The Lioness Loop - Fall 2019

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I S S U E 3 FA L L 2 0 1 9

wits

THE LIONESS LOOP ISSN 2640-2327

WELCOME LIONESS TABLE OF CONTENTS

3-4

5-10

EDITORIAL NOTES

-Meet the Committee Members

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION UPDATES -National Calender -Get to know the NBoD -Leadership Consultant Interviews

11-14

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

15-16

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

17-22

ACROSS THE SISTERHOOD

23-24

ΑΣΚ MARKETPLACE

-Fall 2019 Updates -Scholarship Recipients

-Featured Chapter -Convention 2019

-Convention 2019 -Candle Pass

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY | Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies THE LIONESS LOOP | Issue #3, Published Biannually SUBSCRIBE | Contact info@ask-wits.com

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Editorial Notes

INTRODUCING 2019-2020 COMMITTEE MEMBERS It is the Sisters of Alpha Sigma Kappa – Women in Technical Studies who make this Organization great. In this issue of The Lioness Loop, we put the focus on Sisters who are making a difference in our sorority today, starting with the newest members of our Newsletter Committee: Mariah Koester (Epsilon Active) currently studies Environmental Science at Iowa State University. A fun fact about Mariah is that in 4 years, she lived in 3 different time zones! Two Eta Active Sisters, Raechelle Sandoval and Rayna Bandy, have joined the committee ranks. Kate Kauffman (Kappa Active) is an architecture student at the University of Kansas. In 2 months, she will be studying abroad in Singapore, Malaysia, and Tokyo! Erin Lanigan (Kappa Alum) lives in Huntsville, AL (Rocket City, USA!) and works as a Materials Engineer (Nondestructive Evaluation) for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Recently, Erin had the opportunity to speak on a panel alongside Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys and beloved local space policy enthusiast. This group of Sisters has been working diligently - interviewing, writing and copy-editing - on this and future issues of The Lioness Loop. They join long-term members Makayla Natrop, Michelle Fox and Ali Kidder-Mostrom, and work with the newly elected NDoR, Tara Naber, to bring this newsletter to you.

Thank you, Sisters, for all your hard work!

Anyone interested in contributing to future issues of The Lioness Loop can e-mail info@ask-wits.com.

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The National Organization

UPDATES FALL 2019

Funds Available for Chapter Health Activities!

The National Director of Operations has created a form allowing Chapters to request funds from the National Organization for Chapter health activities. Executive boards may submit a request for funds to be reimbursed for events including Leadership Consultant activities, member education, sisterhood retreats and recruitment. Funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Requests with full, detailed responses will be considered with higher priority. Chapters should come to consensus before submitting their request and note the event category priority included on the form. Submissions will be reviewed to ensure that money is given to activities which make the biggest impact on Chapter health. The form can be found online here and Chapters will receive a response from the NBoD as to whether their request was accepted within seven days of form submission.

CHAPTER REMINDER:

RISK managreement forms - Due 3 weeks after the start of each term CEREMONY forms - Due 10 days after each ceremony date.

October 2019 10/26/2019 – Pi Colonization Ceremony at Boston University 10/27/2019 – Zeta Initiation Ceremony 10/28/2019 – Eta Initiation Ceremony

ΑΣΚ National Calendar

- Fall 2019 and Winter 2020

November 2019 11/01/2019 – Xi Philanthropy Benefit Concert 11/08/2019 – Alpha Initiation Ceremony

Epsilon Initiation Ceremony 11/09/2019 – Epsilon Alumnae Chapter Fall Meeting 11/15/2019 – Mu Initiation Ceremony

Nu Initiation Ceremony 11/16/2019 – Xi Big/Little Reveals and Friendsgiving 11/17/2019 – Beta Initiation Ceremony

Iota Initiation Ceremony

Omicron Chapter Installation at Virginia Tech 11/22/2019 – Nu Alumnae Ceremony

Xi Holiday Formal 11/24/2019 – Xi Initiation Ceremony 11/27/2019 – Alpha Candidate Ceremony December 2019 12/02/2019 – Epsilon Alumnae Ceremony

Theta Initiation Ceremony 12/03/2019 – #GivingTuesday 12/04/2019 – Eta Chapter Founder’s Day

Zeta Alumane Ceremony January 2020 1/1/2020 – All Chapter Reports and Active Chapter Budgets

due to NBoD 1/6/2020 – National Newsletter Submissions Deadline

(Winter Supplemental) 1/15/2020 – National Scholarship Essay Topic Announcement

Chapter 990N Forms Due 1/26/2020 – Lambda Chapter Founder’s Day More in 2020 2/9/2020 - Xi Chapter Founder’s Day 3/5/2020 – Zeta Chapter Founder’s Day

Iota Chapter Founder’s Day 3/25/2020 – National Newsletter Submissions Deadline

(Spring Issue) 3/28/2020 – Theta Chapter Founder’s Day 4/14/2020 – Mu Chapter Founder’s Day 4/16/2020 – Kappa Chapter Founder’s Day 5/01/2020 – National Founder’s Day

National Scholarship Essay Deadline 6/7/2020 – National Scholarship Committee Meeting 7/1/2020 – National Newsletter Submissions Deadline

(Summer Supplemental) 7/15-18/2020 – National Convention in Fort Worth, Texas 7/17/2020 – Educational Foundation Annual Meeting 9/13/2020 – Beta Chapter Founder’s Day 9/15/2020 – Nu Chapter Founder’s Day 10/23/2020 – Epsilon Founder’s Day

Sister Spotlight Get to know the NBoD: National Director of Administration Atisha Morrison

I am honored to kick off the National Board of Directors’ spotlights and share a little bit about myself!

My history with Alpha Sigma Kappa started at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado as a Founder of the Theta Chapter. Little did I know back then how much of an impact this Organization would have on me as a professional and a person. I have a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and just recently completed my Master’s in Public Health at the Colorado School of Public Health in Denver, Colorado. Recently, I have relocated to Austin, Texas and work as a Foodborne Epidemiologist. My role consists of working with local, regional, and our CDC partners to solve outbreaks of the more common foodborne illness pathogens.

My favorite ΑΣΚ memory will always be recruitment and attending Installations. Watching women get excited about our Organization and commit themselves to our mission and vision makes me cry every time. This is one reason that led me to be on the National Board of Directors and now as the National Director of Administration: I believe in all of the women who are in this Organization, the potential we have to grow. We have so much talent and passion among our Sisters and I feel that we can harness that even more than we already are.

My top priority over the next year is to conduct our first ΑΣΚ Census, as well as to start creating more support and resources for all of our Interest Groups, Colonies, Chapters, and National Board members. We cannot do our jobs effectively without all of the people who step up to volunteer time and time again and we want to ensure that all of the people who are within this Organization know the opportunities and connections that are available to them.

My best advice for anyone starting out in this Organization is to get involved. Make your Colony or Chapter what you want it to be. Make that social event or philanthropy event what you want it to be. Experiences like Alpha Sigma Kappa can shape who you become as a person and put you ahead of your peers in your future profession!

Some of the best advice, personally and professionally, I ever received was to enjoy the process. I think we focus so much on the result of projects, semesters, and experiences that we forget to focus on what we learn about ourselves in the process.

The Inside L∞p Royal Blue or Silver?

Royal Blue Hogwarts House?

Ravenclaw – always searching for more knowledge!

Favorite branch of science?

Microbiology due to the impact it has had on epidemiology!

First job?

Lifeguard Favorite season?

Fall Woman in STEM icon?

Marie Curie – such a pioneer for her time and winning two Nobel prizes in different subjects.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

This one really stumped me. So may places came to mind but what really matters to me is having all my favorite people in the same area.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I love electronic and house music. Nothing gets me going more like some good bass when I am trying to get stuff done.

Most memorable vacation?

My fiancé and I backpacked through Europe for three weeks before I started my master’s degree. We went to London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Favorite book?

Stiff - The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach or The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson.

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?

The first two friends I made here in Austin in my temporary housing situation are hilarious. We went out for drinks and shared some very silly dating stories!

What one superpower would you want?

Teleportation. I travel a lot and want to be there as soon as possible!

If you could only have one food for the rest or your life, what would it be?

A big, green chile smothered, breakfast burrito.

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Get to know the Leadership Consultants

Τhe Leadership Consultant program beta test is officially underway. This program creates regional leadership positions for Alumnae to provide direct support to Chapters: assisting in setting goals, leadership development, recruitment and more. Lioness Loop had a chat with two of the first Sisters to serve in this role. Τhey will be working with ΑΣΚ Chapters in the Eastern and Southern United States. Though they’re from different Chapters, both Sisters have ties to Florida. Originally from Miami, Alexandria (Lexi) Macajoux (Iota Alum) recently returned there to study at Miami Dade College and apply to be a radiation therapist. Taylor Currie (Nu Alum) returned to the University of Central Florida (UCF) after graduation and is currently working towards her PhD in Chemistry.

Lexi Macajoux (LM) | Iota Alum Undergraduate Major - Biology May ‘19 Chapters Working With - Nu, Kappa, Beta

Taylor Currie (TC) | Nu Alum Undergraduate Major - Chemistry Dec ‘18 Chapters Working With - Zeta, Mu, Iota

L∞P: Taylor, how did you first end up at UCF? TC: I was born and raised in Florida and always planned on going to school in Florida. I didn’t really know about UCF growing up, because it’s a younger school. At the time that I was applying I had a cousin who was going here and liked it when I came to visit.

L∞P: And you chose to stay for your PhD? TC: In the summer before my senior year, I started working in a new advisor’s materials lab. I really enjoyed doing the research a lot and that’s why I chose to stay here and continue doing research with him.

L∞P: Lexi, how was it to leave Florida for New Haven and what’s it like to be back?

LM: I was an only child, raised to be super independent and I was determined not to be in Florida. It’s so nice to be back, but I’m really being boiled alive.

L∞P: And why did you choose to be a radiation therapist?

LM: I’m a people person and I always wanted to be in the medical field, but without med school. As an RT, I could be involved with a patient in a way that’s meaningful, while getting the person-to-person contact that you wouldn’t get in a lab.

L∞P: What is your biggest goal for your Chapters as Leadership Consultant this year?

TC: I guess to leave my Chapters that I’m overseeing in a better condition in some aspect then how they were when I started to work with them. And that’s dependent on what they want to be better at. I’d like to work with them on those things.

LM: I guess my biggest goal would be that they understand that Nationals is there for them and that I can be a resource that is lasting. I want them to be willing to reach out for help.

L∞P: What led you to be a Leadership Consultant?

TC: When I started as an Active, I liked to be involved but was never part of the Exec Board; this is a way to stay involved, help other people out, give back and meet new Sisters.

LM: I was the Iota Chapter’s fourth President. I’ve been in Leadership in a Chapter and I know what growing pains feel like. We were going through it step by step and I would like to help a Chapter find those steps without the pain.

L∞P: Can you share a favorite ΑΣΚ memory?

TC: I think just in general our very first rush was very cool to see, because we had come together and decided that this was something we wanted to pursue. We put in all this work and come rush week we got to see all these other girls were interested too.

LM: Getting my Little is up there, because I am obsessed with her and I love her. She’s my favorite and we talk all the time.

L∞P: Who has made the biggest impact on who you are today?

LM: My dad; his “don’t rush anything” attitude has really gotten me far. Just figure it out and take your time.

TC: My dad. I think that he’s instilled values like hard work, even if it was just in academia. He always pushed me in school and he was always supportive. I see a lot of him in things I do day-today. As well as in hobbies, too.

L∞P: What are you a fan of?

LM: What am I not a fan of? I love The Cooking Channel. Skin care has really been my crack lately.

Designer things, even though I’m not willing to spend money on them.

TC: I’m a fan of college football in general, UCF – obviously – right now. I like alternative and other kinds of rock music. I always crave sweets. Nothing in particular. A lot of times I’m like “mm… I really want some ice cream right now or a carrot cake from Publix.”

L∞P: What advice would you give to a Sister just starting out in ΑΣΚ?

LM: Remember you are joining a family and sometimes family doesn’t get along and that’s ok.

You’ve got to take your family for what it is.

TC: I would say, really go to everything she can and get to know a lot of the Sisters in her Chapter pretty quickly so she’s able to form a lot of great relationships over her time in the Chapter. I think you get more out of it if you are somehow involved as a chair or officer - it enhances the experience.

L∞P: What might someone be surprised to know about you?

LM: That despite being the loud, overbearing person I am, I’m actually pretty shy.

TC: Sometimes people are surprised when they learn that I enjoy to go fishing. When I was at home, I would be there most weeks.

Upcoming Events 2019 #GivingTuesday Date: December 3, 2019 2020 National Scholarship Essay Topic Announcement Date: January 15, 2020 2020 National Scholarship Essay Deadline Date: May 1, 2020 Time: 11:59 PM CDT 2020 National Scholarship Committee Meeting Date: June 7, 2020 (Tentative) Time: TBD 2020 Alpha Sigma Kappa Educational Foundation National Meeting Date: July 18, 2020 Time: TBD

Educational Foundation

UPDATES FALL 2019

National Foundation Updates

The National Foundation website www.askwits.org is undergoing updates.

For the most up-to-date information, be sure to like our Facebook page.

Our annual meeting was held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 in Madison, WI. We held elections, reviewed the budget, and discussed the path toward endowment. Rebecca Bartlett was re-elected as Treasurer and Manette Macias was re-elected as Advisory Board Member. Thank you all for your service this year. #GivingTuesday 2018 was a great success. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped us exceed our goal! Be sure to keep the Alpha Sigma Kappa – Educational Foundation in mind for #GivingTuesday this year.

2019 National Scholarship Recipients

This scholarship is awarded to an Active Member studying for either undergraduate or graduate degree and can be used toward tuition and books. The 2019 National Scholarship essay topic was “Promoting Women in Technical Fields.” We had many generous donations and were able to award two runner-up scholarships in addition to the annual $1000 scholarship.

The National Scholarship Committee met on June 23, 2019 when all essays were reviewed and the committee collectively decided on recipients. We are pleased to announce Rachel Penner (Beta Active) as the overall 2019 National Scholarship recipient. Mary Irene Juno (Kappa Active) was first runner-up and Danielle Voelkerding (Kappa Active) was second runner-up.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

Donations

Help us to provide scholarships within our organization.

Please visit www.askwits.org/donate/ for information on how to donate. All donations are tax deductible and provide financial assistance to Active Members of Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies. Every donation counts!

Volunteer Opportunity

Want to get involved? Any ΑΣΚ Alumna can be a part of our 2020 National Scholarship Committee. The time requirement is very minimal. Email ask.educational.foundation@gmail.com if you are interested.

Mary Juno - 1st Runner-up

Scholarship Recipents

Kappa Chapter at the University of Kansas Positions - Alumnae Relations Chair Major - Civil Engineering “I was recently elected to Alumnae Relations Chair and am excited to help communication between our chapter and recent graduates. I’ve really enjoyed having a group of women who are committed to supporting others in STEM majors. ​I am majoring in civil engineering and will be attending graduate school for structural engineering after graduation. I want to design bridges after I graduate. I am using the scholarship money to help pay for textbooks this year. I was really excited that I was able to afford steel and concrete reference manuals for building structures.”

Danielle Voelkerding - 2nd Runner-up

Kappa Chapter - University of Kansas Positions - Candidate Educator for three candidate classes Major - Master of Architecture “After graduating, I hope to be a licensed architect making an impact in the healthcare field in St. Louis – I want to be able to heal, and support those that do, through architecture.

Joining ΑΣΚ has brought so much joy to my life over these last two years - I have grown so much as a person, as a student, and as a Sister, and I am so grateful to ΑΣΚ for the opportunities to grow and succeed in this organization.

Thank you to the National Foundation for supporting my education; I could not be more grateful!”

Rachel Penner - 2019 National Scholarship Recipient

Beta Chapter - University of Oklahoma Positions - Recruitment Committee, Philanthropy Chair Major - Engineering Physics (Concentration in Aerospace Engineering “Joining AΣΚ was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because it put me in touch with an incredible sisterhood of like-minded women in STEM. Through AΣΚ, I have made lifelong friendships, served in leadership positions, and become more outgoing and self-confident. I’m working to get my sisters involved in charitable events, including youth STEM outreach and working with organizations like Days for Girls. I am so honored to have received the Alpha Sigma Kappa Educational Foundation scholarship. AΣΚ is an incredible organization, and receiving this scholarship means a lot to me. I am spending next semester (Spring 2020) studying abroad in Scotland, and this scholarship will help to cover additional expenses for that as well as tuition and fees for my classes here at OU. My eventual career goal is to work in the space industry helping to develop the next generation of crewed space missions!”

Featured Chapter Alpha University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, MN Established 1989

Founded - May 1st 1989

The Alpha Chapter is the founding Chapter of Alpha Sigma Kappa, having the longest lineage and history. As a part of the Panhellenic Council on a Big Ten campus, they participate in all of the campus Greek Life events like Homecoming and Machy Days. They also attend or volunteer at lots of other Greek chapters’ philanthropy events. Currently their Chapter has 31 Members with 9 Candidates.

From their President, Amy DeBoer: “Our Chapter really values making everyone feel like they have a place at the U, whether that be in Greek life or not, we try to find everyone that comes to us somewhere that they can feel like they belong. I have seen the Chapter go through so many changes in policy that make it such an inclusive and diverse place for Sisters. We have become so open and caring towards anyone who wants to join our sisterhood. We have re-done our bylaws to make them more inclusive to people with varying socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, even gender identities with the change from she/her pronouns to they/them pronouns. A few years ago we started doing a cub of the week on our social media, where we highlight on of our newest Members or Candidates and talk about them! We also started having lionesses of the week or Sister spotlights each week too, which are the same thing but for older Members. I love these because it gives the Sister a little extra boost for the week and makes everyone feel better about themselves and their sisterhood. As the founding Chapter we kind of started all of the traditions that every other Chapter knows about, so all of them! My favorite Alpha tradition is Initiation dinner. It’s one of the few times that almost all of our Chapter is in the same place at once and we can all talk and eat yummy food. Speaking of Initiation, we will be having our Initiation on November 8th, it’s always the best event of the year. We all go out to dinner and obsess over bread together and eat some form of Italian food! One of my favorite memories is when we did a social event with a fraternity and we went to an apple orchard. The thing about this orchard is that there were free range animals EVERYWHERE. Peacocks, chickens, goats, a cat, some cows and teacup pigs, it was the best day ever. We also all got collectively lost in a corn maze for about an hour.”

Exec Members: Amy DeBoer - President Sophia Meister - Vice President of Protocol Alejandra Barnes - Vice President of Recruitment and Operations Irma Frlj - Vice President of Administration Emma Schildgen - Vice President of Finance Kalli Schaefer - Vice President of External Relations

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Convention

2019

OR MORE PHOTOS SEE PAGE 22

Sister

FUN FACTS ALPHA | CHRISTINE NELSON

BETA | CHARLI MCGOUGAN I had a travel adventurre in England where I got to explore a town in Sussex and I found a 600 year old house, a house older than the United States.

THETA | OLIVIA LABBE This summer I got to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world: Chichen Itza. I thought it was super cool to see all the engineering, math, and science done in those civilizations before most western cultures had an inkling.

KAPPA | ELIZABETH BROSZ

This summer I travelled with Jayhawk Health Initiative to volunteer with a medical clinic 5 hours east of Panamá City in the mountains. The clinic was entirely run by students and volunteer medical professionals who were committed to the sustainable and holistic empowerment of communities.

LAMBDA | EAMAY DALTON I got to witness a person in a faraday cage at the science and technology museum in Munich. It was fun to learn about electromagnetic fields when I was traveling!

I went to Spain, France, and Morroco in High school with my Spanish class and my absolute favorite part of the trip was going to Barecola. I fell completely in love with all of Guadi’s work and the fresh calamari!

MU | JANE SONG I’ve always gone to Boston every summer since high school, but have met new, different people each time.

This summer, I’ve met some of the greatest mentors and role models who gave me guidance in pursuing a different path.

EPSILON | ERIN DONALDSON I took a class, over spring break where we learned about women in STEM around the world. In 10 days, we toured London and everything we could find that existed thanks to a woman in science!

NU | EMILY DIXON I went to NYC this summer with two of my AΣΚ sisters, and we went to Ellis Island to learn about immigration stories. It was meaningful since my great, great grandmother went through Ellis Island from Ireland.

ETA | RAECHELLE SANDOVAL Almost every summer my family takes a vacation to Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

It’s an amazing place to relax, and learning about the natural hot springs in the area is fascinating!

XI | SHELBY VEXLER One of my favorite memories is traveling to Seattle, Washington with my sorority sister Megan to visit some friends. I loved exploring Pike Place Market, and I tried oysters for the first time!

IOTA | EMILY RISDON

In 2015, I had the opportunity to travel to Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.

My favorite memory is the first day we arrived in Fiji and visited a nature reserve.

I was so happy to hold an iguana for the first time, it really shows in my face!

ZETA | SARA ROCCO I overcame my childhood fear of rollercoasters when I went to Hershey Park with our old Chapter President Courtney and our current Chapter President Marie.

Candle Pass

Announcements Career and Academics

Emma Grace Schildgen (Alpha Active) will begin her career as a Digital and Information Systems Associate at Polaris after graduation in May 2020.

Alyssa Nettleton (Iota Alum) was promoted in September, to the role of Analytical Manager.

Points of Pride Jessica Handwerk (Beta Active) is celebrating a women in STEM win for her family – Jessica’s mother became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in September and was promoted to a management position created specifically for her.

Marriage and Engagement WE TIED THE KNOT!

Sallie Mahl (Beta Active) & Jared Cervantez | August 20, 2019 WE SAID “YES”!

Emma Grace Schildgen (Alpha Active) & Will Treacy | August 7, 2019 the couple will be married on December 28, 2020 Kaitly Garon (Epsilon Alum) & Christian Wolfe | August 10, 2019 Courtney Colson (Zeta Alum) & Eric Merryman | June 16, 2019 Maggie Jiminez (Eta Active) & Samantha Young | March 19, 2019 the couple will be married on October 17, 2020

ΑΣΚ Marketplace

ΑΣΚ Crest Afghans $65, includes shipping Deadline: June 1, 2020 Can be ordered at any time, reach out to Jenifer at askafghans@ askbeta.org

Eta Chapter T-shirt Fundraiser $15, All proceeds go to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Available in 2 designs: https://www.customink.com/ fundraising/alphasigmakappa_ breastcancerawareness Deadline: October 30, 2019 https://www.customink. com/fundraising/ breastcancerawareness_ask Deadline: October 31, 2019

Thank you!

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY | Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies THE LIONESS LOOP | Issue #3, Published Biannually SUBSCRIBE | Contact info@ask-wits.com