ALUMNAE INITIATION

STRATEGIC GOAL AREA

By: Vanessa David, DK , director of alumnae engagement

Do you have a woman in your life who exhibits the values and aims of Alpha Sigma Alpha? Did she miss her opportunity to join a sorority?

Then consider inviting her to join our sisterhood as an alumna initiate.

It’s never too late to welcome members into our sisterhood. Alumnae initiation is a wonderful and thoughtful way to show someone how much you care for her. Whether it’s your mother, grandmother, sister, friend, coworker or a nonmember advisor for your collegiate chapter, sponsoring someone for initiation into Alpha Sigma Alpha will surely be a bonding experience for the two of you. There are many benefits to membership in the Sorority including:

Networking Personal development resources Professional growth opportunities Participation in national events Volunteer opportunities Membership education – continued growth and reflection on organizational aims and values through life stages To learn more about the process and how to submit a woman for alumnae initiation, visit www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/ join/alumnae-initiation/ Top Left: Renada was initiated by the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter on May 18, 2019. (L to R): Libby Elliott Moore BΣ, Sally Klein LeBlanc ΕΙ , Monica Seibel Edmonds BΝ, Sue Merriman Levin ΑΑ , Renada Neroes ΖΖ , Laura Watkins Finck BΝ, Christina Merriman ΑΑ and Abby Kemner Millican BΚ

Bottom Left: Lisa was initiated by the Iota Epsilon Chapter on May 7, 2019. (L to R): Rose Gilliard and Lisa Gilliard, IE

Middle: Karen Manning and Denise Wiesner were initiated by Zeta Zeta alumnae sisters on November 3, 2018. (L to R): back row – Karen Gonzalez, Diane Fisher Zdeb, Diane Chesnut Herian, Debbie Bruce Steiner and Johanna Haag Gardner, front row – Colleen Haag, Karen Gentry Manning, Denise Grigsby Wiesner, Mindy Thompson Loethen, Perry Abbott Bernard, Cherri Pearman Owens and Debbie Sharp Craig. All (except Karen Gonzalez) are Zeta Zeta members.

Right: Sherry Bonomo, ΖΖ , was initiated by Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter members on August 20, 2011.

Sandra was initiated by Epsilon Epsilon Chapter on May 3, 2018. (L to R): back row – Taverli Orr Koch (daughter-in-law), Melissa Koch Merriam (daughter), front row – Betsy Koch (daughter), Sandra Koch, all EE members

“I had dreamed of initiating my mom since the day I learned that alumnae members could join AΣA. As a registered nurse, my mom did not have the opportunity to join a sorority because her nursing program was not affiliated with a university. It was a natural fit as she embodied the values of Alpha Sigma Alpha and had been a part of my membership, cheering me on in my collegiate days to working as a leadership consultant and during my volunteer journey. It was truly special to have her join my sister, sister-in-law and aunt as women of poise and purpose. My only regret is not having her join sooner!” – Melissa Koch Merriam, EE and Past National President, sponsor to Sandra Koch, EE alumna initiate

Florence was initiated by Nu Nu Chapter on December 5, 2018. (L to R): Dana Pernini and her grandmother, Florence Altiere

“I never had the opportunity to get a degree and never thought it was possible to be a sister. My granddaughter (Dana Pernini, NN and past leadership consultant) went to Drexel and I loved listening to her experiences. I often thought about what I had missed. I had a sister five years younger than me and wished I had more – now I have hundreds of all ages all over the country. Alpha Sigma Alpha’s values are my values and I would be happy to live by them. I look forward to taking part in upcoming events and doing what I can to be the best sister. This has been like a dream come true and my thanks to all who made it possible.” – Florence Altiere, NN alumna initiate

Utilize this upcoming opportunity for an alumna initiate to participate in The Sanctuary Degree Service surrounded by hundreds of AΣA sisters. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the national convention & leadership conference in Kansas City, MO.

Alumnae initiates at 2018 national convention