamma and Kappa Delta Chapters were added this semester.
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Celebrating 100 Years | The Omega
Chapter at Stetson University celebrated their Centennial Anniversary.
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Gracious and Kindly Hearts | Learn more about Alpha Xi Delta’s history of service and meet Sisters who are living out the vision of our Founders.
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Letters of Love | Learn about a new fundraising program for Autism Speaks.
CONTENTS 4 Letters to the Editor
10 N ational Housing Corporation News
5 Alpha Xi Delta Connections
25 Member News
6 Q&A
34 Chapter Eternal
7 What’s Trending?
36 Foundation News
37 Philanthropy News 47 From the Archives
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
Volume 114/Issue 1 Copyright 2017 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 Winter issue – September 6 Spring issue – January 23 Summer/Fall issue – June 1 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. National Executive Director Elysia Balster Gallivan, South Dakota ’93 Director of Communications and Marketing Lauren Blankenbaker Felts, Indiana ’03 Communications Coordinator Jenna Lanzetta, Western Michigan ’12 National Council 2015-2017 National President Michele Herbst Evink, South Dakota State ’86 National Vice Presidents Gretchen Balling DiMarco, Syracuse ’96 Rebekah Fenstermaker Druetzler, Purdue ’79 Andrea Fouberg, South Dakota State ’95 Micaela Isler, Texas ’91 Fatima Johnson, UNC Asheville ’95 Suzanne Cantando Kirschbaum, UNC Asheville ’92 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.
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My name is Michelle Candelaria, and I’m a fellow Sister from the Iota Eta Chapter at the University of Texas El Paso. I recently read the latest Quill issue, and let me say, the article that discussed our fellow Sisters’ surrogate story really hit me. As a married Sister struggling with infertility issues of my own, I often find myself losing faith and asking why me. Reading this article gave me peace and courage not to give up and reminded me not to have bitterness, but to instead take my challenges and conquer them. Thank you so much for featuring this article.
Winter 2016 - 17
The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta is published three times per year in spring, summer/fall and winter by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity.® POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE QUILL OF ALPHA XI DELTA, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268
The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta
These Things Do We Earnestly Desire: A clear vision of life, that with gracious and kindly hearts we may share both joy and sorrow and bring into living reality the sisterhood of women. An appreciation of real merit and worth, steadfastness of soul, that without bitterness or defeat we may encounter misfortune and with humili ty meet success. These things, O Lord, help us to instill within our hearts, that we may grow in courage and graciousness and peace.
CHICAGO: YOUR 2017 CONVENTION DETAILS
RECENT NHC RENOVATIONS
CORA’S CHALLENGE RECAP
- Michelle Candelaria, UTEP ’00
I was delighted to see the picture inside the back cover of the recent Quill of MY Sisters at U of I, Kappa Chapter. Thanks for the great picture and the memories it invokes. It brings tears to my eyes. - Stephanie Hammond Buches (2nd from left, second row from front!)
Love this Quill. Haven’t heard our Symphony in quite some time and it was much needed – @alphaxidelta will always be close to my q forever. – Lisa Metcalf, @LisaMetcalfFAU
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.
Alpha Xi Delta Connections On Valentine’s Day, we shared stories of our Sisters who found love through Alpha Xi Delta on our social media channels. These stories were so well-received that we decided to share a few highlights in this issue of The Quill.
My love story starts with Shelby Young, my big Sister, bridesmaid and friend. Corey and Shelby became close friends their freshman year of college by living down the hall from each other in the dorm. Two years later, when I got to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Shelby introduced us and the rest is history. Corey and I got married on May 7, 2016. I am so grateful for Shelby and Alpha Xi Delta for giving me my best friend, side kick and biggest supporter. - Paige Shoop, Alabama at Birmingham ’11
In 2012, a high school friend’s friend sent me a friend request on Facebook. We began messaging back and forth, for about three or so months. He was living in Texas, and I was living in Iowa. When August rolled around, I moved to Nebraska for college, and joined AXiD. I was on a rose buddy date with a Sister a year older than me, and I shared the story about how John and I had “met” and had been talking. She said to me, “If you don’t make your move, you’ll only ever have a cyber relationship with him.” So that night, I went home and called John, and he bought a plane ticket to Nebraska. He was my date to my very first AXiD date party! He moved to Nebraska four months later and was my date to every event and never missed a philanthropy opportunity!
Flash forward three years later to November 2015, and he proposed to me during a meeting. He planned with a couple Sisters, and during a fake candle passing, he walked in and proposed while I held the candle in front of 100+ Sisters! - Sommer Snakenberg, Nebraska at Omaha ’12
My husband and I were introduced by my best friend, Crystal Smith Broj. Crystal and I pledged Alpha Xi Delta at Northern Illinois University 34 years ago and have been close ever since. She was dating, and is now married to, my husband’s best friend since diapers. We raised our kids as cousins. I have the only legacy, my daughter Marissa, who was the Chapter Life Vice President at Theta Epsilon. She says she wouldn’t even be alive if it wasn’t for Alpha Xi Delta! - Monica Fashfellow Van Beekum, Northern Illinois University ’84
My husband and I met in 2011, the very first time I volunteered as an alumna! I came back to help Theta Iota at Florida Atlantic University with recruitment, and Keith was the new Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor. We didn’t really talk much or hit it off. But, thanks to a case of mistaken identity, we reconnected in 2013 when I was working with the Theta Pi Chapter at Christian Brothers University. This time around, sparks flew; we got married this past December! I can honestly say that volunteering for Alpha Xi Delta helped me find my husband - and my bridesmaids! - Tabitha Hembree, Florida Atlantic ’08
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Q/A
A People may recognize leadership, skills or talents in you that you are unable to see in yourself. Trust what others tell you, even if it may make you uncomfortable. I wouldn’t be where I am today without trusting what a colleague saw in me. It has fueled me to pursue many dreams!
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can, one breath at a time.
–Katie McCann Diorio,
University of Pennsylvania ’12
- Kathleen Serio, Wittenberg ’16
If you’re truly passionate about what you do, you’ll make it to the places you want to be. - Nikki Grenot, Indiana
West Chester ’93
Q
hat is the W smartest career advice you have ever received?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Next Issue: At what moment or instance did you feel you realized your potential? Submit your response to quilleditor@alphaxidelta.org for possible entry in the next issue of The Quill.
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Great (insert your skill) are in demand, but there are a lot of them. Develop a second skill as well. It might take work and get you out of your comfort zone, but it will make you more marketable and open doors in unexpected ways.
One person, one interaction at a time. – Kim Frye Olesker, Nebraska– Omaha ’87
To negotiate salary, to interview people in the positions you want and to never compromise on integrity or morals.
- Megan Gustafson Melloy,
– Michelle Kanan, Sonoma
Iowa ’00
State ’06
Find the sweet spot of what you are good at and what you love to do. Don’t think that because you haven’t checked all the qualification boxes that you aren’t ready for the next job! - Catherine Lee Arnold Mayone, Gettysburg ’87
WHAT’S TRENDING NOW
what’s trending now Recent Graduate Resources If you are a recent graduate, please don’t forget to update your email address and mailing address in Exclusively Xi. This will ensure that you don’t miss any updates from Fraternity Headquarters. In addition, we invite you to connect with us on LinkedIN, as well as with other Alpha Xi Delta Sisters, for networking opportunities.
Sisterhood Chicago Cubs Game There is no better way to experience Chicago than by cheering on the World Champion Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field! You’re invited to join hundreds of other Alpha Xi Delta Sisters on Friday, July 7 at 1:20 p.m. as the World Champion Chicago Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. To purchase general admission tickets that will allow you to sit with your Sisters, please visit Exclusively Xi. It is listed under Convention registration, but is a separate purchase outside of Convention registration. You do not have to be registered for Convention to attend this event, and it is first come, first serve. Once tickets are sold out via Exclusively Xi, they will not be available for purchase again.
Happy 124th Founders’ Day! On April 17, Alpha Xi Deltas everywhere gathered to celebrate our dear Fraternity and the amaXIng accomplishments we have achieved this past year. Please be sure to send us photos of your celebrations to quilleditor@alphaxidelta.org.
The Workout The Workout, Alpha Xi Delta’s comprehensive recruitment training program, will be held June 1-4 at the University of Maryland. During this program, Sisters cover recruitment activities and exercises and apply them to their recruitment plan, they review conversation tactics and give Sisters tools to instill Alpha Xi Delta pride within their chapters. Look for a recap of this event in our summer issue!
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CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS
University of South Carolina Location: Columbia, South Carolina Chapter: Kappa Gamma Installation Date: February 12, 2017
The University: The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. The university is home to more than 33,000 students, offers more than 350 undergraduate and graduate degrees and was established in 1801. Alpha Xi Delta is the 13th active National Panhellenic Conference organization at the University of South Carolina.
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Kappa Gamma Snapshot: Alpha Xi Delta celebrated Bid Day at the University of South Carolina on September 12, 2016. Alpha Xi Delta Educational Leadership Consultants Renee Shields and Rachel Weatherford were stationed at USC throughout the recruitment process and helped the new members of Kappa Gamma Chapter prepare for Installation throughout the new member period. As new members, the women were busy! Sisters participated in the Greater Charlotte Autism Speaks Walk, Homecoming, Greek Week and hosted a Parents Weekend. “Installing a chapter is always a historic and moving event, and we are incredibly grateful to the University of South Carolina for the opportunity to join its community,” Michele Herbst Evink, Alpha Xi Delta’s National President, said.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Location: Pomona, California Chapter: Kappa Delta Installation Date: April 8, 2017
The University: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is a public polytechnic university located in Pomona, California. The campus has more than 23,000 students, 40 percent of which are female. It offers more than 60 majors and degree programs in eight academic colleges. Alpha Xi Delta is the sixth active National Panhellenic Conference organization to join the campus.
Kappa Delta Snapshot: Alpha Xi Delta welcomed new members into our Kappa Delta Chapter at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona on October 23. Since Bid Day, the new chapter has volunteered at the Orange County Autism Speaks Walk, held a Parent’s Day, organized a Sisterhood retreat in Big Bear, California, and met its philanthropy fundraising goal in its first quarter as a new chapter. “Our Sisters at Cal Poly Pomona are talented leaders with bold career and life aspirations. We anticipate our Kappa Delta Chapter will flourish alongside our strong network of existing California chapters,” Michele Herbst Evink said.
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HOUSING
A Guide for Summer Project Planning Summer housing projects always vary in scale from a small landscape refresh to a complete renovation. Regardless of the scope, there’s a planning and execution process that always accompanies the improvement being made. To help overcome some of the associated challenges of these projects, CSL Management has simplified the process and has created the following guide as you determine your summer spruce up.
ALWAYS START WITH “WHY?” • Why is the particular project important to the student experience? • Why now and how urgent? • Why does the project make sense in relation to how the house supports the mission of the organization? DO YOUR HOMEWORK Finance • Is sufficient capital available to pay for the project? If not, what other funding sources will be utilized? • How will the outlay of capital affect future projects, liquidity and cash flow? • What is the return on investment (ROI)? Will it help with occupancy rates, increase property value, make the chapter more competitive or enhance the member experience? • Will room and board or other fees need to be adjusted to help pay for the work or to sufficiently rebuild reserves to cover future needs? Research • What is going on in the housing market (for example, room demand vs. supply, new University or local municipality restrictions, etc.)? •W hat are other NPC groups charging for room, board and related fees? What are the current rates for University and off-campus housing, and how are rates trending? • What kind of pricing is going on in the market in terms of raw material and per square foot construction costs? • Who are the key players today in terms of vendors, required resources,
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industry experts, chapter leadership, headquarters personnel, etc.? History • What has been learned from past projects? • How did the chapter respond? Have they been good stewards of the house? Are they performing at a higher level as a result? • What type of ROI have similar projects/ needs returned, not just financial, but improving quality of the experience and supporting the overall mission of the organization? • Do you have previous project data to pull from for estimated costs, timelines, required resources and time demands? DETERMINE THE 3 Ws Who Will: • See the project through to completion? •B e the contact for contractors or vendors? • Be doing the work? • Be holding everyone accountable to the budget and timeline? • Be communicating progress reports and status updates to the chapter and alumnae? What Will: • Be the scope of the project? • Be the desired completion date? • Be the budget and will the project need any permits? • Be the expectations of the project team? • Be logistical concerns? For example, offsite storage, movers, etc. • Be a zoning issue? Should an analysis be done? • Be environmental concerns? For example, lead paint, asbestos, etc.
• Be needed for city, state, and/or university approvals? When Do: • You begin planning for the project? • You start communicating the plan? • You begin and end the work? • You begin addressing financing and/or fundraising initiatives, if necessary? EXECUTE • Hold a kick-off/planning meeting and include representation from all stakeholders. • Schedule regular project meetings. • If the project is a large renovation or construction project (general contractor and architect involved), track change orders and requests for information, then discuss each at weekly/monthly checkpoints. • Document final walk through/punch list items to identify anything that was missed or not performed to satisfaction. • Collect and properly store all close-out and warranty documents. CONTINUOUS PLANNING • Perform annual assessments. • Maintain a 12, 36, and 60 month plan. • Routinely identify and fix repairs and maintenance needs. • Properly fund savings/reserve account for future needs. This information was provided by CSL Management, LLC, a trusted partner of Alpha Xi Delta’s National Housing Corporation. CSL currently manages ten Alpha Xi Delta properties. Learn more about CSL at cslmanagement.com.
SUMMER SPRUCE UP
BEFORE
AFTER
By Linda Hartman
1 2
3
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he walls in a room have a major impact. Adding T an exciting new color can instantly transform the room. This is especially effective when painting over outdated brick or paneling.
AFTER
Treat the windows! New window treatments can help take a bland room and make it beautiful. Invest in simple window treatments (custom if necessary) that fit the window correctly instead of ready-made panels that are not the correct size for the window. Replace old discolored blinds with clean new ones.
BEFORE
AFTER
Update a room by adding a few new pieces to existing furniture. The Visiting Room at the University of Rhode Island is a good example. The awkward windows were camouflaged with new window treatments. A colorful accent chest, new chairs and a new area rug were added to existing furniture. AFTER
Cut the clutter! Empty shelves and eliminate items that have collected over time. Create stylish bookshelves by choosing items that create balance. Pick two or three colors from your existing room and space the hues throughout the shelves evenly, but not symmetrically. Add stacks of books to stagger the height of your accessories. Aim for fewer larger items instead of too many small items.
Even small, awkward spaces can make a big statement. Using the proper scale of furniture, replacing old blinds and adding new window treatments make this TV room at the University of New Hampshire a cozy, welcoming space. Do not be afraid of color in a smaller space. The use of color works well here because it is broken up with the windows.
BEFORE AFTER
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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
100 years at Stetson! By Taylor Silveira, Stetson ‘13
The Omega Chapter at Stetson University held a weekend-long celebration from April 7-9 in honor of its Centennial Anniversary. The weekend kicked off on April 7 with an open house at the chapter facility. The chapter hosted a Xi Man Competition that evening, along with a welcome reception at Allen Hall. On Saturday, April 8, the chapter gave campus tours, hosted a tailgate for alumnae and attended the Stetson vs. Florida Gulf Coast University baseball game. The game was an official Light It Up Blue game, and all Sisters received blue beads to wear in honor of World Autism Month. Although Stetson lost the game, it was a great way for collegians and alumnae to bond as they supported Autism Speaks. That evening, alumnae came from near and far to celebrate 100 years of the Omega Chapter with a gala at the Grant Bly House. Past National President Jane Sutton spoke at the event, along with current collegiate Omega Chapter members Emily Perry, Stetson ’15, Rachel Valocchi, Stetson ’14, and Taylor Silveira, Stetson ’13. During her speech, Taylor Silveira shared her Omega Chapter story.
“Initially, my mom didn’t want me to join Greek life, but her mind was changed by one of our alumna, Molly Winsten, on accepted student’s day. I am so thankful she changed her mind, because now, as a senior, I am so happy to look back on all of the memories I have made, and I can honestly say joining this organization has changed my life for the better. This semester, I had the honor of initiating my mom as an alumna of the Sisterhood that I hold so dear to my heart. We cried together as we moved from mother-daughter to Sisters. It is so special to me that I was able to share this moment with my mom right as we are celebrating 100 years of the Omega Chapter.” The Omega Chapter hosted an Alumnae Giving Challenge that totaled almost $2,500 in donations. Without this generous alumnae support, the Centennial Celebration would not have been possible. Thank you to those who helped to make this a memorable weekend. Alumnae and collegiate members of the Omega Chapter celebrating their chapter’s Centennial Annviersary.
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FEATURE
By Lauren Blankenbaker Felts, Indiana ’03
GRACIOUS AND KINDLY Hearts.....
On
Alpha Chapter’s 21st anniversary in 1914, the laying of the cornerstone and the dedication of the Alpha Xi Delta cottage took place on the campus of Lombard College. Anna Miller Knote, inspector of the Fraternity, gave the principal address and said, “Let us build the organization as we build the house, with a strong foundation and a cornerstone of love, charity and goodwill.” Since 1893, one of the qualities of an Alpha Xi Delta Sister that has remained constant is the devotion to community service and making a difference in the lives of others. As Lewie Strong Taylor, one of our beloved Founders, said, “…one thing Alpha Xi Delta has done for us is to take our minds away from self, and turn them to others. A beautiful memory.” Over the years, Alpha Xi Delta has committed herself to many organizations and projects that have benefited women and children, as found in Alpha Xi Delta’s 100-year history book.
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FEATURE
“…one thing Alpha Xi Delta has done for us is to take our minds away from self, and turn them to others. A beautiful memory.”– Lewie Strong Taylor 1913: All freshman members were required to take part in one college activity by the end of their freshman year. Two years later, the Convention delegates voted to require all active members to participate in at least two university activities and recommended that one be the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
1915: It was suggested that Alpha Xi Delta as a whole become involved in a specific service project. A national chairman for social work was appointed to look into the possibility of such an important endeavor. As the years progressed, many of Alpha Xi Delta’s causes became more national in nature as events such as the women’s suffrage
movement and the United States’ participation in world wars.
1917: Nearly all service work was to aid in the war efforts; Alpha Xi Delta joined other fraternities in temporarily suspending all unnecessary and expensive social activities, and each house experienced meatless and wheatless days in an attempt to conserve food.
1920: Members of Alpha Xi Delta attempted to provide scholarship funds for deserving women. That year, $10,000 was suggested as the amount needed to endow a graduate scholarship for $500, which would be given to the American Association of University Women. In an effort to serve individuals outside of Alpha Xi Delta, the scholarship was not to be
influenced by the fraternity membership or non-membership of applicants. Any remaining fund income would be used as a loan fund for the education of Alpha Xi Delta members. Efforts to establish the fund began the next year.
1930: Seven specific projects were suggested for consideration in selecting altruistic work for Alpha Xi Delta. The Fraternity wanted to find a far-reaching project, one that would be preventive in nature. After careful thought, the Convention delegates decided to support a teacher for the Carcassonne Mountain Settlement in Kentucky. Grace Cogger Carlson, National Second Vice President said in 1932, “Because of their isolation, civilization has passed them by – the mountains have shut them in, and they
1930
The students of Carcassonne Community Center School in 1930.
1912
Women sharing an upcoming meeting for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in 1912.
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1944.
From left to right: Olive Johnson, UC – Berkeley, Winnafred Corwin Robinson, UW-Madison, and Rose Mueller, Alleghany, inside an American Red Cross Mobile Canteen in 1944.
are living the life our forefathers lived hundreds of years ago. But they are native born American citizens. We can help them to be better citizens. We can show them the way to a higher plane of life. We can train them to earn a better living in their own communities. Between 19301932, Alpha Xi Delta chapters contributed $2,320 to the project, $2,000 of which was used to the pay the salary of a home economics teacher. The Fraternity’s Carassonne Fund was supported by a per capita tax of 50 cents from each active and alumnae member. In 1937, the Fraternity chose to end its support of the community.
1941: It was decided that the money in the National Philanthropic Fund would be available for use by needy chapters and no national philanthropic project would be adopted until the Philanthropic Fund was sufficient to develop a project of some fundamental value.
1941-1946: Due to World War II, most service efforts were directed towards The American Red Cross.
1946-1948: Nestled between Amsterdam and The Hague, the seacoast fishing village of Noordwyk-on–the-Sea in the Netherlands was severely damaged by Nazi raids during World War II and was in great need of assistance. In April 1947, the list of badly needed supplies sent to Noordwyk included 184 blankets, 1,275 articles of clothing, 668 pairs of shoes and overshoes and 635 pounds of soap. Post-war project aid to Noordwyk was completed with a total gift in two years of $10,000. Two additional scholarships to a boy and girl from the Netherlands amounting to $2,400 also were given. The assistance to Noordwyk resulted in worldwide recognition for Alpha Xi Delta as three fraternity officers were publicly recognized by the Netherlands.
1948-1951: $5,000 was presented to finance well-child clinic funds for social work in Brown County, Indiana, during 1949-50.
1957: Alpha Xi Delta Foundation was founded. “The purpose of the organization
1973-1978: Sisters supported Pittman Hall, a residential facility for girls, in Albany, New York.
1978-1992: Sisters supported the American Lung Association to promote respiratory health.
1992-2009: Choose Children was adopted to focus on all aspects of child well-being.
2009-present: Alpha Xi Delta became philanthropic partners with Autism Speaks. This new partnership was formed so that Sisters could support a national organization and make a greater impact through service and fundraising.
1974
1946
Alpha Xi Delta’s first shipment of shoes to Noordwyk is examined by Mrs. Willfred G. Moore (Mary Kinnavey, Sigma Chapter at the University of Iowa), a chairman of the special 1946-47 committee on emergency relief to the Netherlands.
is to work for the betterment of women in education,” explained Foundation President Mrs. Hampton H. Thomas in 1959. “That means we must help to educate those who need help by means of fellowships and scholarships. We must be sure that we are taking a major part in the philanthropic and charitable needs of each of our communities.”
1958
The first individual memorial for the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation was established in 1958 by Edna Epperson Brinkman, Lombard 1896, in memory of her daughter, Ruth, who was an honor initiate into the Alpha Chapter at the 22nd National Convention in 1949.
A resident of Pittman Hall in 1974. Pittman Hall was a private institution for delinquent girls. Members donated money, along with other items like clothing, games and books, to the institution as the group’s national philanthropic project.
1992
Sisters spent time volunteering and reading to children to support Choose Children.
FEATURE
SERVICE TO OUR
planet
Justina (right) with her sister pulling weeds from Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, one of California’s state parks that is a popular exercise, hiking and horticulture spot.
Since
the days of participating in Girl Scouts, Justina Cerra, Slippery Rock ’03, has always been involved in community service. When she went off to college, Justina made it a point to continue her philanthropic work while studying at Slippery Rock University. As she joined Alpha Xi Delta, she was nervous her sorority commitments would hinder her
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community involvement, but she quickly found a new way to become involved through serving as the Philanthropy Chair for her chapter. It was during her office term that Alpha Xi Delta made the switch from Choose Children to Autism Speaks as a national philanthropic partner. “It was a really cool time to be in that role. It was a little scary because there was a lot of pressure to make sure we were
really embracing that new partnership. I started our first Xi Man, and it was the first event that our chapter actually raised a couple thousand dollars. It really set the stage for us to make a big impact. It’s my favorite memory,” Justina recounts. Upon graduation, Justina moved to Los Angeles with her fiancé so they both could take jobs at a nonprofit organization that serves kids and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Moving across the country can be a terrifying experience if you don’t know anyone in your new community, so Justina started doing beach and park cleanups to meet people. “I felt like my whole passion was found after participating in those cleanups. You can go out and do something in one afternoon and make a difference, and that’s great, but for me it’s more about an ongoing connection and making me feel like I have a bigger place in my community,” Justina said. Justina spends nearly every weekend in her local and state parks, helping to clean up trash, plant native foliage and maintain trails so that the public can enjoy them. In one instance, she helped to clear a trail so that ambulances could utilize it in case of an emergency. In October 2016, Justina decided to begin the challenge of volunteering in each and every one of California’s 280 State Parks. So far, she has completed ten parks in the last four months, and has six more scheduled over the course of the next several weeks. It’s a hefty challenge that will take a few years to complete, but it’s something she is committed to doing to enhance her relationship with the parks. Looking at a park and knowing your hard
Justina works full-time as a Marketing Manager to raise funds for and promote a nonprofit organization that serves kids and adults who are blind or visually impaired.
work is improving a space for hundreds of thousands of people to enjoy is “such an incredible feeling”, Justina noted. She often brings friends along with her to cleanup events to show them how they, too, can make a difference. “Over the course of my four years of living in Los Angeles, I’ve picked up hundreds, if not thousands, of bags of trash on our beaches, stretching from San Diego all the way up to Monterey Bay,” Justina said. During and after cleanups, Justina posts on Instagram about her adventure for that day. Her posts caught the attention of a teacher in Washington, D.C. whose class was working on a science lesson about ocean conservation. Justina was able to Skype a group of more than 150 fifth-graders to talk about how to
keep trash out of the rivers, lakes and oceans and put together a classroom kit that had note cards for the children to write down ideas for how they could help the environment. This particular school is in a low-income area, so for the students and teachers to have someone Skype with them from across the country to talk about the environment was particularly exciting. Afterwards, Justina received a text message from a teacher that said, “You’ll never believe it.” While driving home from work, the teacher saw students picking up trash at the local park and one student mentioned she cleaned up the area around her apartment because it was close to a river. “It made me so happy to know that spending just 30 minutes with them had encouraged them to make a difference,”
said Justina. “Instilling this in them at such a young age and getting them excited about being the person to make a difference will help them grow up to be leaders in their own communities.” In addition to her full-time job and state park cleanup goal, Justina is working to find more opportunities to speak in classrooms about the environment. She is in the beginning stages of writing a book that will share examples of how to make a difference with limited time, resources and money. Her aim is to highlight how each person has the potential to change the world in their own way.
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FEATURE
INSPIRING YOUNG WOMEN TO REALIZE THEIR
In
potential
2000, Mary Ellen South, Frostburg State ’61, became a board member for the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center in Virginia. In the early years of its inception, the Women’s Resource Center provided a Dare to Dream Grant to provide women in the community the opportunity to enrich their personal and professional lives, but Mary Ellen decided to come up with another option that would touch even more lives. Mary Ellen’s daughter, Kim, passed away at the age of 28 from a heroin overdose. Mary Ellen noticed that around the ages of 14-15, when Kim entered middle school, she started having troubles. Upon reflecting on this time, Mary Ellen had an idea for reaching out to a new audience with the hope of an even bigger impact on the community. Founded in memory of Kim, Mary Ellen decided to offer The Kim South Girl Grant through the Women’s Resource Center to middle school aged girls to give a hand up to these young women who might not get recognized in traditional ways. It started ten years ago with a simple $100 award to a single girl and has evolved to more than $1,000 given annually. In the Grant’s early years, Mary Ellen would work with middle school guidance counselors to identify deserving young women, and she would then interview candidates to decide who would receive the Grant. Now in its 10th year, the Grant is typically offered to an organization or group that serves young women rather than just one individual as
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a means to touch more lives and make a bigger impact. Dance troupes, soccer teams and more have benefited from this Grant by allowing more young women to compete, travel to games and locations for events. When asked what it’s like to be able to offer this Grant to such deserving young women, Mary Ellen said, “It’s very heartfelt for me because it’s a way for me to reach out to girls that age. We have a lunch or breakfast every year where the award is presented. I get to meet the recipients and hear their stories. It’s a very emotional and very touching part of my life.” Because it plays such a big part in her life, several Grant recipient stories have stuck with Mary Ellen throughout the years. One story, in particular, was a young woman who was 14-years-old and the oldest child in her family. She had six brothers and sisters, so she assisted a lot around the house and helped to care for her siblings. She was recommended for the Grant by her school guidance counselor because she did not get to do much outside of the home, let alone have time for hobbies. The young woman’s dream was to become a photographer and learn more about photography, so her Grant was used to buy a camera. A few weeks after she received the camera, the young woman’s guidance counselor called Mary Ellen to tell her the good news. “I’ll never forget the guidance counselor calling me up and telling me that this child was taking pictures of
Mary Ellen (far left) with past recipients of the Kim South Girl Grant.
everyone and everything at school,” Mary Ellen said with a small giggle. “It brought her out of a real burden of taking care of her siblings, and we were so happy to do that for her. Little heartwarming stories like that are just very, very touching,” she noted. Mary Ellen has always had a philanthropic spirit and noted that it stems back to her time as a collegiate member of Alpha Xi Delta at Frostburg State University and being encouraged to give back and be involved in the community. “I’ve always had the desire to give back as much as I can,” Mary Ellen said.
Michelle Kanan, Sonoma State ‘06, volunteering for Lava Mae’s pop up care village.
SERVICE TO
Can
you imagine not being able to shower for a week? Or, not even know when you might be able to get your next shower? This is the reality thousands of people face in San Francisco on a daily basis. Since June 2014, Lava Mae has been serving those who lack access to showers and basic hygiene needs in the San Francisco area. This mobile hygiene service, consisting of buses and trailers that have been retrofitted with showers and bathrooms, has provided more than 14,000 showers since its inception. Lava Mae’s one trailer and two buses
community
park in different spots throughout the city six days a week and hook up to fire hydrants to provide 20 minutes of privacy, cleanliness and comfort to those who need it most. Lava Mae has even taken it a step further and started providing pop up care villages where people experiencing homelessness can sign up for free haircuts, have their teeth checked by dental hygienists, have lunch, shop at a street store to pick up donated clothing items and even connect with housing and employment services. The purpose is to provide an environment where the homeless can come, be treated with
dignity and get the services they need in one location. Michelle Kanan, Sonoma State ’06, has been working with Lava Mae for more than two years as a volunteer and a business advisor. She first learned about Lava Mae in the newspaper and immediately emailed them to see how she could get involved as a volunteer. With roughly only seven showers open for public use in San Francisco, Michelle knew this idea of a mobile shower would be significant for the community. She attended one of their first deployments of the bus shower and worked her shift
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FEATURE
SERVICE TO
community, cont.
by cleaning the shower, greeting guests and making sure everyone’s needs and expectations of their visit were met. After that first volunteer shift, Michelle knew she wanted to continue her work with Lava Mae to make difference in people’s lives. “We spend so much time walking by homeless people, not making eye contact. People go weeks without anyone saying their names and not having any sort of conversations. To meet some of these people and hear their stories…that’s when I knew I wanted to become more involved
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with the organization,” Michelle said. In addition to volunteering, Michelle serves as an advisor, with a business perspective, to Lava Mae to help make this concept a scalable project to more cities. Currently, Lava Mae has expended to Los Angeles. Lava Mae also had a presence at South By Southwest in March to drive awareness of what cities can do to help alleviate this humanitarian crisis. Serving as an advisor is one of her favorite things about working with Lava Mae. It allows her to utilize her skill set in a new capacity to make a difference and to help those they serve make it just one more day. Getting
through to the next day may mean making it to a job interview and beginning a better path. “The one thing that motivates me and keeps me going is continuing to hear people’s stories and being given the opportunity from Lava Mae to make a difference, to really bring my expertise to the table, that’s huge,” Michelle commented. Throughout her volunteer work at Lava Mae, Michelle has been fortunate to meet several people who have shared their personal stories. One woman’s story about her puppy really struck a chord
Buses and trailers that have been retrofitted with showers and bathrooms have provided more than 14,000 showers since its inception.
Lava Mae serves those who lack access to showers and basic hygiene needs in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas.
with Michelle. Sara, a known drug user who was living on the streets, had a small puppy with her during a visit to Lava Mae’s setup. She told Michelle about how one evening she had used drugs and passed out on the street, and when she woke up, someone had stolen her puppy and held it for ransom. She had to come up with $200 to get the puppy back, which is not easy for someone who is living on the streets to do. “That story sticks with me. A lot of them do have these animals because pets are always happy to see them, keep them warm at night and give them comfort when no one else wants to talk to them
or acknowledge them. We hear stories all the time about how they don’t want to be judged, and these animals don’t judge them. So to have your pet stolen while you are asleep, even if you are a drug user, is incredibly disheartening. To think that you’ve got to come up with so much money to even get it back is absolutely heartbreaking,” Michelle said. A simple goal in 2013 to get involved more has led Michelle on this journey with Lava Mae, and she doesn’t have plans to quit any time soon. She’s also in her fourth year working with her little sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
program, she is part of Startups Give Back, a volunteering event where startups get out of their offices and work together to help nonprofits in their communities, and has a pact with a fellow Alpha Xi Delta Sister to volunteer once a month for 2017. When asked about advice to offer to other Sisters who want to get involved in volunteering, Michelle said, “Make it a goal, focus on it and do something that really requires a commitment so that you don’t back out.”
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ALPHA XI DELTA SERVICE
SERVICE TO
sisters
Our organization would not be what it is today without the volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to help our Sisters realize their potential. From serving on a National board to chapter-level volunteer roles, the work our Sisters put into Alpha Xi Delta helps us to stay competitive, support our members and remain a strong organization for bold, talented women.
“ “
My involvement with A Clear Vision of Life: The Wellbeing Program allows me to serve alongside, encourage, and give back to the community of women who enriched my own college experience. I volunteer with Alpha Xi Delta because I enjoy helping others discover their passions and purpose. Realizing Your Potential does not have to end at college graduation!” - Malerie Payne, Rochester Institute of Technology ‘07 Assistant Director for Pre-Health Professional Programs, Georgia Southern University
Throughout my time at Auburn University as an Alpha Xi Delta, I loved working with Autism Speaks and the disability community in Auburn, Alabama. When I graduated college and started graduate school, I wasn’t quite ready to give up my Alpha Xi Delta days. I was offered an Advisor position working with the chapter on philanthropy projects and 3 years later I have evolved into the Philanthropy Advisor for the Zeta Xi Chapter! Advising has given me a chance to stay connected to the chapter while strengthening my own leadership skills. My favorite part is seeing these young women become so passionate about giving back to a cause that has always been my life-long mission. I’m currently a Special Education Teacher in Birmingham, Alabama, and I love every minute of my job. It’s great to know my Sisters are working to create better futures for my students and people like them!” - Brooke Molnar, Auburn University ‘09
“
With being a part of the Committee on Leadership, I have been able to utilize my professional skills within IT staffing and recruiting to help select members for each board. One of my favorite quotes that defines why I love volunteering for Alpha Xi Delta is, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This organization has given me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, and I want to make sure I am able to make the same impact on others.” - Sarah Kaewsowatana, Towson ‘10
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VOLUNTEER INTEREST INFORMATION
YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN
impact
The Fraternity is always looking for dedicated Sisters who are willing to serve. There are many national and local volunteer opportunities available for our alumnae, and each role is crucial to the success of Alpha Xi Delta. Consider putting your time, talents and knowledge to use to support the growth of our dear Fraternity. This is your opportunity to have an impact on the future of Alpha Xi Delta for years to come. Below are some key areas of volunteer support needed by the Fraternity. With a membership totaling more than 160,000 in an ever changing world, Alpha Xi Delta is striving to provide strengths-based volunteer opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more, fill out a volunteer interest form on our website at www.alphaxidelta.org/volunteerinterest. Event and Program Production Are you an expert in event planning or event production? Alpha Xi Delta is currently seeking volunteers to assist with the Fraternity’s various festivities to be carried out over the next biennium. Each year, chapters and alumnae associations execute multiple events and your expertise is needed! From Founders’ Day to chapter and alumnae association anniversary celebrations, Sisters will be able to get involved in a variety of ways. Collegiate Chapter Support Are you interested in directly supporting an active collegiate chapter? Short and long-term roles are available. Advisors are a necessary and vital part of the chapter’s success as well as the development of individual chapter members. Chapter Advisory Board roles are voluntary and reappointment is done on an academic calendar basis. It is an opportunity to mentor, provide leadership and support Alpha Xi Delta’s young women while further developing your own leadership skills and broadening your network. The time commitment is varied and will depend on the role on the advisory board. The Chapter Advisor will work with each advisor regarding the time commitment, expectations and training for each specific position. Short term roles with varied commitment levels are also available related to academics, public relations, new member orientation, fundraising, and alumnae relations. Educational Programming Support Are you an experienced speaker or facilitator? Alpha Xi Delta offers various training and professional development opportunities for collegiate and alumnae members and is seeking dynamic, engaging women to facilitate training programs, assist in the execution of training and development
opportunities, and speak in small and large group workshop style sessions. Opportunities include Area Wide Training, Member Development Programs, Officer Training, and more. Lifetime Engagement Initiatives Are you an alumna Sister who is passionate about the impact Alpha Xi Delta has had on your life? We are looking for Sisters from every Alpha Xi Delta chapter, active and dormant, to help reconnect Sisters – with and through Alpha Xi Delta. Sisters interested in serving in Lifetime Engagement capacities must have strong communication skills, be proficient in Microsoft Excel and have access to email and telephone. Content Contributor Are you an expert in your field and proficient in writing? Alpha Xi Delta is seeking skilled writers to provide content for Fraternity publications. Special projects could include a topic specific post on the Fraternity’s Blog: The Inside Ink, a special article or assistance in writing and/or editing content for The Quill.
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A CLEAR VISION OF LIFE
Membership in Alpha Xi Delta doesn’t end at graduation, and neither should realizing your potential. Join Sisters who are taking advantage of this exclusive program that was created by alumnae for alumnae. Challenges are released on even-numbered months and encourage you to stretch yourself in five areas of Wellbeing: purpose, financial, physical, social and community. What are you waiting for? Join us and continue your personal journey towards realizing your potential.
Congratulations to our 2016 Winners! Kelsie Bauer Beckfield, Wisconsin-Eau Claire ‘07 Tracy Brabender, Albany ‘15 Laura Ramsey, Northern Iowa ‘00 Alyssa Keebler, Indiana of Pennsylvania ‘02
Bonnie Bobbitt
Jennifer Anne Popinski Vieira, Wisconsin-Osh Kosh ‘92 Melissa Reed, Carroll ‘98 Cory Cornelius, Jacksonville State ‘12
Melinda Lapan
Staci Delfin, New Mexico State ‘09 Melinda Lapan, West Virginia Wesleyan ‘91 Anne Shields, Purdue ‘82 Tauna Shoemaker, Washington ‘06 Tawnee Haber Shaffer, Boise State ‘06
Islara Leingang
Cecelia Abshire
Jana Steiner, Nebraska-Omaha ‘11 Bonnie Bobbitt, Defiance, ‘67 Susan Nazimek, Coastal Carolina ‘11 Cecelia Abshire, Marian ‘10 Elisha Dalka, Western Michigan ‘10 Islara Leingang, Alabama at Birmingham ‘03 Jane Schroeder, Nebraska-Lincoln ‘81 Lori Wintrow, Wright State ‘87 Kaitlyn Choi, New Hampshire ‘08 Adriana Ragazzo, Delaware ‘02
“I really appreciate how accessible all the Challenges are. It’s the little things that really can contribute to your Wellbeing!” - Ellen Poly, Nebraska-Lincoln ’05
“I love this program. My kids enjoy some of the activities as well.” - Tracy Brabender, Albany ‘15
Lauren Nash, Embry-Riddle, Prescott ‘07 Ellen Poly, Nebraska-Lincoln ‘05 Lindsay Kahoe, Central Oklahoma ‘02 Marie Clem, Georgia State ‘63 Brooke Zelnik, San Jose State ‘12
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“Wish I had looked at this much earlier!” - Lisbeth Swords, Albion ‘78
MEMBER NEWS
SACRAMENTO The Sacramento Alumnae Association was excited to meet up with the Theta Beta Chapter of Sonoma State at the Autism Speaks Walk North Bay/Sacramento. Sacramento Alumnae Association President Elizabeth Payette spoke during the opening ceremony of the Walk, delivering remarks about the Sisterhood of Alpha Xi Delta, our relationship with Autism Speaks and commitment to Light It Up Blue. Theta Beta Sisters volunteered at the Walk, and the Sacramento Alumnae Association had a team of four walkers. Overall, Sisters raised more than $2,700 together for Autism Speaks. – Brittany Jibby, brittany.jibby@gmail.com
EASTERN MICHIGAN Seven members of the Gamma Zeta Chapter, who were initiated from 1964-66, gathered for a reunion. One Sister even traveled to Michigan from Montana! – Marilyn Svaluto, svalutom@yahoo.com
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS Theta Pi Chapter members pose with the winning team of their annual volleyball tournament that raises money for Autism Speaks. – Madison Belou, mbelou310@yahoo.com
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MEMBER NEWS
STETSON More than 90 Sisters from the Omega Chapter at Stetson University attended a Sisterhood event at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. – Kayle M Coleman kmcoleman@stetson.edu
CHICAGO NORTH SHORE The Chicago North Shore Alumnae Association celebrated Veterans Day by learning about Bette Sachs Horstman’s Honor Flight experience to Washington, D.C. Bette, Michigan ’41, even modeled her Army jacket! Serving in World War II in the US Army Medical Corps, PT Branch after graduating from the University of Michigan and the Mayo Clinic PT school, she was the only physical therapist on the island of Saipan in the South Pacific. Bette received the Order of the Diamond in 2016. – Martha Geppert, martha.a.geppert@bankofamerica.com
MARIETTA Former Chapter President Dallas Montag, passing down her President Quill to Belle Huffman, the newly appointed Chapter President of Beta Xi Chapter at Marietta College. – Jessica Lucas, jessie2l@yahoo.com
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LAS VEGAS The Las Vegas Alpha Xi Delta Alumnae Association hosted a successful brunch and cookie exchange. – Jessica Zimmerman, hyam.jessica@gmail.com
ILLINOIS The Kappa Chapter at the University of Illinois enjoyed Sisterhood events at Kickapoo State Recreation Area and Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch in Champaign, Illinois. – Ava Heemsoth, axid.kappa.publicrelations@gmail.com
KANSAS STATE Madelyn Carnes, Heather Ferry and Kaley Clark take a moment for a photo during Alpha Kappa Chapter’s Nacho FrenXI philanthropy event for Autism Speaks. – Zoe Conde, zoe3@ksu.edu
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MEMBER NEWS
SIU-EDWARDSVILLE Iota Upsilon Chapter at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville takes a break from Bid Day at Evergreen Hall to capture memories with its new members. - Muldoon, Megan, mmuldoo@siue.edu
UW-MADISON The Theta Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has moved into the second round of Humorology, along with their Humorology partners Tau Kappa Epsilon and Alpha Sigma Phi. Humorology is a campus wide annual musical show that takes place at the Memorial Union Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. Each Panhellenic chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison writes and performs a comical musical and competes to be one of the seven shows showcased in April. Auditions took place in December and Theta Chapter’s show was ranked in the top three overall going into the second semester. Break a leg, Theta! – Georgia Laura Ansley, gansley@wisc.edu
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GEORGIA STATE The Delta Xi Chapter is all smiles after initiating its new members this past semester! - Maggie Hunt, maggie.hunt96@gmail.com
CARROLL The Beta Psi Chapter at Carroll University held its Big/ Little Sister reveal. Kaitlyn Braun, Carroll ’15, wrote, “Creating these lasting bonds truly makes Alpha Xi Delta at Carroll University a home away from home.” – Kaitlyn Braun, kbraun@pio.carrollu.edu
SOUTH DAKOTA The Epsilon Chapter warmly welcomed 36 members into its Sisterhood during Initiation in January. – Emily Anne Badura, Emily.Badura@coyotes.usd.edu
GEORGIA TECH Gamma Eta Chapter Sisters at Georgia Tech had fun working the raffle station at their chapter’s annual AmaXIng Challenge Step It Up 5k and Fun Run. The event had a great turn out, and with the help of their wonderful community, they were able to raise $27,000 for Autism Speaks. – Jessica Weatherford, jweatherford7@gatech.edu
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MEMBER NEWS
JACKSONVILLE STATE The Epsilon Pi Chapter is already getting ready for their 50th anniversary celebration in 2018. Alpha Xi Delta was the first general Greek organization at Jacksonville State University and was founded on March 2, 1968. Be sure to check Alpha Xi Delta at JSU’s social media and chapter website for more information. – Ashley Nall, ashleymarienall@gmail.com
BOWLING GREEN STATE The Beta Mu Chapter recently installed its 2017 Executive Board. All of the women are very excited to begin working in their new positions! This Executive Board is made up of a mixture of different ages, so the officers are very excited to have the opportunity to work together and share the experiences they have had over time in the chapter. – Joely Nicole Stoller, jstolle@bgsu.edu
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TEMPLE
SAN JOSE STATE The Iota Omicron Chapter won first place in Delta Sigma Phi’s philanthropy, Spartan’s Best Dance Crew! – Cheyna Lallas, cheyna. lallas@sjsu.edu
Jasmine Ma, Temple ’15, currently holds the title of Miss Philadelphia United States 2017 by the Miss Pennsylvania United States Pageant, an organization that strives to empower all delegates to become active participants in her community. One of Jasmine’s desires while serving as Miss Philadelphia United States is to promote Autism Speaks and the understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. – Jasmine Ma, Missphiladelphiaunitedstates17@gmail.com
WITTENBERG Alpha Xi Deltas from the class of 1965 gathered for a 50th reunion at Wittenberg University. Sisters visited the site of the Zeta Chapter’s original chapter house, which is now being used as an archeological dig for the current students studying archeology at Wittenberg. – Mary Lou Hudtloff, mlhudtloff@comcast.net
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MEMBER NEWS
KANSAS Chi Chapter alumnae celebrated 20 years of Sisterhood with a mini reunion in Lawrence, Kansas, last September. They toured campus and Allen Fieldhouse, home of Jayhawk basketball, visited some of their favorite restaurants, took in a Kansas City Royals game and had a great time catching up! Thank you, Amanda Hunter, for coordinating! – Debbie Berkowitz McCraw, debra.mccraw@gmail.com
PENN STATE An alumnae group of Beta Lambda Chapter Sisters from Penn State University recently gathered for a mini-reunion at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Sisters in the back row from left to right are Lori Barger Ulrich, Penn State ’83; Carolyn Schlegel O’Hare, Penn State ’83; Selaine Belver Keaton, Penn State ’83; Lee Ann McCafferty Richardson, Penn State ’82; and Robin Andrewson Travaline, Penn State ’82. Front row, left to right are Nanette Koplin Chappelear, Penn State ’82; Lauren Griffith Risser, Penn State ’82; Dana Condrick Bice, Penn State ’83; Molly Yates Levy, Penn State ’80; and Missy Connell Wietlisbach, Penn State ’84. – Selaine Keaton, skeaton@comcast.net
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RIT Sisters from the Delta Lambda Chapter at the Rochester Institute of Technology promoted Autism Speaks in April through tabling on campus. From left to right are Katherine Cooney, Rachel Ferrara, Chiara Santina, Jacqueline Becker, Caitlyn Brewster and Kaitlyn Wzonte. - Jaycee Masucci, jxm7257@rit.edu
PURDUE The Alpha Eta Chapter at Purdue University hosted Blue on the ‘Due 5K to fundraise for Autism Speaks.
MOUNT UNION On April 1-2, collegiate and alumnae Sisters came together at the University of Mount Union to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the Gamma Chapter. On April 1, Sisters reminisced about the chapter’s history, showcased memorabilia and watched a video of photos throughout the years. On April 2, 60 alumnae Sisters and 89 collegiate Sisters gathered at the Gamma Chapter House for breakfast and a rededication ceremony.
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CHAPTER ETERNAL
The spring 2017 Chapter Eternal
includes all the names of Sisters whose passing was reported to Fraternity Headquarters between September 1, 2016 and January 31, 2017. 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 notice, memorial service pamphlet or other written confirmation to Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Headquarters.
Alpha Chapter Knox College Jeanne Fitzgerald Johnson ’50 Beta Chapter Iowa Wesleyan University Phyllis Cochran Roche ’51 Gamma Chapter University of Mount Union Barbara Weimer Hurst ’40 Ann Denison Pearce ’54 Epsilon Chapter University of South Dakota Martha Adams Glissendorf ‘’55 Julia Potter ’77 Jean Brodkorb Rasmussenn ’59 Dolores Preheim Weatherwax ’46 Zeta Chapter Wittenberg University Virginia Shambaugh Budd ’45 Eta Chapter Syracuse University Virginia Mason Swartzendruber ’45 Frances Wilson ’29 Theta Chapter University of WisconsinMadison Barbara Ramlow Owen ’58 Mary Jane Reynolds ’65 Dorothy Mahlstedt Schaumberg ’44
Iota Chapter West Virginia University Marion Ihlenfeld Deever ’57 Margaret Wolfe Hill ’55 Kappa Chapter University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Helene Drusch Beisswenger ’43 Marie Schenk Calkins ’42 Jan Gund ’42 Jane Kummerow Kersten ’32 Patricia Martin ’52 Jean Frawley Nystrom ’42 Joan Prindiville Schoen ’50 Nu Chapter University of Washington Marjory Dark Barbee ’48 Karen Enid Crook ’82 Lola Uddenberg Kooley ’43 Xi Chapter University of Kentucky Annette Lowell Siler Hungerford ’48 Omicron Chapter University of CaliforniaBerkeley Elizabeth Pilorz Lucas ’44 Barbara West ’57 Pi Chapter Ohio University Catherine Amato Downer ’50 Katherine Benzie Russell ’72 Mitzie Hicks Shreffler ’47 Rho Chapter University of NebraskaLincoln Joyce Schneider Hecht ’51 Thelma McGraw ’41
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Sigma Chapter University of Iowa Nancy Johnston Jacobs ’56 Tau Chapter University of New Hampshire Barbara Gibson Johnson ’44 Upsilon Chapter University of Vermont Erva Livingston Phelps ’42 Phi Chapter Albion College Kathryn Biber McClellan ’42 Chi Chapter University of Kansas Davenna Melton Ashton ’33 Lois Hurd McHenry Flagg ’20 Josephine Edmonds Rankin ’28 Psi Chapter The Ohio State University Judith Attebery Allen ’59 Cherry Moss Crawford ’50 Dorothy Roush Dickey ’51 Verna Straight Reber ’46 Diane Stultz Wood ’73 Omega Chapter Stetson University Annica Millsaps Becker ’63 Dorothy Hillman Hevey ‘46 Alpha Gamma Chapter Coe College Alice Mason ’39
Alpha Delta Chapter Oregon State University Marvine Jenks Benedict ’43 Dolores Shumway Wells ’49 Alpha Epsilon Chapter University of Michigan Maria Hooper Cafcas ’65 Carol Virginia Lutz Norquist ’51 Alpha Eta Chapter Purdue University Mary Ann Kish Bonnell ’49 Dorothy Nicol Brueckner ’42 Suzanne Polk Field ’49 Annabelle Sigo Hiltz ’47 Carol Horsley ’69 Carol Puchowski ’63 Jane Potter Schollaert ’51 Muriel Robinson Stockdale ’54 Alpha Iota Drake University Mary Ann Mowen Washler ’40 Alpha Kappa Chapter Kansas State University Marilyn Jilka Dobratz ’50 Dorothy Lukert Frisbie ’22 Sondra McQuillan Goar ’59 Marian Barnes Gudgell ’39 Kristin Gunter ’95 Lois Steadman Hazard ’53 Dolores Bouska Lewis ’50 Charlene Louthan Schmidt ’43 Alpha Mu Chapter Ohio Wesleyan University Juanita Wright Schlee ’41
Alpha Xi Chapter University of CaliforniaLos Angeles Melanie Linder Fox ’68 Alpha Pi Chapter Middlebury College Doris Downing Daly ’34 Cynthia Eastman Heller ’53 Alpha Rho Chapter Allegheny College Evelyn Longwell Matthews ’36 Alpha Tau Chapter University of Alabama Frances McCarley ’34 Jane Murbach Smith ’49 Alpha Phi Chapter University of Pennsylvania Dorothy Edge O’Bannon ’37 Alpha Omega Chapter Florida State University Gale Jacoby Petronis ’60 Beta Gamma Chapter Centenary College of Louisiana Verna Snow McElroy ’40 Sallie Victory McKenzie ’46 Bette Ross Woody Rogers ’50 Beta Delta Chapter Denison University Antoinette Stornelli Shimer ’45 Beta Epsilon Chapter Monmouth College Joann Mardelle Dillow Blischke ’57 Mary Robson Hathaway ’55 Edith Kern Johnson ’72
Karen Nelson McDavitt ’60 Helen Hofstetter Raphael ’44 Marcia Welzel ’64 Beta Zeta Chapter Lake Forest College Betsy Meerschaut Foxwell ’57 Ruth Dusenberry Fryberger ’44 Beta Eta Chapter University of Maryland Inez Smith Bargmann ’48 Norma Kiefer Brandle ’51 Martha Jent Van Der Linden ’54 Beta Theta Chapter Michigan State University Susan Schumacher Eilertsen ’58 Clara Christensen Johnson ’41 Barbara Gardner Kraus ’40 Beta Iota Chapter Louisiana State University Betty Breen Hidalgo ’45 Edna Bott Hogan ’38 Beta Kappa Chapter Baldwin Wallace University Gene Jesunas Butler ’46 Eleanore Pottman Kleist ’46 Irma Hyde Mattern ’46 Judith Licklider Read ’60 Beta Mu Chapter Bowling Green State University Shirley Lehman Ioanes ’45 Jean Harshman Nott ’43
Beta Nu Chapter Culver Stockton College Joyce Forbis Butero ’57 Joan Young Halda ’67 Sharon Nelson Johnson ’51 Beta Xi Chapter Marietta College Ann Shimer Barker ’49 Beta Omicron Chapter Missouri Valley College Janice Edwards Corkran ’52 Beta Pi Chapter Indiana University Bernice Patterson Garber ’55 Dorcas Showalter Porter ’59
Gamma Delta Chapter University of Nebraska Omaha Carolyn Fowler Boucher ’63 Shirley Palladino Shawhan ’55 Gamma Epsilon Chapter California State University-Fresno Julia Roessler Wahlberg ’52 Gamma Zeta Chapter Eastern Michigan University Sallie Anderson Schooler ’58
Gamma Upsilon Chapter University of Georgia Eileen Barr Plummer ’61 Gamma Phi Chapter East Carolina University Donna Wilkerson Daughtry ’65 Gamma Psi Chapter Frostburg State University Alice Manicur ’61 Mary Frances Comer Martirano ’65 Gamma Omega Chapter Henderson State University Kitty Wright ’67
Beta Rho Chapter University of Utah Arlene Steed Ritchie ’47
Gamma Eta Chapter Georgia Institute of Technology Virginia Ledwitch Reid ’80
Beta Sigma Chapter West Virginia Wesleyan College Carole Schaffer O’Connor ’57 Doris Belcher Ward ’47
Gamma Lambda Chapter University of TennesseeKnoxville Suzanne Brooks Hawthorne ’71
Epsilon Gamma Chapter Western Carolina University Kaitlyn Kearns ’13
Beta Chi Chapter Gettysburg College Gwenn Bream Drum ’61
Gamma Xi Chapter Valdosta State University Debra Akridge Gilbert ’72
Epsilon Iota Chapter Newberry College Nancy Padgett Oates ’77
Gamma Beta Chapter Marshall University Ernestine Ratcliff Capehart ’50 Cary Smith ’84
Gamma Pi Chapter Northern Illinois University Joan Borovec Owens ’59
Epsilon Mu Chapter University of Northern Colorado Marilyn Sawyer Boswell ’67
Gamma Gamma Chapter University of Arizona Nancy Prigge Ching ’60
Gamma Tau Chapter Ohio Northern University Mary Williams Howard ’59
Delta Tau Chapter University of WisconsinOshkosh Rebecca Hollister ’94
Epsilon Sigma Chapter Georgia Southern University Alice Beveridge ’76 Sandra Jean Passman ’72 Epsilon Omicron Chapter Oklahoma State University Janet Marsden Hargrove ’67 Theta Lambda Chapter Southwestern University Stephanie Quimby ’99 Iota Alpha Chapter George Mason University Nicole Clardy ’06 Iota Sigma Chapter Virginia Commonwealth University Claire Shaw ’14 Iota Tau Chapter Bucknell University Elizabeth Bouchard ’13
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FOUNDATION NEWS
Founders’ Challenge
Why I Give
Because of the strength and courage of 10 young women in 1893, we are able to be here today, sharing our Sisterhood and growing as women and leaders. From that brave, loyal band of 10, today, Alpha Xi Delta is home to more than 13,000 collegiate Sisters on 130 campuses nationwide. Our Founders will always be our guides our beacons, to living lives of meaning, to serving others and to growing in courage, graciousness and peace. Alpha Xi Delta’s premier leadership development experience for Chapter Presidents and emerging leaders is named in honor of our bold Founders. At The Founders’ Academy this past summer, we asked attendees, “If you could say one thing to our Founders, what would it be?” They said,
“An appreciation of real merit and worth, steadfastness of soul, that without bitterness or defeat we may encounter misfortune and with humility meet success.”
“Thank you for being the match that ignited the explosion in me. You have made the missing piece of my life, and I am forever grateful.” – Audrey LeClair, Western Carolina ’15 “Thank you for seeing worth within the women of the future.” – Meara McNitt, University of New Orleans ’13 “Thank you for creating such an incredible organization.” – Madison Stroman, California State University-San Marcos ’16 “Thank you for having the courage to stand up for what you believe. Thank you for inspiring generations of women to realize their potential.” – Jenny Eda, George Mason ’14 All Alpha Xi Deltas – collegiate and alumnae - are the legacy of our Founders who stood up for something they believed in, something they thought could change the world for other women. “Then for Alpha Xi Delta we proudly shall stand, in deathless devotion, a brave, loyal band.” – Frances Cheney The Founders’ Challenge, introduced by the Foundation in 2014, is your opportunity to give in their honor and memory to the organization which provided you a home away from home, a second family, so many opportunities, so many memories. The Founders’ Challenge is currently underway. Founders’ Challenge gifts are used where they are needed most in support of the Fraternity’s priority educational and leadership development programming. Make your special gift at alphaxidelta.org/give or call 317.872.3500. Your gift honors our past and invests in our future.
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These words in The Symphony inspire me to give to the Foundation to help provide opportunities for our college women to succeed. As an educator in Milwaukee, one of the poorest cities in America, I see students everyday who benefit from the dollars provided by scholarships. These students have encountered misfortune in their lives at every turn, and yet strive to better themselves through education. One of the reasons I give to the Foundation is to help fund the many scholarships that benefit our Sisters. My hope is the women of Alpha Xi Delta use their scholarship money to impact the lives of themselves and the world around them. I joined the Society of 1893 because I believe Sisterhood is for a lifetime, not just four years, and I hope my planned gift can benefit Sisters for their lifetime, allowing them to realize their fullest potential. – Danica Vanasse Olson, Marquette ’90 Like Danica, members of the Society of 1893 have expressed their commitment to Alpha Xi Delta Foundation through a very special and important form of support. These alumnae and friends have named Alpha Xi Delta Foundation as the beneficiary of a planned gift. Such gifts might include a bequest, gifts of retirement accounts or gifts of life insurance. The following language is recommended when making a bequest: “I give, devise and bequeath the (written amount, percentage of estate or description of property) to the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation with principal offices located at 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, to be used for the purposes designated by the Trustees of the Foundation.” Once you complete your estate plans and name Alpha Xi Delta, please let us know. We would like to thank you for your generosity by including you in our Society of 1893. For more information, contact Kendra Lewis, Director of Development, 317.872.3500 or visit alphaxidelta.org.
FOUNDATION NEWS \ Memorial Gifts and Honor Gifts
MEMORIAL GIFTS The Alpha Xi Delta Foundation recognizes Memorial Gifts given from November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017.
Mary Bonnell, Purdue University By T.J. Parker, Georgia Southern University Joanne Braucher, Albion College By Sara Molnar, Ferris State University Ruth Brown, Ohio University By George Brown, Jr., and Foundation Trustees Jane Carson, Coe College By Pauline Miller, Coe College Merl Case By Judith Haring-Green, University of Iowa Nancy Ching, University of Arizona By Anthony Ching Helen Clark, Ohio University By Betty Harden, Ohio University Joan Cornwell, University of Kentucky By Sharon Richardson, University of Texas at Austin Blanche Crook, University of Oregon By Maryella Tierney, University of Oregon Martha DeLee, Centenary College of Louisiana By Cornelia DeLee Linda Dinus, University of Washington By Sara Molnar, Ferris State University Ronald Dinus By Sara Molnar, Ferris State University Anne Godlewski, Kent State University By Kathleen Casper, Kent State University Tom Godlewski Lori Hendrickson, Kent State University Darlene Kelly, Kent State University Sherri Koppel, Kent State University Sue Mamber, Kent State University Judy Smith, Kent State University Jean Goldstein, University of Missouri-St. Louis By Kathryn Schlag, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Carol Hall, Northern Illinois University By Anita Drake, Northern Illinois University John Hann By Phyllis Hann, Oregon State University Shirley Herrin, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos By Shirley Herrin, Texas State University-San Marcos
Shirley Pettit, Bowling Green State University By Pam Barkman, Baldwin Wallace University Stephanie Quimby, Southwestern University By Suzy Prucka, Southwestern University Opal and Lawrence Sabo By Karen Indusi, LIU Post
HONOR GIFTS The Alpha Xi Delta Foundation recognizes Honor Gifts given from November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017.
Alpha Kappa 1967 Initiation Class By Becky Wiseman, Kansas State University Stephanie Bennett By Lori Holt
Harriet Holtman, The Ohio State University By Janice Kidd, University of TennesseeKnoxville
Dorothy Schaumberg, University of Wisconsin-Madison By Julie Lambert, Oregon State University
Leila Johns By Pamela James, Northwestern University
Marilyn Shull By Kathryn Brown, Monmouth College Judith Haring-Green, University of Iowa
Class of 1967 Initiates By Becky Wiseman, Kansas State University
Kelly Sizer, Thiel College By Monica Anderson, Thiel College
Jackie Colish By Cynthia Zelenak, Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Stewart Lambert By Kristin Billingsley, Sonoma State University Barbara Blatchford, Northern Illinois University Mary Brown, Central Michigan University Deanna Detchemendy, California State University-Northridge Nancy Evans, Oregon State University Martha Greenlaw, University of Texas at Austin Julie Lambert, Oregon State University Kim Truman Ruby Leonard, Oregon State University By Janet Baillie, Oregon State University Gene Lightner By Sara Molnar, Ferris State University Nancy McCully, Florida State University By Pam Barkman, Baldwin Wallace University Aaron Messing By Virginia Messing, Ohio Wesleyan University Ann Payne, University of CaliforniaLos Angeles By Elsie Martin, University of California-Los Angeles Ann Pearce, University of Mount Union By Tana Scott, Middlebury College Vicki Peppes By Kathryn Schlag, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Mary Stewart, Coe College By Pauline Miller, Coe College Virginia Swartzendruber, Syracuse University By Frances Dudenhoeffer, Texas State University-San Marcos Barbara Tatar By Betty Wiseman, Central Michigan University Jane Terveer, The Ohio State University By Ellen Kunst, The Ohio State University
Doris Boggs, Stetson University By Bettye Briggs, Stetson University
Pamela Davis, University of Michigan By Lucy French, University of Michigan Epsilon Gamma Chapter By Jo-An Pittard, Western Carolina University Kathy Portaro, Western Carolina University Michele Evink, South Dakota State University By Holmes Murphy & Associates
Pamela Tibbert, University of Michigan By Lucy French, University of Michigan
James Fath By Helen Fath, Pennsylvania State University
Joan Turner, University of Charleston By Cathy Leikhim, University of Charleston
Phyllis Forte, Indiana University of Pennsylvania By Rose Kunkel Roarty, Ohio University
Betty Unkel, The Ohio State University By Sara Molnar, Ferris State University
Jennifer Foster, Indiana University Bloomington By Holmes Murphy & Associates
Margaret Wellborne By Paula Evans, Jacksonville State University
Andi Fouberg, South Dakota State University By Lindsay Eichelman, Indiana University Bloomington Lynn Goldberg, University of Michigan By Pamela Collins, University of Michigan
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FOUNDATION NEWS \ Honor Gifts and Valentine Gifts
Margaret Greene, Stetson University By Laurie Felton, University of Virginia Melony Gupton By Shanda Bordeaux, University of North Carolina-Wilmington John Hann By Phyllis Hann, Oregon State University Melissa Hasselle, Christian Brothers University By Katherine Jones Pamela Higgins, Purdue University By Mary Hood, Purdue University Lori Holt By Holmes Murphy & Associates Julie Hummer, University of Virginia By Suzanne Stluka, University of Virginia Debra James, Henderson State University By Sharon McCone, Henderson State University Rose Kunkel Roarty, Ohio University By Judy Schaeffer, Monmouth College Sue Mamber, Kent State University By Carrie Kashawlic, Ohio Northern University Marcia Milward By Lori Holt Lura Moomaw, Marietta College By Kacy Wiedebusch, West Virginia University Tracy Osborne, Michigan State University By Holmes Murphy & Associates
Carol Russo, The Ohio State University By Leslie Zuk, The Ohio State University
Emily Aysse, University of South Carolina By Pat Aysse
Mackenzie Boone, West Liberty University By Dave Boone
Vivian Surface, Indiana University Bloomington By Jeanette Horrall, Purdue University
Allison Baker, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign By Karen Baker
Fran Borally, Ohio University By Kathleen Borally
Suzanne Trainor, Pennsylvania State University By Stacy Hurt, Pennsylvania State University
Lauren Barker, University of Maryland - College Park By Dori Stibolt
Lauren Walawender By Lori Holt
Bailee Bateman, East Tennessee State University By Cheryl Ray
Karen White, Frostburg State University By Sheila Benac, Frostburg State University
Elissa Baum, American University By Ellen Baum
Zeta Upsilon Chapter Sisters By Sydney Vandeveer, Alma College
Kylie Beazley, Ohio University By Diana Beazley Mollie Becker, University of Texas at Austin By Joyce Becker
VALENTINE GIFTS This Valentine’s Day parents, alumnae and friends sent Heart Sunshine to their special Valentine’s Day honorees. The Foundation is pleased to recognize the honorees.
Taylor Adams, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign By Melissa Adams Jordan Adkins, Ohio Northern University By Cindy Adkins Kiersten Alderson, University of North Carolina-Wilmington By Karen Alderson
Leah Becker, Sonoma State University By Angie Becker Molly Beluk, University of Rhode Island By Dan Beluk Kathryn Beshilas, Michigan State University By Amy Beshilas Olivia Black, Oklahoma State University By Lisa Giles-Caison Mackie Black, Albion College By Berly Black Megan Blount, West Virginia University By Elizabeth Blount
Patricia Palmateer, Stetson University By Suzanne Eno, Florida State University
Dani Aldridge, University of Iowa By Susan Aldridge
Katrina Blum, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign By Charles Blum
Phoenix Alumnae Association By Margaret McFate, Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Kelsey Alexander, Indiana University Bloomington By Angela Alexander
Abby Boardman, University of New Hampshire By Susan Fayette
Suzy Prucka, Southwestern University By Gail Lundberg
Jessica Arens, University of Nebraska-Lincoln By Jane Schroeder
Julia Bobeck, University of New Hampshire By Lisa Larkin
Alma Runge, University of Wisconsin-Madison By Jean Young, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Angela Arkin, University of NevadaLas Vegas By Valerie Arkin
Kelsey Bonsignore, East Carolina University By Renee Bonsignore
Christine Borton, The College of New Jersey By Dick And Kathy Borton Eva Bowles, University of Iowa By Tracie Bowles Sarah Boyle, Pennsylvania State University By Jane McAvoy Callen Brandstatter, DePaul University By Kelly Brandstatter Lauren Breckon, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos By Kari Breckon Ashlie Brickle, Newberry College By Leslie Blevins Mara Cameron, Marquette University By Dagmar Cameron Celine Canava, Oklahoma State University By Angelina Canava Challie Carlyle, East Carolina University By Axel Tolksdorf Allison Carroll, University of Alabama at Birmingham By Lisa Carroll Shaena Carson, Stetson University By Scooter Carson Chelsea Carson, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona By Craig Carson Sofia Carter, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign By Tania Carter Nora Carter, Thiel College By Debbie Arnold Cristina Castillo, Florida International University By Christine Castillo
Alex Cerveny, University of Nebraska-Lincoln By Jane Schroeder
Elizabeth De Jong, Bethany CollegeWest Virginia By Jane Schroeder
Marie Falcone, University of NevadaLas Vegas By Jo Falcone
Claire Goldbin, University of WisconsinLa Crosse By Linda Langer
Alex Chiaramonte, Worcester Polytechnic Institute By Robbin Chiaramonte
Christine Deidrich, Worcester Polytechnic Institute By Brenda Deidrich
Anna Faust, Southwestern University By Tammy Faust
Alyssa Gomez, Texas Tech University By Twiggy Wieczorek
Maddie Chilton, University of Northern Iowa By Allan Chilton
Steph DiLaureto By Emily Norris
Jess Feldman, University of Maryland College Park By Deborah Feldman
Kylie Goodman, University of Central Florida By Jim Goodman
Niamh Fennessy, Worcester Polytechnic Institute By Pauline Fennessy
Nicole Grable, Kennesaw State University By Sunny Salaun
Erica Ferguson, University of Wisconsin-Madison By Kirsten Ferguson
Chloe Gretak, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville By Tina Gretak
Madelyn Fletcher, Boise State University By Pam Fletcher
Libby Groll, Wright State University By Lorie Groll
Courtney Fluty, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos By Elaine Hankins
Jill Gross, University of South Carolina By Linda Gross
Nicole Christ, University of Central Florida By Jacqueline Leon-Christ Ashanti Chynoweth, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott By Lelamd Chynoweth Madison Clark, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona By Joanna Clark Annissa Coley, University of Mount Union By Laura Coley Callie Rae Cook, Monmouth College By Kris Trovas Leah Cooper, Syracuse University By Barbara Cooper Kaitlyn Corrigan, Ferris State University By Gary Corrigan Victoria Corriston, Newberry College By Terri Corriston Jamie Corrone, University of New Hampshire By Lisa Corrone Sydney Crow, University of NevadaLas Vegas By Whitney Crow Natalie Culver, Western Kentucky University By Mary Culver Kira Davidson, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos By Pauline Davidson Becca Davis, West Virginia Wesleyan College By Barb Davis Jan Day, University of Nebraska-Lincoln By Jane Schroeder
Courtney Dille, The Ohio State University By Nancy Dille Ashleigh Donato, Pennsylvania State University By Jill Donato Emily Dotson, Wright State University By Lorie Groll Christina-Marie Drake, Defiance College By Marie Granoff Monroe Dziersk, Elon University By Liz Olson Sidney Edgar, Auburn University By Erica Edgar Hunter Edgerly, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos By Kris Edgerly Sarah Eger, Purdue University By Betsy Eger Allison Elking, Southeast Missouri State University By Tracey Elking Samantha Engelmeier, Michigan State University By Joan Engelmeier Kelly Enriquez, Marquette University By Kay Enriquez Makenna Entrikin, California State University-San Marcos By Jodie Entrikin Madeline Eschbacher, University of Missouri-St. Louis By Tracy Eschbacher McKenna Esteb, Boise State University By Lisa Esteb
Ginevra Francesconi, DePaul University By Fulvia Berton Mollee Frankel, Elon University By Janet Todorczuk Ashton Funk, Southeast Missouri State University By Sandy Funk Brenda Gerwick, University of Nebraska-Lincoln By Jane Schroeder
Morgan Gruebele, University of Nebraska-Lincoln By Jane Schroeder Paige Guba, Western Carolina University By Nina Guba Melisa Haessler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln By Jane Schroeder Skyler Handley, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos By Lene’ Handley
Miranda Gessner, University of Mount Union By Sylvia Gessner
Julie Harlow, Purdue University By Kim Harlow
Layla Ghazi, Georgia Institute of Technology By Ali Ghazi
Marisa Harris, Western Michigan University By Jamie Harris
Susan Gibson, University of NebraskaLincoln By Jane Schroeder
Cookab Hashemi, University of Maryland - College Park By Dori Stibolt
Jakira Gilbert, University of Alabama at Birmingham By Shaquan Cash
Julia Hatfield, University of New Hampshire By Shawn Hatfield
Livia Gill, Michigan State University By Tom Gill
Caroline Hawkins, Auburn University By Alicia Hawkins
Marsha Glover, University of NebraskaLincoln By Jane Schroeder
Kara Heideman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln By Jane Schroeder
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FOUNDATION NEWS \ Valentine Gifts
Lindsay Hickox, Michigan State University By Diane Hickox
Julia Jackson, Dartmouth College By Todd Jackson
Julie Lambert, Oregon State University By Jane Schroeder
Alison Martin, Dartmouth College By Pam Martin
Natalie Hill, Auburn University By Karen Elaine Hill
Andrea Jimenez Rojas, Florida International University By Xenia Rojas
Caroline Lawton, The Ohio State University By Melissa Lawton
Isabella Martincic, University of South Carolina By Paul Martincic
Annika Hintze, St. Norbert College By Daniel Hintze
Eunsun Joo, Dartmouth College By Insook Joo
Ashton Leddon, Auburn University By Tracy Leddon
Jessey Martinez, Southwestern University By Doreen Martinez
Haley Hitchcock, University of NevadaLas Vegas By Tami Hitchcock
Kari Karnes, University of Iowa By Jan Karnes
Danika Lee, East Tennessee State University By Michael Lee
Amanda Hoch, Millersville University By Billie Hoch Emily Hodge, University of Southern Maine By Joe Hodge Nikki Hogan, Southeast Missouri State University By Dan And Mary Hogan Ashley Horan, University of Nevada-Las Vegas By Linda Horan Kellie Huffmeister, University of Texas at Austin By Leah Henderson
Delaney Kearney, East Carolina University By Lori Kearney
Ali Lemke, University of Iowa By Diane Lemke
Abby Kenner, Ohio University By Darren Kenner
Tim Lewis By Kendra Lewis
Morgan Kerns, East Tennessee State University By Traci Kerns
Missy Lewis By Kendra Lewis
Kelsey King, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville By Linda King Alexis Kleefisch, DePaul University By Jeff Kleefisch Katie Klemp, West Virginia University By Connie Santana
Addison Linder By Courtney Fluty Jemma Lite, Western Kentucky University By Lori Lite Melanie Loe, South Dakota State University By Rhonda Loe
Keirstin Hughes, University of Delaware By Cheryl Hughes
Kellina Kopinski, University of Iowa By Tom Kopinski
Ashley Lundin, University of WisconsinMadison By Laurie Lundin
Gwendolyn Hughes, University of Wisconsin-Madison By Loretta O’Donnell
Madison Kraynek, Youngstown State University By Roberta Kraynek
Mireya Magana, California State University-Stanislaus By Susan Magana
Regan Huneycutt, Wingate University By Kathy Huneycutt
Lexi Krebel, University of MissouriSt. Louis By Linda Luther
Madison Maisel, University of Delaware By Eileen Maisel
Jordan Hunter, Elon University By Gretchen Hunter
Mackenzie Krumm, University of Iowa By Sharon Krumm
Johnna Iannibelli, University of Rhode Island By Heather McSween
Caroline Kuldell, Cornell University By Natalie Kuldell
Jordyn Inman, East Carolina University By Susan Inman
Madie Kunevicius, Ohio University By Cheryl Kunevicius
Taylor Jabusch, Boise State University By Janet Jabusch
Kale Kusler, University of Texas at Austin By Angela Kusler
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Jennifer McAtee, Southwestern University By Cecilia McAtee Eleanor McCallum, University of Iowa By Sally McCallum Meghan McCrery, Monmouth College By Terri McCrery Kaitlyn McCuiston, Texas Tech University By Christi McCuiston Shae McHugh, Marquette University By Charlene McHugh Jacqueline McInerney, Dartmouth College By Ann McInerney Claire McNamara, Auburn University By Carolyn McNamara Kora Micklesen, University of Washington By Susan Micklesen Emmy Middleton, University of South Carolina By Deeley Middleton
Grace Malloy, Bucknell University By Diane Malloy
Amy Moers, Western Kentucky University By Susan Rocca
Kaalah Manongdo, Southwestern University By Carrie Manongdo Yager
Allison Monaco, Pennsylvania State University By Kathleen Monaco
Kaitlin Maroney, University of South Carolina By Beth Maroney
Emily Morgan, Old Dominion University By Tammy Morgan
Abby Marten, University of South Dakota By Carol Marten
Erica Morin, American University By Tammy Morin
CJ Morris, Western Carolina University By Ann Morris Lindsey Mundt, University of Iowa By Marsha Brown Samantha Nagy, Rider University By Charleen Nagy Juliana Neesvig By Courtney Fluty Brianna Nelson, University of Nebraska-Omaha By Alyssa Nelson
Chandler Pace, East Carolina University By Patricia Bishop
Julie Press, University of Maryland College Park By Cheryl Press
Violeta Roumenova, American University By Emily Norris
Emily Pacifico, Rochester Institute of Technology By Joann Pacifico
Diana Rafanello, Indiana University Bloomington By Linda Matkowski
Melissa Rudolph, Pennsylvania State University By James Rudolph
Ashlyn Paillon, University of Iowa By Donyale Paillon
Jennifer Randall, University of Maryland - College Park By Dori Stibolt
Cat Ruiz, Texas State University-San Marcos By Tessie Doblar
Julia Randels, Michigan State University By Kristin Randels
Kristen Rungaitis, Western Michigan University By Jill Rungaitis Jordann Sagraves, Kansas State University By Michelle Sagraves
Erin Patrick, University of WisconsinMadison By Mary Patrick
Taylor Nelson, Albion College By Thomas Nelson
Paige Peacock, University of Washington By Sugar Peacock
Nina Raso, University of South Carolina By Jamie Raso
Brittany Neumann, Texas Tech University By Debbi Neumann
Rebecca Peick, South Dakota State University By Brenda Peick
Alyssa Raynor, Western Carolina University By Wendy Raynor
Kathryn Newsome, Georgia Institute of Technology By Jim & Elizabeth Newsome
Alexandria Pena, Texas Tech University By Karen Pena
Jenna Reilly, Texas Tech University By Diane Reilly
Morgan Pence, Auburn University By Ruth Pence
Sydney Reinacher, Texas State University-San Marcos By Rhonda Reinacher
Thuy-Vy Nguyen, Dartmouth College By Vu Nguyen Katherine Nida, Idaho State University By Kristin Nida Taylor Nikkel, Kansas State University By Janice Nikkel Karen Nowak, University of NebraskaLincoln By Lorie Groll April Oberman, University of Alabama at Birmingham By Jane Baucum Megan OConnell, University of Rhode Island By Megan OConnell Grace Oh, George Mason University By Helena Oh Jordan Osborne, University of North Carolina-Wilmington By Kim Osborne Rachel Oudt, Kennesaw State University By Niecy Oudt
Terra Pepin, George Mason University By Tracy Pepin Sophia Perry, Idaho State University By Kristin Perry Lindsey Pick, Oklahoma State University By Anthony Pick Kristin Pitcher, University of South Carolina By Kathy Pitcher Tara Pittman, Newberry College By Daryl and Linda Pittman Lezah Pope, San Jose State University By Vicki Pope Lauren Potts, Stetson University By Jillian Potts Tiffany Power, Virginia Commonwealth University By Nancy Power
Lindsey Rello, University of Iowa By Sue Rello Zoe Rhodes, University of South Carolina By Donna Rhodes Shireen Rickelman, Texas State University-San Marcos By Magdalena Rickelman Lauryn Ritterbusch, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville By Karen Ritterbusch Karina Rivera, University of South Carolina By Georgina Maldonado
Sofia Saldana, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona By Diana Saldana Cameron Sanders, University of Texas at Austin By Stacy Sanders Bela Santa Cruz, Texas Tech University By Patty Santa Cruz Peyton Schard, University of Texas at Austin By Brad Schard Sarah Schmidt, Eastern Michigan University By Jacqueline Schmidt Rachel Schmierer, University of Rhode Island By Jeffrey Schmierer Chelsea Schroeder, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign By Tammi Schroeder Dennis Schroeder By Jane Schroeder
Ashley Robertson, George Mason University By Kimberly Robertson
Kathleen Serio, Wittenberg University By Kim Starr
Taylor Ross, Western Carolina University By Sharon Ross
Morgan Shinaberry, The Ohio State University By Shannon Shinaberry
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FOUNDATION NEWS \ Valentine Gifts
Meg Sidbury, Old Dominion University By Maureen Sidbury
Makayla Swindell, University of Toledo By Rhonda Swindell
Alexis Silow, University of NevadaLas Vegas By Jodi Silow
Leah Tancer, Pennsylvania State University By Edward Tancer
Sara Simmons, Greensboro College By Regenia Simmons
Kirra Tavary, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach By Bert Tavary
Christian Sink, Oklahoma State University By Cheryl Sink Alicia Skeath, Lycoming College By Lori Skeath Jenna Smego, George Mason University By Michele Smego Caitlin Smith, Oklahoma State University By Doreen Summerall Lauren Smith, University of Washington By Joyce Smith Elizabeth Snowden, California State University-San Marcos By Anne Snowden Sidney Spires, Southeast Missouri State University By Sidney Spires Emily Stander, University of NebraskaLincoln By Jane Schroeder Megan Stoothoff, Stetson University By Beth Stoothoff Nicole Storm, Texas Tech University By Janine Storm Anoi Straus, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott By Roselani Straus Caroline Sullivan, Bucknell University By Lucille Rossi Audrey Suski, University of NebraskaOmaha By Pete Suski
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Kristina Thoenes, University of Alabama at Birmingham By Tracey Thoenes Rachel Thompson, Marietta College By Mark Thompson Cassia Tirotta, University of Central Florida By Christopher Tirotta Megan Tisdel, Marquette University By Debbie Tisdel Claudia Torres Infante, George Mason University By Rosario Infante Tabby Townsend, South Dakota State University By Laurie Townsend Taylor Tyzzer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott By Susan Tyzzer Marissa Ugarte, Sonoma State University By Carlos Ugarte Sydney Vest, Ohio University By Joni Vest Sarah Waldrep, Auburn University By Christie Garmon Rachael Wallack, University of Maryland - College Park By Steve And Elizabeth Wallack Marissa Walters, Kent State University By Denise Walters Krystin Walters, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos By Tonya Walters
Stacie Walton, University of NebraskaLincoln By Jane Schroeder Emma Ward, East Tennessee State University By Khristanne Ward Lizza Waugh, Pennsylvania State University By Elizabeth Waugh Molly Weatherman, Western Carolina University By Tammy Weatherman Jennifer Weatherman, Eastern Washington University By Taryn Solie Riley Weeks, University of Texas at Austin By Warren Weeks Julia Wendling, Michigan State University By Anne Wendling Sara Wernikoff, University of Central Florida By Lori Wernikoff Hannah West, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville By Pam West Michaela West, Lyon College By Joyce West Kirsten Wilhelm, Indiana University By Lisa Wilhelm Zoe Wilkerson, West Virginia University By Charla Wilkerson Inga Williams, DePaul University By Michelle Hagen Ciara Williams, West Chester University By Janet Catagnus Rachel Wilson, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona By Laurie Wilson Sophie Wilson, Auburn University By Annemarie Wilson
Dawn Winsor, Elon University By Seema Winsor Samantha Witkowski, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign By Lynn Witkowski Maddy Wolfe, University of Mount Union By Janice Wolfe Kristin Wollam, Oklahoma State University By Kristy Wollam Ashley Wollaston, Texas Tech University By Deanna Cornelius Catie Wood, Auburn University By Kelly Wood Kaylei Wright-Hogan, California State University-San Marcos By Christina Wingrove Hannah Wuttke, Idaho State University By Wendy York Jordan York, Western Carolina University By Deborah Hedgecock Lauren Zawacki, University of Washington By Karen Zawacki Abigail Zemach, University of Wisconsin-Madison By Beth Zemach Rebecca Zur, West Virginia University By Margo Weaver
MOM & DAUGHTER TEAM UP
Teaming Up for Autism Speaks
By Jenna Lanzetta, Western Michigan ‘12
Beta Chapter alumnae and mother-daughter duo Dr. Christel Seeman and Samantha Seaba have been running Walt Disney World races and raising money for Autism Speaks every step of the way. After searching for ways to stay active and being told by a friend about the different races through runDisney, Christel, Iowa Wesleyan ’88, decided to check out different race options online. She saw that through Disney you can run in support of various charities, including Autism Speaks. Christel and her daughter Samantha, Iowa Wesleyan ’14, decided to team up and run to celebrate their Sisterhood in Alpha Xi Delta and raise funds for Autism Speaks. “We solicited friends and family for donations on our social media pages in order to raise money and run for Autism Speaks,” said Christel. Christel ran the Star Wars half marathon, and they both ran the Star Wars Dark Side runDisney 10K together. To prepare for the big day, Samantha ran at night and took kickboxing classes. Christel ran an average of 15 to 20 miles a week, utilized her Fitbit and Runkeeper app, and used the training schedule provided by Disney. They both signed up for the races six months in advance and began training 16 weeks before the race. “Everyone has so many different groups and causes to support, so it was hard for me to ask people to give to another cause. Putting myself out there on social media and asking for donations was not easy for me,” Christel said. In the end, even though it was outside of her comfort zone, her fundraising efforts paid off. While at Disney, they ran into some Alpha Xi Delta Sisters from the University of Florida and discovered that Alpha Xi Deltas who run the race meet up beforehand and take a photo wearing their letters. Christel also still gets together with her Beta Chapter Sisters; this past January a group of them ran a 5K at Disney World for fun! Christel’s favorite memory from the race is finishing it with her legacy. “The best part about the race was the fact that Samantha and I had completed it together,” said Christel.
After the race, participants roamed the parks donning their medals and taking photos with the Disney characters. All in all, it was a fun day of running and the duo cannot wait to get back out there to continue to run and raise money for Autism Speaks! For more information about Team Up events for Autism Speaks, visit www.autismspeaks.org. If you have participated in a Team Up event for Autism Speaks, please email lmilliken@alphaxdelta.org to share your story.
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MEREDITH – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Capturing the Smiles By Lauren Blankenbaker Felts, Indiana ’03
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is something often asked to children as they begin discovering what interests them and learning more about careers. It’s discussed even more as adolescents enter high school and start preparing for the next chapter in their lives. For Meredith Parnell, UNCWilmington ’01, she found her calling in middle school while working with children who have special needs. Knowing that she enjoyed working with children, while also having an interest in the medical field, Meredith began to look more closely at a career in Occupational Therapy (OT). She interned throughout high school and observed occupational and physical therapy sessions; when she attended UNCWilmington, she decided to major in psychology. Upon undergraduate graduation, she went on to study at East Carolina University and occupational therapy school. For the past 10 years, she has worked at a private clinic as a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration to help children overcome obstacles and make advancements toward independence. As an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration theory, Meredith assists children who have sensory processing deficits. She works with the child and their families to recognize areas that need improvement and sets goals to help the child become more independent. She uses therapeutic activities and purposeful play to help the child develop the necessary skills needed to participate fully in school, home or community activities. Everyone knows about the five senses, but there are two more senses that are just as important. The proprioceptive
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sense is all about body awareness and being aware of your muscles. The vestibular sense is your body’s sense of movement that is located in your inner ear which helps with balance and your body’s connection to gravity. These two things play a key role in sensory processing deficits. “A lot of children with autism and without autism who have sensory processing deficits can either be over or under responsive. Most children are under responsive, which causes them to use too much force with their muscles and thrash around. It’s almost like they are a bull in a china shop,” Meredith said. “We identify that and work with the children through play to help better integrate their sensory systems.” Going out to dinner, attending church or even sitting still in class can be simple tasks for some children, but for those who have sensory processing deficits it’s easier said than done. Think about when you go out to dinner. The smells, the noise of all the conversations, the different tastes of the food, the busy environment of the restaurant — these “normal” things can be extremely overwhelming to someone who has a sensory processing deficit. “As an OT, we are making a difference in not only the child’s life, but everything that child’s life touches — parents, aunts, uncles and siblings. Their ability to sit in a classroom affects their peers. Being able to go to church or out to eat for dinner — we have so many families who say they can’t go to dinner because of a child’s behavior. There is so much that goes into everything you do, but it comes so naturally to us. It doesn’t always come easy to some children,” Meredith said. In the clinic, Meredith works with children through play and fun to improve their sensory systems. An exciting task of crashing two tire swings together is fun on the surface, but it’s also a way to work a child’s postural strength and stability, social skills, motor planning and so much more. With every child, the activity is structured around the end goal and helping them achieve more independence.
“As an OT, we are making a difference in not only the child’s life, but everything that child’s life touches — parents, aunts, uncles and siblings.” “When you are able to help a child turn a corner, it’s the best thing in the world,” said Meredith. “When you’re teaching a child to tie their shoes, ride a bike or even jump with two feet together, and they finally get it, it’s this huge deal. To some people that’s just ok, but to us, it’s so great. Or, when parents tell us that their child hugged them for the first time after we’ve been working with them for awhile…that’s really special.” In order for some children to receive their therapy, they rely on the scholarship fund from the clinic to receive financial help for summer camps and therapy sessions. In the past, a donor has provided these funds, but this was not the case in 2016. Knowing that this scholarship fund is essential for some children to receive their therapy, Meredith decided to put her photography skills to good use to create a calendar fundraiser for the scholarship fund. She spent two days taking photographs of the children who visit the clinic for therapy and assembled the photos into a calendar. The digital photos and the calendars were sold and nearly $1,000 was raised for the scholarship fund. “As OTs, we get the smiles because the children are in their element when they are with us and getting what their bodies need,” Meredith said. “After we shared the photos, we had two families who were in tears come up to us because this was the first photo they have ever had of their children smiling, and the kids were between 8-10 years old. Can you even imagine? It would be heartbreaking as a parent to not have my child’s real smile captured on camera. I’m so honored and happy I was able to give that gift to the families.” Another calendar project is in the works for this year to raise more money for the scholarship fund, and Meredith is committed to doing what she can to make sure the children and their families can continue to get the necessary support. “It’s not about me. It’s about what this treatment can do for these children and how it can completely change their lives,” Meredith said.
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CHAPTER HIGHLIGHT
The Walk of
New Orleans Sisters, alumnae and family members. We also asked for local sponsors; Target donated a $100 gift card that we used to purchase bean bag chairs to create a quiet space away from the chaos of Walk day, Jimmy Johns donated food for the Walk and a professional photographer donated time and photos of Walk teams. What was your favorite moment from the event? My favorite moment from every event is watching the families walk together in their themed team shirts. Starting from the beginning of our participation with the Walks, the people who realize they are not alone and develop relationships and networks at the Walk is also fantastic to see. How do you make the event unique to your chapter?
The University of New Orleans Delta Epsilon Chapter All questions are answered by Kristen Creech-Punch, Chapter Advisor for the Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of New Orleans. Tell us about your event. Since Alpha Xi Delta has partnered with Autism Speaks, we have always done one of the AmaXIng Challenges and participated in the Louisiana Walks. Two years ago, the Louisiana Walk ceased and we inquired with Autism Speaks about what it would take to get the Walk started again. They told us it would require a chair and a sponsor, so I acted as the chair person and the Delta Epsilon Chapter sponsored the event. The Walk became a student-run event through the University of New Orleans, which dropped the price of hosting an event on campus to a negligible fee. Campus security donated their time and many more things became available because the Walk was a student- run event. We ended up raising more than $32,000 with 88 teams and 639 walkers. What contributed to the success of your event? Teamwork! Many alumnae and chapter advisors stepped up to get this done. The entire event was run by chapter
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I think we make the Walk unique to our chapter by taking ownership of Autism Speaks and their mission. Our chapter women are incredibly informed about Autism Speaks as an organization. The fact that we are the only chapter in Louisiana and the only chapter that sponsors a Walk has helped us make our mark and we are proud of it. Why does your chapter feel the importance of raising funds for Autism Speaks? Autism Speaks has done the autism community an incredible service by bringing such an awareness of autism that more people are coming to us every year. Many of us deal with the realities of autism, and we truly feel we are making the world a better place for everyone. What tips do you have for other chapters? Step up and do it. Take the responsibility of sponsoring your state’s walk if you have that available to you. If you are doing the work, talk to your student government and activities councils because they may have money available to student groups that you never knew existed. If we can do this as a chapter with fewer than 50 members, any chapter can do it. There is no reason for anyone not to try this. Use the resources on your campus and find out what you can do. Can you do more?
ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHT
Bountiful Bazaar Denver Alumnae Association All questions are answered by Stacey Cummins, President of the Denver Alumnae Association. Pictured at right is Barbara Hoover, Ohio ’52, a member of the Denver Alumnae Association.
What tips do you have for other associations who are planning their next philanthropy event? Plan in advance and get as much participation as possible from members. Also, make sure there is plenty of publicity with enough time for people to plan. Have an after- event meeting to go over what worked well and what didn’t work so well to revamp anything that needs a fresh start.
Tell us about your event. The Bountiful Bazaar is an event that consists of a silent auction, bake sale and boutique. Prior to last year’s event, there was a live auction element as well. The silent auction is comprised of items donated by members of the association ranging in events such as Taterini Bar and Chick Flick nights to a weeklong stay at a resort in Mexico and handmade quilts. The boutique consists of various vendors who sell jewelry, art, pillows, etc. We ask the vendors to donate a percentage of their sales to our fundraiser. What contributed to the success of your event? Without each of the ladies on the auction committee taking a lead role and their hard work, this event would not be successful. Additionally, the assistance and donations from our membership has played a big role in the success of Bountiful Bazaar. What was your favorite moment from the event? My favorite moment from the event would primarily be meeting new people and socializing with Sisters. This is also a time when the various personalities of individuals shine. How do you make the event unique to your chapter? We branded the event with a focus on Alpha Xi Delta, so we had a blue and gold theme. Why does your association feel the importance of raising funds for Autism Speaks? The Sisters of the Denver Alumnae Association are very philanthropy-focused. Not only do we raise funds through the Bountiful Bazaar, but we also help with the Walk in Denver in various capacities.
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Join us at an upcoming Autism Speaks Walk! All Alpha Xi Deltas are encouraged to Do More. Raise More. Be More. for Autism Speaks, and joining a Walk is an easy way you can get involved! For more Walk information, visit autismspeakswalk.org. Chicago Walk 5/13/2017 Chicago, IL
Iowa Walk 6/10/2017 Des Moines, IA
Broward Walk 9/23/2017 TBA, FL
Houston Walk 9/30/2017 Houston, TX
South Jersey Walk 5/20/2017 Mt. Laurel, NJ
Denver Walk 6/11/2017 Denver, CO
Western New England Walk 9/23/2017 Westfield, MA
Northern New England Walk 09/30/2017 Manchester, NH
Pittsburgh Walk 5/21/2017 Pittsburgh, PA
Nantucket Walk 8/19/2017 Nantucket, MA
Richmond Walk 9/23/2017 Richmond, VA
San Diego Walk 9/30/2017 San Diego, CA
Cincinnati Walk 5/21/2017 Cincinnati, OH
Indianapolis Walk 9/9/2017 Indianapolis, IN
Rochester Walk 9/23/2017 Rochester, NY
Kansas City Walk 9/30/2017 Kansas City, MO
Northern New Jersey Walk 5/21/2017 Essex, NJ
Columbus, GA Walk 9/16/2017 Columbus, GA
Seattle Walk 9/23/2017 Seattle, WA
Greater Hartford Walk 6/04/2017 Hartford, CT
Jersey Shore Walk 9/16/2017 Long Branch, NJ
Cleveland Walk 9/24/2017 Cleveland, OH
Westchester/Fairfield Walk 6/04/2017 White Plains, NY
Laurel Highlands Walk 9/17/2017 Ligonier, PA
Central NJ Walk 9/24/2017 Princeton, NJ
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Follow Along to See the Fun! Alpha Xi Delta’s National Convention will be held July 5-8 in Chicago, Illinois. Follow the fun of Convention on social media with the hashtag #AXiDChicago! For more information about Convention, please visit www.alphaxideltaconvention.org.
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LETTERS OF LOVE
Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks, had a knack for the art of letter writing. Her distinctive, blue, hand-written script graced the bottom of many beautifully written letters of thanks. Thanks that were given for helping to spread her story, which became the mission of Autism Speaks. It was the story of a grandmother trying to make a difference for children like her grandson. Many Alpha Xi Delta women received these letters and, upon Suzanne’s untimely passing from pancreatic cancer, it inspired us to continue that tradition to spread our story and give our thanks for those who make Alpha Xi Delta’s partnership with Autism Speaks so profound and important. When we started this partnership in 2009, we thought we were embarking on a simple philanthropy partnership. Little did we know this mission would be so intertwined with the women who make up our membership. We will host our second annual Letters of Love campaign this November. It is our hope Sisters across the country will share their stories through these Letters of Love. They are the stories of mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, educators, behavior therapists, researchers and fundraisers. We are the stories of Alpha Xi Deltas who have a heart for service and philanthropy. Perhaps you have a personal connection to autism or maybe before joining Alpha Xi Delta you didn’t even know what autism was — regardless of your place in the story, your commitment to Alpha Xi Delta and Autism Speaks’ mission means something important. It is our hope you will share the letter on the next page with someone in your circle of influence (additional templates will be available in Exclusively Xi).
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Suzanne Wright, left, with National Executive Director Elysia Gallivan during the 2016 West Palm Beach Autism Speaks Walk.
By sharing your story, not only are we deepening our commitment and ability to raise critical funds for important research, advocacy work and family services, but you are also reaching a much larger audience who cares about the things you care about. By simply sharing your story, you are spreading understanding and acceptance of autism beyond your wildest dreams. This November, as we celebrate National Philanthropy Day and our second annual Letters of Love campaign, we will also celebrate Alpha Xi Delta’s commitment to doing more, raising more and being more for Autism Speaks. Please help us share our Letters of Love.
Dear Friend, I am supporting Autism Speaks to enhance the lives of those affected by autism and to accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. Autism affects 1 in every 68 American individuals, including 1 in 42 boys, and is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the United States. I am proud that Alpha Xi Delta, my national Fraternity, has partnered with an organization that is leading the field in autism research, understanding, acceptance, advocacy and family services for these individuals and this is why I am fundraising for Autism Speaks. Alpha Xi Delta has supported Autism Speaks’ mission since 2009. This year, we continue our Letters of Love campaign in honor of Suzanne Wright, a co-founder of Autism Speaks, who recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. Through this campaign, Alpha Xi Delta wants to tell our story. Mrs. Wright had a love of the written note. Her beautiful, blue hand-written script graced the bottom of many beautifully written letters of thanks. Thanks that were given for helping to spread her story, which became the mission of Autism Speaks. Mrs. Wright’s story was that of a grandmother trying to make a difference for children like her grandson with autism. But, we each have our own unique story to tell. Through membership in Alpha Xi Delta, this mission has become important to me. Collectively the passion from our combined stories makes us a powerful agent of change in the autism community. Will you support me by making a donation to Autism Speaks? With your support, we can share the story of everyone who is affected by autism and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. Please show your support of me and my passion for this mission using the form at the bottom of this page to take action. All donations should be made payable to Autism Speaks and mailed to Autism Speaks, Attn: Alpha Xi Delta Letters of Love, 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10016. For more information, visit alphaxidelta.org/lettersoflove. Thank you in advance for your support!
Gratefully, Alpha Xi Delta Member Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Autism Speaks 501 (C)(3) Tax Id #: 20-2329938
All checks should be made payable to Autism Speaks and be mailed to: Autism Speaks, Attn: Alpha Xi Delta Letters of Love, 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10016. Name of Donor: Alpha Xi Delta Member to receive credit: Alpha Xi Delta Chapter/University to receive credit: Phone: Donation Amount:
Email:
AUTISM FACTS
1 IN 68 CHILDREN IS
DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM.
AROUND ONE THIRD OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM REMAIN NONVERBAL.
AN ESTIMATED 50,000 TEENS WITH AUTISM BECOME ADULTS – AND LOSE SCHOOL-BASED AUTISM SERVICES – EACH YEAR.
8 A CHILD IS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM EVERY
8 MINUTES.
1 IN 42 BOYS IS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM.
AN ESTIMATED 70 MILLION PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY AUTISM WORLDWIDE. 52 the
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AROUND ONE THIRD OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM HAVE AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
from the
archives
Four past National Presidents took an active part in the 1975 National Convention proceedings. From left to right are Mrs. George M. Brown, Mrs. Loran M. Thompson, Mrs. William Nash and Dr. Elizabeth Van Buskirk. We can’t wait to gather together in Chicago this summer for our 52nd National Convention. For more information visit www.alphaxideltaconvention.org and follow the fun on social media with the hashtag #AXiDChicago.
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