Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 | VOLUME 105

PAGE 16

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

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MYTH-BUSTERS PAGE 22

Up Front

How does Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters stay green?

Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters uses a service to shred and recycle all paper waste.

FUN FACT Recycling one ton of paper saves approx. 17 trees.

National headquarters staff recycles glass, aluminum and plastic products.

FUN FACTS A glass bottle can take 4,000 years to decompose.

Worldwide, more than one trillion plastic bags are used each year.

The amount of plastic film and wrap produced annually could shrink-wrap the state of Texas.

Aluminum cans make up less than one percent of waste in the US because they are the number one recycled item.

National headquarters uses recycled products like toilet paper and paper towels.

FUN FACT Around 25,000 trees are cut down each day just to produce toilet paper.

Every issue of the Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha is printed with Enviro/ Tech Ink. FUN FACT Enviro/Tech inks lowers emissions of air-polluting volatile organic compounds that contribute to ground-level smog, by an average of 15 percent.

National headquarters has a certified wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation on property. This area is a little less than two acres and has a small stream running through the woods.

FUN FACT A study by the World Resources Institute has found that up to one half of all plant and animal species on dry land could face extinction by the year 2050 due to global warming.

Kitchen appliances remain unplugged when not in use and the refrigerator and dishwasher are ENERGY STARÂŽ qualified.

National headquarters supports clean, renewable energy through Indianapolis Power & Light Company's Green Power Option.

FUN FACT Since 1992, ENERGY STAR has helped save more than 3.5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity.

FUN FACT One wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power 1,400 homes.

Facts from: www.energystar.gov, www.chicagotribune.com, www.bdrs.com, www.byui.edu, www.rubiconglobal.com

2 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

FRO M THE PR ES IDENT

Creatively green

By Kelly McGinnis Beck, EK, National President I recently read an article in my local paper about a medical center re-purposing a large, blue sheet of plastic material that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. This material, which is 4 feet by 4 feet in size, is used to wrap sterilized instruments before they are used for surgery. Once unwrapped, they are discarded. A nurse in California uses the sheets to create mats for the homeless, and now the Green Team at my local hospital is doing the same. They are making mats, sleeping bags and tote bags from their blue plastic sheets and providing them to those experiencing homelessness.

While reading this article, I was struck by the team’s desire to find a better use for something normally considered trash, and how the solution had an even greater impact on people.

I remember when I first learned about environmental issues like acid rain and the depleting ozone layer. There was an episode of “Diff'rent Strokes” where Kimberly washed her hair with rain water and it turned her hair green. I also remembered being told not to buy aerosol cans of hairspray (who remembers AquaNet?!) because it was believed the CO2 that was emitted into the air was eating away at the ozone layer. As a kid, I did not fully understand what all of that meant. Today, the messages are clearer and we are surrounded by ways to minimize our impact on the environment, from repurposing, to recycling to purchasing products that are not made with certain chemicals, to car pooling and electric cars.

The environmental movement in the U.S. actually started long before aerosol cans and sitcoms. Did you know the conservation movement (what the environmental movement was initially called) started between the 1890s-1920s? It was mostly focused on wildlife preservation thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt who pushed to establish our state and national parks and forests.

The modern day environmental movement started in the 1950s and really became a social issue in the 1970s as people became more aware of environmental issues such as air pollution, water pollution, solid waste disposal and pesticide poisoning, to name a few. The Cuyahoga River burst into flames. The Potomac River stunk from hundreds of millions of gallons of waste added to its

waters every single day. In 1963, smog killed 400 New Yorkers. An oil spill in 1969 off the coast of California coated 400 square miles with slime and oiled hundreds of birds. It was President Nixon who signed the executive order to establish the Environmental Protection Agency on December 2, 1970, to address the issues that the piecemeal development of environmental agencies was not addressing, bringing them all together as a “single, interrelated system.”

“I challenge each of you to do your part to make sure that we leave the world in a better place for our children and our future sorority sisters. ” I challenge each of you to do your part to make sure that we leave the world in a better place for our children and our future sorority sisters. That will look different for each of us as we find ways to make a difference in our homes and our workplaces. I am proud of the work the staff is doing at national headquarters to ensure that Alpha Sigma Alpha is doing its part to minimize its carbon footprint. And I am inspired by the creativity I mentioned earlier by the local hospital. I will be looking at things we are doing or using at home and at work through a new lens and thinking about new ways I can help reduce, reuse or recycle. What will you do?

In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

KELLY MCGINNIS BECK, EK NATIONAL PRESIDENT @ASAKELLYM

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha 3

Up Front

16

in every issue 03 FROM THE PRESIDENT 05 EDITOR’S MESSAGE 06 NEWS & UPDATES 28 WOMEN OF POISE & PURPOSE 30 ΑΣΑ PALMS 32 CHAPTER UPDATES 36 FROM THE ARCHIVES 39 FROM THE FOUNDATION

8

just this issue 10 GROW YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH 13 PERFECTLY FLAWED 20 SEVEN WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT 22 GOING GREEN MYTH-BUSTERS 4 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

24

The power of one

Volume 105 | Issue 2

It is easy to think that you, as a single person, cannot make a difference with an issue as overwhelming as climate change. But sometimes, one person is all it takes to start a local, national or even global movement.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN, 462683018. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. © Alpha Sigma Alpha

Think about recycling. The citywide recycling campaigns we know today did not start until the 1970s. Before that, most people did not think about recycling and it was more difficult to find recycling facilities. The result was too much trash- in landfills, by the roads, in the ocean.

Send address changes, death notices and business correspondence to the national headquaters. Address all editorial correspondence to the editor.

Dear readers,

But once recycling started, it took off thanks to individuals who started recycling.

They then told a friend who started doing it. Maybe they convinced their boss to add a recycling container in the lunchroom. Now, recycling is a global effort that millions of people have embraced.

The key is to start believing you can make a difference. Making slight modifications to your lifestyle in the way you commute, the way you eat or the way you work will ultimately go a long way.

Your actions, on their own, will start to influence your family and friends. You cannot force others to adopt greener habits, but spreading the message increases the odds of them taking positive action.

A study published by the American Psychological Association, found people who do not believe they can personally help stop climate change will actually use more energy. In the same study, another group was given a message that their individual actions could make a difference in climate change. This group cut their energy usage. These study results are an indicator of just how important believing in your impact can be.

So, can an individual make a difference when it comes to the environment? The answer is an indisputable yes. You just have to believe you can make a difference.

Mizpah,

KELSEY TURNER, ΔK DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA. DEADLINES Winter Sept. 10 Spring Dec. 10 Summer March 10 Fall June 10 EDITOR AND DESIGNER Kelsey Turner, ΔΚ NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018 Phone: (317) 871-2920 Fax: (317) 871-2924 Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS We always welcome your comments– both criticism and praise–about this publication. Email the editor at asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

& MARKETING

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha 5

News & U p dates

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Alpha Sigma Alpha recognizes and thanks our volunteers. Volunteers support chapter women, guide the national organization, serve as an incredible knowledge base for members and represent Alpha Sigma Alpha.

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| Beth O'Keefe | Karen Ugo Oldham | Brandie Galyen O'Neill | Kelly O'Rourke | Rori Ortiz | Dre Ortiz | Kristen O'Toole Justine Otremba | Jill Merithew Ouellette | Stacia Ozier | Hillary Ozog | Heathre Denlinger Palige | Alyssa Alleyn Panozzo | Rachel Papiernik | Autumn Parker | Caroline Sears Parrish Brooke Pasquali | Maria Patestas | Brittney Slovak Patrick | Kaylyn Siefkas Patterson | Kelly Yeubanks Paye | Madison Bryant Payne | Veronica Paz | Stephanie Pearcy | Hayley Grunert Pearson Kelly King Peck | Nicole Pedoto | Debbie Simon Penn | Kelly Rambo Perdieu | Jordan Perkins | Jaymie Haney Perry | Jess Peters | Edda Petiton | Brittany Graham Petronek Marinda Phandanouvong | Rachel Philipps | Erica Pieske | Marianne Orlando Pignone | Kayonna Pitchford | Alicia Bergstrom Place | Ashley Mikolaiczik Ply | Trisha DeMartine Pocius Lacy Portmann | Jodi Wadle Pospeschil | Kay Prange | Emily Baker Pray | Patricia Homa Prindible | Brandi Pudlo | J. 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6 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

As of March 1, 2019

News & U pdates

The Academy is Alpha Sigma Alpha's regional leadership conference dedicated to providing collegiate members with opportunities for personal development and leadership training.

The book club will have a selected reading each month featuring a variety of genres, including fiction, self-care and professional development. Each reading will be followed by a “live” discussion on Facebook. The discussions will take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. ET.

The Academy: St. Louis - Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 The Academy: Chicago - Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 The Academy: New Haven - Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 The Academy: Philadelphia - Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 The Academy: Kansas City - Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 The Academy: Dallas - Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 The Academy: Richmond - Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 The Academy: Cleveland - Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 The Academy: Denver - Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020

To participate in the discussions, members must request to join the “Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club” Facebook group.

Learn more at www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/academy

May selection

Alpha Sigma Alpha is excited to announce the Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club; a space for members to connect through their shared passion for reading.

INTRODUCING VIRTUAL ALUMNAE FACEBOOK GROUPS Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae now have the opportunity to communicate and connect with each other through virtual alumnae Facebook groups.

These topic-specific groups provide a place for discussion among alumnae with similar interests, no matter their geographic location. Virtual alumnae Facebook groups are a space to highlight interesting videos or articles about the topic of interest, provide support to members, initiate discussion and learn from each other. To learn more about joining or starting a group, visit www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/alumnaegroups

S T R AT E G I C G O A L A R E A

June selection

Elevate

STRATEGIC GOAL AREA LABELS

Articles in the magazine are labeled with a strategic goal area that corresponds to the article. These labels help members connect to the 2018-22 Alpha Sigma Alpha Strategic Plan.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha 7

News & U p dates S T R AT E G I C G O A L A R E A

Elevate

BY NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE On Dec. 3, 2018, a group of sororities, fraternities and students filed a pair of lawsuits challenging Harvard’s sanctions policy that punishes students who join offcampus, single-sex* social organizations.

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the Cambridge Coalition support the filing of these lawsuits as well as the public relations efforts to “Stand Up to Harvard.”

“Sororities were founded around the idea of women supporting other women,” said Carole J. Jones (Alpha Omicron Pi), NPC chairman. “And the NPC members who are party to these suits specifically opened their doors to female students at Harvard with the goal of providing support in an environment that has not always been friendly to women.”

But, starting fall 2018, Harvard’s sanctions policy prevents members of single-sex organizations, such as sororities, fraternities or all-women’s

or all-men’s final clubs, from holding leadership roles in Harvard organizations and athletic teams or obtaining postgraduate fellowships and scholarships influenced or controlled by Harvard.

With these sanctions, Harvard is interfering with students’ rights protected by the First Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX. “It’s a dangerous precedent by one of America’s bellwether higher education institutions,” said Jones.

* The term “single-sex” is used throughout the Stand Up to Harvard website and related documents in reference to NPC member organizations that are women’s only. Although each NPC member organization defines "woman" differently, "single-sex" is used in these materials because Title IX uses the term "sex" and these lawsuits use Title IX as a basis for the legal claims.

8 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

News & U pdates ABOUT THE LAWSUITS In the federal lawsuit, a broad coalition of students and women’s and men’s organizations impacted by Harvard’s sanctions assert that through the sanctions policy, the president and fellows of Harvard College have interfered with students’ right to be free of sex discrimination, as guaranteed by Title IX and the U.S. Constitution.

The plaintiffs in the federal case are Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon-Massachusetts Gamma chapter and three current Harvard students who are members of men’s organizations. The students are included as John Doe plaintiffs out of fear of retaliation from the university.

In the suit filed in Massachusetts court, Alpha Phi, Alpha Phi-Iota Tau chapter and Delta Gamma Fraternity Management Corporation assert Harvard has interfered with student’s rights to free association and equal treatment based on sex, both of which are protected by the Massachusetts Constitution. Alleging violations of the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, the suit seeks to bring a stop to Harvard’s sanctions by calling for an injunction prohibiting the University from continuing to unlawfully punish students.

The state case also contains a tort claim in which Delta Gamma Fraternity Management Corporation is seeking damages related to a chapter facility that remains vacant due to the closure of the Zeta Phi chapter of Delta Gamma.

THE SANCTIONS DEVASTATE SORORITY LIFE AT HARVARD The impact on women’s organizations has been particularly devastating.

Before the sanctions, one in four Harvard undergraduates belonged to a single-sex social organization. Now, nearly all of the sororities and women’s final clubs

open to Harvard women have closed or renounced their status as women’s social organizations.

“Though Harvard touts their policy as a way to provide a safer environment for women, it has only caused the elimination of spaces where many women felt safest,” said Jones. “Sadly, we have now reached a place where a lawsuit is required to compel Harvard to stop intimidating women who choose to gather with other women for friendship and support."

“By seeking an end to the sanctions, we are not asking Harvard to become a ‘Greek school’ or put resources toward fraternity/sorority life on campus,” said Jones. “This is about respecting the Constitutional rights of students and not punishing or intimidating them based on their associations with off-campus, private organizations.”

She added the efforts to Stand Up to Harvard have broad support from all 26 NPC member organizations, noting every organization shared the Stand Up to Harvard campaign with their members within 48 hours of the announcement of the lawsuits.

Sororities offer women a safe space to grow, learn and build their self-confidence.

It is tragic that Harvard is denying thousands of women these opportunities and we must stand united in our support of the sorority experience.

Kelly McGinnis Beck, National President

“We know that collegiate women, now more than ever, need the supportive environment that sororities provide," said Kelly McGinnis Beck, national president.

"Sororities offer women a safe space to grow, learn and build their self-confidence.

It is tragic that Harvard is denying thousands of women these opportunities and we must stand united in our support of the sorority experience.”

How You Can ‘Stand Up to Harvard’

Jones concluded: “NPC will continue to work with the plaintiffs and other NPC member organizations to push back against this unjust policy for the sake of the women at Harvard and as part of our ongoing efforts to advocate for and preserve the sorority experience for women everywhere

2. Follow #standuptoharvard on social media for updates.

1. Visit standuptoharvard.org for information about the lawsuits and sign the petition.

3. Email questions to npcstanduptoharvard@ npcwomen.org.

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha 9

Featu r e S T R AT E G I C G O A L A R E A

Exemplify

Grow your financial health B Y JA N E RAUCK, BY, F IN A N CE MANAG E R

Money. It is a necessary evil in our lives. But does it have to be evil? No. Everyone approaches the handling of money differently. That is why they call it personal finance.

How I handle it as a single person is different than how a married couple with children or a college student might handle it. Ultimately, we all have the same goals: to provide food for our bodies, a roof over our head and have some fun in our lives.

When the words “personal finance� are spoken most people usually have one of two reactions: Either they are excited to talk about the plans they have or they are scared and do not want to even think about dealing with it.

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey, the U.S. median household income is $60,336. If you make that, you will have handled more than 2 million dollars over your working life of about 40 years. You have to have a plan for that money!

G O A L S A N D PR IORITIE S The first step in developing a personal finance plan is to determine your priorities and goals for the future. Goals are what you want to accomplish in the future such as save for retirement, pay for children’s college or buy a house. Priorities are your needs/wants now such as an emergency fund, shelter and extracurricular activities. A priority for me might be different than a priority for you. Take a few minutes to think about your priorities and write them down.

E ME R G E N CY F U ND One priority everybody should include is an emergency fund. I would go as far as to say it should probably be a top priority. An emergency fund is money set aside to pay for unexpected life events such as a car accident or job lay off. It is sometimes known as a rainy day fund. Experts recommend that you should have 3-6 months of income set aside for emergencies. By having this cushion, those emergencies, even though quite possibly painful, become inconveniences.

I suggest keeping your emergency fund in a separate account from your everyday spending account. Do not worry about the interest rate you are receiving on this savings because it is not there to earn money. It is there to protect you if something happens. You may consider keeping your emergency fund at a separate bank than your normal bank.

This helps prevent the temptation to use it on non-emergency related expenses.

BU I L D IN G A B UDGE T Once you have determined your goals and priorities, you have to develop a way to achieve them and that starts with a budget. A budget is a tool that will allow you to achieve your dreams. You have to take control of your money and do not let it take control of you.

Some will say they do not make enough to do a budget. In reality, that is when you need a budget the most. Some say a budget is too controlling. I say, you are the boss of the budget. A budget gives you permission to spend and you will never wonder where your money went.

When starting a budget the first items on the list should be your four walls. They include food, shelter, transportation and utilities. These are the basic necessities in life and should be taken care of before anything else. There is not a certain percentage of your income that should be allocated to each category because every situation is different. The amounts are determined by your household situation, your location and your priorities. A single person might spend $200 for groceries per month whereas a family of four would spend more. Or a $200,000 house in the Midwest would cost $500,000 on the West coast.

Again, personal finance is personal.

Once you have budgeted for your necessities, you will budget for other bills such as student loans, credit cards, fun money etc. When listing the items, list them in the order they are due. That helps determine what paycheck will pay what bill.

Featu r e Psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews at the Dominican University in California, led a study on goalsetting with nearly 270 participants.

The results? You are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.

GOALS 1. __________________________ 2. __________________________ 3. __________________________

PRIORITIES 1. __________________________ 2. __________________________ 3. __________________________

EMERGENCY FUND QUIZ Which of these would qualify as a reason to dip into you emergency fund?

A. Your favorite designer is hosting a flash sale.

B. Your girlfriend calls and wants to plan a last minute trip to Cancun.

C. Your car needs new brakes.

The auto repair guy says it is an immediate need. You need that car to get to work.

D. You've been itching to remodel your kitchen.

Answer: C is the only reason you should tap into your emergency fund.

The main criteria for determining whether to use your emergency fund should be if the expense is a necessity vs. just something you want.

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Featu Featu r re e Lastly, you will budget for your sinking funds. Sinking funds are for those larger, less frequent expenses such as such as car repairs, insurance premiums or vacation. By planning and saving every month for these items, it will eliminate emergencies or big payments in a given month and make paying for them easier.

"Some say a budget is too controlling. I say, you are the boss of the budget. A budget gives you permission to spend and you will never wonder where your money went."

TH E P LAT IN U M RULE Add up everything you have budgeted for and compare it to your income. Are you over or under? You never want your expenses to be greater than your income. If it is, fix it by either cutting your expenses or finding ways to bring in more money. The platinum rule is you never want to spend more than you make.

BU DG E T IN G H E LP There are many resources that will assist with budgeting. You can use paper and pen or you can use online programs such as Quicken, You Need a Budget, Mint.com or Everydollar.

An excel spreadsheet also works. Many of these programs will allow you to input information about your debts and will predict when those debts will be paid off. They will also keep track of your investments.

Handling money is not hard but it can be overwhelming. Take your time to learn about your options and find what works best for you. Most importantly, take control of your money so that it does not control you.

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INCOME

BUDGET

ACTUAL

DIFFERENCE

BUDGET

ACTUAL

DIFFERENCE

Income 1 Income 2 Income 3 TOTAL INCOME

E XPENSES Food - Groceries Food - Resturants Shelter Utilites - Electric Utilities - Gas Utilities - Water Transportation - Gas Transportation Insurance Phone Cable/Internet Life Insurance Student Loan Debt 1 Debt 2 Debt 3 Miscellaneous Gifts Travel

TOTAL EXPENSES

TOTAL INCOME

= TOTAL EXPENSES

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Exemplify

BY ANN ALISE SI N C L A I R an you remember the first time that you realized you did not “fit in�? For me, it was during a family picture day in which my parents, sister, and I all wore matching white shirts and denim jeans while posing in hilarious stances. The photographer kept making jokes about how I looked adopted- my parents and sister all have dark olive skin and brown hair while I have pale skin and vibrantly red hair. I wanted so desperately to fit in with them, to not stand out, to belong.

A sense of belonging is a human need, just like the need for food and shelter. It is one of the things that makes sororities so alluring. Being a member of a sorority offers us a group of friends who will love and accept us unconditionally. However, this desire to belong can

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Featu r e push us to try to be someone we are not: to become a persona of who we think the “perfect sorority woman” should be. How would you define this woman?

In my mind, the “perfect sorority woman” is never stressed out, volunteers for everything, constantly has a smile on her face and consistently strives to be the very best. That is an incredible burden to take on, but that did not stop me from chasing after this ideal.

I wanted to fit in with what I believed was

students will seek help from a counselor.

The sister sitting next to us in chapter may be experiencing a mental health challenge or disorder and may feel that she has no one to turn to for help. I was that sister.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder during the fall semester of my sophomore year within just weeks of joining a Panhellenic sorority. The stigma of living with a mental illness kept me from sharing my diagnosis with my sisters, as I was

In a world where seeking perfection seems like the only acceptable way to live, it is hard to forgive yourself for simply being human. No one is perfect, so why are we so hard on ourselves when we make little missteps? Making a C on a test or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time or accidentally showing up late to a sorority event is not the end of the world. We tend to allow our shortcomings to define our perception of our own success or failure. One mistake does not mean you are not a good student or sister or friend. You are enough. Give yourself the grace you deserve.

Next time something does not go according to plan, instead of allowing the self-doubt and stress to creep in, focus on the fact that you are doing the best that you can. Grace is often defined as “courteous goodwill”.

Give yourself the space to be kind to who you are becoming. Your willingness to be kind to yourself is far more important than the pursuit of perfection.

necessary to be a sorority woman- to be perfect- so badly that I was ready to show up to every event with a huge smile on my face and my persona ready to go.

Yet every day, I struggled to overcome feelings of hopelessness and sadness. This is not uncommon; according to “College of the Overwhelmed,” college students are reporting the lowest levels of emotional health in more than 25 years, with one in two students experiencing depression so severe that they are unable to function and one in 10 students seriously considering suicide. Less than 20 percent of these

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terrified of being judged or ostracized for not fitting into the unrealistic narrative of a “perfect sorority woman.” This led to a twisted web of lies- why I was unable to live in the sorority house or why I missed so many events and meetings- to cover for many of the effects of living with Bipolar II Disorder. In a room of close to 150 women, I felt totally alone and isolated. I felt like I did not belong.

What would it look like if we shifted our energy from the pursuit of perfection and instead, focused on simply falling in love with the best version of ourselves?

Over the last few months, Marie Kondo, organizing and decluttering expert, has taken the world by storm. In fact, thrift stores have seen a dramatic uptick in the quantity of items donated since the launch of “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix.

Her concept of letting go of the material items that “don’t spark joy” is applicable to pursuing living a perfectly flawed life.

Perfectionism can make life feel like one long, unending list of accomplishments. We often feel obligated to step up to the plate every time something or someone is in need.

Before you know it, you are a part of six committees, hold three leadership positions and have not slept in a week. Instead of immediately jumping in head-first every time an opportunity arises, ask yourself a few questions to determine if this is the right fit for you. Do you have time for this in your

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schedule? Is it an opportunity that has direct benefits for you personally? Does it make you happy? If not, let it go.

What about all of the things that you already said yes to, but are no longer bringing you joy? It is okay to walk away from a toxic friendship or bad relationship. You do not need permission from anyone else to make changes that positively impact your life.

Letting go of people, emotions, and obligations is not easy. Sometimes you have to call in the reinforcements to assist in the pursuit of mental wellness. Finding your allies can make the process so much easier.

Whether it is a best friend, your parent, or a therapist, having someone to talk to can make all the difference in letting go of the things that are weighing you down and impacting your joy.

Any given day, it can feel like we have a million different things to balanceacademics, sorority obligations, job responsibilities, athletics and maintaining a social life. With a to-do list a mile long, it can be tempting to fall into a routine of constantly thinking what comes next.

Consequently, we are unable to simply allow ourselves to enjoy the moment.

As a collegiate sister, I was internally struggling with severe depression and anxiety, but felt that I could talk to no one for the fear of being stigmatized. I could not allow myself to be present because I was too worried about hiding my secret. As a result, I did not form many of the bonds that are a hallmark of the fraternal experience. It was

not until roughly eight years later, when I finally started sharing my story, that my sorority sisters learned the truth about my mental illness. Instead of stigma or rejection, I was met with overwhelming support. Sisters that I had not spoken to in years reached out to share their own battles with mental illness and expressed regret about not having connected through our shared experiences during our time as undergraduates.

Being present means putting aside the things that do not allow us to fully connect with the world and people around us.

Next time you are with your sisters, take a deep breath, exhale the stress, and simply be with your sisters. Those are the moments that recharge our souls and bring perspective into our days.

The most important thing I learned from sharing my story is that it is okay to not be okay. None of us have it all together all the time. We are all just trying to live our best lives. We must give ourselves the permission to not be okay. When we allow ourselves to just “be”, we can truly get to know ourselves and examine the aspects of our lives that are weighing us down and sucking away our confidence.

We can banish those feelings and begin to forgive ourselves.

The “perfect sorority woman” does not exist. Instead of chasing after something that is not real or attainable, we should challenge ourselves to seek out the best version of ourselves, flaws and all. The shared pursuit of happiness can create the ultimate sense of belonging.

ABOUT ANNALISE Annalise is a sorority woman and mental health advocate who believes in empowering women to be their best selves. A proud alumna of both the University of South Florida and Kent State University, she empowers women and college students around the country as a professional college speaker. Annalise also works for Pi Lambda Phi International Fraternity as the director of chapter services where she strives to mentor, inspire and coach the fraternity men she works with to change the world.

Annalise served as The Academy keynote speaker in 2018-19.

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Elevate

IT'S NOT JUST A COLOR ANYMORE

BY CHAYNA WILSON, EM

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Featu r e

e hear about how the world needs to make changes. All we need to do is just “go green.”

But what does it really mean to go green? The goal of going green is to live a cohesive life with the environment.

To be honest, going green is not such a new concept; from Teddy Roosevelt’s visit to Yosemite in 1903 which lead to the National Park Service; to the collection of steel and rubber during WWII in support of the war and of course the 1970’s Clean Air and Clean Water Acts as well as the first Earth Day being established; we have been working for decades towards the good of positive change of the environment.

So why go green? People ask that question more frequently than you think…how does this benefit my family or me?

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Featu r e WHY GO GREEN? 1. FEWER RESOURCES USED The more you recycle paper, metals and petroleum products, the less we use. Natural resources are just that, natural. Wood, oil and metals are extracted from the earth and are processed for our consumption. There is not an infinite supply, and if we do not use them wisely or replenish what we have removed, we will have nothing left for generations to come. Using LED lights, energy efficient appliances or installing solar panels can reduce the amount of energy consumed at home.

OUR CREED STATES,

'TO FIND DOMINATE

BEAUTY IN ART, LITERATURE, NATURE

AND FRIENDSHIPS,'

2. REDUCES WASTE The less waste we generate means less waste in our landfills and oceans which eventually washes onto our beaches and harms the wildlife. Less waste in our landfills means less chance of hazardous materials leaching into the water table. A great way to avoid that is to utilize your state/county household hazardous waste program. They provide a safe way to dispose of household waste such as pesticides, petroleum products (gasoline, oil, etc.) and universal waste such as light bulbs and batteries. Many of these items can break down and seep into the ground resulting in contaminated water and soil.

WE NEED TO DO OUR PART IN

MAKING SURE THAT

'NATURE' IS STILL AROUND.

3. IT’S HEALTHIER Instead of driving your car, consider walking

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or biking which is healthier for you. Taking mass transit decreases the amount of fossil fuel we use and reduces the amount of pollution in the air which reduces acid rain.

Eating locally grown and/or organic foods not only supports the local farming community but it reduces the number of processed foods we eat. Processed foods, although very tasty, are not always the best for us.

As individuals, these seem like great reasons to go green. But what about businesses; what benefits do they see?

WHY SHOULD BUSINESS GO GREEN? First, most businesses have a legal obligation to go green. They must comply with the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration when it comes to generating and handling waste at their facilities.

Second, they save money by going green.

Purchasing recycled goods as well as using energy efficient lighting can save businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.

There are also states that give tax credits to companies that are reducing their carbon footprint and show a downward trend in waste generation. Going green is just good business practice. Customers look for companies that are doing their best to live in harmony with the environment. It improves their reputation which potentially can lead to an increase in business. Businesses also benefit from the rise in employee morale in the workplace.

They see that their company is looking out for their well-being by reducing their carbon footprint, by reducing the use of fossil fuel and thereby reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

While going green is a plus for many companies, it doesn’t happen overnight.

There has to be buy-in from everyone from the Board of Directors to senior management.

Second, there needs to be an allocation of funds as well as a plan to find vendors that are in line with their strategy. Research may be required on new products should the business

Featu r e choose to switch to environmentally friendly ones such as non-toxic cleaning supplies.

Several major companies have gone green.

McDonald’s got rid of all of their Styrofoam packaging and switched to double-walled paper that is 100% recyclable. Coca-Cola redesigned their plastic bottles to be 30% plant-based and 100% recyclable. Dell has a recycling program that will accept monitors, printers, and computers for safe disposal and SC Johnson reduced the number of coalfired plants replacing them with natural gas and methane powered facilities.

Colleges and universities are also going green. Universities are starting to use reclaimed wood in their buildings and furniture. Open areas on campuses are being used for solar panel farms, generating their own electricity. Many large schools have been using shuttle buses for their students, and many run on biodiesel fuel, lowering the amount of pollution in the air. There are programs in place for recycling and composting on campus to minimize waste generated by the college community. Several campuses now have water bottle refill stations decreasing platic water bottles.

EASY WAYS TO GO GREEN What other things can we do to have a positive impact on the environment? There are various recipes out there to make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients. Many commercial products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to humans as well as animals if inhaled, ingested or absorbed in the body. Most natural cleaning products use materials that are already in your home (baking soda, vinegar, bleach, etc.). The use of insecticides is also damaging to the environment. If you must use an insecticide seek to find an environmentally friendly compound.

Reusable bags are an excellent way of reducing waste. These are bags that are easily stored in your car and are available for when you go shopping. If you do use

the plastic bags provided in the stores, find another use for them so that they are not single-use items (garbage bags in wastebaskets, wrapping items for storage, etc.). If you receive a lot of junk mail, make sure it makes it to your recycling bin or remove yourself from the mailing list. Also if you can go paperless when paying bills by paying online or in person, that would be one more tree you can save. For those of you who have wrapping paper that is too small to wrap anything or has been ripped, consider shredding it and using it as fill for a gift rather than throwing it away.

Replacing regular light bulbs with LED bulbs will reduce the amount of energy used as well as lasting longer (most of them 5-10 years). Before you throw out large pieces of furniture, see if there is a way to re-purpose it. Not only does this decrease the number of trees cut down to make furniture, but you have also now given your furniture new life without spending more money! When working on documents, send them as emailed documents rather than printed. If possible, print double-sided to use paper to its fullest capacity. Of course, purchasing recycled paper is always a good practice when trying to minimize the use of natural resources.

If you have space, try composting. This will minimize waste that ends up in a landfill while giving you great soil for planting.

Composting is a natural way to recycle lawn cuttings, fruits and vegetables, egg shells, stale bread and even burnt popcorn that turn these items into organic material that can be used in your yard instead of ending up in your garbage can. Gathering rainwater from your gutters can be used to water your lawn and flowers in the warmer months, therefore, decreasing the amount of water you use.

Check with your town/county/state solid waste program to see how they handle household hazardous waste. Many have collections during spring cleaning where you can bring your household waste to a central

location. Often times they have an area for used electronics as well as a shredding company. Replace dripping faucets and aerators which are wasting water. If you have the means and the time, plant a tree.

Not only do they add to your landscape and help with drainage, but they also reduce ozone levels by removing carbon dioxide (what you exhale) and release oxygen (what you inhale). Think of them as nature’s air filters.

Our creed states, “To find dominate beauty in art, literature, nature, and friendships,” we need to do our part in making sure that ‘nature’ is still around. If each one of us did just one thing to go green, we really could change the world.

So what will you do to go green?

ABOUT CHAYNA Chayna Wilson is a founding member of the Epsilon Mu Chapter at Trenton State College (now known as The College of New Jersey) where she graduated with a degree in Geoscience. Chayna works in the Health and Safety department as an Industrial Hygienist for Clean Harbors Environmental Services where she has been employed for 25 years. She currently serves Alpha Sigma Alpha as the Individual Awards Project Team Leader as well as a Foundation Ambassador. She was the 2018 recipient of the Agape Award. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, scrapbooking, photography, vacationing and loves all things Disney.

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Featu r e ur carbon footprint quantifies the amount of carbon we release into the atmosphere through our everyday activities. These carbon emissions can have huge impacts on air quality, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and the availability of food and water. According to a study done by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the average United States citizen has a carbon footprint equal to 20.5 metric tons of carbon every year. That number looks even worse when you consider that the average carbon footprint for people in the rest of the world is only 4.5 metric tons.

While these numbers seem daunting, here are seven easy things we can all do to lower our impact:

S T R AT E G I C G O A L A R E A

Elevate

ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT Turn off the heat or air conditioning in your home when you are not there. Adjust the temperature just a few degrees warmer in the summer and a few degrees colder in the winter. You probably won’t notice the difference but it will cut down on the amount of energy you use.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, lowering your thermostat from 72°F to 70°F in the winter can save 300 kilograms of carbon emissions.

lly ,E

T

CUT DOWN ON CLOTHING WASTE

l ey

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Ke

It takes a lot of carbon resources to get clothing into our hands. We use even more carbon resources when we buy cheap clothes that wear out or get thrown away after only one or two seasons. Donate your old clothes to clean out space in your closet, shop second hand (either brick-and-mortar stores or online second hand retailers) and avoid fast fashion in favor of timeless pieces.

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MINIMIZE FOOD WASTE According to a University of Vermont study, on average, Americans waste 40 percent of food available for consumption.

Producing, harvesting and transporting food releases a huge amount of carbon into the atmosphere. Rotting food in landfills also releases carbon gases (and hurts our wallets). One way to cut back on food waste is by meal planning. Every weekend before grocery shopping, make a menu for the week. Not only will you not spend money on food you may not eat, you will rarely have to throw out veggies that have turned into slime in the refrigerator.

Another way of reducing food waste is by accepting “ugly” produce. We have all overlooked produce at the grocery store because it was not perfect. No one wants a bruised banana, the small apple or the weirdly-shaped butternut squash. Usually, stores refuse to buy this produce, and it just gets thrown away. This food is still as useful and delicious as the “perfect” food (hello, banana bread?). Talk to your local grocery store to encourage them to buy “ugly” produce or consider purchasing produce from a community sponsored agriculture program or company that delivers rescued produce straight to your door.

EAT FEWER ANIMAL PRODUCTS Raising, transporting and cooking meat releases a huge amount of carbon into the atmosphere. In fact, according to a study published in Environment Research Letters, if you cut out all meat products for a year, you could reduce your carbon footprint by almost a full ton. That is about four times the reduction compared to just recycling everything you can. If you love cheeseburgers and are not willing

to go fully vegetarian, try implementing “Meatless Mondays.” One day a week, commit to skipping meat. This can seem daunting, but think beyond salads and tofu. Some of my favorites are hearty vegetable stews with lentils or fajitas with grilled portobello mushrooms, onions and peppers. There are many great recipes available online.

WASH YOUR CLOTHES IN COLD WATER This one is so easy. Heating water takes a lot of energy, so washing your clothes in cold water eliminates the carbon emissions from heating water and saves you some money on your utility bill. Washing clothes in cold water with regular detergent works just fine. Special “cold water wash” detergents can help with clothes that are a little dirtier than usual. Double your impact by hanging your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer.

WRITE TO YOUR POLITICIANS While we can each do our part at home to reduce carbon emissions, large corporations are responsible for a huge percentage of carbon emissions. According to the Carbon Majors Report, just 100 companies are responsible for 71 percent of climatechanging gases released to the atmosphere.

By regulating the carbon emissions from these corporations, we can significantly decrease the amount of carbon being released to the atmosphere. Call, write or email your representatives on a local, state and federal level to encourage them to vote for legislation to limit industrial carbon emissions and to support limits globally.

RETHINK YOUR CAR Walk or take public transportation when it is available. If you live in a city, you might be able to give up your car entirely. For those in the suburbs, consider replacing your car with a more fuel efficient model or switching to hybrid. If you cannot get rid of your car just yet, make an effort to reduce the amount of time your car idles. For example, instead of turning your car on and letting the windows defrost on their own, scrape the windows clean so you can be on your way faster. Increase fuel efficiency by making sure your tires are properly inflated and your engine is tuned up. Even adjusting your driving style can help reduce carbon emissions. Accelerating quickly and stopping suddenly can increase the amount of fuel your car uses.

ABOUT HALEY Haley Kelly, ET, has her PWS certification from the Society of Wetland Scientists and is an environmental scientist specializing in wetland and forest delineation and permitting at Century Engineering, Inc. in Hunt Valley, Maryland. She earned her bachelor's in environmental science and a master's in geography and environmental systems from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She spends her free time cooking, gardening, traveling and tasting food from all over the world.

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Featu r e S T R AT E G I C G O A L A R E A

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n e e r g g s r n i e t o G h-bus t y m

BY KELSEY TURNER, ΔΚ, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Going green seems to be the mantra these days. From your social media feed to your grocery store, it is everywhere. But with all the hype comes common misconceptions that could be keeping you from making greener choices. It can be hard to sort out the facts about leading an eco-friendly lifestyle. The following article will debunk common myths and set the record straight once and for all. By clarifying these misconceptions, we hope to ease your transition into a green, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

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CO M M O N MY TH :

TR UTH :

Small changes don’t matter

By making slight modifications to our lifestyles in the way we commute, the way we eat or the way we work, we make small but significant changes that will ultimately go a long way. Every single person working toward a greener tomorrow means a reduction in the world’s energy usage and a reduced strain on our rapidly depleting natural resources.

Going green is more expensive

While some greener options (like choosing organic products) do cost more, there are many go green changes you can make that will save you money. Programming your thermostat and turning off lights are moneysaving strategies for your power bill. Using natural alternatives like lemons and vinegar as cleaning agents is cheaper than buying brand-name disinfectants with harsh chemicals. Even opting to buy greener, smarter appliances will reap savings down the road.

Going green requires too much effort and time

Going green can be as simple as you make it. It can be opting for reusable grocery bags over plastic, switching out florescent light bulbs with LED ones or signing up for a paperless billing. These simple changes can make a big impact and even save you time.

Recycling is the first step

While recycling is definitely an important step of the 3 Rs-reduce, reuse and recycle- to many peoples’ surprise, it’s not the first step. Reducing waste and reusing items should be your first line of defense. The logic is simple, if there is less waste, then there is less to recycle.

Eco-friendly products aren’t as effective

Eco-friendly products are sometimes viewed as inferior. For example, consumers often assume earth-friendly cleaners don’t clean as well. That in fact, is not true. To ensure an eco-friendly product will disinfect a surface, check the ingredients for citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid or vinegar. Also, check out the nonprofit environmental certification organization Green Seal, which sets standards for eco-friendliness as well as the effectiveness of products. When in doubt, try the product in question to experience its quality firsthand. For instance, order a case of recycled copy paper and see how it measures up to your usual paper.

Reusing is better than buying new

While this is the case most of the time, it is not always a best practice. For example, appliances today are designed to be more energy efficient. New appliance do a lot more while using a lot less energy. It’s important to do your research – know when it makes sense to upgrade to a newer, smarter appliance and when it is best to reuse.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICER

BY NICOLE BAUMANN, ΓM

MY MISSION IS TO ENSURE THE WISE USE OF OUR STATE’S NATURAL RESOURCES

I start my days similar to other police officers, radioing dispatch “10-41” to let them know I am on duty. After handling anything they give me, such as pending complaints or answering questions, I begin my patrol shift which includes going to areas where people boat, fish or hunt. I am a police officer with full state law enforcement powers, which means I can stop a vehicle for speeding on a public roadway or take someone to jail for stealing.

However, the main parts of my job are fish and wildlife, boating and ATV/snowmobile law enforcement.

As the seasons change so does my patrolling. During the winter months, my patrol includes making sure snowmobilers are using the correct paths and checking to make sure fishermen have the correct fishing license and follow all rules. With the start of spring comes the start of turkey season. During this time I will start walking properties, looking for signs of hunting and bait piles. In Indiana, it is illegal to hunt turkey, deer or migratory birds by the aid of bait.

As the warmer weather approaches, I will ensure that my issued Jon boat (flat bottomed 14’ boat with an outboard motor) and my PWC (personal watercraft or Jet Ski) are ready for patrol. We are issued various equipment to carry out our patrol duties and are required to maintain that equipment. I am issued a Jon boat, PWC, ATV (4-wheeler) and a kayak.

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Featu r e

Once the waters are free of ice, boating patrols will begin. Many people do not realize that Indiana has 45 miles of the Great Lake’s shoreline and that our jurisdiction goes 10 miles north. We work with other boating law enforcement agencies on the big lake (as we like to call it) like the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit and the United States Coast Guard. Boat patrol is similar to patrolling on a roadway. We are looking for any boating violations, anything from no registration to operating while intoxicated.

The summer is a very busy time in my district. We have Indiana Dunes State Park (IDSP) which boasts three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. On busy summer weekends, this park can have more than 15,000 visitors at any one time and a line more than an hour long to get in. When this park needs a police officer,

26 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

conservation officers are called. Law enforcement matters at the park typically consist of intoxicated subjects doing things they should not be doing (or being intoxicated for that matter since it is a dry park), vehicular accidents and other specific park rules, like keeping your pet on a leash at all times. ­­ When I am not scheduled at the state park, you will find me on a waterway. I might work the Kankakee River by Jon boat, or a small inland lake by kayak or Lake Michigan on a jet ski. I will patrol our nature preserve areas and fish and wildlife areas to look for criminal behavior.

This is also the time of the year when we have the most drowning accidents. I am on my thirteenth year as a conservation officer and I cannot even tell you how many drowning investigations that I have worked.

People might wonder why or get frustrated they got a citation from me because they did not have enough lifejackets on their boat or they were trying to get away with giving their child an adult size lifejacket to wear when it clearly does not fit correctly. I have investigated the accidents, I have been to the autopsies and I have been with the grieving families. This is not a fun part of the job, but it is a necessary one. I educate children and adults on the importance of learning how to swim, being comfortable in the water and most importantly, wearing their lifejacket.

Once summer has hit its peak and the children are back to school, the boating and park activity slows down. It starts getting cooler out and our fall hunting seasons for squirrel, goose, early waterfowl (duck) and deer open. I begin to field calls with questions about hunting seasons, what kind

Featu r e

I EDUCATE CHILDERN AND ADULTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING HOW TO SWIM, BEING COMFORTABLE IN THE WATER AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WEARING THEIR LIFEJACKET.

of firearm you can use and complaints from people about illegal hunters. I welcome this change from the hustle and bustle of the summer months, as I usually have more time to get out and proactively patrol rather than just following up on complaints and responding to accidents.

Along with my patrolling, I will also make several public appearances. These can range from talking to a criminal justice class at a local community college about my profession or talking to a group of middle school students about water safety. In addition to speaking to students, conservation officers teach and host hunter education and boater education classes.

Another aspect of my job that I love is that we are called out for critical incidents and natural disasters. We are all trained in swift water rescue; I have gone a step

beyond that and have become a swift water rescue instructor. I have been called out to local flooding events in the state and was deployed to Texas last year after Hurricane Harvey. We assist local community’s first responders with getting into flooded areas, rescuing people that are stranded and getting supplies to people who are in need. We also assist in a law enforcement capacity, after the storm has passed and the water has subsided.

Something else unique about my job is that I am trained in a piece of specialized equipment called an ROV, or Remote Operated Vehicle. This looks like a small submarine that has a video camera and sonar capabilities and can go underwater to the depth of 1000’. When I deploy it in the water, I can “drive” the ROV with a wireless controller that looks like a PlayStation controller. We use this

technology in conjunction with our public safety divers to search for drowning victims, evidence such as a gun or murder weapon, vehicles, or any other underwater area of interest. For me providing closure to the family of a drowning victim is of utmost importance, and being proficient on sonar use is one way I can play a part in this.

Overall my mission is to ensure the wise use of our state’s natural resources. When people are out on our waterways, hiking in our state parks or hunting in the woods they might run into me. I never know what I will get called to do in what I think will be a simple patrol day. I might back up county officers on a domestic disturbance, then go look for lost hikers on a trail or end up on a boat checking fishermen from shore. It changes from day to day and from season to season, and I would not have it any other way.

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Women of Poise & Purpose

Women of poise & purpose

TAYLOR LYNCH GAMMA CLIO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT SUNY CORTLAND "To love life and joyously live each day – this is something I remind myself each day. My passion for what I do is inspired by my strong connection to Alpha Sigma Alpha values.

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I am blessed to work in the Alumni Engagement office at my alma mater, SUNY Cortland. I am the coordinator for our annual reunion program, where we feature several class and affinity groups each year. This year, we are featuring Alpha Sigma Alpha, since it is the 10 year anniversary of the reinstallation of the Gamma Clio Chapter.

Alpha Sigma Alpha was originally chartered on the Cortland campus on May 4, 1946.

They existed until 1953, when New York State banned national Greek organizations,

and so they became a local chapter, Alpha Sigma, keeping all the same values. The chapter fizzled in May of 1976, but on March 21, 2009 the Gamma Clio Chapter was reinstalled.

It’s such an honor to preserve and celebrate this history, and help create new memories for our alumnae. We have a weekend of events planned for the sisters, and I’m excited to make it happen. I wholeheartedly love what I do – I truly love life and joyously live each day to its ultimate good."

Women of Poise & Purpose

SHELBY WATWOOD ZETA RHO PEACE CORPS PANAMA WASH VOLUNTEER "When I joined Alpha Sigma Alpha, my interest in serving my community was sparked. Our vision “to lead, to serve, and most of all to make a difference” resonated with me. I loved helping plan service projects and fundraisers for charitable giving throughout college.

Through these experiences, I decided to join the Peace Corps after finishing my master’s degree. I am currently serving in Panama as a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) volunteer. I work with a rural Panamanian community of 500 people to build their capacity to improve their access to water and sanitation and adopt more healthy WASH behaviors.

“My Peace Corps service has not been an easy journey, but it has been rewarding serving a wonderful community."

My Peace Corps service has not been an easy journey, but it has been rewarding serving a wonderful community.

I am a woman of poise and purpose, and joining Alpha Sigma Alpha led me to this path of service with the Peace Corps and my Panamanian family. For that, I will be forever grateful."

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Palms

ASA Palms THE WORD PALM MEANS TRIBUTE, HONOR OR PRAISE. ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA GIVES PALMS TO ALUMNAE AND COLLEGIANS FOR THEIR SUCCESSES AND MILESTONES. CELEBRATING A PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL OR VOLUNTEER SUCCESS? TELL US ABOUT IT! SEND YOUR SUCCESS STORIES TO THE EDITOR AT ASA@ALPHASIGMAALPHA.ORG.

Laura Whitney Harlow

Beta Sigma Laura Whitney Harlow, ΒΣ, was recently awarded the Indiana State University Bakerman Graduate Research Award. The award recognizes excellence in course-submitted research papers that incorporate extraordinary skill and creativity. Lauras paper "February 25, 1960: Stories of Inspiration, Risk, and the Fight for Freedom" tells the stories of two students from Alabama State College and their courageous activism in the civil rights movement.

A'dja Jones Beta Sigma A'dja Jones, ΒΣ, recently received the 2019 Missouri State Excellence in Community Service Award. The award is a unique service award program for faculty and staff of Missouri State that annually recognizes excellence in volunteer work with charitable, nonprofit, community, church or similar organizations within the community.

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Julie Worthen Barber

Gamma Zeta The Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association, Inc. has announced Julie Worthen Barber, ΓΖ, has been awareded the Distinguished Young Alumni Award. The award will be presented on Thursday, May 2 and honors an SAU alumni under 40 who has demonstrated outstanding service to SAU, the community, state and /or nation.

Palms

Katie Barnett Ervin Eta Eta

Park University has appointed Katie Barnett Ervin, HH, as associate vice president for academic operations.

In this position, Katie will oversee the operations of multiple academic systems and processes within the Office of Academic Affairs.

Doris Wells Lisenby Epsilon Epsilon Doris Wells Lisenby, EE, was awarded the Heart of Hospice Lifetime Achievement Award by the Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association on Feb. 6. Doris has spent more than 28 years volunteering with Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.

Brooke Hansen McBride Phi Phi

Brooke Hansen McBride, ΦΦ, recently published her first novel "The Loss Between Us" on April 9. "The Loss Between Us" is a contemporary romance that proves the power of love can shine through life’s darkest hours.

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Chap te r U p dates

1

2

3 1. Theta Beta Chapter, Roanoke College, VA

4 2. Gamma Iota Chapter, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY

Chapter members attended the Roanoke Chapter members volunteered at the annual Valley Girls on the Run celebratory 5K race Girls on the Run event. with homemade signs to cheer on all the girls participating.

3. Beta Phi Chapter, University of

Wisconsin – Stout Alumnae members of the chapter gather for a reunion.

32 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

4. Nu Nu Chapter, Drexel University, PA Dana Pernini surprised her grandmother, Florence Altiere, with alumnae initiation for her 90th birthday.

C hap t er U pdates

5

7

6

8

5. Theta Omicron Chapter, 7. Denver Alumnae Chapter University of Missouri - Kansas City The Denver Alumnae Chapter celebrated

8. Gamma Clio Chapter, State University of New York - Cortland

Chapter members Madison Labart, Myleah DePriest, Baylee Alarcon and Keirstyn Mascareno before initiation.

Chapter members participated in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Founders' Day with the Beta Beta and Iota Epsilon Chapters.

6. Tau Tau Chapter, Fort Hays State University, KS Chapter members volunteered during a Girls on the Run event.

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Chap te r U p dates

9

11

10

12

9. Beta Epsilon Chapter, James Madison University, VA

10. Zeta Kappa Chapter, Minnesota State University, Mankato

12. Delta Chi Chapter, Bloomsburg University, PA

The chapter hosted a field day at a local elementary school with activities such as a bouncy house, an inflatable slide, an obstacle course and potato sacks for racing. In addition to hosting and funding the field day, the members donated school supplies to the school.

Chapter members helped package meals with the Feed My Starving Children organization.

Alumnae members gathered for the chapter’s 40th reunion.

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11. Delta Kappa Chapter, University of Southern Indiana Chapter members learned tips on self-defense and how to avoid harmful situations from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's office

C hap t er U pdates

14

13

15

16

13. Epsilon Tau Chapter, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

15. Beta Pi Chapter, Concord University, WV

17. Iota Gamma Chapter, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Chapter members partnered with an oncampus organization for an awareness event and fundraiser about consent.

Chapter members hosted alumnae for an annual homecoming alumnae tea.

Chapter members Katherine O’Connel and Shannon Roth participated in RAMA-thon, a dance marathon event in support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

14. Epsilon Upsilon Chapter, California University of Pennsylvania Whitney Ptak was named the university’s homecoming queen. She ran a campaign to help raise awareness for military veterans facing post-traumatic stress disorder, homelessness and mental health issues.

16. Theta Zeta University, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

17

Chapter members Auria Wilson and Sydney Brown participated in an event, Hula Hoop for Hope, benefiting Special Olympics.

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Fr o m t he A r chives S T R AT E G I C G O A L A R E A

Exemplify

36 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

From t he Ar chives

From the archives

A true follower of the star

BY KELSEY TURNER, ΔK, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING The Phoenix of 1933 describes Hattie Kelly Thomas, Alpha Sigma Alpha’s first initiate as a “true ‘follower of the star’ and one ever prepared to give full measure to Alpha Sigma Alpha.”

Hattie Jake Virginia Kelly was born in 1886 in Nansemond Count, VA. She attended Longwood University in Farmville, VA from 1902 to 1906 where she was known by the nickname of "Jakesy."

In 1902 she was a roommate of founders Mary Williamson Hundley and Virginia Lee Boyd. While working to form the Sorority, Virginia would confide in Hattie - making things sound mysterious and frequently whispersing - "Jakesy, this may affect your whole life!" The record of the Sorority’s first initiate states that on Jan. 3, 1903 Hattie was made a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

After graduating from Longwood, Hattie stayed involved with the Sorority, serving as alumnae editor of The Aegis, Alpha Sigma Alpha’s first magazine, from 1909 to 1912, president of the Central Alumnae Association from 1910 to 1912, and national vice president from 1910 to 1912. After the reorganization of the Sorority in 1914, Hattie served as the chairman of the social life cabinet until 1918.

In 1930, newly elected president Wilma Wilson Sharp, ZZ, sought out information regarding the early history of the Sorority.

Mrs. Sharp appointed Hattie as historian in 1932. It was her accountings of the early years and her relationship with the founders in which Mrs. Sharp sought in appointing Hattie.

“It is the spirit of this first initiate that so impresses all who meet her for in spirit and in truth Hattie Kelly Thomas exemplifies a true 'follower of the star' and one ever prepared to give full measure to Alpha Sigma Alpha” -1933 PHOENIX

“I was a member of the first pledge class of Alpha Chapter,” Hattie wrote in a letter detailing the early history of Alpha Sigma Alpha. “In fact, I was the first initiate. In

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Fr o m t he A r chives

Below: Early Alpha Chapter 1904-05 in room of Angela Finsley and Hattie Kelly. 1. Louise Cox Carper 2. Virginia Boyd Noell 3. Angela Finsley 4. Hattie Kelly Thomas ("Jakesy") 5. Mattie Thomas 6. A member of the "home department"

1932 I was appointed national historian and will do my best to update you on the activities of the sorority from the years 1901 to 1914.”

As historian, Hattie spent time pulling together names, addresses and photos of the founders and early members of the Sorority. Hattie had attended numerous early national conventions and was able to recall in detail the events and decisions of each event. Her recollections are what Alpha Sigma Alphas today regard as the history of the Sorority between the years 1901 and 1914.

In 1933, Hattie attended the reinstallation of Alpha Chapter where she and Margaret Patterson Martz, A, presented a certified copy of the original 1903 charter to Mrs. Sharp.

Hattie served in the historian role until 1938 when an automobile accident in 1937

38 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

left her with severe spinal injuries and too ill to continue to serve.

References The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha 20, no.

1 (November 1933): 11, 22, 38, accessible

“As you perhaps know, for several years we have planned a printed history of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Hattie Kelly Thomas began work on it, but when illness forced her to resign, the job fell to me,” Louise N. Stewart, YY, wrote in a letter to Calva Watson Wootton in 1942.

at https://issuu.com/alphasigmaalpha/docs/ asa_phoenix_vol_20_no_1_nov_1933 Nora Ten Broeck, “A look back.” The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha 84, no. 4 (Summer 1999): 14-5, accessible at https:// issuu.com/alphasigmaalpha/docs/asa_ phoenix_vol_84_no_4_summer_1999

Hattie also served as the official hostess of the 1934 national convention in Old Point Comfort, VA. Hattie received a jeweled badge and commendation for her extraordinary services to the Sorority throughout the years.

Hattie passed away on Nov. 18, 1980, at age 94.

“It is the spirit of this first initiate that so impresses all who meet her,” 1933 Phoenix.

Suzanne M. Zorichak, ed., The Years Behind Us: A History of Alpha Sigma Alpha: 1901-2001, published by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 2002.

Fro m t he Foundati on

Every other summer each chapter sends emerging leaders to attend the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute, which is funded in-part by the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

These women spend the weekend exploring leadership on a personal level and gain skills to use within their chapters, campuses and professional and personal communities. Lexi Colaianne, BΘ, attended LDI in 2017 and had this to share about her experience:

During my time at LDI: • I fostered personal and professional connections with collegiate and alumnae members of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

• I determined the leader I want to be within the Sorority and on my campus.

• I solidified my decision to run for chapter president that year.

The educational programming at LDI encouraged me to be vulnerable in my leadership roles and personal relationships in the Sorority. I will never forget the conversation my small group had about conflict resolution; it is something I continue to reflect on within the Sorority and my personal experiences.

It is because of moments like these, at Foundation funded events, that I am the leader and woman I am today.

You can make LDI possible for the next generation of Alpha Sigma Alpha women, like Lexi, by making a gift to the Foundation today at www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/donate.

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