The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha: Summer 2015

Summer 2015 | Volume 101

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YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR JOURNEY

Where does health rank on your priority list?

A vision of the future: the 2015-18 Strategic Plan

SummerPhoenixFINAL.indd 1 6/25/15 3:30 PM

Newly installed Delta Gamma Chapter, West Chester University, PA, has already made an impact serving local affi liates of our national philanthropic partners. PHOTO CREDIT: SANDRIEN B. PHOTOGRAPHY


FEATURES

Cover story, page 8:

Your health is your journey

8

6

15

SUMMER 2015 CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

4 Editor’s desk

5 From the president

18 District news

26 From the Alpha Sigma AlphaFoundation

27 Palms

30 News & events

31 From the archives

32 Woman of poise and purpose

6 A vision of the future: Alpha Sigma Alpha Strategic Plan 2015-18

14 District Day & Advisor Institute 2015-16 15 Welcome back Delta Gamma Chapter

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org 3


Dear readers,I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, cherish life’s

simple pleasures.

Recently my 3-year-old niece lip-synced the chorus

of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” and her mom sent me a video

of it in a text message. While her performance wasn’t

quite Jimmy Fallon lip-sync battle worthy, I couldn’t

help but watch it over and over again. Life’s simple pleasures.

Three boys under the age of 12 live in the house across from mine. Every

day when I come home, they are outside playing in their back yard. They play

baseball, basketball, and they just run around with each other. They tend to

get in arguing matches too, which I also fi nd entertaining. I just realized

the other day how much I expect to hear them when I come home, because

that day they weren’t outside. Their absence threw me off , and I missed

hearing their laughing and playing. These boys remind me of my brothers

and I growing up, and how we lived so much of our lives outside in our

back yard (and of how much we would get on each other’s nerves). Life’s

simple pleasures.

When I think about the Creed of Alpha Sigma Alpha, I smile knowing that it

encompasses this thought of cherishing life’s simple pleasures. To fi nd

dominant beauty in art, literature, nature and friendships… To love life

and joyously live each day to its ultimate good.

This is my creed, and I hope I never miss a beat.

Perhaps receiving the Phoenix magazine is one of your life’s simple pleasures.

I hope you enjoy and take it all in. Enjoy!

Mizpah,

Katie Matis Smith

@kmatis25

EDITOR’S DESK

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTSWe always welcome your comments—both

criticism and praise—about this publication. Email

[email protected] or send mail to:

Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha

9002 Vincennes Circle

Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

Spring 2015 | Volume 101

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IS COLLEGE STILL WORTH IT? As tuition continues to increase, we dive into answering whether college is still worth the price tag.

Who are Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 30 under 30?

SpringPhoenix_FINAL.indd 1 4/1/15 10:02 AM

Volume 101, Number 3

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha (USPS 430-640) is

published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002

Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018.

Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and

additional mailing offi ces. Produced by Shelle Design

Inc., www.shelledesign.com. ©Alpha Sigma Alpha

Send address changes, death notices and business

correspondence to the national headquarters.

Address all editorial correspondence to the editor.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle,

Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.

DEADLINESWinter Sept. 10

Spring Dec. 10

Summer March 10

Fall June 10

EDITORKatie Matis Smith, DH

CONTRIBUTING EDITORNancy I.Z. Reese, BΥ

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS9002 Vincennes Circle

Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

Phone: (317) 871-2920

Fax: (317) 871-2924

Email: [email protected]

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4 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2015


EDITOR’S DESK

As a college freshman, I was poised and ready to take on Emporia

State University, Kansas. My fi rst opportunity to get involved was

sorority recruitment as it began a week before the start of classes.

My friends from high school were signing up so I decided to join

the crowd. I was an “always joiner” and had been involved in

sports and many extracurricular activities in high school. It

seemed a natural fi t for me and a great way to meet people.

When the fi rst day came around, I was anxious but also very excited.

We met our recruitment counselors and our group than we were

off for the fi rst round of recruitment. We patiently waited outside

each sorority’s room until start time, at which point the doors would

open and we walked in forming a single line to women chanting

sorority cheers. A member selected me and escorted me to a place

where we would start talking. I talked to many women from each

sorority, watched and enjoyed a quick skit about their organization,

and then it would be time to travel to the next chapter.

I was immediately out of my comfort zone. These women seemed

to have it all together. I found myself paralyzed in the moment not

wanting to say anything wrong. I participated the next few days but

wasn’t myself. I was intimidated, shy and taking it all in.

This experience didn’t work out the way I had hoped it would. I didn’t

connect with the Alpha Sigma Alpha members, even though I felt

totally aligned with them, because I was not being my authentic self.

I was disappointed when I did not get an invitation to join Alpha

Sigma Alpha as this was the group I could picture myself joining.

However, I knew I could fi nd other ways to be involved on campus.

The next semester, my friend encouraged me to go through informal

recruitment. Despite my reservations due to my previous experience,

I humbly committed to giving it another try. This time around I was

able to be my true self, and I received a bid from Alpha Sigma Alpha.

I was so pumped to be a part of this sisterhood. It was a perfect fi t!

The women were able to get to know the real Melissa and see the

value I could bring to the Sorority.

I learned from my recruitment experiences. I had a bigger appreciation

for Alpha Sigma Alpha. I valued every opportunity I was given, took on

every leadership role and gave my best in every endeavor. I was more

empathetic toward potential members who were quiet and focused

on really getting to know them. I was diff erent but yet still myself.

We all have moments when we feel out of our comfort zone but life

provides you with continual opportunities to learn and grow. I can

look back on experience after experience where I can attest to truly

seeing a change in myself.

It makes me think about how helpful it can be to look at the past

to gain perspective on the present. How every opportunity and

experience is a chance for learning even when you can’t recognize

it? Sometimes you have to truly engage in opportunities to be able

to grow. Have you heard this quote?

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think… what if I wouldn’t have gone back through recruitment?

I am a stronger woman because I persevered and learned from the

experience. As members of Alpha Sigma Alpha, we value lifelong

learning. We learn from each experience, including our successes

and failures. We are willing to share what we have learned with others.

Together we can grow to be the best versions of ourselves! It’s only

the beginning for all of us in our journey of learning.

In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

Melissa Koch Merriam, EENational President

BY MELISSA KOCH MERRIAM, EE | NATIONAL PRESIDENT

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

FROM THE PRESIDENT



1 2Cultivation

We will cultivate an environment that promotes educated, healthy and responsible women.

Emphasize healthy behaviors that will support members throughout

their lives.

Enhance focus on ritual and values-based programming in all aspects

of membership and chapter operations.

Advancement We will elevate the lives of women and be a forward-thinking organization.

Develop visionary leaders through strategic leadership development.

Deliver an eff ective and dynamic organizational structure that evolves

with the needs of our membership.

Support membership engagement, development and leadership

through innovative and relevant technologies.

National council is pleased to present Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 2015-18 Strategic Plan. Our strategic vision is determined by the elected leaders of the Sorority and is based on the Sorority’s mission, purpose, core values and vision statement.

The Alpha Sigma Alpha strategic plan serves as a blueprint for the organization and reinforces the purpose of our organization. As part of

the governance role, national council uses an ongoing, three year strategic planning model. A strategic plan is critical to the success of our

organization to ensure we are communicating the vision for the future and allows for the planning and allocation of the resources to achieve

the strategies and objectives.

STRATEGIC PLAN

A vision of the future: Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Strategic Plan 2015-18

BY KIM BENSON, DN-B, VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS



3 4Signifi cance

We will emphasize relationships that benefi t our members and create signifi cance in the

communities we serve.

Foster love, loyalty and life-long giving to the Alpha Sigma

Alpha Foundation.

Engage in strategic partnerships that provide value to the Sorority.

Champion a culture of service and giving in our campus, local, NPC,

national and global communities.

Engagement We will provide meaningful opportunities to experience a joyful and engaged membership.

Explore opportunities to increase our membership and spread our

infl uence abroad.

Create enthusiasm and inspire organizational pride throughout a

member’s life.

Deliver meaningful personal and professional programming and

leadership-enrichment opportunities for members.

Foster sustainable recruitment of collegiate and alumnae members.

From the strategic plan, staff members develop an annual business plan that details how the strategies and objectives of the strategic plan will

be accomplished, by whom and in what timeframe. The business plan, in turn, drives the annual budget of the Sorority and the allocation of

resources to projects and programs. All three components are inter-dependent: strategic plan, business plan and budget.

For Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Strategic Plan 2015-18, we have identifi ed four key themes: cultivation, advancement, signifi cance and engagement. Each of these key themes includes key strategic goals to further the mission of Alpha Sigma Alpha. National council is excited

for the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha and for all members’ support and engagement in sustaining our organization for future generations.

A vision of the future: Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Strategic Plan 2015-18



FEATURE



BY SUE ZARNOWSKI, QΣ, PHOENIX CONTRIBUTOR,DISTRICT 2 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LEADER

If you have been listening to the radio, watching television or reading the latest

news online, then you have probably picked up that making healthy choices to live

a life that is joyful and fulfi lling is the latest trend. Taking walks frequently outside,

visiting health professionals for regular checkups, taking time for yourself and

staying hydrated are the what people have been dubbing “the new health craze.”

If you have found yourself jumping on the bandwagon of joyously living a brighter

life, then you might as well put on a pair of bell-bottom jeans with a T-shirt that

says “Where’s the beef” because you are a product of a pop culture fad.

BYBY SUE ZARNOWSKI,SUE ZARNOWSKI,SUE ZARNOWSKI,SUE ZARNOWSKI, QΣ, PHOENIX CONTRIBUTOR,DISTRICT 2 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LEADERDISTRICT 2 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LEADERDISTRICT 2 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LEADERDISTRICT 2 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LEADER



FEATURE

Every day is full of questions that need answers.

In fact, did you know that on average, adults

make about 35,000 decisions a day? Most of

those decisions are made because of your routine.

Which route should I take to work?

What will I make for my children’s lunch?

Should I reply to this email now or later?

Now, think about making new decisions to create

a routine that would result in living better.

Should I start working out?

Should I train for a marathon?

Should I rid this or that from my diet?

Should I schedule an appointment for

a checkup?

Should I talk to someone about my emotions?

It is common for us to take care of those

around us before ourselves. We think about

our parents and making sure they are making

healthy choices. We think about our kids and

wanting to set them up for a healthy lifestyle.

The one thing we can recognize and promote

is that the best way to take care of others is to

take care of ourselves first.

Why would we as women want to become

more physically active and eat better?

Diabetes affects more than 70 million

women in the world and is projected to

double by 2025.

Cardiovascular diseases account for 1/3 of

deaths among women around the world.

Osteoporosis is a disease prevalent in

post-menopausal women.

Physical activity can help with stress

management, depression and anxiety.

Answer this question:

Is health a priority to you?

a. Top priority

b. Top 5 priority

c. Top 10 priority

d. I mean… I take Flintstone vitamins!

If you answered one of the bottom three

choices, what would empower you to make

health a top priority? It is time to look beyond

the short-term goals and recognize why you

and your health are one and the same.

Visiting health professionals is the new blackHow often to do you visit a

health professional?

Whenever it is necessary. – Nicole L.

Once a year, and when I am sick. – Samantha S.

Every six months or so. – Erica G.

Regularly. – Katie H.

Physician, gynecologist and dermatologist once a year; dentist twice a year. – Mandi P.

On average, Americans visit the doctor four

times a year, which is less than the average

visits of people in the United Kingdom,

Australia, France, Canada, Germany and

Japan according to Forbes. Rather than

determining whether or not America or

Japan, produces healthier people because

they visit a health professional more or less

often, we will dive into recognizing the health

professionals that are available and what the

purpose of visiting them is.

No matter your age, annual exams ensure

wellness, help us maintain or improve upon

good health and serve as a preventative

step to catch a serious condition before it

begins. Annual exams can include a visit

with our primary health care physician or

our gynecologist. Prior to any exam taking

place, a doctor will inquire about health

history of our family, current medications

and see what has changed since the last visit.

Annual exams include assessing one’s current

health status – nutrition, physical activity, sexual

practices, tobacco, alcohol and drug use along

with vital signs of blood pressure, height, weight

and body mass index (BMI). The exam may

include information on which vaccinations are

recommended by age and group risk. Physical

exams carry no risks and can be used as a time to

discuss birth control options and/or ask sexual

and general health questions.

Sitting is the new smokingAre you sitting while you are reading this?

Did you just stand up after reading that?

Exercise is good for you, this we know. Federal

health officials recommend at least 30 minutes

of moderate exercise daily because studies show

that when you have a regular exercise routine,

you can improve your overall health including

cardiovascular, lowering of your blood

pressure and improving your metabolism

and levels of cholesterol. You can reduce

your risk of diabetes, cancers and maintain a

healthy weight that can boost your likelihood

of continuing

a regular

exercise

routine.

#N O T ... While there will always be the new health trend” promoted in the media and word of mouth, choosing to live

better for you is not a fad. Perhaps the struggle you have every

now and then is deciding what routine works for you.

“As humans, we

were not built to [sit or]

stand still. I incorporate a hearty

amount of movement to

keep my blood flowing.”

– Nora D.



So, what we have learned so far is that we should

be moving at least 30 minutes a day. Check!

However, if you spend each day sitting for

long periods of time, the 30 minutes a day

you spend moderately exercising may not

produce the results you seek. According to

studies, including one from the University

of South Carolina, people who sit for long

periods of time can have less desirable levels

of cholesterol, blood sugar and have an

increased risk of diabetes, heart disease

and other health issues.

If you fi nd yourself to be sitting in front

of the television for long periods of time,

working at a desk in front of a computer

from 8-5 or driving long distances, you

need to be creative in fi nding time blocks

to get your body moving throughout the

day to break up long blocks of your

sedentary daily lifestyle.

QUICK TIPS TO GET MOVINGThere are many simple activities we can use to

incorporate extra movement every day.

1. You can track your steps and make daily,

weekly and monthly goals for increasing the

number of steps you take.

2. If you are someone who likes incentive

or motivation, you can look into community

walks or runs you can sign up to do.

3. Look for a Girls on the Run event in

your area at www.GirlsOnTheRun.org.

4. Ask your work if they offer health

workshops, nutritional services or a

discount at a local gym.

5. Take a walk for half of your lunch break

and enjoy the nice weather.

Tacos and salads and taco saladsTrue or false: If a meal has the word

“salad” in it, does that mean it’s healthy?

It depends on how you defi ne healthy.

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human

Services and Agriculture have developed several

tools such as healthy eating plans, a nutrient

database for foods not found in packages and

a breakdown of the nutrition facts label. The

healthy eating plan is paired with interactive

websites that help you choose food based on

height, weight and other information. Learn

more at womenshealth.gov and search

“healthy eating.”

As the media posts articles and studies on what

to eat and what not to eat, the food pyramid

reminds us of our fruits and vegetables, whole

grains and proteins. What also helps is paying

attention to our carbohydrate, protein and fat

intake as well.

We can be proactive with smartphone apps

such as MyFitnessPal to see the nutrition value

in what we are hoping to eat, we can

split our meal with a friend, or we

can split the meal to ensure we take

home leftovers. It is hard to resist fi nishing a

IS VISITING A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ON A REGULAR BASIS IMPORTANT TO YOU?

As much as I don’t like going to the

doctor’s offi ce, I know it’s important to

stay on top of my internal health so that

I can physically and mentally be at my

best performance in my personal and

professional life. – Erica W.

Visiting health care professionals on a

regular basis is pretty important to me

because I want to know about any

issues with my body that I can’t see

or don’t notice. – Elizabeth J.

Dentist defi nitely! Doctor not as much

though, usually because when I do go

everything seems to check out fi ne

except when I feel sick. – Kiley W.

Q&A



tasty platter of nachos topped with guacamole

made table side, but we need to fi nd the will

and the way to pace ourselves and portion.

With summer comes along vacations,

cookouts, weddings and an increase in the

number of activities that have group eating

0n the agenda. Often times when we are on

vacation, we are eating out more frequently,

saying “why not” to the loaded potatoes and

making a strong eff ort to have enough room

for death by chocolate. At barbecues, you may

not be able to help but enjoy hamburgers,

buttery corn on the cob, pasta salad and

whatever else is on the red, white and blue

plaid tablecloth.

Keep your head up: balancing your mental healthYour mental health is very important. When

you take care of yourself, you can do what is

most important to you: working hard at your

job, learning new things, taking care of your

family, volunteering, enjoying the outdoors

and all else that is important to you.

Good mental health helps you enjoy life and

cope with the challenges life guarantees to give

you. It off ers a feeling of well-being and inner

strength. Just as you take care of your body

by eating right and exercising regularly, you

can also work to protect your mental health.

In fact, eating right and exercising can help

maintain good mental health.

You have to work to keep your mind healthy.

You will not have a healthy body if you don’t

also take care of your mind.

So what can you do to work at building up your

mental health? First, identify the correlation

between nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress

and mental health.

The food you eat can have a direct eff ect on

your energy level, physical health and mood.

A “healthy diet” is one that has enough of each

Health experts estimate the

calorie intake at a barbecue to

be a 3,000-calorie food binge.

Here are some healthy tips and tricks from Huffi ngton Post to help you still enjoy the barbecue and keep your health a priority: Substitute the beef in burgers and hot dogs with turkey, chicken or vegetables. Stock up on veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and onions are a summer treat and add fl avor to the main course. Don’t show up starving. Sometimes we don’t know what will be on the menu at a party. You can start your day with a balanced meal of protein and carbohydrates to be satisfi ed. This will help with control during the party and eating smaller portions. Regularly drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and to keep your stomach from being empty.

FEATURE



essential nutrient, contains many foods from

all of the basic food groups, provides the right

amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight

and does not have too much fat, sugar, salt

or alcohol.

As mentioned before, regular physical activity is

important to the physical and mental health of

almost everyone, including older adults. Being

physically active can help you continue to do the

things you enjoy and stay independent as you

age. Regular physical activity over long periods

of time can produce long-term health benefi ts.

That’s why health experts say that everyone should

be active every day to maintain their health.

Getting a good night’s sleep is as important to

our health as eating, drinking and breathing. It

allows our bodies to repair themselves and our

brains to consolidate our memories and process

information. If you have trouble sleeping, try to

establish routines so that your body can adapt to it.

Routines you can establish:

Going to bed and waking up at the same

time every day. Avoid sleeping in.

Avoid heavy meals close to your bed time.

Exercise daily.

Take a warm bath or shower before bed.

Avoid hyperactive mental activities

prior to bed time, i.e. looking at your

phone, watching intense programs on

television, etc.

Stress is diff erent for everyone, and it can be

diff erent at diff erent times for the same person

as well. When the response to stress leads you

with the inability to reset, it can lead to more

diffi cult problems for your mental health.

As with every situation, ask your doctor or

another health care professional for more

information on your mental and physical

well-being.

Remember to always make time for you. It

is just as important to care for yourself as it

is to care for those you love. Do you know

how during the safety demonstration on an

airplane, they tell you that if a drop in air

pressure occurs, that you are to put on your

breathing device fi rst and then put it on

someone else who needs assistance, like

your child. Because others depend on you,

it is more important to take care of yourself

fi rst so that you are healthy and ready to do

all that you want.

Recognizing that as a woman, you are an under-

cover superhero. You balance your work, your

home, your relationships, your kids and your

parents. You deserve your time as well.

Read more about what Alpha Sigma Alphas

had to say about making health a priority at

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org and search

“Your Health is Your Journey.”

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I VISIT A...

PHYSICIAN/FAMILY DOCTOR? Once a year

for an annual check-up, when you are sick and

for regular immunity shots, such as the fl u shot.

DERMATOLOGIST? Once a year, perhaps

preparing for the warmer months to seek

advice on skin protection from the sun.

GYNECOLOGIST? You can discuss this with

your physician to determine how often you

should visit a gynecologist, and for many

women, your primary physician is suffi cient.

DENTIST? It is recommended that you visit

the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and

annually for X-rays.

OPTOMETRIST? The older you get, the

more often you should look into visiting an

optometrist. Visit at least once every 2-3 years

until you turn 40, then determine if more

frequent visits are necessary.

Q&A

“My dog ensures that I get some physical

activity every day! We walk for at least an hour every day, and

we jog three times a week.” – Dina L.

“I believe exercise to

be my time to be selfi sh. It’s the

one thing I do that I am focusing on

myself for. I exercise 4-5 times a week for

1-2 hours doing both weight training and

cardio. Exercise helps reduce my stress

and makes me feel happier.”

– Valerie R.



UPCOMING EVENTS

DISTRICT DAY & ADVISOR INSTITUTE 2015-16

Save the date

DISTRICT 2 – PHILADELPHIANov. 14, 2015

DISTRICT 5 – FT. WAYNEFeb. 27, 2016

DISTRICT 7 – DALLASMarch 5, 2016

DISTRICT 3 – PITTSBURGHNov. 7, 2015

DISTRICT 8 – MILWAUKEEOct. 24, 2015

DISTRICT 4 – RICHMONDFeb. 6, 2016

DISTRICT 6 – MEMPHISJan. 30, 3016

DISTRICT 9 – KANSAS CITYFeb. 20, 2016



In January 2015, Alpha Sigma Alpha reinstalled its Delta Gamma Chapter at West Chester University, PA

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015:The Sanctuary Degree Service, the Service for Installation of a New Chapter and

the Service for the Installation of Collegiate Offi cers started off the weekend’s

celebration. Members of Alpha Gamma Chapter, Indiana University

of Pennsylvania, Nu Nu Chapter, Drexel University, PA, Delta Iota

Chapter, University of Delaware, and alumnae from the Central

Pennsylvania Alumnae Chapter served as sponsors for the women

being initiated. National President Melissa Koch Merriam, EE,

and Leadership Consultant Alyssa York, HH, served as the

installing offi cers for the Service for the Installation of a New Chapter.

The White Luncheon gathered members of Alpha Sigma Alpha

in celebration of the reinstalled Delta Gamma Chapter. District

Facilitator Carli Feldman, ZN, served as the mistress of ceremonies

for the luncheon. Members were presented with membership

certifi cates, and initiates and new members alike were presented

with phoenix recognition pins as symbols of their accomplishment

of being a founding member of Delta Gamma Chapter.

The Installation Banquet was held Saturday evening with family,

friends and sisters joining the Delta Gamma Chapter members.

Leadership Consultant Alyssa served as the toastmistress for the

banquet. The keynote speaker for the evening was District 3 Advisory

Board District Liaison Chayna Wilson, EM, who challenged the

founding members to establish a legacy that will last a lifetime.

Members were presented with the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation

charter member dangle, and alumnae made toasts in honor of the Delta

Gamma Chapter. The evening reached its pinnacle with the offi cial

unveiling of the charter by National President Melissa Koch Merriam.

Members of Delta Gamma Chapter from the early 1970s attended

the reinstallation.

Delta Gamma Chapter installation team Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, national president

Kelly McGinnis Morello, EK, vice president of fi nance

Christine Strapac Thomas, AG, Foundation chairman

Lisa Stephenson, EE, membership growth coordinator

Carli Timpson Feldman, ZN, district facilitator

Alyssa York, HH, leadership consultant

BY KATIE MATIS SMITH, DH, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNCIATIONS AND MARKETING

CHAPTER INSTALLATION



Delta Gamma Chapter advisory boardEvery collegiate chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha has a support system in

the form of the chapter advisory board. A chapter advisory board offers

continuity and stability to the chapter over the years, and they are a vital

part of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

The advisory board of Delta Gamma Chapter has a wealth of backgrounds,

experiences and stories that help shape its dynamic support to the colony

and now chapter. Women serving on the board include first-time volunteers,

volunteers who haven’t been involved in more than 10 years as well as

a past member of national council. This talented group of volunteers

excels in their careers and whose industries include science, marketing,

sales, pharmaceuticals and special education.

“We are a very diverse board,” said Chapter Advisor Marcia Pucci Jacquette,

DN-A. “One of us has previous advising experience, one of us is a long-

time volunteer and three are new to volunteering. The younger advisors

are more familiar with the campus norms of today, while the older advisors

bring a sense of history and an understanding of why those norms exist.

“The diversity is a blessing on this board, but it is the common

dedication and integrity of the advisors that makes this team unique,”

continued Marcia. “Every one of the advisors feels the same deep sense of

responsibility to the chapter and a commitment to our role in developing

our sisters into women of poise and purpose. At the same time, we help

each other maintain balance with jobs, kids, graduate school, etc. and have

fun. This board truly demonstrates balance, generosity, responsibility,

relationships and enjoyment, which makes them both strong role models

for the chapter women and awesome teammates.”

From transfer to chapter presidentRachael Hafer went to college and pursued

intercollegiate soccer. She started her career at

West Chester University and then transferred to

Southern Connecticut State University, but at the

end of her sophomore year, she knew her soccer

career was ready to end. She took the next semester off and then

transferred back to West Chester University.

But before she transferred back to West Chester, she met the women

of Theta Sigma Chapter at Southern Connecticut State University

and joined in spring 2013. She joined Alpha Sigma Alpha because

from the moment she met the women of Theta Sigma Chapter, who

she said were so welcoming, successful and confident, she knew it

was meant to be.

“My mom is an Alpha Sigma Alpha from Temple University, Pennsylvania,”

said Rachael. “She encouraged me to go to a recruitment event with them

at Southern Connecticut State, and I am glad she did because joining

Alpha Sigma Alpha was the best decision I made.

“I was really excited when I knew Alpha Sigma Alpha was establishing a new

chapter at West Chester. I reached out to the advisors and attended a colony

CHAPTER INSTALLATION



meeting right away, and the women and everyone were so welcoming. It

reassured me that transferring back to West Chester was the right decision.”

Shortly after she joined the colony, women were approaching Rachael

about running for president.

“I knew and loved what Alpha Sigma Alpha stands for, and I wanted to

see Alpha Sigma Alpha make a positive impact at West Chester. I do my

best to include everyone in decision-making and keep the chapter’s best

interest in mind.

“I, as well as the rest of the chapter, want the women of Delta Gamma

Chapter to be welcoming and positive role models. We are a family and

are going to support each other in everything we do.”

Following her mother’s legacyKrysta Stefanosky is the vice president of alumnae and heritage, and her

inspiration and motivation to be a leader in the chapter was her mother,

Ellen McIntyre Stefanosky, DC. Ellen was the vice president of alumnae

and heritage of her chapter in the mid-1980s.

“My mom told me that being in a sorority may be hard, especially starting

a new one,” said Krysta, “but she told me she knew I could do it.

“She told me to get to know every sister, that these women were my new

support system for the rest of my life. She really taught me to learn to

love everyone and that this sisterhood would last a lifetime.”

Ellen joined the Delta Chi Chapter at Bloomsburg University,

Pennsylvania, in spring 1984. Little did she dream that 31 years later

she would welcome her daughter Krysta as a sister as well.

“It was really emotional during initiation. My mom and I have always been

close, and for her to pin me and welcome me as her sister made us even

closer. She told me how proud she was of me and that this opportunity

was mine. Few women can say they were pinned by their mother.”

DELTA GAMMA FUN FACTS The chapter earned a grant from the university to send

members to this summer’s Emma Coleman Frost Leadership

Development Institute.

The chapter exceeded their spring recruitment target of 10

and recruited 32 new members.

One member of the chapter plays tennis for the university.

The chapter displayed an immediate great commitment to our

national philanthropic partners. They have volunteered for

Girls on the Run, Special Olympics, S. June Smith Center’s

Battle of the Banks

Service immersion participant – Emily Castillo

UIFI participants – Kate Stellar, Kelly Theisinger

Members of the chapter are from Pennsylvania, New Jersey,

Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland

Installation gifts and donations sponsored by:Kelly McGinnis Morello, EK; Suzanne Hebert, BZ; Susanne Alfonso, NN; Donna Haines, GΟ; Meredith Cheryba, EK; Diane James, HH; Sue Zarnowski, QΣ; Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter; Chayna Wilson, EM.

(Top to bottom) National President Melissa Koch Merriam presents a fraternal enhancement grant to West Chester University, PA, on behalf of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. Krysta Stefanosky and Ellen McIntyre Stefanosky after installation when Ellen pinned her daughter.



DISTRICT NEWSDISTRICT NEWS

1. Beta Upsilon Chapter, Indiana State University

Gabrielle Dallecarbonare shows off the

crown with her hands as see jumps into a

pool of freezing cold water for Polar Plunge.

Polar Plunge is a fundraiser hosted by local

Special Olympics state and regional offices.

Alpha Sigma Alpha members and chapters

raise thousands of dollars for Special

Olympics through Polar Plunge annually.

2. Gamma Lambda Chapter, Loyola University of Chicago

Sisters who participated in Lady Bug

Olympics as cheerleaders for the teams that

competed in our volleyball tournament

with some of the students that came and

supported us. Our cheerleaders cheered

all of the teams on and encouraged people

to donate to Special Olympics.

3. Gamma Eta Chapter, Pennsylvania State University

Alpha Sigma Alpha raised more than

$266,000 for THON 2015. THON is the

largest student-run fundraiser in the world,

raising money to fight pediatric cancer.

Pictured: Allison Levy, Brooke Seidel,

Madelynn Malnik, Morgan Lader, Joelle

Karlitz, Ashley Polansky, Jenna Lechner.

4. Epsilon Eta Chapter, Virginia Wesleyan College Epsilon Eta at Virginia Wesleyan College

during their Murder Mystery Dinner, which

is hosted once a semester to raise money for

our philanthropic partners. This semester’s

dinner raised money for Girls on the Run.

The chapter paired up with the Theater

Honor Society at our school who wrote

and performed the skit. The audience was

able to have interactions with the actors and

guess who they thought was the murderer.

Pictured: Toni Aris-Howell, Natalie

Kendall, Jackie Delgado, Brooke Totzeck,

Morgan Piero, Aryn Kormanis, Christina

Call, Zezie Martins, Liana Merrill, Hannah

Louk, Sandra Liedl, Ashlei Gates, Dylyn

Kotteles, Samantha White, Kaylee Moore,

Meaghan Rawls, Chelsea White, Rachel

Connolly, Tianna Garland.

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5. Theta Nu Chapter, Knox College, ILSisters of Theta Nu attended Midwest

Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally

College Conference, the largest LGBTQIA

college conference in the nation, at Illinois

State University in February 2015. Sisters

had the chance to attend sessions on LGBTA

issues and had the opportunity to see Laverne

Cox as the keynote speaker. Pictured: Anna

Cliff ord, Brandi Pudlo, Amber Simon,

Alessandra Power, Alanna Toomey.

6. Theta Eta Chapter, Rogers State University, OKTheta Eta volunteered at the Special

Olympics Winter Games 2015 in January

in Norman, OK. Members assisted

bowlers, kept their score and placed the

medals around the necks of all the athletes

at the conclusion of the competition.

Sisters mentioned they learned about

kindness, encouragement and team spirit

through the experience and had as much

fun volunteering with them as they did

competing. Pictured: Jordan Unger,

Addison Jirik, LaNae Henegar, LaShawn

White, Alyssa Brown, Kyla Guinn, Kelsey

Nicklas, Elyse Urbonas, Chelsea Keiser,

Haley Moore, Renee Dawson, Ashlyn

Brown, Jesalyn Nelson.

7. Theta Epsilon Chapter, Schreiner University, TXThis photo was taken after an alumnae

lunch this winter at Rosario’s in downtown

San Antonio. Pictured: Dallas Meadows,

Marissa Rodriquez, Nicole Roberts, Heather

White, Margaret Schneiderheinz, Wendy

Saldivar, Shayla George, Kortney Lacek,

Kelsi Schneider, Jennifer Brooks,

Adriana Mercado.

8. Tidewater Alumnae Chapter, VAMembers of Tidewater Alumnae Chapter,

VA, attending this year’s District 4 District

Day. Pictured: Erica Whitefi eld, ZΥ,

Gwendolyn Burke, ZΥ, Misty Young,

DΡ, Julie Wiley Levine, A, Jennifer

DeLawrence, EH.

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DISTRICT NEWSDISTRICT NEWS

9. Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter

The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter

participated in the Adopt-A-Family program

during Christmas 2014, and members Nita

Lalla Roncone, ET, and Cindy Rhoades

Ryan, DΙ, delivered gifts to the family.

10. Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter

The Greater Kansas City Alumnae

Chapter hosted a Kansas City

Gangsters Tour from Union Station.

It was a great sisterhood event with

a wonderful turnout.

11. Windy City Alumnae Chapter, IL

Windy City Alumnae Chapter joined

DePaul’s Delta Eta Chapter as they

jumped into Lake Michigan for Chicago’s

Annual Polar Plunge in support of Special

Olympics. Pictured: Michele Reining

Malo, DH, Stephanie Vjunovich, Kate

Gronstal, ZF, Kim Bayma, YY, Caroline

Eaton, DH, Carina Medina, DH, Bella

Fieoretto, DH, Merrill Watzman, DH,

Mel Sanchez, DH. Photo taken by Brianne

Bradbury Photography.

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12. Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter, LA

The Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter

celebrated the Queens Luncheon Krewe

of Phoenix on Mardi Gras day. This is an

annual event since 1999. Pictured: Lynn

Jones Meador, BD, Lynn Fox Royse, BD,

Dolly Purvis Loyd, BD, Ursula Jones,

BD, Betty Eure Parrish, BD, Susan

Taylor Carter, BD.

13. Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, NC

The Charlotte Alumnae Chapter

celebrated spring with their monthly

sisterhood brunch. Pictured: Angela

Dantzler Bauldree, BZ, Barbara Barnes,

NN, Laurel Griswold, BK, Taylor Stewart,

BQ, Christie Wolf, ZC, Regina Robertson,

FF, Michelle Blankenship, GP.

14. Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, NY

This spring the Buffalo Alumnae

Chapter, NY, attended the Buffalo

Alumnae Panhellenic tea at the home

of the Buffalo State College President

Kathy Conway-Turner. Pictured are

Marcia Kinbar Goldstein, DT, Sydney

Metzger, ZC, Sarah Haley, ZC, Donette

Pritting Thurlow, PP, Sarah Hanson,

ZC, Colleen Donovan, ZC.

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DISTRICT NEWSDISTRICT NEWS – PARENTS

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1. Delta Upsilon Chapter, University of Texas-San Antonio

2. Gamma Omega Chapter, Eastern Illinois University

3. Theta Rho Chapter, West Texas A&M University

4. Theta Mu Chapter, Valdosta State University, GA

5. Theta Nu Chapter, Knox College, IL

6. Theta Omicron Chapter, University of Missouri-Kansas City

7. Theta Tau Chapter, Capital University, OH

8. Theta Xi Chapter, University of Texas at El Paso

9. Zeta Eta Chapter, Rockhurst University, MO

10. Zeta Eta Chapter, Rockhurst University, MO

Collegiate chapters welcome parents to their campuses and share their Alpha Sigma Alpha experience.

Parents Day 2015



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DISTRICT NEWS – AWARDS

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1. & 2. Beta Iota Chapter, Radford University, VA

3. Beta Sigma Chapter, Missouri State University

4. Delta Kappa Chapter, University of Southern Indiana

5. Delta Upsilon Chapter, University of Texas - San Antonio

6. Epsilon Phi Chapter, Indiana University

7. Gamma Phi Chapter, St. John’s University, NY

8. Phi Phi Chapter, Northwest Missouri State University

9. Theta Mu Chapter, Valdosta State University, GA

10. Theta Phi Chapter, University of North Carolina at Pembroke

11. Theta Upsilon Chapter, Boise State University, ID

12. Zeta Alpha Chapter, Missouri Southern University

13. Zeta Omega Chapter, Austin Peay State University, TN

14. Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Central Missouri

See a full list of chapters and awards at www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org and search “Chapter Award Winners”.

Congrats award winners!

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Collegiate chapters take home top awards at campus recognition banquets.



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Collegiate chapters take home top awards at campus recognition banquets.



TO LEAD, TO SERVE AND MOST OF ALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

BY KRISTY OLINGER COULTER, DΙ , CLASS OF 2001

As a collegian I was given the opportunity

to participate in LDI. This experience built

on the skills that I was already developing

and it was available to me because of the

Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. I give back

to the Foundation because I want today’s

collegians to experience leadership

development opportunities that will

help them grow in ways that I know

would have never been possible.

As I hear about the leadership programming and experiences the

Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute is providing

our collegiate members, I am instantly reminded of my leadership

development experiences in Alpha Sigma Alpha that still impact my

journey today.

As a collegian, the social aspect of sorority life was the one that I was most

interested in, especially recruitment. I will never forget my fi rst formal

recruitment as an active member. During those weeks of preparation, I

had the opportunity to strengthen my relational skills through learning

more about how to enter and exit a group conversation gracefully, as well

as how to ask meaningful open-ended questions to get to know the stories

of the potential new members who could end up becoming my sisters for

a lifetime. However, it was not until after I graduated that I realized all that

Alpha Sigma Alpha prepared me for. These recruitment practices taught

me critical conversation skills that I still use today at social networking and

business events.

Serving as chapter president was my most valued leadership experience

because it provided challenges that taught me how to lead with

integrity. This leadership role prepared me for overcoming obstacles

within my career and served as a reminder that when you are a leader,

you have a responsibility to ensure that your organization is thriving.

I recall during my presidency that 19 sisters were terminated, which

made up 39% of our membership at the time.Two of those sisters were

my roommates. Although it was diffi cult to no longer have these women

as part of the chapter, I knew that by enforcing the standards process,

accountability would become a much needed foundation of the chapter.

It took courage, conviction and support from the national organization

as we continued to hold members accountable. It was not long after

enforcing this accountability that I saw the tremendous positive diff erence

it made on the chapter. The remaining sisters were passionate about Alpha

Sigma Alpha and committed to living out its values and ritual. The end

result was a thriving chapter that is still in place and growing today.

There are many lessons to derive from this story, but performance

management is the one that has positively impacted my career trajectory,

as well as my professional interactions with my colleagues today. I learned

through this experience that clearly defi ning expectations and following

through with consequences when those expectations are not met are key

components to lifting those around you to performance excellence.

“As an alumna member, I am reminded that the skills and experiences I gained as a collegiate member of Alpha Sigma Alpha built a strong platform for success.”

No matter how much time has passed, all the ways that Alpha Sigma

Alpha and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation impacted me personally

and professionally still endure today. While my warmest memories of

Alpha Sigma Alpha will always be my sisters and the life-long friendships

that have brought such joy and love into my life, years later I still cherish

what an incredible gift it was to have the opportunity to lead, to serve

and most of all to make a diff erence within the supportive environment

of the Alpha Sigma Alpha sisterhood.

FOUNDATION NEWS



AΣA PALMS

The word palm means tribute, honor or praise. Alpha Sigma Alpha gives palms to alumnae and collegians for their successes and milestones.

Celebrating a personal, professional or volunteer success? Tell us about it! Send your success stories to the editor at [email protected].

AΣAPalms

Zeta Zeta Kelli

Williams Ramey

was recently named

to Advertising Age’s

national 40 under

40 list in March.

The list recognizes

outstanding talent in

the media, marketing

and agency worlds who

have achieved outstanding

accomplishments at a relatively

young age and are likely to shape

the marketplace in the future.

“Early in my career I was encouraged to care about more than the bottom line. It’s one of the many reasons I gravitated toward cause-related work, and I think it applies not only to how companies behave, but how we treat the people we work with.” - Advertising Age, March 2015

Zeta Zeta Williams Ramey

was recently named

to Advertising Age

national 40 under

40 list in March.

The list recognizes

outstanding talent in



have achieved outstanding

accomplishments at a relatively

Zeta Zeta



young age and are likely to shape

the marketplace in the future.

accomplishments at a relatively accomplishments at a relatively



AΣA PALMS

Beta Zeta Dwaines Lawless

recently released her latest novel

“Cajun Moon,” a paranormal

romance set in Southern Louisiana.

A graduate of the University of

Louisiana-Lafayette, Dwaines is an

art educator, teacher of the blind, special education early childhood

behavioral specialist, mother and grandmother, and she currently

lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, John.

Find “Cajun Moon” on Facebook and Amazon.

Zeta Zeta Aubrey

Winn is the recipient of

the University of Central

Missouri’s prestigious

Charno Award. The award

is presented annually to

the top male and female

members of the senior

class at the university.

Aubrey served as vice

president of the United

Student Housing

Association, was a

facilitator for the IMPACT

freshman leadership retreat

for three years, secretary of

Rho Lambda honor society

and public relations chair

of the Big Pink volleyball

tournament committee.

She also served as vice

president of recruitment

for the Panhellenic Council, homecoming service ay site leader,

vice president of Greek life, the Offi ce of Alumni Relations student

marketing team and fundraising chair and president of Alpha Sigma

Alpha’s Zeta Zeta Chapter.

In addition, Aubrey belongs to the Order of Omega honor society

and has served the community with the Nehemiah Feeding Program.



Beta Iota Carol Loftus Miller is a retired detective of the

special victims unit for the Arlington County Police Department

in Virginia.

This summer, she will compete in the 2015 Fairfax World Police

& Fire Games in the open water swim, 50m free, 50m fl y, 200m

individual medley, 100m fl y and 50m back.

Carol has earned medals in previous games, including in 2007

and 2011. She is pictured with her son Lt. Jonathan Miller.

Gamma Phi

Andreia Gibau was crowned

Miss Teen New York United

States in March. She will

compete for Miss Teen

United States this summer

in Washington, DC.

Zeta Iota Joanne Castaneda,

DDS, MD, recently became board

certifi ed in Oral Maxillofacial

Surgery. She is currently the only

female oral and maxillofacial

surgeon in her fi eld. During her

recent completion of studies and

residency, Joanne participated in

mission trips to the Dominican

Republic, Ecuador and Colombia.

She has been recognized many

times for her work and service,

including receiving the American

Dental Society of Anesthesiology

Horace Wells Award and the New

York University President’s Service

Award for Leadership.



NEWS AND EVENTS

The nominating committee requests your assistance in identifying qualified members to serve as the 2016-18 national council to be elected at the 2016 National Convention & Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The call for nominations is for the following national council positions:

President Vice president of operations Vice president of finance Vice president of communications Three vice presidents of membership

The national council develops the Sorority’s strategic plan based on research and its view for the future and sets priorities for the biennium. The national council is expected to travel throughout the year and participate in frequent meetings, so a flexible schedule is important. In addition to face-to-face meetings, conference calls and email communications are used to conduct business.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated enthusiastic commitment to the organization, proven administrative and financial skills, creativity, vision and strong interpersonal skills to work well with both collegians and alumnae. The ability to motivate and communicate through written correspondence and public speaking is essential. Experience or skills in mentoring is helpful. Potential candidates should have a broad perspective of the Sorority including operations as well as strategic direction. It is recommended that a candidate for national council have prior experience serving as a collegiate chapter

advisor, officer of an alumnae chapter or a national volunteer. Experience in board service and leadership in other organizations is also desirable.

An electronic nomination form will be emailed to the membership in August 2015. All nominations and related information must be submitted by Sept. 20, 2015. If you do not receive the electronic form, please contact [email protected] for the link to the form.

All nominees will be asked to provide a resume, application and endorsement letter.

Questions? Contact Nominating Committee Chairman Cindy Kelley, BP, at [email protected] or call national headquarters at (317) 871-2920.

Call for nominations

The nominating committee is directed to identify, interview

and select candidates for national council. The 2016

nominating committee has been appointed as follows:

Chairman: Cindy Kelley, BP

National volunteer representative: Jill Whittenburg Grider,BG

Advisor representative: Caitlin Barkdoll, ZY

Alumnae chapter representative: Marianne Busch Bullock, BQ

Collegiate chapter representative: Kathryn Zielinski, QZ



In 1986, members of Chi Chi Chapter, Ball State University, Indiana, gathered and posed in front of the campus’ landmark statue, Benefi cence, or “Benny.” Benny was dedicated to the university by the city in 1937 and has a sister statue located in the Boston Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Pictured: Dawn Rhoads, Pam Bernard Diedrich, Cathy Terwelp Pace, Nancy Dragoo Hamilton, Elizabeth Headley Henry, Dee Norris, Dana Kirsch, Lori Wilson, Maria Malayter, Kristen Krope, Dana Light, Jennifer Wellman, Alice Saal, Mindy Shawver, Jennifer Weimer Blankman, Bonnie Bamforth, Wende Bowman Deford, Julie Wood, Jill Schoettelkotte Mulligan, Wendy Lane, Tricia Hawkins, Tamara Rowe, Elizabeth Ralston, Kris Hanby Ireland, Kimberly Unger Haberman, Glory Murray Gross, Deborah Ackles, Stacy Crowe Ayers-Thomas.

from the

In 1986, members of Chi Chi Chapter, Ball State University, Indiana, gathered and posed in front of the campus’ landmark statue, Benefi cence, or “Benny.” Benny was dedicated to the university by the city in 1937 and has a sister statue located in the Boston Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Pictured: Dawn Rhoads, Pam Bernard Diedrich, Cathy Terwelp Pace, Nancy Dragoo Hamilton, Elizabeth Headley Henry, Dee Norris, Dana Kirsch, Lori Wilson, Maria Malayter, Kristen Krope, Dana Light, Jennifer Wellman, Alice Saal, Mindy Shawver, Jennifer Weimer Blankman, Bonnie Bamforth, Wende Bowman Deford, Julie Wood, Jill Schoettelkotte Mulligan, Wendy Lane, Tricia Hawkins, Tamara Rowe, Elizabeth Ralston, Kris Hanby Ireland,

archiveswww.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org 31


9002 Vincennes Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

Every day our sisters in Alpha Sigma Alpha rise to the occasion to do amazing things. We have always prided ourselves in creating leaders. I remember attending the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute (LDI) as a young woman and a new executive board member of my chapter many years ago. This foundation in leadership allows us to take steps in our careers as adults.

I am the state president of the Missouri State Teachers Association, the largest education association in Missouri that serves more than 45,000 members. I am honored to be their president. The poise and leadership I learned in Alpha Sigma Alpha allowed me to be one of the youngest presidents to ever serve the teachers association at the state level. I am currently the youngest board member and have the fewest years in the classroom among the board. I am proud of this accomplishment so early in my career.

I credit the firm foundation in leadership I gained in Alpha Sigma Alpha all those years ago.Thank you to the organization for continuing to provide women the opportunity to become leaders in their communities.

Stacy Calcote Williamson, ZMPresident of the Missouri State Teachers Association

WOMAN OF Poise and Purpose


The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha: Summer 2015

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