The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha: Spring 2010

Spring 2010

INSIDE:

of Alpha Sigma Alpha

National council slate selected â– Sonal Shah living the Creed

ON THE COVER: Sonal Shah, Gamma Lambda PHOTO CREDIT: MAIA ROSENFELD

F E AT U R E S Spring 2010

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PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA

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NATIONAL COUNCIL SLATE SELECTED

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HEADQUARTERS STAFF FAVORITE SPOTS IN INDIANAPOLIS

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OPERATION INITIATION

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10 FUN WAYS FOR ALUMNAE TO STAY INVOLVED IN

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HERMES SOCIETY HONORS THE FIRST MEMBERS

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“WOW” MOMENTS IN ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA NPC ANNUAL MEETING REPORT

SPRING 2010

Volume 96, Number 2

of Alpha Sigma Alpha Spring 2010

FROM THE EDITOR Dear readers, As I sit here writing this message to you there is snow on the ground, and many of our members on the East Coast who have been bombarded with the blizzards of February 2010 are still digging out.

To say that I am looking forward to spring is an

DEPARTMENTS 4

Message Message From From the the President President

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alumna alumna highlight: highlight: SonaL

creed SonaL shah, shah, living living the the creed and and following following her her dreams dreams

understatement. I hope that by the time this issue reaches your home you are enjoying spring weather.

As an undergraduate member, spring always seems to conjure up thoughts about college graduation and sad good-byes to sisters and the college lifestyle. This issue of the Phoenix focuses on some of the exciting opportunities in Alpha Sigma Alpha after college graduation, during alumnae membership. We have included suggestions on how alumnae can reconnect with , an invitation to offer alumnae membership to deserving women, a

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What’s What’s Your Your Why? Why?

feature that mentions some of the “wow” moments in alumnae chapters and an article about one of our alumnae trying to make her way in Hollywood. I hope you

Foundation Foundation News News

enjoy reading this issue and are inspired to reconnect with a chapter sister or the national organization.

District District News News In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

News News & & Events Events From

Archives From the the Archives

DEADLINES Summer . . . . . . . . . . . March Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Winter . . . . . . . . . September Spring . . . . . . . . . . December

EDITOR

Erika Butts, ebutts@alphasigmaalpha.org

Erika Ann Butts

STAFF 10 10 10 10

PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (USPS 430-640) is published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Produced by Maury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis. © Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Senior Contributing Editor Nancy I.Z. Reese, niz.reese@gmail.com

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

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

9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-871-2920 Fax: 317-871-2924 Email: asa@alphasigmaalpha.org ™

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

The inks used to print the body of this publication contain a minimum of 20%, by weight, renewable resources.

SPRING 2010

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M essage from the president , a lifetime guarantee B Y C I N D Y K E L L E Y , National President

Did you ever purchase a product because of its lifetime guarantee? Or enter a contest to win a dessert of the month for life? Or even dream of winning the lottery where you would enjoy a hefty pay out every year for the rest of your life? The mere idea of benefitting or enjoying something for life brings a lot of excitement and the feeling of achievement.

How about your membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha? As an alumna member, have you ever said “I was an in college”?

If you are guilty of making this statement, then do I have good news for you! When you accepted the vows of membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha, you were awarded with a lifetime of sisterhood, friendship and opportunities for personal growth and development. Are you reaping the benefits of lifetime membership? Accepting your bid and becoming a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha is like winning the lottery — where you can enjoy a pay out of friendship and sisterhood for the rest of your life.

Alpha Sigma Alpha is for life. The close friendships, leadership experience and opportunities for personal growth through leadership and service that help characterize the collegiate member experience are also enjoyed by alumnae members. These benefits of membership are just as relevant in your alumnae phase of membership as they were during your collegiate years.

Alumnae are the backbone of our organization and play an integral role in further ensuring our relevance and success for future generations. Alumnae members across the country are choosing to stay connected through alumnae chapter involvement, volunteering for the sorority, giving back through their support of the sorority’s philanthropic endeavors, getting together with sisters and living by the creed. Any, and all, of these pathways for connection help ensure that Alpha Sigma Alpha continues to further its mission through the provision of opportunities for sisterhood, heritage, leadership and service throughout members’ lives.

I am often amazed and inspired by the breadth and depth of the connections our members have with sisters. From the sisters who throw a birthday party to honor a sister’s 70th birthday, to the sisters who are brightening the days of others through hands-on service while also enriching their own lives, to sisters who have decided to model the way for younger members through volunteering for the sorority . . . the connections are providing lasting impact on members’ lives. Your years as an alumna member out number and

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the memories even often outweigh that of your time as a collegiate member. So, however you choose to be connected with Alpha Sigma Alpha, do it with great pride and enjoyment — and make sure you are living each day to its ultimate good.

One particular group of alumnae that I would like to additionally acknowledge and recognize are those members who are serving as volunteers for Alpha Sigma Alpha. Whether working directly with collegians or alumnae groups or providing indirect service through support of other volunteers, these ladies are simply phenomenal.

They often give up quality family time, nights and weekends and are always generous with their time, energy and treasure to support Alpha Sigma Alpha and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

They mentor sisters, help us reach our strategic goals and ensure that we are a relevant, thriving organization that will be there for our members and future members throughout their lives.

Of course, they do not do it only out of a sense of obligation.

Our volunteers are empowered and inspired by making a difference in the lives of others, feeling a sense of pride and well-being, spending time with sisters, developing leadership and transferable professional skills and connecting with a mission that is larger than themselves. I hope you will join me in thanking and recognizing Alpha Sigma Alpha’s___volunteers for their dedication to the sorority. In fact, you can reach out and give them an extra big thank you during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18–24, 2010.

Volunteering for the sorority is only one way to showcase your pride and enjoy our sisterhood. How do you plan to reap the benefits of lifetime membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha?

In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

Cindy Kelley, National President

SPRING 2010

National council slate selected B Y B A R B P E N N I N G T O N S T R U B L E , - Nominating Committee Chairman

“On behalf of the nominating committee, I want to congratulate you on having been nominated as a candidate for national council.” Those words are the start of an exciting, nerve-wracking process for national council nominees.

For the nominating committee, the work begins months earlier, but the process is just as exciting and nerve-wracking for these women as the future of the sorority depends, in large part, on the work they do.

The governance of Alpha Sigma Alpha is vested in the national convention body and the national council. The primary responsibilities of national council relate to the “business” of the sorority as stated in our national bylaws.

In addition, the national council “shall have full power and authority over all monies of the sorority, with the power to collect and receive the same and to dispose of funds to meet such obligations and expenses of the corporation for which it shall be liable and for the proper conduct of the objectives of Alpha Sigma Alpha.” While the sorority is a sisterhood, it is also a multi-million dollar business that has strategies to achieve its mission.

The nominating committee studied the governing documents and strategic plan before the nominating process began. This biennium, additional criteria were used to determine the candidates and their positions. At the last convention, the convention body voted to establish term limits for national council. These terms of office were used to place the candidates in their nominated positions. Although there were additional criteria, the committee was looking for candidates who have demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the organization, proven administrative and financial skills, the ability to represent the sorority well to its members and others, and a broad perspective of the sorority.

The committee captured information from candidate resumes and cover letters, interviews with the candidates, accountability reviews, and feedback from members who have served in leadership roles in Alpha Sigma Alpha. It is important to note that national council is a team.

Therefore, the committee felt moving nominated council members to different positions on national council increases their experience and development and enhances the team. Interviews with the candidates allowed the committee to get a feel for the team who would lead Alpha Sigma Alpha for the next biennium. Committee members Kathy Wilson Burke, , Brenda Mesalam,

, Barb Williamson, , Liz Conwell, and Chairman Barb Pennington Struble, -B, are pleased to announce the following members have been placed on the slate of national council candidates to be presented to the convention body in June.

SPRING 2010

National President Cindy Kelley, Cindy joined the Beta Pi Chapter, Concord University, WV, and served her chapter as president, membership director and homecoming, intramurals and sisterhood chairman. She was honored by her chapter with the Outstanding New Member Award, the Elizabeth Bird Small Award and the Aspire, Seek, Attain Award.

While at Concord, Cindy served in leadership roles in honorary societies and campus organizations and was captain of the intercollegiate softball team, receiving all-conference honors. She graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in travel industry management.

Cindy was elected national president of Alpha Sigma Alpha in 2008 and currently provides leadership and guidance to the national council. She also serves the Foundation as an ex-officio trustee and represents the sorority as part of the National Panhellenic Conference delegation. As a member of both the sorority and Foundation boards, Cindy sees it as her role to help with streamlining communication, developing direction and championing the mission. Cindy has served the national organization as a convention delegate, 1992–08, leadership consultant, 1993–94, province director, 1994–98, colony development director, 1996-98, extension committee, 1996–99, chairman of colonies, 1998–02, national vice president of collegians, 2002–04, national vice president of membership, 2004–06, national vice president of operations, 2006–08, and currently serves as national president. She has served as a facilitator at several leadership development institutes, presented workshops at conventions and District Day events, participated in extension presentations and served on numerous installation teams. Cindy served as a charter member of both the North Carolina Triangle Area Alumnae Chapter and the Triangle Area Alumnae Panhellenic Association.

Professionally, Cindy, has a background in not-for-profit management and student development.

She currently serves as the program executive director for Girl Scouts — North Carolina Coastal Pines in Raleigh, NC. When not working or volunteering for Alpha Sigma Alpha, Cindy enjoys being involved in her community and spending time with her husband, Mike, and dog, Kraemer.

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Vice President of Finance Kim Benson, -

Vice President of Operations Melissa Koch Merriam, Melissa is a graduate of Emporia State University, KS, holding a bachelor’s degree in business management. She served Epsilon Epsilon Chapter as standards board member, risk management chairman, vice president of programming and ritual and president.

She has served the Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter as president, NPC delegate and webmaster. As Kansas City Alumnae NPC delegate, she served as grants and loans chairman and program chairman.

Melissa has served the national organization as leadership consultant, 2000–01, Zeta Mu, Missouri Western State University, membership advisor, 2001–03, District 9 recruitment coaching team leader, 2002–03, District 9 facilitator, 2003–05, volunteer recruitment and placement team leader, 2005–07, and national vice president of membership, 2007 to present.

Professionally, Melissa works as development coordinator for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Resources Inc. She lives in Overland Park, KS, with her husband, Andy, and her son, Luke.

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Kim Benson is a 1991 graduate of GMI Engineering & Management Institute (now Kettering University), Flint, MI, holding a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

She served her collegiate chapter as membership director, chapter treasurer, Greek assembly/Panhellenic representative and house steward. As an alumna, she has been a member of the New York City–Big Apple and Greater Dallas Alumnae Chapters and currently the Laurel Highlands, PA, Alumnae Chapter. She has held various positions, including New York City-Big Apple charter member, chapter president, secretary, editor, philanthropic chairman and convention delegate.

A national volunteer since 1994, Kim was a province director from 1994–00. She was finance coaching team leader in District 7 from 2002–03 and then District 7 facilitator from 2003–04.

After relocating to Pennsylvania, she volunteered as finance coaching team leader in District 3 from 2004–06. She has been a convention delegate from 1996 to 2006 and a presenter at several District Day events. At the 2006 national convention, Kim was elected vice president of membership. In May 2007 Kim was appointed vice president of finance and elected to the position in 2008.

Professionally, Kim works for UPS in the Pittsburgh, PA, area as a plant engineering area manager. She currently resides in Greensburg, PA.

Vice President of Communications Christine Strapac Thomas,

Christine Strapac Thomas is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, holding a bachelor’s degree in home economics education. She received her master’s degree in textiles and consumer economics with a minor in marketing from the University of Maryland.

Christine served Alpha Gamma Chapter as social chairman and recruitment event chairman. She was honored by her chapter with the Frost Fidelity Award. As a member of the Washington, DC, Alumnae Chapter, Christine has held the positions of secretary, treasurer and editor.

Since 1990 Christine has volunteered for the national organization as Epsilon Tau chapter and financial advisor, province director, District 2 finance team member, District 2 facilitator, national vice president of membership and currently vice president of communications. She has been a member of the nominating and programming committees, participated in extension presentations, presented workshops at District Day events and conventions, facilitated several Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institutes and served as a delegate at eight national conventions.

She is a retired health and family studies teacher residing in Columbia, MD, with her husband, Bob.

SPRING 2010

Vice President of Membership Julie Wiley Levine,

Vice President of Membership Nora Ten Broeck,

Julie Wiley Levine graduated from Longwood University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

She received a master’s of education in school administration, higher education in 1998 from Old Dominion University and an educational specialist degree from the George Washington University in educational leadership and administration in 2006. Currently, Julie has completed the coursework towards a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies, also at the George Washington University. Her dissertation is titled, “A policy study on the separation of church and state and how it relates to school vouchers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”

Julie served Alpha Chapter as president and treasurer. She was the recipient of Longwood’s 1993 Greek woman of the year award and the most outstanding student leader for the senior class of 1993.

Julie served the national organization as convention delegate, 1992–08, leadership consultant, 1993–94, Epsilon Eta Chapter advisor, 1994–07, province director, 1997–02, formal rush coaching team leader, 2002–06 and District 4 facilitator, 2006–10. She has served as a facilitator for numerous leadership development institutes and presented workshops at conventions and District Day events.

In January Julie was appointed to fill a vacancy on the national council for the remainder of the 2008-10 biennium as vice president of membership.

Professionally, Julie works at Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach, VA, where she teaches middle school mathematics and coaches the varsity cheerleading squad. She resides in Virginia Beach with her husband, Marc, daughter, Madison, and son, Wiley.

Nora M. Ten Broeck is an initiate of Beta Kappa Chapter, Western Illinois University, and a member of the Windy City Alumnae Chapter, Chicago.

She served Beta Kappa Chapter as fundraising co-chairman, house manager, chapter president and national convention delegate. As an alumna, Nora began her career as a chapter consultant and later as a staff member at national headquarters in Springfield, MO. Nora’s sorority service spans a variety of roles such as chapter advisor, housing corporation board member, membership education chairman, Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute facilitator, Phoenix magazine collegiate and feature editor and was a significant contributor to the sorority’s centennial publications. Since 2002, Nora has served as a member of the national council.

Nora has earned several educational and professional credentials. She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Western Illinois University, a master’s degree in business administration from Aurora University, a certificate in fund-raising management from the school of philanthropy at Indiana University Purdue University– Indianapolis, and was certified as project management professional from the Project Management Institute.

Professionally, Nora works as a business analyst and project manager for a privately held technology firm.

SPRING 2010

Vice President of Membership Kelly McGinnis Morello, Kelly McGinnis Morello graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Millersville University, PA. She graduated from Villanova University, PA, with a master’s degree in human resource development and has received her professional certification in human resources.

Kelly served her chapter as song/ sunshine chairman, treasurer, 10-year anniversary chairman and standards chairman. Upon graduation, she traveled as a leadership consultant for the sorority.

As a founding member of the Greater Valley Forge, PA, Alumnae Chapter, Kelly has served as president, ritual chairman, treasurer and Panhellenic delegate.

A national volunteer since 1999, she was Epsilon Kappa membership advisor in 1991, Epsilon Kappa chapter advisor from 1999-04, province director from 2000-02, District 2 Advantage coaching team leader from 2002–04, District 2 facilitator from 2004-07, volunteer recruitment and placement team leader from 2007-08 and currently serves as vice president of membership. She has also participated in extension presentations, served as a facilitator at several Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institutes and has been a presenter at several District Day events.

Professionally, Kelly serves as senior director, programs & workforce development, for Pennsylvania Bio. She resides in Romansville, PA, with her husband Ken, and son, Drew.

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Headquarters staff favorite spots in Indianapolis

The Alpha Sigma Alpha national headquarters staff is very excited to host the 2010 national convention and leadership conference in their home city of Indianapolis, IN. Before convention attendees arrive in downtown Indianapolis (Indy), the staff wants to share their favorite local spots for shopping, food and fun!

Silver in the City

Tastings

Membership Services Coordinator Christy Adams,

Membership Growth Coordinator Amber Shaverdi Huston, and Volunteer & Alumnae Coordinator Aly Campbell,

Christy’s favorite spot in downtown Indy: Silver in the City, a jewelry and home shop, located at 434 Massachusetts Ave.

Aly and Amber’s favorite spot in downtown Indy: Tastings a wine bar, located at 50 W. Washington St.

Christy says: “I love shopping at Silver in the City on Mass. Ave. The shop has tons of funky gifts and jewelry, and the staff is so much fun!�

Amber says: “Tastings is a great place for good wine, good stories and good laughs!�

Web site: http://shopsilverinthecity.com

Web site: http://www.awineexperience.com/

Children’s Museum Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation Executive Director, Krystal Geyer Slivinski, and her son, J.D. Krystal’s favorite spot in downtown Indy: The Children’s’ Museum of Indianapolis, located at 3000 N. Meridian St. Krystal says: “If you bring your children to convention, I recommend taking a trip to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It is the largest children’s museum in the nation and a great place for kids to learn and have fun at the same time!�

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SPRING 2010

Chocolate CafĂŠ Communications & Marketing Coordinator Erika A. Butts,

It’s Operation Initiation

Erika’s favorite spot in downtown Indy: The Chocolate CafĂŠ, a candy store and sweet cafĂŠ, located at 20 N. Meridian St. Erika says: “I recommend the Chocolate CafĂŠ to all sisters with a sweet tooth.

Their dark chocolate hot cocoa is my absolute favorite.�

Web site: http://sbchocolate.com/

And you’re invited . . .

Who: ANY WOMAN WHO HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE

What: THE OPPORTUNNITY TO BE INITATED INTO ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Where: THE 2010 ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA NATIONAL CONVENTION AND LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AT THE HYATT REGENCY INDIANAPOLIS

When: SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2010

Time: 8:30 A.M.

How:

CafĂŠ Patachou Foundation Development Coordinator Naydia Spears, Naydia’s favorite spot in downtown Indy: CafĂŠ Patachou, a cafĂŠ opened for breakfast and lunch, located at 225 W. Washington St. Naydia says: “CafĂŠ Patachou is a more modern take on the typical cafĂŠ, and located across the street from the Hyatt. My favorite menu item is the broken yoke sandwiches with a side of tomato and artichoke soup!â€?

SPRING 2010

A COLLEGIATE OR ALUMNAE CHAPTER SPONSORS AN ALUMNA INITATE TO PARTAKE IN THE SANCTUARY DEGREE. Individual collegians and alumnae may also sponsor initiates.

The idea behind Operation Initiation is to spread and share the sisterhood of Alpha Sigma Alpha to prominent women in our lives. Our vision is to cultivate values and ideals in women who are known for their character and concern for others. Alpha Sigma Alpha inspires women to lead, to serve and most of all to make a difference. Our goal is for 10 alumnae initiates to be initiated at the national convention and leadership conference THIS SUMMER! What an exciting opportunity to be initiated into our sorority by the national president and national council in front of the entire convention body. It truly is a special ritual and will be a memory that lasts forever—much like membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha. If you or your chapter is interested in sponsoring an alumna initiate, please contact Aly Campbell at acampbell@alphasigmaalpha.org to find out more information on Operation Initiation!

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fun ways

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for alumnae to stay involved in

B Y A L Y C A M P B E L L , Volunteer & Alumnae Coordinator Membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha is for a lifetime. No matter your level of involvement with the sorority, remember that is always with you and will continue to serve you as an alumna sister. Like most women’s fraternal organizations, Alpha Sigma Alpha provides volunteer opportunities for alumnae involvement along with the option of participating in an alumnae chapter or association. However, at this point in your life, maybe you cannot be that involved with the sorority, and that is OK. Here are some easy ways for you to be an involved alumna everyday.

1.

Keep your contact information updated with national headquarters.

2.

Read the Phoenix and provide feedback.

3.

Join the Arista Alumnae Association and help fund sorority endeavors.

4.

Follow Alpha Sigma Alpha on Facebook.

5.

Wear your letters and/or badge.

Talk to people about your experience as an Alpha Sigma Alpha woman.

6.

Apply to be a facilitator at national events like District Day and The Emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development Institute.

7.

Support our national philanthropies and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.

8.

Attend national and sorority distric events.

9.

Live your life by our Creed.

10. Replace “I was an Alpha Sigma Alpha� with “I am an Alpha Sigma Alpha.�

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SPRING 2010

Hermes academic society honors the first members B Y N A Y D I A S P E A R S , Foundation Development Coordinator Alpha Sigma Alpha is pleased to announce the acceptance of eight women as the first members of the new academic honor society, the Hermes Society. National headquarters received eight applications by the Dec. 1, 2009 deadline, and all eight women were deemed qualified and granted acceptance. The following women became the charter members of the society:

“Academic excellence is doing the assigned readings from class instead of simply skimming over the important parts or skipping

â–

Natalie Bordignon, , Coe College, IA

them altogether; it is studying

â–

Alexandra Busch, , James Madison University, VA

for a test weeks in advance

â–

Alyssa Hotz, , James Madison University, VA Megan Little, , Lynchburg College, VA

instead of cramming the night

â– â–

Mallory Shore, , Pennsylvania State University

â–

Bethany White, , Lynchburg College, VA

with your friends to study for

â–

Ellen Windy, , Saginaw Valley State University, MI

an important test or doing an

â–

Lauren Zerr, , Pittsburg State University, KS

important project. It is being

As part of the application process, members were required to submit a completed application, provide an official transcript, include a letter of reference, as well as write an essay on their personal definition of academic excellence. Here are some of the things the new society members had to say: “Academic excellence is comprised of academic performance, personal drive and work ethic, time management, life experience and the continued pursuit of knowledge.� — Alyssa Hotz,

before; it is forgoing a night out

creative and insightful with your research and procedures, and it is striving to achieve the highest grade possible in a class.� — Mallory Shore,

“Academic excellence is the ability to show character that counts while being proficient in a variety of scholarly studies. It is a mixture of self-respect and self-sacrifice.� — Megan Little, “Academic excellence is about growing and improving while still learning, and that can take place in any setting, not just in a school.� — Lauren Zerr, “It [academic excellence] is enthusiasm and a desire to learn, responsibility, self-motivation, dedication and hard work and a desire to better oneself in order to better the world around us.� — Natalie Bordignon, The Hermes Society is an academic honor society created exclusively for members of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Applicants must be junior, senior status, or graduate status, have been a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha for at least one year and hold a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Two groups of members will be selected each year. Members interested in applying should meet the 2010 deadlines, June 1, 2010, or Dec. 1, 2010.

Note: Hermes is the Alpha Sigma Alpha exemplar that represents our intellectual aim. Hermes’ Day, May 25, marks the beginning and end of the Alpha Sigma Alpha year. Members are asked to wear green and pearl white ribbons underneath their membership badges on this day, representing victory and fellowship.

SPRING 2010

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Cover story

Sonal Shah, living the Creed and following her dreams

B Y T R A C E Y K I E F E R , Phoenix Contributor Sonal Shah is living each day to its ultimate good — in a big way!

You may have seen Sonal recently on TV as intern Dr. Sunny Day on the hit ABC comedy “Scrubs” or on the companion web series to “Scrubs,” “Interns,” which can be found on abc.com. This alumna and Chicago native is taking inspiration from our Creed, and through her own special brand of humor, living her life to the fullest and making her dreams come true in Hollywood.

Sonal, (sounds like “Toe-Null”)

, has been a self-described “performer” her whole life.

Growing up in Wheaton, IL, Sonal was very active in competitive dancing and in her community, starting at the young age of five. She was always dancing, singing and acting and found a lifelong love and appreciation of the arts at an early age.

Sonal was also very studious and loved science. Early on, she dreamed of combining her love of helping people with her interest in science to one day become a doctor.

She attended Loyola University of Chicago as a presidential scholar, and while there, became a member of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Talking about her experiences as a member of her chapter Sonal said, “The support,

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sisterhood, philanthropic experiences and the Creed itself are part of what guides me in my journey through life yesterday, today and tomorrow!”

When asked why she joined Alpha Sigma Alpha Sonal said, “I joined Alpha Sigma Alpha because I wanted to learn, get involved, bond, grow, live and laugh.

My membership exceeded my expectations.

I did not have sisters or super close girlfriends growing up, therefore I was excited at the opportunity to be part of a community of fascinating females. My experience in was fabulous and totally helped me prepare for my life and future!”

Through , Sonal was able to pursue her love of helping people as philanthropy chairman of her chapter.

Volunteering with her sisters at the Ronald McDonald House, the AIDS walk, and soup kitchens are special memories for her to this day. Sonal is also grateful for the lifetime friendships that she built through the sorority. While at Loyola, Sonal realized that she was spending more time pursuing her passion for the arts than her passion for medicine and was faced with the decision of choosing between her love of acting and performing and her dream of becoming a doctor. Sonal credits the love and support of her family and her sisters for getting her through this pivotal period of her life. When speaking about this difficult time, Sonal said, “My experiences in were so wonderful because of the girls I’m proud to call my sisters. It was truly a remarkable group full of selfless, bright, kind and truly fascinating individuals. When I missed my family, my sisters were there to hold my hand; when I transitioned from pre-med to theatre, my SPRING 2010

sisters were there to attend my performances; when I wanted to have fun, my sisters were there to go to dances with; when I wanted to work hard, my sisters were there to study with; when I had a birthday, my sisters were there to celebrate; when I needed to talk, my sisters were there to listen.”

At graduation, Sonal was selected as the student speaker to give the keynote address and graduated cum laude with a major in theatre, with minors in psychology, biology and chemistry and a concentration in pre-medicine. After college, she immersed herself into Chicago theatre and performed at the Tony-award-winning Goodman Theatre, Collaboraction, Running With Scissors and Stir Friday Night, to name a few. She is also a founding member of Rasaka Theatre Company and supplemented her acting education at Improv Olympic and The Moscow Art Theatre School at Harvard University.

In 2004, with the love and support of her close family, Sonal made the difficult decision to leave Chicago for Los Angeles, where she started testing for pilots and booked her first series regular role in a sitcom pilot for ABC Family. Sonal also studied with Lesly Kahn, The Groundlings, graduated from The Second City Conservatory and performed with esteemed theatrical companies. “I really didn’t know I was funny until people started laughing at, or with, me. Or maybe they just thought I was weird. After years of ‘struggling’ and working really hard, I ended up auditioning and booking ‘Scrubs,’” said Sonal.

Even in Hollywood, Sonal stays close with fellow s. She currently lives with her little sister, Vanessa Crase,

, in a two-bedroom apartment in Hollywood and was ecstatic to be the maid of honor for her college best friend and roommate, Dr. Kate Bachman Gonzaga, .

When she is not busy acting, Sonal also makes time to tutor high school students in calculus and does work in public relations, as well as making time to volunteer. She is excited to be getting involved with various not-for-profit artistic organizations and was recently invited to give a lecture to the SAA (South Asian SPRING 2010

Association) at Harvard University, host the Chicago Foundation for Women: Asian American Leadership Council Achievement Awards and serve as a panelist at the Kriti Festival (the Midwest’s South Asian Literary Festival.) Also, Sonal was recently honored by Loyola University’s profile series called Loyola alumni in action.

So what’s next for Sonal? She is currently performing with sketch groups at various theatres throughout LA . . . including shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade and Improv Olympic West and is considering moving into stand up comedy. Most recently, she was named one of the top 50 coolest desis (a member of the South Asian disapura) in the world for 2009, as well one of the top 10 fascinating South Asians of the year for 2009. Even with the success that she has had, Sonal remains grounded and focused, knowing that there is never a guarantee in the entertainment industry.

Sonal finds it funny to look back at how her life has changed. In high school, she thought she was destined to become a doctor and get married at a very young age and now she is a free spirit living in LA, taking things one day at a time and working hard to make acting a success.

Even though things change and people change, Sonal has learned that it is OK and that she is very happy she decided to follow her dream. It is a challenge and hard work, but Sonal has decided that it is worth the sacrifices. She said, “If there is one thing I’ve learned in this business (and in life itself) . . . it’s that I really can’t plan anything. I’ve learned to embrace living in the moment and living life as it comes.

So many variables (luck, choice, the universe, faith) come into play within every moment that happens in any given day . . . and one circumstance can change everything or do nothing at all. I really try to live life to the fullest every moment of every day.”

Sonal treats acting as a full-time small business and investment in herself. She is always working on marketing herself and seeking out opportunities to grow. Sonal has advice for fellow sisters who might be considering an acting career: “It’s a journey — it’s a lot of time, energy and

effort but few rewards, but it is worth it.

The ‘Scrubs’ opportunity was wonderful, but I’ve by no means made it. I miss my family every day. If you want to pursue TV or movies, you need to be in LA or New York City. Do it but make sure you are ready for the sacrifices. If you choose to do it, be ready to commit 100 percent.” Sonal suggests getting as much experience as possible and make sure your motive is not fame or fortune. For Sonal, her motive remains working to pursue her passion. She loves making friends, inspiring and connecting with people, and for her, the entertainment business has been the vehicle to do so.

Through it all, with hard work and an ever-present sense of humour, Sonal never forgets to keep sight of her dreams . . .

“I do have a dream. I dream to always be able to share the love, peace, happiness and laughter with everyone I can. I dream to always be a student of the world and never lose the desire to learn and grow.

I dream to teach and give back in any way I can. I believe that art (and in my case the art genre encompassing theatre, film and television) is a beautiful gift to spread love.

I dream to act and be able to continue to act, connect, create, work hard and discover. I am an actor for life and I hope to always be acting. I dream that my family and friends will always know how much I love them. I am totally aware of the fact that I’m a big cheese ball . . . ooh, a cheese ball sounds yummy.”

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The Mid-Michigan Crown Alumnae Chapter hosts the Red Ticket Raffle for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation at the 2008 national convention and leadership conference.

Zeta Phi members before and after they shaved their heads for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation event to raise awareness and funds to cure children’s cancer.

Theta Epsilon members and students from the Doyle School enjoy Ladybug Field Day.

Beta Beta collegians and Denver alumnae at their Founders’ Day event.

Nu Nu Chapter cooking up some competition during their pasta bakeoff.

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SPRING 2010

“Wow� moments in Alpha Sigma Alpha chapters B Y B A R B J . W I L L I A M S O N , Historian Some of the greatest success stories of our chapters and individual women are buried in the forms and reports that the sorority requires officers to submit. Many of these accomplishments occur without a glimmer of recognition beyond the local campus. They are the best examples of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s core values of balance, generosity, growth, integrity, learning, relationships, responsibility and enjoyment put into action by our members.

Having read some of the “wow� moments from the chapter history reports for 2008. I wanted to share these fantastic stories with everyone and give kudos where they are deserved. Hopefully, some of these events will inspire other chapters to do more activities that involve the women of Alpha Sigma Alpha in the lives of alumnae and community members.

Lydia Benger, a junior mechanical engineering major and member of Zeta Phi Chapter at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago, organized a St. Baldrick’s celebration. St. Baldrick’s Foundation raises awareness and funds to cure children’s cancer by supporting cancer research and fellowships.

IIT students agreed to shave their heads for the cause, and they tirelessly sought pledges from donors to support St. Baldrick’s.

This event raised more than $10,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Five sisters from Zeta Phi Chapter shaved their heads: Lydia Benger, Erin Mersch, Savannah Prout, Ellie Souder and Crystal Trauner.

To find out more about St. Baldrick’s, go to www.stbaldricks.org. “Ladybug Field Day� was created by the women of Theta Epsilon Chapter at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX, to get more involved with the students of Doyle School. The children of Doyle School are from low-income households and often do not get much interaction with responsible older adults. The Theta Epsilons brought the children to the Schreiner campus and put on a field day with various events for them to participate in together.

Mid-Michigan Crown Alumnae Chapter held a Red-Ticket Raffle at the 2008 national convention and leadership conference and raised $3,600 for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. They also raised $800 at District Day for the Foundation with another raffle.

The women of Beta Gamma, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK, heard about Hannah, a girl in the Cherokee Elementary 2nd grade class of Beta Gamma alumna Julie Gosnell Cochrane, and they wanted to help her.

Hannah is a double above-the-knee amputee who wanted to go to the Challenged Athletes Track Meet in LaJolla, CA, in October 2008.

Her family needed some extra money to be able to go, so the women of Beta Gamma teamed up with the Tahlequah Alumnae Chapter to hold a garage sale fundraiser.

They raised $500 and Hannah realized her dream and got to attend the track meet.

She was featured in the “Tahlequah Daily Press� as well as on the Challenged Athletes Foundation card that was sent out after the event. This experience helped Hannah with her self-esteem and made the women of Beta Gamma and Tahlequah Alumnae Chapters feel great, too.

Founders’ Day is a wonderful time to bring together collegians and alumnae from several chapters to celebrate together and learn from each other. Last year for

Founders’ Day, members of the Denver Alumnae Chapter and Beta Beta Chapter at the University of Northern Colorado joined together to share the event. They played several games where they were able to learn more about one another. “It was truly amazing to see so many great women who are so involved on campus and others who are still involved as alumnae,� commented Kristin Bremer Heath, , Denver alumna. “It was such an amazing and inspirational group of women!�

Keeping alumnae and collegians connected is vital to building relationships within the sorority. In order to reconnect with some of their alumnae, the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Emporia State University, KS, opened their sorority house for alumnae to come spend the night and relive their college experience. The alumnae were given the option of what room in the sorority house to stay in, drivers for the night, house tours and breakfast the next morning. It was a huge success with 33 alumnae in attendance. The alumnae paid a small fee and received a T-shirt that read “Who says you can’t go home? There is only one place they call me one of their own.� Epsilon Epsilon Chapter is planning on making this an annual event.

Some activities can be educational and enjoyable at the same time. The women of Nu Nu Chapter at Drexel University, PA, showed off their culinary talents and held a pasta bakeoff. It was open to the entire university and proved to be very good public relations event for Alpha Sigma Alpha. The sisters competed in a pasta baking competition, and the winners received sashes and prizes.

Alpha Sigma Alpha’s core values of balance, generosity, growth, integrity, learning, relationships, responsibility and enjoyment are more than just words.

They are a way of life. These core values are demonstrated every day in every chapter, whether we choose to give money, shave our heads, bake lasagna or hold an office. When we uphold these core values, every member does make a difference.

Beta Gamma collegians and the Tahlequah Alumnae Chapter raised funds to help Hannah attend a track meet for challenged athletes through a garage sale.

SPRING 2010

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NPC NEws The Alpha Sigma Alpha members at the 2009 NPC meeting. From left to right, Cindy Kelley, , Eleanor Borbas Williams, , Ellen Funk Morris, , Lynne Rachal Chambers, , Krystal Geyer Slivinski, , executive director, and Sue Zorichak, .

Women leading the experience: NPC 2009 annual meeting report B Y S U E Z O R I C H A K , NPC second alternate delegate With a theme of “Women Leading the Experience,” the 2009 National Panhellenic Conference conducted its annual meeting in Tampa, Oct. 8–11, 2009. Delegation members, inter/national presidents, executive directors and editors met to focus on the mission of the conference: to promote the values of and serve as an advocate for its member groups, in collaboration with campuses and communities.

With recommendations based on research by its long-range planning committee as well as other NPC committees, the board of directors enacted far-reaching legislation that affects NPC organizational structure, operational management and programming. More information is available on the NPC web site. www.npcwomen.org.

Many women were recognized for their roles in leading the experience.

The archives committee was thanked for the work it did in preparing the history of the conference: “2009: Adventure in Friendship,” which is available on the NPC web site. Retiring delegates Marilyn Fordham, Delta Gamma, and Juliana Wales, Kappa Kappa Gamma, were recognized by the conference and their member groups for their many years of service to the Panhellenic community.

Chairman Julie Burkhard, Alpha Chi Omega, was recognized by representatives of NIC, NPHC and the PAC for her 16

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leadership in shaping the conference into what has been called “the new NPC.” Outstanding alumnae and college panhellenics were recognized at the meeting for their achievements during the 2007-09 biennium. During the Saturday luncheon, St. Louis, the 2007–09 outstanding aumnae Panhellenic association, received the sponsored award from Delta Phi Epsilon. Additional award runner-ups and honorable mentions are available on the NPC web site. Leading the congratulations to the St. Louis representatives was guest speaker Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Alpha Chi Omega, who challenged all to continue the advocacy efforts for alumnae and collegians.

Barbara Laederach, Delta Gamma, received the National Panhellenic Conference Distinguished Service Award during the closing banquet. The award is given to an individual who contributes time or talent for the advancement of the National Panhellenic Conference and supports the NPC founding principles of interfraternal cooperation. Barbara was a member of the Delta Gamma delegation for 32 years, during which she chaired the college panhellenics committee, as well as the long-range planning committee. In addition, she researched and wrote the NPC position paper delineating the legal reasons private organizations (including NPC and its member groups) have the right under the U.S. Constitution to follow their own rules. She also authored the “Rushee’s Bill of Rights” and was instrumental in the publication of

“Panhellenic Rush Counseling — A Positive Program.” As Delta Gammas and Barbara’s many Panhellenic friends will attest, her mantra is “Unless Panhellenic is strong, none of our individual groups will be strong.”

Also during the closing banquet, all college Panhellenic award winners were present and were guests of the groups sponsoring the plaques. Each campus representative spoke to the assembly, thanking the conference for its recognition.

The conference welcomed 53 exhibitors and recognized the outstanding contributions of 10 sponsors. New and continuing partnerships were developed while delegations from the 26 member groups visited with the business representatives in the exhibit booths.

These business partners, along with their contact information, can be found on the NPC web site.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a new executive committee was installed for the 2009–11 biennium.

Alpha Sigma Alpha National Panhellenic Conference Delegation Lynne Rachal Chambers, , NPC Delegate Ellen Funk Morris, , NPC First Alternate Delegate Sue Zorichak, , NPC Second Alternate Delegate Eleanor Borbas Williams, , NPC Third Alternate Delegate Cindy Kelley, , National President, ex officio SPRING 2010

What’s your why?

Collegiate and alumnae members shared why they joined Alpha Sigma Alpha.

The friendly attitude of the women made a good impression when I went through rush. The chapter was smaller than many on campus but the energy and enthusiasm made up for the size. The alumnae group has been a source of fun and fulfillment.

I never thought the alumnae aspect of the sorority would become so important to me when I first joined in college.

Shirley Pallatto Bone , Miami University of Ohio Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter Initiation year: 1954

The night I found out who I pledged was one of the most exciting nights of my life. I can still hear the “actives” singing as we filed down between them in Lucina Hall. I relive these memories as we celebrate our ritual. I still share friendships and have made many more in our Chicago West Alumnae Chapter. It is my honor to share experiences with my Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters. Susan James Legg

, Ball State University, IN Chicago West Alumnae Chapter Initiation Year: 1961 As soon as I met the ladies, I knew I belonged there in Alpha Sigma Alpha.

I called my mom and cried after I received a bid, because I knew that I had made a positive step forward in my college career. I joined because I gained more than just friends. I gained a family.

Rachel Lucas , Concord University, WV Initiation Year: 2007

I joined Alpha Sigma Alpha because, as a first semester freshman, I was looking for something fun and meaningful to do on campus. The Alpha Sigma Alphas I met embodied something special. They stood out. I wanted to be a part of that something special.

Christy Adams , DePaul University, IL Initiation Year: 1992 Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter Membership Development Coordinator

The girls were down-to-earth, friendly and focused on their education and provided a wholesome association and friendships.

Barbara Waterson Stewart , Western Michigan University Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter Initiation year: 1954

I was an athlete. That’s it. I played lacrosse for eight years, and it was my life. I didn’t get involved on campus. My best friend joined and really opened my mind to something new and positive.

I became a leader, role model and an inspirer. I held chair [positions], vice president of panhellenic and went to conferences. When I had to quit sports for medical reasons, my sisters were there for me, not my team mates. That’s how I know is the best decision I have ever made.

Halley Heard , Virginia Wesleyan College Initiation Year: 2006

I joined because I had friends in the chapter. I always paid my alumnae dues for a while. I was inactive during my child-raising years. Since I have retired, I have joined the alumnae group and have energized, reconnecting friendships.

Bonnie Ruddell Kaiser , Northern Illinois University Chicago West Alumnae Chapter Initiation Year: 1964

What’s your why? We want to hear from you. E-mail your “Why” to acampbell@

alphasigmaalpha.org. Please title the subject line “What’s your why submission,” and include your name, collegiate chapter and alumnae chapter (if applicable), initiation year and volunteer position (if applicable).

SPRING 2010

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F oundation news

“It is my dream that our legendary Phoenix will flap its wings vigorously and rise to new heights as our Foundation gets off the ground.�

Members of the 1990 Foundation Board of Trustees are, from left: Lois V. Beers, , treasurer; Diane Yencic James, , sorority president; Judy DeMasters Winter, , secretary; Connie Peyton Hoffman, , sorority vice president of finance; Betty Urban Wallick, , vice chairman; and Bonnie Payne Koenemann, , chairman.

A mentor for us all B Y C H R I S T I N A M E R R I M A N S C H M I D , Phoenix Contributor “Bonnie Payne Koenemann, , was a strong woman who embraced the realities of life through the love of her husband, family and friends, her faith, in the fullness of health and in illness, and especially through the goodness, beauty and excellence of Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was indeed a mentor for us all,� said Sue Merriman Levin, .

There are many recognizable alumnae members who have made significant contributions to Alpha Sigma Alpha, but Bonnie Payne Koenemann, , was an alumna who made contributions in and out of the spotlight.

In 1943, Bonnie was initiated into the Zeta Zeta Chapter at what is now the University of Central Missouri. Bonnie, who passed away in July 2009, served Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority as fellowship chairman from 1962–64, philanthropic chairman in 1964, Phoenix editor from 1964–70 and treasurer from 1970–72. In 1984, she was the recipient of the Evelyn G. Bell Award. Bonnie also was instrumental in starting the Foundation, which was incorporated on Oct. 23, 1986.

Diane Yencic James, , former national president and Foundation trustee said, “As I recall, when we were looking for someone to chair the Foundation we needed a member who was dedicated both to the sorority and the idea of the Foundation.

A person who had been generous in her time as a volunteer, but also a person who understood the financial support the Foundation could provide to the sorority. We wanted someone who people knew and trusted as a leader and that person was Bonnie.�

Bonnie served as the first chairman of the Foundation from 1986–93.

Bonnie’s dedication to Alpha Sigma Alpha continued after her tenure as Foundation chairman. In the last few years of her life, Bonnie’s sight started failing. While this made it difficult for her to participate in Alpha Sigma Alpha activities, she always wanted to be involved. St. Louis Alumnae Chapter members would pick her up and take her to events. She was so proud that her alumnae sisters were there for her so she could stay involved in Alpha Sigma Alpha. With the assistance of a dear sorority sister, Juanita Rowe, , Bonnie was able to attend her 17th national convention in Bonita Springs, FL. Bonnie made the most of convention enjoying every moment and imparting her wisdom on the other attendees.

Bonnie taught high school business education for 17 years and was the mother of three children.

Alpha Sigma Alpha and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation were foremost in Bonnie’s life and in her home with her sorority memorabilia, pictures and national awards prominently displayed. Bonnie was a most generous sister whose only expectation of you was to love the sorority as much as she did.

Bonnie Payne Koenemann: A personal story from Christina “As an alumna, Bonnie was always looking for opportunities for alumnae to be involved whether at the national or local level. She felt personal phone calls were the best way to communicate and entice alumnae to attend meetings.

I received a personal phone call from Bonnie and it really was quite effective. She talked about how great the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter was and did not hang up the phone until I committed to attending their next event. That was when I first learned how much Alpha Sigma Alpha meant to her. The next month, Bonnie called again. She talked about how much she enjoyed meeting me and how much she thought I could contribute to the alumnae chapter. Even though I felt quite out of place at the first event and was not sure if I would return, by the time I hung up the phone she not only coaxed me into returning, but also asked me to consider running for an executive board position.

Twenty-three years later, I am still involved in the alumnae chapter. It was her passion, encouragement and insight into what the sorority had to offer that provided me with several volunteer experiences, leadership opportunities and friendships both locally and nationally.

How fortunate that I received her personal phone call 23 years ago and that throughout the years I have been able to share her love of Alpha Sigma Alpha with her.�

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SPRING 2010

D istrict news

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Enjoyment

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1. Frostburg colony members, Frostburg State University, MD, celebrate bid day with their new members after their first formal recruitment. The colony was installed as the Theta Lambda Chapter on Feb. 27, 2010. 2. Zeta Phi Chapter members, Illinois Institute of Technology, try out their costumes for Greek week. Their theme this year is “Lady Gaga.”

From left: Hannah Rosenthal, Julie Masci, Michelle Davidson, Roberta Brucato, Dilyana Stoyanova, Sarah Olson, Erika Wenzler and Gwen Parker. 3. Tiffany Wilson, , Murray State University, KY, posed with Adam Lambert. Tiffany was an extra in Adam’s video “Time for Miracles.” Adam was the first runner-up on “American Idol,” season eight.

SPRING 2010

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D istrict news

3

2

1 1. Delta Sigma Chapter members, Saginaw Valley State University, MI, having fun at the homecoming football game. Front row left to right: Lindsay Donaldson, Melissa Schmidt, Stephanie Weiss, Michelle Sova, Jenna Perreault, Jessica Iazzetto, Gwen Howard and Ellen Windy.

Back row left to right: Gina Papandrea, Rachel Markus, Kelly Funk, Brittany Murawski, Amber Mills and Jessica Wasilesky. 2. Dallas alumnae met for their annual lasagna dinner this February. Front row left to right: Adrienne Zimmerman, , Leigh Ann Greathouse, , Nancy Reding McCray, , Tammy Ziegler Woodman, , Bonita Marince Maurer, , Rhonda Werner Attaway, , and Gigi Fisher Firth, . Back row left to right: Wendy Partain Gerstenkorn, , Carrie Huddleston Wilson, , Amber VanLue Johnston, , Kathy Messina,

, and Ginny Lloyd, . 3. The Beta Gamma Chapter, Northeastern State University, OK, celebrate their fall bid day.

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Friendship& Sisterhood 6

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SPRING 2010

D istrict news

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4. Members of the Beta Delta Chapter, University of Southern Mississippi, who are all now members of the Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter, at the Gulfport Yacht Club in Gulfport, MS. Past national president, Marianne Busch Bullock, , joined them for their event. Front row left to right: Betty Eure Wimberly and Ursula Jones. Back row left to right: Dolly Purvis Loyd, Susan Taylor Tullos, Frances Stone Weathers, Lynn Jones Meador, Dottie Thomsen Long, Kim Tillman Busche and Marianne Bush Bullock. 5. The Des Moines, IA, Alumnae Chapter collected new books for children staying at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. From left: Drea Milobar Iseminger, , Elaine Carlson Wolf, , Heidi Onstot Johnson, , Faith Chapman McGee, , and Nancy Nelson McGraw, . 6. Delta Nu-B Chapter members, Kettering University, MI, took a break for a picture at District 5–6 District Day in Fort Wayne, IN. 7. Alpha Chapter members, Longwood University, VA, traveled to Virginia Beach to participate in the polar plunge for Special Olympics.

They sponsored Allen Ingram, who is Niki Parker’s brother. Bottom row left to right: Amy Bozzard, Suzanne Edwards, Rachael Hall, Allen Ingram, Kirstin Blanton and Niki Parker.

Top row left to right: Katie Austin, Ashley Ford, Liz Harris, Heather Morrison, Kristi Holland, Kaley Remme and Julie Cullen. 8. The Dayton, OH, Alumnae Chapter marked the start of a new program year in autumn 2009 with the kick off meeting at the home of Laura Gadbau Laclede, . Front low left to right: Laura Gadbau Laclede, Vida Moghim McDowell, , Cheryl Junkins Hartman, , and Paula Halfast Brown, . Back row left to right: Pamela Chambers Shoffner, , Jennifer McNeil Hayes, , holding Abby Hayes, Hillary Small Williams, , Cozie Zorio Brown, , and Kathy Hale O’Brien, .

SPRING 2010

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N ews & events

Extension and colony update Alpha Sigma Alpha started the colonization process for Knox College, located in Galesburg, IL, in February 2010.

Knox College is a nationally ranked, private liberal arts college and the colony is located in District 8. he Valdosta State University Colony in Georgia will be installed on April 10, 2010.

The Penn College Colony in Pennsylvania is still working on its colonization goals.

Alpha Sigma Alpha has submitted extension proposals to the following schools that are open for expansion: Boston University, MA, home of our closed Chapter; University of Tampa, FL, home of our closed Chapter; University of Rochester, NY; Boise State University, ID; University of Texas at El Paso; Stamford University of Connecticut; University of Missouri-Kansas City; Stephens College, MO; Whitman College, WA; and Bridgewater State College, MA. James Madison University, VA, home of our Beta Epsilon Chapter, and Loyola University of Chicago, IL, home of our Gamma Lambda Chapter, are two campuses that are currently open for expansion and looking to add another NPC organization to their Greek community.

Any alumnae that are interested in learning about Alpha Sigma Alpha’s expansion opportunities should contact Membership Growth Coordinator Amber Shaverdi Huston, at ahuston@alphasigmaalpha.org.

National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 18–24, 2010 Alpha Sigma Alpha takes pride in our volunteers and wants to give back to them for dedicating a part of their lives to support Alpha Sigma Alpha’s members and chapters and helping to advance our organizational initiatives. We are proud to recognize our volunteers during National Volunteer Week in April. Please take the time to thank the women and men who give back to the organization by volunteering their time and serve as a role model to our sisters. If you need contact information to thank a volunteer or advisor personally please refer to the volunteer directory and the advisor directory in the document library on the Officer Portal.

Alpha Sigma Alpha Facebook application If you haven’t added the Alpha Sigma Alpha Facebook application yet, you are missing out on: ■ The opportunity to search for sisters ■ Great shopping deals ■ Connections with collegiate and alumnae chapter Facebook groups and fan pages ■ Updates from the national organization ■ Personal news and stories shared by sisters To get connected visit www.alphasigmaalphaconnect.com

Alumna authors book Ami Feller, Nu Nu, Drexel University, PA, and Philly Metro Alumnae Chapter member recently released her debut novel.

“Boardwalk in Disrepair: The Splintering of Miss Patriotic” is inspired by Ami’s experiences as part of the Miss America Organization. Those recollections culminated into an unusual perspective of the pageant world. You can find the book on amazon.com.

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SPRING 2010

From the Archives

1996 READER’S GUIDE The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, the official quarterly publication of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, has been published continuously since 1914.

Its mission is to reflect the character of the organization and its members and to communicate the goals and direction of the sorority and Foundation.

Contact us Post us: The Phoenix, Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268 E-mail us: ebutts@alphasigmaalpha.org Call us: (317) 871-2920; for magazine questions, select ext. 20 Fax us: (317) 871-2924 Visit us: www.alphasigmaalpha.org

How to receive the Phoenix All collegiate members and alumnae members receive the Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Individual copies are mailed to each member’s permanent address and a few are sent to the chapter editor or the chapter house.

SPRING 2010

Delta Kappas of the University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, show their sisterhood at the presentation ball in 1996.

Parents and guardians

Photo requirements

Your daughter’s magazine is being sent to your address while she is in college.

We hope you enjoy reading it too.

If she is not in college, or is no longer living at home, please send us her new permanent address (see below).

Please e-mail only high resolution photos at least 500kb in size. Only pictures that are of good quality can be used. Pictures that are blurry or have been scanned do not produce well and therefore cannot be used. Pictures should tell a story of what is happening.

How to change an address You can send address changes to the mailing address listed above or e-mail your old and new addresses to asa@alphasigmaalpha.org. You may also call us at (317) 871-2920, ext. 110.

How to get published Collegiate chapters and alumnae chapters: Each editor is a correspondent for the Phoenix magazine.

View deadlines and photo requirements listed below. Chapter updates and photos must be submitted via e-mail to ebutts@alphasigmaalpha.org. If you have news about an individual alumna, please send information to ebutts@alphasigmaalpha.org or send information to the address above.

How to send a letter to the editor We always welcome your comments— both criticism and praise—about this publication. E-mail ebutts@ alphasigmaalpha.org or send mail to Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

General deadlines for submissions Spring issue: Dec. 10 Summer issue: March 10 Fall issue: June 10 Winter issue: Sept. 10

From the Archives Correction We would like to apologize for a misprint in the winter issue of the Phoenix in the From the Archives section.

We identified the photograph from that issue incorrectly.

We identified the photo as being taken at Louisiana State Day. The photo was actually taken at A-MISS-LOU Day on March 16, 1963 in New Orleans. A-MISS-LOU was an acronym for AlabamaMississippi-Louisiana. The photo included members of the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter who were hostesses for the event.

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I love Alpha Sigma Alpha!

As a member of the Arista Alumnae Association, I am helping my sorority grow, develop leaders and assist volunteers. It’s one way I can give back to my sorority that has given me so much.

Heather Riley, District 9 District Meeting Coordinator Convention Project Team Member Kansas City Alumnae Chapter President

To learn more about the Arista Alumnae Association or to register for membership, visit www.alphasigmaalpha.org or call (317) 871-2920.