The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta - Spring 2014

Spring 2

014

of Alpha Xi Delta

the

Being in a SororityTaught Me...

Three new chapTers insTalled

MeeT Miss MinnesoTa

reMeMbering Maxine evans

blackburn

Sisters share inspiring stories about how Alpha Xi Delta has impacted their lives.

2 the / SPRING 2014

D o you ever stop to think about how Alpha Xi Delta has impacted your life? Whether you’re an undergraduate member

or you recently received the Order of the Diamond, how has Alpha Xi Delta inspired you to realize your potential? I can’t help but appreciate all that I have learned from my personal sorority experience. Networking with Sisters and building relationships as an alumna has been an amazing gift. From moving to different states and/or switching careers, there has always been a Sister who has helped me feel welcome in my new surroundings. In this issue, you’ll meet Sisters who share their personal Alpha Xi Delta journeys and the lessons they learned from our Sisterhood.

Speaking of the gift of Sisterhood, we collectively initiated more than 200 women during our recent installations at the University of Nebraska Kearney, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Michigan State University. We look forward to working with these universities to grow our new chapters and inspire women to realize their potential. You can read more about these installations on pages 18-19. This summer, we will be hosting The Founders’ Academy (TFA) from June 19-22 for Chapter Presidents and emerging chapter leaders. The curriculum draws on Alpha Xi Delta’s commitment to our members’ strengths by focusing on the development and application of StrengthsQuest™ principles to individual and

organizational leadership. I know TFA will be a great, resourceful program for our membership, and I can’t wait to hear and see the lessons these talented women will take away from this experience. Finally, do you notice anything different? Our beloved magazine has received a makeover! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We love receiving feedback from Sisters, so please send your comments on this issue to [email protected].

Loyally,

Sandi EdwardsNational President

Thoughts from Sandi

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Iota Upsilon Chapter President Breanna Rogy (left) proudly displays

her chapter’s charter with National President Sandi Edwards during the Installation celebration at Southern

Illinois University Edwardsville.

Iota Upsilon Chapter President Breanna Rogy (left) proudly displays

her chapter’s charter with National President Sandi Edwards during the Installation celebration at Southern

Illinois University Edwardsville.

alphaxidelta.org 3

18

23

4 Letters to the Editor

5 What’s Trending?

6 Q & A

7 Housing News

8 National Panhellenic Conference News

20 Tales from the Road

26 Foundation News

34 Inventing the Loop

38 Autism Speaks News

44 Member News

49 Chapter Eternal

50 Be The Heart

51 From the Archives

conTenTs

Shining in the Spotlight | Sister

Rebecca Yeh, Ohio Northern ’12, promotes

Autism Speaks in her quest for Miss America.

Colony Installations | Alpha Xi Delta

proudly installed three chapters this semester.

Being in a Sorority Taught Me... | Sisters share life lessons

and inspiring stories about how Alpha Xi Delta has impacted their lives.

9

Connect with us!Join the conversation with Sisters and keep up to date with the Fraternity by following us on our social media channels.

32Remembering Maxine Evans Blackburn | Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is

deeply saddened by the passing of Maxine Evans

Blackburn, National President 1982-1986.

4 the / SPRING 2014

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta is published three times per year in spring, summer and fall/winter by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity.® POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE QUILL OF ALPHA XI DELTA, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268

Volume 111/Issue 1Copyright 2014 by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity; all rights reserved.

Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity 8702 Founders RoadIndianapolis, IN [email protected]

Submission DeadlinesSpring issue – January 23Summer issue – June 1Fall/Winter issue – September 6

Submission ProceduresText and photographs may be emailed to the Editor or to the Fraternity Headquarters address listed above. Photographs submitted become the property of the Fraternity. Digital images must be taken using the highest settings on a camera that’s at least 3.2 megapixels.

Address/Name ChangesVisit www.alphaxidelta.org or mail changes to 8702 Founders Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268.

National Executive DirectorElysia Balster Gallivan, South Dakota ’93

Director of Communications and Marketing Lauren Blankenbaker Felts, Indiana ’03

Communications CoordinatorLauren Fisher, Indiana ‘08

National Council 2013-2015National PresidentSandi Edwards, Kentucky ’75

National Vice PresidentsSuzanne Cantando, UNC Asheville ’92Michele Herbst Evink, South Dakota State ’86Nancy Fehremann Gainer, Iowa State ’69Micaela Isler, Texas ’91Fatima Johnson, UNC Asheville ’95Nealy Patty Wheat, West Georgia ’97

The Mission of The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta:To inform, inspire and challenge. To sustain and nurture membership loyalty and interest. To recognize individual, group and Fraternity accomplishments. To provide a forum for the exchange of information and opinion. To be the permanent record for the Fraternity.

Recreating a Memory We asked readers to identify the following Sisters in the fall/winter issue of The Quill. Thank you to everyone who responded to our call out.

I definitely remember that picture! They are Sisters from the Gamma Beta Chapter at Marshall University. They are sitting in the fountain behind the Student Center, which is across the street from the chapter house. They are from top left (going counterclockwise) Karen Courts, Marshall ’84, Jayne Matlack Kinney, Marshall ’83, Deanna Keeling, Marshall ’83, Lorene Burkhart Whitehouse, Marshall ’83, Anne Harman, Marshall ’82, and Robin Hill Horch, Marshall ’82. (in the top right of the fountain).

Thanks for the memory!

- Anne Templeton LaMalva, Marshall ’84

That picture is of my Sisters and I from the Gamma Beta Chapter at Marshall University. There was not usually much snow there, so we were enjoying it! Jayne Matlack Kinney, Marshall ’83, is in the white lettered sweatshirt, and Robin Hill Horch, Marshall ’82, is on the top right. The young woman on the top left above Jayne is Karen Courts, Marshall ’84. In front are Deanna Keeling, Marshall ’83, Lorene Burkhart Whitehouse, Marshall ’83, and I’m on far right, Anne Harman. What a hoot to just now open the magazine, with my 14-year-old daughter at my side, and laugh out loud.

- Anne Harman, Marshall ’82

Remembering Jane HensonJane Nebel Henson was my Beta Eta Chapter Sister at the University of Maryland. I remember her roommate telling us about that “green frog” on her bed and all of us saying, “You’re dating who? And he’s in Home Ec and does what for a hobby?” When I was in charge of our entry in the “Mad Hatters Parade,” Jane came to my aid, and of course we won! Another time, I needed to make favors for a rush party, and Jane made a silk screen quill for me to put on bags. I used that bag for my hair rollers until it shredded. Jane would bring Kermit to alumnae meetings to tell us about The Muppets. One year, Jim and his Muppet, Smuggums, were grand marshals for Homecoming and Beta Eta had an open house for them. There is a life-size statue of Jim and Kermit in front of the University of Maryland Student Union sitting on a bench. Jane was honored at the football game on the day in 2004 when the statue was unveiled. The University of Maryland loved Jim and Jane, and we all loved Jane and Beta Eta.

- Sibyl Klak Fisher, Maryland ’54

Social Media CommentsNeeCoool: Reading @alphaxidelta’s newest issue of The Quill and I see a byline by @shellbeae.

t_yildiz: Proud of Kent State Alpha Xi Delta for being in the Fall/Winter issue of The Quill. #sororityoftheyear #3peat #kentstate pic.twitter.com/Q1LHz0cwhbhb

What’s on your mind?Have a comment about an article in The Quill? Drop us an email at [email protected] or send a note to The Quill, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. We reserve the right to select letters for publication and to edit for style and length.

alphaxidelta.org 5

New Autism Prevalence StatisticsBreaking news! The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) released

new data in March on the prevalence

of autism in the United States. The new

statistics show:

• 1 in 68 children is diagnosed

with autism

• 1 in 42 boys is diagnosed

with autism

• A child is diagnosed with autism

every 8 minutes

Choosing SisterhoodDuring National Ritual Celebration Week

in February, Alpha Xi Delta’s National

Ritual Chair, Andi Fouberg, wrote a blog

post on The Inside Ink called “Choosing

Sisterhood.” In the post, she says:

“Hopefully kindly hearts have dominated

your Alpha Xi Delta experience. In the

chaos of every day, it is easy to forget the

importance of being a Sister in every sense

of the word. Your commitment to choosing

to make the most out of our Sisterhood

should also be about making sure your

choices make the Sisterhood experience

all that it can be for those around you.

Inspiring women to realize their potential

should not just be our stated vision, but

something we do for one another and

push each other to do every day.”

Scan the QR code

below to visit The Inside

Ink and read the post in

its entirety.

Going for the CrownAlpha Xi Delta Sister and current Miss

Kansas USA, Audrey Banach, Kansas

State ’10, will be competing in the Miss

USA competition this summer. Show

Audrey your support by following her on

social media.

RealMissKSusa

MissKansasUSA

Audrey_Banach

Good luck, Audrey!

Upcoming ColonizationsAlpha Xi Delta recently announced

colonization plans for the 2014-2015

academic year. This fall, Alpha Xi Delta

will be colonizing at Franklin & Marshall

College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and

reestablishing our Theta Chapter at the

University of Wisconsin-Madison and our

Epsilon Omicron Chapter at Oklahoma

State University. In the spring of 2015,

Alpha Xi Delta will be joining the fraternity

and sorority community at The College of

New Jersey in Ewing, New Jersey.

If you are interested in assisting

with one of our upcoming colonizations,

please visit our website and fill out a

Volunteer Interest Form.

what’s trending now

< Photo Credit: Rachel Imdieke, the official photographer of Miss Kansas USA

6 the / SPRING 2014

Q&A

Q Ifyoucouldgive

onepieceofadvice

toourundergraduate

womenaboutAlpha

XiDeltaandlifeincollege,what

woulditbe?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

What’s your favorite summer tradition?

Submit your response to [email protected] for possible entry in the next issue of The Quill.

My biggest piece of advice would be never take one another for granted. Cherish your Sisters and the memories that you make together and always have each other’s back. Near or far, your Alpha Xi Delta Sisters will always have your heart. My Delta Kappa family still remains a big part of my life and always will. TFJ- Kayla Tandarich Menart,

Slippery Rock ’06

Don’t sweat the small stuff. The things you worry about in college are the things you wish you could worry about when you are in the “real world.” Enjoy your time in the sorority being with your friends!- Kenna Schmeling, Iowa ’99

Spend more time with your Sisters and less time with your boyfriend. Twenty years later, your Sisters will matter more.- Cindy DelGiorno, Millersville ’93

It isn’t all about events that are planned; sometimes the best memories come from impromptu moments. Don’t be afraid of the unplanned!- Annamarie Travvett,

South Dakota State ’08

Stop being so self critical and constantly seeking approval of others. Be true to yourself and find confidence in the ability to realize your potential through our great Fraternity. Through the love and support of Alpha Xi Delta, you will find inner strength and a fearlessness that you never knew existed. You shouldn’t care what others think of you more than what you think of yourself. Be strong, confident and the powerful woman you are each and every day!- Nicole Pace, George Mason ’98

Remember those moments when you looked your worst; sweatpants, hair a mess, where you spent all evening laughing, talking and staying up way too late...Or maybe the night you randomly decided to pile five deep in a small SUV and take a road trip just because. No picture can capture it and no distance will make you lose its memory. So stay up late, laugh too much and enjoy your tees and sweats for as long as possible. After all, the real world won’t let you have that back.- Ashton Blackwood,

West Georgia ’09

A

alphaxidelta.org 7

Willis provides hands-on risk management and insurance support and resources to Alpha Xi Delta. We are pleased to include seven National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities as clients, and as we have expanded our client base of NPC groups, we have expanded our activities and publications to address the needs of our women’s organizations. Some of our efforts include:

Sorority Insights: Each semester we publish a newsletter for sorority House Corporation Officers, House Directors and volunteers. Articles include resources to assist with risk management issues as well as aids for property management. Past articles have dealt with issues like managing the risks of water features and amusement devices; closing a chapter house for the summer and how to prevent freeze and mold damage. Past issues are available on our website: www.WillisSorority.com.

Monthly Email Blasts: Each month we send out educational resources dealing with both risk management and property issues. These resources are sent to sorority staff, local volunteers and local house corporation officers as appropriate. Past topics have included designated drivers, bar crawls, safe holiday decorations, renter’s insurance and more.

Checklists: We publish checklists on ways to prepare your properties for summer, Thanksgiving and winter breaks, as well as alerts for tropical storms, hurricanes and winter storms. Storm warnings are targeted for specific regions of the country.

Programming at Conventions and Leadership Academies: In the last several years, Willis staff members have made educational presentations at inter/national meetings for most of our NPC clients. Resources developed for those meetings have been shared on sorority websites and with regional and local volunteers who continue to provide training for undergraduate members. Willis staff members have shared information about best practices, claim prevention and ways to best protect the students who live in our facilities. Bobbi Larsen attended the Alpha Xi Delta Convention in San Francisco to deliver two programs: My Sister’s Keeper and Creating an Online Persona.

Previously published resources can be found in the library of sorority resources on our website: http://www.willisfraternity.com/Educational_Resources/Sorority_Resources/. In addition, our Education Consultant, Bobbi Larsen, is available to consult on any additional needs your organization may have. She can be reached at [email protected] or 800.736.4327 ext. 4178.

Supporting our sisterhood

HOuSINg NEWS

8 the / SPRING 2014

NPC NEWS

DeannaWollamDetchemendy,Cal State, Northridge ’83NPC responsibilities: Serves as the Area Advisor for a number of campuses in southern California and serves on the Release Figures Method Leadership Team,

the Board of Development Committee and the Campus Mergers Task Force

Past Alpha Xi Delta roles: Alpha Xi Delta Extension Committee (1990-1993); New Member Orientation Program Chair (199-1997); National Collegiate Vice President (1997-1999); NPC Delegation (1999-2007); National President (2007-2011); Foundation Board of Trustees (2007-2011); NHC Board of Trustees (2011-Present)

“Alpha Xi Delta was my family and ‘home base’ in college. It never occurred to me not to serve the Fraternity after graduation. I began serving on the NPC Delegation in 1999 after my first stint on National Council, and I found a legion of like-minded women wearing other pins who became wonderful friends and allies!”

JulieLambert,Oregon State ’81NPC responsibilities: Works with seven College Panhellenics in Northern California and serves on the Measurable Outcomes Committee, which collects, evaluates and analyzes NPC data and creates fact-based

talking points for the organization

Meet Alpha Xi Delta’s NPC Delegation

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is the umbrella organization for 26 inter/

national women’s fraternities and sororities. Every two years, Alpha Xi Delta’s National

Council appoints one National Panhellenic Conference delegate and up to three alternate

delegates to represent Alpha Xi Delta and act as liaisons between the Conference and

its member groups. Alpha Xi Delta’s NPC delegate is Deanna Wollam Detchemendy, Cal

State, Northridge ’83, and the Fraternity’s alternate delegates are Erin Macdonald Peck,

Eastern Washington ’95, Julie Lambert, Oregon State ’81 and Patrice Orr Blum, North

Carolina-Asheville ’89.

We recently sat down with our NPC delegation to learn more about them and why they

choose to serve Alpha Xi Delta and NPC:

alphaxidelta.org 9

Meet Alpha Xi Delta’s NPC Delegation

Past Alpha Xi Delta roles: Delta Rho Chapter Advisory Board Member (1990-1992); Gamma Alpha Chapter Advisory Board Member (1992-1993); Steinbeck Alumnae Association President (1995-1997, 2002-2004, 2012-2013); Regional Membership Advisor (1993-1997); Regional Collegiate Director (1997-2001); Foundation Trustee (2003-2011); Foundation Chair (2009-2011) and NPC Delegation (2011-Present)

“At the Alpha Delta Chapter at Oregon State University, we were fortunate to have women from many different chapters serve as advisors. They made sure we understood that membership was a life-long benefit, that Sisters we hadn’t even met yet would make a tremendous impact on our lives and that we should consider giving back to the Fraternity as alumnae members. As such, I have served in a variety of capacities for Alpha Xi Delta as well as being a member of the Monterey Bay Area National Alumnae Panhellenic group prior to joining the NPC delegation. Past and present Alpha Xi Delta Sisters have been great contributors to the National Panhellenic Conference, and I am thrilled to be one of its representatives to help educate collegians and alumnae on the value of its advocacy and support of the member groups.”

ErinMacdonaldPeck,Eastern Washington ’95NPC responsibilities: Works with campuses in Alberta, British Columbia and Utah and serves on the College Panhellenics Committee

Past Alpha Xi Delta roles: Alpha Xi Delta Educational Leadership Consultant (1997-1999); Regional Collegiate Director (2000-2001); NPC Delegation (2001-2003, 2007- Present) and Assistant Executive Director-West (2003-2006)

“The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is such an important organization. It promotes the development of leadership and academic success. NPC reaches so many women across North America, and I get to see the impact NPC has on women daily. I am so very proud to be a part of such a respected and progressive organization.”

PatriceOrrBlum,North Carolina- Asheville ’89NPC responsibilities: Serves as the Area Advisor for a number of universities in the northeast and serves on the College Panhellenics Committee

Past Alpha Xi Delta roles: Educational Leadership Consultant (1992-1993); Regional Collegiate Director (1996-2001); National C.A.R.E. Director (2001–2003); National Vice President (2003-2007); National Housing Corporation President (2007-2009); Chapter Development Specialist (2012–Present); and NPC Delegation (2013-Present)

“During my new member period in the Zeta Tau Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, I was asked to serve as our chapter’s very first Junior Panhellenic Delegate. While I am one hundred percent positive that I did not fully ‘get it,’ I knew there was something pretty special about representing my chapter within the Greek community. I went on to serve as Panhellenic Vice President my senior year and have used the knowledge I acquired in that position throughout my entire volunteer career. When I was asked if I was interested in representing Alpha Xi Delta on our NPC delegation with the added bonus of getting to work with Deanna, Erin and Julie, I jumped at the opportunity.”

10 the / SPRING 2014

Thanks to my time in Alpha Xi Delta, I already knew how to prioritize workloads based on due dates and how to work quickly to get any job done.— Alexa Passalacqua, Monmouth Univ. ‘09

BEINg IN A SORORITy TAugHT ME...

Being in a sorority taught me membership is truly lifelong. — Kahlin McKeown, Delaware ‘07

Being in a Sorority

taught me...By Erin Grimes, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’98

alphaxidelta.org 11

Being involved in my chapter helped me land my dream job. During my interview, not only was my interviewer in the greek system, but we were both involved in recruitment.— Rachel Fishman, Cal State, Northridge ‘09

Alpha Xi Delta gave me much more than a memorable college experience – it gave me a network of women who believe in the same things I do. — Kristin Farina, Rider ‘10

taught me...



Those were the words said to me by my Sister Jenny when she was trying to DRAG me to an informal

recruitment event. “I’m not the sorority type,” I told her. “I can’t stand those types of girls.” Boy was I

wrong! My life has been completely different since I made the decision to go to that recruitment event

with Jenny, and I owe it all to Alpha Xi Delta.

Being in a sorority was more than I ever thought. I’d seen the stereotypes. I knew what I “thought”

sorority women were. Turns out, joining a sorority was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,

and I don’t regret it for a minute. The life skills that I’ve learned over the years through my experience

with Alpha Xi Delta have had a huge impact on my life, my career and my drive to be a volunteer.

“C’mon, let’s check it out. Seriously. My cousin is in it. Just

go. Come on. If you don’t like it, then you don’t have to go anymore but just go this once.”— Erin grimes, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’98

alphaxidelta.org 13

“I can’t do this. This isn’t for me. I know what those girls are like.”

That was my idea of a sorority, and it wasn’t something I wanted to be a part of. Or so I thought. I went to a very small high school where everyone knew everyone else’s business and often had to deal with people who looked at me unfavorably because I was taking advanced classes, participated in music and had a great amount of respect for my parents and teachers. That often made me a target of people who thought they were better than me. Coming out of high school, I was intimidated to go to college due to my lack of self-confidence. I remember my mom saying, “No one in college will know what you did or didn’t do in high school. Everyone starts with a clean slate.” Going to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, I put that all behind me, listened to my mom and decided to take Jenny up on her offer and check out this “sorority thing.” What I found after I joined was a group of women who accepted me for who I was. They didn’t care where I’d come from and didn’t care what I went through in high school. To my Sisters, I was another Sister; an addition to the Delta Tau Chapter. The unconditional love and support of my Sisters is what shaped me in my college years and in my life after. I learned it was ok to have moments when you just needed a Sister to hang out with or that challenges could be overcome with the support of my chapter. My family was only 30 minutes from my college, but my Sisters were just a call or walk away. Being involved gave me so much that I could never begin to give back. I was the shy person who learned how to come out of her shell when I was with my Sisters at a homecoming event or at a social event with a fraternity. I learned how to love my Sisters. I met some fantastic fraternity men and sorority women whom I still call friends today. Learning how to accept others as I was accepted by my Sisters has really helped me in my current position where I work and support my clients all over the country and world.

“What is it that you are looking for in a sorority?” While going through college as a business major focusing on human resources (HR) and business law, I was taking many classes specific to HR. One of my classes focused on how to recruit employees. Being a member of Alpha Xi Delta, this was not a new topic for me. I developed the ability to practice interviewing and reviewing resumes throughout my curriculum in the HR track at UW-Oshkosh, and I was able to put this skill into use and refine my ability through Alpha Xi Delta. Going through recruitment is like an interview process for both the potential new member as well as the chapter members. When I was participating in recruitment as a chapter member and looking for new members, I was able to ask questions that helped me learn if the potential new member I was talking to would be a good fit in our chapter. In turn, the potential new member often had questions for me, as she tried to find her home in the Greek community. It was during recruitment that I realized interviewing is nothing more than a conversation between two individuals trying to determine the best fit for a certain position. It suddenly made me feel less nervous in job interview settings, and over the years of talking with potential new members, I was able to fine-tune my ability to listen to the questions being posed and answer questions in a professional and suitable way. Like everything,

The unconditional love and support of my Sisters is what shaped me in my college years and in my life after. I learned it was ok to have moments when you just needed a Sister to hang out with or that challenges could be overcome with the support of my chapter.


skills develop with time and practice, and my years as an undergraduate member during recruitment helped prepare me for interviewing in the real world. The years of being an undergraduate member, working through recruitment and talking to potential new members did more than just prepare me for my own interviewing skills and abilities; it helped me become a better interviewer, and I got to use the skills I learned when I spent five years as a recruiter for a Fortune 500 company where hiring and recruiting were done in large numbers. The conversational skills, the ability to quickly assess a candidate’s resume and the ability to ask the right questions in all the years looking for the right Sisters helped me locate the right employees for the positions I was trying to fill as a recruiter/HR Generalist.

“What’s philanthropy? And why do we do it again?”

Before joining Alpha Xi Delta, I really had never heard of the word philanthropy, let alone knew what it meant. That certainly changed when I became a member of Alpha Xi Delta. I discovered my passion for helping others when I was volunteering with my Sisters at the Christine Ann Center (the local Women’s Domestic Abuse Shelter in Oshkosh, Wisconsin) and participating in on-campus events with other Greeks giving back to the greater community. Over the years, my desire to give back has come through in many ways. For several years I served on the board of directors for the Family Resource Center of Fond du Lac County (a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families and children) and took part in a number of work sponsored events where we adopted families in need during the holidays. I’ve been a part of drives to benefit Humane Societies, participated in school supply drives, donated to the United Way and have been a member of several area SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) organizations. But most importantly to me, I’ve been serving Alpha Xi Delta as a volunteer advisor for about ten years. I have worked with the Theta Tau Chapter at Marian University and currently serve as the chapter advisor for the Delta Tau Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. To me, it’s the very least I can do for an organization that gave me so much. Every year, you will find me putting in late

nights during recruitment, attending chapter meetings and serving as a reference and support person for my Sisters. My current chapter will tell you they appreciate the things I do for them, but really, I appreciate them for allowing me to give back. I appreciate the chance I was given to become a part of Alpha Xi Delta and to be able to realize my potential. I will be eternally grateful for the Sisterhood, love, support and knowledge I’ve been given, and it is the reason why I continue to give back every day.

“You know, maybe this was the right place for me. This isn’t like what everyone ‘thinks’ it is.”

Even though most of these lessons I learned as an undergraduate of Alpha Xi Delta, I am still growing and learning from my sorority experience every day. I often get asked by my collegiate Sisters if I can review their resumes because they know I have experience in the HR field. I have learned to be a better teacher and mentor and have realized that I, at one time, was in their shoes, unsure of life beyond college. It has helped me become a better resource, and I have learned how to better help my collegiate Sisters prepare for life after college. Some of the collegiate Sisters I served as an advisor to have become some of my closest Sisters, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It has truly been a blessing to see the collegiate Sisters I work with become successful and amazing people! But the most important thing I have learned is that Alpha Xi Delta and Sisterhood truly is for life, and I am thankful I listened to my friend many years ago when she “dragged” me to a recruitment event.


Spring Formal 2013 with Delta Tau alumnae. Left to right: Shannon Diedrick, Erika Kiley, Brittany Dorfner, Jessica Seymour, Erin Grimes, Amber Bauer.

alphaxidelta.org 15

Being in a sorority taught me...

Alpha Xi Delta led me to discover my true passion in working professionally with fraternities and

sororities and allows me to give back to values-based organizations I so whole-heartedly believe

in. The opportunity to serve the Theta gamma Chapter as president taught me how to mediate

conflict, communicate professionally and lead a group of more than 175 collegiate women to

accomplish short-term goals and contribute to the chapter’s shared vision. Being a member of

Alpha Xi Delta taught me the power of women’s organizations in developing leadership abilities,

raising awareness for women’s issues and strengthening values of chapter members. Being in a sorority taught me

membership is truly lifelong and that as long as you remain active and engaged as a sorority woman, sorority will

always have something to teach you. — Kahlin McKeown, Delaware ‘07


...How to effectively manage my

time throughout college. During

college, I was managing a full

class schedule, working one to

two jobs and holding executive

positions in both Alpha Xi Delta and

Monmouth’s Relay for Life committee. I quickly had to

learn how to get all my work done for classes, along

with any responsibilities I had in my extracurricular

activities. I learned how to prioritize my workload and

work together with groups of people to help when

responsibilities called for it. Learning effective time

management skills helped me when I started working.

Thanks to my time in Alpha Xi Delta, I already knew

how to prioritize workloads based on due dates and

how to work quickly to get any job done.

— Alexa Passalacqua, Monmouth Univ. ’09


After I married my husband and

became an Army wife, we moved

around a lot. I’ve been fortunate

to find Alpha Xi Delta collegiate

chapters at some of our duty

stations, and it gives me a chance

to give back to my Sisters. I’ve helped collegians

during recruitment all around the united States.

In addition, I’m a Department of Defense

Civilian, and I work for Army families. I’ve found

that the collegiate chapters are always happy to

volunteer to write letters to my soldiers who are

stationed in Afghanistan and help Army families

make “welcome home” banners. There are also

alumnae chapters who help me get acquainted with

my new communities and help me get comfortable

as I move around. I look forward to meeting more of

our Sisters as my Army journey continues! TFJ!

— Erica grace Borg Koelder, Nebraska-Lincoln ‘99




Being involved in my chapter

helped me land my dream job.

During my interview, not only

was my interviewer in the

greek system, but we were

both involved in recruitment as

undergraduates. We discussed the creativity, people

skills and leadership involved in the recruitment

process. Every day, I use the skills I learned from

being in a sorority, such as the ability to foster

my connections and to find commonalities with

individuals that I encounter. Lastly, Alpha Xi Delta

taught me to be myself by sticking to my morals

and beliefs. Due to my experience in a sorority, I

am now part of a company that coordinates the

top movie premieres and corporate events in Los

Angeles. I travel all over the united States organizing

events such as the “great gatsby” and “gravity”

premieres as well as putting together trade shows

for companies like Hewlett Packard.

— Rachel Fishman, Cal State, Northridge ‘09


I am one of the lucky ones who joined

Alpha Xi Delta as a college student

and have been able to come back and

revisit my Fraternity experience from a

mature, seasoned point of view as the

House Director of the Kappa Chapter

at the university of Illinois. When I first attended Marshall

university, I hardly knew what a sorority was. I was asked by

Jeanette Hash, a family friend, teacher at my high school and

alumna of gamma Beta Chapter, if I would like to go through

recruitment. She wanted to write a letter for me, and said I

should be an Alpha Xi Delta. When I pledged Alpha Xi in 1963,

it was a wonderful way to meet like-minded women who were

serious students, liked to have fun, and had character and a set

of values. The thing I most love about being a House Director

is seeing the caliber of women Alpha Xi still chooses. They are

truly women whom I admire, and they make me proud to be

a part of the greek community. The sorority has taught me to

value friendship and to be present for friends throughout my

life. I still remember my pledge Sisters and my Big and Little

Sisters. They represent a group of friends who I value and

cherish to this day.

— Constance Burgess Kelley, Marshall ‘64

alphaxidelta.org 17


...Leadership and loyalty, but

above all, it has taught me to

be confident. Confidence is

important when going on a

job interview, and I know my

experiences have helped mold

me into the person I am today. The life lessons I

have learned through Alpha Xi Delta have allowed

me to stand out amongst other candidates for a

job. During my time as an undergraduate Sister, the

positions I held prepared me for the workplace. I

learned the fundamentals of leadership and gained

experiences that have helped boost my resume and

spark interest in an employer. I am proud to have

Alpha Xi Delta listed on my resume, and I believe my

experience in college and the connections I’ve made

with Sisters post-graduation will help me realize my

potential in my career.

— Kaitlyn Livoy, Millersville ‘09


Painted on the wall at Epsilon

Lambda Chapter’s house is the

saying, “It’s not four years, it’s

for life.” I didn’t know what

that truly meant until I started

to reach out to alumnae about

employment opportunities post-graduation. Alpha

Xi Delta gave me much more than a memorable

college experience – it gave me a network of

women who believe in the same things I do.

As an undergraduate, I completed six internships

to ensure myself a place in the world following

graduation. Inspired by the quote on the wall, I

reached out to Toni Lynn gross, and she connected

me with Brown Forman, the supplier of Jack

Daniel’s. After a rigorous interview, I received a

full-time employment offer! The best part of this

entire experience is knowing that someday a Sister

from Alpha Xi Delta will reach out to me, and I can

help her realize her potential because it’s not four

years, it’s for life.

— Kristin Farina, Rider ’10

I am proud to have Alpha Xi Delta on my resume, and I believe my experience in college and the

connections I’ve made with Sisters post-graduation

will help me realize my potential in my career.

— Kaitlyn Livoy, Millersville ’09


CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS

The University of Nebraska KearneyLocation: Kearney, NebraskaChapter: Delta GammaRe-Installationdate: January 12, 2014Chaptersize:32

Theschool: The University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) is one of four institutions in the University of Nebraska school system. UNK is committed to providing outstanding education to its nearly 7,100 students.

Colonysnapshot: Delta Gamma Chapter was originally established at the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) on April 7, 1962, making it the first national Greek organization at Kearney State College (now UNK). The chapter became dormant in 1969. Fraternity Headquarters received the invitation to reestablish our Delta Gamma Chapter at UNK in the spring of 2013 and began colonization efforts on campus in the fall of 2013 when Educational Leadership Consultant Amanda Torpey, North Carolina-Wilmington ’10, arrived on campus. Since bid day in September, the colony women have participated in and won their first ever Homecoming at UNK, gathered with Alpha Xi Delta alumnae at the Museum of Nebraska Art, went on an all-chapter retreat and hosted officer elections. On January 12, 2014, more than 125 Sisters and friends gathered in Kearney, Nebraska, to celebrate the chapter’s Installation and watched as 32 women were initiated into the Delta Gamma Chapter.

Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleLocation: Edwardsville, IllinoisChapter:Iota UpsilonInstallationdate: January 26, 2014Chaptersize: 50

Theschool: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a public, comprehensive university dedicated to the communication, expansion and integration of knowledge through excellent undergraduate education.

Colonysnapshot: Alpha Xi Delta announced in April 2013 plans to colonize a new chapter at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and began colonization efforts in the fall of 2013 when Educational Leadership Consultant Shay Galley, Bowling Green State ’08, arrived on campus. Bid day was celebrated on September 30, 2013, and since then the colony has thrived at SIUE. The week after bid day, the colony women participated in SIUE’s Homecoming activities where they placed first in the golf cart decorating contest. They quickly became involved with the Greek community and have participated in various philanthropy events, including their very first Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. The SIUE Colony officially became the Iota Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta on January 26, 2014 when the chapter was installed and 50 women were initiated into our Sisterhood.

Chapter Installations

alphaxidelta.org 19

Michigan State UniversityLocation: East Lansing, MichiganChapter:Beta ThetaRe-Installationdate: February 23, 2014Chaptersize:121

Theschool: Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a public research institution located in East Lansing, Michigan. The University is home to more than 37,900 undergraduate students and more than 50 nationally affiliated Greek organization.

Colonysnapshot:Alpha Xi Delta first installed its Beta Theta Chapter at Michigan State University in 1934, where it was an active participant in the fraternity and sorority community until the chapter became dormant in 2001. Plans to reestablish the Beta Theta Chapter were announced in October 2012, and in the fall of 2013, Educational Leadership Consultants Allison Davies, Indiana ’10, and Hollie Amato, Ohio ’09, arrived on campus to conduct a successful colony recruitment. Since bid day in October, the colony has grown tremendously, participating in Michigan State University’s Safe Halloween and various Greek philanthropy events. Sisters are involved with many organizations on campus, including the MSU Greek Week Executive Committee and

Student Government, with Alpha Xi Delta Sister Kiran Samra serving as the current Student Body President. In addition, the colony women won MSU’s Greek Anti-Hazing Awareness Competition and placed second in the Greek Week Twitter competition. Sisters were excited to welcome the Beta Theta Chapter back home to MSU when the chapter was officially reinstalled on February 23, 2014. More than 275 Alpha Xi Deltas attended the Installation and celebrated the addition of 121 women into our Sisterhood.


TALES FROM THE ROAD

tales from the Road

Hollie (left) and Allison (right) with Sparty, Michigan State University’s mascot, during a Greek Life event on campus.

Michigan state universityBy Allison Davies, Indiana ’10, and Hollie Amato, Ohio ’09

One of the best experiences being an Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) offers is the opportunity to colonize or recolonize a chapter. Colonizing gives us the chance to start a chapter from scratch, and as ELCs, we help find women who will be colony members of the chapter and remembered on their campus and within Alpha Xi Delta for years to come. Some of the most exciting things about working with our colony members are helping them to build the Alpha Xi Delta brand on their campus, inspiring chapter traditions and seeing each woman sign the chapter’s charter. This is such a huge and rewarding experience, and we were lucky enough to be part of it at Michigan State University (MSU). While stationed in East Lansing, Michigan, we learned that such a momentous

occasion requires an equally large amount of work. Here’s a look into how we assisted with the recolonization of the Beta Theta Chapter. For the first two months, we spent our days tabling in high traffic areas on campus, getting familiar with campus traditions and individually meeting with potential colony women. We met with Michigan State’s Panhellenic Council and Interfraternal Council regularly and visited all 42 Greek organizations at MSU to tell them about Alpha Xi Delta’s colonization plans and partnered with them to help us spread the word about our return to campus. During this time, we also focused strongly on the use of social media and researched how we could strategically reach our potential new member target audience at a school with more than 40,000 students. Before Panhellenic formal recruitment kicked off, we spent our time preparing to meet with the more than 1,000 potential new members (PNMs) who signed up for sorority

alphaxidelta.org 21

New members at Michigan State throw what they know during an on-campus photo shoot.

recruitment at MSU. With assistance from our Psi Sisters at The Ohio State University and our Beta Pi Chapter at Indiana University, we were able to educate all of the PNMs on the countless benefits of joining an Alpha Xi Delta colony. Since Alpha Xi Delta only participated in the first round of formal recruitment, we spent the remaining days touring the other chapter houses on campus so we could gain more insight into the formal recruitment process at MSU. After Panhellenic formal recruitment was completed, it was our turn to begin our membership selection, and boy, it was a whirlwind! Prior to member selection weekend, we hosted events to build awareness of Alpha Xi Delta, educate PNMs on the colonization process and promote the colony experience. Events were focused on our partnership with Autism Speaks, the history of Alpha Xi Delta and the benefits of being a colony member. During each event, women signed up for a personal information session where they could speak one-on-

one with an Alpha Xi Delta representative. In two days, and with the help of nine staff members, we met with more than 480 PNMs who were interested in being colony members. On October 13, we proudly welcomed more than 120 women home to Alpha Xi Delta at MSU! The hard work and sleepless nights of preparation were worth the enthusiasm we saw amongst the colony women and continue to see as they build their legacy at MSU. Although it wasn’t exactly “life on the road,” the feeling of truly leaving our mark on Alpha Xi Delta and the experience of colonizing the Beta Theta Chapter is one we will never forget.


TALES FROM THE ROAD

Shelby (left) with Megan Rash at the University of Nebraska Kearney Colony retreat.

welcome to the JungleBy Shelby Young, Alabama at Birmingham ’09

During my time as a Leadership Coach, I spent a lot of time working with Sisters to develop life skills. One of my favorite activities to do with the chapters and colonies I visited was called “Welcome to the Jungle.” See the activity below and try it on your own!

Start the activity by reading the statements below. Then, starting

at the center of the graph, move in the direction that corresponds

with the statement you relate to the most. Move vertically for the

first six statements and horizontally for the last six statements.

When you get to the final statement, note your spot on the graph

and circle it. At the end of the activity, you should end up in one of

the four quadrants.

MOvE uP1. Tends to be dominant,

demanding, aggressive, forceful, active, ambitious

2. Tends to talk more than ask questions

3. Tends to take a stand and makes position

clear to others

4. If “fight” tends to be a priority

5. Tends to act before you think

6. Tends to relax by spending time with others

MOvE DOWN1. Tends to be passive, unassuming,

contented, quiet, reserved, easy-going

2. Tends to ask more questions than talk

3. Tends to express moderate opinions, cooperative, let others take initiative

4. If “flight” tends to be a priority

5. Tends to think before you act

6. Tends to relax by spending time alone

MOvE LEFT7. If achievement tends

to be a priority

8. Tends to be cautious, intellectual, serious

9. Tends to be independent of, or indifferent to,

other’s feelings

10.Tends to be precise, no-nonsense, critical, efficient

11. If truth is more important than being tactful

12. Tends to make decisions based off facts, statistics,

and know information

MOvE RIgHT7. If acceptance tends

to be a priority

8. Tends to be warm, emotional, light hearted

9. Tends to be self-indulgent, attention-seeking, not interested in the feelings of others

10. Tends to be casual, playful, dramatic, impulsive, open

11. If being tactful is more important than fact.

12. Tends to make decisions based off how others feel and their opinions

alphaxidelta.org 23

Sister Rebecca yeh, Ohio Northern ’12, promotes Autism Speaks in her quest for Miss America.

Shining in the spotlight

shiningIN THE SPOTLIgHTBy Shannon Slatton Schwartz, Henderson State ’99


Rebecca yeh didn’t really expect to join a sorority at Ohio Northern university in the fall of 2012. But one small, simple message sparked her interest in the gamma Tau Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta.

“It was actually the autism facts that were chalked on the sidewalk by Alpha Xi that initially caught my eye,” says Rebecca.

“After learning more about the chapter and feeling welcomed by the Sisters, I decided that it would be a great opportunity for me to use my own experience with autism to contribute to our chapter.” Rebecca’s older brother Phil has a moderately severe form of autism called pervasive developmental disorder. “He has a difficult time understanding body language, humor and communicating his thoughts with others,” says Rebecca. Phil now has his driver’s license, a job and relationships with his peers and adults. “As his sister, I realize that his successes wouldn’t be the magnitude they are without his family, educators and a diagnosis when he was four years old,” says Rebecca. “I saw this realization as an opportunity to educate our students, teachers and families on autism and to increase funding for autism research and education.” After Rebecca was initiated into the Gamma Tau Chapter, she served as Philanthropy Chair and organized events like Puzzlepalooza and the Blue Dinner that raised money for Autism Speaks. She also gave presentations on autism to her chapter and created information brochures for her community. But Rebecca got to promote autism awareness on a much bigger stage when she won the title of Miss Minnesota in 2013. “By the time I graduated high school, I was an accomplished violinist, straight-A student, All-State cross country runner and had been accepted into Ohio Northern University’s selective Doctorate of Pharmacy program,” says Rebecca. “I realized that competing in the Miss America Organization would help me integrate these different areas of my life and magnify the influence I could have on other people.” Besides her assigned duties as the official spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network, Rebecca serves as the Autism Speaks honorary community ambassador in Minnesota and as the spokesperson for Walk Now for Autism Speaks at the Mall of America. “There are

so many pieces to the autism puzzle that are still missing: the cure, the cause and to some extent, the best treatment,” says Rebecca. “If I can help put just one piece of the puzzle together, why not?” As Rebecca prepared for the Miss America pageant, she spent time polishing her public speaking skills, working out in the gym perfecting her swimsuit physique and increasing her awareness of current events. “My Sisters were there to support me, whether lending an ear or joining me in the gym,” says Rebecca. Rebecca received accolades at the Miss America pageant for her violin performance. She started playing violin when she was four years old. By the time she was in sixth grade, Rebecca was taking lessons three hours away from her hometown of Nisswa at the University of Minnesota.

Shining in the spotlight

alphaxidelta.org 25

“While my friends were at football games or sleepovers, I was practicing three to four hours everyday,” says Rebecca. She was performing nationally and even giving lessons by the time she was 13. When Rebecca began competing in pageants, she began to have more fun entertaining the crowd while staying true to her classical roots. “Whether I have a performance in front of millions of people or in front of the bathroom mirror, my focus and concentration is the same,” says Rebecca. Rebecca finished as fourth runner-up, a Preliminary Talent winner and the recipient of $12,000 in scholarship awards. “I had two of the best weeks of my life at Miss America, not because of the end result, but because of the people I met and the people who supported me through it all,” says Rebecca. Her Gamma Tau Sisters sent a packet of notes for

Rebecca to open on her final night of preliminary competition. “It was the greatest feeling to know that these ladies were thinking of me and that I was their Miss America.”

“If I can help put just one piece of the puzzle

together, why not?– Rebecca Yeh, Ohio Northern ‘12

Photo Credit: Sarah Morreim


FOuNDATION NEWS \ Meet a Scholarship Recipient

“The ability to realize one’s potential is a lifelong process that flourishes with the guidance and support of family, friends and Sisterhood.” - Amy Rosen, Bowling Green State ‘01

alphaxidelta.org 27

amy rosen, Bowling Green State ‘01Mary Burt Nash Scholarship Recipient 2013

Amy holds a master’s degree in higher education administration and is currently pursuing a J.D. from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. After finishing law school, Amy hopes to become part of a university’s general counsel team with the goal of eventually being the General Counsel of a major institution. This would allow her to combine her passion for student involvement and student development with her love of the law. As a full-time law student, Amy cannot hold a full-time job so the financial assistance from the Foundation scholarship is critically important.

“I would like to thank the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation for awarding me the Mary Burt Nash Scholarship. I am honored that I was chosen and extremely thankful for the support. The financial support the Foundation provides each year to so many women of Alpha Xi Delta is exceptional. It reminds me that Alpha Xi Delta continues to benefit women long after the collegiate experience ends,” Amy said. “The ability to realize one’s potential is a lifelong process that flourishes with the guidance and support of family, friends and Sisterhood. The Mary Burt Nash Scholarship has immediately been able to assist me in my academic pursuits by enabling me to register for classes last summer. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to take the courses I need in order to graduate on time. I recently finished my first year of law school and plan to graduate with the class of 2015. I love that Alpha Xi Delta offers a scholarship for current or first-year law students. I have a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and a master’s degree in higher education and neither prepared me for the challenges of law school. It makes me very happy to know my Sisters support me and are rooting for me to succeed.”

meet a scholarship recipient

Undergraduate Giving Challenge

In 2012, The Foundation transitioned the Senior Challenge to The Undergraduate Giving Challenge. During this annual challenge, each collegiate member is encouraged, or challenged, to make a gift to the Foundation of $18.93. This is each collegiate member’s opportunity to make a mark on Alpha Xi Delta, as our alumnae do, with donations to The Loyalty Fund. Their gift helps Alpha Xi Delta inspire women to realize their potential and ensures the Alpha Xi Delta experience we all love is strong today and tomorrow. Collegiate members giving $18.93 or more during the year are recognized by joining the Heart Sunshine Circle, and they receive a special dangle to wear proudly on their badge.

“They’ve been announcing it [the Undergraduate Giving Challenge] in chapter meetings for a couple of years now. With this being my third year, I thought it was time for me to give. I went to The Workout two summers ago and it was a great experience, both to learn and to meet other Alpha Xi Deltas from across the country. Alpha Xi Delta and my Sisters have helped me live my college life and make the most of my time here. It was time for me to give back. I decided now was time to support the Undergraduate Giving Challenge and help support our future,” said Tanya Keys, Cal State, Stanislaus ’11.

The 2013 Undergraduate Giving Challenge was an amaXIng success raising nearly $17,000 for the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation. Our collegiate members are stepping up to make their mark on the Alpha Xi Delta they love.


FOuNDATION NEWS \ Memorial gifts

MeMorial gifTsThe Alpha Xi Delta Foundation recog-nizes Memorial Gifts from August 16, 2013 through December 31, 2013.

WilliamAndrich,fatherofDianeAndrichby Diane Andrich, University of Northern Colorado

GretchenKellyBarrett,University of Iowa by Susan Ann Barrett Boelke, Monmouth College

EllenPalianiBish,West Liberty University by Kay Gilchrist Murray, West Liberty University

MaxineEvansBlackburn,Wittenberg University by Evonne Carawan, North Carolina State UniversityDiane Curtis Gregory, Wittenberg UniversityJulie Lambert, Oregon State UniversityVirginia Drick Messing, Ohio Wesleyan UniversitySara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State UniversityElizabeth McCoy Walley, University of Mississippi

RuthFowlerBrown,Ohio University by the Giles Foundation

Mrs.Burgdorf,motherofPatriciaBurgdorfReed,University of Wisconsin-Oshkoshby Kathryn Yager Brown, Monmouth College

MaryG.RallisButler,motherofAngieButlerAckermanby Angie Butler Ackerman, University of South Dakota

DorothyTrepalClark,University of Connecticut by Margaret Lewis Wardle, University of Connecticut

WilliamA.Cowles,Jr.,husbandofBettyAkinCowlesby Betty Akin Cowles, Syracuse University

VirginiaPaxsonDegenhardt,Wittenberg University by Virginia Ellen Vorhis, Rochester Institute of Technology

KeithLeeSilcoxDerian,University of California-Berkeley by Dorothy Anderson Tregea, University of California-Berkeley

EvelynGibbsDice,Northwestern University by Suzanne Petru, Northwestern University

PhyllisBorkowskiEckman,Purdue Universityby Helen Maxine Hardin Townsend, Purdue University

OliveGabrielFaries,Western Kentucky University by Martha Small Greenlaw, University of Texas

LesleyNollFrench,Ohio Northern University by Julie Shadley Braley, Ohio Northern University

LanaHanksGallagher,Southeast Missouri State University by Georgia Lorrain Stergios, Southeast Missouri State University

LoisBeachamGordon,Purdue University by Sandra Smith, Purdue University

GrandmotherofMicheleHerbstEvink,South Dakota State Universityby Martha Small Greenlaw, University of Texas

JaneFergusonHarvey,Ohio Wesleyan University by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan University

MargaretHirsch,motherofHeatherHirschby Heather Hirsch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

HarrietHitchcockHoltman,The Ohio State University by Mary Holtman-Reed, University of Tennessee

BettyClipsonHunt,Drake University by Elaine & Robert Adams Wilma ArnoldPhyllis & William ClipsonBeverly & Jack FarrellkAnne Gavin Grosvenor Park III Condominium Board Of DirectorsPeter HarabDonna & Jim LaveryRosalie Ann Fruin Veatch, Michigan State University

RuthJustus,motherofMarciaBrinkAdairby Marcia Brink Adair, Monmouth College

ArlineElizabethKadel,Baldwin Wallace Collegeby Cuyahoga West Shore, OH, Alumnae Association

KristineKelleyKelly,University of Northern Iowa by Tracy Borlaug Pursell, University of Northern Iowa

PattiClarkLampru,Jacksonville State University by Atlanta North Metro, GA, Alumnae AssociationPaige Cronia Bushart, Valdosta State UniversitySusan Buhay Du Part, Western Kentucky UniversitySara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State University

RubyAtkinsonLeonard,Oregon State University by Janet Leonard Baillie, Oregon State University

JennieMorganLombard,University of Michigan by Barbara Libs Murray, University of MichiganMarian Sayward West, University of Michigan

KathleenRyanMarquardt,San Diego State University by Gloria Kleponis Hunt, San Diego State University

JaneMorley,motherofLauraMorleyZuidemaby Cathleen Curley, Alma CollegeRonda Guimond, Alma CollegeLaura Morley Zuidema, Alma College

RudyOras,fatherofBarbaraOrasBlatchford,Northern Illinois Universityby Cynthia Rossi Kass, Northern Illinois University

JohnOverby,husbandofGailSchaumOverby,Northwestern University by Kathryn Yager Brown, Monmouth CollegeJudith Drews Haring-Green, University of Iowa

PatriciaYoungPoling,Ohio University by Charlotte Richards Forquer, Ohio University

BettyGeilerPorter,Ohio Universityby Marilyn Geiler Netschke, Ohio University

EvelynRoseRaiaby Cheryl Epstein Tier, Rider University

KatherineG.Robertsby Sandra Rogan

GretchenGroveSaltz,Bowling Green State University by Nancy Brown Brockman, Bowling Green State University

JanisStockmanSimonds,University of Wisconsin by Norma Malmanger Liebenberg, University of Wisconsin

KellySizer,Thiel College by Monica Anderson, Thiel College

MargaretSlocum,Georgia State University by Paige Cronia Bushart, Valdosta State UniversitySusan Buhay Du Part, Western Kentucky UniversityTracy Andersen Roberts, Georgia State University

alphaxidelta.org 29

JaneVincentSmith,University of South Dakota by Karen Knutson Ferris, University of South Dakota

EllenElstonSnediker,Marietta College by Merrilynn Neidig Hayes Todd, Marietta College

MargorieWintzStengerby Nancy Stenger Todd, University of Maryland

LucilleStinton,motherofCarolStintonHenrikson,Northern Illinois Universityby Kathryn Yager Brown, Monmouth College

MarthaDaviesStone,Randolph- Macon College by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan University

LizTarpey,Georgia Institute of Technology by Lindsay Wells, Georgia Institute of TechnologyRobert & Marcia Duffy

BarbaraTatar,Alpha Deuteronby Betty Suzanne Tatar Wiseman, Central Michigan University

JaneTerveer,The Ohio State University by Ellen Louise Dettra Kunst, The Ohio State University

VirginiaHoltmanThigpen,University of Tennessee by Mary Holtman-Reed, University of Tennessee

TracyGoadWalter,Hillsdale College by Christina Munck O’Hara, Hillsdale College

Mrs.EdmondWestburg,motherofLindaWestburgEberlein,Northern Illinois Universityby Kathryn Yager Brown, Monmouth College

CathyBradyWeston,Eastern Michigan University by Joy Morrison Farmer, Eastern Michigan University

LawrenceWillis,Jr.,fatherofReginaWillisHawkins,Jacksonville State University by Nancy Fehrmann Gainer, Iowa State UniversityKimberly Starr, University of Kentucky

DaphneWright,Southern Polytechnic State University by Iota Theta Chapter, Southern Polytechnic State University

AnnYanosky,Bowling Green State University by Christine Shellhammer Gilliam, Bowling Green State University

honor gifTsTheAlphaXiDeltaFoundationrecognizesHonorGiftsgivenfromAugust16,2013toDecember31,2013.

AllAlphaXiDeltasby Samantha Jackson, Purdue University

AlphaXiChapter,University of California-Los Angelesby Patricia Lee Dillon Clegg, University of California-Los Angeles

AlphaXiDeltaFraternityby Madeliene Dumond, University of New Orleans

AnelaAmba-Pascua,California State University-San Marcosby Ashley Smith, California State University-San Marcos

SapphireAndersen,University of Nebraska at Omahaby Margaret Koenig, University of Nebraska at Omaha

LizPopeBattaglia,University of Virginiaby Margaret Payne Greene, Stetson University

BetaPiChapter,Indiana Universityby Vivian Schilling Surface, Indiana University

HeatherBland,Youngstown State Universityby Breanna Bayer, Slippery Rock University

SouhaBouhafs,Georgia Institute of Technology,SeptemberFVPofthemonthby Omega Financial, Inc.

JenBrady,University of Nebraska at Omahaby Elizabeth Achenbach, University of Nebraska at Omaha

HaleyBrueggemann,Florida Atlantic Universityby Nicole Montoya, Florida Atlantic University

KatieBurke,Florida Atlantic Universityby Bailey Hamm, Florida Atlantic University

CassieByrne,University of Toledoby Kristen Filzer, University of Toledo

SuzanneCantando,University of North Carolina-Ashevilleby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia

LeslieChastainby Rachel Eaton White, University of West Georgia

AnnSpaldingCochran,Georgia Southern Universityby Carol Spalding Wakamo, Georgia State University

WhitneyCook,University of Northern Iowaby Cinthia Cook, mother of Whitney Cook

DeltaMuChapter,Old Dominion Universityby Kristine Anderson Stephens, Old Dominion University

DeltaPiChapter,Defiance College by Christina-Marie Drake, Defiance College

DeannaWollamDetchemendy,California State University-Northridgeby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia

BrendaDiaz,University of Texas- El Paso,MayFVPofthemonthby Omega Financial, Inc.

MayaDoghman,University of Nebraska at Omahaby Sara Doghman, University of Nebraska at Omaha

PeggyMartinDorsey,West Virginia Wesleyan Collegeby Mary Jean Dorsey Taylor, West Virginia Wesleyan College

MelissaDupree,Southern Polytechnic State Universityby Donna Dupree, mother of Melissa Dupree

Ruth-AnnEagle,University of Texasby Madison Preston, University of Texas

TaylorEarley,University of Alabama at Birmingham,AprilFVPofthemonthby Omega Financial, Inc.

SandiEdwards,University of Kentuckyby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia

AnnaEnglish,University of Nebraska-Lincolnby Sapphire Andersen, University of Nebraska at Omaha

MicheleHerbstEvink,South Dakota State Universityby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia

SuzanneFailorForkin,Ohio Northern Universityby Patricia St Clair Smith, Ohio Northern University

DavidFoulk,fatherofToshaFoulkby Tosha Foulk, University of Nebraska-Kearney

MichelleFreeman,motherofKelseaFreemanby Kelsea Freeman, Kent State University

NancyFehrmannGainer,Iowa State Universityby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia


FOuNDATION NEWS \ Honor gifts

BarbaraCelluzziGalaini,Bucknell Universityby Alexis Galaini, Bucknell University

PaigeGallagher,Southeast Missouri State Universityby Donna Gallagher, mother of Paige Gallagher

ShayGalley,Bowling Green State Universityby Alexandria Jenkins, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

GammaXiChapter,Valdosta State Universityby Sue Hilton Kenneally, Valdosta State University

JessicaGerwig,Florida Atlantic Universityby Brittney Smith, Florida Atlantic University

DaleandBarbaraGilbertsonby Krystn Elaine Gilbertson Aversa, Michigan State University

GabrielleGirard,Cornell Universityby Ann Girard, mother of Gabrielle Girard

AnnWilliamsHall,University of Alabamaby Lois Taylor Williams, University of Alabama

KellieHanser,Southeast Missouri State Universityby Katherine Hanser, Southeast Missouri State University

KatieHanser,Southeast Missouri State Universityby Kellie Hanser, Southeast Missouri State University

JudyHarlan,motherofKatherineHarlanby Katherine Harlan, Carroll University

ZoeyHartpence,University of Central Oklahomaby Bambi Hora, University of Central Oklahoma

NancyWatsonHarvey,Iowa Wesleyan Collegeby Shelley Wilmes Grider, Iowa Wesleyan College

DeborahHoover,mother of Emily Hooverby Emily Hoover, Pennsylvania State University

SavannahHowe,University of Illinoisby James Howe, father of Savannah Howe

KristenHudson,University of Nebraska-Lincolnby Cindy Hudson, mother of Kristen Hudson

BetteFurukiIdemoto,The Ohio State Universityby Cuyahoga West Shore, OH, Alumnae Association

IotaChapter,West Virginia Universityby Joanne Walker Bowie, West Virginia University

IotaLambdaChapter,St. Norbert Collegeby Angela Schneider, St. Norbert College

IotaMuChapter,Lycoming Collegeby Susan Yerkes, Lycoming College

IotaRhoChapter,DePaul Universityby Hannah Perron, DePaul University

MicaelaIsler,University of Texasby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia

FatimaJohnson,University of North Carolina-Ashevilleby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia

Kyleby Molly McCullough, California State University-Northridge

RoslynLeBonLacrouts,University of New Orleansby Kelsey Matthews, University of New Orleans

StephanieLankford,Monmouth College,AugustFVPofthemonthby Omega Financial, Inc.

JenniferBellasLee,Old Dominion Universityby Nealy Wheat, University of West Georgia

ClarisseLeppien,Kansas State University,JuneFVPofthemonthby Omega Financial, Inc.

TaylorLisy,DePaul Universityby Julia Wilson Dillon, University of Illinois

AlyssaLitzenberger,Indiana University of Pennsylvania, JulyFVPofthemonthby Omega Financial, Inc.

MadisonLobel,Boise State Universityby Megan Scharar, Boise State University

RachelMarcotteby Hannah Marcotte, University of New Orleans

HopeMartinby Sarah Tousignant, University of North Carolina-Wilmington

DylanMartin,University of Northern Iowaby Carolyn Martin, mother of Dylan Martin

SharonMcCone,Henderson State Universityby Brianna Vilches, Henderson State University

NicolasNagyJr.by Brittany Nagy, DePaul University

CarolineNarron,University of North Carolina-Wilmington,OctoberFVPofthemonthby Omega Financial, Inc.

LaurenNolan,Ferris State Universityby Margot Chadwick, mother of Lauren Nolan

JulieO’Hair,motherofAlexisO’Hairby Alexis O’Hair, Marietta College

OutgoingIotaRhoExecBoard&Officersby Julia Wilson Dillon, University of Illinois

MadisonPanekby Morgan Ferris, University of Iowa

RoseSmithPattison,West Virginia Universityby Marsha Ellen Wildermuth Pattison, The Ohio State University

MaryKampenPertuit,Louisiana State Universityby Amy Holobyn, Indiana University South Bend

Megan&CoreyPetersonby Regina Todero Mangine, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

SaraPompeo,Youngstown State Universityby Jerrilyn Guy, Youngstown State University

SaraPrice,motherofHannahMarcotteby Hannah Marcotte, University of New Orleans

PauletteTrumppRaburn,Bowling Green State Universityby Jessica Raburn Mormino, Bowling Green State University

JaneFurseyRalston,University of Mount Unionby June Fursey Lee, University of Mount Union

MaggieRead,Georgia Institute of Technologyby David Read, father of Maggie Read

MelissaSchinkerReed,Carroll Universityby Alexandra Santoro, Carroll University

NancyRiesby Morgan Neff, Kent State University

alphaxidelta.org 31

JadaRigby,California State University-San Marcosby Ashley Uranga, California State University-San Marcos

TaliaRoffman,Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescottby Jen Rowell, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

AlexandraSantoro,Carroll Universityby Elizabeth Krajnik, St. Norbert College

MarthaSchoonmaker,motherofAnnaliseSchoonmakerby Annalise Schoonmaker, Cornell University

SandyKeimShackelford,University of Georgiaby T.J. Merck Parker, Georgia Southern University

RobynSmith,Ohio Northern Universityby Allison Fay, Ohio Northern University

GracieSorrell,Auburn Universityby Rebecca Sorrell, mother of Gracie Sorrell

KarenSteinhofer,University of Wisconsin-Oshkoshby Phil and Susan Steinhofer, parents of Karen Steinhofer

StacieStewart,University of North Carolina-Ashevilleby Gina Stewart, mother of Stacie Stewart

MonnaLouStollerby Kendall Stoller, University of Illinois

ShellbySweeney,Florida Atlantic Universityby Alexandria Jenkins, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

TheMondayNightGirlsby Laura Mitchell, Gettysburg College

NormaJeanTillerby Lucinda Jean Tiller Cordo, University of Tennessee

RachelToren,South Dakota State Universityby Kara Peters, South Dakota State University

LaurenUstaszewski,The Ohio State Universityby Krista Early, The Ohio State University

AllieWessel,Florida Atlantic Universityby Stefanie Scalish, Florida Atlantic University

CapriceBuchmeierWitt,University of Northern Iowaby Jodi Levell, University of Northern Iowa

RebeccaWorcester,East Carolina Universityby Mary Shadoin, East Carolina University

YoungAlphaXiDeltasby Barbara Behnke Ayres, Baldwin Wallace University

ShelbyYoung,University of Alabama at Birminghamby Tricia Selzer, University of Alabama at BirminghamPaige Williams, University of Alabama at Birmingham

SarahZiskend,Georgia State Universityby Maeghan Dessecker, Georgia State University


Remembering Maxine Evans Blackburn

Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is deeply saddened by the passing of Maxine Evans Blackburn, Wittenberg ’37, National President 1982-1986. Maxine entered Chapter Eternal on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 in Oxford, Mississippi. She was 94.

“Maxine was the finest representation of an Alpha Xi Delta woman, and she will be forever remembered for her wisdom, graciousness, kindness and steadfast love of Alpha Xi Delta,” said Sandi Edwards, Alpha Xi Delta National President. Maxine was initiated into Zeta Chapter at Wittenberg University on May 30, 1937. When she was elected National President in 1982, Maxine brought to the office more that 40 years of Fraternity experience and service. On the national level, Maxine served two terms on National Council and one term as Expansion Director. She and her husband, John, both worked tirelessly to bring about the chartering of Zeta Gamma Chapter at the University of Mississippi in which their daughter, Christine, was initiated. Maxine served Zeta Gamma Chapter as advisor and Corporation Board President. From 1988-1993, Maxine was Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Chair. In her keynote address at Alpha Xi Delta’s 37th National Convention in 1986, Maxine said, “Belonging to a group which has similar ideas and values to our own affords us a great deal more than a social calendar filled with parties…It opens the door to opportunities for personal growth, service, leadership and best of all – lifelong friendships.” During Maxine’s tenure, National Council focused on policy making and long range planning; the Fraternity volunteer structure was revised to provide greater opportunities for involvement and leadership; the traveling consultant program was strengthened; and our financial base was broadened. “Maxine Blackburn is an Alpha Xi Delta treasure. At a time in the 1980’s when the worth and viability of the Greek fraternal system was being challenged, Maxine stepped up to lead Alpha Xi Delta and to turn those challenges into opportunities for growth, stability and influence. National Council explored ideas which would keep Alpha Xi Delta moving forward, yet Maxine’s leadership kept the discussions from bogging down or getting lost in minutiae. Her self-deprecating sense of humor was often present, bringing levity when needed. Maxine was calm,

optimistic, gracious, committed, courageous, empathetic and encouraging. I cannot imagine my present life without Maxine in my past,” said Sara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State ’64, National Council 1982-1988. As chair, Maxine inspired the Foundation to establish our Society of 1893 recognizing planned gift donors. Many years ago, Maxine joined Alpha Xi Delta’s Society of 1893 by choosing to name the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation beneficiary of an insurance policy. She did not designate the use, trusting her unrestricted bequest gift would be used wisely to provide support for Alpha Xi Delta’s priority leadership and life-skills programming. Maxine’s undergraduate degree was in business administration. A master’s in education led to a teaching career – first as a high school English teacher and then to joining her husband on the faculty of the University of Mississippi as an assistant professor of education and director of field experiences for the School of Education. She enjoyed travel, sewing, quilting, photography and playing the organ and piano. Our deepest condolences are with her daughter, Christine Blackburn, and son, Michael Blackburn.

RememberingMaxine Evans Blackburn

alphaxidelta.org 33


Inventing the Loop

[inventing the]

loopJennifer Baird Blaese, Northern Iowa ’93, always considered herself to be an

entrepreneur. When she was a little girl, she had her own paper route and learned at a

young age hard work really does pay off. When she was older, Jennifer dabbled part-time

into some of her own small business ventures, including a designer dog bed business,

Animal Haus Chicago, but it wasn’t until she lost her job in 2011 that Jennifer decided

to put everything into founding her own company, Loft 312.

By Lauren Fisher, Indiana ’08, Communications Coordinator

alphaxidelta.org 35

If you are a dog owner, chances are you’ve seen Jennifer’s product in local pet stores or on a dog’s leash. The Loop is a modern dog waste bag dispenser and is currently considered the most “durable and unique” poop bag dispenser on the market. While explaining her product, Jennifer laughs and says, “I never wanted to be the poop bag girl, but I’ve kind of just accepted it.” Jennifer’s two dogs, Winston and Mable, sparked the initial idea for The Loop. Sadly, Winston passed away in

December of 2012, but according to Jennifer, he was one of main sources of inspiration for the product. “I’ve had them since they were puppies,” Jennifer explains. “I always knew there were lots of holes in the market and needs that weren’t being fulfilled.” One of those needs was a stylish and practical way to carry poop bags. Before The Loop, a typical holder was a plastic bone that dangled from your pet’s leash. “To me, it’s really ugly, kind of juvenile looking and normally pretty

Jennifer and her new puppy, Kane.


FEATuRE \ Inventing the Loop

cheap,” Jennifer says. “We didn’t invent the concept, we invented utility and design. There had to be a better way to carry your poop bags and something that integrated into your style.” In fact, Jennifer had the idea for this type of product years before she founded Loft 312. “Remember when the Razor phone was popular? That was about the same time that we started our process,” Jennifer recalls. She worked with her father-in-law, who is an engineer, to design various prototypes for The Loop. “I remember I used to describe it to my father-in-law as the Razor version of the poop bag holder. So our first few prototypes were metal.” When they were working on the eighth prototype, Jennifer lost her job and made the decision to put everything

she had into The Loop for Poop. “You have to have faith that your business and your dream will come to fruition,” Jennifer says. “When I got let go from my job, my instant reaction was not to look for another job and put 100% into this. And we’ve made some adjustments. We sold our house, we downgraded our car and there were a lot of financial sacrifices that were made to do what we are doing.” Once Jennifer made the decision to put everything into her own business, things started moving quickly. She established Loft 312 in January 2012, and shortly thereafter, met with a manufacturer in Chicago to discuss producing her product and hired an independent freelance designer who tweaked Jennifer’s initial design, adding the loops on the end of the product to give it its name, The Loop. Now, almost a

“Don’t let other people tell you it’s

not possible. If you have a dream

and you believe in yourself, then

that dream is possible.”

alphaxidelta.org 37

year later, The Loop is being sold in 150 stores across the United States, with plans to offer it at Bed Bath & Beyond and major pet retailers. In addition to The Loop, Jennifer’s company currently produces the first biodegradable waste bag on the market, the GreenLine bag, and it is designed to biodegrade in landfills. “The average dog owner that uses poop bags will consume more than 1,000 bags a year with one dog,” Jennifer explains. “Combine that number with the 73 million dogs living in the United States, and there are a lot of waste bags just sitting in our landfills.” Looking back at her year, Jennifer says she could not have done it without the support of the other small, local businesses that helped her and agreed to offer her product

in their stores. “The people that decide to buy your product when you’re nobody, those are the people that are really important,” Jennifer says. Looking towards the future, Jennifer wants to grow her brand as a whole. She has plans to launch a new line of dog leashes, metallic versions of The Loop, as well as another poop bag product. “We just want to keep creating,” she exclaims. When asked if she has any advice for future entrepreneurs, Jennifer says, “Don’t let other people tell you it’s not possible. If you have a dream and you believe in yourself, then that dream is possible.”


AuTISM SPEAKS NEWS

Minneapolis-sT. paul

Alpha Xi Delta Sisters participated in the Minnesota Walk Now for Autism Speaks event this fall at the Mall of

America. Jennifer Beeman Zipf, Wisconsin-Eau Claire ’98, served as this year’s Walk Chair and was joined on the

Walk Committee by Makenzie Provorse, Kansas State ’05, and Kelli Basa, Wisconsin-Eau Claire ’08. Special guest Miss

Minnesota Rebecca Yeh, Ohio Northern ’12, performed during the opening ceremonies, and our three local Alumnae

Association Presidents (Devin Minor, Wisconsin-La Crosse ’10; Hilary Stone, Wisconsin-Eau Claire ’10; and Becky

Soderholm, Iowa State ’97) also participated in the opening festivities. – Jen Zipf, [email protected]

eMbrY-riddle (aZ)More than 75 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students and members of the Greek

community joined Alpha Xi Delta’s Theta Zeta Chapter to participate in the Walk Now for

Autism Speaks: Arizona this fall. Theta Zeta Chapter raised $3,100 for the event, setting a

new chapter record. – Christina Halverson, [email protected]

MonMouTh collegeBeta Epsilon Chapter at Monmouth College

recently hosted their AmaXIng Challenge:

Xi Marks the Spot event on campus. The

event was a campus-wide scavenger hunt

that raised money for Autism Speaks. –

Emily Olson, [email protected]

alphaxidelta.org 39

Towson This semester, the Theta Delta Chapter at Towson

University was hard at work raising awareness for Autism

Speaks by tabling on campus and hosting percentage nights

at local restaurants. The chapter also participated in their

local Walk Now for Autism Speaks event and raised more

than $9,300! – Carly Peltz, [email protected]

Texas sTaTe

On Saturday, September 28, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, Sisters from the Delta Psi Chapter at Texas State

University, the Theta Lambda Chapter at Southwestern University and the Beta Alpha Chapter at the University

of Texas gathered to participate in the 2013 Greater Austin Walk Now for Autism Speaks event to support children

and families affected by autism. Sisters helped set up booths, pass out snacks and cheer on participants. – Delta Psi

Chapter, [email protected]

albion This year, Phi Chapter hosted

their 12th annual Turkey Trot

5K! On October 6, more than

200 participants from across

the state took off running

through Albion, Michigan,

to support autism research.

Sisters had fun at the event

and raised $8,000 for Autism

Speaks! – Rachel Kohanov,

[email protected]


AuTISM SPEAKS NEWS

easT carolina Alpha Xi Delta’s Gamma Phi Chapter at East Carolina University organized their third

annual AmaXIng Challenge: Step it Up 5K for Autism Speaks. At the event, Sisters raised

more than $5,000 for our philanthropic partner. – Katie Kennedy Schafer, Schafer.katie@

comcast.net

norTh carolina wilMingTonThis fall, the Zeta Chi Chapter at the

University of North Carolina Wilmington

hosted their second Cornhole Tournament

to benefit Autism Speaks. Pictured from

left to right: Eryn Hawkins, North Carolina Wilmington ’10; Sammy Thompson,

North Carolina Wilmington ’12; and Alice

Rademacher, North Carolina Wilmington ’10

– Morgan Varnell, [email protected]

norThern virginia

On November 2, collegiate and alumnae Sisters of Alpha Xi Delta in the metropolitan area of Washington D.C. joined

together with Kappa Delta alumnae and Girls Scouts of America to attend the Walk Now for Autism Speaks in our

nation’s capitol. This major event for our philanthropy attracted 380 Alpha Xi Deltas, their families and friends along

with a group of Girl Scouts and the philanthropy chairs of Kappa Delta. In total, the teams for Alpha Xi Delta raised

close to $27,000! – Christina Jaimes, [email protected]

alphaxidelta.org 41

wisconsin-eau claire

On November 9, Epsilon Alpha Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire held their first ever AmaXing

Challenge: Step It Up 5K. Forty-eight people and a few furry friends ran/walked the 3.1 mile-long course. Sisters

from Epsilon Alpha were placed along the course to provide snacks, water and encouragement to all participants.

In total, the event raised $800 for Autism Speaks. - Kayla Menzie, [email protected]

kenT sTaTeBeta Tau Chapter hosted their annual Xi Man

event at Kent State University this fall. Beta

Tau alumna and Alpha Xi Delta’s National

Philanthropy Director, Susan Mamber, was at

the event to present the first ever Susan

Mamber Award. The award was created by the

Beta Tau Chapter to honor Susan and recognize

the collegiate Sister who raises the most money

on her own for Autism Speaks. This year’s

recipient was Hannah Congelio. She raised

$1,736.60 for Autism Speaks! From left to right:

Lauren McClain, Internal Philanthropy Chair;

Hannah Congelio, the first winner of the Susan

Mamber Award; Susan Mamber, Alpha Xi

Delta’s National Philanthropy Director and

Anna Lood, former Beta Tau Chapter President.Photo Credit: Braeden McClain Media


AuTISM SPEAKS \ MakingAutismSpeaksMyFull-TimeJob

My journey to a full-time position with Autism Speaks began my junior year of college; I had worked with Autism Speaks as my chapter’s Philanthropy Chair, and when it came time to complete an internship for my degree in nonprofit leadership, I decided to call Autism Speaks. I was terrified and excited to find myself on the phone with the Autism Speaks Northeast Ohio Walk Events Director telling her why she needed her first ever intern. I was offered the position and spent the summer of 2012 working closely with families, walkers, sponsors and vendors of the Cleveland Walk Now for Autism Speaks committee and learning everything I could about Autism Speaks. In addition to working for Autism Speaks that summer, I attended Alpha Xi Delta’s first ever Summer Immersion Experience in Washington, D.C. If the internship itself hadn’t already solidified my love and passion for Autism Speaks, that week-long trip only made it stronger. In my junior year of college, a few of us from the Delta Kappa Chapter attended the DC Walk Now for Autism Speaks on the National Mall. This was a tradition for our chapter to take the five-hour road trip south to attend this walk every fall. I loved the time we spent bonding during this overnight trip as well as supporting an important cause. The morning of the walk, the weather was very warm, and I remember standing and looking down the National Mall at the vast amount of people, event tents, entertainment and the stage with the Capitol Building in the background and just feeling

at home and as if I belonged. There were puzzle pieces all over, friendly faces, happy people and a community. It was that moment at the walk that made me want to participate in all the things related to Autism Speaks, which lead to my internship and my participation in the Summer Immersion Experience. This was when I decided that my heart was in the nonprofit world, not in public relations. Currently, I am the Senior Coordinator of Field Development for Michigan. In this role, one of my main responsibilities is to help plan the Michigan Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. I remember my first Walk as a staff member at Autism Speaks. As I stood at the Walk start line, watching our top team cut the ribbon, I was blown away by the mass of people lined up behind them to support this cause. I couldn’t help but tear up and feel grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community. Since starting my journey at Autism Speaks, I have not once regretted the decision to trade in my business suit and pearls for tennis shoes and a Walk day t-shirt. These items have become staples in my wardrobe and my life, and I can’t wait to have them with me as I continue to grow with Autism Speaks and make a difference for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.

Connect with Kaitlin at [email protected]

Making Autism speAks My full-Time Job By Kaitlin Hart, Slippery Rock ‘09

when i was in college and others would ask me about where i saw

myself in five years, i envisioned myself putting on a business suit

and pearls and going into my office at a public relations firm. after

volunteering and working with autism speaks, that vision changed.

Kaitlin has been working with our philanthropic partner since 2012 when she became an intern for Autism Speaks.

Making a difference can be your full-tiMe job!Want to create a brighter future for those affected by autism? Consider entering into one of these

autism-related career fields:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapists use positive

reinforcement techniques and principles to bring about

meaningful and positive change in behavior.

• Family Advocates assist families in accessing and

receiving special services and supports.

• Special Education Teachers implement an individualized

education program to provide one-on-one support

and interventions to students affected by autism

and other conditions.

• Researchers carry out research into new and

existing health, education, social and environmental

interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals

on the autism spectrum.

• Autism Speaks staff members/volunteers work or

volunteer time with Autism Speaks to raise funds at

local offices or working at their headquarters in

New York City.

alphaxidelta.org 43


MEMBER NEWS

san Jose sTaTe

Iota Omicron Chapter at San Jose State University hosted their second annual Northern California Area Wide

Training with the Theta Beta Chapter at California State University Stanislaus and the Iota Beta Chapter at Sonoma

State University. The day was filled with educational sessions, officer trainings and Sisterhood bonding. – Alexis

Welch, [email protected]

MounT unionDuring the fall semester of 2013, Gamma

Chapter had a very successful and fun

recruitment. There were four nights of

recruitment: open house, theme night,

philanthropy night and formal dessert. Our

theme this year was a “Night in New York

City.” Sisters dressed to impress and got

ready for a night on the town. On bid day,

the chapter welcomed 31 women into our

Sisterhood. – Sarah Filipovich,

[email protected]

purdueA group of Alpha Eta alumnae recently visited Purdue University and the Alpha Eta Chapter

house. While there, Sisters went on a campus tour aboard the “Boilermaker Special.”

Pictured from left to right: Christa Williams Jordan, Purdue ’85; My Nguyen, Purdue ’86;

Donna Wampner Simmonds, Purdue ’82; Carrie Grose Higgins, Purdue ’83; Eileen Pintz

Pesce, Purdue ’84; Karen Kendall Miller, Purdue ’84; Jennine Sonntag, Purdue ’84; Mary Jean

Memering Gardner, Purdue ’84; Darla Williams, Purdue ’83; and Cindy Troyer Durr,

Purdue ’82. – Eileen Pesce, [email protected]

alphaxidelta.org 45

georgia sTaTe On October 26, Delta Xi Chapter at Georgia State

University celebrated 50 years of Sisterhood! Alumnae

and collegiate Sisters enjoyed a cookout at the Alpha

Xi Delta chapter house followed by a dinner at the

Sheraton Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Throughout the

day, alumnae received tours of the house and campus

while sharing their memories with current Sisters. To

end the celebration, Sisters gathered to sing “Evening

Hymn” and recite the Ritual together. – Nikki

Wilbanks, [email protected]

easT carolina Gamma Phi Chapter at East Carolina University

(ECU) hosted their Annual Alumnae Brunch during

ECU’s Homecoming Weekend. They provided

alumnae with custom tumblers filled with blue and

gold M&Ms and “ΑΞΔ loves the Pirates” stickers.

When alumnae arrived at the newly renovated

chapter house, they were greeted by Sisters old

and new and a delicious breakfast. – Payge Taylor,

[email protected]

bosTonSisters in the Boston Alumnae Association gathered

this winter for their annual holiday luncheon.

- Jill Potts, [email protected]

norTh carolina Sisters in Charlotte, North Carolina, attended the annual Hopebuilders Stroller

Roller 5K this fall to support Melia Knight Mauldin, Western Carolina ’00, and her

son, Wyatt. Wyatt was born with a heart defect in September 2012 and had to

undergo major heart surgery when he was just two weeks old. Pictured from left

to right: Amy Wilson Paris, Western Carolina ’00, and her daughter Taylor Grace

Paris; Melia Knight Mauldin and her son Wyatt Mauldin and daughter Lacie Rae

Mauldin; Rachel Newcomb Gates, Western Carolina ’99; Ashley Poteat Barnwell,

Western Carolina ’01, and her son Tyler Barnwell; and Caroline Johnson Mullan,

Western Carolina ’99, with her daughters Mollie and Morgan Mullan. – Melia

Knight Mauldin, [email protected]


MEMBER NEWS

Triangle of norTh carolina

Sisters from the Triangle of North Carolina Alumnae Association rocked out Broadway style when they went to

see the musical “We Will Rock You.” In attendance Jane Ralston, Gamma ’65; Vikki Gehring Clark, North Carolina-

Wilmington ’87; Kara Blackwelder, North Carolina-Wilmington ’04; Beka Todd, Marshall ’11; Britt Ellis, North

Carolina-Wilmington ’05; Leslie Blanchard, East Carolina ’05; Claudine Caro, Rider ’92; and Lori LoPresti Bruhns,

Rider ‘94. – Claudine Caro, [email protected]

ferris sTaTeDelta Sigma Chapter Sisters where named the champions

of Ferris State University’s Intramural Sorority Volleyball

League. – Lyndsey Lampe, [email protected].

MarshallAlumnae Sisters from Marshall University recently gathered at the Nancy

Lopez Restaurant at The Villages in Florida. It had been more than fifty

years since many of us had been together. Pictured: Donna Lawson,

Marshall ’54; Patsy Jones Carnahan, Marshall ’54; Rosalie Hudson Hull,

Marshall ’55; Judy Grass Stover, Marshall ’54; and Jean Ford Ferrell,

Marshall ’54. – Jean Ferrell, [email protected]

darTMouThThis fall, Theta Psi Sisters at Dartmouth University

took their new members apple picking at a local

orchard in New Hampshire. – Sophia Vazquez,

[email protected]

alphaxidelta.org 47

iowa sTaTe

Alumnae Sisters from the Epsilon Phi Chapter at Iowa State University recently held a reunion in San Francisco.

Many Sisters hadn’t seen each other in more than 20 years! The weekend included winery tours in Sonoma, singing

songs and looking at old scrapbooks. Pictured back row, left to right: Jennifer Hubert Kinney, Iowa State ’91; Jenny

Hansen Das, Iowa State ’91; Michelle Parrott Morgan, Iowa State ’90; Kelli Quinn, Iowa State ’89; Laura Greiman,

Northern Iowa ’89; Amy Gaffney-Ingalls, Iowa State ’92; Missy Nepple Boris, Iowa State ’90; Sara Kuboushek Neuzil,

Iowa State ’91; Courtnee Zobac Pingaro, Iowa State ’91; Heather Varilek Doe, Iowa State ’90; and Amy Coughenour,

Iowa State ’92. Front row, left to right: Amy Potter Langille, Iowa State ’93; Heidi Varilek Cadwallader, Iowa State

’93; Theresa Jacobs Kemp, Iowa State ’90; Tammy Udomratana Oltman, Iowa State ’91; and Cindy Zoeller Barwick,

Iowa State ’91. – Amy Gaffney-Ingalls, [email protected]

oMahaThis winter, members of the Omaha

Alumnae Association gathered

for an evening of “Appetizers and

Auction.” Here they are gathered

at the home of the hostess, Deb

Whitehill Bloom, Nebraska at Omaha ’74. Members also participated in

a wreath sale, netting $1,950 for

Autism Speaks and local autism

causes. - Cheryl Eby Miller,

[email protected]

pikes peak aluMnaeThe Pikes Peak Alumnae Association held a Welcome Pot Luck

Brunch for new association members this fall. Pictured from

left to right, front row: Ann Hall, Maryland ’64; Ali Eckmeyer,

Washington ’07; Stacy Butler, Memphis State ’72; Jeannette Bruce,

Centenary College of Louisiana ’58; June Hallenbeck, Michigan ’51;

Jean Swartzendruber, Syracuse ’45; Joleen Poe, Kansas State ’53;

Christine Hennessey, Maryland ’92 and Lori Langin, Florida ’83.

Back row: Sue Bigus, Ohio State ’76; Georgia Schreiner, Illinois ’09; Jo Weilbrenner, Northern Iowa ’66; Gini Simonson, Wisconsin-La Crosse ’61; Natalie Brown, Alpha Deuteron ’13; Deb Grandia,

Northern Colorado ’68; Dareleen Schaffer, Allegheny ’60; Fran

Dudenhoeffer; Texas State – San Marcos ’65; and Sandy Zautcke,

Kentucky ’64 – Gini Simonson, [email protected]

be sure to check out our blog at

www.alphaxidelta.org, or our facebook page to see more photos

and stories!

alphaxidelta.org 49

CHAPTER ETERNAL

The spring 2014 Chapter Eternal includes all the names of Sisters whose passing was

reported to Fraternity Headquarters between September 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014. Sisters are listed

alphabetically in chapter order, along with their initiation year. To notify the Fraternity of a Sister’s passing,

please send an obituary notice, memorial service pamphlet or other written confirmation to Alpha Xi Delta

Fraternity Headquarters.

gamma chapterUniversity of Mount UnionHelen Elizabeth Moore Crouse ’27 Zeta chapterWittenberg UniversityMaxine L. Evans Blackburn ’37 Virginia D. Paxson Degenhardt ’49

Theta chapterUniversity of WisconsinCharlyne Ann Young Lemberger ’44

iota chapterWest Virginia UniversityPatricia Lou Robinson Ashworth ’45 kappa chapterUniversity of IllinoisElaine M. Bartow Groat ’66

Mu chapterUniversity of MinnesotaMary Alice Dietrich Stewart ’42

nu chapterUniversity of WashingtonErma Lou J. Johnson Donnell ’43 Sally Marie Wilson Morrison ’53

xi chapterUniversity of KentuckyAnn Lightfoot Monarch Huntsman ’54

pi chapterOhio UniversityPatricia Jean Young Poling ’48

sigma chapterUniversity of IowaJoyce Madelon Palmer Campbell ’52

alpha delta chapterOregon State UniversityViolet Lee McKee Nordlinder ’43 alpha eta chapterPurdue UniversityMarjorie Jean Blakslee Boyle ’44

alpha Theta chapterNorthwestern UniversityNancy Wilhite Haldrup ’49

alpha Mu chapterOhio Wesleyan UniversityJulia Ann Boyce ’59 Doris Leyerle Burnett ’47 Alison Slocumb Rand ’63 alpha xi chapterUniversity of California- Los AngelesUna Dowlin Payne ’48

alpha omega chapterFlorida State University Eleanor Hocker Lundquist ’39

beta delta chapterDenison UniversityMargaret Menendian Kachadoorian ’37

beta epsilon chapterMonmouth CollegeMrs. Mary Jo S. Shelby Burke ’50 Isabel Fullerto Bickett Marshall ’34 Dorothy Ruth Smith Oaks ’45

beta Theta chapterMichigan State University Rose Lavergne Potter Ringstad ’42

beta lambda chapterPennsylvania State UniversityAnn Rita Alexander Lafferty ’65 Madelyn McCall Madigan ’45

beta Mu chapter Bowling Green State UniversityRuth Rosina Schill Weaver ’44

beta xi chapter Marietta CollegeJune Eileen Lafaber Bogard ’51

beta sigma chapterWest Virginia Wesleyan CollegeGlenna Glee Wagner Blair ’47

gamma kappa chapterSusquehanna UniversityJanet Ann Fritsch Miller ’61

gamma lambda chapterUniversity of TennesseeVirginia Ann Holtman Thigpen ’60 gamma Mu chapterRipon CollegeDarlene Ann Etchingham White ’59

gamma Tau chapterOhio Northern UniversityLesley Rose Elizabeth Noll French ’93

Zeta Theta chapterWright State UniversityDebra Anna Langenkamp ’97

Zeta xi chapterAuburn UniversityCaitlyn Marianne Wiggins ’08

Zeta Tau chapterUniversity of North Carolina-AshevilleRebecca Ann Rimmer Brookshire ’94

Zeta omegaUniversity of West GeorgiaLauren Ashley Rogers ’08


what would you say is the best part of your job?

I am always learning new things and enjoying the everyday

new challenges. The creative environment really encourages

me to be me and allows me to be the person that I am. At

Google, I am a part of the sustainable pursuit team, and I get

to play a part in saving our environment everyday by reducing

our environmental footprint with green building. My passion

is pursued every day with event planning. I work hand-in-hand

with Googlers from all over the world to plan events in the

Seattle office. More than anything else, Google is a fun place to

work, and I have a hand in making that happen.

what’s one thing you learned from alpha xi delta that has

helped you with life after college or at your current job?

Alpha Xi Delta gave me the experience I needed to pursue

a career in event planning. As a collegian, I learned right

away that planning events such as recruitment, formal, bid

day, Sisterhood activities and retreats were fun, exciting and

rewarding. I learned a lot about myself during this time and

have carried that experience with me to this day.

if you could give one piece of advice to alpha xi delta

sisters, what would it be?

“Sail beyond the horizon; fly higher than you ever thought

possible; magnify your existence by helping others; be kind to

people and animals of all shapes and sizes; be true to what you

value most; shine your light on the world; and be the person

you were born to be.” - Blake Beattie

why do you pay your alumnae dues?

As a Chapter Development Specialist for Iota Omicron Chapter

at San Jose State University, I get to see the alumnae dues in

action and the dollars at work. My dues and other alumnae dues

have given the chapter support since its founding in 2010 by

providing Educational Leadership Consultant and Leadership

Coach visits, recruitment advancement and training and programs

to help the women realize their potential. I also pay my alumnae

dues to help ensure the future of our beloved Fraternity. Alpha

Xi Delta has helped me realize my potential and has given me

the skills I need to succeed. I want to pay it forward.

be the heartalexis danford, Eastern Washington ‘01

You currently work for google. can you tell us a

little bit about your position and what you do?

I am a contractor at google Seattle with Eurest Services.

I am part of a team that builds those environments that

keep googlers feeling inspired and energized everyday.

I am a facilities operations professional that constantly

creates new ways to improve workplace efficiency and

make google a great place to come to work everyday.

Some of my areas of focus are on event coordination,

sustainable pursuit, space planning, office operations,

perks and amenities.

alphaxidelta.org 51

T his spring, The Quill is celebrating its 110th birthday! The first issue of the magazine, The Alpha

Xi Delta of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, was published in February 1904. Measuring only 5 1/2 inches

by 8 inches, the cover of the magazine featured Alpha Xi Delta Founder and first local and National

President, Cora Bollinger Block.

from the archivesFROM THE ARCHIvES

Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity 8702 Founders RoadIndianapolis, IN 46268

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

PARENTS of Alpha Xi Deltas: While your daughter is in college, The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta is sent to the home address we have on file. We hope you enjoy reading it and will pass it on to your daughter. If she is no longer in college and is not living at home, please send her new permanent address to Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. Any Alpha Xi Delta member should use this form to change her name/address. Send this form to: Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or email [email protected]. your daughter can also update her address online via Exclusively Xi. Please visit alphaxidelta.org for more information.

o Please remove me from The Quill mailing list. o I would like to receive the online version of the magazine online only. My email address is:

College Chapter Initiation year

o Address Change

Name (first, middle/maiden, last)

Former Address New AddressPrimary Phone o Home o Cell Primary Email

o Name Change

Former Name Current Name

Spouse’s Name (if applicable) Wedding date (if applicable)

o Enewsletters

o I would like to receive Alpha Xi Delta enewsletters. o I do not wish to receive Alpha Xi Delta enewsletters.

change of naMe/address forM

The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta - Spring 2014

Documents

Transcript of The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta - Spring 2014