Iowa State Letters Spring 2016

LETTERS IOWA STATE GREEK COMMUNITY

SPRING 2016

a publication of the Greek Relations Executive Council

EXPERIENCE THE

EXCYTEMENT OF SPRING 2016

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GW 2014

THIS EDITION OF LETTERS SPRING SEMESTER MGC; Letter from Andrew Mun.......................................... 4 Proper Pronoun Usage........................................................ 5 CPC; Letter from Ally Tack................................................... 6 Fun Facts About Chapters................................................... 7 IFC; Letter from Nicolas Stumbo......................................... 8 AFLV Reflections................................................................. 9 The Five Pillars............................................................ 10, 11 Collaborative Councils...................................................... 12 Choosing Your Chapter..................................................... 13 Pictures of Spring 2016 Events.................................... 14,15 Philanthropy...................................................................... 16 Memories.......................................................................... 17 Member Recognition........................................................ 18 Senior Spotlight................................................................ 19 Chapter Activities............................................................. 20 Varieties............................................................................ 21 Lip Sync............................................................................. 22

DIRECTOR/EDITOR Sarah Feehan

GREC TEAM Bailey Krieger & Morgan Roese

Vespers.............................................................................. 23

CONTRIBUTORS Greek Community – Iowa State University @ISUGreek isugreekcommunity.tumblr.com

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Iowa State Greek Community

GW 2014 Online Version of Letters _ http://issuu.com/lettersmagazineisu

Recognized alongside written article

ADVISER Carlie Lavin Thank you to all of the chapters with submissions.

We look forward to new submissions in the fall.

M ULTI C ULTU R A L GREEK C O UN C IL

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT The Multicultural Greek Council here at Iowa State University consists of 3 different communities. Latinx fraternities and sororities brought the council to Iowa State in the 1990’s.

Then came the LGBTQ+ fraternity and sororities impacting the community through education of their identities. Newly installed the past couple years are the Asian American fraternities and sororities slowly learning the ropes. For these students of multiple identities, they found their second home with their respective organizations. Often times it can be misinterpreted that we have set these identities to our organizations, but we are not exclusive of our identities and will love and accept anyone!

For certain chapters in MGC and NPHC we like to express our pride in our organizations in different venues. One being line jackets! The point at which you can receive a line jacket varies between each chapter! Some chapters give out jackets during their new member presentations.Other chapters may give them during initiation or whenever their big sees fit. The mentality behind line jackets lies in the fact that members worked hard to earn them. The physical features on a line jacket may vary. In a general case, most line jackets have the organization’s letters

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MGC 2016

and crest on the front chest area. Any further embroidery on the arms or back have significant and various different meanings to that particular member. In this way jackets vary within chapters on expressing their family lines, line numbers, and nicknames.

Seeing as jackets vary in this way, they all have to be custom made and can cost anywhere from $100-$500 per jacket. Jackets could also possibly signify rank or how much investment that member has put into their chapter. This can be shown through jacket color, letters color, or a written embroidery. Although MGC and NPHC’s culture may differ through these line jackets let us not forget how prideful we all are of our organizations!

President of

MGC, Andrew Mun,

majors in electrical engineering.

“ O f t e n t i m e s i t c a n be misinterpreted t h a t w e h a v e s e t t h ese identities to our o r g a n i z a t i o n s , b u t w e are not exclusive o f o u r i d e n t i t i e s and will love and a c c e p t anyone! ”

PILLAR: SOCIAL JUSTICE

PROPER PRONOUN USAGE “SOCIETY CAN USE MORE INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE AND WITH THE PILLAR OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, WE CAN ALL STAND TO TRY AND INFORM THOSE AROUND US.”

The concept of inclusion has come a long way from just letting someone else join your lunch table. With the wave of the new generation, marriage equality, our first black president, and addition of our social justice pillar, it is almost imperative that we learn simple ways to better create safer spaces. Heternormativity, loosely defined, is the idea that every person wants to date or love the opposite sex, and also assuming that every person along with that is either male or female. So usually when you meet someone new and they are explaining who they are, a question can come up whether they have a boyfriend or a girlfriend? That is a really good example of sticking to heternormativity and placing someone in a binary. A binary in this context, is the assumption that everyone identity’s as either male or female. What if that person is gay? What if that person is lesbian? What is the person they are dating is transitioning from male to female? It can place someone in a tight box and now they may feel that they are supposed to fit into that box or else they will be ostracized. An example of gender neutral language would be asking someone, if you were comfortable, who is their partner or significant other. That leave it open for the person to fill in the blank, less constricting, and more open. Another example of creating safer spaces is asking someone for their pronouns. This may be hard with strangers, but if you first tell them yours then it can open the door for them to tell you theirs. For example, having someone constantly mispronounce your name can feel like they don’t care about your well-being or who you are. Treat pronouns as learning someone’s name, it’s part of their core identity.

An example of some feminine pronouns would be she/her/hers, masculine ones would be he/him/his, and gender-neutral ones would be they/them/theirs.

For example: “They went to the store. Yesterday I talked to them. This pencil is theirs;” “She went to the store. Yesterday, I talked to her. This pencil is hers;” “He went to the store. Yesterday, I talked to him. This pencil is his.” A safe thing to always do if you are unsure is to just use their name. This creates a place where people can be comfortable and not

worry about their safety. Society can use more of inclusive language and with the pillar of social justice we can all stand to try and inform those around us. These are just two examples of how to be more inclusive but doing your research and being understanding of those around you can really lead you to learn a lot.

BY KENNI TERRELL

“G ender do e s not chan g e personal i ty, a n d gender doe s n o t determ i ne wh o you l ove.”

PROPER PRONOUN USAGE 2016

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C OLLEGI ATE PA NHELL E NI C C O U N C IL

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT The Collegiate Panhellenic Council is made up of 16 sororities, 14 of which have chapter houses south of campus. These 16 organizations make up a community that is passionate about service, leadership, sisterhood, academics, and social justice.

Through programming, education, and collaboration women within the Collegiate Panhellenic Council are striving every day to become better women and better the community around them. One of the many successes of CPC has come from Primary Recruitment, and the number of women joining our community. We have seen

tremendous growth over the past years and because of this we are excited to be welcoming Delta Gamma to campus in the fall. Finally, this year the Collegiate Panhellenic Council was awarded the Sutherland Award, naming CPC as the best Panhellenic in the nation of our size.

CPC President, Ally Tack, majors in elementary education.

“Va l ue s -b a s e d org a n i zati on s are g ro u p s th a t s ta n d s tro n g l y i n the i r b e l i e fs an d the i r m em be rs a c t i n a c c o rd a n c e w i th th o s e

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va l ue s i n the i r e v e ry d a y l i v es . O u r c o m m u n i ty i s fu l l o f v a l u e s -

CPC 2016

ba s e d org a n i zati on s . A s me m be rs , w e w o rk h a rd a n d s tri v e e a c h an d ev e ry da y to f u l fi l l th e s e v a l u e s . �

ALPHA DELTA PI Amanda Holloway The Pi Chapter was established as a chapter in 1911. It first started as a club called Inomene Feliae. Founding members all lived in the same dorm on campus. Barbara Schlafer from the Theta Chapter of Lawrence University in Wisconsin arrived to install the Pi Chapter into the sisterhood of Alpha Delta Pi. Pi chapter was the third sorority to come to Iowa State University.

We bought a house in 1913 with Ada Hayden being its first housemother. Pi chapter changed its home three times before settling into the current house today on Greeley Street. In 1985, Pi Chapter won the Golden Lion. There is also a park named after our first housemother, Ada Hayden, in Ames Iowa because of her dedication to restore Iowa’s prairie grassland.

DELTA ZETA Olivia Nielsen Originally founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Delta Zeta has grown into a nation wide sorority. Passing through Greek triangle, one may think the house resembles an old school house. In fact, the building was once a school house, which was later turned into Iowa State’s Delta Zeta Beta Kappa house! On the second and third floors you will find getting ready rooms. Originally these served as phone booths for the house. Many original rooms in the house have been modernized, but still preserve and show the unique qualities of what used to be a school house! Delta Zeta’s colors are pink and green. The flower that represents DZ is the killarney rose, and the sorority symbol is the turtle, which is fitting since one of the colors is green. The sorority’s badge is a Roman lamp. Delta Zeta’s badge was voted “Prettiest Badge” by Tiffany & Co. for two consecutive years! Some famous Delta Zeta members include Florence Henderson, the Mom from the T.V. show “The Brady Bunch”, Kay Yow - the USA Olympic Women’s Basketball Coach, Maurine Brown Neuberger (the third woman in U.S. history elected to the Senate), and many more! It has the highest number of active chapters on university and college campuses in the United States and Canada, and there are alumnae chapters worldwide as well. This shows Delta Zeta’s wellrounded qualities that help to unite chapters, and make a unique sorority.

CPC CHAPTERS’

FUN FACTS KAPPA DELTA Kellie Roth Sigma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Delta was founded on April 11, 1908. The chapter recently celebrated their 100th anniversary in the spring of 2008. The two main philanthropies the chapter supports are Girl Scouts and Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). In 1998, Kappa Delta began a national collaboration with Girl Scouts. With an organization of over three million girls, Kappa Delta became the first and only National Panhellenic Conference group to adopt the Girl Scouts as a national philanthropy. Since 1984 Kappa Delta has also held Shamrock events, which help raise money to help support Prevent Child Abuse America and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa. Within both of these philanthropies it is the goal to bring about confidence of the people each philanthropy encompasses. Through the philanthropies, members strive to build courage, confidence, and character, and to also help girls make the world a better place.

DELTA DELTA DELTA Caroline Schmidt Omega Delta was originally the second sorority to colonize at Iowa State in 1889. President Beardshear banned all sororities and fraternities from campus in 1891. Tri Delta returned in 1912. Nationally, Tri Delta has been partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 1999. The current fundraising goal is 60 million dollars in 10 years in order to name Tri Delta Place at St. Jude. This housing facility allows for families to stay on the St. Jude campus while their child is being treated. Omega Delta has raised $60,000 in 2015 alone. The members are committed to increasing that number in 2016. Tri Delta’s colors are Silver, Gold and Blue. Tri Delta’s symbols are the Pearl, the Pansy, and the Pine.

“ S i s ter to s i s te r, h e a rt to h e a rt. B on d e d to g e th e r, fro m th e s t a rt. ”

FUN FACTS 2016

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INTERFR ATER N IT Y C OUNC I L

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Interfraternity Council is an overarching organization for the 30 IFC fraternities at Iowa State University. The 30 IFC chapters make up an authentic community that provides a network of lifelong support and friendship. Through advocacy, collaboration and education, our council serves to represent and empower the men in our community to operate in an environment conducive of success. Our 11 executive council members are devoted to supporting social, intellectual and professional development for members

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within the IFC community. This year, we’re very proud to have been awarded the Jellison Award, noting us as the top IFC community of our size in the nation.

President of IFC, Nicolas Stumbo, majors in finance.

“Le a d e r sh ip is n o t a po s i ti o n o r a t it le , it is a c ti on an d e xa m p l e. ”

IFC MEMBERS’ DILLON BECHTOL My name is Dillon Bechtol, the current IFC Vice President of Leadership Development and previous President of Theta Chi Fraternity. At the beginning of February, I had the opportunity to attend AFLV for the second time in the past two years and it was, once again, an incredible experience! At the conference, I heard influential speakers discuss multiple topics such as racism, courage, and philanthropy. I had the opportunity to enjoy lunch with fellow Theta Chi brothers from all over the country, engage in a bidding war during the T-Shirt auction, and perform for the annual Unity Stroll Competition. In the many breakout sessions, I learned much about ethical decision making, ways to collaborate (using inclusive practices) and Justin Jones-Fosu’s “Respectivity” principle. However, the real opportunity came in the opportunity to bond with and get to know some of Iowa State’s other Greek leaders. After participating in the countless coffee runs, numerous trips to Steak ‘n Shake and talkative dinners, I walked away from the conference with a better understanding and respect for the other leaders at Iowa State. I am grateful and looking forward to working with these individuals this year! All in all, it was a fantastic experience and I am truly thankful for the opportunity that I was afforded to attend.

AFLV CENTRAL EXPERIENCE

TIM WHITE Being able to attend AFLV Central as a freshman is truly a great opportunity. This conference offers a unique and incomparable experience to members of the Greek community, teaching knowledge pertaining to chapter growth and development, leadership skills, and how to improve your general college life (just to name a few). At AFLV, attendees are able to learn from a variety of different presenters, spanning over countless topics. With the knowledge learned, members of our Greek community come back with a more well-rounded understanding of what it means to be Greek and how we can benefit our chapters and the Greek community. One member can spark a deep understanding within many others, and for this reason, AFLV should be looked upon as one of the most valuable experiences offered to us. Being surrounded by so many others with the same goals and ambitions is invigorating. I thank the Iowa State Greek community for giving me the opportunity to attend this conference. I hope to be a valued leader in my fraternity and the Greek community in the future, and this experience is a step in the right direction to become prepared for what lies ahead of me.

T h e A s s oc i ati o n o f F ra te rn a l L e a d e rs h i p & Val ue s C e n tra l Co n fe re n c e p ro v i de s ex p e ri en c e s th a t c h a l l e n g e an d en c o u ra g e fra te rn i ty /s oro ri t y m e m b e rs to l i v e eth i c al v a l u e s a n d i mp l em en t be s t p ra c ti c e s .

AFLV REFLECTIONS 2016

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BY SARAH FEEHAN

ACADEMICS THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE AND STRIVING FOR PERSONAL EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM I strive, and am assisted in this quest by my sisters, to achieve high academic goals. My sisters support me by spending late nights at Parks Library, putting up with my endless stacks of flashcards, and sneaking candy into my desk after a day of long test taking.

Whether I need a sister to cram with me, or take a study break, I know she’ll be there.

The sole reason any young scholar attends an undergraduate school is to enhance one’s education. We should never lose sight of this.

If we stray, it is our chapter’s responsibility to hold us to high standards regarding academics and direct us on a better educational path.

BROTHERHOOD & SISTERHOOD THE BUILDING OF LIFELONG RELATIONSHIPS IN AN ORGANIZATION AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY Going along with what many of the Greek community members talk about in this edition, I would like to say that I know the feeling they describe of finding their lifelong friends and “home away from home.” I would have never met as many of the inspirational sorority women and fraternal men that I have if I had not decided to go through Primary Recruitment in the fall. It is an amazing thing to have such strong bonds created within my own chapter and among the many chapters here at Iowa State University. I hope the Greek community at Iowa State continues to open its doors to those longing for a “home away from home.” I caught a terrible case of homesickness my first few

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2016

LETTER FR O M TH E E DITOR weeks away at school. I do not think I would have been able to continue my adventure at ISU had I not found my home at 302 Ash Avenue. I would have missed out on countless opportunities. Thank you, Greek community, for opening your doors to me.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN YOUR COMMUNITY I cannot stress how important it is for the Greek community to participate and give back to the community. ISU has opportunities to meet so many wonderful people by joining intramurals, clubs, and so much more. This semester has been a whirlwind for me with the many things I have picked up to be involved in, but I would not have it any other way. By joining three intramurals, Emerging Greek Leadership Council, Fraternal Values Society, Spoon University, and GREC Letters Magazine, I have been able to meet and cooperate with a range of diverse individuals. College is four years, so make the most of it. The many amazing people of ISU are out there, but you’ll never get to meet them if you don’t actively participate. Your adventure is what you make it!

LEADERSHIP THE ABILITY TO GUIDE INDIVIDUALS OR AN ORGANIZATION TOWARD A COMMON GOAL For some leaders, it comes naturally.

For others, becoming a leader is a slow progression over time by purposefully expanding on one’s own leadership skills. The Greek community is filled with leaders. How does this work? How is there not just a handful of leaders to have everyone else follow? Our

Greek community’s pillar of leadership is defined as the ability to guide individuals or an organization toward a common goal. The chapters at ISU are amazing. We work together within our organizations, and with other chapters, towards a common goal frequently through hosting philanthropic events, giving back to the community, and raising awareness about issues. Not all chapters have the same specific goal, but chapters tend to have similar core values. These core values bring out the leader in every one of us to reach our organization’s goals.

SOCIAL JUSTICE THE PROMOTION OF CHANGE THROUGH CHALLENGING INEQUALITIES AND EMBRACING DIVERSITY One of my first goals set when becoming Editor of Letters was to do my very best to give recognition to all four councils here at ISU. CPC and IFC need to use their influence to assist NPHC and MGC in their success. Awareness and recognition are two first steps of many to truly embrace all four councils. The following quote by Jimmy Carter expresses the diverse future of the Greek community; “We become not a melting pot, but a beautiful mosaic. Different people. Different beliefs.

Different yearnings. Different hopes. Different dreams.”

Sarah Feehan, freshman, majors in journalism and political science.

L I VI NG OUT T H E F I VE PI L L A R S ALPHA GAMMA DELTA

By Kaitlyn Aldrich Alpha Gamma Delta’s vision is to “Inspire the Woman, Impact the World.” As such, we strive to embody the five pillars of the Greek community every single day. Our strong sisterhood is demonstrated in the way that we support each other, whether it be in an intramural basketball championship game, traveling abroad together, or supporting our sisters in a cause for which she is passionate.

Year-round, we hold events to raise funds and awareness for the American Diabetes Foundation. We support not only those affected in our chapter and community, but people across the nation. Alpha Gams have held a staggering amount of leadership roles for the betterment of our community, such as Student Government President, Dance Marathon General Director, The Fashion Show Producer, Bacon Exposition Chair, and CyServe President. Additionally, Alpha Gams serve on the executive boards for countless organizations, including Up ‘Til Dawn, Cardinal Key, Colleges Against Cancer, and Freshmen Council. By celebrating our differences, members of Alpha Gamma Delta push each other to achieve academically, treat others fairly, and lead with confidence.

Our goal is to find and live the balance between academics, sisterhood, and giving back to the community.

ALPHA DELTA PI

By Amanda Holloway Our chapter embodies the five pillars of the Greek community in a variety of ways.

We emulate academics through our wide variety of majors and our continual scholastic achievements. We achieve this through exciting summer internships, or participating in on-campus research. Alpha Delta Pi embodies sisterhood by welcoming the

diversity and array of personalities among our members. Furthermore, we can count on one another to push each other and help one another grow to the best version of ourselves.

Social justice and civic engagement can be shown through our passion for service and the political awareness our members possess.

Lastly, leadership is embodied within Alpha Delta Pi in a multitude of ways. Whether it is amongst our chapter position holders, or the many women who hold leadership positions within their majors and on-campus organizations, Alpha Delta Pi’s have risen to the occasion and helped to lead our campus and community forward.

KAPPA DELTA

By Emily Cory Kappa Delta embodies the five pillars of the Greek community in a multitude of ways. One of the biggest focuses in Kappa Delta, and the Greek community, is academics. Through our academic big program, any sister who did not receive at least 2.5 GPA for the semester is assigned an academic big to encourage them to be proactive and organize homework, tests, and projects. Secondly, Kappa Delta has a strong sisterhood that lasts for life. By hosting sisterhood events for active members and multiple alumnae events throughout the year, the bond is strong and links women together from all walks of life. In addition, Kappa Delta has a large impact on civic engagement. By working closely with Prevent Child Abuse America and the Girl Scouts, sisters help build confidence in the children and adolescents that they work with. Similarly, members of Kappa Delta have worked hard to volunteer in the Ames community with events such as the Fire and Ice Gala which benefits the Gilbert Fire Department. Additionally, Kappa Deltas hold leadership positions internally and externally of the chapter. This semester, 30% of the women in the chapter hold an external

leadership position! Lastly, the women in our chapter have worked to incorporate social justice through being involved in Greeks Ending Violence Now and hosting workshops about safety and the inclusion of others.

Overall, Kappa Delta does an exceptional job of embodying the pillars of the Greek community.

PI BETA PHI

By Emily Benda Pi Beta Phi has a strong standing in Iowa State University’s Greek community. We host philanthropic events throughout the school year and volunteer twice a week at local elementary schools to promote Champions Are Readers. Not only do we try and help young students succeed in school, but we also work hard to make sure all our chapter members succeed academically through study groups, access to tutoring and study files, and high GPA requirements. This past fall, we earned the highest grades of all CPC chapters.

We are surely on the right track! We have many sisters that hold positions of all kinds around campus. There are multiple Cardinal Key members, club presidents, tutors, and STARs in our chapter. Plus, many of our women are pursuing internships with MakeA-Wish, TIME Magazine, and Disney. We also have a high number of Pi Phi women that are Rho Gammas, Greek Week chairs, and/or hold other positions within the Greek community, such as Greeks Ending Violence Now. Not only do we have Pi Phis helping Pi Phis. We have Pi Phis helping the entire community and campus to ensure that the chapters are well secured, supported and represented, and that potential members are well versed, prepared, and excited to join this amazing community at Iowa State.

PILLARS 2016

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PILLAR: BROTHERHOOD & SISTERHOOD

COLLABORATIVE CHAPTERS GAMMA PHI BETA, PHI KAPPA PSI, & DELTA SIGMA PHI

By Micaela Boyce Over the past two years Gamma Phi Beta has had great involvement with the Ames Community Boys and Girls Club. The chapter has planned and put on events and various volunteer opportunities. This past year the chapter put on a special event with members of the Phi Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Phi fraternities. There were various stations where members of Gamma Phi Beta, Phi Kappa Psi, and Delta Sigma Phi were mentors for the boys and girls who attended. This event was also for the families of the boys and girls, which gave everyone the ability to communicate and develop their leadership skills. Between the past two years, we have had over 50 hours of involvement and of planning events.

PI BETA PHI & THETA CHI MGC President, Andrew Mun, meets with Delta Delta Delta to discuss the importance and relevancy of the Multicultural Greek Council.

By Emily Benda Pi Beta Phi teamed up with Theta Chi fraternity from IFC to host a Candlelight Vigil for all victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

This cause is important to all members of the Greek community and Pi Beta Phi was honored to collaborate with Theta Chi to host this event.

Working with Theta Chi has been a great opportunity to meet fellow Greeks who believe in the same ideals and to take those values to bring about a positive change on Iowa State’s campus. When we work together as a Greek community, it is incredible how quickly and effectively we are able to influence our campus for the better.

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COLLABORATIVE CHAPTERS 2016

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CHAPTER? ANDREW CUBIT Coming to Iowa State University as a freshman student, I had absolutely no intention of joining Greek life.

However, I soon realized that my college experience was hollow and incomplete. I longed for something else that would allow me to stand out and make a difference in my life and in those around me. When I was contacted by the recruitment chairmen of Alpha Tau Omega, my new journey began. The incredible brotherhood and limitless leadership opportunities are what sold me on joining Alpha Tau Omega, allowing me to become a part of the Greek community family. I dove head first into my chapter, taking on an Executive Board position within my first year! After realizing my true potential in the chapter, I knew it was the right fit for me. The unconditional support and love from my brothers has continued to drive me throughout my college experience so far, developing me into the student, friend, employee, brother, and leader that I am today. Joining Alpha Tau Omega has been the best decision I have ever made.

BRIENNA STEFFENS The week of Primary Recruitment is a week like no other.

Hundreds of young women flood Iowa State a week earlier than the rest of the student body and undergo one of the most life-changing weeks they will ever experience in college. I was one of these daring young women, and I didn’t have the slightest clue how much of an impact Primary Recruitment would have on my experience here at ISU, let alone the rest of my life. The purpose of recruitment is to help women find “a home away from home” and gives them the opportunity to narrow down which sorority they want to be apart of.

From day one, finding my “home” was not a difficult task—I knew I belonged in Delta Zeta as soon as I set foot through the front doors. The conversations I had with the women in Delta Zeta were the most genuine conversations I had the entire week of Primary Recruitment. I bonded with women over similar interests and I never once found myself feeling uncomfortable.

The women were all very unique and brought something different to each conversation I had with them. In addition, I fell in love with Delta Zeta’s philanthropy and community service as well—the positive impact Delta Zeta has and the determination of women to make a positive change in the world was something I really wanted to be apart of. Towards the end of recruitment week, Delta Zeta felt like home, and on the morning of Bid Day when I received an invitation to be a part of this sorority, I knew I was right where I belonged.

GRACE NELSON When going through Primary Recruitment, I was having a hard time narrowing down all the wonderful chapters here at Iowa State.

However, on the philanthropy day of recruitment, Delta Delta Delta caught my eye. Our philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. When I heard about this being their philanthropy and all that Delta Delta Delta does for it, I knew I was home. When I was 13, I battled a rare form of childhood cancer. I went through a year of chemotherapy, 4 surgeries and 6 weeks of radiation. Battling cancer completely changed my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. Being able to be a part of a sisterhood that raises money for childhood cancer really hit home with me. I knew that Delta Delta Delta was right for me when I learned about our philanthropy and I do not have enough words to express how proud I am of my chapter and our love for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

ALLISON CHERRY While going through Primary Recruitment, I was looking for a chapter that would provide a home away from home. I wanted lifelong friends that I could count on, and I found that at Kappa Delta. One of the biggest influences as to why I chose to become a member is because of my big sister. Our conversations and connection were so strong that I knew I was making a good decision by continuing my journey to become a KayDee. She made me feel so comfortable and at home from the very first day I met her, and I knew that all the other women would do just the same.

All of my sisters are strong, beautiful, and confident women that exemplify everything I was looking for in a sorority. I am supported with every decision I make by sisters, and they always have my back no matter what. The love I feel from the women of Kappa Delta can only be defined as true friendship that I hope everyone else can find too.

CHAPTERS 2016

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PILLAR: LEADERSHIP

MEMBER RECOGNITION TIM WHITE

By Andrew Cubit Freshman, Tim White, has proven to be an instrumental member in our chapter’s success over the past year. As a new member, Tim demonstrated valuable and commendable leadership qualities right-off-the-bat. Not only does Tim succeed in the classroom, but also within the chapter and the community.

Tim is on our Executive Board as a freshman, quickly adapting and learning as he goes.

Much of our operational success is due to Tim’s never-ending commitment and dedication to everything he does. Tim is also a co-president on the Emerging Greek Leadership Council, where he further displays his outstanding leadership qualities. Tim has also taken his talents and passion to other university organizations. He is a key member of various clubs, one of them being the Food Science Club. He is a CALS Representative for the Food Science Club, where he expands his leadership experience even more. Tim was also one of the very few Greek community members selected to attend the Association of Fraternal

“Great l ea d e r s i nspire greatn e ss in others. ”

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ABI GOESER Leadership & Values Central Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tim has recently broadened his leadership skills by being a newly inducted member of the Fraternal Values Society, demonstrating his desire to broaden his college experience and strive for excellence.

SARAH RAMUNDT

By Emily Benda Senior, Sarah Ramundt, is an exemplary member of Pi Beta Phi, the Greek community, and Iowa State University. Everyday she lives out our values through her commitment to her academics, natural leadership, and community service. Along with her commitment to Pi Beta Phi, Sarah has an extensive list of extracurricular activities. You might have seen her sitting on the sidelines of the men’s basketball games taking footage, or have seen one of her hype videos for the games. She spends many long hours perfecting her skills to create promotional videos that the whole Iowa State community can enjoy. In addition, she is also one of the General Co-Chairs for Greek Week. Planning and organizing for months in advance, you can often find her in The Office of Greek Affairs dedicating her time to our outstanding Greek community. Sarah is a genuine, hard-working and driven woman of the Greek Community, and we are very proud to call her our sister.

By Amanda Holloway Abi Goeser, freshman, is an outstanding member of Alpha Delta Pi and the Greek community because of her energetic attitude, dedication to her studies, and participation in each and every event. Abi has a passion for fashion and design, and she thrives when making apparel for our chapter, as well as blogging online with her very own fashion and lifestyle blog. Her creativity inspires the women in our chapter to pursue their dreams and strive to be unique and creative individuals.

ALAINA PORTH

By Abigail Hean Sophomore, Alaina Porth, is an outstanding member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Greek community. Alaina has a kind heart, dedication to her academics and service, and possesses natural leadership skills. She studies psychology, works two jobs, and still manages to be involved on campus. Alaina is also a member of our chapter council as the house manager, is on a blood drive committee, and is a member of the Love Your Melon supercrew. To top it all off, she will never hesitate to volunteer for service events, such as Greeks Give Back. Alaina is kind to everyone she meets and hopes someday to work as a counselor. We are so proud to call her a sister.

Photos left to right: Tim White, Sarah Ramundt, Abi Goeser, and Alaina Porth RECOGNITION 2016

“ EVERY NEW BEGINNING COMES FROM

SOME OTHER BEGINNING’S END. ”

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT JENN ARNDT, DELTA DELTA DELTA Iowa State University’s Greek life has taught me more than I ever imagined it would or could. I’ve learned the power of an open mind, what true commitment and unity looks like, and how to truly love myself and others for who they are. Our Greek community is sound in its pillars, while still encouraging members of each organization to express what ISU’s values and their own look like to them; something I have admired greatly throughout my four years.

I have grown as a leader by being pushed outside of my comfort zone, confronting difficult situations head on, and by holding myself to a higher standard thanks to the Greek community. Not only have I been able to hold leadership within my own chapter, but also serve as a leader to the community in greater ways. We have one of the most profound communities and I believe that it can only go up from here. I am proud and honored to have served the Greek community and will continue to support it outside of Iowa State University.

KAITLYN TRAMPEL, PI BETA PHI Greek life has taught me a tremendous amount about collaboration, communication, diversity, time management, and sincere friendship. Joining a chapter of 170 women and a Greek community of thousands, I have learned so much about what it means to share a core set of values and pillars that unite our community as one. You cannot step foot on campus, join an organization, or get involved with an Iowa State event without finding Greek leaders actively participating in Iowa State’s student body. Being Greek has taught me what it means to be a leader beyond the walls of my sorority. The guiding principles of our community are what motivate me to perform and be a contributable student of Iowa State in the Greek community, the classroom, organizations across campus, and the Ames community. I have learned crucial skills needed to work with various groups of people on a wide range of projects. I know that the Greek community has prepared me to work and grow alongside a diversity of personalities, work styles, and backgrounds as I prepare for life after graduation. I am grateful for the friendships, opportunities, and leadership that the Greek community has brought me throughout my collegiate career, and I am eager to be an active alumna of my sorority and the Iowa State Greek Community long after my college career concludes.

BRENNA BORMANN, KAPPA ALPHA THETA My three years of being an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta have been life changing. Before joining Theta, I spent most of my time staying within my comfort zone, surrounding myself with people who I knew wouldn’t dare challenge me to venture outside known territory. However, after transferring to Iowa State, boy did that change. Through my time as an active member, I have been lucky enough to have be elected into multiple leadership roles that have allowed me to grow myself as well as assist others grow around me.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Theta was that for two years I was able to sleep, eat, breathe, and converse with such influential women living in the chapter’s house. Women who had high aspirations and various goals, women who were intelligent, and women who made me want to push myself to be better. When I say Theta changed my life, I’m not kidding. I quickly grew to appreciate the plethora of resources that I gained by choosing Theta on the last night of primary recruitment. Ever since bid day, the opportunities I have been provided through this organizations have all contributed to my growing into a “real adult.”

SPOTLIGHT 2016

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PILLAR: BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES CHI OMEGA

By Erin Hohman For a sisterhood this semester Chi Omega collaborated with their sister sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and had a Valentine’s Day cookie decorating sisterhood. The ladies of Alpha Chi Omega came over to our house and members decorated heart shaped cookies and wrote Valentine’s Day letters to the troops. It was a great opportunity to get to know some other members of our greek community and to give back to the men and women who fight for this country. Everyone had a blast with it!

ALPHA DELTA PI

By Amanda Holloway Sisterhood is more than just a friendship. It is a bond that will last until the end of time. It is the unconditional love you have from your sisters. Being in Alpha Delta Pi, you are given just that. There are the little things like giving your sister some candy after a really hard week, to big things like letting them stay at your

“The bes t th in g s a bout memor ie s is m ak i ng the m .”

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CHAPTER ACTIVITIES 2016

house over the summer so they have a place to stay. There are lots of different ways that women can strengthen their bonds. One event that Alpha Delta Pi did was make Valentine’s Day cards for people at a local nursing home.

Members came to the chapter house on a Saturday afternoon to make the cards together.

It was a fun time to sit and laugh with sisters while just being able to relax. Members were then able to give back to the community by going to a nursing home and hand delivering cards. It was a great way for our sisters to have a fun bonding experience, while being able to give back to the community. Having a great sisterhood is such an important part in joining the Greek community.

DELTA ZETA

By Olivia Nielsen Following Bid Day, Delta Zeta held its first sisterhood at a nearby farm outside of Ames.

The purpose of the first sisterhood was to help bring the freshman pledge class closer to the older pledge classes. The sisterhood began around 6 P.M. and sisters spent the evening telling stories around the fire, laughing, and growing closer as friends. This is a favorite memory Delta Zeta has given members this year—women met best friends that night, they got to know sisters better, and saw what being in a sorority is really about. That night I was hit with the realization that a sorority is more than just an organization—it’s a family.

PI BETA PHI

By Emily Benda Sincere friendships and lifelong commitment are a couple of core values Pi Beta Phi builds their sisterhood off of to create the bond members share with each other. The friendships developed with each other as members of Pi Beta Phi are friendships that members say they are grateful to have made.

Whether it’s having someone to encourage you through a rough week, or someone who you share endless laughs with, there is always unconditional love from a sister. There are many ways to strengthen bonds with each other throughout the year. One of our new member’s favorite sisterhoods is attending Center Grove Apple Orchard as an entire new member class. This event gives the new members an opportunity to build friendships with their new member class while being in a fun environment! Another sisterhood we have held in the past is with our chef. We love food as much as the next person so we got together and baked desserts with our chief for fun while enjoying each other’s company. The sisterhoods we have had are one of the most enjoyable parts of being in Pi Beta Phi.

VARIETIES

SPRING 2016

MICAELA BOYCE, GAMMA PHI BETA

This year, our chapter chose the theme, “let the beat rock” and twisted it! The name of our show was “Two Hearts Beat as One.” The show was about two teenagers from completely different backgrounds falling in love, against their friends disapproval. It was about overcoming the status quo and truly following one’s own heart. My favorite part about varieties has been how close members of our pairing have become. Working with Sigma Phi Epsilon and Chi Omega was great and I believe great friendships bloomed. Varieties is an awesome thing to be a part of because it gives you an short escape from schoolwork. Plus, who doesn’t love to sing and dance?!

BETHANY ZIMMERMAN, DELTA DELTA DELTA

Can you imagine a time before music ever existed? This year for Varieties, our skit was about cavemen discovering the first rhythmic beat. At first, most of the town rejects this new idea of music, but later accepts it after the main character uses music strategically to distract dinosaurs coming to destroy the town. The underlying message is that it is accepting to be different. Everyone has his and her own strengths and talents waiting to be embraced. We teamed with Pi Beta Phi, Delta Tau Delta, and Theta Chi. We had an amazing time getting to meet new people. We are very proud of our fourth place finish, as well as winning best plot! Hunter, our main character played by Lexxi Manassa, was awarded with best actress.

EMMA MARTIN, KAPPA ALPHA THETA

I did Varieties this year because I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to participate in any of the performances the Greek community hosts every year (such as Yell Like Hell and Lip Sync). As a result, I felt distanced from some of the women in my new member class, and I truly wanted to bridge that gap. Varieties absolutely did that. I feel like I am closer to the women of my new member class (here’s to you, Molly Martin), as well as some of our newer members who I did not know well. Rehearsing four times a week really gives you a bond with people like no other. We worked hard to pull this show together. I was lucky to have the opportunity to meet the many men and women of our team. The experience brought me closer to my sisters and helped me overcome my fears of singing solo in front of an audience. That’s the real prize, isn’t it?

VARIETIES 2016

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LIP SYNC! It’s the sixth night of Greek Week and the energy of Iowa State’s sorority and fraternity community is at an all-time high. Saturday morning and afternoon were filled with fun as pairings competed in the Greek Olympics, but Saturday night’s Lip Sync skits make it the most highly-anticipated night of Greek Week (except for Vespers, of course).

Lip Sync has become a center-point of Greek Week. Teams begin practices nearly two months in advance in order to perfect their skits. This year’s variety of performances included creepy monsters, glow-in-the-dark outfits, hilarious impressions and beautifully painted backdrops.

The amount of effort and dedication that goes into preparing for Lip Sync is obvious once teams take the stage. From the facial expressions to the choreography to the sets, every one of the fourteen teams that competed showed the results of their six hours per week of hard work.

First place for Lip Sync this year went to The Omicron Empire, which was composed of FarmHouse and Kappa Sigma fraternities, as well as Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

Their skit was called “Greek Arcade” and featured illuminated backdrops and costumes. The Omicron Empire also received second place overall in Greek Week.

The Omicron Empire was able to dance their way to the top. Every pairing put their heart and soul into their skits to entertain a large crowd at CY Stephens Auditorium on Saturday night. Lip Sync brought together students from every chapter to celebrate all that the Greek Community at Iowa State stands for, and that’s why it continues to be a favorite tradition of Greek Week.

WRITTEN BY BAILEY KRIEGER Bailey Krieger, freshman, currently majors in advertisement.

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LIP SYNC 2016

FRATERNAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

VES P ER S

BY MORGAN ROESE As the year comes to a close, Vespers is how the Greek community celebrates the accomplishments of individual chapter’s achievements accomplished throughout the year and Greek Week. Some refer to vespers as the “Grammy’s for Greeks” as everyone dresses to impress anxiously awaiting the results at CY Stephens Auditorium.

A listing of all the awards and recognitions given away at this year’s 2016 Vespers can be found online at http://www.greek.iastate.edu/ resources/awards---recognition These awards provide recognition for chapters that excel in the strategic areas of the Greek Community. These areas include Academics, Recruitment, Retention, Leadership, Risk Prevention and Administration, and Diversity and Collaboration.

Throughout the week, all 14 teams challenge each other in various tournament and Olympic games, but the biggest competitions of Greek week are community service and the lip sync performances. The lip sync winner this year was the team Omicron Empire (Alpha Omicron Pi, Farmhouse, and Kappa Sigma).

Following them in second place was Kappa Phi Delta Chi (Kappa Delta, Phi Delta Theta and Delta Chi) and third place went to The Olympians (Gamma Phi Beta, Phi Gamma Delta, Delta Sigma Phi and Gamma Rho Lambda).

Greek Week is a week full of fun experiences that leave lasting memories for all involved. The most rewarding part of Greek Week is watching the community come together to raise money for the Special Olympics of Iowa. As a Greek community, we raised a total of $284,8002. Listening to Gary Harms’ speech, the president and CEO of the Special Olympics of Iowa, and seeing him accept the check along with a member of the Special Olympics was one of the most rewarding feelings anyone could experience. They could not stress enough the differences we make in the lives of members of the Special Olympics.

Quad Squad (Delta Delta Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, Triangle and Chi Phi) raised the highest amount of money than any other team in Iowa State’s history by reaching a total of $45,349.

The overall rankings for community service were first place to ACDZ (Sigma Chi, Delta Zeta, and Alpha Kappa Lambda), second place to Quad Squad, and third place went to USAPhi (Alpha Phi, Acacia, and Sigma Phi Epsilon).

As Vespers came to an end, the overall winners were announced.

First place went to USAPhi, second place went to the Omicron Empire, and third place went to Quad Squad. I could not be more proud to apart of such a hardworking and dedicated community that supports community service and unity.

VESPERS 2016

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OFFICE OF GREEK AFFAIRS

0355 Memorial Union | Ames, Iowa 50011 | 515.294.1023