Letters November/December 2011

Letters

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2IOWA STATE GREEK COMMUNITY

November/December 2011

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Dear Reader, Greek Relations Executive Council

[email protected] @ISUGreekGreek Community -Iowa State University

We’re in the season of change. Not just because leaves have fallen, and the weather has turned colder, but even within the Greek and Iowa State Community.

New members are “changing” into becoming fully initiated members of their respective organizations. Current members are “changing” by rising into key leadership roles within chapter and community executive councils and committees. Even from a larger university perspective, Steven Leath will become Iowa State’s 15th president this January heralding in many changes that are sure to come…the next two months are all about change.

With change can also come anxiety and fear; within your own organizations, you might be thinking, “how will the new chapter president and executive officers do things? Will they make a lot of changes?” One thing we know for certain is that the way they lead will be different than how leaders before them did. When a new leader is chosen, it’s up to the rest of us (from both the student and alumni perspective) to embrace that leader knowing that things might be different, and that’s ok.

During times of change is when individuals and groups show their true colors. Change can be a very powerful catalyst to bigger and better things. If we live too much in a place where we wish our lives were how they were in high school or back when we were in college, we could miss out on opportunities not only in the present but looking ahead to the future.

When I graduated from Iowa State in 2004 and started applying and interviewing for teaching jobs, I was honestly terri-fied. I was leaving the comfort and protection of Iowa State and my sorority experience for something that was completely different. As much as I had grumbled about living in a house with 60+ other women, living completely on my own and with no one else was quite an adjustment. I frequently hear similar sentiments when recent alumni come back to campus fol-lowing their first three to six months post-Iowa State, in the “real world.”

Not only must we embrace change, we must “be the change.” Tradition is a powerful word, especially at a campus like Iowa State and most especially within the Greek Community. I have seen “traditions” really elevate chapters in fostering positive change; on the flipside, I have encountered “traditions” that are not moving chapters in the right direction. If you see change that needs to occur, I challenge you to bring about that change in holding yourself and your peers account-able.

About every five to ten years, chapters (and really our entire community) need to take a critical look at current practices. If these “traditions” are not in line with fraternal values and/or the relevance of our organizations, we have the responsi-bility to get rid of them. Fraternity and sorority membership will only continue if we have visionary individuals who will be change agents in their community.

As I embarked on my own professional change in starting a new position at Iowa State on November 1, I’ve realized how much I’ve changed and grown from this opportunity over the past four and a half years, and for this, I thank you Iowa State Greek members, alumni, and friends!

Katie MottFormer Assistant Director of Greek Affairs


Α Dear Reader

Β Contents

Γ&Δ Greeks Abroad

Ε Greek Trick or Treat

Z Goreville

H &Θ Greeks Give Thanks

Ι Holiday Celebrations

K Erica Upshaw

Λ Family of the Year

Μ Alpha Chi Omega 50th

Ν&Ξ NPHC/MGC Expansion

Ο&Π Thank Yous

Greek Relations Executive Council

WritersKatie HenryColin GraceMegan McDonaghLindsey LaMair

PhotographersSam Behrens

SponsorshipLisa DavisBethany Schafer

DesignAmber OppeltBryce SanfordKatie Verhulst

VideoMelissa Slagle

Lauren RyanCPC VP of Marketing

Lucas DroesslerIFC VP of Marketing

Ryne DittmerIFC VP of Communications

Rachel GerdesCPC VP of Communications

Contents


CPC Women Abroad Who: Calley Edlund, Junior, Kappa Kappa Gamma

What: Study Abroad Internship through Education Abroad Network

Where: Beijing and Shanghai, China

When: 2 months of Summer 2011

Why: I wanted to learn Chinese for business because I am an International Business major with a minor in Chinese.

Favorite experience: SURVIVING... in a country that does not speak any English and I was all alone! I am going abroad again because this program has a great business school and I want to go to Europe.

Kelcie Reed, Junior, Alpha Omicron Pi

“I’m going to Florence, Italy. I’m going because I love to travel and I have never been overseas before. With my major being in apparel merchandising I think that it’s very important and vital that I see and experience all different types of fashion cultures. One of the fashion capitals of the world is in Italy so it’s perfect! I’m looking forward to traveling, learning Italian, good food, and new people. Hopefully I’ll end up living a dual life just like Lizzie McGuire (just kidding)!”

By: Megan McDonagh and Lindsey LaMair

CPC Women AbroadWho: Sammie Caluori, Junior, Delta Delta Delta

What: I attended John Cabot University in Rome Italy from January through May 2011. My main focus in studying abroad was international finance but I also took classes in Ancient Roman history as well as international business law.

Where: Rome, Italy

When: Spring semester 2011

One piece of advice you’d give: “Don’t let the fear of being away from your chapter for a semester keep you from one of the best experiences of your life. I know being apart from the chapter and the rest of the Greek Community seems like one of the hardest things about leaving, but I promise it makes coming back that much better!”

Anne Patterson, Junior, Kappa Delta

“I’m traveling to the city of Leiden in the Netherlands this spring. For my study abroad program, I had to first pick a research project to work on, and the project I picked was being conducted at Leiden University in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is also a pretty central location in Europe, so I’m hoping to have the opportunity to


ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦ

Greek Trick-or-Treat

Greek Community chapter houses on sorority circle hosted games and handed out candy to the Ames neighborhood children for the annual Greek Trick-or-Treat on October 27.


Greek Trick-or-Treat

Goreville This year marks the 35th anniversary Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity’s philanthropy, Goreville Manor. Every year, members of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity build and host Goreville Manor at their chapter facility as an annual philanthropy to raise money for ChildServe. Those brave enough to check out the haunted house, begin their trek through the castle-like entryway on Lambda Chi’s front yard, eventually winding through the first floor. Goreville Manor takes its participants through five different themed rooms. Shaun Francik, Jack Harney, and Jacob Correll, members of Lambda Chi, commented on past year’s themes and said that favorites have included horror movie themes such as The Ring, Saw, and The Exorcist. This year, two of the rooms featured in Goreville Manor are a psych ward and a ‘hell sports network’. In the psych ward, there will be an interactive torture chamber and a guillotine. The ‘hell sports network’ room will serve as comedic relief for those going through the haunted house. Every Lambda Chi Alpha member has his own favorite part of Goreville, whether it’s being a tour guide or setting up the skit rooms. For Shaun Franick, it is playing the character ‘death’. “I get to dress in all black and hang a ‘witch’ every hour in the mock gallows,” Francik said. Another part of Goreville that Lambda Chi is known for is performing their Thriller dance. Every hour on the hour, the fraternity men show off their dance moves. Awareness of the famous dance has even spread beyond Greekland. “We got invited by an ISU alum to do the Thriller dance down in Des Moines at a fundraiser for the hearing impaired,” said Francik. Lambda Chi also has the opportunity to go to ChildServe in Johnston, Iowa. In its 35 year run, Goreville has raised close to $100,000 for the organization.

By: Megan McDonagh

ΜΝΥ

ΘΕΖH

Α ΒΓΔΙΚ Λ

Greeks Give Thanks

“I am thankful for all of the great people I have met through the Greek Community.” Tyler Roskam - Tau Kappa Epsilon

“I am thankful for the opportunities I was given in life and continue getting.” Calley Edlund - Kappa Kappa Gamma

“I am thankful for all the friendships I have made by going Greek.”Megan Gaul - Kappa Kappa Gamma

“I am thankful for meeting all my new closest friends in college through the Greek Community!”Brynn Hansen - Chi Omega

“I’m most thankful for the connections I have made so soon in joining the Greek community. I feel like I have set myself in an environment where I can reach my full potential as a student at Iowa State both socially and academically.”Zach Lenhart - Sigma Phi Epsilon

“I’m thankful for my brothers in PKA. I’m thankful to have such a great house to come to and all the great food made by Momma D.”Tom Leininger - Pi Kappa Alpha

“The Greek Community has given me a lot more opportunities to be involved.”Zannie Thomas Peckumn - Delta Delta Delta

“I’m thankful to be Greek because Lip Sync is a way of life. ‘Nuff said.”Luke Ledger - Sigma Pi

“Access to education, clean water, food, and a home to share with good friends.”Evan Todtz - Phi Kappa Psi

“I’m thankful I’m Greek because I have the best friends a girl could ask for. I am involved in activities and get to meet a lot of cool people and do fun and awesome stuff!”Anne Fleming - Pi Beta Phi


ΩΜΝ ΞΟ ΠΡΣΤΥ ΧΨ

ΕΛGreeks Give Thanks

“All my family and friends that are in my life.” Kyle Vols - Farm House

“I am thankful for the sisters I have always wanted, the wonderful opportunities the Greek Community has presented to me and memories that will last a lifetime.” Anna Moorse - Kappa Kappa Gamma

“Family, friends and hot chocolate weather.”Ryan Helling - Farmhouse

“My always supportive family and friends.”Tamara Dunham - Pi Beta Phi

“Family, friends, and the opportunity for a great education at Iowa State.”Keri Kleinschmit - Alpha Delta Pi

“I am thankful for everything about Greek Life. But in my opinion, the main reason why Greek Life means a lot to me is everyone in it has one thing in common, making memories and making the most out of your college years.”Lianna Hunt - Alpha Chi Omega

“I’m thankful for the Greek Community because of all of the different connections I make.”Matt Frandsen - Phi Delta Theta

“I am thankful because there is a bond you get to share with the other members of your chapter. The whole community is connected by the same goals and mindset.” Stephanie O’Brien - Chi Omega

“Family.”Brittany Becker - Gamma Phi Beta

“The Greek Relations Executive Committee is thankful that we have such a strong Community that has pride and purpose. We all strive to better our futures through volunteering and leadership opportunities. We also are thankful for all the new members who joined this fall and continue to join in the spring.” Greek Relations Executive Committee


ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘIKΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Sorority Holiday Celebrations

The holidays are a time to celebrate the things that mean most to us. For members of the Greek Community, these things include sisterhood and brotherhood, family, and happiness. Chapters have special holiday traditions where they get together and bond before winter break. “Delta Zeta has our annual DZ Christmukkah which is a mix between Christmas and Hanukkah because we have women in the chapter who celebrate both holidays,” said Britleigh Martin, Delta Zeta president. “We decorate our Christmas tree, have a house gift exchange, decorate cookies, and have an ugly sweater contest. It’s a fun time bonding with each other before we all leave for winter break!” While gift giving might seem like an obvious tradition around winter holidays, chapters make it meaningful to them in their own ways. The women of Alpha Gamma Delta not only exchange presents within “families” in the chapter, but with their house director and waiters. “Everybody in the chapter loves to get involved with [AGD] Christmas,” said Alpha Gamma Delta president Maggie Dougherty. “Our seniors decorate the house with Christmas decorations and our newly elected executive council members get together and plan the actual event. The outgoing president starts reading the first half of The Night Before Christmas and then the president elect finishes.” The women of Sigma Kappa get creative with their Christmas decorating. All of the newest Sigma Kappas bring back an ornament that is special to them and add it to the Sigma Kappa Christmas tree. “This is a special way for a little piece of every Sigma Kappa woman to be a part of the tree and it connects us all together,” said Katie Watson, Sigma Kappa president. The women of Sigma Kappa also take a green and red themed Christmas picture and make a card to send to parents and alumni. “This is a way for us to stay connected and show everyone how we are growing!” Watson said.

By: Katie Henry

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘIKΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ

Sorority Holiday Celebrations

Erica Upshaw In front of a Greek and campus audience at Iowa State on November 30, Erica Upshaw took a realistic approach to alcohol and drug safety in her “Keep Friendship Alive” keynote. While sharing personal stories from her college days at Ohio State University, Upshaw stressed the importance of partying smart and staying safe. Upshaw’s real motivation for sharing her story is tragic. Her brother, Joey, died in 2000 after binge drinking and drug use at his Ohio State fraternity house. “It’s easy to get drunk and do something stupid, it happens all the time. It’s easy to relate to,” Upshaw said in her presentation, recounting her experiences with her own partying in college. She integrated some lighthearted, even funny, stories of things that happened to her while partying, such as breaking her foot after dancing on a couch. Upshaw used a detailed account of what happened the night of her brother’s death to demonstrate to students what mistakes were made and to show how his life could have been saved with just a few simple steps. Upshaw presented six ways to make partying and having fun still possible, but safer. Some of her tips included making a decision not to drink too much before the night starts and avoiding tricky drinking practices that cause binge drinking, like drinking games or doing 21 shots on a person’s 21st birthday. Upshaw wants everyone to understand that from her brother’s death, she has learned that death is preventable. “Pay attention to what’s going on around you,” Upshaw said. “Acknowledge the warning signs and say something early on.” In a problem situation, this advice can save many college partiers from unnecessary danger. Upshaw acknowledged that this transformation into safer partying doesn’t happen overnight, but “there is something to be said for baby steps, knowing what you can and cannot handle.” Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, the GSB funded Committee on Lectures, and the Inter-Residence Hall Association sponsored the event, packing 650 students into the Great Hall. Jackie Sorensen, President of Gamma Phi Beta, said, “We chose Erica Upshaw because she takes an innovative approach toward risk management. She provides college students with the tools to keep friends alive.”

By: Lindsey LaMair


Family of the Year Each year, for every football game, the Larson family drives to Ames. As a family, the Larsons attend all of the home football games and the men’s and women’s basketball games. This year, the Larsons had even more to celebrate as they were recognized as Iowa State University’s Family of the Year. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family and hometown neighbors added to the tradition for Family Weekend on October 1. “This year Family Weekend was even more important because of the honor we received,” Angie Larson said. “Not only did we partake in Family Weekend activities, but my Dad planned a fraternity reunion that reunited hundreds of Greeks from the 1970s.” The Larson family has a strong Greek affiliation. David Larson, an alumnus of Delta Tau Delta, graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. His three daughters also attended Iowa State and are members of Alpha Delta Pi. Carrie graduated with her Masters in Accounting in 2003, Steph is in the Veterinary Medicine program and Angie is attending graduate school for Food Science. Other family members were also part of Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Tau Delta and Beta Theta Pi. The Larson sisters, Steph and Angie, decided to apply for the award together, working on the essay questions and attending the interview process. They met with the

Family Weekend Advisor, Kipp Van Dyke, and a committee member to review the family’s involvement and impact at Iowa State. “Being Greek helped my sisters and me become more involved at ISU. As a member of the Greek Community, family values are strong and spending time together is an instilled part of who you are. This is the idea behind the Family of the Year Award and is exactly who we are as a Greek family.” Angie Larson has many memories of her first women’s NCAA tournament, painting her face cardinal and gold with the men’s basketball team, attending all the football bowl games and many other Iowa State traditions. Her father, like Angie, attributes his best experiences and meeting his college friends to the Greek Community. “I think a family with Greek values as the Family of the Year shows how strong our Greek Community is,” Angie Larson said. “Greeks truly represent the University with their involvement and passion for Iowa State.” For the Larson’s, nothing will top the honor of being named Iowa State Family of the Year, but each year they look forward to making more Cyclone memories by celebrating athletic victories and coming together for their Greek reunions.

By: Rachel Gerdes


Family of the Year

AXΩ 50th

This year, the Delta Nu Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega celebrated its 50th year at Iowa State. The Chapter was founded on March 18, 1961 and has been an active chapter ever since. To recognize the event, an anniversary celebration was held this fall to bring together decades of “Real. Strong. Women.” who have, at some point in the last 50 years, made Alpha Chi their home at Iowa State. On September 16th, 140 Delta Nu alumnae and collegians from all across the country and world, including one alumna from Egypt, gathered at Reiman Gardens in Ames. In attendance was the Alpha Chi Omega National President, Marsha King Grady, and National Vice President, Diane Blackwelder. The welcome reception included Alpha Chi Omega’s House Corporation Board unveiling the plans for the Chapter’s new addition, including expanding the dining room and updating the kitchen. This evening event gave opportunity for sisters of every generation to re-connect and reminisce. On Saturday, September 17, many of the alumnae continued to re-live their college days by walking around campus and taking tours of the Chapter’s current facility. That night, a banquet was held. The program included three inspirational speakers. The three speakers were the first Delta Nu President, Bea Smith; the current Delta Nu President, Josie Dyer; and the National President, Marsha King Grady. Each of the three focused on the theme of “The Past, Present, and Future of the Delta Nu Chapter.” Saturday evening also included a very special pinning ceremony. The National President helped pin sixteen 50-year members of Alpha Chi Omega. Alisha King, a recent alumnae was Chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee. “I started planning this event about three years ago when I was the Alumnae Chair for the Chapter and gradually added people to my team,” she said. “It turned out to be a truly wonderful weekend to re-kindle friendships and start new ones as well.”

By: Lisa Davis

MGC/NPHC Expansion


Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Joining NPHCFounded at Howard University in 1908

The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination; however, its influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation. The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century. Since its founding over a century ago, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission has been to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.Joining MGCFounded at Kean College in Union, NJ in 1975

The purpose of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. is to provide the Latino college student the opportunity to be part of a family with a mission. Our mission is to cultivate a spirit of brotherhood, to value an education, to promote unity among all Latinos, to be proud of and cherish our heritage, to assert roles of leadership, to develop character, to practice chivalry, and to serve mankind. Though we are historically Latino based, we are not solely a Latino Fraternity. We have Brothers of all different races, religions, and national origin.

MGC/NPHC Expansion


This fall the Iowa State Greek Community welcomed four

organizations to the campus of Iowa State!

Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity Joining MGCFounded at University of California, Berkeley in 1926

Mission Statement: Pi Alpha Phi is Brotherhood. The Fraternity encourages mutual respect, trust and loyalty among its members. The Fraternity creates an extended family that nurtures life-long friendships through the bonds of tradition, shared values, and unity. Pi Alpha Phi is committed to Academic Excellence. The Fraternity creates a studious environment and encourages each of its members to achieve his greatest academic potential. The Fraternity supports all educational endeavors and recognizes exceptional academic achievement. Pi Alpha Phi is devoted to Philanthropy. The Fraternity is committed to its responsibility to serve others and encourages participation in activities for the betterment of the community. Pi Alpha Phi inspires Leaders. The Fraternity provides opportunities to fulfill important duties within the organization and helps members develop leadership skills in preparation for their future careers and endeavors. Pi Alpha Phi strives to promote Asian American Awareness. The Fraternity believes in learning Asian American culture, heritage and history. The Fraternity encourages its members to pass on this knowledge to others.

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Joining MGCFounded at University of Georgia in 1998

Mission Statement: “Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. advocates Asian awareness and empowers women leaders through its values-based programs and everlasting sisterhood.”


Thank You2011 Interfraternity CouncilPresident - Joshua KnustExecutive Vice President - Andrew McMurrayVP of Judicial Affairs - Stephen BowersVP of Risk Management - Joe HoraVP of Recruitment - Jon BaumgartenVP of Communications - Ryne DittmerVP of Marketing - Lucas DroesslerVP of Community Service and Philanthropy - Ryan HellingVP of Membership Education and Development - Bobby SchmidVP of Scholarship - Tyler GustafsonVP of Finance - Brian Skalak

2011 Collegiate Panhellenic CouncilPresident - Erin McHaleVP of Judicial Affairs - Anna DollingerVP of Recruitment - Ashley FurneVP of Recruitment - Laura SchmittVP of Communications - Rachel GerdesVP of Marketing - Lauren RyanVP of Community Service and Philanthropy - Shannon CooperVP of Membership Development - Lindsay AltmannVP of Scholarship - Elise QuamVP of Finance - Laura WoosterVP of Recruitment Counselors - Natalie Jennison

2011 Multicultural Greek Council President - Edwin MartinezExecutive Vice President - Ben PetersonVP of Finance - Adrienne FightVP of Communications - Mayra JaimeVP of Recruitment and Marketing - Marlie Quintero

2011 National Pan-Hellenic CouncilPresident - Jordin ParkerVice President - Noah KilonzoRecorder - Alexia AngtonTreasurer - Catum Whitfield

Greek StaffAssistant Dean of Students, Director of Greek Affairs Jenn Plagman GalvinMulticultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council Advisor Cameron BeattyInterfraternity Council Advisor Leslie SchachtCollegiate Panhellenic Council Advisor Theresa Sherwood


Thank YouCongratulations to the newly elected councils!

2012 Interfraternity Council

2012 Collegiate Panhellic Council

2012 Multicultural Greek CouncilRoberto OrozcoMarlie QuinteroAdrienne FightJose Chavez

Gerardo Garcia

2012 National Pan-Hellenic CouncilJordin ParkerNoah KilonzoAlexia Angton

Catum Whitfield


The Greek Relations Executive Council is seeking your input!

Send your story ideas about your chapter’s news, notable alumni and current members for inclusion in one of our publications this semester. We are also looking to include any information on upcoming philanthropies and events you’d like placed on our calendar in each issue of Letters. Finally, we encourage you to send in high quality pictures from your chapter events as they happen throughout the semester.

This is your chance to showcase your chapter to the Iowa State University campus, and parent, alumni and support groups for the Greek Community.

Send all submissions to [email protected].

Joe HoraJon BaumgartenSean McCarthy

Ben FreeseCaleb EversJoe Nobile

Evan TodtzFrederick Fifield

Anthony SchimekTrae Hestness

Thomas McGeeMichael Droddy

Laura WoosterMarin Snede

Lindsey LaMairKatie Henry

Samantha StonehockerMegan McDonagh

Sara SchleatorBreena BerklandReghan MarkertOlivia GaudineerMegan JensenAbby Taggert

Letters November/December 2011

Documents

Transcript of Letters November/December 2011