Finding a Lifelong Home Away from Home

As we all learned when we started college, many of the things that we thought we knew were not necessarily true. Maryellen Drasler Baxter—the first in her family to attend college—had no knowledge of or interest in sororities.

That changed when Marci Barge Smith introduced her to some of the Tri Sigma women in the Beta Kappa Chapter at Arizona State University. It was then, for the first time since moving to the large campus, she “belonged.”

During her collegiate years, Maryellen served two terms as Chapter President and received the 1974 Mabel Lee Walton Award for Outstanding Collegian. Tri Sigma continued to be a big part of her alumna life as she served as a National Officer for three triennial terms, including Field Secretary, NCC, Area Director and in the Collegiate Panhellenic Department. Maryellen also served as Chapter Advisor to Beta Kappa during the 1970s and 80s, and as a Foundation Board member for two triennium.

Remaining in the Phoenix area, Maryellen became involved in the local alumnae chapter where she served in various offices and committee positions, including President. She was awarded the Emily Gates Alumna

Achievement award in 2018, the Steadfast Alumna award in 2015, and the Outstanding Alumna of the Region award in 1987. She also was awarded the Alumna Recognition award in 2012 and the Women of Distinction award in 2016.

Every National Convention has been on her calendar since 1974, especially Scottsdale in 2004 where she was Registration Chair.

Maryellen taught elementary school for 30 years, retiring early at 52. She continued to be invested and active in education, including as a tutor. Today, her four grandchildren live nearby and she is happily kept busy with them.

On her Golden Violet nomination form, Maryellen wrote: “[Through Sigma] I have learned to appreciate and respect women of all ages, from different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. It has expanded my horizons in a way I never thought imaginable. I have made lifelong friends with so many sisters and within our alumnae chapter, adding more each year. We as a group can accomplish so much more than as individuals to make a difference both locally and nationally.”

Her rich Sigma history now includes being a Golden Violet in honor of 50 years of steadfast service to our sisterhood.