LETTERS
JANUARY 2021
LETTERS A STUDENT PUBLICATION FOR THE SORORITY AND FRATERNITY COMMUNITY
LETTERS
JANUARY 2021
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
GET TO KNOW CHAPTER PRESIDENT, TAYLOR LEKIN by JAMIE HOSS
The Iowa State Community isn’t new to cancellations, lockdowns, and physical social distancing. Neither is the Sorority and Fraternity Community. From canceling socials, annual philanthropy events, having chapter meetings over Webex, and only seeing a limited number of fellow chapter members, the community has had to adjust to the new normal along with the rest of Iowa State. Last semester was difficult for a lot of chapters to adjust to virtual events and keeping members engaged. Knowing what life on campus is like, chapters can better prepare for the spring semester. As well as find new ways to still get community members engaged. Taylor Lekin, a second-year student and President of Alpha Gamma Delta, like every other president, is finding ways to keep her fellow chapter members engaged within both the chapter, community and Iowa State University.
What is Iowa State Alpha Gamma Delta?
Alpha Gamma Delta is an international women's fraternity that promotes academic excellence, philanthropic giving, ongoing leadership and personal development, and above all, a spirit of loving sisterhood. Guided by our Purpose, Alpha Gams strive to attain a higher standard, thereby improving their lives, the lives of those around them, and the communities in which they live. Together, we continually work to: Inspire the Woman. Impact the World. Rho Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta at Iowa State University provides women with a welcoming environment to create friendships and make memories that will last far beyond your collegiate years.
How are you planning on keeping your chapter members engaged in the organization (virtually and/or safely) for the spring semester?
Going into the spring 2021 semester, the Rho Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta will continue to offer options for chapter events that meet the needs of our members while taking precautions and following guidelines provided by the CDC, the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, and Iowa State University. Whether that be through virtual sisterhoods, social media challenges, or small groups, we hope to provide a safe and supportive sisterhood for all of our members. As a chapter we are following Safe on Purpose: A Chapter’s Guide to Health and Safety during COVID19, a guideline provided by Alpha Gamma Delta’s Fraternity Housing Corporation. The Safe on Purpose guidelines provides members with expected behaviors in order to keep all sisters safe and healthy during this time. Our Safe on Purpose guidelines is evaluated monthly by Executive Council to ensure we are meeting the needs of our chapter.
Why did you want to be president? I wanted to continue to serve the amazing women of Alpha Gamma Delta through this position. These women have supported me in the lowest of lows and have celebrated with me through the highest of highs. They have recognized potential in me that I would have never seen myself. Alpha Gamma Delta has given me a place to call home and encouraged me to live with purpose What are you most looking forward to during your presidency? During the Sorority and Fraternity Leadership Retreat, one of the speakers shared this thought with us: "You were created to lead during a pandemic. You are so lucky to be leading during a time when people just need so much love and encouragement." These truths have really stuck with me. I am so unbelievably honored to be able to serve the women of Alpha Gamma Delta and foster a supportive sisterhood through loving others well during this next year.
LETTERS
JANUARY 2021
LIST OF THE MONTH
WHAT TO REMEMBER TO BRING BACK WITH YOU FOR SPRING SEMESTER by ALLIE STEER
1. Toothbrush A toothbrush may seem silly, but it is one of the most forgotten things while packing. If you forget it; you can find them in C-Stores on campus or at CVS on Lincoln Way. 2. Mask & Hand Sanitizer Yes, unfortunately, we are still amid a pandemic. It is essential to always wear your masks on campus and in situations where you can't be more than 6 feet apart. 3. Sense of Adventure Be ready to come back and support chapter philanthropies, connect with friends, and enjoy the spring weather. 4. School Supplies This one is obvious! Don’t forget textbooks you’ve already bought or extra notebooks and pens from home.
5. Iowa State Apparel You can’t forget to show off your school spirit on campus this spring! 6. Winter Clothes As we return to campus, Iowa will be in the heart of winter with some of the lowest temperatures and wild weather. It is important to dress appropriately to help prevent any illness. 7. Umbrella & Rainy Day Shoes April showers are a real thing in Ames. Rain boots and an umbrella can help you get to and from class dry. Always keep your umbrella in your backpack in case it starts to rain while you’re in class! 8. Pictures of Friends & Family Print off a photo or two of friends and family to remember good times during school. 9. An Extra Home Cooked Meal Nothing is more comforting than cozying up on a Sunday night watching a movie with your favorite home cooked meal preparing for the upcoming week. 10. Open Mind This one is a bit cheesy, but we’re still adjusting to the new normal and anxious to get some regularity back in our lives. It is important to have an open mind to all opportunities and make the best of each situation. You never know what might come of it!
TRIVIA TIME by HOLLY BETHEL
Which fraternity's philanthropy is the Jade Ribbon Campaign? a. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. b. Phi Delta Theta c. Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. How many University? a. 30 b.26 c. 36
total
fraternities
are
at
Iowa
How many councils are there at Iowa State? a. 2 b. 4 c. 3
State
When did the first sorority come to Iowa State? a. 1877 Be sure to read next month's LETTERS edition to find b. 1868 the answers! c. 1881
PRIDE GOES GREEK! Hear from the Pride Goes Greek founder, Avery Staker by AVERY STAKER The idea for Pride Goes Greek came to me after a conversation with a friend in my chapter. We both hold LGBTQIA+ identities and we realized we had not met many other members of Greek life who did, too. Given the international reputation of Greek life, we were not surprised, but I could not stop thinking about how much I wanted to fix that. I adore my chapter and the opportunities I have accessed through my involvement; I wanted others who are like me to feel the same. My LGBTQIA+ siblings and I normally feel uncomfortable occupying spaces by baring our true selves. It became my goal to blaze a trail of love, inclusivity, and pride so everyone could have access to the world of opportunities provided through Iowa State’s sorority and fraternity community and beyond.
The purpose of Pride Goes Greek is to create a community within a community. There are many LGBTQIA+-identifying chapter members, but we did not have a way to connect on this plane until now. We just recently received the official recognition status by the university, so up until now we have only been able to hold small hangouts over Zoom. Next semester, we will be holding an official election to determine officers and begin planning larger social events, like movie parties, picnics, and volunteer opportunities. Spending time with the first few members of this organization has been some of the most fun I have ever had. We are so excited to see Pride Goes Greek grow and thrive, and we would love to have you. If you are interested in joining or simply seeing what it is like, follow @pridegoesgreek on Instagram or email me at acstaker@iastate.edu.
Welcome Your New Council Officers! CPC
President Kay McCelland Vice President of Judicial Affairs Erin Cork Vice President of Risk Prevention Hannah Johnson Vice President of Scholarship Emma Behrens Vice President of Public Relations Emma Plum Vice President of Finance Claire Sarbacker Vice President of Recruitment Programming Toni Martorelli Vice President of Recruitment Education Liz Day Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Service Megan Bixby Vice President of Membership Development Meena Wilwerding Vice President of Social Justice Bret Clark
MGC President Scott Nguyen Vice President of Community Outreach Breanna Diaz Vice President of Finance Rosemary Galdamez Vice President of Programming Lauren Davis Vice President of Scholarship Karen Devora-Cigarroa Vice President of Council Operations Olivia Oppedal
IFC
President Tyler Naughtrip Vice President of Judicial Affairs Cameron Bible Vice President of Risk Prevention Ben Marburger Vice President of Scholarship Jacob Cort Vice President of Public Relations Spencer Weyer Vice President of Council Operations Cale Pellett Vice President of Recruitment Ben Johnson Vice President of Recruitment Ronan Duffy Vice President of Philanthropy Tyler Mogensen Vice President of Community Service David Gunger Vice President of Leadership Development Keegan Holdorf
NPHC President Johnathan Hall Vice President Nadine Veasley Treasurer Nadine Veasley Public Relations Brianna Harden Vice President of Community Outreach Brianna Harden
EDITOR'S ROOM FROM THE DESK OF HOLLY BETHEL JANUARY 2021Â
|
HMBETHEL@IASTATE.EDU
HAVE A STORY?
SFELETTERS@IASTATE.EDU
OR
EMAIL ME AT HMBETHEL@IASTATE.EDU
Hello! My name is Holly Bethel, and I am the new editor for LETTERS! I am a sophomore at Iowa State University. I am a member of Chi Omega sorority, and am the philanthropy chair this year! I also am involved in Dance Marathon and YSS. I love staying busy and being involved throughout the community!
This newsletter is full of many different articles and many different people work to make this possible each month. The members of SFCA will help me to put together LETTERS each month. I also have an editorial committee that are my goto gals when working on articles for LETTERS.
LETTERS is the Sorority and Fraternity Community's official student publication, which highlights things our community is accomplishing here, near, and far. Our stories revolve around our five core values: academics, civic engagement, friendship, leadership, and social justice.
I'm am so glad I get the chance to showcase all the amazing things going on within our community on a platform accessible to the student body. I am so excited for this project, and I can't wait to see where this year takes me and all the amazing things within LETTERS!