Summer 2012 Journey to the 2012 Olympics Meet Mamie Doyle, TLC’s Cupcake Wars Winner ΑΞΔ Installs Iota Sigma Chapter
National President’s Letter
Celebrating Our Bond As
Dear Sisters,
The past few months have been a great cause for celebration as I have been traveling across the country to share in Founders’ Day celebrations, reunions and chapter anniversaries. Let’s go on a road trip together, shall we? Our first stop is the Pikes Peak/Denver Alumnae Association Founders’ Day celebration. This association’s gathering was especially poignant as we honored Past National President Lois Stump who passed away earlier this year. Lois was to receive her Order of the Diamond recognition for 75 years of Alpha Xi Delta membership this year. During my time at the banquet as we honored Lois, I couldn’t help but think of her role in Alpha Xi Delta. Lois played a critical role in sustaining the strength of our dear Fraternity in the early 1970s, ensuring I had a home with Alpha Xi Delta when I arrived at the University of Kentucky. Lois finished her term as National President in 1974. Coincidentally, that is the same year I entered college and began my journey with Alpha Xi Delta. Having the opportunity to spend time with Lois’ son, Keith, and his wife, Linda, was very special for me this Founders’ Day. As we head out of Colorado, our next stop lands us in Richmond, Virginia, for the Installation of the Iota Sigma Chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This stop energized me with pride as I spent time with this impressive group of women who will continue to grow, thrive and leave a lasting legacy at VCU. As an organization, we are grateful to have so many talented and inspiring undergraduate women across the country who serve as the building blocks and framework to continually welcome home new Sisters each year during recruitment. I am already looking forward to welcoming hundreds of new women into our Sisterhood this fall who will soon call Alpha Xi Delta their home. As we say goodbye to the Iota Sigma Chapter, we look to the Great Plains and our last stop in Lincoln, Nebraska, to celebrate 100 years of the Rho Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. What a milestone! It’s incredible to know that more than 2,500 women have
Sisters
called the Rho Chapter their home for a century. From my time at this event, it’s clear the bonds of Sisterhood are alive and well in this chapter. Their connectedness to one another is truly an inspiration, and I wish them 100 more years of happiness and Sisterhood! We hope you enjoy this issue, and perhaps you’ll take it with you on a summer road trip! You’ll meet our new Educational Leadership Consultants and Leadership Coaches who are getting ready to hit the road for a year of travel to our chapters. These bold and talented young women are already shaping our Fraternity in an exciting way, and I can’t wait to hear about their journeys as they inspire countless women to realize their potential. In this issue, you’ll also learn about one Sister’s trip to the London Olympics, another Sister’s journey to success by following her dream as a baker and another Sister’s 105-mile ride to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. I traveled to Bowling Green State University in March to remember three Sisters who were tragically killed in an automobile accident. This was a time to reflect on how we as Alpha Xi Deltas truly live our Symphony and share in both joy and sorrow. We all have roads that lead us in different directions. Sometimes those roads can be dark and treacherous, while others are filled with sunshine and clear skies. You’ll meet Sisters who have found sunshine in the darkest skies as they share their stories about situations in which they found the silver lining to some of life’s darkest moments. Wherever you are, there is always a home waiting for you in Alpha Xi Delta and Sisters who are there to celebrate with you and pick you up when times get rough. Remember, membership is for a lifetime and our bonds of Sisterhood are forever. Fraternally,
Sandi Edwards National President
On the cover: A candlelight service was held in March to remember Bowling Green State Sisters Rebekah Blakkolb, Christina Goyett and Sarah Hammond who died in an automobile accident on their way to spring break. Photo credit: Craig Bell, Bowling Green State University Photography Director.
Contents Finding Light Through the Darkness Sisters share how they revealed a bright spot despite life’s darkest situations
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Inspiring Women and Leaders Meet our 2012-2013 Educational Leadership Consultants and Leadership Coaches
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Sweet Success
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Mamie Doyle, Alma ’07, takes the cake on TLC’s Cupcake Wars
Riding For a Cure Elizabeth Griffin, Hillsdale ’83, plans a 105mile bike ride to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
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of Alpha Xi Delta
The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta is published three times per year in spring, summer and fall/winter by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity.® POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE QUILL OF ALPHA XI DELTA, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 Volume 109/Issue 2 Copyright 2012 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 Spring issue – January 23 Summer issue – June 1 Fall/Winter issue – September 6 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 Lauren Fisher, Indiana ‘08
In This Issue
28
Member News
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Letters to the Editor
35
4
New, Now, Next
Alumnae Association Directory
5
National Housing
13 Iota Sigma Chapter Installation 21 Believe to Achieve: A Sister’s Journey to the 2012 Olympics 23
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Alumnae Notes and Profile
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From The Archives
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Foundation News
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Chapter Eternal
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Living Our Symphony
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Be The Heart
Autism Speaks News
On the cover: When she can’t meet face to face, Erin Shill, Indiana ‘10, stays in touch with Sisters online. Learn how Sisters use technology to stay connected, beginning on page 10.
National Council 2011-2013 National President Sandi Edwards, Kentucky ’75 National Vice Presidents Michele Herbst Evink, South Dakota State ’86 Nancy Fehremann Gainer, Iowa State ’69 Gina Willis Hawkins, Jacksonville State ’86 Jennifer Emerick Kuntz, Northern Iowa ’92 Wendy Kurtz, Indiana ’90 Nealy Patty Wheat, West Georgia ’97 The Mission of The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta To inform, inspire and challenge. To sustain and nurture membership loyalty and interest. To recognize individual, group and Fraternity accomplishments. To provide a forum for the exchange of information and opinion. To be the permanent record for the Fraternity.
Letters to the Editor Your ΑΞΔ Comments! I just wanted to thank you for the fall/winter edition of The Quill. I found the articles on higher education really interesting. I have wanted to try an online course, so I enjoyed reading about them. Especially the free ones! I will save this edition as a resource. I’d like to suggest that The Quill do an article, or series of articles, on women returning to the workforce after staying home with their kids. I currently am home with my kids and hope to someday return to the workforce, but to a different career. Learning from other Sisters who have already succeeded with those transitions would be helpful. Thank you, Ann Paglee Bozick, Delaware ’90 Editor’s Note: Thank you for the suggestion, Ann! We’ll keep that in mind for a potential story. Just wanted to drop a quick note that I loved the last issue of The Quill–it was stylish, hip and had great articles for the young and old! Jennifer Gianino, Southeast Missouri State ’94
Twitter Comments @asunila: I get goosebumps every time I see The Quill magazine filled with @alphaxidelta women from around the U.S. #tfj Amanda Sunila, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’07 In the spring issue, National President Sandi Edwards asked members to tweet their top three favorite things about Alpha Xi Delta using the hashtag #axidtop3. Here is one of our favorite responses.
Facebook Comments
@Achilles143: My Sisters support always behind me, the opportunities that I have been given, and the friendships I have made are my #axidtop3 moments.
Just got my latest Quill magazine in Australia! Thank you! Heather Ellem, Oregon State ’94
I love the BetXi Bear makeover! Donna Cline, Western Carolina ’98
What’s on your mind?
CONNECT with US!
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Summer 2012
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.
Fraternity News
New | NOW | Next New | Alpha Xi Delta wins two awards Alpha Xi Delta is honored to have received two awards during the Fraternity Communications Association Recognition Banquet this past May in Atlanta, Georgia. With more than 600 entries from more than 50 different Greek organizations, we are very proud to have been recognized for the following awards: 1st Place - Story packaging for coverage of an event, Convention 2011 recap feature article (summer 2011 issue) 3rd Place – Total Communications Award, Convention 2011 materials
Now | Online member recommendation forms We’re gearing up for a busy recruitment season! The potential new member recommendation form and chapter directory are not included in this issue. Instead, we are asking Sisters to fill it out online at www.alphaxidelta.org/recommendation. Once on this webpage, you have two options. You can print out the form and mail to the chapter, or complete the form electronically and send it via email. If you have any questions or need a chapter’s contact address, please contact FHQ at 317.872.3500 or email memberservices@alphaxidelta.org.
Next | Chance encounters contest – Tell us your story! Summertime is filled with fun vacations and reunions. Did you have a chance encounter with a Sister? Did you meet someone new and discover she is an Alpha Xi Delta? Send us your story! Please send all photos to quilleditor@alphaxidelta.org with the subject line, "Chance Encounters," or to Fraternity Headquarters at 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Don't forget to set your camera for the largest image size and highest resolution possible!
Spot a quill photo contest winner! Christine Foucault, Central Florida ’10, spotted this quill while interning at the Fraternity Communications Association (FCA) Annual Conference. FCA is a professional association composed of fraternities and sororities, affiliates and associate members who work in the communications field, and the quill is part of FCA’s logo. During the conference, Christine assisted with coordinating registration, onsite office operations and providing customer service to conference attendees.
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National Housing
Adding
Alpha Xi style
By Ginny Combs Aday, Florida State ‘65, and Deanna Wollam Detchemendy, Cal State Northridge ‘83
to your chapter’s home
We know how important it is to protect the Alpha Xi Delta brand and that each of us plays a role in conveying the best image of our sorority. We work to communicate a certain image and idea of who we are and how we inspire women to realize their potential. But does that extend to the physical facilities Alpha Xi Delta calls “home”? Indeed it does! For our collegians, the term “house” is often interchangeable with the term “chapter”, and their chapter’s physical facility – whether it is a house, suite or lodge – is where their Alpha Xi Delta experiences are borne and their memories are made. For alumnae, their initiating chapter’s facility is often one of the first memories that springs to mind when they reflect on their college experience. And to those outside audiences we welcome into our chapter homes – prospective members, school leadership and fraternal colleagues – our facilities make a clear statement about the type of women we are and the quality of the experience Alpha Xi Delta provides. The Alpha Xi Delta National Housing Corporation works constantly to ensure our Fraternity-owned and managed facilities appropriately reflect the Alpha Xi Delta brand. In counseling our local house corporations to do the same and partnering with them on capital planning and renovations, we encounter many of the same questions and even misunderstandings about what, exactly, the term “Alpha Xi Delta brand” means in the housing context. It may be most helpful to describe what it does not mean. It does not mean every room in the house needs to be decorated in double blue and gold or that pink roses need to be incorporated into every possible element. Indeed, building our particular colors and symbols into our facilities without them looking “Holly Hobbie” or like a child’s playroom can be a challenge; however, it can be done and done well, with careful thought and a sense of restraint. When thinking about how your chapter home can best reflect the Alpha Xi Delta brand, start not with our outward colors and symbols, but instead with our values and goals. We seek to inspire women to realize their potential. We honor the power of a broad and purposeful education. We help our members grow in courage, and graciousness, and peace. And we work always to attract the best and brightest to Alpha Xi Delta. 5
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Summer 2012
To play their part in enhancing the Alpha Xi Delta brand, our physical facilities need to meet certain criteria. First and foremost, they need to be safe and enhance our members’ educational aims. Our chapter homes must be secure spaces that encourage our members to study and collaborate in ways and using technological means, that are relevant to today’s collegian. This means not just study desks in quiet rooms but also group study tables and perhaps large cushy couches for curling up with a laptop, all with robust wi-fi capabilities.
While it’s important to incorporate some Alpha Xi Delta symbols and colors, this should be accomplished in a space and manner that first-and-foremost reflects a sense of beauty and order, and accommodates chapter life well. Next, our facilities should be well-designed and gracious with healthy pops of color and fun. While it’s important to incorporate some Alpha Xi Delta symbols and colors, this should be accomplished in a space and manner that first-and-foremost reflects a sense of beauty and order, and accommodates chapter life well. This can be achieved with a variety of design styles, from traditional to mid-century modern and beyond, but it requires focus, an experienced eye, and a strong appreciation for both current trends/expectations and the long view. The input of collegians is critical to design efforts, and the resulting design should be able to reflect current trends with elements that can be easily replaced, to ensure the facility won’t look dated in too few years. From both a brand and budgetary perspective, the best approach usually involves high quality “base” elements (couches, wall paint) in neutral colors overlaid with stronger colors and designs on elements that can be replaced or reupholstered relatively inexpensively as trends change. To ensure we are attracting the best and brightest to Alpha Xi Delta, our facilities must remain competitive. Chapter house quality and amenities often play a large part in a potential new member’s decision about which chapter she will join and whether she will choose to live in. We must be continually aware of what
Do you love interior design? Check out olioboard.com, an online application that allows you to create interior design mood boards. It's free and easy to use! Below is an example of a mood board created for the Epsilon Kappa Chapter Suite at Western Kentucky University.
Before
After
competing facilities offer, whether those are other sorority houses or the university dormitories. With more private spaces, individualized climate controls, fitness centers and even theatres now commonly in the mix for student housing, this can be a tall order. Still, it is important for our housing personnel to meet our members’ expectations and help our chapters achieve their recruitment goals as best we can, and certainly not defeat them. The NHC is available and regularly assists chapters and local house corporations in both design and financing efforts. For chapter facilities under full NHC management, NHC handles both design and financing matters completely, leaving our collegians and local alumnae free to focus on other aspects of chapter health and management. Local house corporations should consult the Director of Housing and are required to obtain NHC approval for any significant design effort or loan, as well as acquisitions and leases of chapter facilities.
Our chapter facilities play a key role in the messages we send about Alpha Xi Delta. It is up to all of us, as members of our chapters and shareholders in our house corporations (remember that “Corporation Note” you paid?) to ensure our chapter homes are sending the right messages about what it means to be an Alpha Xi, and that they serve as both testament and inspiration to the bold and talented women who shape our organization, now and tomorrow. Ginny Aday is the principal of Ginny Aday Interiors, Inc., which has provided interior design services for several ΑΞΔ chapter facilities. Deanna Detchemendy is a member of the National Housing Corporation’s Board of Directors.
If you have a project, big or small, the National Housing Corporation is here to help. To keep your facility fresh and competitive, we recommend stocking a chapter house with neutral basics in key items such as furniture and carpet. Every two to three years, spruce up your space with paint colors, pillows, art and various accessories that reflect current trends. The National Housing Corporation works with interior designers who are savvy about sorority living and higher education facilities, and they offer these resources to all Alpha Xi Delta corporation boards. Contact Jennifer Foster, Director of Housing, at jfoster@alphaxidelta.org or 317.872.3500, to learn how the NHC can be a partner on your next project.
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Feature
By Lauren Fisher, Indiana '08, Communications Coordinator
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The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Summer 2012
Her phone rang once, twice, and then for a third time. Kahlin McKeown, Delaware ’07, finally answered her cell phone around 2:00 a.m. Kahlin was Alpha Xi Delta’s live-in house director at the Alpha Xi Delta house at Bowling Green State University. When she picked up her phone, a Sister was on the other end saying there had been a horrible accident. Tragic events like the one above occur all the time. A college student has too much to drink at a party, a group of high school students are in a car accident, a family loses a loved one. We see these types of stories on the news, read about them in the paper and post about them online, but we never think these types of tragedies will happen to us. That’s what Kayla Somoles, Bowling Green State University ’11, and Angelica Mormile, Bowling Green State University ’11, thought before they were in a car accident. That’s what Sarah Synovec-Crawford, Nebraska-Lincoln ’04, thought before she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 19, and that’s what Kristina Braly, Texas ’03, thought before she lost her younger brother. These four Sisters from three different chapters have experienced different types of tragedies, and together, their stories demonstrate how we can each find the strength, the courage, the light, to help us navigate through these times of darkness.
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Feature
IN
the early morning hours of March 2, ten Alpha Xi Delta Sisters piled into two different cars and set off for a spring break trip. Heading to the Detroit Metro Airport, Sisters were excited for the week ahead – no classes, the beach and your friends…What more could a girl ask for? Just minutes after hopping into the car and watching Bowling Green State University disappear in the distance, Sisters turned onto the interstate, where one of the cars was struck by a wrong-way driver. In just a second, the excitement of this spring break adventure was brought to a halt. That was all it took, just one second, to turn their lives upside down. The women who were traveling in the second car returned to the Alpha Xi Delta house around 3:30 a.m., and were greeted by Kahlin, as well as a counselor, various campus professionals and Greek Life staff. An emergency chapter meeting was then scheduled for 6:45 a.m. “We called everybody in the chapter,” Kahlin explained. “We called some of the off-campus senior houses where they live together, some of the other seniors that lived by themselves and woke
of Ohio and Michigan to attend funeral services, say goodbye to their friends and visit with Sisters’ families. When they returned to school a week later, the Beta Mu Sisters opened the doors to hundreds of flower displays and thousands of cards. Sisters would gather frequently throughout that first week to talk about their Sisters and write memories of each of the women in journals that were later presented to their families. Sisters would come together and look at the condolences that were sent from chapters throughout Ohio and Michigan and as far away as Iowa and California. “All of them had really rough days,” Kahlin explained. “But I think that leaning on one another and maybe some people they haven’t been as close with before, they became closer with.” In addition to the support demonstrated by Alpha Xi Deltas across the country, the support from Bowling Green State University was incredible. In addition to hosting a memorial service, university officials hung five large poster boards with each of the women’s names on them and invited students and staff to sign them, recall memories and give their condolences. Another chapter in the Greek
“After every wound there’s a scar, every scar tells a story, and my scar tells me that this is a story that I survived.” everyone up in the house. The Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life told the chapter what we knew at the time, which was that there had been deaths and that some people were in the hospital and that these were the five women involved, and that’s really all we knew.” After this initial chapter meeting, Sisters gathered every half hour anxiously awaiting more news. “It was kind of a grueling process for them to be called together every half hour to maybe find out no new information or to find out that their Big was one of the people who passed,” Kahlin said. “It was heartbreaking to see that and to see it play out in that way.” Finally, around 10:30-11:00 a.m., Sisters learned that Sarah Hammond, Bowling Green State ’09, Rebekah Blakkolb, Bowling Green State ’10, and Christina Goyett, Bowling Green State ’11, had died and that Kayla Somoles and Angelica Mormile were in critical condition. Before leaving the chapter house for the University’s spring break, Sisters went to the local church and prayed. Not only were Alpha Xi Deltas in attendance praying for their lost and injured Sisters, but members of Bowling Green State University’s Greek community came to show their support, as well as members from the local community. “It was absolutely packed,” Kahlin recalled. “It was a small church, but it was packed.” When the chapter house closed at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, Sisters officially started their spring break, which included a tour
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Summer 2012
community sold wristbands displaying the words, “No matter the letter, we’re Greek together.” The funds raised from the bracelets were then presented to the victims’ families. After watching the chapter go through such a tragedy, Kahlin says, “They don’t take things for granted. They lean on each other for support, and they really try their best to live their lives in honor of the women that have passed. They call them their ΑΞΔ angels. They think that they are watching over, and they [the chapter Sisters] are, most of the time, staying positive about the whole situation.” While all of this was going on at the Bowling Green Alpha Xi Delta chapter house, Kayla and Angelica, the survivors of the crash, were facing their own struggles. In addition to losing three of their friends, they were each facing long roads to recovery. “After every wound there’s a scar, every scar tells a story, and my scar tells me that this is a story that I survived.” This is a quote that Kayla Somoles found and uses to describe her experience since March 2. Kayla suffered multiple injuries to her face, which resulted in her not being able to talk or breathe on her own. After overcoming her injuries and learning she will return to school in the fall, she considers herself a changed person. “I’m just kind of living my life to the fullest that I can, and I really appreciate the little things that you take for granted every day like walking, talking, being able to
Left: During the memorial ceremony, photos were displayed to remember the victims. From left to right: Rebekah Blakkolb, Christina Goyett and Sarah Hammond. (Photo credit: Craig Bell, Bowling Green State University Photography Director)
Right: Survivors of the crash Kayla (left) and Angelica (right) are continuing to heal and will return to BGSU this fall. (Page 7 photo credit: Craig Bell, Bowling Green State University Photography Director)
shower by yourself,” Kayla said. “I appreciate everything now because I realize how it can be gone in the blink of an eye.” Angelica has had a similar experience. After undergoing eight surgeries in just ten weeks, Angelica knows she is going to walk away from this tragedy without any long-term damages. She now views her life as a miracle. “Kayla and I are walking miracles,” she said. “I do feel like I have a purpose for being here and that God gave me a second chance to live.” Throughout their recovery, their families, Alpha Xi Delta Sisters, the Bowling Green State Greek community, the Falcon community and even individuals from across the country showed their support. People would visit them in the hospital, write notes, mail cards, send flowers and post prayers and updates on various social media outlets. Kayla recalls many people who helped her through this difficult time. One of her memories includes a group of men from Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Bowling Green State University. Kayla’s boyfriend belongs to this fraternity and during her first week in the hospital, a group of Kappa Sigmas showed up to sing her the "Kappa Sigma Sweetheart" song. “I couldn’t talk or anything and they made me their Sweetheart, so I was excited,” Kayla recalled. Another person who showed constant support was Kayla’s Grand Big, Danielle Spaetzel, Bowling Green State ’08. Danielle would visit Kayla every week. She would come spend time with Kayla and watch her during therapy sessions. “You’re not usually closest to the older girls,” Kayla says when talking about the upper classmen in her chapter. “But they came.” One visit that really stands out for Kayla was from Amanda Murray, Bowling Green State ’04. Amanda is an Alpha Xi Delta and Bowling Green State University alumna. Without ever having met Kayla before, Amanda went and visited Kayla in the hospital. “Just to get all of that support was amazing,” Kayla said. “It’s just interesting how you don’t even know these people and probably never will and they’re here just to make sure your ok.” Angelica does not remember the first two weeks after the accident and her time spent at the Toledo-based hospital. While she
does not remember seeing her friends and Sisters visit her in Toledo, she was able to see in other ways the tremendous amount of support that she, along with Kayla and the rest of the Beta Mu Chapter Sisters, received. “People outside of Ohio, from other states, that have never met me before have written me letters and have sent me cards giving their sympathy,” Angelica said. “All the support from other chapters and universities and people I don’t even know really meant so much to me. I really had so much support and so many prayers from a ton of people.” Throughout her journey to recovery, Angelica was determined to become independent again. She has learned to stay strong, keep her head up and keep going. When asked if she has any advice for Sisters experiencing a similar tragedy or road to recovery, Angelica says, “Pray every day and just believe that everything’s ok.” Kayla and Angelica are both returning to Bowling Green State University in the fall and are looking forward to the upcoming school year. “This upcoming year will be my first year living in the sorority house,” Angelica explains. “I am really excited to live with all of my Sisters and be in the house this year, to keep pursuing my career for the future, getting more education, seeing the rest of my friends and getting back into the groove at school.” Even though they are excited to get back to their everyday lives, both women remember their three lost Sisters and think about them every day. “The most difficult thing would be just to know that my other Sisters aren’t here today,” Angelica said. “I think they’re very happy and definitely in a better place now. As hard as it is for me and for all of us to be here without them, I just know that they are ok.” Kayla thinks it’s important to talk about her Sisters and stay positive about the situation. “I always like talking about the girls and the good times I’ve had with them because that’s my way of getting through it,” Kayla said. “I want to remember all the memories I did have with them and the opportunity that I actually got to know them.” After looking back at everything that has happened since that fatal day on March 2, 2012, Kahlin said, “I realized that bad things often happen to good people, but I think it’s how you deal with and
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learn from these events to evolve into stronger and more resilient people. The women of the Beta Mu Chapter have definitely personified the strength and resilience, and have taught me a great deal about how powerful the bonds of Sisterhood can be.”
Discovering the Strength in Sisterhood Sarah faced a different type of tragedy – a diagnosis. Sarah, an 18 year old girl from Topeka, Kansas, made the brave decision to attend an out-of-state university after high school. As a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sarah decided to go through recruitment in order to find her home away from home. She was both a little frightened and overwhelmed throughout the recruitment process, but in the end, she joined Alpha Xi Delta. In a short amount of time, Sarah met her current best friend and Alpha Xi Delta Sister, gained a support system of women and formed various connections across campus. Her experience as a freshman in Alpha Xi Delta and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln turned out to be all she wanted and more. That summer, Sarah’s life quickly changed. Sitting in the doctor’s office at age 19, hearing the word cancer absolutely terrified her. She remembers asking two questions when she was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The first question was, “Am I going to die?” and the second was “Am I going to lose my hair?” The answer to her first question was “no” and the answer to her second question was “well, of course.” Then, slowly, the realization of her diagnosis began to kick in. In addition to being scared, Sarah was disappointed. She had plans of becoming a physician. She worked so hard up until this point to be all that she wanted to be and when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she thought her dreams were over. “I just didn’t see how I could remain somewhat competitive throughout my undergraduate experience with going through chemo and radiation,” Sarah said. Sarah soon returned to Omaha for more tests and met up with her best friend, and sorority Sister, to tell her the news. “She was obviously very distraught and very upset about it,” Sarah recalled. Then, the news slowly started traveling through the grapevine. Sisters would call Sarah, write her and mail care packages throughout the summer. At this point Sarah was unsure if she could continue to attend school in Nebraska. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was about
170 miles away from her parents’ house in Kansas, but members of Alpha Xi Delta ensured her they would take care of her, and they proved to be a huge support system throughout Sarah’s journey. First, the Alpha Xi Delta Housing Corporation allowed her to break her lease, and various alumnae Sisters reached out to Sarah and offered to give her rides to appointments and help her in any way that they could. “Just the thought that they were willing to be that extra family for me was a vital part in making my decision that I could come back to school,” Sarah said. Returning to Nebraska-Lincoln as a sophomore, Sarah lived in an apartment by herself. Sisters would visit her multiple times a week and would go with her to various doctor’s appointments. “They wanted to be helpful. They wanted to truly be the Sisters and the support system I didn’t have because my parents were located three hours away,” Sarah explained. “They just showed me the love and support I needed and the encouragement that I needed to get through the six months of chemo therapy.” Her friends and chapter Sisters would joke with her about losing her hair and try on all of her wigs. They even had a head shaving party for her when she began losing her hair. But the biggest thing they did for Sarah that year was form a Relay for Life team. About 60 Alpha Xi Deltas showed up to The Relay for Life event at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that spring wearing t-shirts that displayed Sarah’s name. “It was probably one of the largest Relay for Life teams they’ve had from Alpha Xi Delta,” Sarah said. “They all walked the survivor lap with me, and it was just a very touching and emotional gesture.” Not only did Sarah’s diagnosis open her eyes up to the love and support found within a Sisterhood, but it also encouraged her to become an oncologist, and in her own words, “kick cancer’s butt.” When asked what inspired her to become a physician, she said, “It’s something I’ve always been interested in. I think I can honestly tell you, my experience with cancer; it gave me a reason to be a physician. I had been a patient. I saw firsthand how horrible diseases can be.” Cancer opened her eyes to the physician-patient relationship, and being able to experience this type of relationship helped her understand why being a doctor is such a privileged profession. Her doctors gave her the support that she wants to one day give to her patients. “Their ability to explain things in layperson’s terms really helped me understand my disease process, helped me understand
“Any kind of terminal disease or any kind of disease that will change your life like this helps you realize who your true friends are and the people you can count on...” 11 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Summer 2012
Left: Sarah (right) and her mother during a family weekend at the Rho Chapter. Right: Sarah and her Sisters pose for a photo on Bid Day in 2008. Sarah returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after being diagnosed with cancer for her sophomore year of college.
the treatment I was taking and why this treatment was going to work, and they also provided a lot of emotional support for me.” Sarah remembers her doctors telling her, “You’ll look beautiful in your wigs,” and her oncologist telling her, “There’s nothing more beautiful than a bald girl in a baseball cap.” These small moments and displays of empathy meant a lot to Sarah, and she hopes to one day be able to bring that kind of support to her own patients and make a difference in their lives. “I think to be able to help people in that intimate of a setting, in the most intimate part of their lives, which is their health, is just an amazing ability,” Sarah said. “I believe now more than ever that being a physician is truly a privilege and not a right.” June 11, 2012, was Sarah’s four-year anniversary of being cancer-free. Looking back at her experience, Sarah says she can now distinguish the important things in life versus what can just be pushed aside. “Any kind of terminal disease or any kind of disease that will change your life like this helps you realize who your true friends are and the people you can count on,” Sarah said. “Not only did I find that with my girlfriends at Alpha Xi Delta, but my boyfriend really stepped up and now he’s my husband.” Sarah actually met Mike, her husband, through Alpha Xi Delta. He was a “hasher”, also known as a kitchen boy, in the Alpha Xi Delta house while Sarah was an undergraduate member. This is just one of the examples Sarah uses to describe the many ways Alpha Xi Delta has impacted her life. “Alpha Xi Delta, I can honestly tell you, it’s been a really great part of my life. I’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by so many great women and so many friends,” Sarah said. “With Alpha Xi Delta though, those girls are truly there for you 100%, and those are the people that you’re going to have as bridesmaids at your wedding like I did, and they’re the people that you’re going to make your children’s godparents. I cannot underplay the impact this organization has had on my life.”
Finding the Sparkle in Life Kristina was shopping at Target one fall afternoon when she got the phone call that would change her life forever – her younger brother, Erik, took his own life. The date was October 6, 2009, and he was only 20 years old. Even though Kristina was five years older than her baby brother, the two were still extremely close. On the first anniversary of her brother’s death, Kristina wrote, “As a baby, Erik was permanently attached to my hip, Just five years his senior, I took on the role of second mommy with ease.” When Kristina got the phone call revealing her brother’s death, she was 25 years old and in her second year of medical school. She was preparing for the first round of exams for the term, and ironically, her current psychiatry course was focusing on teenage suicide. “After my brother died, the world just seemed so dark, dull and gray,” Kristina recalls. A lot of people were there to help Kristina get through this difficult time - her then boyfriend and now husband, Houston, and her two best friends, Paula and Tracy. “There was sadness all around me and it was hard to escape - constant reminders from people meaning well by offering their condolences, seeing my parents suffer with grief,” Kristina said. That’s when she had the idea to start her blog, Pretty Shiny Sparkly, as a way to break away from the sadness surrounding her and a way to focus on something that made her happy. “I was sitting at home at my desk one day, and I decided to start a blog dedicated to all the girly, sparkly things that I wasn’t ashamed to admit loving,” Kristina explains. “I registered the domain name, prettyshinysparkly.com and got to work.” This was in November 2009. Some of Kristina’s earliest blog posts were on topics such as sparkly gift ideas under $50 and an easy tres leches cake recipe. The blog kept her busy and was used as a means of escape. “It enabled me to find balance and have something to look forward to – a light at the end of the tunnel each day,” Kristina said.
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Left: Kristina calls herself a “magpie,” and says she loves anything that glitters or shines in the light. Right: Kristina (right) and her brother, Erik, during a vacation in Norway.
“The pain never goes away, and you will be forever changed-but let it be for the better.” This little project, started as a way for Kristina to deal with the depths of her tragedy, but turned into so much more. Now, nearly three years after starting Pretty Shiny Sparkly, Kristina’s blog is now one of the most popular fashion and personal style blogs on the internet. Recently, it has been nominated for two Bloggies, the web’s most established blog awards, for best fashion or beauty blog and best designed blog. Looking back at her project, Kristina says, “Creating something good and full of light in a time of darkness has been enormous for my self-esteem, my mood, my confidence as a person and as a professional.” When asked how Pretty Shiny Sparkly has impacted her life, Kristina says, “It would be an easier question to answer if you asked me how it has not affected my life.” So far Pretty Shiny Sparkly has connected Kristina with many amazing and successful women around the world, and she has gotten the opportunity to travel to places such as New York, Tampa and Austin to speak at blogging and fashion conferences. “It has helped my fear of public speaking enormously,” Kristina said. “I’ve made some lifelong friends through the blog - friends I am proud to know ‘in real life’ as they say. It has also supported me financially – something I never thought in a million years would be able to happen, but it has – I have a business.” Even though Kristina was able to find happiness and success through her blog, there are some obstacles Kristina has yet to overcome and some grief that she will always carry with her. “There are things that people don’t write about when it comes to tragedy, and it’s the little things,” Kristina explained. “I was shopping at Target when my brother took his life – one of my absolute favorite stores. To this day, nearly three years after his death, I can count on one hand the number
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of times I’ve set foot in a Target. I cannot wear the signature perfume I was wearing at the time because to smell it instantly takes me back to those dark days.” Today, Kristina has graduated from medical school and is in resident physician training to become an anesthesiologist. She contributes her success in medical school to her blog. “I honestly don’t know if I would have survived the rest of medical school without my blog,” Kristina confessed. And she thanks her brother for her success. On her blog, Kristina writes, “…In a way I have Erik to thank for this wonderful journey so far, but I’m sure you will understand that I would give it all back in a heartbeat to have just one more minute with my baby brother. Just one minute. 60 seconds. Just long enough to tell him that I loved him…” Whether it’s an accident, the loss of a loved one or a diagnosis, these moments are unexpected and life changing. As an organization with more than 150,000 initiated members, it is inevitable that some of our lives will be touched by these unfortunate, unforeseen acts of fate, and in those times, we need to learn from Kayla, Angelica, Sarah and Kristina and find the strength within ourselves, within our Sisters and within our hobbies to navigate through the darkness and find the light at the end of the tunnel. In the words of Kristina, “The pain never goes away, and you will be forever changed-but let it be for the better.” To learn more about Kristina’s story and her blog, please visit www.prettyshinysparkly.com.
Iota Sigma Installation
Iota Sigma Established at Virginia Commonwealth University By Joelle Fundaro, Western Michigan University ’06
The newest members of the Iota Sigma Chapter.
April 29, 2012 marked the beginning of a new chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) when the Iota Sigma Chapter was installed and another link was added to our Sisterhood. Fifty-four colony members and four alumnae, who are mothers of colony women, were initiated. Following the Installation Ceremony, a celebratory luncheon was held for the chapter members, family, friends, alumnae and University guests at the Downtown Richmond Hilton Hotel. Lindsay Eichelman, Director of Events and Administration, was the toastmistress for the event. Sisters and guests felt the excitement in the room as the women expressed their thoughts on leaving their founding legacy at VCU. During the event, National President Sandi Edwards presented Raissa Taguba, Iota Sigma Chapter President, with the chapter’s official charter and Chapter President’s gavel. Following this special moment, Britiany Farra, Song Leader, and Samantha Paul sang “The Rose.” In honor of the chapter’s Installation, Jane Ralston, Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Chair, presented VCU with a $1,000 gift that will be used to sponsor the Cross-Council Leadership Retreat. The Iota Sigma Chapter started its journey in January 2012 when the VCU Colony women were pledged, and in this short amount of time, the Iota Sigma Chapter has begun to make its
mark on campus. This past semester, the women hosted two philanthropy events and placed third in Greek Week. It is truly amazing to meet strangers and watch them become lifelong Sisters. Thank you to all of those who have made this Installation possible! Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Richmond, Virginia, and is now home to the 116th active chapter of Alpha Xi Delta.
National President Sandi Edwards (right) presided over Iota Sigma’s Installation Ceremony, welcoming Chapter President Raissa Taguba and her Sisters into the Fraternity. (Photo credit: Digital Pix)
www.alphaxidelta.org
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Meet the ELCs and LCs
2012-2013
Educational Leadership Consultants and Leadership Coaches Alpha Xi Delta’s ten Educational Leadership Consultants and two Leadership Coaches are gearing up for a busy year of traveling across the country to work with our collegiate chapters. Each Sister is excited to explore a new campus, but wanted to give you some advice on what hot spots you must see when you visit their alma mater.
Educational Leadership Consultants Mary Katherine Branham (2nd year) | Gamma Eta, Georgia Institute of Technology My favorite place at Georgia Tech is the Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field. It is one of the oldest football fields in the country and while many stadiums may be bigger and newer, the view of the Atlanta city skyline in the background certainly makes this stadium stand out!
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Margeaux Fox (2nd year) | Nu, University of Washington You should definitely see Drumheller Fountain and the beautiful libraries in Red Square at UW. If you go to downtown Seattle, make sure to visit Pike Place Market, one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the United States. Watch out for flying fish!
Gina Esposito | Iota Omicron, San Jose State University SJSU has a famous Olympic statue situated between Clark Hall and Tower Hall featuring Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Smith won the gold medal and Carlos won the bronze medal for the 200 meter race at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. The sculpture depicts the pivotal moment in history when Smith and Carlos took a stand for human rights on the victory podium at the Olympics by raising their fist in a silent protest. The statue at SJSU has the second place podium empty for visitors to “take a stand” for human rights. Maggie Fletcher | Theta Phi, Jacksonville State University A hotspot on my campus is the Theron Montgomery Building. It houses our student life office and is always buzzing with activity! In this building, you can find some fun and great organizations to become involved with. Kristi Ford | Psi, The Ohio State University While at The Ohio State University, make sure to visit the 11th Floor of Thompson Library to check out the amazing view. If it’s a home football weekend, soak up some of the game day atmosphere at The Shoe or Eddie George's. There's nothing like a game day in Columbus! Brittany Hartory | Beta Mu, Bowling Green State University When at BGSU, you must stop at the Alpha Xi Delta house. It’s by the student union and other newly built and renovated buildings on campus, such as the Stroh Center. After your campus tour, swing by Polleyes for their famous stuffed breadsticks! Donna Loya | Theta Rho, California State University – San Marcos My favorite places at CSU–San Marcos are Kellogg Plaza and the McMahan House, a beautiful facility used for external events, community outreach and special campus activities. These two locations truly express the beauty of our campus.
Emily McCarthy | Eta, Syracuse University As a huge fan of Sunday morning brunch, I’d recommend going to Mother's Cupboard when you're in Syracuse. It’s a little hole-in-the-wall diner with pancakes bigger than your head and the best breakfasts. It was even featured on Man vs. Food! Courtney Peek | Zeta Omega, University of West Georgia When you visit the University of West Georgia, visit the newly renovated library. There is a new Starbucks in the library where you’re bound to bump into at least one Sister. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Alpha Xi Delta chapter house in the new Greek Village! Amanda Torpey | Zeta Chi, University of North Carolina–Wilmington At UNCW there's a lot to see around town, including the beach! My favorite place at UNCW is Chancellor’s Walk. This is a pathway between a majority of our classes where you can see your friends and learn about all the events going on around campus.
Leadership Coaches Brittany Donatelli (2nd year) | Delta Kappa, Slippery Rock University My favorite place on Slippery Rock’s campus is North Hall and Old Main. Both are older buildings that sit next to each other and have an interesting history of burning down and being haunted. They were my favorite, especially when I gave campus tours! Megan Mackie | Zeta Chi, University of North Carolina–Wilmington When you visit UNCW, you must see Hoggard Lawn! It’s the most beautiful place on campus with its rich history and relaxing environment. Hoggard Lawn is what made me first fall in love with UNCW!
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Realize Your Potential
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Summer 2012
Sweet Success By Lauren Fisher, Indiana ’08, Communications Coordinator
Three batters, three fillings, three frostings and three garnishes — that’s all Mamie Doyle, Alma ’07, and her assistant, Erin Sintos, had to make to advance to the final round of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. The pair had 75 minutes to create three new flavors in an attempt to wow the judges or pack up their pastry bags and head back home. Mamie’s love for pastries began in the summer of 2008 when she interned at Kim Sperl’s Bella E Dolce bakery in Northern Michigan. “I was an art major at Alma and had no idea how I wanted to channel my art into a career that could be profitable for me,” Mamie said. “It was there (at Bella E Dolce) that I fell in love with the artistic opportunities and creative outlet that wedding cakes often offer.”
Mamie was well prepared for this sort of challenge. When she found out she was going to be a contestant on the show, Mamie’s friends would buy random groceries and drop them off for her to experiment with. “We made our own version of Cupcake Wars in my kitchen at the bakery,” Mamie said. Her first creation contained plums, root beer and cottage cheese. “It was delicious,” she exclaimed. When faced with the task of creating three new flavors during the competition, Mamie and Erin stepped out of the box and whipped up a margarita cake with a strawberry, jalapeno coulis filling and topped with key lime buttercream frosting and a hand painted fondant zebra star; a pistachio cake filled with white chocolate, pistachio pesto and topped with rosewater meringue and a sugared rose petal; and an Left to Right: The final display featured Pastry shoes and 1,000 cupcakes that included éclair cake, which is a cinnamon cake filled with homemade four original recipes. Mamie, right, with her assistant, Erin Sintos, sold 600 cupcakes pastry cream, topped with Nutella buttercream, drizzled the day after their winning episode of Cupcake Wars aired. That’s about triple what with royal icing and garnished with a hand painted fondant they usually sell on a normal day at Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes, Cakes and Such. heart. “We made some pretty ‘out there’ flavors,” Mamie As she returned to Alma College after working this said. “I knew they were either going to love it and we were going to summer job, her passion for wedding cakes win the entire competition, or they were going to hate it and we were remained with her. Half-way through her junior going home.” year at Alma College, Mamie made the decision to These unique flavors were exactly what the judges were looking for. pack her bags and move to Atlanta, Georgia, to Judges Angela and Vanessa Simmons, described Mamie’s creations as attend Le Cordon Bleu of Atlanta. She had every sweet, chic and unique. When it was revealed Mamie and Erin would intention of returning to Michigan after completing be advancing to the final round, they felt confident. “I feel like we live the program, but in order to complete the Baking and Cupcake Wars every Friday and Saturday at the bakery,” Mamie Patisserie Program, Mamie was required to do an internship. explained. “Making 1,000 cupcakes in two hours wasn’t that daunting She found a local bakery that was for sale on the Marietta Square in of a task for Erin and me to conquer.” Marietta, Georgia, and after completing her internship there, the For the final round of the competition, Mamie and Erin had two owners agreed to sell her the bakery. “My last day as an intern was my hours to create a 1,000 cupcake display for Pastry Shoe’s launch party. first day as a small business owner,” Mamie recalled. “The date was Mamie, Erin, their professional carpenter and team of bakers worked October 1, 2009. I was 21 years old at the time.” hard for the entire 120 minutes of the final round. When time was up Mamie and her brother, Ross Doyle, became co-owners of Miss and the last cupcake was placed on the display, Mamie revealed a Mamie’s Cupcakes, Cakes and Such, and a little more than two years colorful, three-tiered cupcake display, featuring Mamie’s new and later, Mamie’s customers were urging her to apply for a competing spot unique cupcakes on each level and real Pastry shoes as the table legs of on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. She went ahead and submitted a her display. short biography and photograph of herself, and later an audition video. Sixteen hours after the competition started, it ended, and when That is how Mamie found herself standing in the pink Cupcake Wars Justin Willman, the host of Cupcake Wars, described the winning show room, competing in round two of the Cupcake Couture cupcake display as one “that could, literally, get up and walk to the party competition. The winner of the competition would have her cupcake itself,” Mamie was beaming. Tears filled Mamie’s eyes as her name was display featured at a VIP party for Pastry Shoes, a shoe line designed by announced as the champion. “I’m still not sure if the tears were tears of Angela and Vanessa Simmons, daughters of Run–D.M.C. rapper Joseph happiness that we had won or tears of happiness that it was over,” Simmons (also known as Rev Run). The winner would also walk away Mamie said. “I have never experienced anything so stressful and all with $10,000. Mamie said round two was the most challenging round consuming in my life.” Mamie, age 23 at the time of filming, is the of the competition. youngest contestant to win Cupcake Wars.
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Summer 2012
Chocolate Tangerine Cannoli Cupcakes So what’s next for Miss Mamie? This entrepreneur and her brother hope to open another bakery around this time next year and are currently looking at real estate options near Fort Myers, Florida. They hope to be spanning the United States in the next five years. “We have a lot of work to get there, but we are a pretty determined team,” Mamie said. “Our staff is totally invested in our brand as well, that really helps.” After being featured on Cupcake Wars, Mamie has been invited to speak at a lot of community events and finds herself and her staff getting recognized in and around town. She calls her success on the show a team effort, made up of her family, friends and everyone back home. “I’m so grateful that I had such an amazing group of females in my life growing up. My mom and aunts instilled a ‘go get ‘em’ attitude in me, and I knew they would be supportive of me no matter what I chose to do,” Mamie said. “Now that I have had the opportunity to win a pastry competition on Food Network, I hope that I can influence other women to reach for the stars. If I could touch one life with my story, it would be worth more to me than $10,000 and the title of Cupcake Wars Champion. I am overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received throughout my 24 years of being on this earth, and I can’t wait to finally start paying it forward!”
Mamie’s episode of Cupcake Wars, Cupcake Couture, aired on Sunday, March 25, 2012. For more information on the show, visit foodnetwork.com. To learn more about Mamie’s bakery, visit www.missmamiescupcakes.com. *All photos for this piece were taken by Tin Can Photography.
Scan this QR code with a code reader app on your smartphone to watch Mamie’s audition video!
During the first round of the competition, Mamie and Erin were challenged with the task of creating a pastry-inspired cupcake. They chose to make an inside out, cannoli cupcake. The winning recipe can be found below:
Ingredients Cupcakes 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup hot water 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup chocolate chips Tangerine Cheese Filling 3 cups ricotta cheese 3/4 cup powdered sugar 3 tangerines, zested Chocolate Ganache 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips Candied Tangerines 3 tangerines Granulated sugar Tuile Cookie, recipe follows
Directions
Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 325°. Line a mini cupcake pan with 24 mini cupcake liners or a regular-size cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl. Set the bowl aside. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix the water, mayonnaise and cocoa powder together. Add the granulated sugar and flour mixture and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Using a bowl scraper, fold in the chocolate chips. Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter and bake until golden and baked through, 25 to 35 minutes. Cool the cupcakes completely. Filling: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar and tangerine zest on low speed until all components are thoroughly combined. Ganache: Bring the heavy whipping cream to a slight boil in a small saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Immediately remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips in a glass or heat resistant bowl. Gently stir the mixture until all of the chocolate chips have melted. Set in the refrigerator to expedite the cooling and thickening process. Candied Tangerines: Slice the tangerines into 12 medium-thin slices. Sprinkle a thick layer of sugar in a medium saucepan and lay the tangerine slices in the sugar. Sprinkle another thick layer of sugar over the top of the tangerine slices and cook the fruit over
medium-high heat until caramel in color. Remove the pan from the heat and remove the tangerine slices onto a heat-resistant plate using tongs. Assemble: Core the cupcakes by taking a small knife to the center of each one and cutting in a circle from the top to bottom of the cake. Fill this hole with the tangerine cheese until the filling reaches the top of the cake. Using a knife, place a smattering of chocolate ganache on the top of the cupcake near the filling. Stick a wedge of the Tuile Cookie into the filling and garnish with a slice of candied tangerine. Tuile Cookie: 1 stick butter 1 cup powdered sugar 4 egg whites 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour Purple food coloring Vodka Cornstarch
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and powdered sugar. Add the egg whites, one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and the flour and mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. With an offset spatula, spread the tuile cookie dough onto the lined cookie sheet to about 1/8-inch thick. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool completely. Mix the purple food coloring, vodka and cornstarch together until the desired consistency of food-safe paint is acquired. Using a medium round brush, splatter the paint onto the tuile cookie in an abstract fashion. Break the cookie into imperfect shapes (about 3-inch pieces).
Believe to achieve
BELIEVE
TO ACHIEVE By Lauren Fisher, Indiana ’08, Communications Coordinator
Suzanne (second from right) stands with three team USA Olympians before the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies in London.
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Suzanne Stettinius, Bethany ’07, spent her summer running, swimming, fencing, shooting and, in her free time, riding horses. To many, this may seem like an interesting mix of activities, but for Suzanne, it is just part of her daily routine leading up to the 2012 London Olympics. At age 24, Suzanne represents Team USA as a competitor in the Modern Pentathlon, a five-sport competition that includes fencing, swimming, riding, shooting and running. She is one of two American women competing in this sport in London this year. Suzanne hasn’t always competed in pentathlons. She joined the Pony Club at age eight, an organization that brings together different clubs to compete in riding events. It was here where she learned to ride horses and participated in her first tetrathlon, a four-sport event that includes riding, running, shooting and swimming. Suzanne didn’t start fencing until she was 14 years old, and it wasn’t until she was 17 that she competed in her first pentathlon. She traveled to Canada and ended up winning the junior division of the competition. “That’s when I realized I finally found a sport I could really shine at,” Suzanne said. She has been training for the Olympics on and off for the past six years, and while her first pentathlon event was a success, her journey to the Olympics has not been so easy. Even though Suzanne rode horses and competed in tetrathlons at a young age, she still needed to work on her swimming. “I did not come from a swimming background,” Suzanne said. “I had to work, and still have to work the hardest at swimming.” In order to improve her time in the water, Suzanne transferred from Bethany College to McDaniel College during her sophomore year and joined the McDaniel swim team. In September 2009, Suzanne experienced her first setback when she broke her neck in a steeplechase horse race. “I definitely thought my athletic career was over,” Suzanne said.
Left: In 2001, Suzanne joined the Baltimore Fencing Center (BFC) owned and operated by her head coach, Bin Lu. She began fencing five days a week and developed a passion for the sport. Throughout the past 12 months, Suzanne has been to Brazil, Hungary, Russia, Italy, China and Guatemala to compete. The season will end with the 2012 London Olympics. Middle: Suzanne during the World Cup #1 in Rancho Mirage, California, in 2011. Right: In 2008, Suzanne transferred to McDaniel College to join the swim team and work on her swimming. With the help of her swim coach, Jeff Hiestand, she has improved her swimming and is a more competitive pentathlete.
“I know I was being a bit dramatic, but it felt like the end of the world at the time.” After a month of healing and a lot of time training on a stationery bike, Suzanne was able to rejoin the McDaniel swim team in January 2010. She went on to compete in her next pentathlon that summer and had one of her best performances to date. Olympic qualifications began in June 2011, leaving Suzanne one year to compete in four World Cups, Senior World Championships and the World Cup Final. The Olympic team would be picked based on the competitors’ top three performances from June 2011 through June 2012. The top 36 pentathletes in the world would be selected to represent their teams in London. At this time, Suzanne was ranked number one in the country, and she had another horse riding accident, just two weeks before the second World Cup, where she broke her collarbone. “Here I was, fitter than I have ever been, and I screwed it all up by getting hurt again,” Suzanne recalled. “I didn’t give up though, and I made another come back.” She was able to compete in the third World Cup, but during this event, Suzanne pulled her hamstring and was forced to retire from the competition. She was not able to compete in the fourth or fifth World Cup events, which were crucial for Olympic qualifications. This left the World Championship, and going into the event, she knew she needed to perform well in order to qualify for the Olympic team. “I have been training full-time for this sport for two years with a thought I might be on the team. When the final competition was over and I saw the top 36, I was just so relieved,” Suzanne said. “Now, I can focus all my energy on just doing well in London.” A lot of people have helped Suzanne get to where she is today, including her pentathlon coach Janusz Peciak. “He really believed in me,”
Suzanne said. “Even when I wasn’t very good as a junior competitor, he was very positive that I was going to make it as a pentathlete.” Her dad, William Stettinius, has inspired Suzanne to work towards her Olympics dream. Suzanne actually stopped competing in pentathlons in 2007 and never intended to return to the sport. “He was the one who convinced me to give the sport another go,” Suzanne explained. “He always had faith in me, and I’m glad he convinced me to go back.” Even though she left Bethany College as a sophomore, her Sisters continue to support her. “It is great to know that we will be friends and Sisters forever, and I know they will always be there for me,” Suzanne said. Suzanne looks forward to traveling to London, seeing the other Olympic athletes and walking in the Opening Ceremony. “I can’t believe I will be among the athletes I have always watched on TV!” she exclaimed. As her journey to the Olympics comes to an end, Suzanne has learned to never give up. “It’s as simple as that,” she said. “Even when you think it is all over, you have to get up and try again.” Suzanne will compete in this year’s Modern Pentathlon on August 12, the last day of the Summer Olympics. For more information about Suzanne, visit www.suzanne.mintmeadows.com. *Please note: At press time, Suzanne had not yet competed in the Olympics.
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Autism Speaks
LIGHT IT UP BLUE! Blue whipped cream at StarbucksÂŽ at Ferris State to raise autism awareness
Kansas State, Texas and Wisconsin-La Crosse distributed blue wristbands on their campuses
64 chapters and several alumnae illuminated their house, suite and/or campus monuments with blue light bulbs
The fountains at West Virginia Wesleyan and Missouri – St. Louis were dyed blue during the month of April
Alpha Xi Delta representatives at The Today Show in New York City
23 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel declared April to be Autism Awareness Month in Chicago
Summer 2012
April is World Autism Awareness Month April 2 marked World Autism Awareness Day, and Alpha Xi Deltas came together to shine a light on autism and kick off a month long observance of Autism Awareness Month. Throughout the month of April, Sisters participated in Walk Now for Autism Speaks events, hosted AmaXIng Challenges and promoted autism awareness on their campuses and in their communities.
Inaugural Indianapolis Walk Now for Autism Speaks event On April 28, Alpha Xi Delta staff, volunteers and Sisters came together to raise autism awareness in the Indianapolis community at Garfield Park. Beta Pi Sisters from Indiana University and Alpha Eta Sisters from Purdue University traveled to Indianapolis to assist with event registration, volunteer in the resource fair, facilitate children’s activities and coordinate on-site operations. BetXi Bear was on hand at the resource fair to greet children and promote Alpha Xi Delta. Overall, participants raised more than $100,000 for Autism Speaks! Jennifer Emerick Kuntz, National Vice President, and Annie Hallsten, Philanthropy and Community Outreach Manager, served as co-chairs and Alpha Xi Delta was proud to be a gold sponsor of this event.
World Autism Awareness Day Appearances On April 2, Alpha Xi Deltas observed World Autism Awareness Day with Autism Speaks in New York City. Alpha Xi Delta staff and volunteers attended The Today Show with members of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter at Rider University, Iota Nu Chapter at Monmouth University, Zeta Eta Chapter at West Chester University, Theta Alpha Chapter at Millersville University and Theta Delta Chapter at Towson University. After The Today Show, Elysia Gallivan, National Executive Director, Lauren Felts, Director of Communications and Marketing, and Annie Hallsten, Philanthropy and Community Outreach Manager attended a brunch at the New York Stock Exchange. They joined Autism Speaks and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger on the trading floor as they rang the opening bell. Hilfiger and his wife, Dee, have family members who are on the autism spectrum. Hilfiger recently released a public service announcement (PSA) for Autism Speaks. Scan the QR code to view Hilfiger’s PSA. On April 3, Annie Hallsten represented Alpha Xi Delta at the United Nations to attend a panel discussion about autism that was led by autism research scientists and autism advocates.
Sisters from Indiana University worked in the resource fair, distributed temporary tattoos to children and handed out fact cards with autism statistics at the Inaugural Indianapolis Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.
From left to right: Elysia Gallivan, National Executive Director, Dee Hilfiger, Tommy Hilfiger, Annie Hallsten, Philanthropy and Community Outreach Manager and Lauren Felts, Director of Communications and Marketing.
Virtual Walk for Autism Speaks The first Virtual Walk for Autism Speaks concluded at the end of April with more than $31,000 raised for autism research. Sisters were encouraged to register for the Alpha Xi Delta Virtual Walk Now for Autism Speaks by joining the team established in their state at www.walk.autismspeaks.org/alphaxidelta. Kristen McDonald, Indiana ’11, was the top fundraiser with $3,520 raised for Autism Speaks. Special thanks goes to our presenting sponsor of the Virtual Walk, Digital Pix. Learn more about Digital Pix at www.dpcpix.com. www.alphaxidelta.org
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In Other Autism Speaks News‌
Illinois | The women of the Kappa Chapter at the University of Illinois wore blue to support Autism Speaks on World Autism Awareness Day. During the month of April, the chapter hosted an AmaXIng Challenge barbeque and 5K scavenger hunt across the University of Illinois campus.
Elon | Sisters at Elon University held their first Step It Up: 5K for Autism Speaks. Graham, North Carolina, Mayor Jerry Peterman; Elon, North Carolina, Mayor Jerry Tolley; and North Carolina Senator Rick Gunn attended the event. As a result, the chapter raised more than $3,000 for Autism Speaks!—Erin McGuiggan, emchuiggan@elon.edu
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Georgia Tech | The Sisters of Gamma Eta Chapter hosted a philanthropic tailgate with Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity before a Georgia Tech baseball game. At the event, Sisters sold tickets for lunch and a raffle. In total, the chapter raised more than $2,000 for Autism Speaks.—Lauren Winkler, lwinkler2692@yahoo.com
Ohio Northern | From March 26–April 2, Gamma Tau hosted an Autism Awareness Week to raise funds for Autism Speaks. The chapter shined a blue light on the Freed Center for the Performing Arts and the Ohio Northern University signs at the main entrance of campus. Sisters also hosted an all-you-can-eat blueberry pancake dinner. At the end of the week, the chapter raised more than $650 for Autism Speaks. —Anabel Gilbert, a-gilbert.2@onu.edu
Denver Alumnae Association | The Denver Alumnae Association hosted a meeting where Sisters presented checks to four philanthropic organizations including, Autism Speaks, Family Advocacy Care Education Support, Family Crisis Center and the Denver Boys and Girls Club. At the association’s local Autism Speaks Walk Kick-Off event, Denver Alumnae Association President Dianne Ziegler and Philanthropy Chairwoman Barbara Hoover were presented an Achievement Award by Autism Speaks Walk/Events Manager, Tricia Nelson.—Dee Frazier, ddfrazier@q.com
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In Other Autism Speaks News… CALIFORNIA | Delta Rho Chapter hosted a week-long AmaXIng Challenge at California State University, Northridge. The theme of the AmaXIng t our new check ou to rg, re su Be Challenge was Medieval xidelta.o w.alpha w w e t a se g to blo age Times, and throughout the cebook p or our Fa stories! d n a s to week the chapter hosted a more pho dessert and knighting ceremony, a “Catch a Xi” event, a spirit quest, a talent show, a Xi King Competition, a thank you feast and a silent auction. Sisters even participated in the Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks. At the end of the week, the chapter raised $27,000 for Autism Speaks.—Karina Winkler, karinawink@yahoo.com ILLINOIS | The Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Association hosted a fundraiser for Autism Speaks with Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas. Participants were given vouchers and encouraged to use them at the salons to donate 10% of their total purchases to Autism Speaks.—Deb Keyes, axideb@gmail.com Alpha Xi Delta’s Beta Epsilon Chapter at Monmouth College raised nearly $2,000 for Autism Speaks as a result of their annual Xi Man Competition. Six fraternity men spent two weeks preparing for the event to compete for the title of Xi Man.—Samantha Jagust, sjagust@monmouthcollege.edu TEXAS | Delta Psi Chapter at Texas State University-San Marcos held a Zumba event benefitting Autism Speaks. At the event, Sisters held a raffle and gave away prizes that were donated from local businesses in the San Marcos area. This was the second year the chapter hosted this event, and it continues to be a major success for both Alpha Xi Delta and Autism Speaks.—Brittany Lueckemeyer, bill88@txstate.edu FLORIDA | Theta Xi Chapter at Florida International University hosted their annual Xi Man Competition, “Unmask the Knight.” More than 300 people came out to support the event, and as a result, the chapter raised $6,000 for Autism Speaks.—Andrea Huerta, abhuerta@me.com 27 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Summer 2012
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Member News
Cal State San Marcos | The new Theta Rho Chapter members attended the chapter’s alumnae birthday tea.—Raechel Mote, mote003@cougars.csusm.edu
Christian Brothers | In an effort to recognize and thank the teachers at Christian Brothers University (CBU), Theta Pi Chapter hosted a free breakfast for their professors. The chapter will honor at least two schools at CBU each semester. Recently, Theta Pi held their teacher appreciation breakfast for the School of Science professors in the Cooper-Wilson Center for the Life Sciences Building. Many faculty members eagerly stopped to grab muffins, donut holes and cinnamon raisin bread. The professors were utterly delighted by the thoughtfulness of CBU's Alpha Xi Deltas.—Anna Birg, abirg@cbu.edu
Pikes Peak Alumnae Association | The Pikes Peak Region Alumnae Association hosted the Denver Alumnae Association for a Founders' Day luncheon at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ellen Stillman, Missouri Valley ’46, was presented with the Order of the Pearl for 60 years of membership. Special guests included Alpha Xi Delta National President Sandi Edwards and Keith and Linda Stump, who represented departed Sister and Past National President Lois Stump, who was to be honored the Order of the Diamond this year this 75 years of membership. Left to right: Keith and Linda Stump, Fran Dudenhoeffer, Texas State-San Marcos ’65, and Sue Bigus, Ohio State ’76. – Gini Simonson, gini.jim@comcast.net
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Member News
Florida | NPC Chairman Jane Sutton (far right), Western Carolina ‘75, attended Florida State Day in March. This event was an opportunity for all Alpha Xi Deltas in Florida to come together in Amelia Island for a weekend of Sisterhood and fun.
Iowa | Erin McKay, Ashley Ditkowich, Katie Galbreath, Sara Fitzpatrick and Valery Skvirskaya from the University of Iowa are studying abroad. By choosing to travel abroad, these Sisters are enriching their perspectives and will have countless stories and numerous experiences to share with their chapter. This experience proves that even half-way around the world; the Sisterhood that holds us all together cannot be broken. —Caitlin Harris, Caitlin-haris@uiowa.edu
Jacksonville Alumnae Association | Twenty Alpha Xi Delta Sisters gathered at the River City Brewing Company in Jacksonville, Florida, to celebrate this year’s Founders’ Day. Three Sisters were honored with Order of the Rose, for 50 years of membership, and one Sister received the Order of the Pearl for 60 years of membership.—Christy Worthington, jaxalphaxidelta@gmail.com
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Nebraska at Omaha | Gamma Delta won Best New Member Essay at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Greek Week. The essay was written by Sara Doghman, Nebraska at Omaha ’11. Left to right: Lacy Duckworth, Sara Doghman and Demi Kulper.—Kate Bard, kbard@unomaha.edu
Steinbeck Alumnae Association | Steinbeck Alumnae Association members serve on the Executive Committee of the Monterey Bay Area National Alumnae Panhellenic. Left to right: Julie Lambert, Oregon State ’81, Assistant Treasurer/Scholarship Chair; Eliska "Dee" Sanders Rasco, New Orleans ’71, Member-at-Large; Elleen "Tootie" Hall Denahy, California-Los Angeles ’43, Recruitment Chair; and Janet Case Beals, Oregon State ’48, Membership Chair.—Julie Lambert, osu.julie@gmail.com
Marquette | Theta Epsilon won the Chapter of the Year award and Hayley Crossman, Marquette ’10, won the award for Best Greek Junior. Sisters also had the opportunity to assist with the installation of the Iota Rho Chapter at DePaul University. —Lydia Dahl, lydia.dahl@marquette.edu.
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Member News North Carolina During Western Carolina University’s Academic Excellence Awards banquet, the Epsilon Gamma Chapter was recognized for its Outstanding Chapter Commitment to Philanthropy after reaching a fundraising goal of $5,000 for Autism Speaks and achieving a combined chapter total of 2,000 service hours. The chapter was also acknowledged for its Outstanding Chapter Academic Achievement for maintaining a 3.1 GPA or higher and was awarded Five Pillar Status.—KB Carpenter, kbcarpenter3@catamont.wcu.edu
Washington, D.C. On April 23, Alpha Xi Delta representatives gathered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to promote the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA). This year, Mazi Kuba, West Chester ’09, attended and received education on the legislative process and training on how to communicate effectively with congressional leaders and staff. Mazi joined other Alpha Xi Delta representatives including, Sheri O’Connell, Alpha Xi Delta’s National Government Relations Chair, Jane Sutton, National Panhellenic Conference Chair and other members from the North-American Interfraternity Conference, the National Panhellenic Conference and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act allows tax-deductible charitable contributions made to not-for-profit organizations to be used to build, maintain or improve their student housing. The bill will provide for safe, modern and affordable housing for all college students. For more information on CHIA and the Capital Fraternal Caucus, visit www.fraternalcaucus.org.
Members of the Triangle, North Carolina Alumnae Association recently volunteered as Buddies for the Miracle League of the Triangle. The Miracle League is a baseball league for special needs children. The Home Run Derby is a day where every person on the team gets to bat, hit the ball and run (or walk, or wheel) their way around the bases while friends and family cheer them on.
As Buddies, Alpha Xi Delta Sisters entertained the children in the dugouts, laughed and cheered.—Claudine Caro, claudinecaro@gmail.com West Virginia The women of Gamma Beta Chapter at Marshall University visited The Boys and Girls Club of Huntington, West Virginia, giving the chapter an
opportunity to work with children and make a difference. Sisters played games with the children and helped them with homework.—Samantha Arminio, arminio@live.marshall.edu. Wisconsin Beta Psi Chapter at Carroll University welcomed eighteen new initiates. —Samantha Ryan, sryan@pio.carrollu.edu
Happy Birthday, Gamma Chapter! By Jessica DeWater, Mount Union ’10
On August 20, 1902, the S.L.C. Club members at Mount Union became Sisters of Alpha Xi Delta at the Gamma Chapter Installation. Gamma Chapter, the third oldest chapter of Alpha Xi Delta, celebrated its 110th anniversary this year. On Saturday, March 31, the chapter hosted a banquet at the Alliance Country Club with 166 Sisters in attendance. Speakers at the event included Ruth Fiegenschuh and Ruth Rankin, both from the class of 1945; the current Chapter Advisor, Melanie Nakonachny; the 2010-2011 Chapter President, Kelly Emery; Dodie Davis from the class of 1962; and Jane Fursey Ralston, Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Chair and a Gamma Chapter alumna. More than 1,900 women have been initiated into the Gamma Chapter since Throughout the night Sisters shared their Alpha Xi Delta stories its founding in 1902. and watched a slideshow depicting Gamma Chapter’s history. On Sunday, April 1, the chapter held an open house that included Sisters from Kent State University, alumnae and other chapters on campus. The chapter was overwhelmed with joy by the number of Sisters who traveled to Alliance, Ohio, to celebrate this wonderful occasion. Many Sisters described it as one of the most amazing weekends they have experienced as a member of Alpha Xi Delta because it was an opportunity to meet new Sisters and learn about Alpha Xi Delta in the 1940s. Sisters were able to see how much the chapter has grown, but also recognized the traditions and values that have remained the same since the chapter’s founding. 31 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
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Fifty Years of
Fabulous in New Orleans
The Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of New Orleans (UNO) gathered June 8-10 for a weekend-long celebration to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The weekend kicked off with a Friday night luau party, followed by a tour of UNO’s campus and Rose Petal Tea at Longue Vue Gardens on Saturday (photo above).
Nearly 400 Sisters attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of New Orleans (UNO), held June 8-10. Delta Epsilon Chapter was installed on May 12, 1962. It began as the local sorority, Delta Epsilon Beta, during UNO's (then LSUNO) first semester of existence in 1958. The weekend kicked off with a luau as nearly 60 Sisters and guests dressed in Hawaiian garb gathered at The Cat's Meow in the French Quarter. “We thought it would be a great way to ‘let our hair down’ before official events kicked off, and it was just that,” said celebration organizer Maureen Turner Masson, New Orleans ’76. On Saturday, a luxury bus toured the UNO campus, updating Sisters on the expansive growth of this 54 year old University. Sisters and their guests met in the VIP Room of the UNO Lakefront Arena and took walking tours of the state-of-the-art multi-use arena facility guided by Claire Marie Cummings, New Orleans ’08, and Lucas Funderburk, the chapter’s Xi Man winner for their 2012 AmaXIng Challenge. That afternoon, 103 Sisters, daughters and other relatives attended the Rose Petal Tea at the Longue Vue House and Gardens.
National Vice President Gina Hawkins, Jacksonville State ’86, gave more than 30 Rose Petals their first insight into Alpha Xi Delta, and Jane Philibert, New Orleans ’66, and Judy Parker, Missouri Valley ’58, were honored for their combined 30 years of service as Chapter Advisors to Delta Epsilon. Sunday capped off the celebration at Pat O’Brien’s. Sixteen women received the Order of the Rose for 50 years of membership. Inductees include: Marilyn Muniz Silbernagel, Meryl Rockel Roussel, Mary Ann Giordano Trask, Jo Ann Rappold Casebonne, Barbara Jurisich Decker, Natalie Giordano Koppeis, Ann Robichaux Holder, Bonnie Barth Mathews, Diane Roos Macaluso, Leanne Drake Vidrine, Estre DeCastro Culotta, Nettie Seeling Kiel, Jo Lynne Kommer Wells, Janet Troyer Deubler, Barbara Sallettes and Niki Sagona Cassidey. “Our wish (for this event) was that the women who brought this fabulous Sisterhood to our campus in 1962 would realize the impact that they've had on so many lives,” said Masson.
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Member News
100 Years on Nebraska
Rho Celebrates Lincoln Campus
By Jane Schroeder, Nebraska Lincoln ’81
More than 325 women attended a weekend-long event on June 1 to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the Rho Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The chapter was founded on June 5, 1912. The Rho Chapter house once again beckoned and welcomed the throng—representing new member classes from 1946 through 2011 —who enjoyed sharing life stories along with many hugs. Tours of the upgraded chapter house, including the newly renovated fourth floor, were also a highlight. Other noted events were campus and athletic tours coordinated by the UNL Alumni Association and a wrap-up breakfast with more than 150 Sisters participating in the Rededication Ceremony. Alpha Xi Delta National President Sandi Edwards joined the celebration and shared highlights of Rho’s past on a Fraternity level, and Linda Schwartzkopf, UNL’s Director of Greek Affairs, shared a 100 year history of Rho’s campus achievements. Rho Chapter has produced many leaders, including Alpha Xi Delta Past National President Jayne Wade Anderson, Nebraska-Lincoln ’49. Rho Chapter women have experienced many accomplishments throughout the past 100 years, and they thank Theta Chapter member Lulu Runge, Wisconsin ’05, for starting this chapter in 1912, serving as an advisor and defining Rho’s guiding principles which are still in effect today.
More than 325 Sisters gathered to celebrate Rho’s Centennial.
National President Sandi Edwards (right) with Past National President Jayne Wade Anderson, Nebraska-Lincoln ’49. Photos from the Rho Chapter Centennial were taken by Bob Olson - The Picture Man.
The Pittsburgh Alumnae Association Turns 100! By Rebecca Smith, Mount Union ’97
The Pittsburgh Alumnae Association gathered for a luncheon to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The association was chartered on April 25, 1911. Alison Nee Calderone, Case Western Reserve ’96, Rochelle Forte, Indiana U of Pennsylvania ’65, and Nancy Sakino Spears, Penn State ’73, spoke at the luncheon about their personal journeys from collegiate members to alumnae members of Alpha Xi Delta. Each Sister told stories of personal and professional experiences that highlighted their alumnae experience and growth as women.
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Congratulations to the Class of 2012! 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1. The Beta Alpha Chapter at the University of Texas. 2. The Gamma Chapter at the University of Mount Union. 3. The Epsilon Rho Chapter at the University of Southern Maine. 4. The Iota Zeta Chapter at Wingate University. 5. The Iota Alpha Chapter at George Mason University. 6. The Theta Psi Chapter at Dartmouth College. 7. The Iota Xi Chapter at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 8. Graduating Sister from the Iota Eta Chapter at the University of Texas-El Paso www.alphaxidelta.org
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Association Directory Alumnae Association Directory Get together with Sisters for fun and friendship by joining an alumnae association in your area. If there isn’t an association near you, you can start one with at least five interested alumnae in good standing. Learn more at www.alphaxidelta.org, or email Tobi Curtis, Lifetime Engagement Manager, at tcurtis@alphaxidelta.org. ALABAMA
Los Angeles
DELAWARE
Pinellas County
Salt Creek Area
Auburn-Opelika
Chesapeake
Amy Lee amylee08wde@gmail.com
Jamie Watkins laalumpresident@gmail.com laalphaxidelta.blogspot.com
Bonnie Jefferis axdpinellascounty@gmail.com pinellascounty.alphaxidelta.org/
Laura Gahagan Sims azdsaltcreek@yahoo.com
Birmingham
Napa Valley
Martha W. Davidson davidjrd@bellsouth.net
Kristin Billingsley kbill5@msn.com
Huntsville/Madison Country
North San Diego County
Nancy Y. Harris nyharrismail@gmail.com
Mobile Bay Alicia Spencer aliciaspencer@att.net
Allison Brown nsdcaxidalumnae@gmail.com
Orange County Katie Parsons kparsons@cox.net
Sacramento
ARIZONA Phoenix Jessica Holden axidphxalum@gmail.com wix.com/flirt5721/axidphx
Tucson Mary Harvey vmsmh@cox.net tucsonalphaxidelta.org
ARKANSAS Little Rock Jessica Brents alphaxidelta.littlerock@gmail.com
Elizabeth Payette sacalphaxideltaalumnae@gmail.com
San Fernando Valley Sally Smith Reimers mustangsallysar@hotmail.com web.mac.com/janis.rosebrook/SFVAl umnae
Santa Clara Valley Ginger Harris peacecorps.ginger@gmail.com
Stanislaus Jordan Rushing jarushing@sbcglobal.net
Steinbeck
CALIFORNIA
Julie Lambert osu.julie@gmail.com
Diablo Valley
Wilmington Laura Mitchell litlaura19@aol.com
FLORIDA
Springfield Tallahassee Judy Levy judithlevy@embarqmail.com
Tampa
INDIANA
Debbie Jaye tampaalphaxidelta@yahoo.com
Indianapolis
Brandon/Riverview Elizabeth Knieriem alphaxideltabrandon@gmail.com brandonalphaxidelta.webs.com
Jill Gordon jgordon@davesworld.net
Vivian Schilling Surface indyazd@yahoo.com
GEORGIA Atlanta North Metro
IOWA Cedar Rapids
Brevard County
Cheryl Johnson Weldon crjweldon@gmail.com
Helen Carroll helar1532@aol.com
Atlanta South Metro Kim Arnzen kimarnzen@yahoo.com
Iowa City
DeLand Beth Britton lizzy-mae@me.com
Theresa Dvorak theresamdvorak@gmail.com
Dana Hartman iowacity.alphaxi@gmail.com
IDAHO
Mt. Pleasant
Jacksonville
Treasure Valley
Christy Worthington and Karen Glover jaxalphaxidelta@gmail.com
Amy Perry amyperry28@gmail.com
Jean Reschly djreschly@yahoo.com
Miami
ILLINOIS
Monica Borcegue Petisco brattymissmonica@aol.com
Bloomington-Normal
Iowa-Illinois Quad Cities
Sandra Holcomb sandyonline@hotmail.com
Naples/Marco Island Jacqueline Pechette jaypech@sbcglobal.net
Jan Dietz jkdtz@mchsi.com
LOUISIANA New Orleans
Chicago North Shore Carol Henrikson rlhenrikson@gmail.com
Tracey M. Cannon tmc@wbkaplc.com axidnola.webs.com
Orlando
Joan Marable marable@earthlink.net diablovalley.alphaxidelta.org
COLORADO
Fresno
Dianne E. Ziegler dezmartini@comcast.net alphaxideltadenver.blogspot.com
Kimberly Balch kimberlybalch@comcast.net
Linda Zerfing and Mary Ellen South zerf42@verizon.net and mesouth@embarqmail.com
Denver
Pikes Peak Jo A. Weilbrenner weilbrennerj@msn.com
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Summer 2012
Amy Jo Holobyn ajholobyn@yahoo.com
Chicago Northwest Suburban
Palm Beach
Deborah Keyes axiddeb@gmail.com alphaxidelta-nwchicago.blogspot.com
Thelma Jean Merck Parker tjpv8@aol.com
Chicago West Towns Shari Arends sja816@att.net
MAINE Southern Maine Jamie Deshaies mainealphaxialums@gmail.com mainealphaxialums.wordpress.com/
MARYLAND
Omaha
Cincinnati
PENNSYLVANIA
Houston
Maryland Metro
Jill Freeman jmfreeman@west.com
Nicole A. Kuzmin-Nichols nkn@saneron-ccel.com
Philadelphia Diana Rizzo dar707@gmail.com
Monica Schafer schafer.monica@gmail.com alphaxidelta-houston.org
Pittsburgh
San Antonio Metroplex
Sheri Baumel sheribaumel@yahoo.com axidmmaa.blogspot.com
Cleveland
NEVADA Las Vegas
MASSACHUSETTS Greater Boston Jill Potts jillpotts@comcast.net
Greater Worcester Stefani Magnino Holmes stefalphaxidelta@comcast.net
Nikki Westlind lv.alphaxi.alumnae@gmail.com vegasalphaxidelta.org/
Marian S. West mswest59@hotmail.com
Cuyahoga West Shore Lara Mueller lara.mueller1@gmail.com
NEW JERSEY
Dayton
Northern New Jersey
Jan Dorrough Austin janaustin@woh.rr.com
Virginia Drick Messing svdrickm@gmail.com
MICHIGAN Ann Arbor
Michelle Murray clevelandazd@yahoo.com
NEW YORK
Marsha Schendel marshaschendel@hotmail.com
RHODE ISLAND
VIRGINIA
Greater Rhode Island
Northern Virginia
Bernie LeBeau latta11@yahoo.com rhodeisland.alphaxidelta.org
Newark-Granville Donna Butler Hill trsh13@windstream.net
Springfield
Danielle Palermo daniellepalermo@gmail.com
Amanda L. Timmons ashawonu01@yahoo.com
Nadine Leisz nadine_leisz@yahoo.com alphaxidelta-nvaa.org
Tidewater
TENNESSEE Memphis Area
Albany-Schenectady
Detroit Metro Lynn Goldberg lybobrow@umich.edu
Alison Calderone aec5940@version.net
Kasey Bramlitt kasey.bramlitt@gmail.com
Nashville Buffalo
Warren
Barbara Michalski fillneck@aol.com
Heather E. Bland heatherb2442@gmail.com
New York City
Youngstown
TEXAS
nycalphaxidelta@gmail.com nycalphaxidelta.blogspot.com
Rebecca Sumner ajhayname@aol.com
Arlington
Stephanie Thompson nashvilleaxid@gmail.com
Jennifer Patterson jennifersandquist@hotmail.com
WASHINGTON Seattle Megan Caldwell megcaldwell@gmail.com axidseattlealumnae.com
Western Wayne County Marge Manspeaker mlm@mailbug.com
MINNESOTA
Rochester
Minneapolis-St. Paul
Virginia Vorhis vvorhis@juno.com
Becky Soderholm mspaa.axid@gmail.com msp.alphaxidelta.org
MISSOURI Greater Kansas City Katy Geller axidgkcaa@gmail.com
NORTH CAROLINA
OKLAHOMA Oklahoma City
Austin
Monta Johnson alphaxideltaokc@gmail.com
Beth Barry axid_austin_alums@yahoo.com axidaustin.blogspot.com
Western North Carolina
Tulsa
Ericka Champion elcalphaxi@gmail.com
Lynne Stanley Caroon lscaroon@hotmail.com tulsa.okc.alphaxidelta.org
OHIO Akron
OREGON
Aline Neumann abonstarspur@juno.com
Laura King x923@aol.com
Corvallis Judy Brazee brazee@ipns.com
Bowling Green Lincoln Kara Heideman kheideman@gmail.com axidlincolnalum.wordpress.com/
Linda Polzin grandmanonny@hotmail.com
Greater Milwaukee Melissa Schinker Reed alphaxigmaa@gmail.com greatermilwaukee.alphaxidelta.org
Madison Area Elizabeth Williams Polousky opolousky@wi.rr.com
Bay Area Houston-Galveston Jennie Hampton hampton.jennie@gmail.com
Brazos Valley
St. Louis
NEBRASKA
Terri Wilson arlingtonaxid@gmail.com arlingtonaxid.com
WISCONSIN
Portland Karen Rosvall axidpdx@yahoo.com facebook.com/AXiDPDX
Judy Bochner jbbochner@suddenlink.net
Dallas Kathy Moore Dwight info@alphaxideltadallas.org alphaxideltadallas.org
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Notable Alumnae
Alumnae Awards and Recognition Myra Grant, Western Carolina ’67, is the recipient of the 2012 Athena Leadership Award. The award is given to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential. Myra is the Vice President for Community Accountability and Philanthropy for Pardee Hospital located in Hendersonville, North Carolina. As a longtime advocate for women's health issues, she became the first executive director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation in 1996. Myra created the Women Helping Women program, a fundraiser that has generated more than $1.6 million since 1998 for equipment, facilities and services for women's health care. The program also provides financial assistance for uninsured women at Pardee Hospital. Women Helping Women has assisted more than 1,000 women with a variety of health care needs including diagnostic screenings and procedures for cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Maxine Hubbard Burton, Georgia ’71, was recently named a 2012 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. The Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction award honors a woman who reflects the values in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and who serves as an excellent role model for girls. Maxine Burton, founder and president of burton + BURTON™, built her company into one of the largest suppliers of balloons, floral supplies, and related gifts in the world. She has been recognized on numerous occasions, both domestically and internationally, for her work as an entrepreneur and as a philanthropic leader. Linda Hoeppner Lovgren, APR, Iowa State ’69, was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes the important role business leaders have played in the growth and development of Omaha, Nebraska. Lovgren founded the Lovgren Marketing Group more than 30 years ago and became one of Omaha’s top entrepreneurs. When she was 29, with a 16 month old at home and five months pregnant, Lovgren started her own advertising and public relations company with a loan from her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Burdette
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Hoeppner of Buffalo Center. The loan was repaid within a year, the babies, son Todd and daughter Laura Lovgren Paul now have children of their own. Lovgren served as chairman of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the only woman to hold that post in the 100 years history of the organization. During this time the city took on its new icon: O! She has chaired the Nebraska Methodist College Board of Directors and sits on the boards of Nebraska State Fair, the Partnership for Our Kids, The Neighborhood Center and was the honorary chair of ArtVenture, an event to benefit Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, among other community endeavors. She also founded the Nebraska Casting for Recovery program which plans a fly-fishing retreat for breast cancer survivors. Lovgren has also chaired the boards of the Omaha Federation of Advertising and the Nebraska Public Relations Society. Ellen Hartman Pearey Gast (deceased), Nebraska at Omaha ’51, was named the 2012 Legendary Woman at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In 2009, the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha unanimously decided to offer an annual award to honor women alumni who have made lifelong contributions to UNO. Ellen was the Editor of The Quill from 1965-1984 and served as chairman of the National Panhellenic Editors Conference from 1977-1979. Anna Weaver, East Carolina ’76, was recently inducted into the College Nursing Hall of Fame, along with seven other nurses from the East Carolina College of Nursing. This award recognizes exemplary contributions to the nursing profession, including nursing education, administration, research and practice. Anna currently serves as the assistant vice president of transplant, trauma and surgical services at Vidant Medical Center. She previously held numerous administrative roles in surgical and operative services at Vidan Medical Center and several leadership positions with the Association of Operating Room Nurses. In addition to her service to the nursing community, Anna is the Chapter Advisor for the Gamma Phi Chapter at East Carolina University.
Alumna Profile
Dedicating her Life to the ARTS For fifteen years, The Arts and Culture Commission has recognized art leaders throughout the country with the coveted Arts Recognition Award, an award honoring individual, business or charitable organizations that have made a significant artistic or philanthropic contribution to Contra Costa’s arts and culture over a sustained period of time. This year, Joan Frazell Marable, California Berkeley ’58, received the award for her dedication to teaching art. Joan had her first encounter with teaching in the late 1960s, when she volunteered for the Head Start Program, in Oakland, California. At the time, Joan was working as a freelance designer and the store she worked for was getting ready to close. “The experience I had at Head Start made me think that teaching could be a better direction to go in,” Joan said. She became an elementary teacher at a parochial school, a school that provides religious education in addition to conventional education. When her daughter, Theresa, was young, Joan remained home and continued to educate others by tutoring. She also taught an after school art program and trained scout leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area. Joan is one of the founders of the Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE), previously known as the Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation (LASF), a private, parent supported and financed program to bring art, music and science into the Lafayette school district. Joan has been teaching for the foundation for 30 years and is the only founding member still teaching with LPIE today. This has been fertile ground for the full expression of Joan’s years of art education. Her own experiences in the visual arts at the university level are transferred directly into her elementary classrooms, offering a rich learning experience for students. She consistently provides her first through fifth graders a challenging, but supportive atmosphere, and Joan’s teaching method provides students with the opportunity to use their emotions and imaginations to explore their creativity through painting, drawing, print making and sculpture. Some of the concepts taught to her students are even difficult for adults to understand, but the students are able to grasp them easily because of Joan’s simplified explanations. This is seen with subjects such as Picasso, the Abstract Expressionist, and concepts such as negative space. When others ask Joan if she plans to retire, Joan always responds with, “Why would I? This is really so much fun, the
In recognition of her award, Joan received a glass sculpture designed by a local glassmaker, and a proclamation was bestowed on her by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors during a ceremony in Martinez, California.
children are so creative and I can try new lessons whenever I want to,” Joan explained. Plus, it has been a very rewarding experience. “The kids come up to you and give you a big hug when you get there, and some of the older kids come up to me and thank me for teaching a lesson or for being an art teacher at the end of the year,” Joan said. One afternoon while Joan was traveling from one school to another, she stopped at a Jack-in-the-Box restaurant. It was lunchtime, and the place was crowded. All of a sudden, an attractive, young man approached her and gave her a big hug. “Thank you so much for introducing me to the painters and the arts,” he said. “I always wanted to find you and thank you.” Joan learned that her former student was now a painter and attending the California College of the Arts. When everyone in the restaurant witnessed this exchange, they all started applauding. For Joan, the goal is not to make painters or other artists of all children, but to give them the tools and standards to observe nature more acutely, appreciate the negative space between branches, see the beauty in simple things that others never see, a crack in the sidewalk, become museum or theatre goers, make good selections in clothing or anything else they may purchase and to be open and knowledgeable enough to appreciate the arts.
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Sister to Sister By Dawn Parker, Hillsdale ’84
BIKING FOR A
CURE Elizabeth Griffin, Hillsdale ’83, has a very special reason for the time and energy she devotes to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Her daughter Chelsea, who turns 21 this November, will celebrate a different milestone just prior to her birthday–20 years of managing Type 1 diabetes. To mark the occasion–and to keep up the search for a cure – Elizabeth is planning a 105-mile bike ride through Death Valley, California, on Saturday, October 20. The “Ride to Cure Diabetes” will take her up to 12 hours to complete and requires her to raise $4,000 for JDRF. “Raising the money is a huge challenge and the bike ride is a huge challenge, but it pales in comparison to living with juvenile diabetes,” Elizabeth said. “I want Chelsea and the other children I’ve met over the last 20 years not to have to deal with this anymore.” Elizabeth is a founding member of the Zeta Sigma Chapter at Hillsdale College, and she completed dual bachelor’s degrees in sociology/social work and religion in 1986. She went on to earn her master’s of social work from Western Michigan University in 1989. Elizabeth is a behavior consultant with the Elkhart County (Indiana) Special Education Cooperative. She and her husband, Doug, who celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on May 30, have three children – Chelsea, Katie and Max. For the first 11 months of Chelsea’s life, she appeared to be a normal, healthy baby. “She was perfect and so beautiful. I loved her so much,” Elizabeth recalled. A bout with flu-like symptoms got Elizabeth to take Chelsea on a Friday to the doctor, who said it was a virus that would pass in a couple of days. She didn’t get better, and by Monday another doctor was asking Elizabeth if Chelsea was drinking a lot and urinating a lot. Elizabeth said yes, unaware those were diabetes symptoms. She would learn soon enough. “We never knew a baby that young could (develop diabetes),” she recalled. The family, then living in Martinsville, Indiana, first took Chelsea to Bloomington Hospital and then to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Chelsea spent most of two days in a diabetic coma and was hospitalized for two weeks in all.
39 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Summer 2012
Chelsea (right), who turns 21 this fall, has spent nearly her whole life managing Type 1 diabetes.
Raising Chelsea has included its share of health scares and challenges. It was always difficult to leave her with a babysitter, Elizabeth recalled, and sleepovers were tough, too. “It gets so out of control, and sometimes you feel so helpless,” she continued. “We did not get a lot of breaks.” Today, Chelsea is a gifted artist who is two-thirds of the way through a bachelor’s degree program in media arts and animation at The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. “I wouldn’t be the person I am without my mom. She’s there to support me through the good times and the bad,” Chelsea said. “She’s always been there for me, and I know I can always count on her.” A move to Elkhart, Indiana, in the mid-1990s led to new friends and new opportunities to work for a cure. The Griffins helped form a support group that has steadily grown, from raising $50,000 from a 1996 walking event to more than $300,000 in 2011. “I think it is amazing. My mom really goes out there and does everything she can. She’s always volunteering and raising money, and she is always so involved,” Chelsea said. Her work with JDRF has also motivated Chelsea to take on several lengthy bike rides. She’s been to Death Valley three times since 2001, and has also ridden in Whitefish, Montana, and LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 2011. Elizabeth will be joined on this trip to Death Valley by her brother, Jamie, who often races competitively in Michigan. “He won’t be riding with me!” she joked. For more information on the JDRF Bike Rides or to contribute to the cause, call 574.273.1810 or visit http://bit.ly/axidjdrf.
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is the name given to disorders in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Two Major Types
TYPE 1
TYPE 2
An autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. T1D usually strikes in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood, and lasts a lifetime. Just to survive, people with T1D must take multiple injections of insulin daily or continually infuse insulin through a pump.
A metabolic disorder in which a person's body still produces insulin but is unable to use it effectively. Type 2 is usually diagnosed in adulthood and does not always require insulin injections. However, increased obesity has led to a recent rise in cases of type 2 diabetes in children and young adults.
Taking insulin does not cure any type of diabetes, nor does it prevent the possibility of the disease's devastating effects: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputation, heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
THE SCOPE OF DIABETES
ABOUT JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION (JDRF) JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal. Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. Past JDRF efforts have helped to significantly advance the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. Source: www.jdrf.org
18.8 Million
366 Million
30 seconds
Americans diagnosed with diabetes
People affected worldwide by diabetes
Average time a new case of diabetes is diagnosed in the U.S.
Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes: Extreme thirst Frequent urination Sudden vision changes Sugar in urine Sudden weight loss
Drowsiness, lethargy Heavy, labored breathing Increased appetite Stupor, unconsciousness Fruity, sweet or wine-like odor on breath
% 3 . 8
e of g a t n Perce ans who ric Ame diabetes have
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From the Archives
M
uch like Mamie Doyle, profiled on page 18, Helen Thomas Olson,
Minnesota ’31, competed in her own
bake-off competition. Helen was featured in the May 1953 issue of The Quill for her participation
Try out Helen’s peppermint cookies! Sift together 1 ½ cups of sifted enriched flour, ½ teaspoon double acting baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger.
in the Pillsbury Mills Fourth Annual Recipe and Baking Contest held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Blend together 2/3 cup shortening, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup dark brown sugar, creaming well.
in New York City. Helen was chosen as one of 100 finalists across the country to compete for $100,000 in awards given by Pillsbury Mills. Although she didn’t win the competition with her famous peppermint cookies, Helen did walk away with $100, a new G.E. Stratoliner Range, a G.E. mixer and a new kitchen chair and table.
41 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Summer 2012
Add 1 egg, 2 tablespoons molasses. Beat well. Blend in ½ cup crushed peppermint stick candy (about 2 ounces) and dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Drop by teaspoon on floured baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes.
an inspiring
gift
Virginia Raymond Verkuilen was a loyal, caring Sister who was one of those rare individuals who, as our Founders envisioned, thought more of others than themselves. Virginia was initiated into Beta Eta Chapter at the University of Maryland on February 15, 1942. She entered Chapter Eternal two days before her 70th anniversary in Alpha Xi Delta. Virginia enrolled at the University of Maryland in 1941. Her family lived in Washington, D.C., so that first year she lived at home and commuted. At the end of the year, she made a strong case for joining a sorority to her mother. It was a hard sell, but Virginia prevailed, joined Alpha Xi Delta and moved into the chapter house. Following graduation, Virginia worked in the Department of the Navy. She was soon contacted by Winnafred Corwin Robinson, Alpha Xi Delta National President, about assisting in the formation of a new chapter at Indiana University (IU). Virginia agreed and went to pursue her graduate studies and work as a resident assistant. While at IU, she met Michael Verkuilen. The two were married on June 26, 1948. Michael was a widower with a seven year old son and this family of three quickly grew to a family of eight. Virginia always said that having five children in six years was a great way to use her Master’s degree as a school Guidance Counselor. In 1968, Virginia attended her first Alpha Xi Delta National Convention. Michael traveled with her, and they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Virginia was the delegate for the Gary, Indiana Alumnae Chapter. Mike joined the Beau Brummels, a group of husbands and sons who serenaded at conventions. Among the memorabilia sent to Fraternity Headquarters this winter was Virginia’s 12-page typewritten convention report to the chapter. She wrote, “As an Alpha Xi Delta for over 25 years, I have become familiar with many names of those in high places–our National Council
Foundation
members, Executive Secretaries, etc. At convention, they become flesh and blood people and personalities. It is the lifelong dedication of these women and others in leadership positions over the years that has brought Alpha Xi Delta to the strong national rank it holds, and made the wonderful 75th Anniversary Virginia is still continuing to inspire women to realize their convention possible. My constant potential through her generous wish while I was there was that gift that will be used to support each of you could be with me to current educational priorities share the enthusiasm and such as the Leadership Coach inspiration of those days.” and StrengthsQuest™ Programs. When she moved to Kirkland, Washington, in the 1990s, she joined the Seattle Alumnae Association where she received her Order of the Pearl in 2002, for 50 years of membership. In her estate, Virginia left a $30,000 unrestricted bequest to Alpha Xi Delta Foundation. A portion of her generous gift is supporting current educational priorities such as the Leadership Coach and StrengthsQuest™ Programs. Mary Dodd, Virginia’s daughter, wrote, “Mother’s membership in the Alpha Xi Delta fraternity was a source of great joy and pride for her and she remained a loyal and active alumna throughout her life. She believed strongly in the goals and ideals of your organization.” Virginia Raymond Verkuilen is the finest example of grace, courage and kindness. She inspires us, and we are blessed she chose to bring Alpha Xi Delta into her life.
Support Alpha Xi Delta’s future by including the Foundation in your will or revocable living trust. Here is suggested wording for your documents: “I give, devise and bequeath (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.” Alumnae and friends who inform us they have provided for Alpha Xi Delta Foundation in their estate plans are enrolled in our Society of 1893. Contact Kendra Lewis, Director of Development, at 317.872.3500 or klewis@alphaxidelta.org with questions or for more information.
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Foundation Memorial Gifts The Alpha Xi Delta Foundation recognizes Honor Gifts given from January 1, 2012, through April 30, 2012. Mary Justice Allemang, Indiana University by Pauline Huston Miller, Coe College Rachel Baker, Indiana University of Pennsylvania by Brianna Marabito, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Kurt Lodge Deindoerfer, son of June Hales Deindoerfer, Missouri Valley College by Kimberly Starr, University of Kentucky Rex Felton, Jr., father of Sue Felton Nakanishi, Baldwin-Wallace College by Pamela McCormick Barkman, Baldwin-Wallace College Jane Russell Fernandez, University of California, Berkeley
Dorothy Padgett Ingels, Purdue University by Theresa Busby Stripling, Purdue University Ruth Simmons James, Michigan State University by Allison James Green, Albion College Charlotte Swain Jones, Kansas State University
Christine Priebe, mother of Sandra Priebe Day, Frostburg State University by Pamela Gardiner Enger, Frostburg State University Margaret Reinert, University of Denver by Betty Fideler Dale, University of South Dakota Lawrence and Opal Sabo, parents of Karen Sabo Indusi
by Dorothy Anderson Tregea, University of California, Berkeley
by Jeanette Jinks Horrall, Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana,
by Karen Sabo Indusi, C.W. Post campus of Long Island University
by Betty Fideler Dale, University of South Dakota
Christina Goyett, Bowling Green State University
Alumnae Association Mary Ruth Hadley Snyder, Purdue University
Lillian Brown Shafer, Florida State University
Lola Kirbyson Bartol, University of Oregon by Becky Anderson Wiseman, Kansas State University
by Patricia Neorr Beam, Ohio Northern University Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College Rebecca Richter Perrett, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
by Heather Roberts Lerch, Rider University Eleanor Roberts, Friend of Alpha Xi Delta
Ann Williams Hall, University of Alabama
Elsie Heurich Lieber, The Ohio State University
by Lois Taylor Williams, University of Alabama
by Ellen Wachtel Turner, University of Oregon
Connie Genovese Halprin, University of New Orleans
Sarah Margaret Loyd, grandmother of Charlotte West Lewis Martin
by Denise Favret Donner, University of New Orleans
by Charlotte West Lewis Martin, University of Georgia
Sarah Hammond, Bowling Green State University
Barbara Magnuson, University of Nebraska at Omaha
by Patricia Neorr Beam, Ohio Northern University Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College Rebecca Richter Perrett, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
by Debby Whitehill Bloom, University of Nebraska at Omaha Marilyn Herbes Horner, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Donna Oliver Barnes, University of South Dakota
Rebekah Blakkolb, Bowling Green State University by Patricia Neorr Beam, Ohio Northern University Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Beta Phi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College Rebecca Richter Perrett, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jeanne Bolin by Patricia Bolin Glenn, University of Illinois Rosalie Lee Chilton Brookins, Kent State University by Gary Brookins, husband of Rosalie Lee Chilton Brookins Linda Lutz Dettmer, BaldwinWallace College Harry Winfield Brown, father of Sharon Brown Richardson, University of Texas by Kimberly Starr, University of Kentucky Karen Shafer Chacon, University of Nebraska at Kearney by Karen Hofelt McNeil, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
43 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Anna-Marie Charlotte Lerch, daughter of Heather Roberts Lerch
Clara Pietzsch Moore, Coe College by Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Alumnae Association
Rosa Hernandez by Mary Lou Hernandez O’Connor, Methodist University Jessica Hughes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln by Jacqueline Rockwell Eldal, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Summer 2012
Miriam Wolstenholme Newell, Stetson University by Nancy Drenan Prendergast, The Ohio State University
by Nancy Fehrmann Gainer, Iowa State University Florence Sharp, Albion College by Tucson, Arizona, Alumnae Association Ann Snyder, mother of Pat Palmateer, Stetson University by Joan Clark, University of Florida Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College Marjorie Wintz Stenger, West Virginia University by Nancy Stenger Todd, University of Maryland Prudence McCracken Stewart, Kansas State University by Judith Dierdorff Stehley, Kansas State University Martha Davies Stone, Randolph-Macon College by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan University Rachael Stueder, Kansas State University by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity Charolyn Lacey Miller, Kansas State University Kathy Nicklaus Owrey, Henderson State University Lois Kopper Stump, Kansas State University by Diane Andrich, University of Northern Colorado
Susan Miskinis Bigus, The Ohio State University Jill Foster Bortel, Defiance College Chi Omega Fraternity Denver, Colorado, Alumnae Association Frances Tomlin Dudenhoeffer, Texas State University-San Marcos Deborah Pyles Grandia, University of Northern Colorado Kappa Delta Sorority Mary Alice McCauley Kranz, Purdue University Rebecca Neilson, Frostburg State University Beverly Case Rorer, University of Pennsylvania Sigma Sigma Sigma Betty French Unkel, The Ohio State University Ann Engberg Walters, Coe College by Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Alumnae Association Mary Wells, East Carolina University by Judyth Eargle Hustrulid, East Carolina University Fred Wilder, husband of Marguerite Wilder, Baldwin-Wallace College by Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College
Beta Eta Recolonization, University of Maryland
Meghan Elizabeth Griffith, daughter of Margaret Miesiaszek Griffith
by Cheryl Groff Letcher, University of Maryland
by Margaret Miesiaszek Griffith, Western Carolina University
Cincinnati Alumnae Association
Sandra Johnson, mother of Jessica Johnson-Tryon
by Ann Knappenberger Burdorf, Ohio University
by Jessica Johnson-Tryon, California State University, Stanislaus
Elizabeth Ritz, Ohio Northern University
Trisha Daniel, Auburn University, December 2011 FVP of the month
Carolyn Justus, Kent State University
by Kendra Zedaker, Ohio Northern University
by Omega Financial, Inc.
by Mindy Bruton, Kent State University
Delta Psi Pledge Class Fall 1982, Texas State University-San Marcos, for a happy anniversary
Marian Hoke Knipfer, University of Mount Union
by Julie Purnell, Texas State University-San Marcos Linda Lutz Dettmer, BaldwinWallace College by Jody Dettmer Halley, Baldwin-Wallace College Sandi Edwards, University of Kentucky by Barbara Oras Blatchford, Northern Illinois University Epsilon Gamma, Western Carolina University by Margaret Kiernan Witt, Western Carolina University
Carol Woods, Cornell University by Allene Cushing Knibloe, Cornell University
Epsilon Kappa Recolonization, Western Kentucky University by Susan Buhay Du Part, Western Kentucky University
Honor Gifts
Lila Chesney Erickson, University of Maryland
by Bridge Club Rebekah Lautensauk, Ohio Northern University by Kendra Zedaker, Ohio Northern University Michele Romine Lawson, Southeast Missouri State University, for the birth of her legacy, Molly Lee Lawson by Jennifer Gianino, Southeast Missouri State University Jessica Merry, Dartmouth College, November 2011 FVP of the month by Omega Financial, Inc.
Kayla Somoles, Bowling Green State University by Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College Jane Hooper Sutton, Western Carolina University by Barbara Oras Blatchford, Northern Illinois University
Nicole Valdes, University of Central Florida, for her birthday
by Hilda Chase Mullen, Memphis State University
by Megan Horst, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Epsilon Kappa Installation, Western Kentucky University
Megan Nemlich, Cornell University
Angela Flynn, Alma College Samantha Barnette, University of Central Florida
by Jim & Cindy Flynn, Friends of Alpha Xi Delta
by Chelsea Dickson, University of Central Florida
Jennifer Cross Shepherd, Lyon College by Heather Mize Skinner, Lyon College
Rachel Mullen, Christian Brothers University
by Keith & Pam Nemlich, Friends of Alpha Xi Delta
Leslie Barnhart, West Virginia Wesleyan College, on the occasion of her wedding by Crystal Kramer, West Virginia Wesleyan College
by Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College
by Donna Milford Wischmann, University of Wisconsin
by Gloria Barnabei MacKenzie, University of Maryland
Alexa Godel, University of Central Florida
Elizabeth Diane Schratt, newborn daughter of Kimberly Diane Schratt, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Angelica Mormile, Bowling Green State University by Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance College
The Alpha Xi Delta Foundation recognizes Honor Gifts given from January 1, 2012, through April 30, 2012.
by Chelsea Dickson, University of Central Florida
Danielle Scheve Reynolds, Southeast Missouri State University, for the birth of her legacy, Caroline June Reynolds by Jennifer Gianino, Southeast Missouri State University
Theta Chapter Class of 1964, University of Wisconsin
by Paige Faries, Western Kentucky University
Order of the Rose recipients of Chesapeake Alumnae Association by Mary Ellen Cunningham South, Frostburg State University Emily Rehberg, Purdue University, October 2011 FVP of the month by Omega Financial, Inc.
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Chapter Eternal The summer 2012 Chapter Eternal includes all the names of Sisters whose passing was reported to Fraternity Headquarters between February 1, 2012 and May 31, 2012. 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.
Gamma Chapter University of Mount Union Lisa Ann Schoeppner Dye ’86 Harriett Moore Fletcher ’37 Zeta Chapter Wittenberg University Jeanne Eloise Worley Baker ’44 Kathryn Eicher Carlson ’35 Mary Sartor Avant Jowitt ’69 Helen Sturgeon Richeson ’37 Barbara Joan Faust Scott ’54 Mary Margaret Dickey Wise ’35 Eta Chapter Syracuse University Doris Blossom Gorman ’37 Theta Chapter University of Wisconsin Sylvia Barker Thalman ’46 Iota Chapter West Virginia University Elizabeth Hashinger Behringer ’39 Nancy Evelyn Breeden Davis ’52
45 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Kappa Chapter University of Illinois Anne Krebs Crane ’43 Sondra Jean Strong Gullett ’55 Irma Cole Harmeson ’77 Chrisanthe Marinakos Kezios ’55
Mary Hope Hamilton O’Brien ’43 Donna Tatman Petri ’45 Rilla Mae Nevin Rader ’37 Marilyn Fisher Roth ’53 Lorene Svendsen Stovall ’63 Dorothy Janet Speer Welchoff ’48
Mu Chapter University of Minnesota Flora M. Mead ’45 Rosalind Borchert Rundberg ’47 Ms. Karen Gertrude Waelen ’58
Sigma Chapter University of Iowa Margaret Ann Goodnow Roth ’47
Nu Chapter University of Washington Mary Ann Johnston Dieckmann ’38 Vivian Joan Hackman McNabb ’44 Mary Talbot Hellieson Pranger ’45 Xi Chapter University of Kentucky Elaine Lyon Razor ’49 Anna May Stark ’28 Omicron Chapter University of California-Berkeley Jane Elinor Pardee Brown ’43 Barbara Von Schmidt ’45 Pi Chapter Ohio University Elaine Susan Beeler Heslop ’37 Joan Carroll Loving ’48 Rho Chapter University of Nebraska-Lincoln Joyce Hobbs Beavers ’52 Susan Ann Wood Duello ’66 Carol Jean Wedberg Kmoch ’67 Mary Ellen Long-Melnick ’34 Barbara Joan Grant Morford ’69 Ruth Joanne Speer Neff ’48
Summer 2012
Psi Chapter The Ohio State University Audrey Kneisley Harding ’38 Nancy Jean Lather Heckelman ’60 Shirley Thomas Hinke ’37 Omega Chapter Stetson University Helen Christine Magaha McAllister ’45 Lydia Ann Theurer Pfund ’37 Alpha Beta Chapter Cornell University Jane Davison Fast ’37 Delia Ann Gustafson Stroman ’43 Carol Evelyn Young Whitehill ’37 Alpha Gamma Chapter Coe College Mrs. Ann Louise Engberg Walters ’41 Dorothy Jane Plock White ’39 Alpha Delta Chapter Oregon State University Virginia Leblond Fehr ’39
Alpha Eta Chapter Purdue University Ellen Carter Bossong ’38 Elizabeth Ann Pryor Boyle ’44 Jeri Jo Buck Kingery ’74 Rita Jane Bush Morris ’36 Alice Hrycak Wood ’44 Alpha Theta Chapter Northwestern University Alice Elizabeth Pfeiffer Deethardt ’42 Eileen Vierow Mondi ’37 Doris Bristol Collins Stackhouse ’52 Alpha Iota Chapter Drake University Eloise Mahan Ash ’37 Ruthe Conn Johnston Miller ’43 Alpha Kappa Chapter Kansas State University Mildred B. Julian Andrick ’29 Prudence Allyn McCracken Stewart ’55 Alpha Lambda Chapter University of Oregon Carmen Louise Williams Lofte ’39 Alpha Mu Chapter Ohio Wesleyan University Lois Chambers Dilatush ’45 Joyce Griffin Kurz ’51 Juliet Auman Metcalf ’38 Jane Wisenall Sexton ’36 Alpha Pi Chapter Middlebury College Jean Macabee Sweeny Hancock ’37 Marie J. Ernst Sloper ’30
Alpha Phi Chapter University of Pennsylvania Mary Louise Fanger Brooks ’44 Alpha Omega Chapter Florida State University Lillian Brown Shafer ’29 Beta Epsilon Chapter Monmouth College Mary Alice Prescott Marth ’42 Jo Ann Laible O’Hern ’52 Marcena Hill Smallwood ’35 Beta Eta Chapter University of Maryland Virginia Lafour Raymond Verkuilen ’42 Beta Theta Chapter Michigan State University Ida Cherrill Todd Klotz ’41 Patricia Jane Taylor Maclake ’41 Beta Kappa Chapter Baldwin-Wallace College Elizabeth Lee Shea Walker ’46 Beta Lambda Chapter Pennsylvania State University Luella Ruth Reist Bradley ’44 Patricia Dolores Kildee Walsh ’54 Beta Mu Chapter Bowling Green State University Rebekah Blakkolb ’10 Christina Goyett ’11 Sarah Hammond ’09
Beta Xi Chapter Marietta College Edyth Marilena Janusz Sherck ’45 Beta Pi Chapter Indiana University Mary M. Justice Allemang ’47 Kathryne Elizabeth Terrell Voelker ’46 Beta Sigma Chapter West Virginia Wesleyan College Harriett Virginia Whetsell Welshonce ’47
Delta Iota Chapter Chadron State College Norma Trice Elkins ’63 Delta Xi Chapter Georgia State University Jo Ann McCord Erickson ’64 Mary Dabney McCartney ’75 Epsilon Gamma Chapter Western Carolina University Jane Barrett Watson Bowers ’81 Epsilon Theta Chapter West Liberty State College Cynthia Cwynar Bittengle ’81
Beta Tau Chapter Kent State University Rosalie Chilton Brookins ’57
Epsilon Nu Chapter University of Hartford Cecilia Welna ’68
Beta Omega Chapter Memphis State University Jane Ann Pritchard Smith ’57
Zeta Eta Chapter West Chester University Joann Nancy McLaughlin ’75
Gamma Alpha Chapter San Diego State University Kathleen Ryan Marquardt ’52
Alpha Deuteron Chapter Mary Adaline Roess ’64 Doris Burns Cook ’64
Gamma Gamma Chapter University of Arizona Catherine B. Gairaud Padgett ’51 Gamma Delta Chapter University of Nebraska at Omaha Joyce Elaine Erdkamp Culligan ’51 Barbara J. Magnuson ’50
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Living Our Symphony By Mary Ellen Cunningham South, Frostburg State ’61
My God, You Are So
Brave
One of the most meaningful lines from my favorite film, “Out of Africa”, is when Baroness Karen Von Blixen-Finecke, played by Meryl Streep, turns to her husband and says, “My God, you are so brave.” That line comes to mind when I reflect on the stories of my chapter Sisters and those members of the Chesapeake Alumnae Association who have become caregivers. Now that our lives have matured, we have witnessed a role of reversal among many of our family members and friends. We are now the ones who must provide support, and we remember the role Alpha Xi Delta provided in our lives to help us be brave and function with a clear purpose of life. Sheila Klase Benac, Frostburg ’72, is one Sister who became a caretaker. Sheila’s brother, Kevin, suffered from metastatic lung cancer, and he survived many months of chemo and radiation therapy. “The cancer had completely ravaged his body and it was horrifying to watch,” Sheila recalled. “When he was moved to hospice, we watched with sadness as he progressively went downhill until he could no longer communicate with us.” Sheila decided to take her brother in and care for him when there was no one else. “My brother and I were polar opposites and seldom saw eye to eye. By the end of his life, all of that was forgotten,” Sheila said. Not only did Sheila care for her brother, but when her mother, Avis, was scammed out of $38,000, Sheila stepped up again. For the past six years, Sheila has cared for her mother, as well as Sheila’s own son and husband. She watched as her mom went from a vivacious woman to a dementia patient who needs constant care. “My mother Sheila (left) has cared for her mother, Avis (right), for the past six years.
47 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Summer 2012
was a terrific mother and always sacrificed for us,” Sheila said. “How can I do less for her?” Patricia Vranas Land-McCauley, Frostburg ’62, has another situation. After her first husband’s death, she became responsible for her mother–in-law. “Taking care of her from 350 miles away has been challenging,” Patricia expresses. “Failure of physical health and now dementia makes every day challenging.” Patricia elected to bring in daily care, but is still plagued daily by phone calls expressing concerns about money, driving, no food, etc. The grandchildren, who are now grown women, have their own lives to deal with, leaving Patricia with this major responsibility. Darleen Miller, Frostburg ’61, has written a book on being a caretaker for those who take on this difficult and heartwarming task. Her book, “Yes! It Really Is All About Me: The Journey of a Lifetime,” shares the idea that in order to be effective caretakers, we must take care of ourselves. At an early age, Miller began her own personal journey as a lifelong teacher and caregiver to her parents, grandparents and her three children. During her 47-year marriage, Darleen supported her husband’s military career and became his primary caregiver as he battled cancer during the last 12 years of his life. The experiential workbook is a reflection of Darleen’s holistic self-exploration and care giving experiences. Darleen’s definition of a caregiver encompasses the self, as she says a caregiver supports and nurtures the needs of others and often neglects his/her own needs to offer support and loving kindness. Alpha Xi Delta has taught each of us to “share both joy and sorrow” in our lives and as caregivers to our loved ones. And my God, how brave we all must be as we embark on this difficult, but loving journey.
In a nutshell…tell us about you. I’m the proud mother of Tayler and Tyler, twin boys who are seniors at Guerin Catholic High School (GCHS) in Noblesville, Indiana. My husband, Tye, and I have been married 20 years. As a family, we enjoy sports, both participating and spectating, and playing cards. I am a licensed Realtor for the F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. and also work as the Director of Gala for GCHS. I enjoy getting together with friends and my annual girls’ trip to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.
You’ve been a long-time Alpha Xi Delta volunteer with our National Housing Corporation and on the Corporation Board at Beta Pi Chapter at Indiana University. What has been your most rewarding moment as a volunteer? I would be hard pressed to define a most rewarding moment as there are many wonderful memories. It’s always rewarding when the light bulb clicks with someone you’re working with and you work together to bring an idea or plan to life. It feels so great to look back and say, “Wow. We did it.” and know it will make a difference.
Alpha Xi Delta taught me… She taught me three things: 1. Trust one another. Don’t worry about things that don’t directly involve you or that you cannot control. 2. Try new things even when you have no idea what you’re doing. It’s not always about succeeding, but about becoming your best “you.” 3. Forgiveness is as much about the forgiver as it is about the forgiven.
Favorite vacation destination: Europe. I love to submerge myself in the culture and take it all in. I’m continually amazed at the vast differences from one country to another especially when you think about their close proximity to one another.
Since you’re a Realtor, what is your best advice for those who are purchasing a home? In the beginning when you are looking for the “right” place, bear in mind that the statistics (i.e. the number of bedrooms and square footage) are the things that draw you in. However, how the home feels when you are standing in it is what generally motivates you to buy a particular home. As you move through the sale, keep a balance of emotions. Try not to get too overjoyed or too stressed because the process of buying a home is a lot like rush-hour traffic -hurry up and wait until you finally get there. In the end, it’s wonderfully exciting! I love playing a role in that part of peoples’ lives.
Why do you pay your alumnae dues? I pay my dues because without them Alpha Xi Delta couldn’t continue to do for the collegiate women today all the great things she did for me at Indiana University. It’s certainly the least I can do. I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of a dynamic group of women in the Indianapolis Alumnae Association. I have learned from, laughed with and truly loved these amazing ladies since I met them—some of whom interviewed me at the Beta Pi colonization in 1987. They have empowered me to be more in Alpha Xi Delta than I could have ever dreamed. Thank you, my friends.
be the
Heart
Shari Vickery, Indiana’87 Do you prefer? ✘
__A.M. or __P.M.? __Coffee or __Tea? ✘ __Salty or ✘ __Sweet? __TV ✘ or __Movies? __Heels or __Flats? ✘ __Left Brained or __Right Brained? ✘
You can Be The Heart of Alpha Xi Delta. Pay your alumnae dues at www.alphaxidelta.org/betheheart.
www.alphaxidelta.org
48
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