MeMbers of the epsilon epsilon Chapter at eMporia state University, Ks. see More Collegiate and alUMnae photos in the distriCt news seCtion.
Theta
Theta
Nominating
Volunteer
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. Produced by Shelle Design Inc., www.shelledesign.com. ©Alpha Sigma Alpha
Send address changes, death notices and business correspondence to the national headquarters. Address all editorial correspondence to the editor.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.
deadlines
Winter Sept. 10
Spring Dec. 10
Summer March 10
Fall June 10
editor
Erika Ann Butts, EK
ebutts@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org
ContribUting editor
Nancy I.Z. Reese, bU
national headQUarters
9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018
Phone: (317) 871-2920
Fax: (317) 871-2924
Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org
stay ConneCted
www.facebook.com/AlphaSigmaAlphaSorority
www.twitter.com/asaHQ
www.youtube.com/user/AlphaSigmaAlphaNHQ
Volume 98, Number2
This has been a fun issue of the Phoenix to compile as the editor. While working on this issue, i spent time in the sorority archives, looking for photographs of our chapters in the 1940s and 1950s. it is always interesting to look through old sorority photographs and old issues of the Phoenix and be reminded of the sorority’s history.
i also had the opportunity to work with the talented women on our national council to create a visual image for Alpha Sigma Alpha’s strategic plan for 2012-15. The goal areas we focus on in our next strategic plan are all very meaningful and will help advance the sorority.
i hope you find this issue to be a good balance of reading about the sorority’s history and our exciting future. Please enjoy reading and reflecting on Alpha Sigma Alpha’s past and what’s to come in the future.
in Alpha Sigma Alpha,
erika Ann Butts Phoenix editor
We always welcome your comments—both criticism and praise—about this publication. Email ebutts@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or send mail to:
Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018
BY C i N d Y KELLEY, b P | n AT
in the Panhellenic world, when the word “legacy” is mentioned, one’s mind automatically goes to recruitment and the many women who are daughters, sisters, granddaughters and nieces of members. As a relatively new mom, i was able to recently personally entertain the thought of having a “legacy” of my very own. When i discovered i was having a boy, i recall sharing the exciting news with sorority sisters, but telling them sadly i would not be providing a legacy for Alpha Sigma Alpha.
Reflecting on that comment, i realize there is a different way to view and define “legacy” and i, as well as all of my sisters, could definitely leave a legacy for Alpha Sigma Alpha. What lasting impact would i want to have on my organization? Participants in the 2011 emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development institute had the opportunity to truly explore this concept as they discovered and developed their personal leadership and discussed the type of legacy they would want to leave behind. What an incredibly unique leadership lesson for young leaders!
When i started volunteering for the sorority in 1994, i am sure i had not given much thought at the time to what kind of legacy i would provide. i was simply enjoying my experience and hoping to provide service where i was most needed. As the years have gone by and i have gained an increasing awareness and appreciation for lifetime membership, i see it as my responsibility to help model the way for members who follow in my footsteps. i love the opportunity to talk with sisters to learn about their passions, leadership and contributions and to help nurture and encourage their own personal development. it is my hope that both my involvement as well as my encouragement of others to actively maintain their lifetime commitment will be a legacy that i can share.
i have learned many lessons and experienced much personal development over the years—to which much of it i can attribute to my involvement with Alpha Sigma Alpha. i hope that i can model an appreciation for intellectual and spiritual growth as well as the importance of healthy living and cultivation of close friendships. The art of balance, obligation of integrity and significance of leadership and service also are lessons learned from the sorority that i would like to pass on.
i think of the many truly amazing people in my life who have come before me, walked beside me and have entered my life at various stages that have, oftentimes unknowingly, left legacies for me. They have guided and inspired me and i feel so very fortunate to have them to follow.
And as we celebrate national Volunteer Appreciation Week this month, i am thankful for the hundreds of volunteers involved in Alpha Sigma Alpha who are leaving their legacy and inspiring others. They are giving of themselves unselfishly for the betterment of the sorority. Their leadership and vision are ensuring that Alpha Sigma Alpha continues to be a vital force on campuses, in the fraternal community and across the country. My sincere appreciation is shared with each and every one of our amazing volunteers. Thank you for leaving your legacy!
in Alpha Sigma Alpha,
BY BriTTaNY MCGUirE, ZT | lEaDERSHIP COnSulTanT
have you ever seen a buffalo do “The Wobble?” Those who attended the installation weekend for West Texas A&M University’s Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha experienced this first hand.
“The Wobble” is a dance similar to the “electric Slide” that infected the women’s experience since day one in their journey to become a chapter. The buffalo is the mascot for West Texas A&M University, and of course, participated in the dancing too. What is the importance of this dance? The answer to that question is simple in the eyes of the Theta Rho Chapter women: the chapter that dances together stays together.
Between September 2011 and installation weekend, the colony women accepted and worked through the challenge of colony development. They worked on their FoCUS plan, creating sisterhood and stepped beyond what many expected of them to do by becoming something different. Something that would make not only a strong impact on the Canyon, Tx, community but also make an impact on every sister’s life.
All of the hard work paid off when installation weekend arrived in midnovember. The women of the Theta Rho Chapter were joined by members of the
Theta xi Chapter from the University of Texas at el Paso, Theta Rho Chapter advisors and other volunteers in the celebration of their achievements. The installation team included national Vice President of operations Melissa Koch Merriam, EE; Membership Growth Coordinator Katie Matis, dh; Colony Development Coordinator Jessica Bridwell McKenna, ZP, Leadership Consultant Brittany McGuire, ZT, and heather Riley, FF, a colony recruitment specialist.
on nov. 11, the chapter kicked off the festivities with the We Are Buffs reception. The women celebrated their achievements with
Cori Bowser
Lori Carbajal
Trazi Cooper
Ashley Cravey
Whitney Crecelius
Tamara Crooks
Melanie Diaz
Cali DiOrio-Saye
Brenda Enriquez
Leanna Espinosa
Ana Gloria Garcia Luviano
Desarae Georage
representatives from campus organizations and administration. Later that evening, the women hosted the We Are Ladybugs reception for sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Visiting collegians, volunteers and the installation team let their hair down, played some school yard games and showed off their Alpha Sigma Alpha cheers and dance moves.
Saturday, nov. 12, 2011, the women took their oath as Alpha Sigma Alpha members during the Sanctuary Degree Service. The West Texas A&M Colony was installed as the Theta Rho Chapter during the Service for installation of a new Chapter and the morning ended with the Service for installation of Collegiate Chapter officers.
A white luncheon was held at the conclusion of the ritual services.
Jessica Bridwell McKenna, ZP, served as the toastmistress for the luncheon. The chapter received gifts from the national organization and collegiate and alumnae chapters. The chapter then presented gifts to the installation team, including a pair of cowboy boots to their leadership consultant.
A formal banquet was held Saturday night. Family and friends of the Theta Rho Chapter joined the women in celebration
Morgan Grazier
Kiersten Hazelwood
Bianca Hernandez
Tori Holley
Adrien Hunt
Reagan Kruse
Rachel Lantrip
Daisy Lara
Emily LeGrande
Samantha Marasco
Cecilia Martinez
Erin Mason
Aurora Ortiz
Ashley Paredes
of their achievements. Brittany McGuire, ZT, served as the toastmistress for the evening. Matt Maples, the associate director of student activities and Alpha Tau omega alumnus, shared his philosophy behind being a member of the fraternity and sorority community as the keynote speaker. The traditional “Aspire, Seek, Attain” toasts were given by Jessica Deharo, ΘΞ, heather Riley, FF, and Melissa Koch Merriam, EE. Brittany and Melissa led the circle of friendship ceremony to unveil the Theta Rho Chapter charter. The night concluded with a video created by the heritage committee commemorating the
Taylor Patton
Emily Pinkert
Ashley Ramirez
Romi Sanchez
Katie Sessums
Dorienne Scott
Cristina Villa
Megan Whitten
Hayley Wynn
Anita Egas
Melissa Adams Williams
Dallas Alumnae Chapter
Greater Kansas City, MO, Alumnae Chapter
Epsilon Epsilon
Collegiate Chapter
Zeta Zeta Collegiate Chapter
Cindy Kelley, bP
Melissa Koch Merriam, EE
Lori White Scott, EE
Heather Riley, FF
colony’s philanthropic work, sisterhood events and social activities leading up to their installation.
“Being a part of the colony is an experience of a lifetime that i wish more sisters could be a part of,” said emily LeGrande, charter member of Theta Rho Chapter. “it allowed us to create amazing bonds that can only be found through the challenges and victories that colony life brought. My memories will always be treasured, but i’m so excited to see what Theta Rho brings us in the future.”
BY CaiTLiN BarKdOLL, ZΨ | lEaDERSHIP COnSulTanT
new haven, CT, the home of the first American submarine, steam boat, lollipop, hamburger and eli Whitney’s cotton gin, is now also home to Alpha Sigma Alpha’s first collegiate chapter in Connecticut.
The founding members of Kappa Delta xi local sorority at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) started their local sorority with the dream of affiliating with a national organization. The local sorority worked almost 10 years to realize this dream. on nov. 19, 2011, the former Kappa Delta xi local sorority was installed as the Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha.
The SCSU Colony women worked hard between September and november of 2011 to recruit members and complete their FoCUS plan. After their hard work was completed, the colony women were joined by their advisory board and area alumnae to celebrate their accomplishments during installation weekend. The installation team included national President Cindy Kelley, bP; Membership Growth Coordinator Katie Matis, dh; Colony Development Coordinator Jennifer Schimmel Stanley, Zd, Leadership Consultant Caitlin Barkdoll, ZΨ, and District 2 Facilitator Marcia Pucci Jacquette, dN-A
on nov. 18, the chapter began installation weekend with the We Are Owls reception in the Adanti Student Center. The women were joined by representatives from campus organizations and the student life administration, who assisted the SCSU Colony throughout their journey to become a chapter. The We Are Ladybugs reception was then held for sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha. The installation team and volunteers joined the women for games and refreshments.
Tara Monroe
Ashleigh Adams
Samantha Angotto
Alyssa Battipaglia
Melinda Bolduc
Kristina Brower
Tali Brownstein
MaryJeanne Buonocore
Olivia Curtis
Kacey Damiano
Angelica Davis
Jaime Davis
Saturday, nov.19, 2011, the women became fully initiated members of Alpha Sigma Alpha during the Sanctuary Degree Service. The SCSU Colony became the Theta Sigma Chapter during the Service for installation of a new Chapter, and the morning ended with the Service for installation for Collegiate Chapter officers.
A white luncheon was held at the conclusion of the ritual services. Jennifer Schimmel Stanley, Zd, served as the toastmistress for the luncheon. The chapter president, Tara Monroe, and installation chairman, Melinda Bolduc, read cards and helped Cindy Kelley, bP, present the chapter with gifts from the national organization and collegiate and alumnae chapters. The chapter then presented gifts of appreciation to the installation team, including a houseshaped Pandora bracelet charm for their leadership consultant, Caitlin Barkdoll, ZΨ, symbolizing that the Theta Sigma Chapter will always be her home away from home.
events concluded Saturday night with a formal banquet. The Theta Sigma Chapter celebrated their accomplishments with friends and family. Caitlin served as the toastmistress for the evening. Sal Rizza, associate director of student life for
Karissa DiMartino
Christina Gentile
Jeanette Glazier
Miranda Jones
Huda Khalid
Jessica Luczkow
Meaghan Lynam
Heather Masoud
Kaitlyn McCormack
Lindsay Meyer
Kristen Pesavento
Melissa Peterson
Christie Philippe
Jessica Pittman
Amanda Seagrave
Ashley Steigler
SCSU, served as the keynote speaker. Sal shared his experience with this group of women, his hope for their future and his appreciation for Alpha Sigma Alpha’s national organization. “Aspire, Seek, Attain” toasts were given by Kelly o’Rourke, dE, Marcia Pucci Jacquette dN-A, and Cindy Kelley, bP. The circle of friendship was led by Caitlin and Cindy, as they presented the Theta Sigma Chapter with their charter.
Carol Tunney
Amanda Vitale
Courtney McEwen
Erica Minnicucci
Jennifer Pietruska
Verkisha Richardson
alumna initiate
Brianna Weller
Jacquelyn Rose
Holly Bower
Gifts to the chapter sponsored by Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter
Greater Kansas City, MO, Alumnae Chapter
Greater Valley Forge, PA, Alumnae Chapter
Epsilon Epsilon
Collegiate Chapter
Zeta Zeta Collegiate Chapter
Sarah Bernier Brenneman, ΓΞ
Cindy Kelley, bP
Susan Zarnowski, ΘS
The night ended with the same words spoken at the very first colony meeting, an excerpt from a book by Dr. Seuss, “oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
BY aNGELa daNTzLEr BaULdrEE, bZ | nOmInaTIng COmmITTEE CHaIRman
it is an exciting time for Alpha Sigma Alpha. Many new collegiate chapters have been installed this biennium, and there are more colonizations on the horizon. We also have a new brand that has established a cohesive visual message about Alpha Sigma Alpha and increased our brand awareness. Our tagline, “Developing Women of Poise and Purpose,” perfectly captures the type of outstanding women who are members of our organization.
When working through the nominations process, the nominating committee was looking to slate the very best of the best for national council for 2012-14. The committee looked for women who expressed vision to take the sorority to the next level in specific areas, including membership growth, panhellenic relationships and campus leadership. The strategic plan for 2009-12 was reviewed and referenced to when looking for the kind of leaders needed to ensure the plan was accomplished. The committee also looked for nominees with proven administrative and financial skills, the ability to represent the sorority well to its members and others and those who had a broad perspective of the sorority.
During the nominations process, the committee used information gleaned from candidate resumes and cover letters, interviews with the candidates and feedback from members who have served in leadership roles for Alpha Sigma Alpha in their evaluation criteria. in particular, interviews with candidates were instrumental in allowing the committee to get a feel for the team they felt could lead Alpha Sigma Alpha for the next biennium.
Members of the nominating committee included Christine Churgai Bry, EK; Judy Deig, bU; Sarah Zimmerschied, FF; Amy Hughes, bN, and Chairman Angela Dantzler Bauldree, bZ. The committee is pleased to announce that the following members have been placed on the slate of national council candidates to be presented to the convention body in July.
Nora M. Ten Broeck, bK
nora M. Ten Broeck is a graduate of Western illinois University. nora earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications as well as a master’s degree in college student personnel from WiU and a master’s degree in business administration from Aurora University, iL.
nora served her collegiate chapter as fundraising co-chairman, house manager and president and was involved in campus activities such as university union board, campus Panhellenic council and several honorary societies. As an alumna, she is a member of the Windy City Alumnae Chapter and Chicago Alumnae Panhellenic Association.
nora has volunteered for the sorority in a variety of roles, serving as a chapter advisor, housing corporation board member, emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development institute facilitator, Phoenix magazine contributor, national chairman and a member of the national council since 2002. She authored “The Tie That Binds: A Celebration of Alpha Sigma Alpha” and served as assistant editor for “The Years Behind Us: A history of Alpha Sigma Alpha.” nora also served as a leadership consultant for the sorority.
Professionally, nora serves as manager for a privately held technology firm focused upon transformative initiatives for business. She lives in Chicago.
Kim Benson, dN-b
Kim Benson is a 1991 graduate of GMi engineering & Management institute, Mi (now Kettering University), 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 was a member of the new York Metro, Greater Dallas and Laurel highlands, PA, Alumnae Chapters and is currently a member of the Greater Jacksonville, FL, Alumnae Chapter. She held various positions in these chapters, including charter member, chapter president, treasurer, secretary, editor, philanthropic chairman and convention delegate.
A national volunteer since 1994, Kim was a province director from 1994-2000. She was finance coaching team leader
in District 7 from 2002-03 and then District 7 facilitator from 2003-04. She volunteered as finance coaching team leader in District 3 from 2004-06. Kim was a convention delegate from 1996 to 2010 and a presenter at several District Day events and emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development institutes. At the 2006 national convention, Kim was elected vice president of membership. Kim currently serves as vice president of finance, a position she has held since May 2007.
Professionally, Kim started working for UPS in 1988 in the Long island/new York City area. She also resided in the Dallas and Pittsburgh areas. Kim relocated to Jacksonville, FL, in May of 2010 ,where she currently works as a plant engineering manager for UPS.
Kelly McGinnis Morello, EK
Kelly McGinnis Morello served her collegiate chapter at Millersville University, PA, as song/sunshine chairman, treasurer, 10-year anniversary chairman and standards chairman.
on campus, she served as vice president of order of omega and corresponding secretary of the student senate. She graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Upon graduation, she traveled as a leadership consultant for the sorority.
Kelly graduated magna cum laude from Villanova University, PA, in 2005 with a master’s degree in human resource development and has earned her senior professional in human resources certification. She is also a certified professional behavior analyst and certified professional values analyst.
As a founding member of the Greater Valley Forge, PA, Alumnae Chapter, Kelly served as president, ritual chairman, Panhellenic delegate and currently serves as treasurer. A national volunteer since 1999, she was epsilon Kappa membership advisor in 1999, epsilon Kappa chapter advisor 19992004, province director 2000-02, District 2 Advantage coaching team leader 2002-04, District 2 district facilitator 2004-07, volunteer recruitment and placement team leader 2007-08 and as vice president of membership since 2008. She participated in extension presentations, served as a delegate at four national conventions, facilitated several emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development institutes and presented at numerous District Day events. Kelly was honored with the Agape Award at the 2006 national convention.
Kelly works in human resources in the greater Philadelphia area and lives in Romansville, PA, with her husband, Ken, and their son.
Marcia Pucci Jacquette, dN-A
Marcia Pucci Jacquette joined the Delta nu-A Chapter at Kettering University, Mi, and served her chapter as music chairman and assistant steward. She graduated in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and received a certificate in marketing excellence from St. Joseph’s University, PA, in 2011. She was one of the recipients of the 2010 Alpha Sigma Alpha Agape Award.
Marcia has been a part of the District 2 leadership since 2005, when she redesigned and re-launched the district website as the district webmaster. For her work with district communications, she was recognized as the 2006 District 2 extreme volunteer and as a 2007 district guiding star. She has served as District 2 facilitator since 2007 and presented at numerous District Day events on topics ranging from chapter leadership to representing yourself online.
Marcia is a founding member of the Greater Valley Forge, PA, Alumnae Chapter, formed in 2001, and served as editor/historian, secretary, webmaster and (currently) vice president.
Professionally, Marcia is the vice president of marketing and communications for Jacquette Consulting, inc. in her spare time, she volunteers as a Girl Scout Daisy troop leader, shaping future women of poise and purpose.
Vice President of Membership –
Julie Wiley Levine, A
Julie Wiley Levine joined the Alpha Chapter at Longwood University, VA, in 1990. She graduated from Longwood with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, specializing in mathematics and young adult literature. She received a master’s of education in school administration, higher education, from old Dominion University, VA, and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University, VA, in 2006. Currently, Julie has completed the coursework towards a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies at George Washington University.
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 1992-2010, leadership consultant 1993-94, epsilon eta Chapter advisor 1994-07, formal rush coaching team leader 2002-06, District 4 facilitator 2006-10 and vice president of membership since 2010. She served as a facilitator for numerous emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development institutes, presented workshops at national convention and District Day events, participated in extension presentations and served on three installation
in 2010 and 2011, Julie served as a small group facilitator at the Undergraduate interfraternity institute (UiFi) created by the national interfraternity Conference. She originally attended UiFi as a collegian in 1992 and then worked as a UiFi intern at a session in 1996.
Professionally, Julie works at Cape henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach, VA, where she teaches middle school mathematics and coaches cheerleading. Julie lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Marc, daughter, Madison, and son, Wiley.
Vice President of Membership –Melissa Koch Merriam, EE
Melissa Koch Merriam is a graduate of emporia State University, KS, holding a bachelor’s degree in business management. She served her chapter as a standards board member, risk management chairman, vice president of programming & ritual and president. She was honored by her collegiate chapter as Alpha woman, outstanding senior, the Frost Fidelity Award nominee, Panhellenic outstanding new member and Panhellenic community service award. She was involved in many
heather Riley is a member of the Phi Phi Chapter at northwest Missouri State University. She served her chapter teams. Julie was awarded with the Agape Award at the 2008 national convention. She is a member of the Tidewater / Virginia Beach, VA, Alumnae Chapter.
campus organizations, including order of omega, GAMMA (Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol) and Rho Lambda.
She served the Greater Kansas City, Mo, Alumnae Chapter as president, Panhellenic delegate and webmaster. As Panhellenic delegate, she served as grants and loans chairman and program chairman. She also was a founder and first president of the Fountain City, KS, Alumnae Chapter.
Melissa served the national organization as a 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, vice president of membership 2007-10 and vice president of operations 2010-12. She served as a facilitator at several emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development institutes, presented workshops at national conventions and District Day events, participated in extension presentations and served on eight installation teams. Melissa was awarded with the Agape Award at the 2006 national convention.
Professionally, Melissa works as a development coordinator for Sudden infant Death Syndrome Resources, inc. She lives in overland Park, KS, with her husband, Andy, and her two sons.
Vice President of Membership –Heather Riley, FF
as membership director and standards committee member. She was invited to join the order of omega and also participated in several other campus organizations.
Following her graduation with summa cum laude honors with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics minor, heather attended iowa State University. At iSU, she earned her master’s degree in inorganic chemistry.
As an alumna member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, heather has served in numerous roles. She is currently president of the Greater Kansas City, Mo, Alumnae Chapter, and also served as secretary, treasurer and convention delegate for the alumnae chapter. She served as a District 9 education coaching team member 2006-08, District 9 district meeting coordinator 2009-12, convention project team member 2009-12, and an emma Coleman Frost Leadership Development institute facilitator. She also participated in extension presentations, extension recruitments and chapter installations.
heather lives in Kansas City, Mo, with her husband and four cats. She is passionate about animal welfare and is a long-time volunteer at the humane Society of Greater Kansas City. She loves the Kansas City Royals and attends almost every home game. Professionally, heather is the director of the illig Family Foundation.
Alpha Sigma Alpha honors and recognizes all sorority volunteers and advisors during National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 15-21, 2012. Thank you to all our past and present volunteers. Here are some fun facts about Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteers and advisors.
20% of advisors attended advisor certification at District Day 2011-12.
30% of volunteers and advisors are also members of an alumnae chapter.
3 states, Michigan, new York and illinois, each have 56 volunteers or advisors residing within their borders.
1943 is the year our most senior volunteers were born.
35 is the average age of an Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteer.
$1.22+ million, is the total lifetime giving to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation by sorority volunteers (living and deceased).
education is the most common career choice of an Alpha Sigma Alpha volunteer, with 47% of all volunteers reporting themselves working as students, teachers, professors, higher-education staff or in professional child care
47% education & child care
13% financial services, insurance & real estate
11% business, management, sales & private consulting
7% medical professional & health care
5% communications & journalism
5% public sector, government & non-profit
4% counseling services & social work
3% engineering & aerospace
3% fine arts & entertainment
2% computer science, information systems & technology
4% of advisory boards for collegiate chapters are male.
15% of advisory boards for collegiate chapters are non-members.
550 is the total number of advisors.
651 is the number of sorority volunteers (living and deceased) who have ever given to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation.
BY CiNdY KELLEY, bP | naTIOnal PRESIDEnT
Who are we? What do we stand for?
Where are we going? Our strategic vision is set by the elected leaders of our sorority, the national council, and takes root in our purpose, our mission, our core values and our vision statement.
The Alpha Sigma Alpha strategic plan serves as a roadmap and reinforces the purpose of our organization. Strategic planning is the process national council uses to determine the direction of the sorority. A strategic plan is critical to the success of our organization because it not only articulates our intentions and vision for the future, but it also guides our actions and holds accountable the leaders, staff and volunteers of the organization.
From the strategic plan, staff members develop an annual business plan that details how the strategies and objectives of the strategic plan will be accomplished, by whom and in what timeframe. The annual budget of the sorority, the allocation of resources to projects,
activities and initiatives, is driven by the business plan. All three components are inter-connected and dependent on one another: strategic plan, business plan and budget.
Alpha Sigma Alpha’s leadership is dedicated to an ongoing strategic planning model that is goals based. The national council subscribes to a three-year strategic planning cycle. Year one is devoted to research and gathering information, year two is dedicated to formulating ideas and developing the plan and year three is assigned to promotion, education and implementation of the plan. At any given time, we are in one phase for the current plan at the same time we are in a different phase for the next strategic plan.
The first phase of the three-year planning cycle is dedicated to researching and gathering information. Alpha Sigma Alpha employs a variety of research methods to gather information for its strategic plan, including:
• Membership surveys
• Trend analysis (recruitment statistics, campus trends)
• SWoT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)
• environmental scan (cultural and higher education trends, issues impacting the future of women and girls)
• Researching what other nPC groups and collegiate organizations are doing
• Focus groups with members; workshops at District Day events
• Appreciative inquiry with various principal groups (staff members, Foundation trustees)
The input of our membership is vital to the development of the strategic plan, and our members play an important role in the execution and evaluation of the plan as well.
ideas and develop strategic plan once all research and information gathering has been completed, the national council convenes for a series of strategic planning sessions. The purpose of these meetings is to disseminate, review and analyze the results of the research and information gathering. The national council formulates ideas and develops the strategic plan for the next threeyear period.
The national council reviews the strategic plan and mission to determine what priorities exist for the coming year. A business plan is developed by the national headquarters staff on an annual basis. The business plan is the detailed plan of work for the upcoming fiscal year. This plan outlines how the organization will accomplish the short-term objectives in the strategic plan and who is responsible for completing the work. The annual budget is determined based upon the business plan. Staff routinely provides national council with progress reports and status of the strategic plan.
The national council is responsible for informing the membership of the strategic plan, promoting the strategic goals of the organization and educating the members about the strategic direction of the sorority. effectively communicating the objectives of the sorority allows for all stakeholders – collegians, alumnae, volunteers, parents and administrators to claim ownership and actively participate in achieving the mission of Alpha Sigma Alpha. The national council holds staff, volunteers and itself accountable for the implementation and completion of the strategic plan.
Part of the execution also involves evaluating, celebrating successes and making adjustments as needed. A well-constructed strategic plan must be realistic and measurable. it is important to feel a sense of accomplishment as goals are achieved. Seeing strategies and action plans realized is a motivating and inspiring experience.
our strategic plan is continually scrutinized and the business plan is adjusted to reflect current conditions within our sorority, the Greek community and in the larger community.
The purpose of Alpha Sigma Alpha is to foster close friendships between members and to develop women of poise and purpose.
The mission: Alpha Sigma Alpha is a women’s organization that promotes high ideals and standards for its members throughout their lives by emphasizing balance among our four aims of intel-lectual, physical, social and spiritual development. Alpha Sigma Alpha provides opportunities through: Sisterhood – forming strong bonds of unconditional friendship based on common values and experiences; Heritage – expressed through creed, ritual and history; and, Leadership and service – enhanced by chapter, campus and community involvement.
The vision of Alpha Sigma Alpha 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.
national council is pleased to unveil Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 2012-15 strategic plan. The plan is built upon four key themes: cultivation, growth, advancement and significance. each key theme includes strategic goals to challenge and further Alpha Sigma Alpha.
We will cultivate our greatest assets, our members, by providing relevant opportunities for their personal and professional development, including: Cultivate an environment that promotes healthy, secure, safe and responsible women. Provide meaningful personal and professional development programming and leadership enrichment opportunities for our members.
enhance chapter and member focus on ritual and values-based programming in all areas of chapter operations and facets of membership. encourage and support our intellectual aim through academic development and achievement.
We will provide more women the opportunity to experience Alpha Sigma Alpha through the expansion of our membership and influence on campuses and in communities. Therefore we will: Grow collegiate chapters to 95. increase alumnae chapters & associations to 100. engage in a deliberate and purposeful expansion. engage all members in valuing recruitment and purposefully growing our sisterhood. encourage and provide resources to achieve chapter recruitment Total, target and Quota. educate members on the significance of alumnae initiation.
We will actively promote and advance a forward-thinking organization, as follows: Preserve, protect and promote our image, identity, values and brand. Maintain an effective and adaptable volunteer structure that evolves with the needs of our membership.
ensure sustainable growth can be achieved through evaluation of processes for strategic planning. expand the development of visionary leaders through a strategic process for board and leadership development. Support membership needs through innovative, relevant technologies. Maintain a progressive, efficient and environmentally conscious business model that provides ongoing protection of all sorority assets.
We will engage in significant partnerships and foster relationships that influence our members and the communities in which we serve. We will:
Foster love, loyalty and life-long giving to the ASA Foundation. nurture mutually beneficial relationships with philanthropic partners to advance each other’s missions and shared purpose. encourage a culture of service and philanthropy among our members. engage in strategic partnerships that provide value-added benefits to our membership and communities.
“the Alpha Sigma Alpha strategic plan serves as a roadmap and reinforces the purpose of our organization.”
– Cindy Kelley, bP, national president
Contribute to the betterment of and actively influence action in our campus, nPC, local, national and global communities. Create enthusiasm and stimulate organizational pride for Alpha Sigma Alpha throughout a member’s life. ensure we are delivering on our brand promise through member growth assessment.
Strategically, it is critical that our sorority and Foundation receive support from each one of our members so that Alpha Sigma Alpha’s vision may come alive and our sisterhood will endure for our daughters, granddaughters and future Alpha Sigma Alphas.
BY BarB WiLLiaMSON, EE | naTIOnal HISTORIan
Sorority formal brings to mind memories of the excitement of a romantic and fun night with that special person, and of course, your sorority sisters. how does your chapter host the most anticipated social event of the year? Formals, or balls, have changed over the years, from orchestras to DJs, long dresses for formal attire to semi-formal attire with short dresses, but the feeling that formal brings to mind is the same. Ask an alumna about her formal. She will smile and start telling you all about it. We thought it would be fun to look at how formal traditions have changed over the years at a few Alpha Sigma Alpha chapters.
Beta epsilon Chapter
Frances Jobson Francis, also known as Dee Dee, told us about formals when she was in college in the 1940s. Dee Dee is a member of the Beta epsilon Chapter at James Madison University, VA, (JMU) and the chapter attended two formal dances each year in the 1940s, one sponsored by the German Club and the other by the Cotillion Club. At the time, JMU was an all-women university. A few men took classes there, but they could not live on campus. The women of the Beta espilon Chapter invited their boyfriends to the dances or men from Virginia Military institute, University of Virginia or Washington and Lee University. each year Washington and Lee held their own Fancy Dress Ball, which many of the ASAs attended as well. These dances usually featured an orchestra for entertainment.
Getting to and from these dances in the 1940s was a challenge. “We had no access to automobiles like now,” Dee Dee said. “We even took a bus home for the holidays.” So needless to say, planning transportation to formals took a lot of time and attention to detail.
JMU is now a co-ed institution, and more than just two groups on campus sponsor dances.
The Beta now hosts three semiformal events each year, Champagne Jam in november, Relive Year’s and a Valentine’s Day dance. All of these events, according to Christine Belskey,
the social chairman for the Beta epsilon Chapter, are “date functions” meaning each sister can bring one date or guest.
Betty Urban Wallick talked with us about social events at the Zeta Zeta Chapter at the University of Central Missouri in the 1940s. During the 1940s, the Zeta Zeta Chapter had to adjust their living arrangements on campus, and this actually affected the social calendar for the chapter. A new dorm was built on campus for women in the 1940s, but the United States avy used the dorm to house their cadets. At that time, World War ii was in full swing. Women who were displaced from that particular dorm were allowed to live in the sorority houses on campus, even before they joined a sorority. Betty, who is a past national president of Alpha Sigma Alpha, actually lived in the ASA house before she became a member, because of the displacement issues on campus.
Since the men in the navy were a part of the campus community, Betty remembers attending social events with the navy after she became a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. “We had the navy ball we attended, said Betty, “with dance programs you filled out by single dances. You danced with your date mostly, but sometimes we exchanged dances with other couples. Those programs were signed at the dance.”
Dance programs were small booklets of paper with a list of dances on one side and numbered blanks on the other. The sorority women carried these programs with them at the dance, and the men asked permission to sign for a particular dance with that lady.
Betty remembers that the navy commander on campus attended the ball in full dress uniform, and navy cadets played in the
orchestra. not to be outdone by the navy, Air Force men from nearby Whiteman AFB, which was only 15 miles from campus, also attend the navy ball.
Traditions on the University of Central Missouri campus have certainly changed. Zeta Zeta Chapter women now have a formal event that involves a bus trip to the Lake of the ozarks. They all ride a bus together to the resort and arrive on a Saturday afternoon. The women hang out together poolside or in the rooms until it’s time to get ready for their formal dinner. The women wear cocktail dresses and the men wear shirts, slacks and ties to the dinner. After the dinner, the dance features a DJ for entertainment.
In the May 1947 issue of the Phoenix, members of the Zeta Zeta Chapter at Central Missouri State College, now University of Central
for their spring formal dance.
Rosie Fellin of the Beta Sigma Chapter at Missouri State University shared with us how her chapter held social events in the 1950s. During that time, the chapter held an annual sweetheart dinner dance at Riverside inn in ozarka, Mo, with a live band. The chapter women crowned a sweetheart during intermission of the dance. “All the women dressed in formal attire. Special guests were the college president and the deans and their wives, advisors and the housemother. There was no drinking allowed,” said Rosie.
Marilyn Ramsey Garbee, from the Beta Sigma Chapter shared with us that the chapter women often were invited to fraternity social events during the late 1950s. “The fraternity dinner dances were always formal date events, usually held in the spring at Riverside inn,” said Marilyn. “A live orchestra played music for dancing and a queen was crowned.”
Today the Beta Sigma Chapter hosts two formals, one in December and the second in May. December’s event is the Crimson Ball held at Millie’s Cafe or a downtown hotel in Springfield. The chapter women do not crown any dance royalty like they did in the 1950s, but they still enjoy dancing to the music of a DJ and wear semi-formal attire, mostly short dresses.
Past national president Rhetta nesbitt Robinson, of the Beta Gamma Chapter at northeastern State University, oK, remembers that her chapter formals were required to be held on campus in the 1950s. Their dresses were long or short, depending on the theme of the dance. For dance music, the chapter either used a DJ or hired a band, she said, “depending on how much money we had.” The college administrators attended the dances, and the Beta Gamma Chapter
crowned a queen who was voted on by the sorority and fraternity brothers from Phi Lambda Chi.
Today the Beta Gamma Chapter members hold a spring formal in May, sometimes the weekend after finals are complete. Sometimes they rent a room at a Tahlequah hotel or take a road trip to another destination like Dallas or Kansas City and make a weekend of it, shopping and sightseeing with their dates. The chapter women no longer follow the traditions of dance royalty, but they do give out awards at formal that are both serious and goofy.
Social events and chapter formals are always fun memories for chapter members. Whether a formal is held on campus or another location, it’s always a great time for socializing with sisters and getting dressed up for the evening. Ask an alumna of your chapter about her memories of chapter social events; she will probably have lots of fun memories to share.
Chapters are reminded, though, that certain guidelines need to be followed when hosting social events. one of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s four aims is social development, but our members need to have fun in a safe and responsible manner. Before hosting any chapter social events, please refer to the Alpha Sigma Alpha national Policies and Procedures regarding social functions. if you have any questions, please ask your chapter advisors or your district facilitator.
ASA 47th Biennial national Convention & Leadership Conference highlights
Join us for the garden tea party networking reception on Wednesday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. Wear your best tea party hat and outfit and catch up with sisters at the kick-off of the national convention & leadership conference.
hoping to take a trip to the beach during your visit to Virginia? Make sure to register for the ASA beach invasion on Thursday, July 12. During the beach invasion tour option, you will spend your evening on the oceanfront of Virginia Beach. A second tour option for Thursday is a dinner cruise on the Spirit of norfolk. Both tours are happening at the same time, so please choose only one; transportation will be provided. Start making your plans now by checking out www.visitvirginiabeach.com. shop ASA
Plan to shop for officially licensed Alpha Sigma Alpha gear, as well as local Virginia Beach merchandise, at Shop ASA on Friday, July 13. Don’t worry about space in your suitcase; on-site shipping will be available.
During the national convention & leadership conference, you will have the opportunity to attend educational programming that will guide you through all areas of life including:
Leadership development
Personal finance
Career enhancement
“Do it yourself” trends
Women’s health and nutrition
The social media and technology movement
Members will make many great memories during the national convention & leadership conference. You can look forward to fun and entertaining social events, see the accomplishments of ASA during the past biennium at business meetings, reflect on your journey as a member of ASA during ritual ceremonies and explore the city of Virginia Beach with your sisters.
Recognition in the 1901 Society requires an undergraduate contribution of $19.01. each member will receive a 190 i dangle/ charm. We encourage each member to give $19.01 annually throughout her college career.
HOW a NiCKeL a day MaKes THe diFFeReNCe F in 20i0-11, the number of undergraduate sisters totaled more than 4,200 members.
F if all undergraduate members joined the 1901 Society, it could raise $80,000 for the Foundation.
People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, especially wanting to help others. But it’s also oK to want some benefits for you from volunteering. The best volunteering does involve the desire to serve others, but this does not exclude other motivations.
The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation is looking for collegiate and alumnae members who want to volunteer. What does it mean to volunteer for the Foundation? Foundation ambassadors work directly with the board of trustees and Foundation staff. our ambassadors talk with a variety of donors for a variety of reasons, the biggest is to say thank you.
The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation exists to support the educational, leadership and philanthropic purposes of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority through charitable giving. We are looking for women who want to educate our members about the Foundation, why we give and the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Contact Shannon Priddy at spriddy@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org if you are interested in being a Foundation ambassador.
F if undergraduate members continued to give $19.01 for all four years, the amount would be $320,000. This total is enough to completely fund District Day for all eight districts for three years.
F This can be accomplished for just $19.01 a year—just a nickel a day.
F individually $19.01 may not seem like a lot, but combined with fellow sisters, you have the power to make a DYnAMiC impact!
What is the Wilma Wilson Sharp Society? Members of the Wilma Wilson Sharp Society are the visionaries of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation. They are the donors that provide for the future of Alpha Sigma Alpha by including the Foundation as a beneficiary of their wills, life insurance policies,retirement plans or testamentary trust and annuities. The society provides an avenue to honor these donors. Visit our website, www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/foundation, to learn more or contact Shannon Priddy at (317) 713-1924.
1. Members of the Beta Gamma Chapter at northeastern State University, oK, gather for a snapshot during their holiday social on Dec. 9, 2011. Front row from left: hannah Fleming, Preslee Perez and Maci Radebaugh. Middle row from left: Tara Piguet, Rachael Manning, Rian Cragar, Kaleigh Brewer, Stephanie Dorsch, Madison Stephens, Braidee hamm, Lauren Rosson and Brooke Allison. Top row from left: Jayne Sarnoskie, Anali Carrillo, Sydney Martindale, Brandi Ross and Dakota Dear. 1 3 4
2
2. on nov. 15, 2011, the Buffalo, nY, Alumnae Chapter had a Founders’ Day Luncheon at the Thirty one Club in Buffalo. Collegians from the Zeta Chi Chapter, niagara University, nY, were also in attendance. From left: Stephanie Grierson, ZΧ, Jackie Vito LoRusso, PP, Marcia Kinbar Goldstein, dT, and Karen Lesinski, PP
3. The Charlotte, nC, Alumnae Chapter enjoyed a Saturday brunch on Dec. 3, 2011, at the Terrace Café in the South Park area of Charlotte.
4. Members of the Delta Sigma Chapter at Saginaw Valley State University, Mi, pose with their mascot, Coop the Cardinal, during the 2011 homecoming parade. From left: Rachel eurich, Gwen Scruggs, Stephanie Shaffer, haleigh ensman, Mariah Robinson, Kristina Tschirhart, Julia Snyder and Kelsey Prohaska.
5. Alumnae members of the Delta Zeta Chapter at the University of WisconsinWhitewater met for a reunion during homecoming weekend in fall 2011 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the chapter’s founding. Front row: Cherie Fink Shallock. Back row from left: Bonnie Steinhoff Schaefer, Patricia Blunt Vollbrecht, Mary Bedessem Mamath and Carol Whiting Becraft. 5 6 7 8
6. The Tulsa, oK, Alumnae Chapter and the Theta eta Chapter at Rogers State University, oK, celebrated Founders’ Day together in fall 2011.
7. The Zeta Kappa Chapter at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the Sigma nu Fraternity, pictured after a lip sync contest during homecoming week, which they won during fall 2011 The chapters were also the overall homecoming winners.
8. Group photo of the epsilon epsilon Chapter at emporia State University, KS, taken on nov. 8, 2011.
Congratulations to the following members who have been accepted into the hermes Society, Alpha Sigma Alpha’s academic honor society, during the spring 2011 and fall 2012 semesters. Applications for the hermes Society are due Dec. 1, and June 1, annually. For an application and more information please visit www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.
Spring 2011
Megan Boege, bΡ, northern illinois University
Candace Coleman, bS, Missouri State University
Stephanie Lashway, ΘN, Knox College, iL
Mariam Said, dN-A, Kettering University, Mi
Catherine Straube, Θb, Roanoke College, VA
Sarah Yates, Zh, Rockhurst University, Mo
Gretta haag Young, EK, Millersville University, PA
Fall 2012
DeeAnn Amlin, bΓ, northeastern State University, oK
Allison Body, Zh, Rockhurst University, Mo
helen Burkett, ΘΜ, Valdosta State University, GA
Laura Carbonneau, ΓΙ, Rochester institute of Technology, nY
Sydney hague, hh, Pittsburg State University, KS
Carol Mak, ZF, illinois institute of Technology
Kayla McCollum, ZA, Missouri Southern State University
Katherine Schwartz, ZΜ, Missouri Western State University
Mary Staples, Zh, Rockhurst University, Mo
Desiree Stuart, ZA, Missouri Southern State University
Laura Weiss, EΓ, Virginia Commonwealth University
Megan Wittusen, ΘΓ, Christopher newport University, VA
Alpha Sigma Alpha is colonizing at indiana University and Boise State University, iD, in fall 2012. if you are interested in getting involved or learning more about the colonies, email us at extension@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.
Do you know a woman attending either institution and want to refer them for membership? Fill out a recruitment referral form on the Alpha Sigma Alpha website.
Gamma omega Chapter members show their dressy side during formal rush at eastern illinois University in 1983.
i contribute to the Arista Alumnae Association because i believe in the power of membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha. i believe Alpha Sigma Alpha membership is life changing. i cannot imagine my life without our beloved sorority. i am thankful for the leadership and growth opportunities, lifelong friendships and the continued opportunity to give to others when i always get more in return. i believe in women of poise and purpose.
Melissa Koch Merriam, EE Vice president of operations
Greater Kansas
City,
Mo, Alumnae Chapter
To learn more about the Arista Alumnae Associationortoregisterformembership, visit www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or call (317) 871-2920.
