Perspectives 54.2 (Spring 2008)

PERSPECTIVES The Official Publication of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority

Volume 54, Issue 2

www.gammasigmasigma.org

SPRING 2008

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR MARCH OF DIMES March of Dimes has changed the name of their premier fundraising event from WalkAmerica® to March for Babies. It’s a great change, because it makes clear exactly whom we’re walking for: all babies. All across America, millions of people get involved as walkers, sponsors and volunteers.

Now in its 38th year, this was the first fundraising walk; and college students started it!

• Bake sales: Have your group bake sweet treats and sell your goodies at school, a football game or outside a local shopping plaza (ask for permission first). Post signs to advertise!

March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. They are the millions of reasons behind our urgent mission and why we continue to: • fight for health insurance for all pregnant women and children • push for newborn screening that could save lives and prevent disability • reach out to women with healthy-pregnancy information and services • provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care • support all-important research offering hope for preventions and solutions for babies born with birth defects and other conditions.

Want to start raising money right away? At marchforbabies.org, you’ll find everything you need for a successful fundraiser. You’ll be able to create a personal Web page and use e-mail to invite your friends and family to support your personal efforts to help advance the March of Dimes mission. Collecting money by credit card or PayPal is easy and secure. Or you can have your sponsors send a check.

With more than half a million babies born too soon in the United States each year, premature birth is a top mission priority for March of Dimes. We fund research by the best scientists to learn ways to help women have full-term pregnancies.

March of Dimes helps moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. And if something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies, like premature birth and birth defects, and work on preventing them. With your help, we will move closer to the day when all babies are born healthy!

March of Dimes carries out its mission in the name of babies, moms and families everywhere.

One day, every family will know the joys of having a healthy baby.

Here are some examples of ways that you can help raise awareness and funds for March of Dimes: • March of Dimes cut-outs: Contact your local chapter for paper cut-outs and sell them for $1-2 at your school, your workplace or even around the neighborhood.

Article courtesy of the March of Dimes

• Tie-Dye or glitter purple wristbands: These are a great seller! You can find the bands at http://www.wristbands4awareness.com/?page=mod_co rporate.php.

In This Issue

• E-mail campaign: Sign up online at marchforbabies.com and start sending e-mails!

Collegiate Chapter News Alumni Chapter/Member News National Worker’s Information Past National Presidents NBD/Staff Contact Information Service News/Membership News Publications Ordering Information National Jeweler Upcoming Events/Misc. Info

• Mile of Dimes Challenge: Challenge the dorms on your campus to a Mile of Dimes competition and see who can collect the most dimes.

• Bake sales: Have your group bake sweet treats and sell your goodies at school, a football game or outside a local shopping plaza (ask for permission first). Post signs to advertise!

• Car wash: Get your group together to wash cars in a school parking lot. This is not just a great way to raise money, but also to get the word out in your community about your chapter.

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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)

Beta Gamma ~ Submitted by: Kimberly Rethy The Beta Gamma Chapter at the University of Delaware has been keeping quite busy this semester. They are continuing to reach out to the community in support of Delaware’s Foundation for Reaching Citizens with Cognitive Disabilities (DFRC), which is their philanthropy for the 2007-2008 academic year. In the fall semester, they were thrilled to raise over $4500 for DFRC. Their annual fundraising event, The Variety Show, held in November, brought in nearly half of their total earnings thus far!

This semester, they are planning a more intimate coffee house open-mic night to support our cause, along with smaller fundraisers at area restaurants. In addition to Beta Gamma’s philanthropy, members have been getting ready to participate in Relay for Life (they have four teams!), doing park and highway clean-ups, and volunteering at the local hospital and food bank.

DFRC mascot “Buddy Bear” (a.k.a. Megan Horstead) at Beta Gamma’s Variety Show

Also, they would like to announce and welcome their spring pledge class, The Beta Alphas! They are an amazing group of girls. Beta Gamma is pleased to have them and is looking forward to their activation in May. They also look forward to hearing from other chapters across the country; please send them your news!

Tau ~ Submitted by: Allie Landsman This semester has been very interesting for the Tau Chapter at Penn State University. After taking their last pledge class of over forty lovely ladies, the girls decided to spend the semester focusing not only on service, but on sister bonding as well. Their goal was to reunite their sisterhood for the betterment of the sorority. They are proud to report that their unity is much stronger and their overall morale has increased. Recently, they participated in Penn State’s service project, Dance Marathon or THON as they prefer to call it. Their sorority is lucky to work with two adorable boys, Artie and Alex, who have been inflicted with pediatric cancer.

Everyone worked extremely hard all year to bring in generous donations for The Four Diamonds Fund. These donations enable them to continue their mission to conquer pediatric cancer. Their chapter had a number of dancers on the floor for THON who toughed out the 46 hours of non-stop dance movements. Being a part of such an incredible cause is just one wonderful service project their chapter contributes to. This year THON 2008 raised $6,615,318.04 and they were extremely proud to be a part of that effort.

Gamma Kappa ~ Submitted by: Courtney Holder

Gamma Theta

The Gamma Kappa chapter at the University of Tennessee is very excited to welcome 33 new members. A very special activation ceremony was held on Sunday, March 9th, officially inducting new sisters into Gamma Kappa. New members were excited to become sisters in Gamma Sig and old members were glad to welcome them into the sorority. Members celebrated together afterwards at a sisterhood dinner where sisters were paired with new members to in order to get to know each other better.

The ladies of the Gamma Theta Chapter at Stephen F. Austin University are on track for a thriving semester.

They have four new pledges joining the 16 active members this spring. Their pledges raised money for HIV and collected canned goods for Godtel Ministry for their service project and fundraiser in March. They decided to do more service on campus by hosting a blood drive, campus cleanup and a clothing drive. Recently, they had an Easter egg hunt and barbeque with the boys at the Nacogdoches Boys Ranch. For random acts of kindness, they visit a local hospital, fire department and campus police department for Valentine’s day and Easter. They had two fundraisers in April, a Car Wash and Rock-A-Thon.

Every Thursday they play bingo at Arbor assisted living and every Sunday they have a study group. You will hear more about the Gamma Theta Chapter as they continue to grow!

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Collegiate News District 2 Spirit Day was held at Penn State University on

Zeta Epsilon ~ Submitted by: Bridney Jones

March 29. All of the collegiate chapters in the district were present!

Members talked about their chapters, exchanged service project ideas and put their knowledge about GSS to the test with an exciting game of Jeopardy!

The Sorors of Zeta Epsilon at Austin Peay State University hosted their 3rd Annual Suicide Awareness Rally with Sigma Phi Epsilon National Fraternity. The purpose of the rally was to inform the campus about the effects of suicide. The rally included a speaker who is dealing with the loss of a loved one from suicide.

Members provided music and food to the campus for the free event. Zeta Epsilon had a blood drive on campus on April 7th. They are planning a dating game on April 23, 2008, with a special presentation afterwards.

They will also be collecting donations for the March of Dimes walk hosted by Beta Sigma on April 26.

Alumni News Bluegrass Alumni started off the year on a good note. In January, they went to Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY where they supplied homemade coloring books to the children. They were able to go in and speak with some of the children and their families one-on-one. It was a joy to see their faces light up when they were given the coloring books.

On March 1st, Judi Mecsics, National Alumni Director, graced the chapter with her presence to present them with their charter. She spent the day with them eating, participating in a service project and helping them with their chartering ceremony.

They enjoyed having lunch with Judi. It is nice to know that there are National Officers that are down to earth and fun to be around.

The service project for that day was the South Central Kentucky Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake. They had two teams participate and raised over $300.

They had a lot of fun bowling together and fellowshipping. Their chartering ceremony took place later on that afternoon. They were blessed to have support from the White Rose Alumni Chapter as well as two alumni of the former Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Kentucky State University.

They also received a beautiful tribute from the Beta Sigma Chapter. Overall, it was a beautiful day that ended with all Gamma Sigs present to rededicate themselves to the ideals of Gamma Sigma Sigma through a Rededication Ceremony.

What a way to kick off a new year. There is definitely more to come from Bluegrass Alumni in 2008!

The recently formed Steel City Alumni Colony have been up to some great things! They recently served brunch at the Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh. Families with children who are having surgeries at neighboring hospitals stay at this house.

They were very grateful for the breakfast items the members donated and served. This will definitely be a recurring service project! They have also been collecting items like canned food, blankets and jackets for the East End Cooperative Ministry. This is just Steel City Alumni members at the Ronald the beginning for the Steel City McDonald House Alumni! If you are in the Pittsburgh area, they would love to have you join! Contact Alyshia Inks at: alyshia.inks@gmail.com for more information.

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Houston Bayou City Alumni Chapter was at the Houston Food Bank on March 8, 2008.

They sorted good and bad canned goods and prepared them for re-packaging. Five members were present: Cecelia Brumsey, Joyce Brooks, Sharon Brice, Latanya Sigee and Meika Sherrer (not pictured).

Alumni News The last few months have been so exciting for me. I have seen interest in our Alumni program grow by leaps and bounds!! We have a new colony in the Pittsburgh, PA area. The Steel City Alumni Colony has been involved in some wonderful projects and their membership is already growing. Congratulations! We also have new interest groups established in several other areas and they are working towards becoming colonies quickly. I have had inquiries from an Alum who is now living in California and one in Oklahoma. I hope to find some other members who have relocated in their area so we can expand westward. This is a good time to remind everyone how important it is to keep your contact information current. We can’t tell you about all the great things GSS is doing if we don’t know where you are!

Special congratulations to the Bluegrass Alumni Chapter! They received their charter at a lovely ceremony in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on March 1st. This group of woman has impressed me with their sincere enthusiasm for service in the community and for fun too. Well done, ladies.

The Alumni of Gamma Sigma Sigma are doing some wonderful service projects within the colonies/chapters, but I would like to target one thing to unite all of the Alumni. After much consideration, I am suggesting that we launch the SOCKS FOR SOLDIERS campaign. The background for this project is this: Military service personnel who get sick or injured while overseas are sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

They almost always arrive with just the uniform they are wearing. There had been a large supply of basic items for the troops, but this supply is almost depleted now. I have a good friend who is a nurse in the hospital and she said she had gone out on her own to purchase socks for the patients. My own son arrived there from Iraq when he was injured and just looked forward to a shower and clean socks and underwear after being in the desert so long. It doesn’t seem too much to ask. The LRMC chaplain has taken charge of distributing items to the military patients. You can mail a package to his office at the address below. The big request is for plain white athletic socks. Don’t forget some of our military have big feet, so pick up a package for them too! Please let me know that your colony/chapter/interest group is participating!

Send the SOCKS FOR SOLDIERS to: LRMC Attn: Chaplain’s Office CMR 402 APO AE 09180 You are only paying postage to NY, not Germany. You will need to fill out a customs form at the Post Office.

Thank you in advance for supporting this project!

Sisterly, Judi

Gemini Alumni Submitted by: Marion M. D'Amico

Every year, the members of the Gemini Alumni Chapter gather for what they call their “big sisterhood service project.” As a group, they pick one project a year. The goal is to have participation from as many members of their chapter as possible. This year’s project was at the Cancer Wellness Center in Philadelphia. The Wellness Center is a nonprofit organization offering a wide variety of support services for people with cancer. When they arrived at the Wellness Center they grabbed gloves, rakes and wheelbarrows and spent the morning removing leaves and fallen tree branches. They also did some other gardening work. Some of the members of the Wellness Center were at the location on that particular day and let the alumni know how much they appreciated their work. After a day of hard work, they headed to a local restaurant and held a meeting. Gemini looks forward to revisiting the Wellness Center in the spring to see how much the garden has blossomed.

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Prospective Worker’s Interest Form

PROSPECTIVE WORKERS INTEREST CARD Date: Full Name: Collegiate Chapter: Alumni Chapter:

Semester Joined: Major/Occupation:

Current Address: City/State/Zip Code Permanent Address: City/State/Zip Code Contact Number: Email:

Other Number:

Your ideas for the sorority

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Check areas of interest. Indicate 1st, 2nd, and 3rd preferences if you prefer

Alumni Committee Awards Committee Marketing Committee Conference Committee Distinguished Service Awards Committee Membership Committee National Convention Committee Nominating Committee SET Committee Service Committee Transition Committee Woman of the Year Award Committee Membership Assistant Site Selection Chair

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Position

DISTRICT STAFF Chapter Consultant

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: National Vice President P.O. Box 248 Rindge, NH 03461 vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org

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Our Past Presidents This special feature on the past Presidents of Gamma Sigma Sigma was submitted by Barbara Ferraro.

Denise Fecketter ~ 5th National President

Chris Tomczak ~ 12th National President

Denise has led a lifetime of interesting endeavors. Currently she gives talks about the book she wrote. She is a teacher and practioner of JinShin Jyutsu, studied Japanese and recently returned from Japan. She is a docent at the FDR Presidential Library and Eleanor Roosevelt home at Valkill.

She is studying the flute, film, golf, literature and US History. Denise has two daughters and three grandsons.

Chris has served as Gamma Sigma Sigma’s Parliamentarian and has been a member of the Finance, SET and Nominating Committees. She is a member of the Lone Star Alumni Chapter. She worked as a Senior Vice President of Barnett Bank in Jackonsille, Florida. She has her Master’s Degree in Divinity and also posesses a Ph.D. She is a college president and professor of philosophy and religion.

Mary Jane Cass Burdge ~ 13th National President

Barbara Stabler ~ 6th National President

Mary Jane has attended all national conventions since 1971.

She has served as Parlimentarian, Nominating Chair, Program Coordinator, Service Director and ran service and leadership workshops at conventions. She was a member of the Dairyland Alumni (where she served as President and Vice President) and Dairy Prarie Alumni. She is now an AAL. Her career has included teaching elementary and special education, serving as the Assistant Principal in two schools. Her family includes her husband, John (a retired teacher), two adult stepsons and two grandchildren.

Barbara is serving as the President of the Yellow Rose Alumni Chapter for the second year. She has attended nine national conventions. She has served as Convention Chair, Arrangements Chair and Administrative Secretary. Barbara’s accomplishments include a Master of Liberal Arts Degree, serving as President for the Nottingham Women’s Club and playing in a kitchen band for AARP. She enjoys playing bridge. Her family includes her husband Carl, her adult children Susie, Mike and Scott and grandchildren.

Sue Majeski ~ 14th National President

Charlotte Mendoza ~ 8th National President

Sue has attended several national conventions, including the 2007 convention in Chicago. She has worked for Prairie Hills Elementary School District since 1985 as a third grade teacher.

She serves on her building’s Sight Leadership Team and on the district’s leadership team. As an active member of her local education association, she has served as secretary, treasurer, membership chair and has been a part of the last four bargaining teams. Sue lives in Monee, Illinois with her husband Frank and her two cats.

Charlotte moved to Colorado Springs 37 years ago where she is a Professor and Chair of the Education Department at Colorado College. She is the National President of two teaching organizations. As a single mother, she adopted her daughter, Jenny from India at the age of six months. Jenny is now a senior at Colorado College.

Barbara Macarillo ~ 9th National President

Mary Ann Carr ~ 15th National President

Barbara still has many friends in Gamma Sigma Sigma. She spent months undergoing chemotheraphy for Hodgkins Lymphona and again after 18 motnths. She also underwent a stem cell transplant. She still serves as a docent at Springs Art Museum. Her familly includes a son, daughter and grandchildren.

Mary Ann has attended every convention since 1975. She has served on many committees. Her contributions to convention committees include: Vice Chairwoman, Chariwoman, PR Coordinator, and Arrangements Coordinator. She has also served on the Finance, Transition, SET, Credentials (3 times) and currently on the Credentials Committee. Mary Ann has continued her involvement in the sorority in many ways. She has attended four conferences and Spirit Days. She is a founding member of the Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter and has served as the Vice President (two years) and President (one year). Her family includes three grown children. She worked as an assistant to the Executive Director of the International Diabetes Center.

Mary Scout ~ 10th National President Mary has served as Gamma Sigma Sigma’s Parliamentarian and Convention Chair. She has been a member of PAC since 1965 and has held many offices, but is currently serving as Treasurer. She is currently the controller for Women’s Way and served as the Vice President of Pitcairn Trust Company for 17 years. She is a professional registered Parliamentarian for Dance Master’s of America, NJPTA and the NJ Synod of the ELCA. She served as the board chair for Women’s Way, President of Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (Philadelphia Chapter) and treasurer for the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. She has been involved with the Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center, the Alice Paul Institute and the American Society of Women Accountants.

Pat Saul ~ 16th National President Pat is currently serving as the District III Director. She visits each of her chapters four times a year. She is a member of the Central New England Alumni Chapter and has served as President and Treasurer. She has attended many conventions and district meetings. She is employed as a bookkeeper. Her husband, Mike, is also a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma. She has three children, Tom, Vicki and Robin and five grandchildren.

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Our Past Presidents Sharon Tompkins ~ 17th National President

Nancy Crane ~ 20th National President

Sharon has served as the Parlimentarian for Gamma Sigma Sigma. She has been a district director, has served on the SET Committee and is a member of Empire Alumni. She has been active in GSS for 27 years.

Nancy served as an official representative of Gamma Sigma Sigma at Marvyn Glover-Ruppert’s memorial service. She is in her 37th year as an educator. Her family includes her children Lance, 28, Jenny, 31, and three grandchildren. Nancy’s husband, Doug, coaches at two schools. She is celebrating being cancer free for four years. She has worked at the Lady of Victory Catholic School and the Director of Discipline and has served as the Beta Club sponsor for seven years.

Michele Slay ~ 18th National President Michele served on the Finance Committee for a number of years. She spent 16 years as a fund raising consultant by helping nonprofit groups with their fund raising. Her career choice was influenced by her work with Gamma Sigma Sigma. She started her own company seven years ago called Parallel Consultants.

Diane Janvier ~ 21st National President Diane has attended every national convention since her term of office. She later served on the SET committee. She stays busy at work as an IT Manager and enjoys traveling.

Lynne Mowers ~ 22nd National President Kathyjo “K.J.” Kuenzle ~ 19th National President

Lynne became our National Parlimentarian in 2005. She is a founding member of the Empire Alumni Chapter. She has held the offices of President, Service Director and Treasurer.

She is employed as the Secretary to the Director of Syracuse University Food Services. Her family includes her husband Rich (to whom she has been married since 1985) and her daughter, Amy, who is now a senior in high school.

KJ previously served as the Gateway Alumni Chapter President. She is currently serving as the Vice President and completes 75 hours of service each year. She was a teacher for 29 years. She has been involved with the Pomegrante Chapter 397 Order of Eastern Star. She has been a past matron, Adah, Esther, District Deputy, Grand Matron and treasurer.

D’Ann Brosnahan ~ 23rd National President D’Ann still serves on the National Board as the Immediate Past President. She is a member of the Twin Cities Alumni chapter. She serves as the Executive Director for Minnesota Dietetics.

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 • 320-743-6036 CST • servicedirector@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director • Karen Kerr • 5683 Gold Creek Bay, Hickory, NC 28601 • 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 • 1948 Sandra St. Apt. C. • Bowling Green, KY 42101 • 270-779-9509 EST • 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 • Abbey Dyer • 627 Whispering Hills Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 • 615-423-1697 CST • 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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Service News Take Another Look at Our Service Partner MADD

By Deb Folsom, National Service Director Most members can tell me what our Project I.M.P.A.C.T. Areas are (Targeting Chronic Diseases and Ending World Hunger) and a good number of members can also tell me who some of our National Service Partners (March of Dimes, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society) but some forget to mention MADD, whom has been a partner of ours for years.

Members have different reasons for not taking MADD into consideration when thinking about joining up with an organization to do service for. For some it is because they do not have as many opportunities for service projects, organization support and to be honest, it is not a topic a lot of college students are comfortable with.

It is not the same for me now being in my mid-30’s as it was when I was 21. It is easy for me to say now to anyone, “Don’t Drink and Drive.” But, when I think about it, how hard was it when I was in college; all my friends were turning 21 and going out drinking each weekend. Some made bad choices with drinking and driving. Thankfully, no one had a disaster happen. But, that was just luck as it could have easily happened to any of them who made that choice.

I write this with all the college students of today in mind. Make the change, be the stronger person, be the smarter person, do not let anyone you know drink and drive. Period. Take it upon yourself and your chapter to help bring this message closer to home on your campus. MADD has a lot of resources for you to use. You do not have to raise $5,000 or spend 500 hours on a project. Show your support of MADD by wearing a red ribbon, have a table in your student union to hand out literature on the staggering statistics of what drunk driving does, get your chapter to help join with your community leaders and sponsor a safe ride night with donations for each ride going to MADD. But most importantly, be the person your friend can hand their keys to when they have had too much to drink and have a person you can hand your keys to when you need to. Designated drivers are not the person who drank the fewest beers – they are designated before the night begins to provide a safe and sober ride home. I encourage members to visit www.madd.org to see what we can do to spread the word and save a life today.

FACTS • In 2006, 17,602 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes—an average of one every 30 minutes. These deaths constitute 41 percent of the 42,642 total traffic fatalities.

• 2.3% of Americans 18 and older surveyed last year reported alcohol-impaired driving compared with only 2.1% in 1997.

• About three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.

Membership News Membership Minute

By Karen Kerr, National Membership Director Ever wonder how big Gamma Sigma Sigma can get? According to the National Center for Education, there were 4,140 colleges and universities in 2005, with 60% of those being public and private four year institutions. Why is this important, you ask? We currently have 58 collegiate chapters and colonies; this means that we have approximately 0.1% of the available campuses represented.

We need to grow, and you can help out! If you are currently a student that has friends at a college or university that doesn’t have GSS, you can talk to them about your experiences and what you’ve gotten out of your membership. If you transfer to a school that doesn’t have GSS, you already know what a great organization we belong to! Either way, having contacts on a campus will make it a lot easier for us to get students interested and for us to work with the school’s administration to have GSS represented on the respective campus.

Our alumni can also help us grow! If you are interested in doing your part to help us expand, please contact me via e-mail at: membership@gammasigmasigma.org.

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Get Prepared For a New Academic Year With New Publications and Marketing Materials!

For Recruitment

Purchase the Introduction to GSS brochure to give to interested members. Hand out the GSS Recruitment Cards, GSS ink pens and magnets as incentives or use them to present Gamma Sigma Sigma information at your Interest and Rush Meetings. Before the fall begins, order the new Recruitment Kit full of graphics, flyer templates, and rush ideas!

To Get Organized

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!" ! " # & ' # ! " ! ' $! $ # # % # ! "

To Stay Involved

" $ ! " # $ # ' # # # $ !#$ # " ! $! & # ! # $# $ !#$ # " " $ ! $ # " " & " $ !" " $ % & # # ! " # % ! !" ! $! "$! # # " # # ! "# ! # !# # # ## ! # # #

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!

Contact Name: Chapter/Colony:

District:

Mailing Address Line 1: Mailing Address Line 2: City/State/Zip Code: Phone Number: Print Quantity

Email Address: CD Quantity

Publications

Printed

CD

National Bylaws

$3.50

$1.50

The Staff (3 parts)

$8.50

$1.50

Collegiate Officers’ Guide

$6.50

$1.50

Collegiate Operation’s Guide

$6.50

$1.50

Collegiate Advisor’s Guide

$6.50

$1.50

Ceremonies Booklet

$5.00

$1.50

Questions & Answers Booklet

$6.50

$1.50

Introduction to GSS Brochure

10/$5.00

$1.50

Continuing Opportunities Brochure

10/$5.00

$1.50

National Prospective Workers Brochure

$6.50

$1.50

Alumni Guide

$6.50

$1.50

Recruitment Kit (available summer 08)

$6.50

$1.50

GSS Recruitment Cards

50/$5.00

$1.50

Ink Pens

10/$5.00

Magnets

25/$5.00

Maroon Coat of Arms Binder

$5.00

Total Cost

Total Cost The publications are available in three forms: printed (see price list), digitally on CD-ROM (S/H charge) and downloadable from the national website, www.gammasigmasigma.org (no cost).

If you wish to order printed publications, please fill in the Quantity needed in the left column below, and extend the total in the far right column. For CD orders, check the publications needed in the left column, and check the SEND CD option. Multiple file selections will be placed/shipped on one CD. Send form with payment to: Jo Charest, Administrative Assistant Gamma Sigma Sigma P.O. Box 248, Rindge, NH 03461 Phone Number: (800) 585-7509 — Email: aa@gammasigmasigma.org — Fax Number (216) 803-3065

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LAVALIERS

RINGS

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GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA OFFICIAL JEWELRY

1

3

4

6

8

7

11

12

10

9

15

13

Closed

Open 14 Front

16

Side

ACCESSORIES

BADGES

CG062 BP101

BP106

CG082

BJ103

BJ102

BJ105 JEWELED

PLAIN

Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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

Total

$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__________________________

City ______________________

ENCLOSED IS : CHECK MADE OUT TO AWARD CONCEPTS INC. __________ - _________ - __________ - _________

Phone (

OR

) ________ - ___________ State _______

Zip___________

PLEASE CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD

EXPIRATION ______/________ SIGNATURE:______________________________

(M C / V I S A / A E )

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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Upcoming Events

MAY 3

Congratulations!

• Congratulations to Henderson State University, one of our new colonies. They are located in Arkansas and are now part of District 8. They have 12 members.

• Congratulations to one of our new colonies in District 8 at the University of Texas-Dallas. They have 12 members that will be serving at their campus and the Dallas area.

Cherry Blossom Alumni Chapter BBQ and Recruitment Meeting 2-4 p.m. in Herndon, VA! Any GSS Alumni-at-Large or graduating senior is welcome to attend. Contact alumnidirector@gammasigma sigma.org for directions and details.

JUNE 20-22

The Gamma Sigma Sigma National Board Meeting will take place in Las Vegas, NV at the Riviera Hotel. For more information, contact Dee Carter at: president@gammasigmasigma.org.

Gamma Sigma Sigma’s Official Jeweler also sells honor cords for those who would like to wear Gamma Sig colors at graduation. Cost is $8.00 each. Honor cords can be ordered through:

For Your Information Are you a GSS alum that lives in NC? Do you want to return to your GSS roots of community service? Are you are interested in becoming a part of an alumni colony in the Tarheel state? If so, please contact Karen Kerr at karenkerr@ecupirates.com!

Award Concepts P.O. Box 4305 110 South 11th Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 1-800-659-7801

New Alumni!

The deadline for the Fall 2008 issue of Perspectives is August 18, 2008!

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 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 5683 Gold Creek Bay Hickory, NC 28601

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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