Perspectives 55.2 (Winter 2008)

PERSPECTIVES The Official Publication of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority

Volume 54, Issue 2

www.gammasigmasigma.org

WINTER 2008

MARVYN GLOVER RUPPERT 1932-2007 These memories of Marvyn were submitted by: Barbara VanSciver Ferraro

Her maiden name was Marvyn Bennett. She had a 40 year marriage to Tom Glover, who passed away.

Her name changed to Marvyn Gahn after she married again. The marriage only lasted ten days because her husband had a fatal heart attack. Her name changed one last time to Marvyn Ruppert after she married for the final time. She was extremely happy in this marriage.

Marvyn was one of my dearest friends. We started Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority together and we were active in it together for over 50 years. We also both belonged to Theta Sigma Upsilon and did things together in that social sorority.

An award has been created to honor Marvyn for all she has done for the sorority, those around her and the many lives she has touched.

Her college boyfriend and my college boyfriend belonged to the same service fraternity and the same social fraternity so together we attended all their dances, canoe trips, and other activities.

In fact, I met Marvyn in her senior year in high school when our dates knew each other. They arranged a double date. We both showed up in the same coats, maroon and grey fur color.

We will all miss Marvyn.

June 17, 1932- September 16, 2007

It was Marvyn's encouragement that made me start Gamma Sigma Sigma. She did most of the "behind the scenes" work while I was National President for three years.

Marvyn is pictured above (L) with Annetta Wiley (Center) and Barbara Ferraro (R).

In This Issue

Zeta Chapter at Drexel was founded by Marvyn and I. Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority was founded by Marvyn and I. The Philadelphia Area Alumnae Chapter (PAC) of Gamma Sig was founded by Marvyn, Barbara and Peg Zimmerman.

(We got encouragement from Peg Zimmerman who was getting her CPA at the time we were forming Zeta and National.)

Collegiate Chapter/Member News Collegiate Chapter/Member News Alumni Chapter/Member News Alumni Chapter/Member News Conference Information/Registration National Jeweler Service News Exposure - Marketing Director 2009 Convention Advertisement NBD/Staff Contact Information Awareness Events to Remember

Marvyn and I kept up our friendship despite the mileage between us over in the last 20 years, through visits to each other, phone calls, e-mails, letters and meeting at National activities.

Marvyn belonged first to PAC and then to the Atlanta Alum Chapter. When that disbanded, she came back to PAC. As a volunteer for the Red Cross after 9/11, she was in NYC and came down here then too.

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Collegiate News Chapters - Get your service projects, pledge classes or other events in Perspectives.

To submit information, mail pictures and/or story to Perspectives Editor or send to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org (If emailing pictures they must be originally taken/scanned at high res. 300 DPI)

UCF Colony ~ Submitted by: Courtney Colletti

Delta Nu

On September 11th, the UCF Colony hosted a campus-wide event called Stamping for Freedom. This was an event that one of their members, Courtney Colletti, started doing when she was in high school. She thought it would be a great idea for the colony to hold a similar event. Stamping for Freedom is an event where participants make cards for the troops overseas to show their support and encouragement.

It was held in front of the Student Union on their campus, allowing all students to participate. The event turned out to be a great success, even getting the colony into the school paper. The colony made over 100 cards for the troops that day. These cards have since been sent to friends and family members of some of the sisters. All of the members enjoyed participating in the event and the colony hopes to continue to hold Stamping for Freedom again to continue to show the troops that they support them. Stamping for Freedom turned out to be a successful service event; it got the colony good publicity and helped to get the name of a little known organization out on campus. It was also successful because all of the members got to do what they all love to do, service. The UCF Colony encourages other colonies and chapters to hold similar events on their campus to show the troops how much Gamma Sigma Sigma loves them!

The Delta Nu chapter at the University of Maine learned about Alex’s Lemonade Stand from their three members that attended Convention.

They were excited to get involved with this new project. They held their first lemonade stand during the fall semester at their student union and raised $70 for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. They had a lot of fun and plan on holding several more stands in the spring semester!

Delta Xi Delta Xi started this semester welcoming 17 new girls into the sorority. These girls have shown amazing dedication to service and sisterhood over the last few months. They have been an awesome addition to the organization and were activated on November 7, 2007.

This semester they have had some wonderful opportunities to serve our community. They sponsored two blood drives this semester, one for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (where they collected 1100 units of blood, shattering all previous years records) and one for the American Red Cross. They volunteered at the Ozark Celebration Festival, attended “Dance Bear-a-thon” (raising money for Children's Miracle Network) and dressed up to hand out candy at “Spooktacular.” Delta Xi also had an amazing “Spike Out” event this year, collecting nearly 1000 cans of food for Ozark Food Harvest! They won first Place overall in the Student Organizations category at Homecoming. The theme this year was "Wild with Pride.”

They participated in almost all the of events and won first place in the philanthropy clothing drive! They observed Founder’s Day in December. They celebrated their 35th year as a chapter with a sleepover and breakfast! They had five ladies who became alumni.

We congratulate these women as they move on in life: Katie Barrow, Nicole Baugus, Jennifer Daubendiek, Daphne Smith and Wasana Van Zanen.

Zeta Epsilon ~ Submitted by: Bridney Jones During the month of October, Zeta Epsilon had their 7th Annual White Rose Benefit Auction, where the proceeds went to the American Diabetes Association. This year they raised over $800, and the admission was three dollars without a bag of candy and two dollars with a bag of candy; the candy went to the children in the Clarksville community that attend an event called “Ghost” that Zeta Epsilon participates in on their campus every year. During the month of November they had a table set up for the “Angel Tree.” People donated money and their names were put on the Angel Tree for display in the Morgan University Center. The money for that event went to the Salvation Army in Clarksville to help them out for the holidays. They raised $200 with that fundraiser.

Chi Chapter ~ Submitted by: Taylor Elzey The Chi chapter has been busy as ever with new service projects, social events and their record breaking pledge class. Their biggest service project of the year was a new initiative, Service Under the Stars.

At this event they had different booths, including arts and crafts stations, where they made holiday cards for the troops, Thanksgiving placemats for a local nursing home, and homemade ornaments. They also had a bake sale, a canned food drive, and even a booth sponsored by their pledge class that sold snacks to benefit a local animal shelter.

Overall, they raised a little over a $1000 for The Ferst Foundation, collected 123 pounds of canned goods and donated a beautifully decorated Christmas tree to the nursing home! The event was a huge success and they look forward to making it an annual Chi Chapter tradition!

Another big event for the fall semester was “Bowling for Babies.”

They rented out an entire bowling alley and had an amazing time bowling and raising money for the March of Dimes. This year they raised almost $2000 for one of our national service partners from team donations, T-shirt sales and corporate sponsors. Some of their awesome social events of this semester included a SEC Rival Social, Corn Maze Date Night, Parents Weekend and a semiformal! In November, they proudly initiated 188 new sisters, bringing their total roster to nearly 250 girls! Their newly elected officers are excited for the next semester and are looking forward to their annual spring events including Karaoke for Kids, Relay for Life, and The White Rose Formal!

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Collegiate News Extreme Home Makeover with Gamma Kappa -

Submitted by Amy Amari

Ty Pennington, the designers, and working to build a house in seven days is an experience that many wish they could participate in. People volunteer to help, but it is such a privilege to be a part of making the dreams of a family come true. For the sisters of the Gamma Kappa chapter at the University of Tennessee, driving to Raleigh, NC to help with such a dream was great. We were so privileged to help on making this new home possible, and thanks to Erin Brady (whose father was part of the company building the house), it became a reality. We piled in cars and drove to Raleigh and began working the next morning to help finish the home for the Riggins family, as well as the basketball court for the community center and school across the street. The adrenaline was pumping for sure when we finally got to the site of the home, and our first glimpse of it was amazing. The neighborhood surrounding the home was mixed. Down one street there were nice town homes and condos, but down the street that the Riggins family lives on, it’s completely different. The Riggins’ home was falling apart and in extremely bad shape. The new home they would be moving into was breathtaking; it was the kind of home that many could only dream of. While some sisters got to work on the community center/school basketball court, others were inside the house cleaning and decorating; some even got to move in the furniture! The night before the Riggins family came home, Gamma Sigs went to get supplies to make signs for the family. We even got Johnny, one of the designers, to sign one of our signs! The family finally arrived and everything from then on was very energetic. Watching the reveal on TV is one thing. You get caught up in the emotions and maybe even cry, but being there is completely different, in the sense that the feelings are much stronger. You help a family get a new home, and being there to watch them see the new home is a rush, and feelings overwhelm you. We shared in the family’s joy. Getting to watch the episode on TV the following month was incredible, and some sisters were even seen on national television. It was an experience the Gamma Kappa chapter will never forget!

Beta Delta Beta Delta had a semester full of volunteer experiences, along with plenty of sister bonding! Their main focus has been planning their annual Teeter-Totter-A-Thon, which works to raise money for the Aids Resource Center of Wisconsin. The event will take place in the spring.

They have been busy helping various organizations, such as: Ghoulees in the Coulees, Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics, American Heart Association, YMCA, Relay for Life, The Children Museum, Safety on our Sidewalks, March of Dimes, the Salvation Army, Rotary Lights and Adopt-A-Highway.

Aside from volunteering, they have enjoyed each other’s company by partaking in a bake-off, enjoying a weekend fall retreat, biannual formal and pledge party. They were proud to be able to welcome five new wonderful girls into our sisterhood and are thankful for all of the experiences that came their way last semester. They are looking forward to see what this semester has in store and hope that their fellow sister chapters are just as excited! Feel free to e-mail them with any exciting news at: gssbetadelta@yahoo.com. They would love to hear how your chapter has been.

Beta Sigma The Beta Sigma chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority has been progressively on the move for service throughout the fall semester. The Beta Sigma chapter has been involved in a large amount of service projects and events. One of the biggest service fundraisers was on October 15, 2007. They hosted their 8th Annual Dream Date Auction raising over $300 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. They hosted their 11th Annual Talent Explosion, collecting over five large boxes of canned goods, as well as $1,000 to purchase necessities for the Barren River Area Safe Space for battered women and children. A main focus of the Beta Sigma chapter has become a more increasingly dynamic, goal- oriented, and strong organization to make a difference in their community. They have activated five new members into the organization: Brittaney Johnson, Shante’ Randolph, Malia Carver, Tai Gibson, and Janesia Harlston.

The chapter as a whole is vibrantly on the move and looks forward to a greater impact of service within Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.

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Chapter Spotlight The generosity of the sisters of the Delta Chi chapter was recognized!

Aaron F. Lucier, Director of Operations/Associate Director of Campus Living at East Carolina University thanked them for their $1000 donation to the Pitt County AIDS Service Organization. It meant a great deal to a small agency!

Other News

Congrulations to the newest chapter, Eta Zeta at Spelman College!

Welcome to our newest colony at Madonna University (Livonia, Michigan)!

Alumni News The Alumni members of Gamma Sigma Sigma continue to impress me! Many of them are working jobs, managing a family and a home and still continue to do amazing service projects with their colonies or chapters or as Alumni-at-Large. A few months ago I surveyed our Alums to see what kind of projects keep them busy and promised to share the ideas. Here are some that might spark interest in you: Ronald McDonald House; Some chapters cook meals there or make goody bags for the children; Relay for Life, Cancer Walks, March of Dimes Walks, etc. These are some of the most popular activities among colonies and chapters. Gamma Sigs can be found not only on the route as participants, but also behind the scenes at registration tables, giving out snacks, etc. and ollecting personal items for homeless shelters, battered women shelters, teen centers, etc. Care packages suitable for the “clients” are made up by our members. Making afghans, quilts and stuffed animals to comfort those in crisis is a growing service project idea. Everyone can participate in some way by cutting fabric, knitting, crocheting, sewing, adding embellishments, or packaging/delivering.

I heard from several chapters who are working with community organizations to help families in crisis by sorting and organizing donated items that are given to needy families. Providing seasonal treats/parties to Day Care Centers, Senior Citizen homes, hospitals, group homes, Headstart classes and more is a favorite, too. Additionally, soup kitchens and the Salvation Army have Gamma Sigs in their volunteer ranks. Food donations are the focus for the several chapters who either donate to food banks or make up baskets for distribution through social service agencies. One of our Alumni Chapters made up “Sunshine Sacks” with sunscreen, sun glasses, flip flops, and cancer prevention tips to be given out at a woman’s shelter. Some of our members are dedicated to reading to the elderly or to the young at libraries, school, senior centers and hospitals. One Alum-at-Large member stuffs envelopes for a college alumni group, among her many projects. We support Big Brother/Big Sister programs, collect coupons for the military overseas, sell lemonade at Alex’s Lemonade Stands, walk dogs for the sick and elderly and send cards and personal items to our brave military troops; the variety is incredible.

White Rose Alumni Chapter had a lovely chartering ceremony on November 10th. They planned a weekend of activities including a service project and a dinner to mark the occasion. Congratulations, ladies.

Our Alumni ranks are involved, dedicated members of the Sorority with so much talent and expertise it is boggling sometimes. I encourage all of our Alumni interest groups/colonies/chapters to be in communication with each other to share ideas and interests. Watch for information on the national Web site about the Alumni Conference that is in the works for October 2008.

The Mid Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter had a wonderful fall full of service projects. Sisters held their annual Halloween party for the women and children of a battered women’s shelter. For over ten years the chapter has gone to the same shelter for this project. Age appropriate games are played with the children; each child ends up with at least one prize from playing the games.

A favorite part of the day for the moms and children is the family picture taking. Each family receives at least one picture with a frame to display their photo. Of course, no Halloween party would be complete without treats—and the chapter provided a wide variety of desserts and beverages for both the moms and the children. In September, sisters made toiletries bags that were distributed to both the children and the women at the shelter. The bags contained a wide variety of items including toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, combs, and lotion. The children also left with “ghost lollipops” that are made during a chapter meeting. Other fall projects included the donation of a food basket in Thanksgiving and the donation of new toys in December.

Nutmeg Alumni Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority celebrated their 41st anniversary. They are a group of women living in Connecticut who have pledged the National Sorority in various colleges throughout the United States.

Chapters used to exist at UCONN and CCSU, where most of Nutmeg’s members are from. UMASS has also contributed alumni who now living in Connecticut. These women come together every month to do service to the community. Ongoing service projects include making Sojourn Bears TM for cancer patients, knitting or crocheting shawls for Hospice patients, making “neck coolers” and care packages for soldiers, making toiletry bags for homeless shelters, and collecting food for food banks.

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For the past three years, the Houston Bayou City Alumni Chapter has given away a financial award to a graduating high school senior for college. They also hold a dinner in their honor. They recently have decided to rename the award the "Marvyn G. Ruppert Education Award," in honor of our recently departed and wellloved sister. They felt that this would be a good way to remember one of the founding members of our sorority.

Alumni Spotlight Captain Courtney E. Wallace, an alumni member from Zeta Iota chapter, was selected to be a member of TOPS In Blue (the USAF song and dance entertainment troup) 2008 tour! She will be traveling across the world bringing joy to those away from home.

She also won second place in the USAF WorldWide Talent contest in the dance category on 10 Dec 07.

“I want to thank you for your participaion, whether that be in song, rhythm, support, paperwork, instruction, and/or prayer- in my selection. Please continue to help others as you have me.”

Alumni News Thirty-seven Gamma Sigs from three chapters (Alpha Pi, Alpha Iota, and Twin Cities Alums) met in Roseville, Minnesota for a day of service and sisterhood on November 10, 2007. Sponsored by the Twin Cities Alumni Chapter, the day began with a morning session of service at Bridging, a non-profit organization that provides house wares and furniture to families in transition. Many sisters assembled media stands and decorative shelving units while others assembled single person sets of silverware. At noon everyone moved to the Hamline Professional Building where Linda Oberg hosted members in her office building conference rooms and pool. Lunch was provided by Twin Cities Alums. After lunch, participants moved to the conference room and worked on three different projects including holiday ornaments in decorated craft bags for the women at the YWCA transitional housing apartments, sorting kits for kindergarten students at Eagleview Elementary School in Pequot Lakes, MN and tactile alphabet books, also for the elementary school. The day ended with singing the sorority song. Members of the sponsoring chapter, along with collegiate participants, expressed that the day was great fun, and besides service there was lots of time for networking between chapters. Look for similar service events in District 1 in the semesters to come!

The Women of the White Rose Alumni Chapter would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to those who traveled far and near to attend their chartering ceremony that took place at Tennessee State University on November 9th-11th. They would like to thank Judi Mecsics (Alumni Director) and Jana Evans (D5 Director) for showing how much they love them, as they traveled very far to attend and took part in a memorable event for the chapter.

It was a long time coming and the chapter was glad to experience it with the ones that are dedicated to doing what they love to do, and that is service.

The ladies of Gemini Alumni have been keeping busy this year. In the fall they laced up their walking shoes and participated in many walks including The Kidney Walk, The Aids Walk and The Lupus Walk. The Lupus Walk was part of District 4 Service Day. As the year ended, they took part in some of their annual service projects!

For the 7th year in a row, Gemini sponsored two children from the Delaware Valley Children’s Charity, They purchased gifts for their two sponsored children and then met up at one of the sisters house and spent the day wrapping the gifts and catching up with one other. Another annual project they participated in this was their annual holiday party with the children at The People’s Emergency Center (a battered women’s shelter) in Philadelphia. The Gemini ladies worked with the children. They helped them make holiday crafts and enjoyed some yummy treats. As 2007 drew to an end the ladies gathered together for their annual holiday sisterhood party. The party was a Mexican themed meal. The meal was delicious and they learned that Gemini has many wonderful chefs among their group! As 2008 approaches, they look forward to celebrating their 10th Anniversary! ~ Submitted by Marion M. D'Amico

The Bluegrass Alumni Chapter ends its first year back on active status on a high note, of service that is. They came together in 2007 and achieved more than what they hoped for. Now, they are all totally committed and dedicated to complete the projects planned in the upcoming year. In 2007, they served food to homeless, tutored and mentored youth, walked for March of Dimes, donated Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, handed out ribbons for M.A.D.D, and fundraised for the Lupus Foundation. They also awarded Alyshia Anderson, Beta Sigma member, with their first Bluegrass Award, a $200 contribution for books. In 2008, they look forward to projects like “Parents Day Out” at We Love Angels Daycare, “Cooking with Care” at B.R.A.S.S. (shelter for abused women), making holiday cards for nursing home residents and volunteering at Kosair’s Children’s Hospital. In order to support AIDS research, Bluegrass will begin efforts to make a quilt for the AIDS Quilt foundation. The quilt will be made in honor of member Erica' whose two family members lost their lives to this illness.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 1, 2008. Bluegrass Alumni will be having their chartering ceremony in Bowling Green, Kentucky. On November 15th, they became an alumni chapter, and are excited about all of their endeavors for service and sorority. Be on the lookout for more details about the ceremony.

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Donna Fazino, a member of the Nutmeg Alumni Chapter, has recently been awarded one of fice Distinguised Service Awards given to members of Gamma Sigma Sigma. Donna works as a paraprofessional and job coach for Special Needs students at a high school.

Congratulations, Donna!

In the Next Issue

The next issue will feature information about past National Presidents by Barbara Ferraro.

2008 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES Gamma

Sigma Sigma

Learn helpful information from your GSS leaders, meet members from across the country, and build on your leadership in the Sorority!

February 23rd in Statesboro, Georgia hosted by Eta Alpha February 23rd in Ft. Worth, Texas hosted by Beta Theta March 28-30th in Vermont April 12th in Murray, Kentucky hosted by Eta Gamma

With 2 more conferences in the fall of 2008!

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LAVALIERS

RINGS

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GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA OFFICIAL JEWELRY

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ACCESSORIES

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Description

Gold Plate Sterling Silver 10K Gold

Vertical Monogram Lavaliere Circle Monogram Lavaliere Heart w/ Pearls & Garnets Rose Lavaliere Badge Charm Enameled Monogram Ring size:______ Hand Clasp Ring size:______ Crested Ring size:______ Men's Onyx Crest size:______ Onyx Crested Ring size:______ Badge Pendant (badge separately) Plain Crest Rec. Pin Rose Pin Crest Earrings Diagonal Monogram Pin Crested Black Matte Finish Pen

Item BP101 BP106 BJ102 BJ103 BJ105 CG061 CG062 CG081 CG082

GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA OFFICIAL JEWELRY

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Description

$14.00 $16.00

$17.00 $20.00

$16.00 $30.00 na na na na na na $20.00 $16.00 $54.00 $14.00 $60.00

$18.00 $36.00 $55.00 $55.00 $65.00 $100.00 $65.00 $60.00 na na $50.00 $17.00

Gold Kase

Enameled Badge Chapter Honorary Member 13 Pearl 10 Pearl with 3 Garnet points 13 Garnets Plain 1 letter Chapter Guard Plain 2 letter Chapter Guard Whole Pearl 1 letter Guard Whole Pearl 2 letter Guard

$9.00 na na na na $15.00 $16.00 na na

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$25.00 $36.00 $132.00 $33.00 $84.00 $160.00 $150.00 $180.00 $292.00 $180.00 $130.00 $30.00 $35.00 $70.00 $25.00

Gold Filled $33.00 na na na na Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________

10K Gold

Total

$51.00 $35.00 $109.00 $109.00 $109.00 $24.50 $31.50 $52.00 $75.50

Merchandise Total Sales Tax (CA=8.0%, GA, IL, OH=7.0%) Shipping and Handling (6% of order total/minimum $6.00)

Name ________________________________________ Shipping Address__________________________

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Send order to: Award Concepts Inc. • P.O. Box 4305 • 110 South 11th Ave • St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 1-800-659-7801 • Fax: 630-513-7809 • Website: www.awardconcepts.net

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Service News Supporting Our National Service Partners and Project I.M.P.A.C.T. Areas

By Deb Folsom, National Service Director Statistics are one thing that I look at closely at when it comes to what areas I tend to spend my time supporting. With the number of people who are without adequate food supplies, medical help and housing, along with the other multiple areas that the world needs help with, my list keeps growing. But, at some point, each member and chapter needs to decide what areas they want to really contribute to. This is why as a national organization; we have only four service partners and two Project I.M.P.A.C.T. areas. This way, members can still choose an area that they feel a need to serve in, but at the same time, we are able to really do something as a group towards these goals.

I read an article last week that that the American Cancer Society estimated there were more than 12 million new cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2007. Of these, over 1,745.400 of them occurred in North America (United States and Canada). The breakdown means that about 20,000 people die from cancer each day across the world.

The March of Dimes released the following earlier this year: 12.5% of babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks) which is 30% higher than the rate was 25 years ago. The rise in multiple births has contributed to the trend, but most preemies are singletons. Although there are some risk factors, such as preeclampsia, more than have of preterm births have no known cause. More than half a million preterm babies who survive each year are vulnerable to a variety of long-term health and behavior problems. About 20-30% will develop ADHD and 50% have learning disorders.

Statistics on world hunger are also shocking. Every year 15 million children die of hunger. The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is well fed, one-third is under-fed one-third is starving with over 4 million people dying last year from not having enough to eat.

And let us not forget about the American Red Cross. Only 5 percent of eligible donors across the nation donate blood, but the number of transfusions nationwide increases by 9 percent every year. Statistics show that 25 percent or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime. And if this information is not enough to get you to want to donate blood or have your chapter support a bloodmobile, how about the fact that you burn 650 calories by donating one pint of blood!

In the end, whatever area you or your chapter choose to support this year, always remember that every little bit helps, every hour of service you do makes a difference and never give up the energy and enthusiasm you have to try and make the community you live, and the world, a better place.

Service Partner - March of Dimes ~ Light Up Your Campus in Pink & Blue ~ Shining to save babies!

What do Niagara Falls, the Hoover Dam, the Empire State Building, and your campus all have in common? They will light up in pink & blue this November! With your help, schools, monuments and buildings across the country will shine in honor of the nationʼs tiniest babies – to give them a voice and let everyone know about the serious problem of premature birth.

In the United States, the rate of premature birth has increased almost 31 percent since 1981. November is Prematurity Awareness Month, recognizing that prematurity is the number one killer of newborns. During this time, the March of Dimes and volunteers will raise awareness throughout the nation with rallies, expert panel discussions, and tours of neonatal intensive care units.

In honor of Prematurity Awareness Day (November 13th, 2007), we invite you to shine in pink & blue at your school or campus!

You can ask your dean or chancellor for permission to use pink & blue bulbs in any lights you have on campus, particularly in an outdoor setting. But that is not the only way to light up! Consider having a pink and blue balloon arch, inviting everyone at your school to wear pink and blue, and using pink and blue streamers to decorate the halls.

To show the mission to your friends and professors, try this activity - ask 1 in 8 people in your sorority chapter meeting or in your class to stand. That is the number of people who would be born premature, as one in eight babies is born too soon.

13 babies die every day as a result of prematurity/low birthweight. You can have a huge impact in helping all babies have a healthy start at life by participating in Prematurity Awareness Month!

The Team Youth Website, marchofdimes.com/youth, has many great resources to help Gamma Sigma Sigma members generate service ideas for Prematurity Awareness Month/Day. Under the Activities section you will find other ideas for your school such as “Bagels for Babies” or a “WalkAmerica Wacky” day.

As you host events, we invite you to take lots of photos and even capture your school on video! Check out the Team Youth Web site for contest details; we will be asking for photos and videos when our “Light Up Your School in Pink & Blue” contest premieres! Show us that YOUR Gamma Sigma Sigma chapter is the best in the nation in promoting the mission of the March of Dimes!

For more information on lighting up your school and where to find light bulbs, visit marchofdimes.com/youth. On that site you can also find your local March of Dimes chapter by entering your ZIP code at the top of the page. Connect with your local March of Dimes office for resources, and see if they could use your help at any events this November.

With 1,393 babies born prematurely every day, March of Dimes needs the help of every Gamma Sigma Sigma member. Take part this November, and together March of Dimes and Gamma Sigma Sigma can make a difference in the fight to save babiesʼ Contact: Allison Hauser, teamyouth@marchofdimes.com for additional information or questions. lives!

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Volume 2, Issue 3

An official marketing publication of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority Winter 2008

Gamma Sig: Giving them something to talk about!

A Dozen “Basic B’s” For Publicity in the Media: Be the only person from your group to contact the news media.

Two members calling the same editor or program director are bound to bring conflict or confusion.

Be quick to establish a personal contact with the right persons at the newspapers, radio and television stations in your area.

Be sure to write everything down. Train your memory but don’t trust it completely.

Be prompt in meeting every deadline.

Gamma Pi Chapter Carson Newman College

T

he best marketing begins with enthusiastic members. If you want potential students to get excited about Gamma Sig, you have to get excited about Gamma Sig. If you want exposure on your campus, you have to be seen on your campus. And, if you want everyone to see and know about all the great projects and events you are hosting, you have to publicize them.

Be legible. Type news releases. Erase and correct errors.

Be accurate. Double check dates, names and places before you submit your copy.

Be honest and impartial. Give credit where it is due.

Be brief. Newspaper space and air time are costly and precious.

Be brave. Don’t be afraid to suggest something new if you honestly believe you have a workable idea.

While most chapters/colonies publicize their projects and events through flyers, handbills, banners, and word-of-mouth, it is important not to leave out the media. Local and college newspapers, radio stations, and television broadcast stations reach larger audiences. Press releases or email notificiations to the media can go a long way with informing more people about Gamma Sigma Sigma in your area.

Be business-like. Act professionally and you will be treated professionally.

Be appreciative of all space and time given to your group’s publicity.

Please review the “B’s to Publicity” listed to the right. These tips are also found in the Collegiate Officer’s Guide.

Be professional. Members of the press are always invited guests.

Never ask them to buy tickets or pay admission.

From August 1 to December 1, 2007, the following chapters/colonies were featured in their local or school newspapers.

Zeta Chapter at Drexel University Tau Chapter at Pennsylvania State University Alpha Psi at Southeast Missouri State University Beta Sigma Chapter at Western Kentucky University Beta Psi Chapter at Indiana University of PA Gamma Alpha Chapter at Florida A&M University Gamma Kappa at University of Tennessee Zeta Iota Chapter at Prairie View A&M Zeta Omicron Georgia College and State University University of Central Florida Colony

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10 REASONS after getting your Passport to Leadership at the 2008 Conferences,

to make the

Gamma Sigma Sigma

National Convention Your destination in 2009 Meet and network with other members Attend workshops Get Great favors and paraphernalia Learn from other members Vote on the National Bylaws Elect and meet the new leaders to the

Share knowledge of what works in your

chapter Travel and tour a new city Show your spirit—share songs, chants, dances, and steps Bring back helpful information for your chapter or colony

National Board of Directors

National Board & Staff Contact Information President • Dee Carter • 8 Jeffrey Road, Aldan, PA 19018 • 610-394-0502 EST • president@gammasigmasigma.org Vice-President • Keli Connor • 2205 New Garden Road, Apt 3506, Greensboro, NC, 27410 • 336-207-1036 EST • vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org Secretary • Joyce Brooks • 8100 Stone, Apt. 1903, Houston, TX 77061 • 713-591-0358 CST • secretary@gammasigmasigma.org Treasurer • Karen Erickson • 27970 Lakelawn Drive, Lindstrom, MN 55045 • 651-274-5352 CST • treasurer@gammasigmasigma.org Service Director • Deb Folsom • 2450 121st Avenue, Clear Lake, MN 55319 CST • servicedirector@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director • Karen Kerr • 43575 Plantation Terrace, Ashburn, VA 20147 • 703-994-1137 EST• membership@gammasigmasigma.org Alumni Director • Judi Mecsics • 43706 Hamilton Chapel Terrace, Ashburn, VA 20148 • 703-858-0626 EST • alumnidirector@gammasigmasigma.org Program Director • Sharon Brice • 3622 Truesdale Drive • Missouri City, TX 77459 • 281-438-8420 CST • program@gammasigmasigma.org Marketing Director • Aurelia Spaulding • 270-779-9509 • marketing@gammasigmasigma.org District I Director • Lori Moyer • 643 Boston Drive, Davenport, IA 52806 • 563-391-3408 CST • district1@gammasigmasigma.org District II Director • Alyshia Inks • 3251 May Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 • 412-983-8121 EST • district2@gammasigmasigma.org District III Director • Pat Saul • 19 Kevadus Circle, Chester, VT 05143 • 802-875-6651 EST • district3@gammasigmasigma.org District IV Director • Mariza Shavelle • 1597 Shady Glen Road, Downington, PA 19335 • 610-772-1214 EST • district4@gammasigmasigma.org District V Director • Jana Evans • 991 Hidden Acres Court, Columbus, OH 43224 • 614-262-9222 EST • district5@gammasigmasigma.org District VI Director • Ranita Williams • 57 Forsyth Street, Condo 5H, Atlanta, GA 30303 • 404-803-5043 EST • district6@gammasigmasigma.org District VII Director • Celeste McNeil • 3545 Blodgett, #2105, Houston, TX 77004 • 832-453-4039 CST • district7@gammasigmasigma.org District VIII Director • Meika Sherrer • 8565 Wilcrest, Houston TX 77099 • 281-933-1176 CST • district8@gammasigmasigma.org Parliamentarian • Lynne Mowers • 405 Winchester Road, E Syracuse, NY 13057 • 315-463-0196 EST • parliamentarian@gammasigmasigma.org Administrative Assistant • Jo Charest • PO Box 248, Rindge, NH 03461-0248 • 800-585-7509 EST • Fax 216-803-3065 • aa@gammasigmasigma.org Perspectives Editor • Ashley Kreider • 245 Clearbrook Ct., Cranberry Twp., PA 15237 • 412-874-5551 EST • perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org Webmaster • Jo Charest • PO Box 248, Rindge, NH 03461-0248 • 800-585-7509 EST • Fax 216-803-3065 • webmaster@gammasigmasigma.org National Archivist • Bea Segal • 611 Malcolm Crescent, Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-979-6271 EST • archivist@gammasigmasigma.org Database Coordinator • Karen Kerr • 43575 Plantation Terrace, Ashburn, VA 20147 • 703-994-1137 EST • database@gammasigmasigma.org Convention Chair • Lelar Corbett • 9948 Dryden Lane, Plano, TX 75025 • 214-499-0512 CST • 2009convention@gammasigmasigma.org Immediate Past President • D’Ann Brosnahan • 4380 Brookside Court, #204, Edina, MN 55436 • 952-920-0546 CST • ipp@gammasigmasigma.org Nominating Chair • Crystal Radabaugh • 15947 Flotilla Trail, Apple Valley, MN • 952-215-5019 CST • nominating@gammasigmasigma.org

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Upcoming Events

Cookbooks for Sale The White Rose Alumni Chapter of TN cookbooks have now arrived. Do you or someone you know need some new appetizer recipes for holiday parties or summer barbecues?

Recipes include baked Vidalia onion Dip, bologna rolls, cheesecake fruit dip, and spinach and feta pita pizza, just to name a few. The cookbook has over 150 recipes. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a stand to keep your page open with this cookbook; it has a built in stand. The cookbook is only $10.00. Please include $4.00 for shipping and handling for orders outside the Nashville area. Their plan is to send a portion of the sales to a local charity. If you would like to order copies of this cookbook, please email Carol Smith at Daisy123@tds.net or whiterosealumni@hotmail.com. You can make your cashierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s check or money order payable to: White Rose Alumni of TN. Send your payment to: Carol Smith at 1702 Luton Drive LaVergne, TN 37086.

February American Heart Month - www.americanheart.org Black History Month

17 National Woman's Heart Day www.sistertosister.org March Red Cross Month - www.redcross.org National Kidney Month - www.kidney.org National MS Education & Awareness Month -www.msfocus.org National Nutrition Month - www.eatright.org

17 Perspectives Submissions Due! 23 American Diabetes Alert Day - www.diabetes.org

New Alumni!

ATTENTION COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS!

Is this your first issue of Perspectives since becoming an alumni member? If you would like to continue to get Perspectives via postal mail, please e-mail: database@gammasigmasigma.org

Ceremonial stoles are available through an outside vendor for use at chapter ceremonies.

Cost is $28.00 each (includes tax and priority shipping, 1-2 days)

The deadline for the Spring 2007 issue of Perspectives is March 17, 2007!

Go to www.geocities.com/deirdretoo

Have you moved or changed your name?

If so, please contact: database@gammasigmasigma.org

Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority C/O Karen Kerr, Database Coordinator 43575 Plantation Terrace Ashburn, VA 20147

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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