PLUS: VOLUNTEERS STRENGTHEN AND INSPIRE
Learn what motivates International Executive Board member Kate Halfon to continue to volunteer with Alpha Phi.
A Year in the Life Developing Resilience Through One Year in a Pandemic
Alpha Phi
Quarterly
Inside This Issue 5
From the Crest General Fraternity and Greek-letter news and announcements
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One of Us Profiling an Alpha Phi making an impact in her community and inspiring leaders. This issue: Gabriella Parker
29 Alumnae Network Members connect for webinars and mentoring on the new platform
30 Always Alpha Phi News from our alumnae members and chapters
34 Silent Chapter Honoring our sisters’ passings
35 Amongst the Ivy Accomplishments from our undergraduate members and chapters
A PUBLICATION OF ALPHA PHI INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY SINCE 1888
2020-2022 Alpha Phi Quarterly Editorial Advisory Board Ugwechi Amadi Susan Bevan Sheila Bright Daniela Cardona Caroline Foley Denise Blankenship Joyce Kelsey Klimara Lizzie Hineman Alison Cink Rickels Lauren Schuster Susan Brink Sherratt Madeline Suggs Katy Summerlin L. (Allie) Winkelman Anne McMurray Wolfcale
Alpha Phi Quarterly Staff Gina Henke, Editor-in-Chief quarterly@alphaphi.org Alpha Phi Quarterly Design Tria Designs Inc. www.triadesigns.com
Editorial Policy The purpose of the Alpha Phi Quarterly and its content is to provide information and services to the membership of the Alpha Phi Fraternity, in keeping with the Fraternity’s status as a 501 (c) (7) tax-exempt private membership organization. The magazine is devoted to highlighting its members and matters of fraternal and collegiate interest. The views expressed in the articles published in the Quarterly are those of the authors and their contributors, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Alpha Phi Fraternity, its officers or staff.
Submissions All persons interested in submitting materials for publication in the Alpha Phi Quarterly are encouraged to send them to the editor at the Executive Office. The editor reserves the right to accept, deny or edit any materials submitted. Unless otherwise requested, all photos sent to the magazine will become the property of Alpha Phi International and will not be returned.
Articles may be sent by email to quarterly@alphaphi.org or by mail to: Alpha Phi Quarterly 1930 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201.
Submission Deadlines
Summer 2021: March 25, 2021 Fall 2021: June 17, 2021 Winter 2022: Sept. 1, 2021 Spring 2022: Jan. 15, 2022
Questions
Please direct any submission questions or inquiries regarding advertising or reprint permission to the editor at quarterly@alphaphi.org.
Publisher
Alpha Phi Quarterly (USPS Pub # 14680) is published quarterly by Alpha Phi, 1930 Sherman Ave., Evanston IL 60201-3214. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and at additional mailing offices.
Postmaster
Please send address changes to: Alpha Phi Quarterly 1930 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201-3214 or quarterly@alphaphi.org.
40 Now & Then Currentand former chapter advisors share their perspective
Alpha Phi Quarterly SPRING 2021
VO L . 13 3 N O. 2 SPRI NG 2021
Features
A Year in the Life: Developing Resilience Through One Year in a Pandemic Life has changed for us all since Covid-19 emerged. Learn how
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our collegians have lead through it all, developing resilience, embracing determination and focusing on love. Illustration for the Quarterly by Genevieve Geller (Eta Upsilon–Chapman)
Volunteers Inspire and Strengthen Alpha Phi
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Alpha Phi alumnae volunteers engage our collegians, inspire our members and offer guidance for the future. An interview with International Executive Board member Kate Halfon about the importance of volunteering illustrates the impact volunteers make in Alpha Phi.
TR I GG E R WA R N I N G
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Members Take SAAM to Heart
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April was sexual assault awareness month and offers reminders for all members about the importance of awareness, prevention and consent. Collegians passionate about advocacy in this area share their insight.
Alpha Phi Quarterly
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A Message from the International President
International Executive Board Jacqueline Schools, President Stacey Thulin Daniel Kathleen (Kate) Boyle Halfon Ruth Gallagher Nelson Lisa Cabaniss Olson Jandy J. Thompson Linda (Allie) Winkelman Ex-officio: Laura Malley-Schmitt, Council of Delegates Ex-officio: Linda Long Boland, Chief Panhellenic Officer Ex-officio: Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer, Executive Director Ex-officio: Mary Beth C. Tully, Foundation Chair Foundation Directors Mary Beth C. Tully, Chair Rebecca Andrew Zanatta, Vice Chair Claire Costin, Treasurer Coree Smith, Secretary Gretchen Alarcon Janelle Del Carlo Jenny Concepcion Hansen Susan McNeice Shana Smith Ex-officio: Amy Peebles, Executive Director Ex-officio: Jacqueline Schools, International President Executive Office Executive Director: Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer 1930 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 475-0663 fraternity@alphaphi.org www.alphaphi.org Foundation Office Executive Director: Amy Peebles 1930 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 475-4532 info@alphaphifoundation.org www.alphaphifoundation.org National Panhellenic Conference
Dear Sisters, As we welcome the end of another academic year, we celebrate the resilience, innovation, connection and adaptation that are the hallmarks of our sisterhood not only over the past year, but for almost 150 years. Amid a global pandemic, the 2020-2021 academic year was challenging, but collegiate and alumnae chapters tackled each change without hesitation. The ability to innovate and adapt was a daily necessity as colleges, universities and state/local governments adjusted guidance. Compelled to go virtual for recruitment, chapter programming and sisterhood events, collegiate officers embraced technology and became “Zoom” experts. They created engaging online activities to ensure that the Alpha Phi connection existed whether face-to-face or via a computer screen. Changing housing requirements required some facilities to decrease capacity, and members faced shifting college and university schedules — often upending previously planned Alpha Phi events. Collegiate members epitomized grace and adaptability through a year unlike any other! Along with our collegiate members, volunteer resilience allowed us to support one another and persevere. Volunteer dedication, guidance, creativity and support are the key to healthy and engaged collegiate and alumnae communities. Over the past decade, our volunteer support structure has grown by 40 percent! In 2010, Alpha Phi divided chapters into regional teams and 1,458 dedicated volunteers provided support. By 2020, there were 2,036 Alpha Phi volunteers divided into quadrants. From chapter advisors, to house corporation boards to alumnae community presidents, we are endlessly grateful for volunteer wisdom and willingness to serve Alpha Phi! The past year also prompted the creation of new opportunities for alumnae chapters to support members and their communities. The launch of the Alpha Phi Network was a great success creating a platform to engage virtually through online book clubs, demonstration sessions with professional chefs and prominent guest speakers. Alumnae groups also hosted sessions for online karaoke, craft projects including thank you cards for front line workers and participated in virtual Red Dress Galas in support of the Alpha Phi Foundation. I benefited from many of these events as a proud member of the Northern Virginia (NOVA) Alumnae Community. The group pivoted quickly by hosting a virtual Paint & Sip, Trivia Night, a Virtual Founders Day Bingo and even published its first-ever winter cookbook. NOVA alumnae also participated in the reimagined 2020 Greater Washington Regional Heart Walk Digital Experience, allowing members to walk wherever they are located to support cardiac care. NOVA also reengineered their annual ornament exchange, one of the group’s most popular events. After drawing names, sisters sent an ornament along with a note detailing fun Alpha Phi memories to the person they were paired with. When my package arrived, I was speechless. Cathleen McNamee Paul (Illinois-Beta Alpha) worked with a vendor to create a customized ornament using a photo of my beloved miniature dachshund, Brutus. While it is a beautiful ornament, what made it so special was Cathleen’s willingness to go out of her way to create a priceless gift for a sister. My sisters, alumnae and collegians have sustained me over the past year with daily reminders of our love and respect for one another and for Alpha Phi. While we may not be face-to-face, our resilience ensures we remain hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart. AOE,
Council of Delegates: Laura Malley-Schmitt Chief Panhellenic Officer: Linda Long Boland Alternate Delegate: Laura Lynn Davidson Ellett
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Jacqueline Schools (Eta Lambda-George Mason) International President
Alpha Phi Quarterly SPRING 2021
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Quotable
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I became a more confident leader because of Alpha Phi.
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Gabriella Parker (Gamma Sigma-Wisconsin Stout) Learn more about Gabriella on page 19.
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From the Crest
Senior Week 2021 C ongratulations to the newest members our alumnae community, our 2021 spring graduating seniors! We are proud of all you have accomplished and the love and support you have shown one another. Alpha Phi is more than four years of fun and laughter; it is a lifelong sisterhood of women who will be here for you, encouraging you as you pursue your dreams. We hope the next chapter is full of opportunity and connection for each of you.
As part of the festivities to honor the accomplishments of this graduating class, Alpha Phi hosted Senior Week to engage members in a celebration in their honor. Hosted in April, the highlight of the week was the keynote interview with Amanda Nguyen (Iota Tau-Harvard). Amanda was recently awarded Alpha Phi’s prestigious Frances E. Willard Award in recognition of her tremendous success. Amanda is an internationally acclaimed social entrepreneur. She was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. Amanda penned her own civil rights into existence, and they were unanimously passed into law as the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. She has trained hundreds of activists using her theory of organizing, “Hopeanomics,” to pass 33 laws 4
protecting more than 85 million sexual violence survivors. Recently, her video message on antiAsian hate crimes sparked national coverage. Amanda is the CEO and founder of Rise, a social movement accelerator where she teaches grassroots organizing. In recognition of her work, Amanda is a Heinz Laureate, Nelson Mandela Changemaker, Forbes 30 Under 30, Foreign Policy 100, Time 100 Next, Frederick Douglass 100 and Marie Claire Young Woman of the Year. Previously, Amanda served at NASA and the State Department under the Obama Administration. To round out the celebration, Class of 2021 Alpha Phis were recognized on social media platforms and members were invited to an Artsy Phis digital crafting workshop to learn ways to decorate their mortarboards. We encourage our newest alumnae to reach out to Alpha Phi alumnae in their community as they step into the next adventures in their professional and personal development. Congratulations, class of 2021! We cannot wait to see what you will accomplish next.
The highlight of the week was the keynote interview with internationally acclaimed social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen.
Alpha Phi Quarterly SPRING 2021
Apply Now for the League of Coaches
Share your passion. Engage in important education. Inspire the next generation of leaders. Invest in Alpha Phi members with the gift of your own skills and experience! Alpha Phi’s League of Coaches program strives to connect members to alumnae who specialize in areas of personal and professional growth. Whether you are a financial expert, a life coach, a lawyer, a nutritionist or a recruiter, your knowledge is gold! Upon request, alumnae coaches interact with collegiate chapters in-person or virtually to facilitate innovative and interactive programming. If you are interested in volunteering to lead a program grounded in your area of expertise, please visit alphaphi.org “League of Coaches” page and scroll down to the application form.
Request more information at leagueofcoaches@alphaphi.org
From the Crest
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Volunteers Inspire and Strengthen Alpha Phi Kathleen (Kate) Boyle Halfon (Eta Delta-CSU East Bay)
International Executive Board of Directors Like each of us, Kate found a home in Alpha Phi during her collegiate years. What she gained through Alpha Phi in terms of leadership, sisterhood and support, she has given back to the Fraternity through years of offering her time and talents in the spirit of volunteerism. After serving as her collegiate chapter president, fraternity educator and collegiate Panhellenic president, Kate knew that the training and leadership opportunities she experienced in Alpha Phi had already made a lasting impact on the development of the woman she was becoming. After college, Alpha Phi’s Executive Office hired her to be an Educational Leadership Consultant because of her experience with continuous open bidding as a recruitment strategy. In moving back to her native California, Kate took on the role of chapter advisor at Lambda-UC Berkeley, and from there she kept finding opportunities to engage members and support the Fraternity. What she gained through giving back drives her to continue her involvement. She said, “I believe so strongly in how much I gained as a member of Alpha Phi…I had very little knowledge of what Greek life was about…when I joined Alpha Phi I discovered how much it had to offer me and so many others. I had the opportunity to go to leadership 6
conferences and received phenomenal training at such a young age.” Her philosophy on volunteering is engagement focused, and she reaches out to others about volunteering because other alumnae believed in her abilities when she was beginning. “I try to continue that…knowing sometimes members need the encouragement to know they would be a good fit in certain volunteer roles,” shared Kate. “I am an Alpha Phi volunteer because I choose to do this for myself. I feel good helping other women become leaders and helping our organization continue supporting women long into the future,” said Kate. “The training we get as Alpha Phi collegiate members and volunteers is fantastic…. We get access to amazing speakers, leadership techniques, tools and resources that I have not received from other organizations. In Alpha Phi, we learn how to be better leaders, manage different personalities and collaborate as individuals with different points of view.” Her Alpha Phi experience gives her skills she uses in other volunteer efforts to amplify impact and make a difference. She has also taken some of the leadership skills and used them in her career in real estate, as a business development associate and as an entrepreneur.
“You don’t know if volunteering is right for you until you try. If it is not for you, or if life is too busy, it’s ok to say no. Adjust your involvement with your season in life.”
Her advice: You don’t know if volunteering is right for you until you try. If it is not for you, or if life is too busy, it’s ok to say no. Adjust your involvement with your season in life. There are so many different opportunities to volunteer at varying levels of commitment. Every volunteer is a key part of our organization.
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Fraternity Updates
Volunteer Appreciation
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n April, we celebrated international volunteer appreciation and encouraged members to take time to thank the Alpha Phi volunteers who have made a difference in their lives. From the chapter advisor who offered support when you needed it most, to the alumnae who volunteer their time to engage our younger members, to our volunteers dedicating hundreds of hours each year to Alpha Phi through service on boards and committees, we are fortunate to have members who so willingly give their time to help Alpha Phi evolve and continue its tradition of sisterhood. Our volunteers are engaged at every level of Alpha Phi, from our collegiate chapters and alumnae communities to our International Board governance. Through their consistent support, we continue to share the empowerment, education, love and encouragement that has been part of our Fraternity for years. Thank you to all Alpha Phi volunteers for all you do. We are grateful for you every single day.
CHANGES TO ALUMNAE OFFICER STRUCTURE As we continue to review our membership offerings, we are proud to share our new alumnae officer structure. This structure provides guidance for alumnae who are serving in leadership roles within their alumnae community. The roles we recommend each alumnae community include are president and vice presidents of membership, finance, marketing and events and alumnae Panhellenic delegate. We look forward to connecting with the alumnae leaders in your area as they seek to fill these officer roles with passionate local alumnae who want to enhance the alumnae opportunities. Visit alphaphi.org/alumnae to learn more.
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From the Crest
ALPHA PHIS ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE
ONE OF US
Gabriella Parker (Gamma SigmaWisconsin Stout) Executive Team Leader, Target GABRIELLA PARKER IS JUST A FEW YEARS into her post-collegiate life, and she is on course to achieve all her goals. The secret sauce to her success? Vision and hard work. She graduated the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in business administration and management, and she paired the education with hands-on experience. She served as a campus tour guide and also held retail roles in stores in the community. Each opportunity she took on gave her an understanding of how to apply what she was learning and also the chance to become the kind of leader she knew she wanted to be. “I became a more confident leader because of Alpha Phi. I held many leadership roles within Alpha Phi, including director of continuous open bidding, vice president of chapter operations and Panhellenic president. Having these experiences paved the way to my current role in leading with Target,” said Gabriella. Joining Alpha Phi as a freshman, Gabriella felt at home in Alpha Phi, where she grew personally and began to develop professionally. As an alumna, she has remained close with some of her sisters. “They have been a support system to me and are my most significant cheering section. They all hold an extraordinary place in my heart,” said Gabriella. She secured her role with Target prior to graduation and has continued to grow and develop as an executive team leader. Gabriella is tasked with building a team of passionate and knowledgeable associates who exceed guest expectations, while also managing other leaders, operational duties and driving total store sales. 8
In her position, she oversees the service and engagement divisions in her store. This encompasses everything from checkouts, service desk inquiries, order pickups, cart management and other areas, but what excites her is the people. “No two days are the same at Target, and teaching, training and mentoring so many different people is by far the most exciting part of my job,” said Gabriella. Gabriella is also completing her master’s degree in leadership and management through Concordia University-St. Paul. “I was inspired to pursue a
Alpha Phi Quarterly SPRING 2021
Fraternity Updates
“My mission statement is: Leading with heart to inspire equality, innovation, personal development and joy in every person I meet... I am a leader who leads with my heart.”
master’s [in this field] because of my love of people,” she said. “My mission statement is: Leading with heart to inspire equality, innovation, personal development and joy in every person I meet... I am a leader who leads with my heart.” She plans to keep leading and hopes to increase her responsibilities to make an even greater impact. Gabriella is balancing it all, and her family, especially her mom, dad, brother and grandmother, have been her support system. “My grandma is a big cheerleader for me. My grandma grew up when it was uncomfortable for African Americans, but she told me it never stopped her from chasing her dreams. She inspires me every day to keep moving forward and never stop working towards my goals even though there will be many
Best Lesson She Has Learned:
Fail fast. If you make a mistake, learn from it and try not to make the mistake again. Give yourself some grace because we are all humans, and we all make mistakes.
Her Advice:
Stay true to who you are. Being yourself will help develop the leader you are truly meant to be. Be authentic with people because people will love you for who you are.
obstacles that want to bring me down.” SPRING 2021
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From the Crest
ALPHA PHI
Celebrating the Stories of our Sisterhood
EST.1872
150 STORIES
As part of the celebration leading up to Alpha Phi’s 150th anniversary, we are releasing stories that weave together to form Alpha Phi. Check in with alphaphi.historyit.com periodically to read each story as it is released. From all the moments and individuals who came together to support our Fraternity throughout the years, 150 have been selected for inclusion as we reflect on our heritage and the incredible connection Alpha Phis have to one another and to our Preserve Your Founders. Here are some of the stories you can enjoy between now and 2022 when the final story is released.
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Personal Alpha Phi Memories
In addition, as our two-year celebration leading up to Alpha Phi’s 150th anniversary milestone continues, members will have the opportunity to contribute mementos, photos and correspondence to the digital preservation led by the Executive Office. These living history days will be announced in the coming months, and we look forward to having you be part of it all.
Above: Alpha Phi Founders Calra Bradley Wheeler Baker Burdette, Jane Sara Higham, Louise Viola Shepard Hancock and Clara Sittser Williams pose in June of 1922
Do you know that nine of our ten Founders went on to teach? The only one who did not include teaching in her post-collegiate endeavors is Clara Sittser Williams. Clara was born to a farmer father and a mother who was a homemaker. After college, she married Dr. Marcus J. Williams, a physician with whom she had one daughter and adopted two children. She focused on community involvement and raising her family in New York.
Alpha Phi Quarterly SPRING 2021
Fraternity Updates
Have you heard the story about how Silver and Bordeaux were selected as our official colors?
BORDEAUX SILV ER PMS 216 PM S 4 2 3
Many Alpha Phis know that Silver and Bordeaux are colors close to our heart, but did you know those colors were not our first official hues? Azure and gold were the initial colors chosen to represent Alpha Phi, but the colors were then also selected by the men of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Wanting to maintain individuality, Alpha Phi adopted our now iconic official colors, Silver and Bordeaux.
Alpha Phi Founders’ Day Weekend Oct. 7-10, 2021 As we prepare to honor the legacy of our Original Ten and the 149th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Phi, we hope you will join the celebration. • Visit alphaphi.org/150 for any upcoming events. • Visit alphaphi.org/alumnae to learn what alumnae communities are in your area and how you can get involved. • Collegians will commemorate Founders’ Day with intimate ceremonies of remembrance and resources to assist in this will be available on learn.alphaphi.org. • For those who want to plan their own Founders’ Day festivities, here are some tips. Visit alphaphi.org/150 for remembrance ceremony outlines and host your own in-person or virtual ceremony to honor our Founders Take Alpha Phi Foundation’s Which Founder Are You? quiz and learn which Founder you may be most like. Find the quiz at alphaphifoundation.org and search quiz. Mark your calendar for Oct. 7, 2021 and take part in Alpha Phi Foundation Founders’ Day of Giving. Learn more at www.alphaphifoundation.org.
Could you imagine what it must have been like for Alpha Phis navigating life as college students in the middle of World War I? The women of the Xi-Toronto chapter felt the sting of wartime before chapters in the U.S., as Canada entered the fight before the U.S. (which evented in 1917), but the spirit to help was present in all members. Alpha Phis took on duties of making medical supplies, volunteering with the Red Cross, working in munitions factories, resourcegathering and other preparedness efforts. Regular life was disrupted, and many chapters took part in social service. Our members and women around the world took up the cause to be of service until the end of the war, and, afterward, continued to contribute to the world in brave new ways. What is your favorite piece of Alpha Phi history? Share it with us at quarterly@alphaphi.org. SPRING 2021
If health and local guidelines allow, plan a small in-person or virtual gathering for a few alumnae in your area. This opportunity to spend time with Alpha Phis in your circle can be as formal or casual as you would like. Share your favorite Alpha Phi memories and plan future reunions with us at quarterly@alphaphi.org. Brainstorm ways that you might connect to support a local philanthropic cause or team up with a nearby collegiate chapter to celebrate a future Red Dress event. Reflect on the ways Alpha Phi has added to your life and how you might help continue that positive impact for other members. Share photos of you and fellow Alpha Phis on Founders’ Day weekend and tag @alphaphiintl in the post. Alpha Phi Quarterly
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R TRIGGE G N WARNtIent
The con ages ep on thes sexual ces referen e contex t of t in h assault ion, advocac y prevent areness. and aw
Advocating for Women’s Safety Members Take Sexual Assault Awareness Month to Heart
A
ccording to the U.S. Department of Justice, 1 in 5 women report rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. As Alpha Phis, we value keeping women safe and prioritizing the Human Dignity of every member. We encourage our members to learn more about Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), which is recognized every April. Sponsored by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, SAAM focuses on both the awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment and abuse, and is championed by community organizations and college campuses across the U.S. and Canada. According to survey research compiled in January of 2020 by the Association of American Universities, college-aged women, ages 18-24, are three times as likely to experience sexual assault, abuse or harassment than women of all age groups. Sexual Assault Awareness Month aims to improve those statistics and make colleges, our communities and online spaces safer environments for people to thrive. It is important that we not only educate our members to be more aware of what sexual abuse and harassment is and how to support survivors, but also to challenge the status quo on our campuses and advocate for change. We are proud of the way our members advocate for others and raise awareness about sexual assault prevention. Three collegiate members recently shared their motivation to support awareness in their communities.
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What keeps her moving forward in this work? Hope. Hope that with enough education and awareness around the issue, that we can lessen the prevalence of sexual assault. If people are more aware of the effect that an assault can have on a person and understand the concept of consent, there is hope that we can lower the statistics… I have hope that we can encourage healthy relationships that are centered around consent and appreciation for one another. —MILA BRUYEA
HOW CONSENT WORKS
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Mila Bruyea (Theta Eta-Western University)
Mila is passionate about being an advocate for the safety and wellbeing of others. “Sexual assault is more common than our society has led us to believe. The culture in university environments is not always supportive of sexual assault education and awareness,” she said. “People do not have a strong grasp on how consent works. For example, consent can be withdrawn
Alpha Phi Quarterly SPRING 2021
Fraternity Updates
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at any time, yet many individuals do not understand exactly how it works.” While the victim population most What she wishes often discussed with regard to more women knew sexual assault is women, there is about sexual assault: no single demographic affected Sexual assault does not happen in by this crime. She cautions that just one way or to only one type of person. there is even less advocacy for It comes in many different forms and each victims of sexual assault who person’s experience is unique and valid. Those are men, Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) who have experienced sexual assault or and lesbian, gay, bisexual, misconduct are not alone and there are transgender, queer, questioning, many support systems out there. two-spirit, intersex and asexual —SHANNON LARSEUL (LGBTQ2IA+) individuals, with BIPOC and LGBTQ2IA+ groups also sometimes being at higher risk for sexual assault or harassment. The Theta Eta chapter is making inroads as they strive to support their members. Their executive council is working to implement consistent education around the premise of healthy relationships, consent and unhealthy relationships. The chapter also formed a wellness committee that provides resources to members who may be faced with assault, harassment or coercion.
ISTOCK: PYROSK Y
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Awareness and Involvement Resources
PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Shannon Larseul (Iota Chi-Yale)
Shannon’s experiences from high school and college inspired her to become an advocate around sexual assault awareness and prevention. “I was surprised to see how prevalent issues of sexual assault, misconduct and disrespect were, and I knew that I wanted to help create change,” she said. A senior, Shannon is a member of Yale’s sexual misconduct prevention program and collaborates with 60 students to foster a more positive sexual and social climate on campus. The program participants conduct training and workshops for students, develop and implement interventions and foster dialogue amongst community members.
THE MYTH OF MISCOMMUNICATION Alayna Lee (Iota Chi-Yale)
When Alayna entered college she found, as many students do, an environment that encouraged reflection, education and action. She said, “Conversations about sexual SPRING 2021
Below are a list of a few resources we encourage members to explore to become more familiar with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, learn more about the impact of sexual abuse and harassment, and feel empowered to support survivors while making a difference in your community.
Take Action & Learn More National Sexual Violence Resource Center y www.nsvrc.org Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) y www.rainn.org One Love Foundation y www.joinonelove.org
assault awareness and prevention are often dominated by fearmongering and focus on ‘safe habits.’ I was frustrated by this narrative, since it taught women and men alike to associate sex with violence and fuels victim-blaming tendencies.” During orientation her first year at Yale, she participated in a workshop on “The Myth of Miscommunication,” in sexual assault awareness, which addressed her prior misgivings toward traditional prevention work. “I was excited that a group of students my age were teaching on a topic that I was personally passionate about,” she recalled. As a Communication and Consent Educator (CCE), Alayna and others acknowledge sexual violence as a pattern woven into daily life in covert and overt ways and encourage the establishment of positive sexual awareness. “With all of the media attention on largescale incidents regarding sexual assault, it’s easy to forget that sexual violence occurs in many forms. I used to, and still sometimes do, excuse casual disrespect and disregard on the grounds that it doesn’t warrant an extreme response. I was afraid I’d appear too sensitive, but I’ve learned even small practices can culminate in an environment where sex is viewed negatively and violence is more common.”
“
How you can become an ally and advocate: Becoming an advocate or ally is a gradual process of learning to listen to others and to notice systemic patterns conducive to sexual violence. Call out an inappropriate action when you see it. Follow up with a friend who seems to be particularly upset after a night out. The majority of our work is small-scale and involves informal conversations. Something as simple as talking to a teammate can be very effective in shaping a more positive sexual climate on campus. —ALAYNA LEE
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Alpha Phi Foundation announces a $38M comprehensive campaign goal that will grow leadership, impact heart health and increase scholarship through an endowment that will benefit Alpha Phi experience in perpetuity “Our gifts today will safeguard the future of Alpha Phi for the next generation of sisters,” stated Leading With Heart campaign steering committee co-chair Linda Gardner Massie (Delta AlphaEast Carolina). Since the summer of 2015, Alpha Phi Foundation has been quietly asking sisters to lead with heart through their philanthropic giving, and they’ve done so in a big way. This past February, Alpha Phi Foundation reached $33.6M* raised through the Leading With Heart campaign—setting a new pace for total dollars raised within all NPC groups! Through this campaign, Alpha Phi Foundation seeks to raise a total of $38M in comprehensive commitments by the summer of 2022, in conjunction with Alpha Phi International Fraternity’s sesquicentennial anniversary celebration. “Leading With Heart will be transformational in what [we] can do for our sisters, our Fraternity, and for communities today and for years to come,” said Alpha Phi Foundation Board Chair Mary Beth C. Tully (Epsilon PsiLehigh). “Building the strength of
our endowments ensures that we will remain strong and resilient, and prepared to empower women to lead lives of consequence.” With a focus on building endowments, the campaign aims specifically to increase the perpetual resources for leadership, women’s heart health and scholarship.
maintaining Alpha Phi’s long standing commitment to advancing groundbreaking research and programs that educate, empower and save lives. Increasing Scholarship
Building on a legacy of helping members pursue their educational goals and dreams, donors support Growing Leadership scholarship grants, affording Through the Leading With Heart more members the opportunity campaign, Foundation donors to expand their academic pursuits support Alpha Phi International today and in perpetuity. Fraternity as it provides leadership programming to collegiate sisters Will YOU Lead With Heart? today, while also adding new This is a pivotal moment for our endowed funds to support the future. This long-term funding beloved sisterhood - will you lead ensures that future generations of with heart by making a donation to women have the opportunity to support Alpha Phi’s greatest needs learn, grow and excel through the and emerging opportunities? This Alpha Phi experience. is your time to honor the Alpha Phi of yesterday, today, and forever. Impacting Women’s Heart Health Visit https://aphifdn.org/ Since 1946, Alpha Phis have leadingwithheart to learn how you been dedicated to improving can participate in this campaign — women’s heart health. Through because every sister and every gift the Leading With Heart campaign, count! support grants will reach * Dollars raised community organizations and as of January 31, 2021 research institutions while also
LEADING WITH HEART IMPACT TO DATE impact in
LEADERSHIP
$15M
Dollars Directed
$4.6M
New Endowment Added
$7.0M
Deferred Intentions Progress to Goal
impact in
$750,000 $12.4 M
HEART HEALTH
$4M
Dollars Directed
$2.0M
New Endowment Added
$1.0M
Deferred Intentions Progress to Goal
impact in
Now is the time for all Alpha Phis to give with heart! Scan the code or visit https://aphifdn.org/ leadingwithheart to learn how you can participate in this campaign because every sister and every gift count!
$21,500 $3.0M
SCHOLARSHIP
$13.5M
Dollars Directed
$532,614
New Endowment Added
$2.8M
Deferred Intentions
$9.2M
Progress to Goal
Join us!
$12.6M
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A Year in the Life Developing Resilience Through One Year in a Pandemic by Gina Henke
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Resilience
re·sil·ience /rә'zilyәns/ noun. 1. the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. 2. the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity.
Illustration for the Quarterly by Genevieve Geller (Eta Upsilon–Chapman)
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f you had asked me what I thought I would accomplish in 2020, I might have told you about the trip to Walt Disney World that we were planning with the family for my husband’s birthday. I could have shared my excitement about watching our third daughter explore and enjoy all the wonderful moments of her first year of life. The conversation likely would have turned to helping my parents move out of the home I grew up in and into a new home down the street from me. Along the way, there are the “givens,” the small moments we can take for granted — dance recitals, helping with school projects, cleaning out the garage, planting our vegetable garden, running into the card store in town to buy a card for a friend’s birthday, celebrating the end of the week by having dinner out with a friend. So many of us had similar expectations for how we would spend the year. When much of those plans were cancelled, postponed or changed, there was so much to grieve, so much to reflect upon and so much to which we had to adjust. And it has been hard. What I learned this year, is a simple and painful lesson that we all participated in: Take nothing for granted. Life can change in the blink of an eye. Our reactions to challenges matter. The seasons are marked by patterns of weather. We often recognize the turn of each into the other, not only by
nature’s visual cues, but also through the sentiment and traditions we build into every winter, spring, summer and fall. In early 2020, as we bundled up and set forth into the brilliant snow, looking down at our footprints trailing behind us, we did not know that the repetitions, the plans, the cadence of life would be completely upended. It left many of us bewildered and seeking guideposts for a journey that, oftentimes, took us no further than one end of our home to the other. Instead of praying for winter to end and meeting up with friends to talk about the ways we would all gather to celebrate the return of the sun, the rumblings of uncertainty in winter succumbed to the panic and fear of the spring. Birds pecked and pushed out of their shells, learning to fly as we huddled in. Isolated and immobile, we watched months pass and felt our gratitude deepen for the essential workers who tried to clear a path to safety. By summer we were weary of new words, new patterns, new scarcity and new precautions; yet we had the same fear. We became so parched and eager to drink at the fountain of hope that our descent into autumn was quick, falling leaf by leaf by leaf. Instead of marching through stores that one day sold signs that boasted “Welcome to Fall, Y’all,” and the next day displayed ones wishing “Welcome Winter Friends,” many of
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“You will learn a lot from yourself if you stretch in the direction of goodness, of bigness, of kindness, of emotional bravery. Be a warrior for love.” — CHERYL STRAYED, AUTHOR
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us remained quieter, more still, more separate, wishing that the next “welcome” sign we would see would be one that heralded a return to the familiarity we missed. The winter we landed in during early 2021 did not ring of promise. It felt frozen and still, dormant and anxious. The world changed, expanding and contracting every minute and, even with small “returns to normalcy” the weight of the year was burdensome on all our shoulders. Every winter, I am amazed by our trees. I watch the snow heap onto branches, weighing down the trunks, bending them until it seems their cores will snap. The younger the tree, the more anxiety I feel as I glance over and wonder, “Will it be here next spring? Will it survive?” Most times, the trees are resilient, exhaling in and out and fighting to regain composure as the thaw comes to melt the last of the icy casing and heavy snow from its tips.
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n early 2019, as word of mouth pushed the news of Covid-19 and its devastating global impact into daily life, collegians everywhere found themselves in a difficult place. Just as they were stepping out on their own, learning how to operate independently and manage responsibilities, our members and college students across the globe were thrust into an unknown that not many could navigate from experience. They were met with challenge piled on challenge; yet they found a way, they never gave up. When we asked collegians about what has stayed with them over the course of this year, nearly every response we received talked about the resilience they discovered within themselves. They shared how our sisterhood evolved and adapted while holding true to our High Ideals of membership: striving for innovation, practicing generosity at every turn, high expectations of character and sisterhood that lasts a lifetime as it grows like the ivy that twines. It is hard to talk about a period of time we are still in and capture it accurately because we don’t yet have the historical perspective that comes with the passage of time. We can only record what we know to have been our experiences, understanding that this year has transformed us in ways we could never have imagined. Yes, our children learned from home, special activities were cancelled, birthday parties celebrated in smaller ways.
Trips were postponed, physical distance widened between us all, some of us lost those we love and could not mourn them in the ways we wanted. Group texts became moments of respite and connection as we faced isolation, disappointment and frustration. We cleaned and planted fresh garden beds in the spring, weeded them all summer, tore them all out again in the fall and watched it with an eye to the future all winter. And yet — there have been unexpected blessings, moments of peace, a refocusing of the lens to spotlight what is most important in life, an opportunity to understand ourselves and others in deeper ways, an appreciation for the basic generosity at the heart of the human spirit and which elevates the human condition. As we interviewed collegians who shared their experiences with us, we were struck by their determination and commitment to help one another and to remain connected. It is the kind of kindness, resilience and perseverance we all aspire to. We are proud to share their perspective and all that our collegiate members, including over 8,000 new members, have accomplished this year. In a year when distance was a necessity, the closeness of sisterhood became essential, too. While Spring 2021 marked an eerie anniversary of our response to the pandemic, it also reminds me how powerful it is to believe in one another, to be believed in; to encourage and uplift; to develop grit and embrace determination; to be quiet and still, to be bold and brave; to lead with love. In the next few pages, you will learn how our members weathered this past year and what perspective it has given them. When the world seemed to be stuck in a loop full of frost and hibernation, they found opportunities to feel the warmth of the sun and to be present for each other. Just like the gardens we plant each spring and tend throughout the summer in hopes of yielding a nourishing harvest, sisterhood is an active pursuit. It does not bloom without care, and, more than ever, our members are pouring into each other because they value the connection, the encouragement, the growth, the support and the love that comes from being an Alpha Phi.
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Unbreakable Bonds McKani Copparini EPSILON E TA - OLD DOMINION
McKani is a junior who was the past VP of member education and programming and currently serves as chapter president. How would you have described Alpha Phi prior to 2020? An engaging, welcoming home that allowed me to meet and bond with incredible women from all over. How do you describe Alpha Phi today? Resilient, creative, innovating. Always adapting to the ever-changing circumstances surrounding us. How did the chapter react to the changes to collegiate life that resulted from the pandemic? I think the feeling was surreal. By March, the reality of the severity of the pandemic was truly setting in. What kinds of events did your chapter host virtually or in-person to keep members engaged? One way we connected was through a virtual big/ little reveal over zoom. The chapter hopped on together with our cameras off and all of our names were changed to “Big.” We then invited our new members to join and, one by one, shared the screen and played unique and fun Tik Tok videos created by each big to reveal herself to her little. The bigs then turned on their camera to say hello to their little and celebrate. How did you and your chapter band together to adapt and overcome challenges presented by the pandemic? The collaboration of the chapter was truly amazing. Every sister was eager to contribute new ideas to adapt to these challenges. Overall, working as a team and lifting each other up was imperative to overcome each obstacle and focus on sisterhood. SPRING 2021
What was the most meaningful experience you have had in Alpha Phi during this last year? I have made so many deeper connections with older sisters and created so many new friendships with our newest sisters. I am so grateful for the women I have met through Alpha Phi. It has also been an honor to serve on the executive board. I have learned so much not only about Alpha Phi, but also about myself as a leader. How has this last year prepared you for the world outside college? Becoming a leader in this organization has taught me so much. Coming into college I was shy, quiet and the furthest thing from confident. After breaking out of my comfort zone and taking on leadership positions, I believe I am a much stronger person and am more confident in myself and my abilities. How is a sisterhood built to withstand challenging experiences? Sisterhood is built to withstand any challenging experiences we may face. Our bonds as sisters are unbreakable and hold us together. I am forever grateful to have my sisters by my side through thick and thin, and I will always be there for them as well. Alpha Phi Quarterly
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We Can Withstand Anything Emily Avard OMEGA -TE X A S
“We had to let go of hopes and expectations of how we envisioned our college and Alpha Phi experience to be.”
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Emily is a recent alumna who served as chapter president in 2019-2020. She graduated in December 2020. How you would have described Alpha Phi prior to 2020? We were unifying our sisterhood. We had transitioned to new leadership. We were hopeful for successful recruitment and strong sisterhood. How do you describe Alpha Phi today? Resilient, adaptable, persevering, eager. How did you perceive the initial news of the pandemic and the resulting changes to collegiate life? My initial thoughts were that it was temporary, but it was urgent and required an immediate response. We needed to make sure our members were safe. It was the week before spring break, and I knew we had many members with plans to leave the country and travel. We immediately came up with an accountability form to figure out where everyone was going and make a plan for them to be as safe as
possible, especially upon their return to campus. We started thinking through quarantining plans and chapter facility plans. What was the reaction of your fellow sisters? There were lots of tears ... tears from our graduating seniors; tears from our recruitment team; tears from our new member team; tears from the women living in the chapter house. It was hard on all of us, and we had to let go of hopes and expectations of how we envisioned our college and Alpha Phi experience to be.
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How did the last year prepare you for life beyond college? I feel incredibly prepared for the world outside of college because of this year's experience being chapter president. I’ve become a crisis manager and a risk manager; one who enforces rules and guidelines, even when it’s difficult and different. I’ve become an innovator; thinking outside of the box to accomplish goals. Most importantly, I’ve realized how important it is to simply love people. No matter the job or task, when you are connecting with your sisters or they’re supporting you, any SPRING 2021
goal can be achieved. I could not have endured this year without the love and support of my roommate in the Alpha Phi house, my best friend and new member educator, Cailin DeCort. Having sisters who love you through all the stresses and unforeseen circumstances is one of the biggest blessings. Sisterhood is so important, and it lasts a lifetime. Which of these did your chapter most embrace: adapt, innovate or persevere? Every single department had to innovate to keep our community
strong, remain engaged and care for one another. Our recruitment and new member retention were particularly impacted. The recruitment team created an entertaining and interactive spirit week via Zoom and conducted an impressive virtual recruitment that put the focus on new member celebration. Our new member educator personally delivered welcome baskets to each member through socially distanced drop-offs and organized a car parade to make them feel special. We retained our new members by finding ways to keep them connected through the new member education process and new member activities. Our risk management department, led by Emily Mihm, was innovative in approaching date events. Date events are a big deal for our members, and we wanted to make sure we could still give them the experience they wanted in a safe way. Spaced over several days, they hosted a socially distanced date event at Top Golf. This event was super safe, super fun and gave members a sense of normalcy while adhering to local guidelines. How is sisterhood built to withstand challenging experiences? These are the girls who will be there for you through anything — through pandemics, financial hardships, health threats, anything. The bond you share with your sisters is rare and perseveres in the face of challenges. It never hinders, only helps push forward. It truly can withstand anything. Alpha Phi Quarterly
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Strong Women Pursuing Goals Jordyn Shelton BETA EPSILON - ARIZONA
Jordyn is a junior who previously served as the VP of health wellness and accountability, and this year she holds the position of chapter president. How would you have described Alpha Phi prior to 2020?
My home, where my friends are always there. My people. Where I found myself as a leader and a woman. Inspirational. Role models. How do you describe Alpha Phi today?
My home. Overcoming struggles. Connection-seeking, always changing, growing and developing. How did you react to the news the pandemic would drastically change collegiate life?
I was in shock. I honestly think a lot of my generation was not expecting it. This was something that definitely took us by surprise. Personally, I knew that this was the time that real change and a lot of shifting was about to occur. The pandemic brought a harsh reality,
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What was one of the biggest successes from this past year?
“We had our fair share of trial and error with events we were trying to plan that did not pan out and house quarantines to adhere to, but in each scenario we persevered and built resilience through small successes.”
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and it was time to step up and prepare for what the next months were going to look like. Which did your chapter most embrace — adapt, innovate or persevere?
Persevere. As I look into the future I would like to say that innovation stands out and the things we have implemented, but this year has been all about perseverance. We had our fair share of trial and error with events we were trying to plan that did not pan out and house quarantines to adhere to, but in each scenario we persevered and built resilience through small successes. For example, like others, our new member events had to be rescheduled. Our virtual meetings were still meaningful, virtual conversations that turned into amazing connections. Every time we failed or tried something new that didn't work, our sisters stood by the executive team and trusted us to adapt as we came together.
Prior to the pandemic our members thrived on the traditions and plans, but when plans changed, the things that remained were the bonds and friendships between sisters. Now, don’t get me wrong, we were upset, sad, shocked and even mad, but the biggest success I felt our chapter experienced was being able to love each other through conversations and small moments. That was the focus and it was exactly what our chapter needed. We continue to have one another to lean on when times are tough and that is the biggest success we could have ever asked for. How has this year changed your perspective?
I feel closer to my sisters than ever before. This pandemic has definitely strengthened my perspective on sisterhood and the importance of Greek life, and for that I am forever grateful. Whether innovating by thinking of creative and new ways to host events or adapting to new ways of life, we will continue to overcome any challenges set before us. I fell in love with Alpha Phi because we are strong women that go after our goals. I am confident that Alpha Phis everywhere will work to make our community better than the way we found it.
How did your chapter continue to support sisters through this difficult time?
We moved chapter meetings to a virtual format and brought in various speakers to enrich our members with resources to support us. In addition, we continued to encourage our new members to build relationships with den moms through small gatherings. As a chapter, in keeping with local guidelines, we found ways to host virtual chapter meetings, have small group dinners with sisters, hosted initiation in hotel rooms to remain compliant with safety guidelines, held a Big/Little dinner celebration and gave gift cards so Alpha Phi families could enjoy bonding time.
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A Community to Lean On ”It has empowered me to view people holistically. We never know what people are going through on a day-to-day basis.”
Anjelica De Leon & Jessica Dobbie ETA DELTA - CSU E A S T BAY
Anjelica is a junior who was a past executive administrator and is the current chapter president. Jessica is a junior who previously held the roles of director of campus activities and director of community service. This year, she serves as VP of new member education and member experience. How you would have described Alpha Phi prior to 2020? ANJELICA: Vibrant, welcoming, friendly. JESSICA: Leaders of the future.
How do you describe Alpha Phi today? ANJELICA: Resilient, empowering, inclusive. JESSICA: Leaders able to stay involved no matter the circumstance.
What was your reaction when your chapter learned about the ways the pandemic was going to drastically change the college experience? ANJELICA: My sisters and I were incredibly disappointed that our time together was cut short in the spring. It was unfortunate to see things we were losing — graduation, jobs and much of our social lives. 2 4
JESSICA: We all jumped on board to give sisters the best virtual experience they could get, the situation was obviously not ideal, but we were determined to make the most out of the situation.
What prompted you to join Alpha Phi? ANJELICA: I needed a community to lean on, especially being a couple states away from home. Alpha Phi provided a sisterhood that welcomed me with open arms. JESSICA: I wanted to feel like I belonged somewhere. When I joined Alpha Phi, I finally felt like I was where I was meant to be and I was home.
How did your chapter continue to support sisters during this difficult time? ANJELICA: We were mindful of sisters who may not have quality access to the internet or who worked long hours, and we tried to support them as much as we could. We also created an environment that allowed us to reach out to one another for help. JESSICA: The risk department reached out to sisters individually throughout the semester. We also offered to give sisters gift cards for groceries on Thanksgiving Day if they needed assistance.
How did your chapter adapt to continue Alpha Phi traditions? JESSICA: We hosted a virtual Bid Day to make sure our new sisters felt welcome and held a socially distanced photoshoot that day. We also made a video of all the sisters around California to show how connected we still were despite the pandemic. What was the most meaningful experience you had in Alpha Phi over this last year? ANJELICA: Joining Alpha Phi’s Collegiate Advisory Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was a highlight. I am incredibly passionate about developing an
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How did the last year prepare you for life beyond college? JESSICA: Unpredicted change happens all the time and the real world can throw you curve balls. This pandemic has allowed the sisters of Alpha Phi to adapt and discover new ways of doing things. How do you think Alpha Phi will continue to grow, adapt and innovate over the next year and beyond? ANJELICA: I think Alpha Phi will continue to grow in the idea of inclusivity and equity. We are already stepping in the right direction by making shifts in our policies and ideals in relation to social justice. It is empowering to see the innovative perspectives that will propel us forward to a sisterhood of inclusion. Which of these did your chapter most embrace: adapt, innovate or persevere? JESSICA: Innovate. We embraced the change and figured out new ways to incorporate sisterhoods, chapter meetings, initiation, recruitment, mixers and new member education virtually while giving sisters a good experience despite us being online instead of in-person. inclusive and equitable community, and to be given the opportunity to have my voice and my chapter’s voice heard was incredible. JESSICA: Being a den leader during the new member education process was rewarding. It’s where I met my littles and where I shared knowledge with new members about what Alpha Phi stands for.
What kinds of events did your chapter host or take part in virtually? ANJELICA: We knew that philanthropy in Alpha Phi is incredibly important. Our chapter decided to host a virtual philanthropy called Move Your Phi’t. This month-long fitness campaign encouraged our community to move their feet while raising money for the Alpha Phi Foundation. SPRING 2021
JESSICA: Participants tracked workouts on Strava. People were able to donate to cheer you on while you were moving your feet. Not only was it a great way to exercise more, but it was a great way to raise $2,000 for our philanthropy!
How has the last year changed your perspective? ANJELICA: This past year has shaped me into a new woman, sister and individual. It has empowered me to view people holistically. We never know what people are going through on a day-to-day basis, especially with the struggles that many of us have experienced this past year. It taught me to be thankful for little moments and to be aware of the capacities that people may hold throughout their day.
How is sisterhood built to withstand challenging experiences? ANJELICA: Sisterhood is about community care. It is a group of strong women who genuinely care for the well-being of its sisters. As individuals, we rise by lifting others. Alpha Phi’s sisterhood continues to encourage sisters to uplift one another which leads us to withstand anything.
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Empower and Advocate Chiamaka Amadi ( ZETA BETA - LOYOL A MARYMOUNT )
Chiamaka is a junior serving as the VP of diversity, equity and inclusion. How would you have described Alpha Phi prior to 2020? Dynamic, transformative, uplifting. How do you describe Alpha Phi today? Resilient and innovative. What prompted you to join Alpha Phi? I had done previous research about the lack of diversity within Greek life, and it drove me to join a sorority because I wanted to make change from the inside. When I went through recruitment, I was pleasantly surprised to find very genuine and inspiring women in Alpha Phi, many of which I still look up to and admire. Which did your chapter most embrace: adapt, innovate or persevere? I believe our chapter was best able to innovate, especially when it came to recruitment this past January. Having virtual recruitment practice, incorporating virtual implicit bias training and even practicing rounds virtually is an extremely unique experience. Even virtual bid night was special. We still had everyone dress up in the theme and changed our Zoom backgrounds to match our theme. We’ve been able to host fundraisers through our Instagram as well.
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How did your chapter continue to support sisters? Some executive board members held virtual office hours for anyone to join and bring up things they wanted or needed. We also had our health and wellness officers present on the importance of preserving positive mental health. They shared resources, facilitated discussions and provided vital self-care tips. What kinds of events did your chapter host or take part in virtually? We hosted a Black History Month movie night in February, held a virtual fundraiser to raise money for Black Women for Wellness, raised $10,000 for Dance Marathon and held a fundraiser for Heart Health Awareness Month. We sold sweatshirts virtually and donated all proceeds to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. How did you and the chapter change your approach to membership recruitment in order to be aligned with the changes brought by the pandemic? During recruitment, we emphasized empathy. We know many potential new members missed out on their first year of college and have been impacted by COVID in different ways. We also held two virtual Open Houses before recruitment to make sure each
girl felt comfortable in the virtual space. The week before recruitment, our president held a Q&A on our Instagram story to answer questions and reassure anyone who had doubts about virtual recruitment. Were there any positive moments from this last year as you and your chapter navigated this experience? One positive surprise was seeing how open Alpha Phi International was to change and grow. Creating the VP of diversity, equity and inclusion position was needed, not only after what happened last summer, but with the health inequalities seen between different races and COVID-19. How has the last year changed (or strengthened) your perspective? I’ve come to realize how important it is to be grateful for the little things: The blessing of waking up in a warm bed, a roof over my head and my
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stomach still slightly full from my dinner the night before; the privilege to “stay at home” because I have a home; the miracle of having a body that is resilient enough to recover from COVID-19 despite being immunocompromised. These easily forgettable aspects of my life became the foundations for which I was able to survive, and sometimes thrive during this pandemic. How have you used skills developed or strengthened through Alpha Phi during this last year? Joining Alpha Phi and going through the process of recruitment has taught me amazing social skills. My confidence and ability to interact with people in my personal life has flourished after joining Alpha Phi. I also felt empowered by the amazing women in my pham (Alpha Phi family) who are strong social justice and environmental activists. They inspired me to run for this position and advocate for more diversity within Greek life. How is sisterhood built to withstand challenging experiences? I believe a sisterhood is a home, a safe space. The foundation of sisterhood is built on common values, goals and aspirations. Lifelong friendships are created amongst women who may not have met each other otherwise. We are able to have deep and insightful conversations that can teach, transform and inspire. Most of all, we are bonded by our shared experience as women. Generations and generations of gender inequality has continuously brought women together to support one another and empower each other. So, when hardships arise, the sisterhood prevails.
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A Second Home Isabelle Thapar L AMBDA - UC BERKELE Y
Isabelle is a sophomore who served as a co-director of philanthropy last year and is the current chapter president. How would you have described Alpha Phi prior to 2020?
A supportive, connected environment that aims to create a second home for each of their members. How would you describe Alpha Phi today?
I would use the same description because the past executive team worked so hard to maintain the membership experience, while adapting to health guidelines and keeping the focus on members. What prompted you to join Alpha Phi?
I never planned on joining a sorority prior to coming to college, but both of my sisters urged me to join. When I went through recruitment, I felt very comfortable and special whenever I came to the Alpha Phi house and spoke with the members. How did the chapter react when they learned the pandemic would drastically change collegiate life?
Everyone was very overwhelmed with the speed at which the situation progressed, and I think that each member came to the realization at different times that life would drastically change. We were distraught; however, there was an understanding that public health orders are extremely important to follow. Which did your chapter most embrace: adapt, innovate or persevere?
Through innovation, we kept our community strong and the chapter informed with a focus on caring for
one another. We wrote letters to each other, selected platforms where we could have virtual coffee dates with our sisters from different pledge classes, started a book club and began regular mental health check-ins. We also hosted a virtual philanthropy event, weekly virtual chapter meetings, drop-in counseling opportunities, virtual peer advising appointments and study sessions. What is one of the biggest successes that you and your chapter have experienced over this last year?
We have all managed to stay on top of our duties as members and care for one another, despite difficult and serious communicative boundaries that being distanced can create. We kept our priorities steady.
“Each member came to the realization at different times that life would drastically change. We were distraught.” Alpha Phi Quarterly
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Participation Is Key Michaela Kearton ETA UPSILON - CHAPMAN
Michaela is a junior who previously held the role of VP of community relations and is the current chapter president. How would you have described Alpha Phi prior to 2020?
Passionate, genuine, empowering. How do you describe Alpha Phi today?
”In a way this ever-changing world allowed for a positive change for us to slow down and think about how we can get every member involved, better yet — get them to want to be involved.”
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Resilient, connected, strong. When the news of COVID first started to gain traction, what were your initial thoughts?
I never expected COVID to affect us as much as it has. It has truly affected everything I do as a leader and it is now something ingrained in me to think about and has changed the way I do my job. As the VP of Community Relations preparing for our annual Red Dress Gala, I was devastated that we had to cancel the event three days before it was to happen. From there everything changed. We were at a standstill with no certainty of when campus would reopen, and that is where everything I did as a leader shifted. Which did your chapter most embrace — adapt, innovate or persevere?
Innovate. We wasted no time and found new ways to operate. Chapter meetings were virtual, we had a Zoom formal that included group virtual trivia games, and we developed new ways to engage in philanthropy. We adjusted our Mr. Alpha Phi event to be virtual and still engage the whole Greek community. We created an Instagram account and a GiveSmart platform to advertise the fraternity contestants and their sorority coaches, as well
as the cause they were raising money for. Each contestant virtually raised money for our cause through raffles, writing songs for people who donated, etc. Their participation was key, and we are grateful to the Greek and Chapman community. The contestants raised almost $12,000, more than I ever expected to raise with a completely virtual event. How did you and your chapter continue to support sisters through this difficult time?
Our chapter supported our sisters by continuing to connect them over a virtual platform. We held many sisterhood events, including a meditation and mindfulness event to allow our sisters to learn how to be mindful when the world around them is everchanging. Starting this spring semester, we plan to have monthly mental health sessions focusing on self-care and mental health. Were there any positive surprises that you xperienced over this last year?
In a way, this ever-changing world allowed a positive change for us to slow down and think about how we can get every member involved, better yet — get them to want to be involved. In addition, this new world allowed us to reinforce our creativity. For so long I felt like we were continuously doing the same events year to year. This year we slowed down and reimagined our events with new creativity.
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Explore job opportunities Join the mentoring network Discover sisters with shared interests Make connections and more!
Check out the new
ALPHA PHI NETWORK
Thank you to the generosity of Alpha Phi Foundation donors for making the Alpha Phi Network possible.
Register for the Alpha Phi Network and join your sisters! Engage in programming and enjoy summer fun.
Alpha Phi Eats June 29 at 6pm Central: Join a chef from College Cuisine for a virtual guided cooking demo and learn how to prep hors d’oeuvres and refreshments that will make your summer celebration one to remember.
July 14 at 6pm Central: Cook along at home with a chef from College Fresh as you learn how to amp up your summer meals from picnics to tasty treats.
Join today at
Details and registration available at alphaphi.org/events.
AlphaPhiNetwork.com SPRING 2021
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Always Alpha Phi
SIGMA-WASHINGTON
Wedding Bells TWO YEARS TO THE DATE FROM THEIR
engagement on August 8, 2020, Claire Josephine Bevan Daddino and José Daniel (Danny) Gonzalez (Alpha Sigma Phi) celebrated their marriage. As with many Covidera weddings, however, their wedding was very different from the one they had planned. In typical Alpha Phi fashion, the couple rose to each challenge and found ways to celebrate their nuptials that put their happily ever after center stage. On August 8, 2018, they became engaged in Botswana on a family safari trip. They had intended to wed on June 20, 2020 with about 200 friends and family in attendance at Claire’s family home in Connecticut. And then, Covid changed many plans. They decided to move back the ceremony two months and dramatically reduced the guest list in compliance with state regulations. Of the many friends, family, Alpha Phi sisters and Alpha Sigma Phi brothers who had hoped to attend, the only ones able to travel were Claire’s aunt and Danny’s mother, sister and brother. Each took Covid tests before their travel and after they had arrived. They were in CT for less than 48 hours, but made the tiny celebration feel like a wedding, not just a beautiful party. The scale, date and safety precautions were not the only challenges Claire and Danny faced. A Covid-related incident closed the club where the reception was to be held, and the couple began to reimagine the small dinner celebration, only 10 days in advance, to take place on the family’s front lawn. Then Hurricane Isaiah hit coastal New England and took out electricity for many, including the hotel and family home. The hurricane 30
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Above: Claire and mother Susan. Left: Claire and Danny
The couple rose to each challenge and found ways to celebrate their nuptials that put their happily ever after center stage.
dramatically felled a 75-foot-tall Oak tree in the back yard just where the few guests were to sit, shaded from the August heat. To add insult to injury, the massive branches pierced the septic field. Repair companies converged in the yard over the next couple days to make repairs. The wedding day dawned foggy and a bit misty, but soon turned into a beautiful, warm, sunny and quite perfect day. The couple and their guests found surprising ways to enjoy the moment, celebrate love and reflect on
the meaning of the moment. The fallen tree’s giant roots were unable to be removed, so a wood carver came and carved a giant heart surrounding the bride and groom’s initials on the stump — which became a makeshift “guest book” as markers were used to sign the raw wood. Representing the sisterhood as a bridesmaid was the bride’s boarding school roommate, Emily Collins (Zeta Gamma-Santa Clara). The bride’s father and mother, Susan Bevan (Sigma-Washington) said the whole experience had been like a three-ring circus, so, in addition to the masked musicians for the ceremony, they hired a mermaid to lounge in the swimming pool alongside an aerialist who poured pink champagne while suspended upside down from a ring in the garden. Illuminated by a sparkler send off, Claire and Danny walked down the back lawn to the dock and left by boat for their 11-hour honeymoon (their intended trip to Portugal will wait!). The bride and groom missed those who could not attend, but were happy for the opportunity to enjoy each guest at their small wedding and deemed their evening perfect. As they look ahead to their first anniversary, we wish Claire and Danny much continued happiness in their happily ever after! SPRING 2021
Alumnae Photos & Updates
Knapp
BETA PI-USC
In Memoriam Elise Dale Fong, who recently joined the Silent Chapter, is remembered by her sisters with great fondness. The impact she made in their lives and in the community won’t soon be forgotten. To honor Elise and bring comfort to those who love and miss her, the Epsilon Gamma house corporation board has installed a bench at the chapter house. Elise was initiated in 1986 and served as both a chapter advisor and risk management advisor over the years. Elise shared her battle with cancer on her Embracing Life Detours blog and also spoke about the impact Alpha Phi had on her life. She wrote, “The Forget Me Not is one of our fraternal flowers. The symbol from our Founders reminds us that we are never forgotten from each other. I cherish it now more than ever. And to all my sisters, near and far, new and ‘old’, I will always remember you and I hope, if you see a forget me not, you will think of me for a moment and feel my love for you and all we’ve shared.”1 Thank you to the Epsilon Gamma house corporation board for their beautiful tribute to Elise. Reprinted with permission. SPRING 2021
Now streaming on CBS All Access, Console Wars, a documentary of the 2014 book by the same name, includes an interview with former Sega executive and Alpha Phi alumna Ellen Beth Van Buskirk Knapp. Produced by Jonah Tulis, Seth Rogen and Blake J. Harris – who also earned director credits and penned the original book – this documentary details the rivalry and competitive business operations that developed between Nintendo and Sega during the early 1990s. Ellen served as Sega’s marketing services manager during this time period and directed the company’s corporate brand strategy, product public relations, promotion and philanthropy efforts. A trailblazer, Ellen was also one of few female executives in the video game industry at the time. Her perspective and experience give viewers insight into what it was like to be part of the video game console competitive landscape during the 90s. Since her time with Sega, Ellen has gone on to hold leadership roles in marketing with IBM and L’Oreal. Currently, she is partner at Neubrand, LLC, a marketing consultancy dedicated to helping companies, brands and products build strong market positions. The film debut had been planned for SXSW, but when schedules changed because of Covid-19, the documentary appeared instead on the CBS streaming platform on September 23, 2020. A scripted TV series based on the book is currently under development as a follow-up project. Congratulations, Ellen Beth! Alpha Phi Quarterly
ISTOCK / TIMZILLION
EPSILON GAMMA-SACRAMENTO STATE
Console Wars
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Always Alpha Phi
BETA-NORTHWESTERN
1967 Beta Graduates Embrace Digital Opportunities Like many of us, amidst the physical distancing and health precautions related to Covid-19, the Alpha Phis of the BetaNorthwestern graduating class of 1967 found themselves looking for ways to connect with their friends and family in new ways. That is when Mary Jo Hardy Gabel, part of that class of ’67, began the process of contacting sisters who graduated the same year. Mary Jo had been part of the online connections and digital social hours with other groups in the Rochester, NY area and so decided to try the experience with her Alpha Phi sisters. She guided members through the process, and they have been meeting online regularly for the last year. The women had kept contact information up to date with one another for many years and enjoyed a reunion together in 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of joining Alpha Phi. Pre-Covid, they also enjoyed finding time to see one another in small groups from time to time. Over this past year, the women have enjoyed much more frequent contact with each other. It began as a weekly experience and has since moved to twice each month. Of the 32 women of that class, 28 are living and the Beta ’67 zoom chats have engaged 25 of those members. As one of the members of the group, Nancy Smythe noted, “Our calls have anywhere from nine to 15 participants at a time. We span 14 states and have the opportunity to learn first-hand accounts of weather, as some face fires, hurricanes and
more. We share photos and health information. We discuss important topics, listen and support one another.” Mary Jo shared, “Some of my best friends are from Alpha Phi. One was two years ahead of me in school, and I ski with her almost every year…but through this experience, I have gotten to know many sisters better than I had while in school. It is amazing how much we still have in common.” Diana Beall Voorthuis of the ’67 class has found the experience surprising in positive ways. “When I first began reacquainting with Phi sisters, I was doubtful it would be meaningful after all the years. Now, I find it is rewarding to make an effort to connect with those who share a common experience as college students and members of Alpha Phi and the Northwestern community. We are all stationed in the same time frame of life as we become wiser, facing the aging process and dealing with the times we are in now. Contact with contemporaries seems more important than ever.” Wendy Sprole Bangs of the class also shared her impressions of what this connection has reinforced for her. “How wonderful that, during this pandemic, we can walk down memory lane, renew old friendships and make new ones. Although we are such a diverse group of women, it turns out that we have so many commonalities.”
BETA GAMMA-COLORADO
Real Expertise on Fake Famous Alumna and technology reporter for The New York Times, Taylor Lorenz is interviewed in a new film called Fake Famous. The documentary, which was released in February, explores the world of social media influencers by turning average people into internet-famous influencers. The film is directed and produced by Nick Bilton, a technology journalist, and includes interviews with Taylor about her perspective on social media and the role it plays in our lives. Before joining The New York Times, 32
Alpha Phi Quarterly
Taylor was a tech and culture writer at The Atlantic and The Daily Beast. She was a 2019 Knight Visiting Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, where she researched the connection between Instagram and how individuals get their news. Congratulations, Taylor! SPRING 2021
Alumnae Photos & Updates
BETA DELTA-UCLA
Alumna Epidemiologist Makes Impact 1 Associate Director for Global Health Security within the Center for Global Health at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Maureen Bartee has been part of the work done to combat the devastating impact of Covid-19. Recently profiled in The Irish Times, Maureen has demonstrated a commitment to health that spans multiple decades. At the CDC, she has been involved with responses to polio, Sars, Ebola and other diseases. Her work has taken her to Africa and Central Asia as well. Now she is tasked with working with a group of 69 countries, non-government organizations and international companies who are aiming to improve the ways they handle infectious disease in terms of capabilities, resources, capacity, monitoring and management. Maureen was instrumental in launching the Field Epidemiology Training Program in Kenya in the early 2000s to help individuals learn more about unknown diseases and their impact.
IOTA-WISCONSIN
Phi-tured Author
Marilyn Matia, author of Kitchen Table Talk, says her book is the result of living the motto of her alma mater, “The Constant Sifting and Winnowing for the Truth.” Her children and grandchildren wrote the questions that form the basis of the book. Her answers brim with the wisdom, humor and education she earned over the years. Marilyn is the widow of the late Judge Thomas O. Matia of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and is known among her friends as an inclusive bridge builder. Congratulations, Marilyn, on this newest endeavor.
When Covid-19 came to the U.S., Maureen was no longer able to travel overseas to connect with ministries of health in various countries, so she took her talents to help a Native American tribe in South Dakota as they formed their response to the pandemic. She has embraced this challenging work, while also managing responsibilities regarding her family and children, because she knows the knowledge being gathered about Covid-19 will help in the efforts to heal and prevent further infection. Bracken, S. (2020, Oct. 27). The former Rose at the frontline of the Covid-19 fight: California epidemiologist with Irish roots has helped Native American tribe deal with crisis. The Irish Times. irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/the-formerrose-at-the-front-line-of-us-covid-19-fight-1.4385008
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Silent Chapter
“ This is goodnight, but not goodbye.” — “Linger” We honor our sisters whose notification of passing we receive. Silent chapter notes may be submitted via alphaphi.org (keyword: silent chapter) or to quarterly@alphaphi.org. Please note: year in parenthesis is year of initiation. Alabama (Beta Mu) Margaret Shannon Fay (‘46) Arizona (Beta Epsilon) Joanne Batelle Allen (‘56) Virginia Manker Pierce (‘57) Arizona State (Gamma Pi) Mari Harrington Leontie (‘63) Binghamton (Eta Zeta) Debra Uretsky (‘88) Bowling Green (Beta Omicron) Alberta Gardner Kilpatrick (‘47) M. McQuade Sittig (‘58) British Columbia (Beta Theta) Joan Barberie Lynum (‘55) Butler (Epsilon Beta) Diane Fitzgerald Job (‘75) Colorado (Beta Gamma) Polly Peterson Davis (‘48) Deanna King (‘63) Colorado College (Gamma Theta) Ann Bender Veatch (‘58)**** Delaware (Epsilon Nu) Lynn Morongell (‘82) Denison (Beta Kappa) Mary Dagger Miller (‘42) Susan Nelson (‘65) DePauw (Gamma) Karel Kelsik Barney (‘67) Peggy Matthews Haried (‘42) Marillyn Knuepfer Hudson (‘44) Susan Lawrence Swezey (‘55) Duke (Beta Nu) Joyce Hoffman Schreffler (‘50) Suzanne Sutphen (‘50)
Illinois (Beta Alpha) Jill Stockbarger Forland (‘75) Linda Meyer (‘65)
North Dakota (Pi) Phyllis Mosher Kannowski (‘52) Beverly Hanson Sfingi (‘43)
Indiana (Beta Tau) Beverly Buckingham Chambers (‘52) Louise Lerch Linnemeier (‘57) Charlotte Haven Maloy (‘53) Joy Riley (‘75) Joy Gray Siegel (‘64)* Mary Woodward (‘58)
Northwestern (Beta) Ruth Teninga Anderson (‘39) Mary Buffmire Champlin (‘48) Adrienne Ramsey LeSueur (‘47) Bernellyn Jones Patchen (‘43) Christine Shim (‘94)
Indiana U. of Pennsylvania (Delta Phi) Carol Davis Gerhard (‘65) Janet Watrous Woodard (‘67) Kent State (Beta Omega) E. Shennan (‘64)*** Miami University (Gamma Nu) Evalou Stauffer Middaugh (‘57)*** Denise Perko Smith (‘75) Michigan (Theta) Carolyon Byrne Beuhler (‘41) Susan Brauer Greiling (‘60) Jane Litzenberg Havemeyer (‘59) Helen Luth Mannion (‘54) Laura Portz Norberry (‘54) Michigan State (Beta Beta) Jane Dalton Shaw (‘52) Minnesota (Epsilon) Marian DeLander Henderson (‘43) Joan Siverling Poehler (‘50)
Duquesne (Epsilon Iota) Carole Holly Hill (‘70)
Missouri (Omicron) Mary Roberts Cole (‘63) Jane Gifford Gorman (‘59) Mary Mills Putnam (‘64) Lita Nash Verts (‘53)
Idaho (Beta Zeta) Joan Parks Batten (‘50)
Montana (Chi) Helen Aune Earnest (‘52) Nebraska (Nu) Lynn Lueders Lightner (‘57)
Ohio State (Rho) Laura Wiedemann Avers (‘77) Suzanne Baber Burns (‘58) Gwen Norton Dulin (‘49) Oklahoma (Phi) Virginia Johnson Kanaly (‘50) Lynda Mosley Krivanek (‘58) Nancy Carman Mayberry (‘52) Oregon (Tau) Irene Schaupp Law (‘35)
Syracuse (Alpha) Martha Sampson Head (‘40) Nina Kapur (‘13) Elizabeth Fonda Wiltshire (‘50) Texas (Omega) Elizabeth Henderson Babcock (‘54) Helen Claunts Howard (‘56) Amelia Stewart Lummis (‘86) Anne Orr Netick (‘51) Virginia Segrato Wood (‘57) Texas A&M (Epsilon Omega) Martha Philipp Pollock (‘83) UC Berkeley (Lambda) Susan Breshears Bayh (‘79) Patricia Hendy Bruck (‘43) Anne Duhring Cooper (‘38) Jacqueline Thomas Law (‘38)
Oregon State (Beta Upsilon) Patricia Hagen Jones (‘51) Harriet Burger Marchildon (‘48)
UC Santa Barbara (Gamma Beta) Joyce Griffith Champeny (‘56)** Anzella Willie Curry (‘52) Elisabeth Halsteen (‘50)
Rollins (Beta Lambda) Martha Keefe Damroth (‘55)
UCLA (Beta Delta) Mary Kirkwood Cutter (‘55)
Sacramento State (Epsilon Gamma) Elise Dale Fong (‘86) Patricia McElligott (‘79)
USC (Beta Pi) Carol Bollenbacher Berge (‘58)
San Diego (Eta Rho) Kerry Degenhardt (‘94) San Jose State (Beta Psi) Jennie Lund Disney (‘57) Marilyn Oliver Gile (‘52) South Dakota (Psi) Deelda Woodle Watson (‘52) Southern Utah (Theta Sigma) Melanie Featherstone Johnson (‘97) SUNY Buffalo (Theta Epsilon) Orly Keren Goldman (‘01)
Washburn (Upsilon) Jeannette Hass Wells (‘44) Washington (Sigma) Carol Beach Heimkes (‘62) West Virginia (Beta Iota) Dorothy Dotson (‘64) Wilma Castrup Volkmer (‘50) Western Michigan (Delta Theta) Kathy Sparks Woronko (‘76) Wichita State (Gamma Xi) Judith Atherton White (‘59) William Woods (Delta Chi) Kell Brown (‘66) Wisconsin (Iota) Polly Leeds Brandes (‘44) Sheryl Borgeson Mellin (‘82)
Members belonging to multiple chapters indicated as follows: * (also Delta Theta Western Michigan), ** (also Gamma Kappa CSU Long Beach), *** (also Alpha Lambda Alumna Initiate), **** (also Gamma-DePauw)
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Amongst the Ivy
Earning Accolades and Giving Back Above: Riley Thompson; At right: Tyler Prather, Nicole McCusker, Carlina Rizzo, Mikayla Thamm; Below: Karter Knox.
DELTA GAMMA-NORTHERN COLORADO
THETA ZETA-FLORIDA TECH
Even through some challenging times, the ladies at Florida Tech are making a difference. Julia Minisi, past president of the Theta Zeta chapter, was recognized by the Florida Tech Office of Greek Life for her outstanding leadership skills and earned the President’s Cup award in honor of her commitment to leadership. The chapter also hosted a socially distanced King of Hearts philanthropy event on campus, which raised over $1,000 to support women’s heart health. The sisters made time for one another at sisterhood events that adhered to health guidelines, including a kayaking adventure through Turkey Creek. Seniors also received a heartfelt send-off and thank you for all they had done for the chapter. Keep up the excellent work! Inset: Mackenzie Blair and Kara Perkins. Top: Julia Minisi and Katelyn Canedo. Circle: Julia Minisi. SPRING 2021
The members of the Delta Gamma chapter are finding ways to do what they can make a difference and have a little fun along the way. Karter Knox has recently been recognized by Cumbres, the university's scholarship and support program for students who are studying to become English as a Second Language (ELS) teachers, for her leadership efforts at local schools. Natalie Crouch was named the president of the senior honor society called Mortar Board, and Riley Thompson, who earned and maintained her status as a Daniels Scholar, is serving as an ambassador for all Daniels Scholars at the university. The chapter, as a whole, is also continuing to work with Starting Hearts to ensure AED presence and training on their campus. Way to go!
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Amongst the Ivy
BETA ALPHA-ILLINOIS
Red Dress Success
As the women of the Beta Alpha chapter celebrated their third Red Dress event in February of 2021, they adapted to host a virtual event that engaged the community and members on the importance of women’s heart health. Through generous support, to date this year's event has raised $4,750 and all proceeds support Alph Phi Foundation. Their trend of success continues, as their 2020 Red Dress Gala was well-received, too. In 2020, they raised nearly $12,000 in support of women’s heart health and guests enjoyed the personal testimonial of a heart disease survivor. The chapter is already looking ahead to their 2022 event. Keep up the great work, ladies! At left: Pictured from the 2020 event, Beta Alpha chapter members Kate Bigger, Rachel Venegas, Skylar Pieper, Siena Pieruccini and Olivia Bohleber.
ALPHA-SYRACUSE
Safety First Senior Paige Wucherpfennig has created a new way for community members to let authorities know about behavior like bullying or crime that warrant interventions of some kind. With the app Tell99, individuals may remain anonymous and quickly alert the proper entities to investigate potential emergencies. The mission of the app is to provide a voice to help individuals right wrongs and/or prevent them from occurring. Paige believes there is more positive than bad in the world and hopes the app will tip the balance toward the good. Users may also share when they have witnessed or experienced selfless acts of kindness. She hopes this will inspire others to engage in positive actions as well. Well done, Paige! 36
Alpha Phi Quarterly
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Collegian & Chapter Updates
GAMMA KAPPA-CSU LONG BEACH
Programming Their Way to Fun
Members of the Gamma Kappa chapter hosted a series of events through Zoom to connect the sisters and offer meaningful support during the semester. Topics of programs included stress management, diversity, academic success, alcohol and drug education and student wellness. For added fun, the chapter hosts plenty of Netflix movie night parties, has celebrated one another with a superlative slideshow, connected via yoga and fitness activities on Zoom and presented a virtual cook-off between members. Members also began a “Let’s Talk About…” series that highlights important topics that are making news across the world. Topics of some of the conversations include Black Lives Matter, Indigenous Peoples Day, breast cancer awareness, cultural appropriation, voting, Dia de los Muertos and heart disease in women of color. We can’t wait to see what they offer next. Great job!
ZETA DELTA-IOWA STATE
Thinking Outside the Box The ladies of the Delta Zeta chapter were dreaming up new ways to connect for sisterhood fun that would keep everyone aligned with the local health and safety regulations, and chapter sister Maura Ortner came up with an idea to die for. She organized a murder mystery simulation game for interested members to participate in and it was a hit! She reserved a large room on campus, which they decorated with crime scene tape, a photo booth area and all the necessary game cards with information for the players. Due to interest, the sisterhood was offered in two sessions to accommodate more involvement. Attendees dressed the part, engaged in some acting and had the chance for newer members to get to know more sisters in the chapter. At the end, participants were selected to receive sash awards to represent fun superlatives like, “best Big-Little duo” and “sister most likely to…” scenarios. Great creativity, ladies! Below: (from left to right): Lauren Tumey, Hannah Blackford, Haley Sharp, Chelsea Suarez and Kathryn Ladley.
ZETA ALPHA-EASTERN ILLINOIS
Say, "Cheese!" In fall 2020, the Zeta Alpha chapter combined a sisterhood with a photoshoot to help them generate new content to share. On a Saturday, the chapter met outdoors, socially distanced, at Lake Charleston in Illinois. Members had the opportunity to connect safely and enjoy time together while curating content to help communicate about their chapter to their campus. Fun was had by all and the women enjoyed the chance to bond. Above: Reagan Hill, Silvey Gardner, Sydney Rapper, Julie Zaborowski, Jazmin Dally, Megan Jobe, Alex Lamacki SPRING 2021
Alpha Phi Quarterly
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Q
Amongst the Ivy
IOTA MU-GEORGIA TECH
Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You
DELTA DELTA - OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
Rat-ta-tou-Phi!
The ladies of the Delta Delta chapter were able to have a socially distant big/little celebration. The new pledge class got split into groups to receive their big/little reveal outfit at the Alpha Phi house. They received a balloon to pop to find out where they would be meeting their big! Each of the bigs decorated their door for their little(s) and were able to have their own personal reveal! This was a hit because it allowed the women to be able to have their special moments with their little(s). The themes the Alpha Phi family created were creative, including a Ratatouille theme based off the popular Pixar movie of the same name. Congratulations to all the Delta Delta bigs and littles! At Right: Top Row (left to right): Rose Meyers, Nicole Charest, Middle Row: Messina Paratore, Bottom Row (left to right): Stephanie Towle, Emma O’Connor 38
Alpha Phi Quarterly
As part of their new member experience, the Iota Mu chapter connects their new members with women who are active members of the chapter, with the upperclassmen mentoring the newer members as they adjust to life at college. The small groups connect in accordance with health and safety guidelines to enjoy game nights, brunch and other activities to help new members get to know more about the women in the chapter and vice versa. They are looking forward to continuing the fun next year and welcoming a whole new class to their chapter. Above: Jocelyn Lounsbury, Liz French, Kelsey Watkins, Sam Panse, Carina D'Angelo, Jenna Lee
DELTA UPSILON-BALDWIN WALLACE
Phi Fest Fun
The Delta Upsilon chapter held their first Phi Fest during the fall as a way to engage with one another, alumnae and their community. On Oct. 22, they gathered at Red Wagon Farm in Columbia Station, Ohio to enjoy physically distanced activities like hayrides, a corn maze and a bonfire. In addition, guests helped raise $781 in support of women’s heart health, with nearly $200 going to Alpha Phi Foundation. The women look forward to hosting Phi Fest again in the future. Well done! At Right: Delta Upsilon collegians Kerry Conkle and Sydney Shook
SPRING 2021
Shop Alpha Phi Purchase all of the latest ΑΦ merchandise from Alpha Phi’s NEW online website shop!
www.ShopAlphaPhi.com Don’t forget to follow our new shop account! @ShopAlphaPhi
Spotlight on Alpha Phis
Chapter Advisors
Now & Then
Chapter advisors guide our collegians, encourage their leadership development and support them in their pursuits. While our advisors’ commitment to our members has always been strong, the logistics of advising have changed over the years. Hear from a former and current chapter advisor about the ways being an advisor has resonated with them.
Berkenda Cantlo (EPSILON UPSILON-CSU NORTHRIDGE) CHAPTER ADVISOR AT ETA UPSILON-CHAPMAN
Diana Lanick Miner Name
(BETA EPSILON-ARIZONA) FORMER CHAPTER ADVISOR AT BETA EPSILON-ARIZONA Also: Former alumnae community president for the Tucson area, former district governor, former House Corporation Board president and board member
Watching these young women develop, learn, grow and function together as smart, caring individuals helping others.
What is/wa s the most reward ing part of being a chapter adv isor?
Working and building relationships with our young college women because they are open to guidance and improving themselves.
Pre-pandemic, we texted and found opportunities to meet in-person regularly. Now, we text, group chat, connect through the OurHouse app and Zoom.
What are/were some of the best ways to com mu nicate w ith the chapter you adv ise(d)?
In the late 1980’s – 2000’s, cell phones and texting were not as advanced as today. Faceto-face meetings were best. Our advisory board volunteers were present for meetings and hosted events when needed.
How ha s/d id serv ing a s an A lpha Phi volu nteer i mpact you r li fe?
I developed leadership skills, learned how to interact with all types of personalities, became more confident and competent, all while developing long lasting relationships. The skills served me well on several community boards I joined and in my career.
Volunteering has been a gift. I enjoy giving back and working with collegians because they are at a pivotal place in their lives. They can put in the effort and thrive by their own design.
5 years total
We need to prioritize open, honest communication. Also, be aware of what you share on social media; it could be there forever, long past the time you even remember sharing it.
How many years have/d id you volu nteer in support of a colleg iate chapter? You prov ide(d) such a critical support for colleg ians. What is/wa s one lesson you always tr y/ tried to share w ith the chapter?
Over 20 years
Every member’s actions, even those outside the sorority, impact the chapter and reflect Alpha Phi, so it is important to remember to conduct ourselves with integrity.
A s an adv isor, which is/ wa s more f u n?
Recruitment Founders’ Day Convention
R ecruitment or Senior celebrations, Bid Day or Fou nders’ Day
Senior Celebrations Bid Day Convention
Campus philanth ropy events or Convention 40
Alpha Phi Quarterly
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Iconic
PHOTO BY PHOTO CREDIT: THE SEAT TLE TIMES, STAFF PHOTOGR APHER L ARRY DION.
Photos from our past
Respected Teacher Received Mobility Assistance in 1965 Mary Ann Whalen (Sigma-Washington), who joined the Silent Chapter in 1987, was featured in The Seattle Times on March 2, 1965 when she received an electric wheelchair that empowered her with greater mobility. Now more easily accessible, the electric wheelchair was developed and first sold in the 1950s. While the motorized wheelchair gave her an important support, Mary Ann’s colleagues agreed that, “no mechanical device could take the place of the spirit that enables her to teach,” despite her challenges. Mary Ann taught German to her students at Enumclaw High School for several years.
Her mobility challenges came from a polio attack in 1951, which left her paralyzed from the neck down. She worked through rehabilitation to regain some use of her left side and taught herself to write with that hand instead of her right. She reenrolled at the university and received her teaching certificate in 1960 before heading to Germany as a Fulbright scholar. In 1963, she returned to the U.S. with her master’s degree to teach. Mary Ann is remembered for her determined spirit and bright outlook on life. She said, “I think my life is as interesting — or more interesting — than it would have been.”
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