RHOyal Knowledge (Central Region Collegiate Affairs Newsletter)

DECEMBER 2018 FALL ISSUE VOLUME 3

Inside the...

Undergraduate GREATER Weekend Page 5

RHOyal Knowledge Inside this Issue

Area Recap

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UG GREATER Weekend Advisors Spotlight

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Founders' Day Chapter FoCUS DON DO IT! Hazing!

Undergrad Spotlights PRHOfessional: Career Readiness

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Advisors Academy Undergrad Accolades

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HAZING!

AFA Annual Meeting Sigma Sanity

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MISS ANNIE NEVILLE 2018 SPOTLIGHT! Page: 8 BORN NOVEMBER 12TH RECOGNITIONS! Page 16

MESSAGE FROM UCC MARSHALLÂ

Greetings to My Beloved Undergraduates and Advisors of the Central Region!

It is my pleasure to introduce the first edition of the RHOyal Knowledge, our region’s undergraduate and advisor quarterly newsletter that will focus on Happenings and Highlights. The Editor, Soror Brandi London, has worked hard on this first issue and WE are excited to what will be a very outstanding publication to you.

As a part of my UCC Purpose Points for the region, it is my desire to honor those undergraduates and advisors. Every soror in our region should know what they are and what they have contributed to sustaining the LifeLine of Sigma Gamma Rho. We hope that through the pages of the RHOyal Knowledge, every soror will feel engaged and connected with everything undergraduates and advisors are doing in the Central Region.

Lastly, I want to say "Thank You" my sorors for blessing me with the opportunity to serve YOU as YOUR Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator. As I travel across the region, it has been a true blessing for me to interact with you. You have made me feel so loved and welcomed on each occasion and for that, I am grateful. Please know that my door is always open! At any time, I want you to feel comfortable contacting me personally. I am here to support and assist through my service with and for you as together WE"RHOyally" work towards "GREATER" for the Central Region!

Sisterly Love and Blessings, UCC Loreal N. Marshall

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Area Meetings 2018

Undergrads the charge is to Level UP the SisteRHOod

Central Undergrads w/ International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith at Area 1,8,9 Meeting!

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November 2-4, 2018 was the kick off to the Undergraduate GREATER Weekend in Rosemont, Illinois. This weekend was planned by the Collegiate Ambassadors, YSC McGee, and UCC Marshall. The Collegiate Ambassadors presented all workshops except for 1 that was presented by UCC Marshall. On Friday night we had the UG CHAT 22/Stroll Session.

Workshop topics included: Think Tank: What do Undergrads Want...

Sisters Circle/Recruitment Conquering Time Management & Stress I Choose YOU Branding & Marketing for Success Social Justice & Equity Your WHY: Accountability Partner Central UG GREATER Graduation Our special guest Central Region Epistoleus Chanel Dickerson assisted with the weekend. The undergraduates got to know UCC Marshall, YSC McGee, and Epistoleus Dickerson on a personal level. It is important to ensure touchpoints with undergraduates in the region.

Collegiate Ambassadors (Zeta Class) Soror Curstyn Franklin, Theta Rho Chapter | Cleveland State University Soror Jazmine Garrett, Mu Chapter | Ball State University Soror Kayla Long, Alpha Chapter | Butler University Soror Ashlei Ross, Sigma Eta Chapter | Northeastern Illinois University Soror Yamani Vinson, Gamma Omega Chapter | Michigan State University Undergraduate Chapter represented: Alpha, Alpha Delta, Beta Rho, Delta Epsilon, Delta Pi, Eta Epsilon, Gamma Omega, Mu, Omicron Chi, Pi Mu, Sigma Eta, Theta Rho, Xi Lambda

UG GREATER WEEKEND

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Central Region

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ADVISOR SPOTLIGHTS 22 Soror Earlene K. Bolton is the current advisor for the Alpha Rho chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. at the University of Missouri. Even before she was the official advisor, she was making sure the chapter run as smoothly as possible. A current member of Zeta Sigma Alumnae chapter, she recently received her Master of Nonprofit Leadership in May 2018. The Alpha Rho chapter would like to thank Soror Bolton for all her hard work in the progression of our chapter and guiding us in Sigma.

Soror Venita Dell has been serving with Sigma Gamma Rho for one year. She has serves on the Membership Committee, Scholarship Committee of Cincinnati Graduate Chapter, Epsilon Lambda Sigma and is currently Pi Upsilon Chapter Advisor Xavier University. Soror Dell is the CEO of Helping Young Mother's Mentor., a non profit mentoring program that is changing 2LIVES for the betterment of our young mothers. Venita has countless hours of mentoring and speaking engagements on "How to Be Your Best" and has develop a"Young Sister's Doing It Right" Life Empowerment Curriculum to help enhance their economic social status and health.

Alumnae Support Soror Charlette Piggee has 10 years of Sigma Service. She is a member of the Finance Committee as the Tamiochus in the Cincinnati Graduate, Epsilon Lambda Sigma. She is a Staff Accountant of Operations at FHLB of Cincinnati, Ohio.

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CENTRAL UNDERGRADUATES CELEBRATING & HONORING

FOUNDERS' DAY Sisterhood Branding Brains Beauty Confidence

Alpha Delta, Harris Stowe State University (St. Louis, MO) is Central Region Undergraduate Chapter of the Year 2018. Kudos to all the amazing work you ladies are putting in on your campus & community. Their Advisor April Gerhardt (Zeta Sigma Alumnae) is doing a phenomenal job with supporting our undergraduates.

"I am always proud to see the work Alpha Delta is up too. They have won the regional stroll competition twice, the 2018 UG Chapter of the Year, leaders on/off campus, and more. Keep up the PAGE: 7 great work." UCC Marshall

CENTRAL REGION

Miss Annie Neville 2018

SOROR NAJA GBALA GAMMA BETA, SOUTHERN IL EDWARDSVILLE Keep serving SIGMA and on behalf of the Central Region our condolences on the loss of your dear grandmother. We love you & know you're a shining star!

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RHOYAL KNOWLEDGE

Chapter Spotlight: Alpha Rho, The University of Missouri-Columbia Submitted by:Kiersten Hill, Alpha Rho Chapter

The Alpha Rho chapter would like to highlight all its members for its work in helping create awareness of issues on Mental Health and rape culture at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The chapter puts on events such as Mental Health Awareness mini week and Make Them Hear You highlight these issues. These topics are starting the conversation on Mizzou’s campus and we are so excited to be apart of the conversation. We hope to continue to bring light to issues to are prominent in our community.

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1 2 3

Hazing is illegal in all 13 States in the Central Region. When you haze you are jeopardizing yourself, family, education, and future.

44 States in the US have laws pertaining to hazing.

HAZING STOP IT!

Familiarize yourself with the definition of hazing: HAZING is any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Take the pledge to bring awareness to Hazing at hazingprevention.org.

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DOUBLE MAJOR ASHLEI ROSS NAMED LINCOLN ACADEMY STUDENT LAUREATE SOURCE: NEIU NEWS

Northeastern Illinois University has selected Social Work and Inner City Studies major Ashlei Ross as it's 2018 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate. Every fall semester, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors one graduating senior from each university in the state who demonstrates leadership and service contributions on campus and beyond, academic success, and extracurricular achievements.

Ross and other student laureates from around the state will be recognized during a Nov. 17 ceremony and luncheon at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield and will be awarded the Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Medallion, a certificate of achievement, and a monetary grant.

“Since being at NEIU I have flourished and that is due to my great mentors, who gave me the reassurance and encouragement that I am capable and a great person,” Ross said. “They did not focus on my failures in life prior to coming to NEIU, but say the strengths I had already gave me that push to go forward.”

Ross has demonstrated excellence through her academic achievements as a member of the University Honors Program, serving her second term as Student Government Association president, and as an accomplished leader in several service organizations and University clubs.

“Being selected as the student laureate is still unreal to me. I was honestly shocked but very thankful to all who nominated me—Vice President for Student Affairs Daniel López, Professor of English Tim Barnett, Associate Professor of Sociology Olivia Perlow, Professor of Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies Lance Williams, and Director of Student Transition Services Felicia Keelen— and those on the committee to select me,” said Ross, who, outside of Northeastern works to mentor teen mothers. “I thank my children because they are my motivation to continue to strive higher every day, for the sacrifices that they have to make with me along the way.”

A self-described bookworm, Ross already had in her the tools and desire to learn but found at Northeastern the support she needed to succeed.

“Ashlei and I have collaborated on a number of activities, including NEIU's Day of Reflection on Mass Incarceration, which Ashlei is turning into an annual event that serves the University and the city of Chicago as a whole,” Barnett said. “She is intense, driven and inspirational, and it's been exciting to work alongside her. All of her work reminds me how much is possible when smart, dedicated people put their minds to doing good work for the sake of the community and not just for their own advancement.”

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RHOYAL KNOWLEDGE

pRHOfessional: Career Readiness For our graduating Seniors (December 2018 & May/June 2019)

Professional Readiness Lesson #1– Making a positive first impression impacts you and others When you do not show up or notify someone of your absence; it does not reflect well on you, your school, and your references.

Professional Readiness Lesson #2- Consider the impact on your peers.

You apply to participate in an industry trek that will be visiting 4 companies in your targeted industry. There are limited spots on the trip. You received notification that you have been selected and the trip is next Friday.

On Thursday night, you realize you will be out late with friends and getting up to be on the bus at 8:30 is rather early. You send an email stating that an emergency came up and you won’t be able to make it. When you change your mind in the last minute about attending an event, you are likely taking that spot away from another student.

Professional Readiness lesson #3- Understand the impact on your personal brand impact You are scheduled for an interview at 9:00 on Monday. You received an email confirmation about this upcoming interview. Monday morning comes around and you decide you’re not that interested in this company, so you just don’t go. The impact it has played on you, your school, and your future.

Professional Readiness Lesson #4- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you You are graduating in May and have already secured a job after graduation. You interned at this company in the summer and they extended you an offer, which you have accepted. In January, another company posts a very interesting job and you apply (even though you accepted and already committed to another company). You interview and are subsequently offered a position and accept.

You have not told anyone and email company #1 and renege on the offer. Although we hope that students will not renege, we understand and want to guide students through the process of professionally explaining their change in plans, being respectful to the company.

First impressions are lasting impressions and can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo, making those first encounters extremely important. So, whether they are in your career, professional or social life, it’s important to know how to create a positive first impression; be mindful, courteous and respectful, while making sure you are on time and appropriately prepared for your meeting/event. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

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CENTRAL REGION

Advisors Academy

By: April Gerhardt UG Concerns Committee Member The Central Region’s 2018 Advisors Academy weekend was held October 26, 2018, thru October 28, 2018, at the Embassy Suites located in Rosemount, Illinois. Advisors from the region spent an exciting weekend that was filled with valuable knowledge. In this weekend the advisors received in-depth knowledge (training) about the T.O.R.C.H calendars, advisors manual, Communication with Campus professional, Think Tank, and question and answer time with Syntatkes Harris and UCC Marshall.

Upon arrival and registration Advisors had a social/networking hour.

Advisors had time to meet fellow advisors, eat dinner, and ask UCC Marshall Questions. After all, these activities Advisors headed to their rooms with snacks in hand to get ready for the Saturday’s adventurous day.

Saturday class started with an opening welcome by Syntatkes Harris and UCC Marshall. Next, Advisors engaged in presentations held by members of the Undergraduate Concerns Committee. Danny Yelder presented “Communicating with the Campus Professional/s”. She discussed how to properly communicate with campus professionals and when to communicate with them. April Gerhardt presented a “Think Tank” session.

In this session, topics were presented such as fundraising, branding, and communication advisors were able to bounce ideas off of each other about each other on what works on their campus. Next, Advisors grouped up and tackled the Advisors Manual. Groups were each given a section to discuss and present. Then on to TORCH feud which was presented by Nai Colton. This was a fun interactive Family Feud spinoff game centered on all things TORCH. Questions consisted of what day do you hold workshop 3, what is the recommended timeline to submit Torch calendars, and How long does TORCH last. Before graduation, UCC Marshall assigned advisors with their accountability partners. Advisors were teamed up with another advisor and they are tasked with keeping in contact with them. Last, it was GRADUATION time. Advisors received certificates and gifts presented

by Syntatkes Harris and UCC Marshall.

Be on the lookout for the 2019 Centrals Regions Advisor Academy. It will be something that you truly do not want to miss.

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Madame YSC Asia McGee (Delta Epsilon, Eastern Michigan University) has hit the ground running in her role. Attending & presenting at the Central Executive Board Meeting, Area Meeting, and Site Visit. It is a true please to have you serving and representing the Central Undergrads!

E T A U D A R Â G S R E D DE A N L U O C C A Contact YSC McGee at YSC@SGRhoCentral.com

BORN NOVEMBER 12th THANK YOU CHAPTERS, PHILOS, & RHOERS FOR PARTICIPATING!

Shot out to Chapters who used the correct HASHTAGS #BornNovembers12 #SGRhoCentral ETA THETA RHO DELTA PI PI SIGMA ETA PI SIGMA DELTA SIGMA PHILOS ZETA SIGMA RHOERS TAU OMICRON DELTA PHI

DELTA OMICRON SIGMA RHO SIGMA ALPHA ETA LAMBDA LAMBDA SIGMA ETA EPSILON GAMMA BETA MU THETA DELTA OMEGA ZETA ALPHA

MU OMICRON THETA ZETA ALPHA DELTA ALPHA RHO RHO TAU ETA ZETA GAMMA RHO

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CENTRAL REGION

AFA ANNUAL MEETING Central Attendees: Grand Basileus Catchings-Smith, Syntaktes Delia Harris, & UCC Loreal Marshall

Special Thanks to Basileus Dawn Wright and Alpha Sigma Alumnae (Indianapolis, Indiana) for their hospitality!

On 11/28/2018 the Regional Leadership Team (IGB, FIGB, Syntakti, UCCs, Executive Director, & Membership Director) was in attendance at the Association of Fraternal Advisors Annual Meeting in our region (Indianapolis, Indiana).

The purpose of this meeting was for all UCCs and Syntakti to connect and engage with OUR campus officials! We met with several universities to see how the chapters are doing, ensuring Advisor & UGs are communicating w/office, grades, council participation, and more.

We received GREATER feedback from campuses. We encourage each chapter and advisor to continue the work of Sigma Gamma Rho.

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Undergrads & Alumnae Leveling UP Undergrads are the future of our organization.

Ensuring they are equip to transition over to an Alumnae Chapter is critical during their undergrad years! Alumnae Sorors they look up to you all for guidance, support, and encouragement.

Soror Kiersten P. Hill is a

Soror Lenora A. Brown is a

senior at the University of

recent graduate of

Missouri-Columbia where

Stephens College in

she serves as Alpha Rho’s

Columbia, Missouri. She is a

current Basileus. Soror Hill

current member of Zeta

has a passion for service

Sigma Alumnae chapter,

and spent her summer as a

where she is on the Public

camp counselor at

Relations committee. Since

Wonderland Camp, a camp

graduating, Soror Brown

is designed for individuals

has been selected to be a

of all ages with varying

designer in The Factory

disabilities. Soror Hill was

Fashion Show on

challenged every week and

September 29th in St. Louis,

was forced out of her

Mo. She will feature her

comfort zone. In the end, it

senior collection, REVOLT,

was clear that love and

in the show. Her goal is the

care can really go a long

pursue a career in plus-size

way. She plans to have her

fashion and Soror Brown is

chapter complete as many

well on her way to

service projects as possible

achieving that goal.

because giving back to the

Congratulations Soror

community is apart of our

Brown, we couldn’t be more

motto.

proud of you.

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OCTOBER

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