Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2023

FIVE WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR FINANCES FOR SPRING

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

VOLUNTEER CALL OUT

A BRAND NEW LOOK

8 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT

PHOENIX FEATURES FROM THE EDITOR

THE FOUNDATION

FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s heritage spans more than 120 years and throughout the sorority’s history we have experienced a great deal of change while also maintaining many constants. That’s the funny thing about fraternities and sororities. We have a unique blend of history and traditions, yet we are continually evolving. Change is an element of growth. Responsible and leading change is paramount to Alpha Sigma Alpha’s success. As an organization we to have continually seek ways in which we maintain the Founders vision, while providing a sorority experience that aligns with member needs; no easy feat!

Our sisterhood is represented by women from 18 to 98, varied ethnicities, religious and personal identities. Similar to why the color pearl white was chosen as one of our colors; the blending of our different perspectives, backgrounds and personalities create a beautiful sisterhood that together embodies Alpha Sigma Alpha’s purpose . This spring Alpha Sigma Alpha is launching an updated brand, which, at the core, is an opportunity to refresh the Sorority’s logos and visuals to help tell the Sorority’s story. It will also convey the impact of membership and connect messages of our Ritual . The new website, which we are all extremely excited for, will serve as just one vehicle to better convey Alpha Sigma Alpha’s story. However, the most powerful story tellers are you. No one can capture the real “why” of Alpha Sigma Alpha better than a member who has been impacted by the care of a sister or a member who has developed as a leader - the list goes on.

Personally, Alpha Sigma Alpha provided me a safe space to grow, a place to flourish as an undergraduate leader and now as an alumna. I am constantly in awe of the compassion shown by Alpha Sigma Alphas in small and big moments. Our sisterhood is truly built on agape love.

College students have a surplus of choices in how their time is spent – other student organizations, university programming, work/personal commitments, local community offerings and online networks. And while the question of why Alpha Sigma Alpha isn’t new, the competition is much more intense. Whether when recruiting new members or articulating the value of membership to those unfamiliar with fraternal organizations, sharing Alpha Sigma Alpha’s positive attributes is a role we all play.

I am excited for the Sorority to receive a visual refresh; however, I am more excited for us to use the updated brand as a kick-off to a national effort to share Alpha Sigma Alpha pride, the benefits of membership and specifically why Alpha Sigma Alpha to not only help chapters recruit new members but to re-engage all alumnae.

I hope you will enjoy the updates rooted in honoring the Sorority’s heritage. During this time of change, I aspire for all members to demonstrate the aim of Alpha Sigma Alpha to be “the best all-around.”

Arista,

Our Purpose

To cultivate friendship among members who are known for their character and concern for others

AMBER SHAVERDI HUSTON, HH NATIONAL PRESIDENT @ASAHUSTON

Phoenix features

How has Alpha Sigma Alpha elevated your life?

"Relationships were never my strong suit. People came into my life and sooner or later walked out. Not because it was bad, but simply because life goes on and things get busy.

Alpha Sigma Alpha was perfect for me seeing as it fosters close friendships. I took a leap of faith and found wonderful sisters and friendships that will last a lifetime. They helped me accomplish so many things and encouraged me along the way."

Alpha Sigma Alpha has elevated my life by surrounding me with women who inspire me to be the best version of myself and encourage me to aim for the moon with any and all aspirations! AΣA has given me an opportunity to lead others which has helped me grow into a stronger and more confident woman!"

Alpha Sigma Alpha has empowered me through leadership, service and scholarship. Being a member of AΣA has provided me with so many opportunities to develop skills, build relationships and make a positive impact on the community which contributed to my personal growth and elevation as a woman. The support and sisterhood that is offered in AΣA has made me into the woman I have always wanted to be."

Leslie Compean, IB

Olimpia Giacalone, ΓΛ Mia Hussmann, ΔX

FROM THE EDITOR

Dear readers,

I am thrilled for this issue of the Phoenix to finally be reaching our members! You likely noticed things look a little different as this issue marks the official unveiling of the new Alpha Sigma Alpha brand. For the past 18 months, Alpha Sigma Alpha staff members have diligently been reimagining the visual imprint of the Sorority. Undergoing a project of this scale is no easy task, and one we wanted to handle with care to preserve our rich history while enriching our future. This new visual identity represents not only the Sorority, but every member, and our goal was to align our powerful vision and purpose with a strong visual representation.

This brand is truly meant to empower each member to actualize our goal to elevate and influence the world. Each member has the power to shape their lives, their sorority chapter and yes, even the world. The work of Alpha Sigma Alpha is not accomplished by a single person, but by all of us leaning on and supporting one another to create something wonderful. There is a power in each one of us that is unlocked through the lifelong supportive sisterhood Alpha Sigma Alpha provides. This is an experience women often cannot find outside of membership. Each of us has the ability to elevate someone else’s life by sharing the Alpha Sigma Alpha story with them.

This new brand would not have been made into reality without member feedback and participation in influencing our future. A brand isn’t just made up of a logo and colors, a brand is truly shaped by those who represent it.

Each of us represents Alpha Sigma Alpha every day through our interactions with others and in how we live out our purpose. As you flip through these pages and connect with the new Alpha Sigma Alpha brand, I hope you also feel a renewed sense of connection with the Sorority. Take a moment to reflect on what our tagline and vision mean to you. Consider how you can elevate the lives of those around you and how you can influence your community for the better. It is the actions of every member that truly shape the brand of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Joyously Live,

HUTCHINSON MILES, ΘZ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

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

Volume 109 | Issue 2

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN, 46268-3018. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. © Alpha Sigma Alpha

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.

EDITOR

Alyssa Miles, Director of Communications & Marketing

DEADLINES

Fall June 10

Winter Sept. 10

Spring Dec. 10

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9002 Vincennes Circle

Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

(317) 871-2920

Fax: (317) 871-2924

Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

ALYSSA

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha

ALUMNAE dues

It’s almost time to pay your 2023-24 Alumnae Dues!

What: Annual alumnae dues are national dues paid by Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae.

How much? Alumnae dues are $25 each year. That is only $0.07/day or $2.08/month.

When? Alumnae dues are paid annually in conjunction with Alpha Sigma Alpha’s fiscal year – June 1 to May 31.

Why? Alumnae dues renew your lifetime commitment to Alpha Sigma Alpha and help further the purpose of the Sorority to cultivate friendship among members who are known for their character and concern for others. Your support makes a big difference for current and future members.

Let’s Do This! Alumnae dues can be paid online at MyAΣA.org or by sending a check to Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters – 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268. Thank you for your support!

RECEIVE THE PHOENIX DIGITALLY

Want to read the Phoenix and better the environment? Sign up to receive only a digital copy of the Phoenix sent directly to your inbox. You’ll be among the first to read the issue before it lands in mailboxes. Opt in to digital-only by scanning the QR Code with your mobile device. You can always opt back in to receiving a printed version by sending an email to asa@alphasigmaalpha.org.

Alpha Sigma Alpha welcomes the return of the Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute (LDI) this summer. This unique event gives participants the opportunity to enhance personal leadership skills that they can use to elevate their influence within their chapter, campus, professional and personal communities. Weekend-long events will be held in the following cities:

Kansas City, MO

Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25, 2023

Philadelphia, PA

Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, 2023

Indianapolis, IN

Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30, 2023

Questions?

Contact Allison Ball, program coordinator (aball@alphasigmaalpha.org).

ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

The Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club is a great way to connect with sisters who share the love of reading. To participate, members must request to join the “Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumnae Book Club” Facebook group.

The book club includes four book selections with discussion each year. All discussions take place live on Zoom with the questions being available prior to the discussions.

Aug. 2023: Small Great Things by Jodi

Picoult

Discussion:

Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. ET

Nov. 2023: Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy Adlington

Discussion:

Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. ET

HERMES SOCIETY

SPRING INDUCTEES

Kristina Angelo, BB, University of Northern Colorado

Emily Archacki, ΘT, Capital University, OH

Jenna Bodnovich, EY, PennWest California, PA

McKenna Busick, ΘY, Boise State University, ID

Mollie Clark, ΔΓ, West Chester University, PA

Madeline Corbett, ZY, University of Lynchburg, VA

Claire Corte, ZY, University of Lynchburg, VA

Olivia Erickson, EK, Millersville University, PA

Alexandra Fisher, ΔE, Mansfield University, PA

Kaitlyn Frasher, ΘT, Capital University, OH

Olimpia Giacalone, ΓΛ, Loyola University of Chicago, IL

Antonia Greco, ZΘ, Wagner College, NY

Madeline Hernandez, ΘX, Methodist University, NC

Ellison Jones, ΘT, Capital University, OH

Emma Jones, ΘY, Boise State University, ID

Nadia Kessling, BK, Western Illinois University

Kathryn Killmer, ΘY, Boise State University, ID

Chaney Kirkmire, ΘY, Boise State University, ID

Kayla Klecatsky, ZN, Moravian University, PA

Gabrielle Meehan, ZΛ, Rowan University, NJ

Brooklyn Norhues, ΦΦ, Northwest Missouri State University

Prithika Pal, NN, Drexel University, PA

Cailey Ruderman, NN, Drexel University, PA

Gabrielle Udell, ΓM, Adrian College, MI

Michelle Wang, ΓΛ, Loyola University of Chicago

Jacqueline Zeigler, ΓX, Bryant University, RI

FIVE WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR FINANCES FOR $PRING

BY: KIMBERLY HAMILTON, @BEWORTHFINANCE

Closets aren’t the only thing worth cleaning this season – spring is also a great time to organize your finances! After the winter months filled with expenses ranging from holiday gifts to tax season, there is no time like the present to “spring clean” your finances for the year ahead. Here are five ways you can start today.

REVIEW YOUR SPENDING

Now that some of the most expensive months of the year are behind you, it's important to review your spending so you can plan ahead. Consider any recent changes to your income or spending habits and think about the types of expenses that have added value to your life. Lastly, keep in mind any expenses that may have surprised you recently. You can often account for non-monthly but predictable expenses like vacations and gifts moving forward.

If you are having trouble answering these questions, look at your past three months’ worth of expenses. You can easily use a personal finance app like Rocket Money to analyze your spending or review previous bank and credit card statements to help you plan ahead. While you can’t change the past, understanding where your money normally goes will help you make the most of what you have moving forward.

1 2

USE A SIMPLE BUDGET

Now that you know where your money is going, the next step to refreshing your finances is making a budget you can actually stick to. Most people assume a budget is restrictive or complicated, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The easiest way to simplify your budget is to calculate a weekly spending cap in three steps:

1. Separate your money into four buckets: 1) your monthly take-home pay, 2) fixed expenses, 3) financial goals (debt, savings, and investments) and 4) variable expenses.

2. Subtract your fixed income and goals from your take-home pay to determine your monthly variable spending cap. This number represents what you have left for anything that fluctuates month-to-month, like groceries, shopping and entertainment.

3. Once all your expenses fit within your variable monthly spending cap, divide your variable expenses cap by 4.3 to calculate your weekly spending cap.

Using this system, your weekly spending cap becomes the only number you need to track, knowing you have the appropriate funds to cover all your other expenses. While the initial process might feel a little tedious, having only one number to track can help reduce financial stress, freeing up mental space for other areas of your life.

PAY DOWN ANY HIGH-INTEREST DEBT 4

In sprucing up your finances for spring, you will also want a plan to pay down any high-interest debt, like credit cards or personal loans. This is important because not only does debt cost you more in interest over time, but it also holds you back from saving and investing opportunities. Strategies to help pay down your debt might include:

• Consider refinancing your debt: While there are several ways to refinance debt, regardless of your method, the goal is the same: to lower your interest rate. This will help you pay down your debt more quickly and lower your monthly payment.

• Money tip: Beware of offers that lower your monthly payment but not the interest rate – they are likely extending your repayment term instead, meaning you’ll pay more in interest over time.

• The Avalanche or Snowball Method: Using either the Avalanche or Snowball Method requires making payments beyond the minimum payment on either your highestinterest debt (Avalanche Method) or lowest-balance debt (Snowball method). The Avalanche Method will save you the most interest over time, but those that are motivated by a quick win might prefer the Snowball Method.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS 5

Inflation this past year, or the increased price of goods and services, has put many of our wallets to the test. Luckily, there is one silver lining: high-yield savings accounts.

Mostly offered by online banks, high-yield savings accounts provide a significantly higher interest rate than most brick-and-mortar banks. For example, at the time of this writing, banks like Ally and Sofi offer rates upwards of 3.6% compared to 0.01% of big banks like Bank of America and Chase. In other words, if you are not using a high-yield savings account, you are missing out on 360-400x the amount of money you could be making just by keeping your money somewhere else.

To put this in perspective, for every $10,000 kept in a savings account, you could be earning $30-40 per month with a 3.7% interest rate compared to $0.08 with a 0.01% interest rate. That’s an extra $360 a year just by using a different account – but interest rates do fluctuate, so act quickly to take advantage of this savings opportunity.

Kimberly Hamilton is a Latina financial educator and Founder of Beworth Finance where she helps women and millennials make smart money moves. Kimberly has conducted workshops for partners such as Capital One Café, Ladies Get Paid and the United Women in Business Foundation and is also the Senior Manager of Financial Education at the personal finance app company, Rocket Money. To learn more about Kimberly and download her free money tools, visit www. BeworthFinance.com

UPDATE YOUR RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS

The last thing you will want to do to spring-clean your finances is update your retirement contributions. Because of the impact compound interest has over time, there is never a better time to start investing than today. Plus, because the maximum amount you can contribute to tax-advantaged accounts like your 401k or individual retirement account (IRA) changes every year, it is important to update your contributions annually if you can.

Using tax-advantaged accounts like a 401k or IRA over a taxable brokerage account is important because they come with major tax savings – either when you contribute or when you withdraw funds in retirement – that can save you thousands of dollars over time. Think of those tax savings as more money you have to grow, and the earlier you start investing, the more wealth you can build. Even a few years can make a major difference!

Looking for more tips to maximize your money, even if you are starting small? Learn how to tackle debt and build wealth through the budgets and stories of five money makers, like Tanya in Chicago and Claire in NYC in Kimberly's new book, Building Wealth on a Dime: Finding Your Financial Freedom

Susan Setzler

Micah Wieditz

Lindsy Perry

Anne Romas

Paige Barnum

Candace Mercer

Kay Prange

Amanda Revels

Leah Wilcox

Jill Speicher

Alana Albus

Christine Miller

Courtney Stadler

Madison Beaumarchais

Martha Lofthouse

Nicholas Kobernik

Karen Johnson

Cristina Rhatigan

David Gehrels

Brittnie Scott

Deborah Preston

Molly McDonough

Nicholette Wise

Andrea Westdorp

Stacey Prevette

Kathy Messbarger

Mallory King

Gillian Farnan

Harmony Andersen

Beverly Quillin

Sabrina DeGenova

Amber VanLue Johnston

Casie Martin

Kacey Hertel

Elizabeth Lindstrom

Rebecca Childress

Amy Swift

Jessica Butts

Juliann Breeden

Denise Reid

Kimberly Pulley

Marissa Blockus

Julieanne White

Cassandra Hitchcock

Allison Miller

Libby Riley

Barbara Engelhard

Elisabeth Zarnoti

Amelia Lively

Emily Koneval

Katie Riggs

Susan Zarnowski

Melissa Comer

Cheyenne Stroshine

Jaime Vandergrift

Scarlett Grose

Rachael Sample

Julie Quickel

Rachel Maass

Shawna Squibb

Cindi Bolyard

Isabelle Stafford

Erika Passmore

Shianne Moody

Jennifer Stanley

Elena Macovei

Alyssa Guers

Bernadette Hattjar

Courtney Hicks

Allison Asher

Claire Hillier

Hallie Smith

Jamie Mittman

Melanie Partlow

Andrea Bennett

Elisa Damari

Randi Fort

Jacqueline Durst

Stefanie Ryan

Debbie Attaway

Kati Griggs

Jani Burke

Thank you to all of our volunteers!

Andrea Green

Christina Gentile

Kathryn Harth

Mary Tate

Susan Peterson

Colleen Reeder

Patricia Gaitens-Gaskill

Jennifer Sevilla

Hayley Pearson

Christian Gonzalez

Alyssa Zimmerman

Laura Baumgarten

Deanna Wagner

Noor Burkle

Nicole Warne

Caroline Ross

Jakey Dobbs

Cassandra Furr

Amber Huston

Nicole Allbee

Kristen Sheffey

Kathryn Cook

Kevin Hall

McKinsey Chambers

Marcia Jacquette

Tiffany Borchick

Alexis Slaughter

Megan Parker

Kathryn Ervin

Alexis Totleben

Lindy Keefe

Rachel Conklin

Emily Devine

Holly Jackson

Alan Kramer

Sarah Rosenberg

Jolann Baldwin

Kim Horton

Julie Barber

Erika Putman

Tammy Romo-Alcala

Christina Holloway

Amy Willis

Kaitlynn Gray

Ashley Hennessey

Taryn James

Christine Butler

Elizabeth Laskowski

Carey Taylor

Shelby Bonasera

Alexandra Jenkins

Pam Steele

Margaret McBride

Jenny Miller

Selena McAllister

Morgan McDonald

Emily Ostrowski

Adrain Oglesby

Sandy Leatherman

Jasmin Kenzie

Karen Willis

Rachel Zaruba

Marinda Phandanouvong

Vanessa Sandoval

Katherine Leary

Amanda Wolf

Christine Sivyllis

Emma Sherrell

Tracie Rushing

Samantha Bagwell

Misty Young

Stephanie Dallara

Barbara Williamson

Carol Garton

Rachel Lazzari

Cicely Jones

Kelly Engert

Anna Mitchell

Millie Rodriguez

Laura Pope

Melinda Roelfs

Leigh Ann Levy

Ariana Piltz

Susan Barone

Lauren Blore

Allison Kahn

Emily Just

Flor Aparicio

Michelle Caris

Mary Anne Lurquin

LaShatá Grayson

Demi Bidot-Miles

Taylor Hoffman

Cynthia Ryan

Jessica Stinson

Ashley Dunn

Lisa Ryan

Anna Ardigo

Stancy Bond

Ines Chavez

Leslie Fleenor

Anna Hart

Katherine Murphy

Alexandra Zahn

Lendi Bland

Joshua Clary

Katie Henson- James

Kelley Taylor

Sherri Rae

Danielle Cantirino

Megan Brady

Danielle Switzer

Sarah Keel

Keya Francis

Jennifer Akright

Stacey Passalacqua

Amanda Riehl

Kelly O'Rourke

Justine Caruselle

Becky Riley

Sandra Wohlleber

Jeet Sausen

Kristen Grippe

Kathleen Neville

Anna Dail

Christian Howles

Alana Briley

Lynne Cona

Michaela Shenberger

Roseann Gambino

Kim Newbern

Anitra DeJaynes

Margaret Cochran

Michael Lemke

Stephanie Koprince

Casey Foote

Deborah Penn

Abigail Howard

Joanne Catron

Nikkia Young

Courtney Mordan

Taylor Gumns

Mercedes Moreno-Villanueva

Shelby Kriegh

Jacob Mueller

Katharine Burke

Alissa Nadolski

April Englebert

Pixi Moritz

Cassie Rogers

Olga Bershchanskiy

Allison Volk

Bethany Schira

Andrea Cole

Brianna Locante

Caylyn Pietryga

Samantha Broders

Jennifer Burkhardt

Shelby Stevens

Jessica Lee

Ruth Murta

Marriah Menchaca

Nicole Cronenwett

Marianne Bullock

Emily Gentry

Masha Salmi

Colleen Rogers

Sierra Temple - Mervin

Carmen Dean

Carmen Mallery

Alexandra Jmeniak

Margaret Gander

Molly Ann Lambert

Kiley Picard

Sally Boyer

Alicia Place

Jessica Bourke

Erica Parker

Faith Fernandes

Allysia Mueller

Ashley Moran

Samantha McEvoy

Samantha Howell

Brandon Quaid

Cynthia Place

Dave Goodwill

Sarah Guzzo

Virginia Ellis

Sara Snyder

Veronica Salinas

Florence Nunn

Phil Stuczynski

Kaitlyn Leedy

Jennifer Vrobel

Paige Burnash Recor

Taylor Zeigler

Zoey Pool

Mati Ortiz

Kathy Lopez

Cindy Spasoff

Elizabeth O'Keefe

Preston Wheeler

Dawn Wood

Brittany Leek

Jordan Poore

Samantha Bullock

Sara Malkin

James Gulbranson

Jaden Rahe

Veronica Lenzen

Grace Zhang

Kaylyn Patterson

Haley Wiedeman

Joanna Sauvage

Sandra Benoit

Mary Motley

Nicole Thatcher

Eunkyung You

Martha McLain

Lahna Mueller

Eric LaCharity

Kaela Morlandt

Margaret Stansell

Taylor Springer

Michelle Beavers

Erica Pieske

Emily Phan

Araya Penfield

Melissa Mitchell

Huda Khalid

Megan Lisch

Katie Klinger

Tracey Rafferty

Ashley Crowder

Jessica Davis

Carrie Mulligan

Ali Colwell

Alpha Sigma Alpha is thankful for all of our volunteers who continue to go above and beyond dedicating their time to our Sorority. Your generosity, dedication, leadership and service continue to make an impact. Thank you for all that you do! Here is breakdown of all of our volunteer positions:

Jaime Logan

Amanda Houser

Katrina Schmerold

Karen Jackson

Katlyn Moran

Nicholas Morales

Jessica Wright

Christina Arvis

Samantha Harris

Clara Baldwin

Gabrielle Robinson

Kelli Sigafoose

Sarah Milton

Chinell Singletary

Rachel Woolcox

Susan Allem

Mark Gehrke

Barbara Williamson

Katherine Panozzo

Kelsey Marra

Stormy Wooldridge

Lisa Jolliff

Melissa Brady

Laura Francoeur

Jennifer Clair

Jason Schoenmeyer

Suzanne Glowaski

Lindsey Hopkins Hall

Sharon Paris

Molly Brewer

Alice Puzarowski

Brooke Bell

Terri Sauter

Lynn Freeman

Ashlyn Conrad

Brittany Vogelsang

Graham Davis

Ian Burt

Meghan Hennessey

Jodi Jabs

Rachel Papiernik

Elisabeth Cook

Karen Groth

Whitney Leach

Kristen Kardas

Lillian Warren

Colleen Montgomery

MacKenzie Byrd

Tiffany Landon

Jennifer Womick

Caelee Lehman

Jaymie Perry

Anna Stark

Melissa-Sue Samuelson

Chiu-Fu Sheng

Sarah Colangelo

A Brand New Beginning

By: Alyssa Hutchinson Miles, ΘZ

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s Founders gave life to the purpose and many symbols of our Sorority and built the foundation for a sisterhood that has spanned more than 122 years. Their shared vision helped shape organization that has continued to create spaces that elevate women and inspire them to make a difference. While we introduce a new way to visually represent our Sorority, the essence of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s brand remains. We are an organization dedicated to fostering close friendships and elevating each member to influence the world around them. The brand truly comes to life because of each member who lives out our vision and values.

It is with all of this in mind that we embarked on the journey to modernize our brand and propel us into the future.

This is not the first time Alpha Sigma Alpha has evolved its brand. You may remember previous logos and elements from years past! Alpha Sigma Alpha last underwent a full rebranding in 2010 launching a new tagline, logo, colors and patterns. Our sisterhood and the world have changed significantly since then and in 2021, it became clear it was once again time to update Alpha Sigma Alpha’s overall presence.

Over the course of 18 months, Alpha Sigma Alpha staff developed a new brand that speaks to our history while celebrating the future yet to come. Of course, we will always keep Ritual and heritage at the forefront of who we are while evolving the visual identity of the Sorority and empowering members to elevate themselves, their sisters and Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Research Phase

Before any development began, we conducted a significant amount of research and spoke to members about our visual identity. After all, this brand was going to represent us all and we wanted members to help influence our new look. We learned that members also recognized the need to evolve but wanted to remain true to who we were, and the badge of Alpha Sigma Alpha was essential to the connection members felt with the brand. That key piece of feedback became the inspiration behind the design and is seen in nearly every facet from the logo, to patterns, to icons.

Our members also shared what AΣA's personality is. We are empowering, fun, caring, passionate, knowledgeable and a leader. We didn’t want who we are to change as we reshaped this brand and strived to bring these traits and more into our new look.

Logo and Tagline

The logo of a brand takes careful consideration. It is often the most identifiable piece of a brand and needs to honor all that we represent and value with typography and design. After developing more than 30 different variations of the logo, one was selected we felt best represents Alpha Sigma Alpha and its members.

In all the different variations we considered, the common theme was our membership badge. It is a constant for all members and serves as a reminder for all we strive to uphold. This new logo incorporates a more modern and realistic badge shape surrounded by eight petals, which represent our eight core values. The membership badge and its ideals are supported by each of the values that make us Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Elevate & Influence - our bold new tagline puts more emphasis on the power each member possesses in shaping the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Alpha Sigma Alpha is only as strong as our members. We strive as a collective and as individuals to elevate ourselves and our sisters while influencing what the sorority experience looks like now and in the future.

As a whole, the new design elements of the logo and tagline encompass women who empower and care for others, who are passionate leaders and who strive to enjoy each moment.

The Details

Alpha Sigma Alpha has always been recognizable with its crimson red and pearl white colors. The six primary colors in our brand reflect the symbolism of the colors found in our Ritual with a modern touch. Each of the primary colors - Crimson, Pearl White, Ruby, Badge Gold, Palm Green, and Narcissus – have their own secondary color palettes to complement and enrich colors to be used in design elements.

A new set of patterns has been introduced reflecting the badge shape, palm leaves and organic shapes used to give the brand a fresh look.

Even the insignias have been reimagined and given a cleaner and more accessible design.

Website

Subbrands

To complement Alpha Sigma Alpha’s new visual brand identity, the Sorority’s virtual experiences have also changed. AlphaSigmaAlpha.org and MyAΣA.org have both undergone major changes and updates. Staff partnered with a design and development studio to create accessible sites that matched the vision of the rebrand.

AlphaSigmaAlpha.org is the trusted source for members and non-members alike to connect with the Sorority. The website features seamless navigation and an intuitive mobile design to highlight relevant content and make information easy to find. Between the chapter locator map, interactive history timeline, event communications and blog, each aspect of the site was built with accessibility in mind so all sisters can connect with Alpha Sigma Alpha.

MyAΣA.org, the member only site, focuses on connecting members and lifelong education. Updating member information, completing education and training, paying alumnae dues and even finding a mentor or mentee is now easier to access and navigate.

The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority Housing Corporation while legally separate entities all strive to support the same values and visions for our membership. The goal for these brands was to present visual consistency for members while still creating unique and fun designs.

Looking Ahead

We encourage all members to familiarize themselves with the new brand. Visit the new website to see the brand up close. Follow Alpha Sigma Alpha on social media for fun and engaging content telling our story through our members. Training and resources are available to learn more about downloading and implementing the brand in their collegiate and alumnae chapters on MyAΣA.org. Most importantly, all members can tell the Alpha Sigma Alpha story by sharing how your sorority membership has elevated your life on social media and with those you know.

Elevate & Influence

LAURA TAPP, ΓM, COLLEGIAN

My experience in college has been an interesting one: beginning college at 16, finishing my first year while in quarantine, struggling to find a normal amidst COVID-19 and graduating before my 21st birthday is kind of a whirl-wind adventure.

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, which includes taking a lot of difficult, highly analytic and computational classes. After graduation, I hope to begin a career in data analytics or actuarial science. Already I am finding that the road I hope to travel will be a long and arduous journey. I’m applying for jobs, and I sometimes immediately get dismissed from job considerations or my skills are undervalued because of my gender. I am incredibly thankful to the women in the Gamma Mu Chapter, because they consistently lift me up and let me know what my worth is, no matter what employers say.

Being a woman in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is notoriously demanding, as society traditionally dictates that women cannot be in a computational field, and a stigma is put around us being in the workplace. For two years, I interned with the development and operations department at a robotics vision-guidance software company. My job was very difficult, and every day during the summer of 2021, I felt like a complete fraud because I had no idea what I was doing. This was before I joined Alpha Sigma Alpha, and thankfully my mentor, Sarah, was incredibly helpful and inspiring in her own way. I ended that summer more confident, but still unsure of my place in the world. When school started back up in August 2021, I decided to sign up for fall recruitment. I needed friends and something to do with my time, as most clubs couldn’t meet because of social restrictions. I thought, “Might as well, let’s see what happens.” I fell in love with AΣA, and Gamma Mu accepted me with open arms.

Right away we started learning about the eight core values during Sunday night membership education lessons. The lesson on growth through continual personal development has stuck with me ever since. We are to grow like pearls, becoming beautiful and strong through time. A pearl begins as an irritant, some grain of sand or small food particle, that gets stuck in the mantle of a mollusk. To protect itself, the mollusk builds a layer of calcium carbonate around the irritant and continues to build up these layers until the pearl is removed. For me, my irritants were not having friends, going through quarantine and generally being discouraged in my field. When we learned the lesson on growth, I realized that these irritants had made me a different person because I had grown and become something better afterwards. I had thought that I was just a lonely oyster floating around in the ocean, but AΣA showed me that I was creating a beautiful gem the whole time. It’s only after these experiences that I realized the benefits.

So now, I hold growth very close to my heart. I approach every day with the intent to make myself a little bit better than I was the day before. It’s hard to see any changes day to day, but it’s easier to see when you compare today with one year ago. Allow your time in college, Alpha Sigma Alpha and in life to change you for the better. You never know what kind of gems your irritants can turn into.

Alpha

Sigma Alpha's vision

is to

elevate

the

influence of women in the world. In each issue of the Phoenix Magazine, members will be featured who are living Alpha Sigma Alpha's vision, purpose and values in their everyday lives.

COURTNEY WOOD, ZA, ALUMNA

I became a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha in 2018 as a sophomore, and was initiated into the Zeta Alpha Chapter in Joplin, MO. I was drawn to Alpha Sigma Alpha because of its core values and passion for service. In my time as a collegian, my spirit for philanthropy grew as I poured into our new members as vice president of membership education. Once my term ended I took on the role of service & giving chairman and this was where I made so many connections within our community. We coordinated many outreach events to benefit our local women's shelter, hosted food drives and even went out in the community and passed out warm clothes to those in need during the winter. We also went out multiple seasons and supported our local Girls on the Run chapter. All of this I was doing while completing my nursing degree.

For as long as I can remember, I always knew I wanted to become a nurse. My mom even told me I used to watch "Untold Stories of the ER" for fun as a kid. As I ended my journey as a collegian, the pandemic hit. There I was, a new graduate registered nurse (RN) starting out in an adult intensive care unit (ICU), in the beginning of the worst pandemic many of us have ever seen, but I knew my patients needed me. Hospitals were overflowing with patients, and staff was outnumbered. I picked up enough overtime in my first year as an RN to help out in our dire times of need, gaining the experience of a nurse who had been working for nearly two years full time. In that time, I held the hands of many people as they said their last words, laughed and cried with families, but also witnessed many miracles on a daily basis.

To help find some work life balance, I began serving my community as a coach for my local Girls on the Run chapter. I have coached three seasons with Girls on the Run and it has been a huge blessing in my life. I have seen young girls feel empowered, reach their goals and most importantly, gain self-confidence. Additionally, coaching for Girls on the Run helped me realize I could shoot for the stars as well and chase my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. I recently have been working in a Pediatric ICU, helping children and families during this crazy respiratory season. This is also gut wrenching sometimes, but I still get to play a role in miracles every day.

I now spend my free time volunteering for Alpha Sigma Alpha as a membership commitment leader for Region 4. In this role, I have the opportunity to help collegians grow personally and professionally. At the same time, they are pushing me to grow as well. It is very rewarding to see collegians discover the leaders that they can be in their community and on their campuses. I also am working on my master's degree to become a family nurse practitioner. My hope is that I can become a healthcare provider in an underserved community and allow them access to affordable and quality healthcare. All of this would not be possible without my membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha and my sisters helping light that fire for philanthropy in me.

Chapter News & Events

1. Gamma Iota, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY

A member coached their own Girls on the Run 5K team this year, and chapter sisters woke up early to cheer on the local Girls on the Run 5k.

2. Beta Beta, University of Northern Colorado Chapter sisters participated in intramural volleyball together.

Pictured: Samantha Keeney, Savannah Wilder, Haleigh Borrusch, Payton Peters, Julisa Ruiz-Vega, Savana Frasier, Leilana Ocanas

3. Iota Gamma, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Chapter sisters Ally Duhaime and Lianna Perez participating in the Suicide Prevention Walk.

4. Theta Omega, University of New Haven, CT

Sisters volunteered at the local nonprofit food bank, Loaves and Fishes in New Haven, CT.

5. Theta Alpha, Coe College, IA

Members were inducted into the Mortar Board Society, a premier honor society that recognizes college seniors for exemplary scholarship, leadership and service.

6. Theta Tau, Capital University, OH

Members helped pack lunches for Seeds of Caring, a local Columbus organization.

Pictured: Shelby Jackson, Natalie Suich, Hannah Batin, Brynn Parks, Kaitlyn Frasher, Freda Arias Robles, Michaela Beiting

7. Theta Eta, Rogers State University, OK Brooke Munson, Katy Roberts and Ashleigh Ross volunteered at the Wild Heart Ranch Gala to support the local animal resume that provides assistance to injured indigenous wild animals.

8. Beta Nu, Murray State University, KY

Chapter sisters volunteered for Murray’s Kids Care for Hunger Association where they packaged 44 boxes, which provided 9,504 meals for their local area.

Pictured: Kaitlyn Dukes, Gwen Tee, Alissa Peal, Katherine Fisk

9. Gamma Clio, State University of New YorkCortland

Members participated in the CROP Hunger Walk to raise awareness and help to end hunger.

10. Tau Tau, Fort Hays State University, KS

Sisters traveled to Manhattan, Kansas to support Girls on the Run.

Chapter News & Events

11. Zeta Omega, Austin Peay State University, TN

Members Karlee Klinock, Amber King and Seanna Mcdermott participated in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

12. Zeta Iota, Stony Brook University, NY

Sisters Helena Schiliro and Stephanie Gervasio cheered for Girls on the Run while wearing capes and face paint.

13. Epsilon Theta, Penn State Behrend, PA

Members gathered together to help clean up trash and litter from the highway.

14. Theta Upsilon, Boise State University, ID

Members play on the Women’s Club Soccer Team and this year they made it to nationals in Texas.

Pictured: Terilyn Hineman, Heather Wright, Megan Elsom, Rylie Mackie

15. Gamma Chi, Bryant University, RI

The chapter had a successful Sneaker Soiree and raised more than $3,000 for Girls on the Run,

Pictured: Jacqueline Zeigler and Courtney Dye

16. Zeta Gamma, Gannon University, PA

The chapter is participating in a “Trampoline-a-Thon” in which chapter members took turns jumping on a trampoline. The proceeds raised were split equally to benefit St. Jude’s and Special Olympics.

17. Beta Pi, Concord University, WV

The chapter celebrated their 75th anniversary. More than seventy sisters were present for this momentous occasion. Of special significance was the attendance of a sister from the 1956 pledge class.

18. Iota Kappa, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA

Sisters volunteered at Called to Care, a faith-based organization that helps give foster children the things they need to get through the rough times. They were separating the clothes the chapter donated for children/adults of all ages.

Pictured: Anslee Lewis, Mallory Langston, Danielle Griffin, Trinity Miller, Emily Sweep.

19. Nu Nu, Drexel University, PA

Members supported the Girls on the Run Philidelphia chapter.

20. Chicago Metro Alumnae

The chapter celebrated their 50th anniversary. National President Amber Shaverdi Huston attended the celebration.

The Wilma Wilson Sharp Society recognizes members who have named the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation in their estate plans. These donors provide for the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha by including the Foundation as a beneficiary in their wills, life insurance policies, retirement plans or testamentary trust and annuities.

These generous donations will provide grants and scholarship that will elevate and influence Alpha Sigma Alpha women. We are thankful for the impact women like Dee Dee and Gerry made during their lifetimes as donors and in their thoughtful donations through the Wilma Wilson Sharp Society.

The Foundation has received two Wilma Wilson Sharp Society estate gifts this fiscal year. Frances (Dee Dee) Jobson Francis, BE, donated from her estate to the area of greatest need (unrestricted). Dr. Geraldine Vang Cox, NN, gave the Foundation a donation to be used for the area of greatest need (unrestricted) and for the Dr. Geraldine Cox Scholarship Fund, which is annually awarded to an undergraduate member from a chapter in Region 9, 10 or 11.

If you are interested in adding the Foundation to your estate plans or have already done so without notifying the Foundation, please email fndstaff@alphasigmaalpha.org.

Thank you to all current Wilma Wilson Sharp Society donors for your commitment to Alpha Sigma Alpha and the Foundation!

Frances (Dee Dee) Jobson Francis, BE

Dr. Geraldine Vang Cox, NN

FROM THE archives

The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha debuted in the fall of 1914.

When Alpha Sigma Alpha reorganized, the publication of the Sorority was aptly renamed after the mythical phoenix, which arises renewed and more beautiful than before. The Phoenix has a strong history

in Alpha Sigma Alpha, and the content and format have evolved throughout the years to reflect the ever-changing world and the needs of members. However, for nearly 110 years, the goal of the Phoenix to provide members with news of the Sorority and a space to celebrate our chapters and members has never wavered.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE PHOENIX MAGAZINE

9002 Vincennes Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

We welcome comments about this publication. Email asa@alphasigmaalpha.org or mail to: Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268

This spring, we are excited to offer our exclusive Library Release. Revisit your favorite Ruby Points wines and indulge in carefully aged vintages, each bottle exclusively made to honor the heritage of our sisterhood. Available from 3/26 through summer!