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DEADLINES Winler ............... ...... .. September Spring ........................ December Summer ..... .... .................. March Faii ...... ............... ..... ......... . .June

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EDITOR Executive Director and Interim Editor Krystal Slivinski, rP kslivinski@alphasigmaalpha.org

STAFF Senior Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z . Reese, BY niz_reese@comcasl.net Alumnae Editor Nancy Inwood, EE inwoodb@holmail .com

DEPARTMENTS

Collegiate Editor Tora Cardonick Holman, N asa_advisor@yahoo.com

Protecting the Alpha Sigma Alpha name Learn how you can protect Alpha Sigma Alpha's trademark and financially support the sorority at the same time.

13 Three women to travel for

16

Alumnae Stars Read about some of Alpha Sigma Alpha's out.st.anding alumnae.

Email : asa@alphasigmaalpha.org

18 News to note Read the latest news from the national organi Lation.

Alpha Sigma Alpha The 2007-08 leadership consultants are announced.

14 National volunteers LEAP

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9550 Zionsville Rd. , Suite 160 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 3 17-871-2920 Fax: 317-871 -2924

19 District news Read reports from the disuict leadership, collegiate and alumnae chapters in Disuicts 2-5.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9550 Zionsville Rd .

Suile 160, Indianapolis, IN 46268 . Periodicals paslage paid allndianapalis, IN, and addilional mailing offices. Produced

by Maury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis. 漏 Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Send address changes, dealh nolices and business correspondence lo lhe nalional headquarters. Address all editorial correspondence lo rhe editor.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) lo Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9550 Zionsville Rd .

Suire 160, Indianapolis, IN 46268 . Printed in rhe USA.

into extreme leadership for a second year Read how volunteers gathered in Indianapolis for the second Exu路eme Leader Weekend.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

14

SUMMER 2007

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before menopause, women may experience symptoms caused by changes in hormone levels, specifically estrogen.

These symptoms will stop when hormone levels become stable.

Perimenopause varies from person to person. Some symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, night sweats, insomnia, headaches, heart palpitations, forgetfu lness, mood changes and anxiety.

Although these are the most common, every woman experiences something different.

A woman is considered to be past menopause when she does not have a period for one calendar year. Therefore, if you go 1 l -1 / 2 mon ths without a period, then get a period, your year starts over.

This includes spotting. Most women experience irregular cycles long before menopause.

The average age of menopause is 51, and perimenopausal symptoms can begin five to 10 years prior to menopause. lf your cycle or symptoms concern you, and you suspect they are not related to menopause, you are urged to see your health-<:are professional.

As much as we would like to, we cannot top menopause from coming. But we can prepare for it. Discovery Health ( www.health.discovery.com) offers strategies for women to prepare for the an·ival of menopause.

Once you begin to experience perimenopausal symptoms, contact your healthcare professional to discu s possible treatments. Treatment options include natural or prescription therapy, low-dose birth control, environmental changes and hormone replacement therapy. Inqui1·e what treatment may work best for your symptoms.

diabetes or any issues that may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke cannot take birth control containing estrogen.

They can take progesterone birtl1 control or use barrie1· methods, natural family planning or abstinence. lfyou are planning a pregnancy in your 40s please consult your OBGYN.

Do I still need birth control?

Weight and diabetes

Ironically, this topic is very important and has a lot of associations with menopause. Until you are past menopause, women should continue to utilize a form of birth control.

What birth cono·ol is right for you?

This depends on your lifestyle. There are many oral contraceptives, NuvaRing, the patch, Depo-Provera, barrier methods, natural family planning or abstinence.

There is a misconception that women over 35 cannot take birth control. Women who smoke, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, known history of heart disease, history of blood clots, unconn·olled

The first article of this se1ies covered tl1e importance of a healthy weight, good diet and regular exercise. This is the one constant for women of all ages.

We are all aware of how important it i to maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) . An elevated BMI for a woman in her late 40s was tl1e strongest risk factor for developing diabetes in her 50s, according to Dr. Gita D. Mi hra of tl1e niversity of Queensland, who published her re ults in the journal Diabetes Care,June 2007.

Kimberly confim1ed this, saying, "When your weight is elevated your risk of diabetes kyrockets."

PIIOENIX Of AlPHA SIGMA AlPHA

The imponance of agood relaUonshiP with vour health-care professional How comfortable are you with yow· health-<:are provider? Can yo u talk to her about anything and everything? Doe he truly know your hi tory? Do ou feel you have an active part during office visits?

Women of any age will benefit from a good relationship with a health-<:are professional. When I was preparing to wl"ite this article, I knew just who I needed to tum to-one of my favorite health-<:a1·e providers, Kimberly Spering, MS , CRNP, BC. Her credentials stand for Masters of Science in NUI ing, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, Board-Certified.

Kimberly was part of a wonderful group of providers who watched my belly expand for nine months until one glorious day in May 2004 it deflated. (His name is Ryan!) I also have worked with Kimberly profes ionally. I am a social worker, and several years ago, I took three of my female clients to Kimberly for a very important exam.

Recently I had to see Kimberly on a personal matter. Thankfully I was comfortable enough to answer her que tions about my physical health , my diet, exercise, my sex life and pretty much everything but the kitchen ink! This visit would have been mortifying had it not been with a health-<:are professional I n-u ly o-usted.

I cannot begin to express how important it is to o-ust yo ur provider. Thi is your life we are talking about. Women should be able to walk into a health-<:are office and explain all the symptoms, no matter how personal. lf you have concern with intimacy, sometl1ing you heard or read about, Kimberly urges you to discuss this with your provider. lf you cannot imagine having an honest conversation with your provider, feel they will think you are weird if you discuss something uncomfortable, or you feel they are not truly listening to your concerns then you need to consider changing physicians.

I hope most of you are fortunate to have a provider you can o-ust, and whom you can discuss your body with honestly.

Initially, diabetes shows no symptoms.

Most people feel fine and do not realize the internal changes. Kimberly adds, " o one feels bad when tl1ey first have diabetes, it i something larger that cau es them to pause and have it checked."

Women who have a family history of diabetes, who are overweight or who have had gestational diabetes are encouraged to have their blood sugar level checked regularly b their health-<:are professional.

Heart disease Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Risk factors include making, high blood pre ure, high cholesterol, family history and age. Statistically, women have a higher instance of heart attack after menopause.

According to FamilyDocto1·.org, "American women are four to ix times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer. Heart disease kill more Continued on page 19 SUMMER2007

•. FUTURE SITE Of Alpha Sigma Alpha -

ationa\ Headquarters

Photos lefl to 1-ight: Alpha Sigma Alpha groundbreaking altendees.

Mike Grubb from Cripe Architects and l~ngineers and Bob Gallant from Browning Construction pnsent the national council with the official Alpha Sigma Alpha hard hats. ,\1embers of thefacilities committee: Vice President of Finance Kim Benson, L1 ; National President L01i Scott, EE; and ExPcutive Director Krystal Slivinski, TP. Indianapolis alumnae and Extreme Leader ll'eehend jJarticipanls assist with the groundbreahing.

Construction of a permanent headquarters is the biggest project Alpha Sigma Alpha has undertaken. As we have continued to grow, tl1e need for up-to-date office space has grown with us.

The facility will serve as a visual reminder of me strengm and permanence of our sisterhood," remarked Ma1ianne Bu ch Bullock. ow t11at the project has officially kicked off, all members can see me progress of t11e constntction mrough Sister Circle. Executive Director Krystal Slhinski has started a Sister Circle group called "Operation New HQ" and will be posting pictures and building news mroughout me consu-uction proces .

To access mis in Sister Circle on alphasigmaalpha.org, click on Groups, men click on Find Group , select Indiana (center column), and lastly click on "Operation New HQ."

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

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FOUNDATION NEWS

Spotlight on Chelsea Umbach During the 2006 Alpha Sigma Alpha National Convention, helsea Ann Umbach, W'l', spoke at the Foundation Breakfast as the winner of the Beta Zeta Scholarship.

Those sitting at the breakfast quickly found out that Chelsea repre ents more than high academic performance and a lifetime commionent to A'i.A .

As she prepared to graduate in early May 2007 from Northwestern State University, I.A, Chelsea represents the motto of Alpha Sigma Alpha- Aspire, Seek, Attain.

Chelsea spoke at the breakfast about the health issues she has experienced. She talked about being on the transplant list, taking 25 pill a day and having an IV pump with her 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Chelsea has had health issues \vith her heart and both lungs since birth. She credits her mother with teaching her that

the "fear of dying won ' t stop you from dying; it will only top you from living."

Alpha Sigma Alpha has given Chel ea a "whole other ide of life." he has erved as pre idem of the P i Psi Chapter, a member of the membership commiuee and been very active in philanthropic activitie . hel ea has not limited herself to just her chapter, he has al o erved as the ecretary of the Order of Omega chapter at North we tern State.

Following graduation, Chelsea plan to move to Birmingham, AL, to be close to a ho pi tal, go to every Alpha igma Alpha convention , be a di trict volunteer and help with the Zeta Rho Chapter at the Univer ity of West Alabama.

Chel ea inspires people to aspire-to soar ... to seek- to earch after someth ing desired ... and to attain- to arrive through the virtue of persistence.

-Christa Martell chneide1; BY

Donor dollars at work The A2.A Foundation is excited to announce funding for the following programs: • Full funding of a Career Enhancement Grant for Jennifer Parker-Moore, BE> , to make a research trip to the People's Republic of China to study educational policy an d school improvement.

• Full funding of a Career Enhancement Grant for Leigh Ann Greathouse '1"1', to participat in an engineering internship.

• A grant for $10,000 to as ist in funding the development of LA's new and improved officer transition program over the next two years.

A grant for $10,000 to assist in funding the Emma Coleman Fro t Leadership Development In titute. ank you to all of our donors \Vho helped make this happen !

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SUMMER 2007

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lumna initiate finds rewarding role as advisor

BY MICHELLE D. HOPPER, BK Camrna Omega Chapter Advisor

It was five years ago this upcoming November that I became a

member of this wonderful organization, Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Thanks to friend, Leah Dooley Eickhoff, AB , I was initiated into the Beta Kappa Chapter at Western Illinois University as an alumna member while going to graduate school. I spent time learning more and more about the sorority and enjoying more that I learned throughout that first summer.

When I moved back to Charleston, IL, and started working at Eastern Illinois University, Amy Price, BK, th en chapter advisor, asked me to help her in advising the Gamma Omega Chapter. From then on, I began to serve in th e role as membership education advisor.

I was delighted to work with Liz oble1· and Andrea Brady, as they each served in t.he vice president of member hip education position for the chapter. l ndh~dual ly, they taught me a lot about being a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, as well as the h istory and traditions of th e organization. I truly believe that I learn ed more from them than from what I was able to teach them.

During the summer of2006, Amy P1;ce informed me that she would be serving in the district faci litator role starting in the fall , and that the women of the Gamma Omega Chapter would be asking me to become their chapter advisor. Knmving that. being a chapter ad vi or can be a full-time job on its own, I was a little he itant to take on tl1e new ro le but, in tl1 e end, decided that it was my responsibility as a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Through se1ving in my new advisory role, I have had the opportunity to work 1vith a lot of dynamic women in tl1 e Gamma Omega Chapter. They have had their fair hare of struggles, including tl1e need for increasing individual and chapter GPA.s, doing "what's l;ght" at homecoming time, u-ansitioning a new executive board and ftlling the chapter

PIIO£NIX Of ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

house, but with each struggle came its own rev.<ards.

Through serving as the chapter advisor, I have had tl1e oppornmity to learn even more about Alpha Sigma Alpha. I have tl10roughly enjoyed parti cipating in our sacred 1·itual, especially th e Sanctual)' Degree. Each time I ge t to be part of it, I take away omething new, which on ly renews my faith in joining.

One of the most rewardin g thin gs about enri ng as an advisor t.o tl1e Gamma Omega Chapter, specificall , is mat my youngest sister, Amy, b came a member in th e spring of 2006. One of my proudest moments v.<as when I saw her go through th e Sanctuary Degree and take tl1 e same vows th at I had don e ju t a few years before. She and I have go tten th e chan e to share numerous moments together, thanks, in part, to Alpha Sigma Alpha.

This past sp1·ing semester, I go t to witness tl1 e interactions between some of the collegiate members with tl1e founding president of th e Gamma Omega hapter, J acqu eline J aqu es Hicks. The shared st.o1·ies and looked tlwough old yearbooks togetl1 er. The women really enjoyed meeting j acq ueline, and he enjoyed sharing her to1;e .

Being an advisor for Alpha igma Alpha has given me the opportuni ty t.o meet ome great people. H a,~n g an advi Ol)' board of even people has been a ble in g. They are Doug Howell, co-standards board ad\~ or; Tonia Pittman, co- tandard board a d,~sor; Li a Ta lor,

Chapter Advisor Michelle Hopper with a member of Gamma Omega Chapter.

rn, membership education advi

or, J ohn Stimac, scholar hip ad1ri o r, Dr. Andrew vVhit.e, financial ad1~sor; and our newest member, Sharese hann on, alumnae and heritage ad1~sor. This group of dedicated individuals trul has tl1e best intentions in mind in all they do for th e wome n invo lved 1vi th the Gamma Omega Chapter. They work hard witl1 th e women tl1ey meet 1vi th and serve as a grea t. ounding board when other advi o rs need sugges tio ns or support.. Without th e e six other advisor , being th e chapter advi or would not be as easy, or fun, as it i now.

Although ome time have been a littl u)'ing, overal l, being tl1 e chapter adviso r for the Gamma Omega Chapter has been a great expe1;ence. I will not forget hanging out 1vi[h the lad ie during formal recmitme nL in tl1e fall 01· ge ttin g into endle s debate abo ut tl1e ardinals and the Cubs. I have fond memories of one-o none meetings with outstanding women and look fom<ard to many more I will be imeracting with in the future. It is ahl'<l a joy to tl1ink abo ut tl1e "women of poise and purpo e" wi tl1 whom I have had the chance t.o meet and get. t.o know.

I continue to look fonl'<lrd to tl1e year ahead when I get. to see more women aspire, eek, and attain be ause of being am mber of Alpha igma Alpha.

SUMMER 2007

II

Three women to travel for

Alpha Sigma Alpha Developing women ofpoise and purpose; empowering sisters to make a difference

BY BROOKE HANSEN MCBRIDE, <1><1> Membership Services Coordinator The 2007-08 leadership consul tants will travel across th e U.S. from August to May providing leadership training and educational programming to Alpha Sigma Alpha collegiate women. As was last year, this year the main focus for the leader hip con ultants will be recruitment. They will be visiting chapters to help plan for formal recruitment and to assist chapters in their informal recruitment efforts.

Before hitting the road, these women will receive a month-long in ten ive training that will cover everyd1ing from Alpha Sigma Alpha's recruitment philo ophy to how to mentor a member.

The leadership consultant job is challenging and requires a person to be adaptable, have the ability to confront diffi cult situations, have emotional control, take initiative, be organized and be a good listener. Leadership consultants require the abili ty to communicate and enforce policies while at me same time motivating the chapter.

If you are interested in working for Alpha Sigma Alpha as a leadership consultant, please contact Brooke D. McBride at Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters, 9550 Zionsville Rd. , Suite 160, Indianapolis IN 46268, 317-871-2920, or email

Emily just, B

bmcbride@alphasigmaalpha. org.

Emily Just Emily Just, BN, graduated from Murray State University, KY, with a bachelor's degree in biology and Spanish. Emily was vice president of programming and ritual as well as me scholarship chairman . She also served on the standards board. She served her campus through d1 e student government association where she held the position of secretary as well as th e secretary for the TriBeta biology honor ociety. Emily was president and founder of the Club Field Hockey group. She was also a presidential scholarship recipient as well as homecoming queen. She was nominated for d1e Elizabed1 Bird Small Award by her chapter in 2006.

Jeet Sausen Jeet Sausen, ZK, graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato with a BST in social studies education and a B in political science.Jeet held the positions of cholarship chairman, u路easurer and vice president of alumnae and heritage for her chapter. On campus, she was a member of the Special Olympics planning committee and served on d1e student senate's allocation committee.Jeet was PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

named Order of Omega's Outstanding New Member in 2002-03, was Zeta Kappa 's Sister of the Year for 2002 and awarded the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation 's Suzanne L. Hebert Endowed Founders' Memorial Scholarship in 2004-05.

f eet Sausen, ZK

Sarah Zimmemhied Sarah Zimmerschied, c:I>c:I>, graduated from Nord1west Mis ouri State Univer ity wid1 a bachelor's degree in advertising.

Sarah held m e positions of ri k management chairman, vice president of alumnae and het;tage and president of her chapter. Sarah \vasal o d1e vice president of scholarship and judicial procedures, as well as d1e fonnal recruitment executive board member for d1 e College Pan hellenic As ociation.

She was involved on campu through d1e homecoming committee as well as the American Marketing Association group.

Saral1 is a Booth College of Professional Studies Scholarship recipient and has been named on both the dean 's list and in the Whos Who Among Students in

Sarah Zimmerschied, qxp

American Universities and Colleges.

SUMMER 2007

13

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into extreme leadership for a second year Alpha Extreme Leader Weekend was developed as both a personal and professional opportunity designed specifically for volunteers. The goals of the program included: • Enhance, deepen and reconnect volunteers with their love for Alpha Sigma Alpha so they are inspired to act audaciously and strategically on behalf of the national organization • Gain knowledge and experience of the Extreme Leader LEAP leadership model and understand the interconnectedness of LEAP principles and Alpha Sigma Alpha aims • Be personally inspired and motivated as well as leave knowing how to inspire and motivate others • Reinvest and deepen their connection to their role within the national organization • Experience a personal development opportunity to apply not only in their personal and professional lives but also in their role as a national volunteer • Have an opportunity to connect, mentor and network with one another.

A total of 34 national volunteers came together the weekend ofjw1e 22-24, 2007 in Indianapolis, IN, and experienced a unified cuniculum (each session building on the one before) introducing not only the LEAP model but also development of both professional and personal skills.

This year the cuniculum was modified to include philosophies from Steve Farber's sequel: "The Radical Edge: Stoke Your Business, Amp Your Life, and Change the World." The weekend was led by Tricia Sanok Landrum, .1N, and Mruianne Wittmer Tappy, 11 .

Beginning with the LEAP leadership model as the foundation , pru·ticipants were then led through professional development skills such as coaching, values-based decision-making and strategic thinking. For example, volw1teers leru·ned that strategic thinking requires focus and choice. Then, using business theories reviewed during the session, such as the law of diminishing returns, identifying key I'IIOEHIX Of AlPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Participants recite the C1·eed of Alpha Sigma Alpha. success factors, the bell-shaped cutve, the product life cycle and prediction models, they could th en answer how strategic thinking at all levels could benefit the organization and them personally.

(Concepts taken from "Strategic Thinking: A Four Piece Puzzle," by Bill Birnbaum.)

In addition skills were sharpened in the area of delegation, communication , recognition of skill vs. will and the importance of passi ng down knowledge and history.

For personal development, the fo cus was on applying the LEAP model to daily life, setting personal goals and skills of mentOJing. Volunteers discovered the difference between probing ru1d provoking questions, how to develop an effective mentor-mentee relationship ru1d what it takes to do bot.h and then practiced these skills with each ot.her, switching role among all levels of volunteer leaders within th e organization.

In all programs developed with The Radical LEAP and extreme leadership as its base, the prevailing goal is to develop leaders within Alpha Sigma Alpha who are not only characterized by, but also inspire and lead others through their belief and commim1ent to the principles, aims, mottos a11d vision of what Alpha Sigma

Alpha can be as outlined tl1rough its ritual. Extreme Leadet· Weekend was no exception, and volunteer feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Some left feeling that tl1is was the best personal and professional development weekend th ey had ever experienced and all left feeling inspired by reconnecting with who we are, how to lead a11d the importance of every member's love, in piration and influence on the sorority.

As a closing to the weekend, volunteers were challenged to take extreme leadership and all of d1e skills from t11e weekend back to their orority teams, workplaces, neighborhoods and homes through continuing th eir own extreme leadership de\elopmenl and then passing it on. As Steve Farber says, "the most overlooked way to develop Extreme Leadership in otl1e1 is to let tl1em participate in your developmenL" That is part of the chal lenge to each and every one of us who call ourselves extreme leadet and Alpha Sigma Alphas.

It i how we keep working towards fulfilling our ptinciples and aims, keeping our commitment to the vows we took and bringing about po itive change for ourselve and for our "w"orld.

SUMMER 2007

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ALUMNAE

ALUMNAE STARS

This unique concept gives youngsters hands-<:>n experience from deve loping to harvesting an organjc garden at school.

This was not an easy project to start with the students. Many did not know what alfalfa sprouts or spinach looked like let alone the fact they taste good. Jenny's fifth grade class at Alcott School in Chicago spent time doing soil testing and planting vegetables in the gardens. The food is served in the cafeteria, making her school the first in the Chicago area to have an organic lunchroom.

In an interview Jenny said, "I thought it was part of my responsibility, as an educator in an urban area, to teach them how to eat meals that would help sustain them throughout th e day for the important business of learning."

The goal of the project is simple too, introducing students to healthier eating and encou raging better food choices.

"One of the d1ings that I teach is how we all eat and that is someth ing that every single person on the planet has in common with each other," Jenny sajd.

One of the exciting aspects is watching her students talk about why an apple i a better snack than a candy bar and why an organic apple is the best choice. "It's important to teach them how to effectively manage su路ess, disappointment and anx iety, not using food as a weapon to combat these things, but using exercise, mindfulness and other unique means."

J enny believes it is important she teach children how to make wise food choices because often th ey are not taught at home. "Parents have been very enthusiastic and supportive. They have helped by maintaining the garden in the summer months, acting as PR people for the project and helping us u-anslate the ideas behind the OSP to practices they have implemented at home." jenny's school is one of three involved in the Organic School Project. Jen and her fifth graders were featured in January o n the Discovery Channel's Eating Fresh with Sara Snow. For more information , visit www. organicschoolproject. com.

PH0拢NIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

A'iA becomes conservation officer in Indiana Thi past October icole Baumann fM , was d1e only woman to graduate from the Indiana Department of a rural Resources Law Enforcement Recn1it School and became the fifth female con ervation officer in the state of Indiana.

There are about 225 consenr.ition officers in Indiana. Mo t officers remain on the force for over 30 years so the Law Enforcement Division only recruits new employees once every three to five )'Cars due to the low turnover rate. icole began the process by submitting her name to a recmit app licant file, wh ich accumulated approximately 500 names. After the application, interview, medical exam and physical testing, 40 candidates and 15 alternates were invited to attend recruit school.

The recmit school is run sim ilarly "to a Marine boot camp," Nicole aid.

Of th e 55 people invited to attend, on ly 24 graduated. Recruit school, she added, was d1e most "physically challenging thing I have ever done" and women are judged on the same cale as men. "If the man next to me is doing 200 push-ups, and I am only doing 50, then he is better than me.

I am very competitive, so I made it a point never to be the per on coming in last."

To further prove her dedication, Nicole shaved her head just like tJ1e men. icole'sjourney to become a conseJY<!tion officer began early. She grew up as an only child in a family dedica ted to the outdoors. Her father is an avid hunter, her mother a dedicated bicyclist, and toged1er they ran a 90-acre horse breeding and u-aining facility.

With a bachelor's degree from Adrian College, Nicole's initial desi re was to practice vete rinary medicine. After u-aveling as a leadership consultant for Alpha Sigma Alpha, she began graduate school at Wayne State niversity. It was during thi time, icole began to question ifvete1inary medicine was her u-ue desire.

Nicole said the one d1ing she knew for certain \\'35, "I wanted to work outdoors, and I wanted to help people." o he began considering law enforcement and becom ing a conservation officer.

icok Baumann, TAI, at her graduation.

Nicole atu-ibute part of her preparation for the law enforcement u-aining to Alpha igma Alpha. While a member of fM , icole held \'3Jious po itions witJ1in the sorority, including chapter president. As president icole had to "hold my friends accountable" and by being in that kind of position it" olidilied my qualities and value . Things I su-ongly believe in." icole's father proudly ay , "My daughter i a game warden ," another term for icole's co nseJV<~tion offic r tatu . As an officer, Nicole pend her day living and working in Lake County, tJ1e most northwestern county in Indiana, borde1ing both Lake Michigan and Illinois.

"We enforce all state and some fi deral laws, and we enfo rce all fish and wildlife laws," he aid. Indiana conservation officers are granted d1e same law enforcement abilitie as tate or local police.

In her new position as a conservation officer, Nicole i eager to become more involved in educating people to lead more active life tyle and, as he states, "to get outside." he plans on assisting with d1e DNR progt-am, "Becom ing an Outdoor Woman," where she will teach women to fish , shoot a gun and bow and arrow and other activities.

-Angie Piskorski, LlE

SUMMER 2007

17

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contac t Leslie Kubas at lesliek@jlexicorps.com or 630-377-1001.

Stayilg healthy in yâ&#x20AC;˘ 40s Continued from poge 5

Leadership update

women over 65 than all cancers combined." FamilyDoctor.orgalso reports, "More than half of heart attacks in women under 50 are related to smoking.

If you stop moking, you can lower your risk of heart attacks by one third within two years."

Women can be proactive about heart disease. Precautions include controlling your blood pressure, controlling cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a low-fat diet, taking care of diabetes, being aware of heart attack symptoms (women may have different symptoms than men) and knowing your family history.

Communicate hone t.ly \vith your health-care professional so a wellnes plan can be developed pecifically for your needs.

Al pha Sigma Alpha Sorority an nounces Lhe resignation of Nati onal Vice Preside nt of Finance Sharon M. Sterner, fl, for personal reasons.

Sharo n was first elected to th e nati o nal coun cil in 2004, serving as vice president of membership and as vice presiden t of fin ance beginning in 2006. She most recently contributed to th e sor01i ty through her role as chairman of the finance committee, as liaison to th e fac ility proj ect team charged with th e constructi on of th e new nati onal headquarte rs and servin g as ex-officio uu tee to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundati on.

National council appointments Al pha Sigma Alpha Sorori ty announce the appointmen ts of Natio nal Vice President of Finance, Kim Benson, fl N, and Nati onal Vice President of Me mbersh ip, Melissa Koch Merriam, EE. Kim was first elected to th e natio nal coun cil in 2006 in th e role of vice president of membership. In th is role, he erved as a member of the fin ance committee and a key member of the facility proj ect team charged with th e consu-ucti on of th e new nati onal headquarters. Fo llowing th e resignatio n of Nati onal Vice President of Finance Sharon M. Sterne r, ri, Kim agreed to ass ume th e role of national vice presiden t of fin an ce for th e remai nder of th e 2006-08 biennium .

Melissa Koch Meniam , EE, acce pted an appointment for t.l1e remai nder of t.l1e 2006-08 biennium to serve as vice president of membership. Melissa served t.l1e sorority as the Distri ct 9 d istrict facilitator fro m 2003-05 as we ll as th e chairman of th e volunteer recruitment and placement team from 2005 ilirough t.l1e present time.

Correction In the two articles about Marshall Univer ity in the Fall issue, a reference was made to the u-agedy at Kent State niversity. The uagedy occurred o n May 4, 1970, no t May 4, 1969, as p reviously reported . T he Phoenix staff regrets the error.

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

Sexuality issues Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence is largely due to a weakness of the pelvic floor muscles caused by pregnancy and/ or vaginal delivery. just as with all the other muscles in our body, the pelvic floor muscles become weak if they are not used or trengthened.

"Urinary incontinence is never normal," Kimberly says, "And there are tons of effective treatments." She adds that there are two types of urinary incontinence, stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Women can suffer from one or both of iliese types.

Stress incontinence is the "oops I leaked," while coughing, neezing or exercise. Tightening the pelvic floor muscles through kegle exercises can often treat this. These exercises are now referred to as pelvic floor rehab.

Urge incontinence is when a woman has the sudden urge to urinate, but leaks before she can get to the bathroom. This can be treated through pelvic floor rehab, medication or surgery.

Kimberly says that although w¡gery may seem more than women want to consider, it is an option that can be very beneficial for them. Discuss the e option with your health-care professional.

Women in their 40s are considered to be in their sexual prime. This is partially due to our ability to be more in-tunc with our bodies. During thi time, women are often more likely than men to orgasm quickly. Women often report their 40s to be more exually gratifying.

Communication between parmers i often heightened by this age, which may also conuibute to atisfaction.

Women who are sexually active during this time must continue to take nece ary precautions to protect themselve from sexually uansmitted disease (STDs).

This is especially u-ue if you have a new partner. We are all aware that condom are the most reliable method to protect us from STDs. Although t.l1e 40 are con idered to be a woman 's sexual prime, ome women report lack of libido or anorgasmia (lack of orgasm) . Kimberly encourages women to discuss th~se i sues with t.l1eir partners and their hcalt.l1-care profe ionals.

The Creed of Alpha igma Alpha remind us to take are of ourselves and to 'joyously live each day to its ultimate good." We only have one Life to Live so we hould take care of ourselves. Make yolll elf a priority, and always put your health on the top of the list. Your family ,vilJ be grateful that you did.

May you all be in good healt.l1.

SUMMER2007

19

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Gamma P. i Chapter /iss Edinhoro niversit)' of PennS)•lvania Am)' wongt'l· swrounded b)• her si ters.

The)' are: IPjlto right, Megan Sokoloff, BetS)• Kantz, Beth Kasa, Julie Bunner, A Ill)' worger, julia Bojeck, K1isS)' Davis, Angela johnson, Brooke Heath, Candi 011, Erin Uarke, A nne Marie Delucia an.djarnie Vilsak.

make a difference on Edinboro University of Pennsylvan ia's campus. In Ap1il of2006, members attended Relay for Life, an event sponsored by Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, to raise money for cancer and took part in a basketball tournament for Special Olympics. In September of 2006 the chapter collected school supplies for the S. June Smith Center. In O ctober of 2006, not o nly did the chapter participate in campus homecoming activities, member Amanda Burtt was crown ed homecoming quee n !

On Halloween , members wem hou e to house "trick-ortreating" to collect money for pecial Olympics. In ovember of 2006, members participated in Alpha Gamma Delta's date auction to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation and a philanthropic event sponsored by Sigma Sigma Sigma. By participating in all these events, the members of the Gamma Psi Chapter fee l the are doing their best to make a positive impact on campus.

Kara Cl111stmsen, N

PIIO£NIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

DISTRICT 4 We had some server and domain issues with o ur d istrict website, but it is fin ally starting to come together. Please contact our district webmaster, Kym Davis, 0B, at zon.euiii@ gmail.com if you have chapter picture you would like to share and if yo u have a chapter website we co uld li nk to the Disuict 4 website. The new website add res is httJx/I asa-district4.org/. I know you wi ll love th e new look and the in formation we have to share.

The disuict leader hip is working hard to have it completely functional as soon as possible. So keep checking on it over the summer.

The new online communi ty just for .AJ..As is a huge success. I am completely add icted to Sister Circle. If you have not registered for th is free service, please do so.

J oin som of th e esta blished groups-many chap ters have already organi zed groups and Distri t 4 has its own gro up too. If you do not find what you are looking for-stan a group of your own. It is a g•·eat deal of fun. Go to hllps:/1 alphasigmaalpha.affin.it;•cirdes. com/to join in on the online fun .

A huge thank you to all the District 4 advisors, district leadership, volunteers, the collegiate and alumnae chapter officers and members-we have had a terrific year and I am looking forward to an even better 2007-08 chool year!

Congratulations to th e i ters who ju t graduated and welcome to tJ1e big world as an .AJ..A alumna.

Julie Wiley Levine, A Distrirt 4 Facilitator BETA IOTA , RADFORD UNTVFJ?ST!Y, VA

Chapter pa1ticipates in numerous philanthropies pecial Olympic is an imponant part of being a si ter of Alpha Sigma Alpha. On Feb. 25, 2007, Beta Iota

Chapter members came together to cheer on participants at the Southern Virginia pecial O lympics Basketball Championship.

Members areal o involved in the Radford commun ity. On Feb. 14, 2007, th national "Day of Love," chapter members went to 'vVheatJand Hill , a retirem nt community ncar Radford niversity. Whi le our philanmropy chairman , Meryl Barnes, played guitar and chapter members sang along. The 'NheatJand Hills residents enjoyed me games tJ1ey played, food they ate and tJ1e opportunity to hare meir memmies and reminisce about life when they were growing up.

Christina Karonis, BI

SUMMER 2007

21

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IN MEMORIAM

As reported to national headquarters, june 1, 2006-May 31, 2007

'Go THOU

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THY PATHWAYS WHERE WE ARE. -

MIZPAH BENEDICTION

Alplla

Epsilon Epsilon

Kappa Kappa

Omega Omega

Alice Nelson King

Peggy Ladner Delamater Jeanette Ferrell eja

Margaret Sand row Baker

Margaret elf Basinger

Lambda Lambda

Beta Gamma

Martha Ward Bell

Marion praker

E1r1y Alpha Alpha Helen Stewart Millard Sophia Stewart

Zeta Zeta

Alpha Alpha

Eta Eta

Kathleen McGraw Kelly Clarissa Phillips Lowry Colleen Shellaberger McKinley

Patricia Epperson Hayes Jacquelyn Ph illips Hicks Sylvia Layton Maloan Helen Reeder Plantz Margaret Mays Stuckey Doris Halfhill WhiU1ey

Beta Beta Doris Sunderli n McFarland

eth ry

Joy Aubuchon

Theta Theta

Nu Nu

Beta Delta

June Barber

Angela Guercio Box

Xi Xi

Beta Epsilon

Lucille Stevens Davis Mildred Rich Gayton Lillis Nerlin g Harris

Martha Talman

Beta Iota

Pi Pi

Elizabetl1johnson Bai ley Lucille Cox pradlin

Elizabeth Runckel Hardi ng

Beta Kappa Tau Tau Berni ce Betthauser Rh oade Mild red Wiest Schwartzkopf

Kristi na Gil ben Sue Hendeâ&#x20AC;˘ on Ki ng

Beta Lambda Upsilon Upsilon

Linda Presle Aubrey

Ethel Llewellyn Wilson

Beta Xi Phi Phi

O live Rice Watkinson

Mary Rusk Hahn

Beta Upsilon Florida Lowry Bonnie Qualkin bush Smith

Beta Psi Barbara Burkh older Moe rsch

Gamma Iota Sandra Oonatu cci Proud

Gamma Omega Bon ita Hoffman Besse

SUMMER 2007

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