The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta - Spring 2012

Spring 2012

Meet our newest chapters

BetXi gets a makeover

Meet a Sister impacted by autism

LetterNational President’s

Dear Sisters,If you had to list your top three favorite

things about Alpha Xi Delta, what wouldthey be? One of my favorites would certainlybe friendship.

New members of Alpha Xi Delta hear overand over again that “membership is for alifetime.” Sure, that sounds great, but whatdoes it really mean?

The Sisters of the Xi Chapter at University of Kentucky who recruited me, and all of the women who were in my new memberclass, were who Alpha Xi Delta was to me. Surprisingly only a yearlater, I realized that Alpha Xi Delta was just as much about all the women I’d not yet met. For as much as I enjoyed my new memberexperience, I was surprised and moved by how much I fell in love with the women who came into our chapter that next year.

I couldn’t have dreamed during my time as a new member that those “unknown” Alpha Xi Deltas outside my Xi Chapter bubble would continue to inspire me each and every day and would move me more than words can describe. No one will everunderstand the phrase “membership is for a lifetime” until theyexperience it. That’s what happened to me. When I meet a Sisterwho didn’t attend my university, but her friendship has added value to my life—that’s lifetime membership. Feeling the joy ofgiving back to Alpha Xi Delta through volunteering—that’s lifetimemembership. Realizing every important milestone in my adult lifeincluded a piece of Alpha Xi Delta—that’s lifetime membership.

I recently just returned from a whirlwind tour of installing three of our newest chapters and welcoming nearly 150 newAlpha Xi Deltas into our Sisterhood. The love and excitement ateach Installation was truly contagious, and it was so exciting towitness firsthand how these young women were forming lifetimefriendships. And as we celebrate our 119th Founders’ Day, wecan’t help but think of all those Sisters who have touched our livesin some way.

Alpha Xi Delta is different to each of her members. She servesas a source of inspiration for women who aim high to realize theirpotential. To others, Alpha Xi Delta is a reminder of how timetogether with a Sister can be filled with incredible memories.Whatever thoughts or words come to mind, one word sums upmembership in our dear fraternity – friendship.

This month, I encourage you to reflect on those friendships and the gift of Alpha Xi Delta that our Founders gave to us.Celebrate our history, but also honor our Founders by continuingyour commitment to Alpha Xi Delta and her lifetime membership.

I encourage you to share your top three favorite things aboutAlpha Xi Delta. Visit our Facebook page and share them, or use thehashtag #axidtop3 on Twitter!

Fraternally,

Sandi EdwardsNational President

Membership for a Lifetime

On the cover: Sydney Griese, DePaul ’12 and Liz Cooney, DePaul ’12

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ContentsThe Quill of Alpha Xi Delta is published

three times per year in spring, summer andfall/winter by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity.®

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE QUILL OF ALPHA XI DELTA,

8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268

Volume 109/Issue 1Copyright 2012 by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity;

all rights reserved.

Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity 8702 Founders Road

Indianapolis, IN 46268317.872.3500

[email protected]

Submission DeadlinesSpring issue – January 23

Summer issue – June 1Fall/Winter issue – September 6

Submission ProceduresText and photographs may be emailed to

the Editor or to the Fraternity Headquartersaddress listed above. Photographs submittedbecome the property of the Fraternity. Digital

images must be taken using the highestsettings 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 2011-2013National President

Sandi Edwards, Kentucky ’75

National Vice PresidentsMichele Herbst Evink, South Dakota State ’86

Nancy Fehremann Gainer, Iowa State ’69Gina Willis Hawkins, Jacksonville State ’86Jennifer Emerick Kuntz, Northern Iowa ’92

Wendy Kurtz, Indiana ’90Nealy Patty Wheat, West Georgia ’97

The Mission of The Quill of Alpha Xi DeltaTo 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.

of Alpha Xi Delta

On the cover: When she can’t meet face to face, Erin Shill, Indiana ‘10, stays in touch with

Sisters online. Learn how Sisters use technology to stay connected, beginning on page 10.

In This Issue3 Letters to the Editor

4 New, Now, Next

5 Exclusively Xi

7 National Housing

Corporation News

8 National Panhellenic

Conference News

18 Be the Heart

21 Autism Speaks News

28 Member News

32 Tales From the Road

35 Sister to Sister

36 Alumna Profile

37 Foundation News

39 Chapter Eternal

41 From the Archives

42 Living Our Symphony

Welcome, Sisters!See how we continue to enrich our Sisterhood, and meet our newest Sisters!

Behind the scenes with BetXiOur favorite bear comes to life with a new look!

Happy 108th Birthday!See how Gene Sirey, Albion ’22, has been realizing her potential for 108 years.

Are you a pinhead?If you haven’t heard of Pinterest, prepare tomeet your new favorite pastime.

40Remembering LoisPast National President Lois Stump was aninstrumental part of Alpha Xi Delta’s history.

3 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta Spring 2012

to the EditorLetters

Which three words would you use to describe Sisterhoodin Alpha Xi Delta? Tweet your response to @alphaxideltausing the hashtag #axidtop3

What has Alpha Xi Delta taught you? Weigh in at facebook.com/alphaxidelta

Sharing with our legaciesI can hardly wait to share The Quill with my daughter. She is finallyof the age to look at it, appreciate what it is and what it means.

Thank you!Brandi Stippick Hockaday, Southwestern ’92

Editor’s Note: We hope your daughter enjoyed reading the fall/winterissue as much as we enjoyed putting it together! We encourage allreaders to share this magazine with their friends and families.

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

Calling all Beta Mu Alumnae!A chapter newsletter was emailed in January. If you did notreceive it, please make sure your contact information isup-to-date to receive our general newsletters. Update yourcontact information via Exclusively Xi, or email Jill Bortel, BetaMu Chapter Advisor, at [email protected].

We want to keep you updated—help us find you!Jill Bortel, Defiance ’68

Save the date!Rho Chapter Centennial CelebrationJune 1-3, 2012University of Nebraska-LincolnFor more information, visithttp://axidlincolnalum.wordpress.com/centennial.

Sigma Chapter Centennial CelebrationOctober 12-14, 2012University of IowaFor additional event information, please contact Janet Wuest at [email protected].

Delta Epsilon 50th AnniversaryCelebrationJune 8-10, 2012The University of New OrleansVisit www.axidnola.webs.com for more information.

Have an event coming up? Submit them via www.alphaxidelta.org/events, and we’ll post them on our website.

CONNECT!

Fraternity News

New | NOW | NextNew | Spot a quill contest and winnersIn the fall/winter 2011 issue we asked you to show us your spirit, and we received some fantastic photo submissions. Thecontest was tough, as we all portray amazing spirit, but we hadto give it to the ladies of the Pi Chapter at Ohio University.Congratulations and thank you to Amanda Zagorski, Ohio ’08, for submitting the winning snapshot! Can’t you just feel theexcitement from this photo as our Pi Chapter members welcometheir new members—and welcome back their Rho Gams(recruitment counselors) after weeks of disaffiliation—home toAlpha Xi Delta. Now, it’s your turn. We’re looking for photos ofquills. Not just your beautiful badge—think on jewelry, clothing orsigns. If you need some inspiration, check out our Pinterest page, pinterest.com/alphaxidelta/quills. We’ve pinned tons of examples ofhow we find quills in our every day lives.

When taking photos, remember to set your camera to thelargest image size and use the highest resolution possible. Thepictures need to be at least 300 dpi or 500KB. Photos taken oncell phones or pulled from Facebook are too small to be printedin the magazine and will not be eligible for the contest. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2012.

Please send all contest photos to [email protected] the subject “Quill,” or to Fraternity Headquarters at 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

Now | The Inside InkAlpha Xi Delta is excited to introduce our official blog, TheInside Ink! Visit The Inside Ink at www.theinsideink.org forFraternity updates, Autism Speaks news, Quill extras and newXi Boutique arrivals.

Next | We need your feedback!We’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue of The Quill. Pleasetake this opportunity to give us your opinion on the latest issueby filling out a short survey. By doing so, you are helping us better serve our Sisters and readers.

Take the survey at www.alphaxidelta.org/quillsurvey.

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xiexclusively

If you haven’t done so already, head onover to www.alphaxidelta.org and signup for Exclusively Xi, your unique AlphaXi Delta member experience. Once yousign up, customize your dashboard,connect with Sisters and gain instantaccess to Fraternity resources. Ourmembers-only portal has never beenbetter and so easy to use!

exclusively xiBy Lauren Fisher, Indiana ’08Communications Coordinator


Below we’ve highlighted some of Exclusively Xi’s newestfeatures. Next time you log on, be sure to check them out!

1. Add your personal profile picture. The new Exclusively Xiallows users to create their very own look. Use the “edit myprofile” option to upload your photo, update your informationand link to your Facebook account. Be sure to update yourinformation in order to receive Fraternity news and yourcopy of The Quill. When you’re done doing all of the above,consider sharing your contact information with others. Thiswill allow Sisters to search for you, find your basic contactinformation and reconnect. Please note, all sharedinformation is confidential and not sold.

2. Use Exclusively Xi’s drag-and-drop technology to select the widgets you use the most. Whether it’s your Facebooknewsfeed or friends, your Google calendar or chaptercalendar, Fraternity announcements or even the weather,this customization tool allows you to see the things you wantto see as soon as you sign on.

3. Are you looking for a specific manual, a report or graphic?Head on over to the Resource Center. This is the best place to visit when in need of specific Fraternity documents.Check back often, as new documents and information are constantly being added. Simply note the numbers thatappear over the icons and across the top of the dashboard tosee what new resources have been uploaded and where.

4. If you want to get in touch with your old college friends inyour area, use Exclusively Xi’s Sister search. You can searchby name or university.

Collegians, there are even some features in Exclusively Xi thatare exclusive to you!

5. Give your parents access to Exclusively Xi with their very own usernames and passwords. You decide what yourparents will see, and this is an easy way for parents to viewand pay your bill with OmegaFi.

6. Improve your chapter’s communication with Exclusively Xi’smass texting tool. Send messages to your Sisters and updatethem on Fraternity news and chapter events. Select specificrecipients and create lists to make message sending effortless.

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We are constantly thinking of ways to improve ExclusivelyXi and enhance your membership experience. Now thatyou have the 411 on Exclusively Xi, log on today and takeour newest poll. Use the photos and numbers below to tellus which Xi Boutique item is your favorite. If you have anyquestions regarding Exclusively Xi, please contact Lori Holtat [email protected] or 317.872.3500. Stay tuned forupcoming announcements on webinars to teach you howto get the most out of Exclusively Xi.

The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta Spring 20127

National Housing

1. Change your lighting. You might even help your energy billand the environment!

2. Get rid of the clutter. It’s easy, effective and very inexpensive.

3. Paint. Nothing changes a room like a new wall color. Considerthe ceiling, too. Not all ceilings were meant to be white!

4. Add new pillows and accessories. If you don’t have the fundsfor new furniture, new throw pillows can really give an old sofaa new look.

5. Reupholster. Frankly, it isn’t cheap; however, it should be less expensive than buying new pieces and is a bit moresustainable. This chair is from the Alpha Xi Delta chapter houseat the University of Illinois.

6. Shake it up a little. Rearrange your existing furniture andaccessories. Don’t be afraid to be creative, the end results mightmake it look like a whole new room.

7. Consider new art. A small, little picture on a wall doesn’t havemuch impact. A series of 15 prints hung in a group–WOW!

8. Area rugs. Add a new, colorful area rug to your space.

9. Hang draperies from the ceiling line. This makes your roomappear grander. Not long enough? Add a wide, contrasting borderto the bottom of your drapes.

10. Hire a designer and plan a whole new look. If you havethe funds, a professional designer will help with an overallconcept. They can also help find beautiful furnishings that willstand up to the heavy use of a sorority home.

10 Easy Ways to Revive Your Sleepy SpaceBy Sarah Schwartzkopf,

Rowland Design

Founded in 1968, Rowland Design has evolved to become a collection of architects, graphic and interior designersunited by one goal: enhancing the lives of their clients. Rowland Design is a vendor partner for Alpha Xi Delta’sNational Housing Corporation and most recently worked with our chapters at the University of Illinois and theUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington.

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When Sonoma State University decided to open for extension, every Panhellenicsorority on campus was asked to have arepresentative on the extension committee. Ivolunteered to represent Alpha Xi Delta onthe committee because I thought it would bea great experience. As a member of theextension committee, I had the opportunityto read the submission packets from

the different Panhellenic sororities and vote on behalf of ourchapter for which Panhellenic sorority would fit best in ourGreek community.

When we invited the top three sororities to come makepresentations on campus, I was able to meet with the nationalextension teams from each sorority before their presentationsand ask various questions about the organizations’ colonizationplans. Some topics included why their group was interested inSonoma State University and what were their sorority values.

Being on the extension committee was fun because I got to see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into a campusextension. Alpha Omicron Pi was the organization invited tocolonize at our school, and I know my Theta Beta Chapter Sistersare excited to start promoting AOII on campus and help welcomethem to Sonoma State University.

To learn more about the extension process, please visitwww.npcwomen.org.

NPC News

SharingThe Other SideOF EXTENSION

When Alpha Xi Delta extends onto a new campus, we look to our Panhellenic sisters to be sure our

colonization efforts and colony development plans are the best they can be, and compliment the

unique culture of each campus. When Alpha Xi Delta extends onto a new campus, we ask our

Panhellenic sisters to help us get the word out about how great it is to be Alpha Xi.

Cortney Groth, Sonoma State ’08, had the privilege of sitting on her Panhellenic’s extension committee

during a recent expansion at Sonoma State University and shares her experience and excitement

about bringing a new NPC group to her campus.

Alpha Xi Deltas at Cal State San Marcos also assisted Alpha OmicronPi with a recent colonization on their campus. The women wore“Team AOII” t-shirts and buttons to help get the word out about the newest sorority at Cal State San Marcos.

By Cortney Groth, Sonoma State ’08

Cortney Groth,Sonoma State ’08

welcome,

Welcome, Sisters

SisterThe Quill of Alpha Xi Delta Spring 20129

Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Western Kentucky University is the hometo more than 21,000 students and our Epsilon Kappa Chapter.

On January 29, 2012, Alpha Xi Delta proudly installed 61 members into the EpsilonKappa Chapter at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Following the ceremony, acelebratory luncheon was held for the new initiates and alumnae, where the chapter waspresented with their official charter.

The Epsilon Kappa Chapter was originally installed on April 1, 1967, and the chapterremained on Western Kentucky’s campus until 1993. The return of the Epsilon KappaChapter establishes Alpha Xi Delta’s 113th active chapter.

Coming Back Home to WesternKentucky University

Above: Epsilon Kappa Chapter with National PresidentSandi Edwards.

Right: Paige Faries, Western Kentucky ’71, gifted theEpsilon Kappa Chapter with a beautiful, vintage pearlQuill, which will serve as the chapter president’s badge. rs


It was the last round of formal recruitment. After visiting 13different organizations and catching a glimpse into thevarious Sisterhoods, I stepped into room number 14 andinstantly fell in love. It was in room number 14 that I knewAlpha Xi Delta was my home.

The atmosphere, the women, the philanthropy and theopportunities spoke to my heart. In order to have theopportunity to join Alpha Xi Delta, I had to remove myselffrom formal recruitment, and that’s exactly what I did.

Over the next few weeks, I had many meetings andinterviews with the women from Alpha Xi Delta and was toldthere are more opportunities for leadership within a colony.For those of you who know me, you know that when I havean idea people need to watch out!

I told Becky Wilbanks, the Educational LeadershipConsultant for the Western Kentucky University Colony, from day one I was going to be the Epsilon Kappa ChapterPresident. I knew being President would bring aboutamazing opportunities to make a difference in the BowlingGreen community, the WKU campus and in the lives of myAlpha Xi Delta Sisters.

As for my Epsilon Kappa Chapter Sisters, I can only hopeI have touched their lives the way each of them has touchedmine. There are simply not enough words to describe theimpact they have had on my life in this short time.

Since Initiation and Installation, our chapter has focusedour attention on Sisterhood and recruitment. I want eachpotential new member to understand the bond you gain byjoining Alpha Xi Delta and to know that with the support ofyour Sisters, anything is possible.

I am forever changed by one decision, the decision to become an Alpha Xi Delta; the best decision of my life thus far.

Leader of the Pack

Courtney serves as the Public Relations Vice President for theZeta Xi Chapter at Auburn University.


By Victoria (Tori) Henry, Western Kentucky ’12, Epsilon Kappa Chapter President

The 379-mile trek from Auburn,Alabama, to Bowling Green, Kentucky,was filled with excitement andanticipation for both me, as well as myfellow Zeta Xi Sisters. As we arrived atthe hotel, we were greeted by manyAlpha Xi Deltas, including nationalofficers and alumnae, who were

there to take part in this life-changing weekend. Havingparticipated in Epsilon Kappa’s Preference event andPledging Ceremony this past fall, I was more than ready tosee these amazing women become Sisters.

Whether you’ve been an Alpha Xi Delta for 50+ years, or you’ve spent one semester being in this wonderful family,the bonds and feelings of Sisterhood you experience during

this sacred ceremony will remain close to your heart forever. It still astounds me that after countless Initiationceremonies, the excitement for initiated Sisters to welcomenew members into our circle of Sisterhood never seems tofade. As I'm sure each of you can recall, the moment whenyou as a new member learn the meaning of TFJ. It’s one ofexcitement and joy and one you’ll never forget.

After getting to know several of the Epsilon Kappamembers, Educational Leadership Consultants, alumnae andNational Officers, I can truly say that I am one lucky…wait,scratch that. I am one privileged woman to be able to callmyself a Sister of Alpha Xi Delta.

A Sisterhood So TrueBy Courtney Moore, Auburn ’10

After Installation, BeckyWilbanks, EducationalLeadership Consultant,presented Tori (left) aplaque to display in theirfuture chapter house.

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The tiny state of Rhode Island had an Alpha Xi Delta invasionon February 12, 2012 with the recolonization of the BetaUpsilon Chapter at the University of Rhode Island.

On that day, 46 colony members and three alumnae wereinitiated into our Sisterhood. A celebration was held in trueNew England style, in Newport, Rhode Island, at the HotelViking. Fittingly, the Hotel’s ballroom was fashioned in ourdouble blue and gold colors, setting the atmosphere for the luncheon. During the celebration, National PresidentSandi Edwards presented Colony President, Zoe Day, with theofficial, reinstated Beta Upsilon charter from 1964. Alongwith the charter, the colony received a president’s gavel andtwo scholarships that are now available to the chapter Sisters.

The colony members were so excited to finally receivetheir long awaited charter. This group of women was unique, as they had been members of the local Gamma Xi Delta sororitythat petitioned the URI Panhellenic to allow them to pursue NPC group membership, and then reached out to Alpha Xi Delta.The three alumnae initiates were seniors when the transitionfrom local sorority to national sorority took place. They werepledged to Alpha Xi Delta in the spring and continued theirjourney to become Sisters through the Rose Mentor AlumnaeProgram developed by Associate Area Director for theNortheast, Megan Horst. At the reception, former members ofGamma Xi Delta shared their experiences creating the localsorority and explained how they fashioned themselves afterAlpha Xi Delta in the hopes of one day affiliating with ourincredible Sisterhood.

It is an exciting time for the Beta Upsilon Chapter as the housing corporation and local alumnae are reuniting tohelp the chapter reestablish itself at URI. There will berenovations to the chapter house beginning this summer,giving the Beta Upsilon Sisters a newly-renovated place to call home when they return to campus in the fall.

From housing plans, to becoming alumnae mentors to theguidance and assistance of the chapter’s Colony DevelopmentSpecialist, Erin Burns, the New England area alumnae havebeen an integral part of the recolonization process. None ofthis would have been possible without their support, as wellas the Sisters of the Iota Xi (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)and Tau (University of New Hampshire) Chapters who havebeen assisting the colony since last April.

Already, Alpha Xi Delta is making a mark on campus.Alpha Xi Delta alumna Joan Lawson was recently recognizedat the Greek Alumni Basketball game for her lifetime service to the Greek community at URI. The week beforeInitiation, the chapter members conducted successful springrecruitment and welcomed 16 women into their new memberclass. The chapter is already planning to participate in Greek Week and Autism Awareness Month in April. TheInstallation of the Beta Upsilon Chapter makes Alpha Xi Deltathe tenth Panhellenic organization on URI’s campus.

Beta Upsilon Chapter Reinstalled atUniversity of Rhode IslandBy Nicole Valdes, Central Florida ’07

The excitement in the room was contagious after Erin Burns, URI’sColony Development Specialist, presented chapter president ZoeDay with a chapter’s gavel.

www.alphaxidelta.org

The women of Beta Upsilon Chapter with EducationalLeadership Consultant Nicole Valdes (front row, center).

When Gamma Xi Delta was first formed, the founders wishedfor each member to strive for four specific goals in the attemptto develop them into independent, successful women. Thefirst goal stressed the importance of receiving a qualityeducation and giving each sister an enriching leadershipexperience. The ��Δ� founders wanted sisters to feel a strongsense of intellectual honesty and to consistently develop intorespectable, mature women. Sisters began achieving thesegoals by serving their local community and living withpositive moral consciences throughout their universityexperiences. Little did they know, the journey had just begun.

For three years Gamma Xi Delta sisters attempted to become nationally recognized and worked towardsexpansion. Each sister knew that, one day, a national sororitywould absorb Gamma Xi Delta because they needed thenational support that every other sorority on URI’s campushad. Each sister gave up the idea of a “normal” Greek life experience at the University of Rhode Island (URI) andworked together to create a new set of bylaws, rituals and traditions.

When Alpha Xi Delta came to URI to meet the sisters of Gamma Xi Delta, they were impressed by the leadership

qualities, dedication and motivation each sister had to succeed.

After an unanimous decision for Gamma Xi Delta to beabsorbed by Alpha Xi Delta, sisters spent the next few daysanxiously waiting for a response from the Alpha Xi DeltaFraternity Headquarters. When the phone call finally camein, sisters of Gamma Xi Delta shared a collective sigh of relief.

Joining ��Δ has helped reiterate what it means to be a Sister, has helped give each member a sense of belongingand has provided a home away from home. There is no needto describe what it feels like to be an Alpha Xi Delta when you share the same feeling with hundreds of other Sisters.With Alpha Xi Delta we gained much more than theknowledge, the history or the traditions. We gained a sense ofrespect and pride, a feeling of accomplishment andcompassion only to be shared and understood by one another.

Reaching our goal of becoming nationally recognized isthe first step of many that will continue to lead Alpha XiDelta’s Beta Upsilon chapter to success, joy and lifetimefriendships. We honor the past, relish in the present and lookforward to our future!

The ‘Rhode’ to Alpha Xi Delta

Kaitlyn is currently a senior at the University of Rhode Island andthe recording secretary for Alpha Xi Delta’s Beta Upsilon Chapter.

By Zoe Day, Beta Upsilon Chapter President and Arielle Hochberger, former Chapter President of Gamma Xi Delta, Rhode Island ‘12

I have been conducting research for thepast two years in Dr. Brenton DeBoef’sorganic chemical laboratory. Workingbeside a Ph.D. candidate and Dr.DeBoef, we invented a new reactionwhich targets a new and better method to make medications in thepharmaceutical industry. This reaction

also reduces the amount of preparation and waste, which isbeneficial to large scale syntheses in the industrial world.

We had so much success on our project that we decidedto submit our work to the “Journal of the American ChemicalSociety” (J.A.C.S.), where it was accepted and published. It was such an exciting and gratifying moment for me. To be

an undergraduate and published in one of the most read and renowned chemistry journals is a huge achievement, andI am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on thisproject with my colleagues.

I am honored to be recognized for my achievement and torepresent Alpha Xi Delta, which is very dear to my heart. Theendless support I receive is amazing; I am truly blessed to be a part of this incredible organization. My accomplish-ment has unlocked many opportunities for me. I was recentlyaccepted to graduate school and plan on continuing myeducation to attain my Ph.D. in Chemistry.

Realizing My PotentialBy Kaitlyn Romano, Rhode Island ’12


February 19, 2012 marked the addition of Alpha Xi Delta’s115th active chapter with the Installation of our newestchapter at DePaul University—the Iota Rho Chapter.

During the Pre-Initiation Ceremony, held the eveningbefore the Installation Ceremony, Katie Cummings, Iota RhoChapter Life Vice President, delivered a message from thecolony. It read:

“It is truly my honor to speak on behalf of all of my AlphaXi Delta Sisters this evening. As founders of the Iota RhoChapter, today marks the first step in our traditions here atDePaul University. This colony has brought together such anamazing group of women. We are so proud of the work that wehave already accomplished, and we look forward to our futureendeavors. Our differences; intimidating at times, are whatshape and strengthen us when it matters most. Throughbonding at Sisterhood activities, promoting Autism Speaks atphilanthropy events and sharing emotions at Firesides, we havetruly grown as a colony. We can’t wait to pass on Alpha Xi Deltawith all of its love and traditions to our future members. Wethank you for seeing the potential in us and giving us theopportunity to found this chapter.”

In addition to the 42 colony members, three alumnae who are mothers of colony women, were initiated into ourSisterhood. Several Sisters of the Theta Epsilon Chapter atMarquette University assisted with the Installation ceremony.

A congratulatory reception was held after the InstallationCeremony at Café Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo. During thisevent, Sarah Jaworski, Chapter President, was presented with the official Iota Rho charter from National PresidentSandi Edwards.

Alpha Xi Delta was asked to join the DePaul UniversityGreek community during the spring quarter of 2011.Throughout the semester, the colony’s calendar was filledwith Sisterhood events, supporting Autism Speaks bycheering at the Chicago Marathon, getting involved in otherGreek organizations’ philanthropies and participating inNational Philanthropy Day on November 15. The Chapter also hosted Autism Awareness Night at a DePaul Women’sBasketball game where everyone wore blue, raisedawareness of autism and showcased our partnership withAutism Speaks.

DePaul University is located in Chicago, Illinois, and Alpha Xi Delta is the seventh Panhellenic organization to join their campus.

Iota Rho Chapter installed at DePaul UniversityBy Hanah Papp, Albion College ’11


The women of the Iota Rho Chapter during the Installationcelebration.

Educational Leadership Consultant Hanah Papp (right)presented Chapter President Sarah Jaworski (left) with a collage of Iota Rho Chapter photos.

Like Mother, Like Daughter — an Alpha XiDelta Legacy is Initiated at DePaul

Joy Simmons, DePaul ’12, chatted with her mother, Gerarda Simmons, Illinois ’76, about their now sharedSisterhood to see how their experiences in Alpha Xi Delta compare.


Joy Simmons (JS): Do you remember why you joined AlphaXi Delta’s Kappa Chapter? What made Alpha Xi Delta standout to you?

Gerarda Simmons (GS): I pledged Kappa Chapter because Ifound the girls to be friendly and genuine. They gave me thesense they really wanted me as their Sister. Mitzy Pontius wasan ΑΞΔwho made a particular effort to recruit me, and I felt aspecial connection to her right away. At that time, Alpha XiDelta was housed in a beautiful Tudor-style home on the cornerof Michigan and Busey streets in Urbana, Illinois. I found thehouse enchanting and could picture myself living in this lovelyhome with so many friendly and interesting women.

JS: Describe your experience at the University of Illinoiswhen you were a new member?

GS: After Initiation, I felt such a sense of belonging! U of I was(and still is) a huge place, so having a close-knit group ofwomen to whom I was so connected was a great feeling.Becoming an Alpha Xi Delta spurred me to become veryinvolved in the chapter. I couldn't wait to hold an officeposition, help with activities and get to know my new Sisterseven better.

JS: What’s one thing you want me to experience/take awayfrom my time in Alpha Xi Delta?

GS: I hope you will take advantage of all the leadershipopportunities Greek life has to offer. I had some incredibleopportunities for leadership at Kappa and hope the same foryou in Iota Rho. More importantly, I hope you will cultivatethe many wonderful friendships that are waiting for you in your Sisters. I made some wonderful friends through AlphaXi and continue to stay in touch with many of these women35 years later. It truly is a special bond.

JS: What’s your favorite Alpha Xi Delta memory?

GS: There are so many memories; it's hard to pick just one! • On my wedding day, many of my Sisters who came to my

wedding, joined hands and serenaded me at our reception.• Since we lived in a chapter house, we ate dinner together

each night. It was a great time of fellowship and also awonderful learning experience. Remember, this was in the“olden days.” We received much instruction on tablemanners and social etiquette. I carry many of those lessonswith me today and am grateful for the knowledge.

• As Chapter President, I had the honor of traveling toDenver, Colorado, one summer for the National Convention.What an experience! I learned so much and was excited torealize I had Sisters all over the country!

• Our ceremonies hold a special place in my heart. Each onewas a way to reinforce the commitment I had made toAlpha Xi Delta.

JS: What’s one piece of advice for me as I start my ΑΞΔ journey?

GS: Take advantage of every opportunity the sorority has tooffer. You won't regret it. There are many opportunities—for leadership, philanthropy, travel and most importantly, for friendship. I am so happy to share my Alpha Xi DeltaSisterhood with you, Joy. What a thrill it is to have you as mydaughter and my Sister.

Now, let’s see what Joy has to say!

GS: How did it feel to finally become an initiated member ofAlpha Xi Delta?

JS: Prior to the day of Initiation I was extremely excited tobecome an official member of Alpha Xi Delta, but after the ceremony I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. I was proudto not only have been a part of a colony’s Installation, but I was also proud to carry out my Mom’s legacy in ΑΞΔ.

GS: So far, what has your experience been like as an AlphaXi Delta Colony woman?

JS: The past couple months as a new member and colonywoman in Alpha Xi Delta have been among the topexperiences of my life so far. Not only have I had the chanceto start something amazing at DePaul University that will behere for many, many years, but I have also had the chance tomeet and bond with wonderful women. My new Sisters of IotaRho are some of the most talented, driven and caring womenI know. They are the best support system a girl could ask for.

GS: During recruitment, what made you want to be anAlpha Xi Delta? Did my affiliation with the organizationinfluence you in anyway?

JS: Knowing that you had been in Alpha Xi Delta is whatoriginally sparked my interest in the organization, but aftermeeting the alumnae and the members of other chapters, I found myself even more interested. On the first night ofrecruitment, as soon as I walked into the Alpha Xi Delta room, Ifelt a sense of belonging and comfort. Each night after that, thosefeelings only grew, and I knew it was the right place for me.

GS: What’s one thing you hope to get out of your experiencewith Alpha Xi Delta?

JS: So far I feel I have already gained so much from being an Alpha Xi Delta. It has already helped me to grow andrealize my potential, and this will only continue in the future. Additionally, I hope to expand my leadership skills,form bonds with my Sisters that will last a lifetime and really be able to make a difference in my community. Mostimportantly, I hope to build a strong reputable name for AlphaXi Delta at DePaul University that will stand as our legacy for years to come.


ALABAMA: Calhoun CountyContact: Lisa Hood,[email protected]

CALIFORNIA: Santa RosaContact: Kristin Billingsley, [email protected]

IOWA: Quad CitiesContact: Jan Dietz, [email protected]

KENTUCKY: LouisvilleContact: Christi McGown,[email protected]

TEXAS: San AntonioContact: Marsha Schendel,[email protected]

ΑΞΔ

ΑΞΔ

ΑΞΔ

ΑΞΔ

Not only are we expanding our collegiate chapters, we’re also excited to announce wehave five new alumnae interest groups! Below are the contacts for these new groups.In addition to these interest groups, we have more than 130 alumnae associationsacross the nation. Visit www.alphaxidelta.org to find an association near you.

Coming to a City Near You!

ΑΞΔ


AssociationAlumnae

Do you prefer?

Stephanie Hayden,Marian ’95

be the Heart

__A.M. or __P.M.?

__Iced Coffee or __Hot Latté?

__iPhone or __Blackberry?

__Salty or __Sweet?

__TV or __Movies?

__Book or __Nook?

__Heels or __Flats?

✘

✘

✘✘

flip flops

✘

✘

You were recently named oneof the “Top 23 Women to Watch”by Brava Magazine. Tell us moreabout what you do: Last October, I was hired to lead the Foundation for Madison’s PublicSchools (Wisconsin), a non-profitorganization dedicated to enhancingeducational opportunities for publicschool students. The Foundationbrings businesses, parents, friendsand other foundations together tocreate opportunities that privatelysupport continuing excellence inMadison’s schools—helping everystudent realize their potential.

Describe a day in the life of you:Organized chaos! My morningsinvolve getting my children (Maddy,9 and Noah, 6) ready for school,which means finding a missingshoe, complaining about breakfastand making sure all homework hasfound its way to their backpacks.After a quick breakfast, my dayconsists of meeting with donors,school district staff, board membersand others interested in supportingschools and our community. Myfavorite part of the day is when I pickup Maddy and Noah, they tell meabout their day at school—every lastdetail. The evening is filled withdinner, homework and the kids’activities (currently cheerleadingand basketball). Once I have tuckedthem into bed, you can usually find me on the computer…workingon getting things done for the nextday’s meetings. I also catch up withfriends on Facebook or check out mynew obsession, Pinterest!

Currently, my favorite TV show is: Law & Order (original, SVU orCriminal Intent—I love them all!)

Finish the sentence; “If it was notfor Alpha Xi Delta I would not have...” Developed the leadership skills thatled to my professional success. I also

would not have met some of the mostincredible, compassionate, talentedwomen who I feel lucky to call myfriends and Sisters. If it was not for Alpha Xi Delta, I would not havethe lifelong friendships that descend distance, time and generations. Iwould not be the person I am today.

Most read book on my shelf:After getting my Nook a little morethan a year ago, I have read all threebooks of the “The Hunger Games”series, not just once, but three times.

Who inspires you: My kids. They inspire me to be a better mom and person. They inspireme to make the world a better placefor them and future generations. Theyinspire me to relax and appreciate theworld in ways I never imagined.

If you could give readers onepiece of advice, what would it be: When I was going through a roughpatch four years ago, I found thissaying and I’ve lived by it ever since:“Life is too short to wake up with regrets.So love the people who treat you right.Forget about the ones who don’t. Believeeverything happens for a reason. If youget a second chance, grab it with bothhands. If it changes your life, let it.Nobody said life would be easy, they justpromised it would be worth it.”

Why do you pay your alumnae dues: Alpha Xi Delta supported me as I grew as a leader, and now it is my turn to return the support for future generations of Sisters. I feel apersonal responsibility to ensure thesuccess of Alpha Xi Delta as anorganization so that more youngwomen can experience our bond ofSisterhood and realize their potential.

You can Be The Heart of Alpha XiDelta. Pay your alumnae dues atwww.alphaxidelta.org/betheheart.

Nook


19

By Lauren Fisher, Indiana ’08Communications Coordinator

BetXi Bear

It’s been a while sinceBetXi has made anappearance at anAlpha Xi Delta event,

and many of you maybe wondering why. Well,

that’s because for the past few months, BetXihas been surrounded by her army of stylistsat Avant Garb in Indianapolis, Indiana,picking out new clothes, polishing her MaryJane shoes and preparing for her debut.

Bringing

BetXito LIFE


Kathy Spetz, Florida State ’70, was the designerof the original BetXi Bear costume. BetXi wasadopted as Alpha Xi Delta’s mascot in 1989.

The Marketing and Communications Departmentwas able to see BetXi’s progress during hermakeover. Here you can see her bow and earswhile under construction!


It all started back in December when Alpha Xi Delta andAvant Garb, a firm that designs and builds mascot costumes,agreed that BetXi needed a new look. In order to get started,fabrics needed to be picked out and patterns had to be created.Once this was done, BetXi’s glam squad was ready to dive in andwork their magic. Let’s meet the team!

Jennifer is the Queen of Fuzz and her motto is, “fuzz+foam+fur=fun!” When hearing about BetXi’s makeover, Jennifer wasexcited and ready for her team to take on the task. “We havebeen dying to make a female mascot,” Jennifer said. “I love thepolka dots and the dress, and when the light blue trim went on,I was so happy.”

BetXi’s transformation started with her fur arms and legs.After BetXi’s arms and legs were sculpted to perfection, Mike,also known as the Head Honcho, had to construct BetXi’s headand make it the right size. According to Jennifer, this is often thehardest part of building a mascot. “You just have to attack it,”Jennifer explained. “Once we make the head we can sculpt it ormake it smaller.” There is even a pink helmet inside BetXi’shead. Don’t worry—you can’t see it! It’s just there to help theperformer see and breathe.

Casey is the Body Builder, and when it comes to the newBetXi, she says foam is the key. BetXi’s whole dress is actuallyfilled with foam to give BetXi’s body dimension and shape. Theglam squad wanted BetXi to have some pep in her step, so thefoam material was perfect since it allows her skirt to really moveand bounce.

Once the team heard BetXi needed a belt to match hershoes, it was clear BetXi needed a stylist. That’s

where Annie comes in—BetXi’s personal Stylist.From ironing each and every polka dot todesigning BetXi’s signature bow, Anniewould not let BetXi leave the studio withoutthe perfect wardrobe.

Last but not least, Matt is BetXi’s Cobbler. He created BetXi’s size 22, patent-leather Mary Jane shoes from scratch.The gold shoes are strategically designed so BetXi’s leg fits intothe shoe, creating the illusion that the foot is actually inside her Mary Janes.

Believe it or not, engineering was a huge factor behindBetXi’s transformation and is a big deal in mascot-dom. Forexample, those who get to wear BetXi may notice she has athumb cuff on the end of her sleeve where the hand goes. Thissmall, yet important feature holds BetXi’s wrist and handtogether and allows BetXi to maintain the illusion of a bear whilemaintaining the number one mascot rule, “Keep sleeve downand paw up!”

The team has worked hard on BetXi’s transformation, andshe cannot wait to show off her new features. Are you interestedin renting the new BetXi for an upcoming event? If so, please callFraternity Headquarters at 317.872.3500.

Meet BetXi’s “GLAM SQUAD”

JenniferQueen Of Fuzz

Mike a.k.a. Head Honcho

CaseyThe Body Builder

AnnieBetXi’s Stylist

MattThe Cobbler

BetXi wears the SAME

SHOE SIZE as retired

NBA basketball player

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL.

A size 22 shoe is nearly

15 inches long!

Early on, she struggled with many things that came easily for herbrother and other neuro-typical children. Caroline didn’t sleepthrough the night until she was almost five. She was never still, a late walker, very clumsy and diagnosed with low muscle tonewhen she was three. When she started preschool and missedmore and more milestones, it was clear she was developing slowerthan the other children, and we had no idea why. She didn’t walk or run, she couldn’t put together puzzles or use scissors, she didn’t play with others and she was still throwing fits thatmade everyone stop and stare.

When we started looking for answers, our doctor said she was“fine” and just a unique child of God that would find her specialtalent in life. A pediatric neurologist at Vanderbilt said she was at the low end of normal, her low muscle tone would always bewith her and she certainly wouldn’t be much of an athlete.

After a year-long struggle in kindergarten, we continued oursearch for more answers and help. A local psychologist testedCaroline’s IQ and said she fell into the mentally-retarded range,and this time, we knew they were wrong! A psychiatrist thendiagnosed her with ADHD and Oppositional Defiance Disorder(ODD) and prescribed ADHD medication. As a result, she practicallystopped eating. Then, the doctor suggested protein shakes. When she stopped sleeping, we were told to use another drug at

bedtime, and then another drug for the anxiety caused by theADHD medicine.

Our little six year old girl was on three prescription medicines,muscle-building protein shakes and a sleeping aid. After ninemonths there was no improvement in her impulsiveness or her ability to focus in class. Her ribs showed and dark circlesappeared under her sunken eyes. Her joy was gone, and herbehavior was incorrigible.

Looking back, this was undeniably the worst nine months ofour lives. Our daughter was a zombie during the day and a demonat night. We read all the books—parenting books, strong-willedchild books, the entire John Rosemond collection, ADHD-specificbooks and more. We implemented every strategy the therapistthrew our way—reward charts, behavior modification techniques,positive parenting exercises, you name it—NOTHING WORKED!We needed a different kind of help, and it came from a veryunlikely place—our local school system. They evaluated Carolineand diagnosed her with Asperger’s Syndrome. Finally, a diagnosisthat made sense!

That was the moment our lives changed. It was not an easytransition, but we found a local support group and made newfriends quickly. Jamie, my amazing husband and Caroline’sdedicated father, studied and researched everything about the


SpeaksAutism

Caroline is my beautiful, smart, sweet daughter. She is silly, compassionate and veryaffectionate. She also lives with Asperger Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.

For Every Mountain,There is a MiracleBy Melissa Tash, Auburn ’90

22www.alphaxidelta.org

biomedical treatment of autism he could find. We poured through stacks of books and attended every autism conference orworkshop we could find. It became our new hobby, and oursweetheart has been on a path of recovery ever since.

We weaned Caroline off of the pharmaceuticals, collaboratedwith an Autism Research Institute (ARI) doctor and removed foodsfrom her diet that inflamed her immune system. We also startedCaroline on several natural supplements and vitamins. We allchose to participate in her diet. Often, people think it is hard forus to follow our diet restrictions, but after seeing Caroline’ssweetness, clarity and strength, we can’t imagine having any ofthose reactive foods in our home.

We moved her to a school with an autism specialist who helpedus understand how she learns. In three and a half months,Caroline went from reading 15 words a minute to 80! She wassoon above grade level for reading and on the expected grade levelfor math. The following semester, she was back at our magnetschool, in a regular classroom without an aid, and she made the Ahonor roll! (So much for that IQ of 68!)

We now know that our genetics in combination with ourenvironment in this imperfect world helped to bring about herautism, and we are going to do everything we can to keep her healthy. We now have a new daughter living in our house, andher future is no longer limited. She will live a full and wonderfullife—a life full of possibilities and hope! We are so grateful to be on a road to recovery and hope our story will give hope for otherfamilies starting the journey.

*Note: The title of this piece was originally a quote from Robert H. Schuller.

Are you listening?Everywhere we go, we meet families affected by autism. Thenumbers are at an epidemic level, and Melissa’s family isdoing its part to raise autism awareness and to promotemedical treatment.

Every parent of a child living with autism will tell you thatportrait sessions are stressful for the children and the parents.Photographers know these children are the most challengingsubjects there are to photograph. That is why Melissa and herhusband, owners of Melissa Tash Studios and Spoiled RottenPhotography, created a program called Focus on Autism.

Each year, their studio dedicates a day where they givea complimentary portrait session to any child living withautism. This year, Focus on Autism has 15 photographersparticipating in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Mississippiand Texas. If you would like more information, please visithttp://melissatash.com/blog/focusonautism.

Melissa’s family is listening…are you?

Melissa shares on her blog how her and her husband, Jamie, have climbed up themountain of autism and the journey they have faced with their daughter, Caroline.

NEW STATISTICSOn March 30, the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention released its newest study on the rate of autismamong 8-year-olds. They found a 78 percent increase of cases of autism from 2002 to 2008 in the areas theyhave been studying. The new statistics are:

1 in 88 children1 in 54 boys1 in 252 girls, is affected by autism.

Christie Quinn, Elon ’09Christie Quinn volunteers hertime creating philanthropicpromotional videos for the ThetaNu Chapter at Elon University,promoting both Alpha Xi Deltaand Autism Speaks. Quinn’s workhardly goes unnoticed; in fact,several minutes of her footagewere used in Alpha Xi Delta’s2011 national philanthropy videowhich debuted at the 2011National Convention in Atlanta,Georgia. Also, her footage in the

video is shown during recruitment on more than 100 collegecampuses across the country. Quinn spends time interviewingboth chapter and alumnae Sisters about their experiencesvolunteering for Autism Speaks and if applicable, their personalconnection to autism. To see the video Christieproduced for the Theta Nu Chapter, visithttp://bit.ly/thetanu, or scan the QR code.

Allison Lindsly, Auburn ’02Allison Lindsly, who works atWWL-TV in New Orleans,Louisiana, connected the DeltaEpsilon Chapter at the Universityof New Orleans with the station’sYollar Marketing Program, a dailydeal website similar to Groupon™and LivingSocial™. Delta Epsilonwas able to run a Yollar promotionto sell participant entries for theirAmaXIng Challenge: Step It UpNew Orleans 5K. Not only did the one day promotion allowindividuals to register for the 5K, but it also promoted Alpha XiDelta’s partnership with Autism Speaks to more than 100,000residents in New Orleans who received Yollar emails every day.As a result, the email attracted the attention of several areabusinesses who then became sponsors of the AmaXIngChallenge. “Since we did not have enough in our budget toadvertise, I decided to take advantage of the Yollar MarketingProgram. Online advertising is a growing medium to advertiseand to purchase this type of campaign would have cost thechapter about $6,000,” Lindsly said. “My theory behind it was ifthey hesitated to sign up, why not give them a great deal to signup at a discounted rate. Groupon and LivingSocial both have hugeemail databases. It is honestly the cheapest and most efficientway to advertise an event if it is done right.”


SpeaksAutism

Autism Speaks: Sisterhood SpotlightEach year, thousands of Alpha Xi Delta Sisters across the country participate in various

activities to support Autism Speaks. See how four Sisters are going above and beyond

the AmaXIng Challenge fundraisers and the local Walk Now for Autism Speaks events

to raise additional funds and awareness for autism spectrum disorders. The Fraternity

greatly appreciates the services provided by these Sisters and encourages all members

to think outside the box when it comes to supporting Alpha Xi Delta’s partnership

with Autism Speaks.

Kristen McDonald, Indiana ’11Kristen McDonald registered for the Virtual Walk Now for AutismSpeaks on team Indiana and took advantage of the 3-to-1matching donation program at her father’s workplace. For everydollar raised by her father on Kristen’s walk team, the companydonated three dollars to Autism Speaks. McDonald shares thatmany companies offer similar incentives and encourages otherSisters to explore this fundraising opportunity. “I am so happythat I was able to reach out to the community and find new waysto raise money for Autism Speaks. I hope that others will followmy lead,” says McDonald.

Marianne Russo, Northridge ’82Marianne Russo and her husband, Bruce, own a constructionmanagement company in Modesto, California. Through theirprofessional connections, Marianne and Bruce are able to getequipment donated to the Central Valley Walk Now for AutismSpeaks each year. Donations secured by the Russo family includeparking cones, delineators and a generator. The total value of thedonation is approximately $3,000. Russo says once businesseshear about the cause, they are very eager to give. She says, “It’sall about “the ask.” Russo enjoys supporting Autism Speaks formany reasons. “It has enabled me to demonstrate philanthropy to my 14 year old son, Brandon. He is actually talking to hisprincipal about starting a walk team at his high school, as theyhave just added a classroom for children affected by autismspectrum disorders on his campus,” Russo said.


Kristin (holding the sign) and her Beta Pi Chapter Sisters helpedraise autism awareness through canning during the 2012 SuperBowl held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In Other Autism News…

Auburn University | The Zeta Xi Chapter at Auburn Universityhosted their 2nd annual AmaXIng Challenge. The 5k run and1 mile walk was attended by 1,200 participants, includingfriends, family and members of the Auburn community.Auburn’s mayor, Bill Ham, SGA President, Kirby Turnage, and Senator Tom Whatley, participated in the openingceremonies before the race. The chapter raised approximately$44,000 this year and has raised more than $82,000 in the past two years for Autism Speaks.—Brooke Molnar,[email protected]

Stetson University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |The Omega Chapter at Stetson University and the ThetaOmicron Chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University participated in the inaugural Walk Now for Autism Speaks inDaytona Beach, Florida. More than 60 Sisters attended andvolunteered at the walk, and they successfully raised morethan $80,000.—Courtney Kieffer, [email protected]

Rochester Institute of Technology | Sisters from the Delta Lambda Chapter gathered at Frontier Field for the 8th annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks in Rochester, New York. Delta Lambda Sisters volunteered on the Walk Planning Committee, setup booths, blew up balloons and assisted with other event preparations. Other Sisters signed in walkers, held banners and participated in the walk. A total of $130,000 was raised during the event.—Yasmeen Smalley, [email protected]


Northern Virginia Alumnae Association | The NorthernVirginia Alumnae Association held their annual fundraiser, apecan sale, for Autism Speaks. They distributed recipe cardswith Alpha Xi Delta information and cards containing factsabout autism.—Sue Mamber, [email protected]

West Virginia University | The Iota Chapter held a fundraiserbake sale with various cookies, cupcakes and brownies to raise autism awareness. All of the proceeds went to Autism Speaks. The bake sale was a fun event, and the chapter plans on having more in the future.—Trisha Worstell,[email protected]

California State University-San Marcos | The Theta Rho Chapter hosted their second annual, week-long philanthropy event for Autism Speaks. The week consisted of a coin drive, tabling to spread autism awareness, a “Step It Up Walk” oncampus, a carnival, relay games, a talent show and a banquet dinner. Sisters even participated in the Walk Now for AutismSpeaks in San Diego, California. At the end of the week, the chapter raised $9,300 for Autism Speaks!—Kelsey McCarthy,[email protected]


In Other Autism News…

27 The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta Fall/Winter 2011

IllinoisThis year, Alpha Xi Deltas at Monmouth College usedhomecoming as an opportunity to raise autism awareness oncampus. The chapter held a competition for several facultyand staff members to collect donations for Autism Speaks.Those who collected the most money were able to dance onthe football field with the Beta Epsilon Chapter. The chapterplaced 1st for overall homecoming festivities, and with theirhomecoming winnings included, the chapter raised about$600 for Autism Speaks!—Jen Priske, [email protected]

MichiganThe Safe Signals project is about teaching older teens andyoung adults with autism about safety. Lisa Murray-Johnson,Michigan State ’91, has worked with a team to develop anew video, workbook and vinyl clings to keep young adultssafe in their home. The video features room-by-room safetyto avoid burns, hot water scalds and accidental injury—LisaMurray-Johnson, [email protected]

MinnesotaThree Sisters from the Minneapolis-St. Paul AlumnaeAssociation serve on the Minnesota Walk Now for AutismSpeaks committee and have been instrumental in planningthe Walk’s kickoff event, promoting the walk via social mediaand educating other committee members about Alpha XiDelta. Sisters on the committee are Jennifer Beeman Zipf,Wisconsin-Eau Claire ‘98; Vana Chiu, Purdue ‘07; andMakenzie Provorse, Kansas State ‘05.—Becky Soderholm,[email protected]

North CarolinaThe Theta Nu Chapter recruited 106 Sisters and alumnae towalk for the 2011 Carolina’s Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Todate, the chapter has raised $11,000 to fund autismresearch.—Jessica Phelan, [email protected].

OhioThe Beta Tau Chapter hosted their annual Xi Man event toraise autism awarenessthroughout the community.The chapter, with the help offellow Greeks, raised a total of$14,842.25! This amountsurpassed the chapter’s goal andwas the most the chapter has everraised during a philanthropy event. —Megan Dunick, [email protected]

South DakotaThe Epsilon Chapter hosted their second annual Chili Feedand Cook-Off. Fifteen competitors from other Greek chapterson campus, local restaurants and community memberscooked their best chili for the contest. All together, Epsilonraised nearly $1,800 for Autism Speaks! It was a greatsuccess, and everyone is anxious to make next year’s ChiliFeed even better.—Therese Osborne, [email protected]

TexasThe Beta Alpha Chapter raised nearly $2,000 for AutismSpeaks by selling breakfast tacos during Taco Xi, and morethan 90 Sisters volunteered at the Walk Now for AutismSpeaks event in Round Rock, Texas. As a result of theirphilanthropy efforts, the Beta Alpha Chapter received the Top Organization Team and Top Manpower awards by theAustin area chapter of Autism Speaks.—Cara Spidle,[email protected]

The Delta Psi Chapter hosted their annual Xi Ball VolleyballTournament on the Texas State University campus. OtherGreek letter organizations came out to support Alpha XiDelta's event and play in the tournament. In the end, thechapter raised more than $3,500 for Autism Speaks!—Lindsey Tanoff, [email protected]

Be sure to check out our new

blog at www.alphaxidelta.org,

or our Facebook page to see

more photos and stories!


NewsMember

Cedar Rapids | The Cedar Rapids Alumnae Association celebrated the years of membership for several Sisters during an annualluncheon. Back row: Char Janda-Nechanicky, Coe ’56; Betty Bates Bayne, Iowa ’50; Dorothea Moser Huebner, Coe ’41; PaulineHuston Miller, Coe ’40; and Lois Strother Davis, Coe ’49. Front row: Barb Fitzgerald, Coe ’43; Clara Moore, Coe ’33; and FranMcLaughlin Stauffacher, Coe ’32.—Amy Gaffney-Ingallas, [email protected]

Eastern Washington | Kathlyn Barbero participated in Eastern Washington University'sEastern Royalty Pageant during Homecoming 2011and received first runner up! Her platform wasAutism Speaks, and she was recognized on EasternWashington’s red football field during half-time ofthis year’s homecoming game.—Ashley Viseth,[email protected]


Los Angeles Alumnae Association | The Los Angeles Alumnae Association gathered for their annual holiday party at BJ’s Restaurant in Burbank, following a holiday toy drive held at the nearby Metrolink train station. Members brought toys todonate to children with autism.—Angela Pettinelli, [email protected]

Theta Zeta | Jengi Martinez, Embry-RiddleAeronautical University/Prescott ’94, and AmyFyten Gangolea, Embry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity/Prescott ’91, recently went on a combatmission together.

Nebraska-Omaha | Kelsie L. Olson received the Public RelationsStudent Society of America (PRSSA) Gold Key award at the 2011National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The National Gold Key Awardis the highest honor a PRSSA member can receive, the National GoldKey Award recognizes students who display outstanding academicexcellence in public relations and leadership qualities within theirPRSSA Chapter.—Kelsie Olson, [email protected]

NewsMember


Henderson State | The Gamma Omega Chapter recently celebrated its 50th anniversary on Henderson State University’scampus. More than 60 Sisters returned to campus to commemorate this special day in the chapter’s history. The weekendfestivities included dinner, brunch, a campus tour, a school football game and the Pink Rose Banquet, where Sisters, young andold, joined together to share an evening of Sisterhood. Guest speakers included Gamma Omega Sisters Kathy Owrey andShannon Slatton Schwartz, who shared the importance of volunteering and staying active in Alpha Xi Delta even aftergraduation. National Vice President Nancy Gainer shared a brief account of the chapter’s history and brought with hercongratulations from the National Fraternity. To end the evening, a ceremony was held to honor Sisters who have 25 or moreyears of membership in Alpha Xi Delta.—Brooke Grefory, [email protected]

Denver Alumnae Association | The Denver Alumnae Association met at Barbara Hoover’s home for a monthly meeting. Aftersharing interesting fraternity information and the AXiD word search game, our hostess treated us to a big surprise-"I heartAXiD” tattoos! Everyone really got into the spirit of Sisterhood by placing our Greek letters on our cheeks. For many of us thiswas our very first tattoo, even of the temporary variety! We hope to show them off at our annual brunch next fall.—Dee StutzFraxier, [email protected]


NewsMember

FloridaThree Sisters from the Pinellas County FloridaAlumnae Association recently received their 50year Order of the Rose pins: Rosita Lazaro,Frostburg ‘61, Suzanne Eno, Florida State ’61and Nancy Phipps, East Tennessee State ’61—Bonnie Jefferis, [email protected].

New MexicoThe theme of New Mexico State University’shomecoming parade was “Come Celebrate with Us: New Mexico Sisterhood.” The ThetaOmega Chapter, along with Kappa SigmaFraternity, spent a week building a float andchoreographing a dance based on the 70s. Thechapter ended up winning 3rd place!—PriscillaHernandez, [email protected]

PennsylvaniaSisters from the Gamma Sigma Chapter andThiel College Volleyball Team went to Spain foran international Volleyball tournament. Sisters hasan amaXIng time playing volleyball and touringMadrid, Toledo and Barcelona.—Sarah Weikart,[email protected]

WisconsinThe Epsilon Alpha Chapter established ascholarship remembering Sister Jada Brunk, whounexpectedly passed away last year. Jada was verypassionate about traveling and seeing the world,so the scholarship will be given to a Sister whoplans on studying abroad and has an interest in traveling. For more information about the JadaBrunk Memorial Scholarship or to donate, pleasecontact Kate Bowman at [email protected].

Pikes Peak Alumnae Association | Sisters from the Pike’s Peak AlumnaeAssociation gathered at the Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs,Colorado, for the group’s Christmas luncheon and ornament exchange.Prior to the luncheon, Sisters volunteered at the Alpine Autism Center OpenHouse and Craft Fair. Front row, left to right: Elise Gardner, Deb Grandia,Ann Hall, Sue Bigus and Fran Dudenhoffer. Seated: Jean Swartzendruber,Past National President, Lois Stump, Ellen Stillman, June Hallenbeck. Backrow: Gini Simonson, Jeanette Bruce and Carol Gugat. Guest: TheresaDowling, Patricia Siebes, Shirley Miekka and our President, Jo Weilbrenner.—Gini Simonson, [email protected]

Be sure to check out our new

blog at www.alphaxidelta.org,

or our Facebook page to see

more photos and stories!

Congratulations, Graduates!We are extremely proud of your accomplishments and the bold,talented woman you’ve become. As you move on to the nextchapter in your life, we hope you discover an extended, deepermeaning of our Sisterhood. Remember, no matter where life takesyou, you can always come home to Alpha Xi Delta.

Don’t forget to update your contact information via Exclusively Xito stay connected with Alpha Xi Delta after graduation.


BRITTANY DONATELLI, SLIPPERY ROCK ’08During my most recent trip as a Leadership Coach (LC), I visited the Iota Xi Chapter atWorcester Polytechnic Institute. On my first night there, the chapter Sisters took me toSigma Pi Fraternity for their annual co-sponsored philanthropy dinner. The gentlemen ofSigma Pi prepared dinner and a fun icebreaker was planned for the event. Now, those ofyou who know me know that I enjoy icebreakers more than anything; therefore, I wasvery interested to see what our social chair had up her sleeve!

The icebreaker was called human scavenger hunt. We split into groups of 15 and thefacilitator began shouting out commands such as, “find another person with the samebirthday as you!” After each command, there was a mad dash to find a partner. The firstteam to find a match and run up to the facilitator would receive a point. During theprocess, things were a little hectic as everyone was colliding with one another to race tothe facilitator. Eventually my team and I got in our groove and developed a system to rackup enough points to win the game.

Witnessing this icebreaker in my suit and high heels, I suddenly realized how this scenario was similar to my other chaptervisits. Oftentimes we know what goals we want to accomplish, but sometimes, we don’t know how to get there. Many individualshave a tendency to over think things, and sometimes we need an outsider’s perspective to help. That’s my job, and my favoritepart of being an LC is helping Sisters devise a plan to win the game and accomplish their goals. When my time traveling has cometo an end, I will walk away knowing I have helped many Sisters work towards their goals. This year on the road has been one Iwill never forget, and I feel blessed for the opportunity to travel as a Leadership Coach for Alpha Xi Delta.

MARGEAUX FOX, WASHINGTON ’07As an Educational Leadership Consultant, my time on the road has been spent in a variety ofways. I’ve been incredibly fortunate in the chapters I have been able to visit; they are beautiful,strong women, and I find inspiration in every aspect of the Sisterhood they display. These Sistersare amazing reminders of the true bonds that unite us and the true meaning of Sisterhood.

Throughout my undergraduate years I learned Alpha Xi Deltas were kind to each other,thoughtful and genuinely caring. As I graduated from the Nu Chapter and began my travelsacross the United States, I thought I would encounter these same traits, and I did.

But that’s not all. I found a nationwide Sisterhood of women that—without fail—encompassed the values our

organization is built on. The generosity, ingenuity and creativity of Alpha Xis nationwide havemotivated me to be a better Sister and to take the best parts of each chapter as an example ofsuccess.

It has been an eye opening experience living, working and succeeding with these women. It hasbeen a huge honor, a huge challenge and one of the best experiences of my life. I wish you all a veryhappy spring and hope to see you at The Workout this summer!

FROM THE ROADTales

A hug of joy during Preferenceround with Nu Chapter Sister,Hannah Mysona (left), inSeattle, Washington.

Brittany (front row, far right) during hervisit with the women of the Iota Xi Chapterat Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

From the RoadTales


There’s the Order of the Rose, the Order of the Pearl and theOrder of the Diamond—for 50, 60 and 75 years of membership.

But there’s no sorority recognition charm for 90 years of membership.

Gene Sirey, of the Pinellas County Alumnae Association in Florida, celebrated the 90th anniversary of her Alpha Xi Delta initiation at Albion College on February 11, 2012. Genejoined Alpha Xi Delta’s Phi Chapter in 1922. In addition to this special anniversary, on July 5, 2011, Gene celebrated her108th birthday, and she is now one of the oldest, if not the oldestSister in Alpha Xi Delta.

All but the very youngest members of the Pinellas CountyAlumnae Association remember Gene at Alpha Xi Delta meetingsdressed up and ready to participate. Gene’s twin sister, Gert,came to meetings with Gene until about 1990 when Gert’s healthissues became serious. Gert passed away in 1998 at age 95.

Gene always has a ready smile, a quick wit and a story to share. She majored in home economics at Albion College and worked as a nutritionist in several states, culminating withher position as clinical dietitian at Beaumont Hospital in RoyalOak, Michigan. She has been married three times and had oneson with her first husband and one son with her secondhusband. Gene traveled the world with her third husband, andwith the help of a step-granddaughter, wrote a book about herlife’s adventures.

Oil painting was an important hobby to Gene. Each year, she created several art paintings for family and friends, and she even contributed a painting to the Alumnae Association for the holiday auction. Joan Clark, Florida ’89, was one of the Sisters who received a piece of Gene’s art work. “I have one of Gene’spaintings of a big shell, and it’s one of my most prizedpossessions,” Clark said.

Gene has some problems with her eyesight and her hearing these days, but she still dresses up for meals and walksindependently with a metal walker to the dining room of MeaseManor where she lives. A group of Alpha Xi Deltas recentlytraveled to Mease Manor to visit with Gene after a Clearwater

Panhellenic Luncheon to bring her pink roses and to celebrateher initiation anniversary. Her nurse said Gene’s health and activity level are much better than would be expected ofsomeone her age.

Phyllis LaBelle, Michigan State ’37, visits Gene most often andsays Gene is certainly older these days, but inside, she’s still thesame Gene. “When I came to have the big holiday meal with herat Mease Manor, one of the young male waiters put Gene’s plateon her placemat, and I saw Gene wink at him,” LaBelle recalls.

The Tampa Bay Times recently published a story about GeneSirey and her 108th birthday. Visit http://bit.ly/genesirey toview the article.

Your PotentialRealizeBy Bonnie Jefferis, Defiance ’79

Celebrating 90 Years of Sisterhood

Gene attributes her long lifeto keeping busy, writing,exercising and eatinghealthfully. Up until 2005,she taught an exercise classat Mease Manor!

In the summer 1989 issue of The Quill, Genevieve and her twin sister,Gertrude, were featured as Spotlight Sisters!


Call it a virtual pin board, an eye candy collectionor even a wall of gotta-try recipes, but Pinterest isquickly becoming the next social media craze.

Pinterest is an invitation-only website that is essentially abookmarking tool where users can “pin” any project, recipe, quote(you name it, you can pin it!) onto a virtual bulletin board. Thiscreates an organized catalog for you to reference any time. Boardscan be created for any imaginable topic, from recruitment outfitideas to chapter craft projects, to recipes for a cake pops or big gametailgate appetizers.

You can have as many boards and as many pins as you want, andsimilar to other social media platforms, users can “follow” friends,comment on their pins or repin their pins.

Is your interest piqued yet? You can follow Alpha Xi Delta’sPinterest account to see ideas for recruitment, new Xi Boutiqueproducts, pink rose and quill sightings from the web and get tips onhow to incorporate ��Δ into your wedding day.

Follow Alpha Xi Delta by visiting www.pinterest.com/alphaxidelta.

By Lauren Blankenbaker Felts, Indiana ’03, Director of Communications and MarketingGET YOUR ON!

These fun and creative“pins” were takendirectly from our ��ΔPinterest boards. Happypinning, ladies!


to SisterSister

Chelsea Almady, Marietta ’10, decided to go through formalrecruitment on a whim in September 2010. She never would haveguessed branching out to meet new people would result in her falling in love with Alpha Xi Delta. She was hesitant to joindue to finances; she would have to pay for everything herself. Yetthe more she fell in love with the sorority, the less importantmoney seemed.

After becoming a new member, Chelsea started noticing shehad numbness in her left arm and hand. She experienced similarsymptoms in the past, and thought nothing of it. It wasn’t untilChelsea started feeling numbness in her left foot and leg that shebegan to worry. Collapsing after attempting to get out of bed onemorning was the final straw for Chelsea, and she decided to seekmedical attention immediately.

The possibilities were frightening, but Chelsea knew she hadthe support of her Sisters, particularly her big Sister, Hope, andher fellow Sister and roommate, Nikki. Not knowing what waswrong had Chelsea worried sick, but her Sisters were who kepther moving forward.

“I would look forward to chapter meetings and events withAlpha Xi Delta just so I had an hour to relax and not think aboutanything,” Chelsea explained.

Although chapter meetings and events kept her calm, Chelseaconsidered the possibility of suspending her membership fromAlpha Xi Delta as frequent doctor visits began to consume herfree time. Not being able to devote 100% to her chapter causedChelsea to feel guilty. Her big Sister eased her guilt, reassuringChelsea the chapter would understand why she was missing the events.

“The diagnosis was the most terrifying part of the wholeexperience,” Chelsea recalls. She started out visiting her familydoctor for the appointments, which then gradually changed to aneurologist who recommended her to see a Multiple Sclerosis(MS) specialist. She was finally diagnosed in November, afterenduring the terror of uncertainty for three long months.

Although her mother was the one who went with her to thedoctor appointments, Chelsea knew she could count on herSisters for anything. She decided to be strong, not for herself, butfor those around her—those who cared about her. It was easier to be strong for others than for herself, especially for her mother.

When the chapter learned Chelsea’s family would beattending a walk for Multiple Sclerosis in April, the Beta XiChapter Sisters eagerly invited themselves along. Many Sistersbought t-shirts in Chelsea’s honor and planned to raise money todonate at the walk. It was incredible to see the amount of supportand the meaning of Sisterhood displayed by the chapter. Thisselfless act brought tears to this strong young woman’s eyes. Itmeant so much that when posing for a picture, the coordinatorsof the event asked her, “What does MS mean to you?”

The only word out of Chelsea’s mouth was, “Sisterhood.”

MS Means SisterhoodBy Claire Lauderman, Marietta ’09

Sisterhood is many things, but to one member of the Beta XiChapter, it means continual support.

Chelsea (left) and Elicia (right) share an embrace atthe walk for Multiple Sclerosis.


I joined Alpha Xi Delta in 1968 during my freshman year at The Ohio State University (OSU). I loved my time as a collegemember of Alpha Xi Delta, and I have many fond memories ofmy home away from home at the Psi Chapter. I was very activein my chapter, served as Vice President and was honored to wearthe diamond Quill badge.

It’s been a long time since I graduated from OSU with a journalism degree, and I never thought after raising my childrenthat I’d reinvent myself and publish a book series.

My book is part of a historical romance series called “TheIndian Path Series.” Each book focuses on a different NativeAmerican tribe during the Indian Wars in the late 1800s, andthe lives of fictional characters are woven into the true events.

I love researching history and writing about inspiring (andoftentimes feisty) heroines or heroes. They are the ones whodare to be different and stand up for what they believe is right.They keep promises. They persevere. They continually searchfor meaning in their lives and a path of peace and love throughany turmoil.

Although my book takes place during the Indian Wars, people in every century face the same challenge of how to find the inner courage to face life’s difficulties. Many of my characters are unaware they are courageous as they sometimes

appear foolish or powerless, and they are often unsung heroeslike many people today.

Alpha Xi Delta always taught me the importance of givingback to the community, and a personal goal has evolved with“The Sacred Path of Tears.” Through my research, I’ve discoveredhow difficult the economic times are for reservation schools.Diane Sawyer’s special, A Hidden America: Children of thePlains, showed the devastating poverty and suicides of NativeAmerican young people.

It has become a cause of my heart to help Native Americanschools through publishing my series, and I plan to donate partof my proceeds from my books to help Native American schools.

Interested in publishing your book? Here are some tips: • There are many opportunities today to self-publish and

market a book on the internet and via social media. But first,it’s important to compare self-publishing companies and whatthey offer.

• My first book, “The Sacred Path of Tears”, has just been published by WestBow Press. I chose WestBow for the opportunity to work with professional editors, cover designersand marketing specialists. It was also important to me that mybook be side-by-side with other quality Christian books.

• Self-publishing companies have different packages for different budgets. Standard packages at WestBow start at about $1,000 with optional add-ons. One helpful option is called bookseller’s advantage. It enables traditional bookstores to stock a book, but return books that don’t sell. Another important option is help developing an onlinewebsite, social networking and marketing.

• Self-published books are called Print-on-Demand (POD)books. POD books are more costly to produce, so I workedwith an editor changing fonts, spacing and margins to makemy book competitive. POD technology at WestBow is throughthe Ingram Book Network, which can supply an infinite number of copies of a book when an order is placed. Unlike at some self-publishing companies, I was not limited to a specific number of copies.

Contact M.B. Tosi at www.mbtosi.com, or on Facebook andTwitter as authormbtosi.

“The Sacred Path of Tears” is a journal written by a youngCheyenne Indian woman, nicknamed Mokee, duringthe Indian Wars in Kansas in the late 1860s.

Reinventing Your PathBy Mary Beschenbossel Tosi, Ohio State ‘68

ProfileAlumna


Foundation

Anne Mehus Verbon wasinitiated into Nu Chapter atthe University of Washingtonin 1960. Alpha Xi Delta, andthe genuine friendships sheformed, meant the world toher. She stayed involved withNu Chapter and the SeattleAlumnae Association all ofher life. Sadly, Anne enteredChapter Eternal January 11,2011, just days short of her69th birthday.

Anne grew up in Seattle,graduated from the Universityof Washington and taught artat Rainier Beach High Schooluntil she retired. She loved

being a teacher and touching so many lives. Lake Roesiger was avery special place where Anne and her husband, Byron, had asummer cabin. Despite living with Multiple Sclerosis, Anne enjoyedher annual water ski trip around the lake, which she did on two skis,until 4 years ago.

Linda Belles Dinus, National President 1993-1997, joinedAlpha Xi Delta with Anne. She remembers excursions to LakeRoesiger and double-dating in college. Years later, Linda wouldencourage Anne’s service on the house corporation board. Lindasaid, “Anne was always fun, always positive. She would never sayanything ill of anyone ever.”

Anne was devoted to Alpha Xi Delta and got her pledge classtogether every few months. They put a single pink rose in themiddle of the table the first time they gathered for lunch afterAnne passed.

Anne named Alpha Xi Delta Foundation in her will. In 2011,the Foundation received distributions to establish the AnneMehus Verbon Scholarship Fund. This is the largest scholarshipfund in our Foundation providing $18,000 in scholarships everyyear. Alpha Xi Delta meant the world to Anne, and it wasimportant to her to give back to the Sisterhood that had so greatlyenriched her life.

Jane Ralston, Foundation Chair, said, “The Foundation andFraternity are deeply grateful for this generous bequest. Becauseof her thoughtful planning and love of Alpha Xi Delta, Anne isproviding a lasting legacy to further young womens’ highereducation. The Foundation Scholarship Committee has seen asteady increase in young women applying for scholarshipassistance, and this fund will enable the committee to recognizeeven more of the highly talented and deserving women within ourmembership with priority given to the women of Nu Chapter.”

Each year, grants and scholarships make their way to Alpha XiDeltas who greatly benefit from the support. Many of theFoundation’s leadership grant and scholarship funds have beenmade possible through bequest gifts. For more information on waysto make a planned gift, or inform us you have named the Foundationin your estate plans, please contact Kendra Lewis, Director ofDevelopment, at [email protected] or 317.872.3500.

Class of 2012 Senior ChallengeMore than 344 graduating seniors from the Class of 2012accepted the challenge and invested in the future of AlphaXi Delta by raising $6,188. Their gifts provide support for the Leadership Coach Program, StrengthsQuest™ and much more.

Chapters with 100% Senior Participation:• Gamma, University of Mount Union• Rho, University of Nebraska-Lincoln• Beta Mu, Bowling Green State University• Gamma Delta, University of Nebraska at Omaha• Delta Delta, Northern Michigan University• Delta Zeta, C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University• Delta Rho, University of California-Northridge• Epsilon Alpha, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire• Zeta Omega, University of West Georgia• Theta Rho, California State University San Marcos• Iota Delta, University of Central Oklahoma• Iota Eta, University of Texas at El Paso• Iota Theta, Southern Polytechnic State University

Chapter with the Highest Class Average:• Iota Delta, University of Central Oklahoma

Thanks to Anne’s generous gift,the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation cancontinue to enrich the lives of ourSisters through scholarships.

Leaving a LASTING LEGACYfor Alpha Xi Delta

Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is deeply saddened by the passing ofLois Kopper Stump, National President 1971-1974. Initiated intoAlpha Kappa Chapter, Kansas State University, in 1937, Lois was to receive Alpha Xi Delta’s Order of the Diamond recognizing75 years of membership this spring.

“Lois was strong, forward-thinking and gracious. She exhibited thelife-long loyalty and service we hope all members will have.”—Mary RuthSnyder, Alpha Eta ’50, Foundation Trustee.

Lois served on the National Scholarship and Loan Committeeand two terms on National Council prior to serving as NationalPresident from 1971-1974. She was Alpha Xi Delta’s SecondAlternate Delegate to the National Panhellenic Conference andappointed to the Research and Education Committee. She wasAlpha Xi Delta Foundation Chair from 1980-1982. In 1987, shereceived the Edna Epperson Brinkman Award recognizingdevotion and meritorious service to Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. As a member of Alpha Xi Delta’s Society of 1893, Lois left anunrestricted bequest to Alpha Xi Delta Foundation.

In her keynote address at Alpha Xi Delta’s 31st NationalConvention in 1974, Lois said, “Our horizons are only the barriersthat we establish when we choose to seek no new adventure in ourefforts toward reality and vision.” Alpha Xi Delta moved in newdirections during her tenure providing greater educationalleadership opportunities for our collegians and alumnae,identifying a new national philanthropy focusing on theprevention of juvenile delinquency, purchasing the FoundersRoad property in Indianapolis, Indiana, where FraternityHeadquarters would be relocated and completing the separationof the Fraternity and Foundation governing boards.

Lois was an inspiration to our Sisters in the Pikes PeakAlumnae Association of which she was a founding member.“Words from our Symphony describe her well—‘steadfastness ofsoul’—‘gracious and kindly heart’. We could count on Lois. Sheattended almost every meeting, and was always coiffed and elegant.Since I met her in 1994, she was always involved as a volunteer,whether at her senior living facility, as a docent at the Fine ArtsCenter, staffing the Thrift Shop at Grace Episcopal Church, P.E.O.and in Alpha Xi Delta. She served in all areas with efficiency,

enthusiasm and grace, as it would not be in her nature to dootherwise.”—Susan Miskinis Bigus, Ohio ’76, Pikes Peak AlumnaeAssociation

“The thing I appreciated most about Lois was her forthrightness.One did not have to guess where Lois stood on issues. She alsobelieved in acting out her beliefs. If she belonged to something, shewas an active participant. At age 94, despite failing eyesight andhearing, she believed in living a full life and did not miss anythingif she could help it.”—Frances Tomlin Dudenhoeffer, Texas State’65, Pikes Peak Alumnae Association

“Lois was always very proper and expected the very best. I wasso happy to spend time with her at the 2009 National Conventionin Denver, Colorado. Lois always had a twinkle in her eyes and aquiet sense of humor.” Beverly Case Rorer, Pennsylvania ’49, PastNational Council

In every way, Lois was the finest representation of an AlphaXi Delta woman, and she will be missed greatly by the entireAlpha Xi Delta family. Our deepest condolences are with her sonand daughter-in-law, Keith and Linda Stump, and their family.

Remembering Lois Kopper Stump


Memorial GiftsThe Foundation recognizes Memorial

Gifts given from September 1, 2011,

through December 31, 2011.

Elizabeth Bachman

by Barbara Bachman,

Central Michigan

Ann Robinson Baird,

Frostburg State

by Susan Robinson,

Frostburg State

Nancy Somerville Ball, West

Virginia Wesleyan

by Carolyn Saxton,

West Virginia Wesleyan

Jean Springsteen Bart, Indiana

by Indianapolis, IN Alumnae

Association

Barbara Keuneke Parks, Indiana

Phyllis Jean Becker, mother

of Kendra Becker Lewis, Purdue

by Janice Sheldon Baumback,

Washington

Evonne Carawan, North Carolina State

Rigby Guiney Duncan, Marshall

Sandi Edwards, Kentucky

Nancy Fehrmann Gainer, Iowa State

Martha Geppert, Illinois

Michelle Soderquist Hartnett,

Nebraska-Lincoln

Gina Willis Hawkins, Jacksonville

State

Indianapolis, IN Alumnae Association

Beth Sacksteder LaClair, Mount Union

Julie Lambert, Oregon State

Jennifer Bellas Lee, Old Dominion

Jean Koza Leider, Iowa

Deborah Fenwick Maas, Marshall

Susan Eicher Mamber, Kent State

Sara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State

Jane Fursey Ralston, Mount Union

Beverly Case Rorer, Pennsylvania

Marianne Moritz Russo, Cal State,

Northridge

Mary Ruth Hadley Snyder, Purdue

Betty French Unkel, Ohio State

Lauren Walawender, Friend of

Alpha Xi Delta

Nealy Patty Wheat, West Georgia

Sarah Emblen Beneke, Wittenberg

by Lisa Beneke Burris, Marshall

Ellen Paliani Bish, West Liberty

by Kay Gilchrist Murray, West

Liberty

Jada R Brunk, Wisconsin-Eau Claire

by Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity

Gamma Lambda Chapter of Sigma

Sigma Sigma Sorority

Shelley Grosch, Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Kaye Schendel, Friend of

Alpha Xi Delta

Jackson Karl Bucker, son of

Rebecca Brehob Bucker, Indiana

by Karen Schaffer Silverman, Indiana

Kathleen Buhay, mother of Susan

Buhay Du Part, Western Kentucky

by Rigby Guiney Duncan, Marshall

Layvonne McCoy Cagey, West Virginia

by Alpha Xi Delta Building

Corporation of Morgantown,

West Virginia

Betty Morris Caldwell, West Virginia

by Indianapolis, IN Alumnae

Association

Barbara Greenhoe Leavitt,

Michigan State

Frances Tuttle Caldwell, Wittenberg

by Martha Tuttle Horner, Wittenberg

Agnes Bane Chartier, Kansas State

by Judith Dierdorff Stehley,

Kansas State

Mary Catherine Little Claasen,

Nebraska at Omaha

by Marilyn Herbes Horner,

Nebraska at Omaha

Dorothy Trepal Clark, Connecticut

by Margaret Lewis Wardle,

Connecticut

Mary Kelly Cleino, Alabama

by Patricia Koop Tracy, Alabama

Priscilla Cornell-Ervin, Cal State,

Northridge

by San Fernando Valley, CA

Alumnae Association

Evelyn Gibbs Dice, Northwestern

by Gail Schaum Overby, Northwestern

Suzanne Petru, Northwestern

Barbara Gaston Fellows, West

Virginia Wesleyan

by Shirley Kincaid Walker,

West Virginia Wesleyan

Mary Hopkins Fitzpatrick, Albion

by Sarah Fitzpatrick, Embry-Riddle

Aeronautical/Daytona

Martha Layport Fritz, Denison

by Marion Macdonald Blau,

California-Berkeley

Barbara Ann Roush Gebhardt,

Ohio State

by Sarah Miller Smith, Ohio State

Sister of Nancy Morse Gordon

by Nancy Morse Gordon,

Western Carolina

Carol Petersen Hall, Northern Illinois

by Anita Petersen Drake, Northern

Illinois

Donna Field Hannibal, Northwestern

by Kathryn Yager Brown, Monmouth (IL)

Judith Drews Haring-Green, Iowa

Pamela Butler James, Northwestern

Gail Schaum Overby, Northwestern

Chicago North Shore, IL

Alumnae Association

Norman R. Hopkins, husband of

Carol Smith Hopkins, Monmouth

by Bonnie Clark Jefferis, Defiance

Kay Lambert Humes

by Joan Calhoun Holcomb, Monmouth (IL)

Victoria Boysen Kaspar, Nebraska

at Omaha

by Jessica Backhaus, Nebraska

at Omaha

Kelsey Bigando, Nebraska at Omaha

Kathleen Coenen, Nebraska at Omaha

Tara Devorss, Nebraska at Omaha

Maya Doghman, Nebraska at Omaha

Rachel Kennedy, Nebraska at Omaha

Brittany Knudtson, Nebraska

at Omaha

Jessica Levin, Nebraska at Omaha

Kathryn McCloskey, Nebraska

at Omaha

Kelsie Olson, Nebraska at Omaha

Annette Belanger Keeler, Ohio State

by James Keeler, husband of

Annette Belanger Keeler

Patricia Kelsey, Michigan State

by Ellen Van Arsdale Hollandbeck,

Kentucky

Charlene Edwards Kelsey, Michigan

Frank Klebacha, husband of Edie

Paolina Klebacha, Indiana U of

Pennsylvania

by Rebecca Gable, Mount Union

Cecilia Zerr Long, California-Berkeley

by William Long, husband of Cecilia

Zerr Long

Andrew M. Macrina, son of

Catherine Cahill Macrina

by Catherine Cahill Macrina,

West Chester

Joan Becher Manley, Ohio State

by Barbara Greenhoe Leavitt,

Michigan State

Foundation


Charlotte McKee Meade,

Oregon State

by Mickey McKee Nordlinder,

Oregon State

Roger H. Meyer, husband of

Dorothy Meyer

by Dorothy Meyer, Alpha Deuteron

Phyllis Oetjen Moller, Coe

by Denny Moller, husband of Phyllis

Oetjen Moller

Esther Price Moore, Kentucky

by Cary Lawson Moore, Kentucky

Rosa Morell, Central Florida

by Judith Tait Levy, Florida State

Lucille Ogle

by Beverly Gough Smith, Michigan

JoAnn Olsen, Nebraska at Omaha

by Joan Eddy, Nebraska at Omaha

Catherine Gairaud Padgett, Arizona

by Margaret Payne Greene, Stetson

Andy Percy, husband of Ann

Gronewold Percy, Michigan State

by Sara Pullis Molnar, Ferris State

Christine King Priebe, mother of

Sandra Priebe Day, Frostburg State

by Elizabeth Ledbetter Poirier,

Frostburg State

Janet Gleason White, Frostburg State

Margaret Morley Yates, Frostburg State

Lynn Ledwitch Reid, Georgia Tech

by Kimbrough Pace Noonan,

Georgia Tech

Elma Roane, Memphis State

by Cleo Parker Long, Memphis State

Ruth McLean Roeser, Michigan State

by Sue Riley Fackler, Ohio State

Betty Berquist Secaur, Michigan State

Della Akehurst Wilder, Central Michigan

Betty Tatar Wiseman, Central Michigan

Amy Salmon, Elon

by Marta Forwood Beaner,

Frostburg State

Eloise Carrel Satterfield, Kentucky

by Judith Tait Levy, Florida State

Carol Jean Smith, Jacksonville State

by Mary Alice McCauley Kranz,

Purdue

Patricia Koop Tracy, Alabama

Barbara Roush Stafford, California

-Los Angeles

by Patricia Deaton Booth,

California-Los Angeles

Martha Davies Stone, Randolph-Macon

by Jane Stone, Ohio Wesleyan

Rosalee E. Tatar, mother of Betty

Tatar Wiseman, Central Michigan

by Sue Riley Fackler, Ohio State

Amy Kraenzlein, Iowa State

Betty Cronin Webb, Ohio State

Della Akehurst Wilder, Central

Michigan

Betty Tatar Wiseman, Central

Michigan

Jane Terveer, Ohio State

by Ellen Dettra Kunst, Ohio State

Tracy Goad Walter, Hillsdale

by Christina Munck O’Hara, Hillsdale

Dorothy Jensen Wheaton, Illinois

by Kathryn Yager Brown, Monmouth (IL)

Linda Ramsey Woyke, Minnesota

by Gwen Hagen, Minnesota

Honor GiftsThe Foundation recognizes Honor

Gifts given from September 1, 2011,

through December 31, 2011.

Vivian Weiss Aikens, Georgia State

by Gail Brooks Turk, Georgia State

Rick Alpert, father of Danielle Alpert

by Danielle Alpert, Cal State

San Marcos

Erin & Rich Armusewicz, parents

of Katie Curry

by Katie Curry, Cal State San Marcos

Kristen Steinbruck Balckmann,

Old Dominion

by Evonne Carawan, North

Carolina State

Robert Barnes, son of Paula Rowland

Barnes, Oklahoma State

by Bambi Hora, Central Oklahoma

Claressa Moreland Basile

by Lemar Moreland Frank, Purdue

Lori Bruns Holt, Alpha Deuteron

Jacob Fluty, newborn son of Courtney

Hankins Fluty, Texas State

-San Marcos

by Lori Bruns Holt, Alpha Deuteron

Beta Eta Chapter, Maryland

by Lori Plazinski, Maryland

Jenny Bomber, Wisconsin-Eau Claire

by Katherine Stuckart, Wisconsin

-Eau Claire

Jill Foster Bortel, Defiance College

by Laura Arch, Bowling Green State

Sarah Gruss, Bowling Green State

Amanda Rees, Bowling Green State

Oksana Tarasenko, Bowling Green State

Rachele Westlake, Bowling Green State

Elizabeth Bowman, grandmother

of Catherine Bowman

by Catherine Bowman, Wisconsin

-Eau Claire

Lisa Brown, mother of Rachel Brown

by Rachel Brown, Henderson State

Lydia Butler, Monmouth (IL)

July 2011 FVP of the Month

by Omega Financial, Inc.

Lauren Cherryholmes, Central

Florida, for her engagement to

Allen Haley

by Cari Mutnick, Central Florida

Colony Members of Zeta Xi Chapter,

Auburn, for 31 years of Sisterhood

by Betty Steger-Moulton, Auburn

Katherine Conway, Dartmouth

by Elizabeth Fairchild, Dartmouth

Caitlyn Conwell, daughter of

Carolyn Conwell

by Carolyn Rylko Conwell,

West Chester

Nicholette Daniel, Northern Iowa

by Chris & Donna Daniel, Friends

of Alpha Xi Delta

Jennifer Davis, Central Oklahoma

by Katelyn Godfrey, Central

Oklahoma

Delta Chapter Alumnae, Bethany

by Valerie Flatley, Bethany

Amanda Hineman, Bethany

Vanessa Manning, Bethany

Brittany McAdoo, Bethany

Sarah Mizzoni, Bethany

Emily Sechrest, Bethany

Hannah Sweetser, Bethany

Delta Chi Chapter, Northern Iowa

by Kelsey Hastings, Northern Iowa

Karen Ogorzalek, Monmouth

Delta Mu Chapter, Old Dominion

by Evonne Carawan, North Carolina

State

Shannon Detert, mother of

Gabrielle Detert

by Gabrielle Detert, Wisconsin

-Eau Claire


Peggy Martin Dorsey, West

Virginia Wesleyan

by Mary Dorsey Taylor, West

Virginia Wesleyan

Ashley Dumke, South Dakota State

by Kara Dumke, South Dakota State

Kathy Duncan, aunt of

Rebekah Lautensauk

by Rebekah Lautensauk,

Ohio Northern

Sandi Edwards, Kentucky, for

election as National President

of Alpha Xi Delta


Carolina State


Epsilon Eta Chapter, South

Dakota State

by Brooke Jensen, South Dakota State

Epsilon Pi Chapter, Jacksonville State

by Kaci Smith Ogle, Jacksonville State

Amy Falleur, mother of Lauren Falleur

by Lauren Falleur, Henderson State

Krista Fechner, PhD, daughter

of Roberta Yenchko Fechner

by Roberta Yenchko Fechner,

Pennsylvania

Alycia Fischer, Wisconsin-Eau Claire

by Kelli Basa, Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Danielle Fletcher, Cal State Stanislaus

by Danielle Dabney, Cal State

Stanislaus

Kayla Reeder, Cal State Stanislaus

Mary Lou Gyourko Fox, Michigan

by Beverly Gough Smith, Michigan

Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD,

Georgia Institute of Technology


Carolina State

Nancy Fehrmann Gainer,

Iowa State, for election as Vice

President of Alpha Xi Delta

by Judy Erickson, Iowa State

Gamma Omega, Henderson State,

for 50th Anniversary

by Kristie Fox Johnson,

Henderson State

Gamma Xi Chapter of 1969,

Valdosta State

by Sue Hilton Kenneally,

Valdosta State

Victoria Gehring, North Carolina

Wilmington

by Faye Gehring, Methodist

Kayla Gengler, South Dakota

by Kayla Gengler, South Dakota

Barbara Warman Wilson

Gilbertson, Michigan

by Krystn Gilbertson Aversa,

Michigan State

Devin Goodrich, Toledo

by Brandi Conners, Toledo

Sharon Schneider Groves, East

Tennessee State

by Lucretia Meece, Tennessee

Wesleyan

Mary Hanke, Georgia Tech,

August 2011 FVP of the Month


Tina Harrison, mother of

Christin Harrison

by Christin Harrison, Henderson

State

Sally Weaver Hartory, West Liberty

by Brittany Hartory, Bowling

Green State

Gina Willis Hawkins,

Jacksonville State

by Hope Beck Goldsmith, Wisconsin

Betsy King Helber, Mount Union


Carolina State

Gail Hignight, Elon

by Alyson Hignight, Elon

Katelyn Hilderbrand, Marietta

by Bethany McFarland, Marietta

Willie Anthony Howard,

Western Carolina

by Vickie Dinkins Long,

Western Carolina

Kendra Icenhower, mother

of Kaitlyn Brooke Icenhower

by Kaitlyn Icenhower,

Henderson State

Iota Epsilon Chapter, Nevada-Las Vegas

by Jessica Maheux, Nevada-Las Vegas

Iota Mu Chapter, Lycoming

by Melissa Erlick, Lycoming

Charlotte Jay, Indiana

by Leah Heil, Georgia Tech

Kappa Chapter, Illinois

by Linda Harmeson, Illinois

Lindsay Kimball, Alma

by Margaret Kimball Hazen, Alma

Patricia Neffler Lafferty, California

-Los Angeles

by Elleen Hall Denahy,

California-Los Angeles

Julie Lambert, Oregon State

by the 2009-2011 Foundation

Trustees and Staff

Deanna Wollam Detchemendy,

Cal State, Northridge

Michelle Soderquist Hartnett,

Nebraska-Lincoln


Kendra Becker Lewis, Purdue

Beth Henning Polizzotto, Illinois

Jane Fursey Ralston, Mount Union

Dee Sanders Rasco, New Orleans

Marianne Moritz Russo, Cal State,

Northridge


Leslie Storey, Texas Wesleyan

Nealy Patty Wheat, West Georgia

Joanette Lima, mother of

Danielle Alpert

by Danielle Alpert, Cal State

San Marcos

Olivia Lockwood, Purdue

by Emily Rehberg, Purdue

Sarah Loman, Ohio Northern

by Kendra Zedaker, Ohio Northern

Vanessa Lopez, Cal State Stanislaus

by Daisy Torres, Cal State Stanislaus

Anthony & Maria Loya, parents

of Donna Loya

by Donna Loya, Cal San Marcos

Ora Lee Ludwig

by Mary Kathryne Caussin

Wiedebusch, West Virginia

Lynn McCalla Luton, Lambuth

by Dorothy Delores Rives, Lambuth

Brenda Ly, Central Oklahoma

by Katelyn Godfrey, Central

Oklahoma

Crystal Mallatt, Defiance

by Christina-Marie Drake, Defiance

Joy Vian Martin, Stetson

by Doris Lyon Boggs, Stetson

Foundation


Rebecca Allan Maurer, Iowa

by Jamee Maurer Klein,

Northern Iowa

Kahlin McKeown, Delaware

by Shaylynn Galley, Bowling

Green State

Miriam Miller McKinley,

Baldwin-Wallace

by Kathy Pape, Edinboro

U of Pennsylvania

Jessica Merry, Dartmouth

by Tim & Kathy Merry, Friends

of Alpha Xi Delta

Christine Meyer, South Dakota

by Dorothy Meyer, Alpha Deuteron

Michaelyn Morehead, mother of

Tori Morehead

by Tori Morehead, Henderson State

Deborah Norton, Cal State

San Marcos

by Katie Curry, Cal State San Marcos

Donna Loya, Cal State San Marcos

Joann Schneider Pausner,

California-Berkeley

by Janet McKenzie Jensen,

California-Berkeley

Kelci Pearce, Christian Brothers

by Toscha & Michael Brady,

Friend of Alpha Xi Delta

Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter for

100 years continued existence

by Judy Maxwell Schaeffer,

Monmouth (IL)

Melissa Potosky, Christian Brothers

by Rebekah Meadows Dedwylder,

Christian Brothers

Paulette Trumpp Raburn,

Bowling Green State

by Jessica Raburn Mormino,

Bowling Green State

Aimee Racine, Washington

by Michelle Rutherford, Washington

Guy and Cheryl Ramsey,

parents of Briona Ramsey

by Briona Ramsey, Greensboro

Ashley Reynolds, Florida Atlantic

by Michelle Lauber, Florida Atlantic

Lauren Rice, Embry-Riddle

Aeronautical/Prescott

by Rex & Judy Rice, Friends

of Alpha Xi Delta

Rita Roepke, grandmother of

Emily Stoeckmann

by Emily Stoeckmann, Wisconsin

-Eau Claire

Brenna Romano, Florida Atlantic

by Jean Sauer DeFrances, Florida State

Nicole Shirilla, Indiana U of

Pennsylvania, June 2011 FVP

of the Month


Jill Schoenberger Simmons,

Ohio Northern

by Kimberly Chase, Ohio Northern

Margaret Slocum, Georgia State,

for her 90th birthday

by Jennifer Bellas Lee, Old Dominion

Yasmeen Smalley, Rochester

Institute of Technology

by Tika Siburt, Rochester Institute

of Technology

Cynthia Gay Smith, Michigan

by Shannon Patrick, Rochester

Institute of Technology


by Betty French Unkel, Ohio State

Erin Studer

by Ashley Meekins, Defiance

Jane Hooper Sutton, Western

Carolina, for her Installation as

Chairman of NPC


Carolina State


Robin Hartman Lock, Texas


Theta Eta, Western Michigan

by Lindsay Scheerhorn,

Western Michigan

Theta Iota Seniors, Florida Atlantic

by Tabitha Diaz, Florida Atlantic

Theta Xi Seniors 2011-12,

Florida International

by Thomas Jelke, Friend of

Alpha Xi Delta

Amanda Thomas, Lyon

by Krystle Perkins Henry, Lyon

Norma Jean Tiller

by Lucinda Tiller Cordo, Tennessee

Joan Rohde Trafford, Wisconsin

for her marriage to Frank L. Trafford

by Virginia Drick Messing,

Ohio Wesleyan

Angela Carawan Varner,

East Carolina


Carolina State

Mary Varner, niece of Evonne

Carawan


Carolina State

Joe Vineyard, father of Lisa

Kyung Vineyard

by Lisa Vineyard, Cal State

San Marcos

Cheryl Wampler

by Ashley Wampler, Georgia State

Tom & Julie Wanous, parents

of Kristi Wanous

by Kristi Wanous, Wisconsin

-Eau Claire

Lynne Watters, mother

of Maggie Watters

by Maggie Watters, Alma

Anna Mooring Weaver, East Carolina


Carolina State

Stephanie Wilborn, Cal State

Stanislaus

by Danielle Fletcher, Cal State

Stanislaus

Caprice Buchmeier Witt,

Northern Iowa

by Jodi Levell, Northern Iowa

Kelcie Wittman, Wisconsin-Eau Claire

by Natalie Booth, Wisconsin

-Eau Claire

Abby Johnson, Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Marjorie Wolf

by Kayleigh Walls, Penn State

Daphne Wright, Southern

Polytechnic State

by Gwen Dixon, Friend of

Alpha Xi Delta


The Spring Chapter Eternalincludes all the names of Sisterswhose passing was reported to Fraternity Headquartersbetween September 1, 2011 and January 31, 2012. Sisters are listed alphabetically in chapterorder, along with their initiationyear. To notify the Fraternity of a Sister’s passing, please send an obituary notice, memorialservice pamphlet or other writtenconfirmation to Alpha Xi DeltaFraternity Headquarters.

Alpha ChapterLombard College/Knox CollegeMarjorie Bechtel Blair ’46

Beta ChapterIowa Wesleyan CollegeMargaret Deahl Hileman ’42Ruth Crane Looker ’30Gladys Hoffman Minear ’24Marion Aumann Miner ’43

Gamma ChapterUniversity of Mount UnionAda Reynolds Anderson ’44

Epsilon ChapterUniversity of South DakotaDottie Strain Viehweg ’56Dorothy Ullery White ’36

Zeta ChapterWittenberg UniversityCarolyn Ann Koehring Kunde ’57Coila Lichtenberger Mosey ’47Anita Ann Forbeck Smetters ’58

Eta ChapterSyracuse UniversityPauline Wily Delmonte ’31Suzanne Calarco Garner ’67Edith Quimby Holland ’33Jean Cile Marchetta ’46

Theta ChapterUniversity of WisconsinJudith Beiring Berndt ’54Janet Lucal Grant ’49Doris Tomlinson Hamby ’40Beverly Ploenske Labelle ’56Marilyn Shores Smith ’46

Iota ChapterWest Virginia UniversityLayvonne McCoy Cagey ’40Louise Lucas Knauss ’39

Kappa ChapterUniversity of IllinoisChristy Knaak Ebel ’43

Mu ChapterUniversity of MinnesotaEleanor Johnson Andersen ’31Frances Crawford Jung ’39Donna Aldritt Neale ’56Norma Rodsater ’38Linda Ramsey Woyke ’58

Nu ChapterUniversity of WashingtonSara Louise Downing

Schneider ’61

Xi ChapterUniversity of KentuckyCarol Thorp O’Loane ’58Frances Williams Ross ’40Eloise Carrel Satterfield ’33Betty Jane Chapman Walker ’40

Omicron ChapterUniversity of California-BerkeleyJane Hightower Cypra ’47Cecilia Zerr Long ’51Joann Frances Schneider

Pausner ’48Evelyn Montgomery Risedorph ’43

Pi ChapterOhio UniversityMarya Mason Baker ’54Alice Morris Conner ’26Mary Sue Spiess ’55

Rho ChapterUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnMarjorie Bowers ’45

Sigma ChapterUniversity of IowaPamela Edgerton Houston ’81Wilma Edmondson Hudson ’47

Tau ChapterUniversity of New HampshireJoan Katie Clough Collins ’52Andrea Ann Hopf Loth ’59

Phi ChapterAlbion CollegeCarole Hague ’68Florence Spalding Sharp ’48

Psi ChapterThe Ohio State UniversityEdith Marie Franklin Cobb ’44Joan Frankenberger Crawford ’53Patricia Fleming Foster ’79Ruth Mager Kessler ’35Melba Beck Wilson ’37

Omega ChapterStetson UniversityMarilou Deeming Horton ’49

Alpha Beta ChapterCornell UniversityNancy Faesch Bullock ’44

Alpha Delta ChapterOregon State UniversityMarcia Cameron Durburaw ’58

Alpha Epsilon ChapterUniversity of Michigan Erma Erlewine Hetzler ’39

Alpha Zeta ChapterUniversity of OklahomaFrances Maschal Landers ’34

Alpha Eta ChapterPurdue UniversityValerie Goluch Flournoy ’60Mary Harvey Hegarty ’31Carole Lee Melton Martin ’53Jan Madill Ray ’51

Alpha Theta ChapterNorthwestern UniversityBeverly Spencer Schroeder

Baitz ’53Donna Field Hannibal ’45Susan Heinzel Schroeder ’55

Alpha Iota ChapterDrake UniversityPhyllis Timmins Gill ’30

Alpha Kappa ChapterKansas State UniversityAgnes Bane Chartier ’26Phyllis Russell Greathouse ’46Terran Hawks Schletzbaum ’71Rachael Stueder ’09Lois Kopper Stump ’37

Alpha Lambda ChapterUniversity of OregonCathy Lou Bjork ’66Geraldine Hettinger Scofield ’48Susan Shaw ’66

Alpha Mu ChapterOhio Wesleyan UniversityAlice Adams Cook ’45Marion Cherry Dillon ’45Donna Jean Grener Freeman ’47Shirley Holzer Jeffrey ’51Joy Cisler Meyer ’53Norma Jean Hall Sumner ’43

Chapter Eternal


Alpha Xi ChapterUniversity of California-Los AngelesCynthia Isabell Smith Brown ’36

Alpha Tau ChapterUniversity of AlabamaBetty Price Brown ’49

Alpha Psi ChapterUniversity of DenverDorothy Lois Jones

Liebersbach ’36

Alpha Omega ChapterFlorida State UniversitySarah Cubbon Ball ’61Juanita Gomez Harris ’57

Beta Delta ChapterDenison UniversityJanet Metzger Dennison ’43

Beta Epsilon ChapterMonmouth CollegeJean Kyle Bauer ’43Ruth Acheson Spindler ’48Irene Walzer Trumble ’38Joyce Treleaven Walons ’46

Beta Zeta ChapterLake Forest CollegeMary Elizabeth Longbrake ’32

Beta Eta ChapterUniversity of MarylandSandra Patterson Winand ’56

Beta Iota ChapterLouisiana State UniversitySherle Selle Abramson ’41Gladys Treuil Ryan ’69

Beta Lambda ChapterPennsylvania State UniversityRose Maust Dwyer ’50Dorothy Beam Quackenbush ’42

Beta Mu ChapterBowling Green State UniversityRosemary Johnston Baker ’46Marguerite Hogan Callahan ’49Ruth Loudenslagel Lytle ’44

Beta Nu ChapterCulver Stockton CollegeBarbara Jean Ferriman

Schone ’55

Beta Xi ChapterMarietta CollegeElizabeth Torreson Jones ’56Joyce Rupert Kerze ’68

Beta Omicron ChapterMissouri Valley CollegeMarian Hartley Hill ’53

Beta Pi ChapterIndiana UniversityJean Springsteen Bart ’62

Beta Sigma ChapterWest Virginia Wesleyan CollegePatricia Higgins Roberts ’50

Beta Tau ChapterKent State UniversityDoris Heupel Kot ’47

Beta Phi ChapterUniversity of ConnecticutAlice Dorizzi Franconi ’48

Beta Chi ChapterGettysburg CollegeBarbara Anne Erb Bowlby ’51

Beta Omega ChapterMemphis State UniversityElma Roane ’49

Gamma Alpha ChapterSan Diego State UniversityEvelyn Smith Folkins ’60Evelyn Grinnell Hobart ’49

Gamma Delta ChapterUniversity of Nebraska at OmahaEllen Forehead Finnegan ’50Peggy Hooton Sandene ’72

Gamma Lambda ChapterUniversity of TennesseeKimberly Clarke ’98

Gamma Mu ChapterRipon CollegeAmy Barnes Frey ’81

Gamma Nu ChapterSoutheast Missouri StateUniversitySondra Helling Crouse ’59

Gamma Omicron ChapterCentral Michigan UniversityShirley Green Jones ’68

Gamma Pi ChapterNorthern Illinois UniversityPatricia O’Neill Hamilton ’69Betty Jo Blakslee Reynolds ’62

Delta Iota ChapterChadron State CollegeJudith Johnson Hale ’63

Delta Tau ChapterUniversity of Wisconsin-OshkoshKandy Kostka ’00

Delta Psi ChapterTexas State University-San MarcosSharon Elaine Eckhart ’74

Epsilon Alpha ChapterUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireJada Brunk ’07

Epsilon Iota ChapterNewberry CollegeKathy Blanche Moore ’77

Theta Nu ChapterElon UniversityAmy Salmon ’96

Theta Sigma ChapterUniversity of Central FloridaRosa Morell ’04



“Beta Etas on their way to early morning classes opened their chapter house door to find Testudo, University of Maryland’s famous terrapin mascot, lodged on the doorstep. Tradition has it that if the terrapin is not there during the time the football team in playing, the outcome will be fatal for Maryland. With a game approaching, rumors

spread over College Park campus that opponents kidnapped him. Everyone was relieved when the Alpha Xis reported the 400-pound giant safe.”-The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta, February 1948

We look forward going back home to Maryland this fall! For more information on the recolonization of the Beta Eta Chapter, please contact [email protected], or call Fraternity Headquarters.

From the Archives


These are the words we, as Sisters of Alpha Xi Delta, recite at every meeting. Unfortunately, sometimes the bitterness anddefeat can work its way into our lives and take over. When thishappens, overcoming those feelings of bitterness and defeat andthose events that occur in our lives is one of the hardest thingsto do. However, I personally was able to overcome the bitternessand defeat that somehow entered my world.

The year 2011 was coming to an end, and it had been an amazing year for me. I got married, my younger sister moved toPhoenix and my husband and I finally got a place of our own. I had always been the kind of person who would do anything tohelp out my close friends and family. That is why I never gave ita second thought when I agreed to let my cousin move in with uswhen he needed a place to stay. I grew up with him; we are onlythree months apart in age. I never had a reason to question if Iwould be safe with him around. Things were great, and we hadno problems.

That was until December 11, 2011 – the day my world changed. That evening, I was stabbed a total of nine times. After the

attack, I was hospitalized for four days and had to undergo twosurgeries. The first operation was to repair some tendons, nervesand arteries in my right hand. The second surgery was to repairthe nerves on the right side of my face.

Currently, I am in therapy to regain movement in my righthand and do not have function of the muscles on the right side of my face. After the attack, I felt alone and had no one to sharemy feelings with. I talked about the attack, but never really gaveothers many details. I held in my feelings and became depressedand very antisocial. Eventually, with the help of my friends andfamily, I was able to start overcoming the effects of the attack.

My Alpha Xi Delta Sisters were an amazing support. Eventhough we do not live in the same area, my chapter Sisters sentme inspiring messages through Facebook and prayers thathelped me more than anyone could have expected. The PhoenixAlumnae Association sent me flowers and personalized cards. It helped me so much, and having my Sisters by my side wassomething I will always cherish.

Many times people do not want to talk about their issues andcontinue to keep their feelings bottled up inside. From this event,I learned that talking to someone is a good way to start healing.Communication is something everyone needs. Talk to yourSisters, your family or even a therapist. That’s what I did, andalthough I’m still recovering from the trauma, I take it one day ata time and constantly tell myself I will not be defeated.

Overcoming a traumatic event is something not many peopleknow about or know how to deal with. No one should have to suffer alone. Knowing that I came out of my depression with thehelp of my friends, family and Sisters gives me a feeling of success. It has now been a few months since the attack, and I am still scared, but I know if I need someone, my Sisters are just a phone call away. Knowing this will help me overcome mybitterness and defeat so I “may grow in courage, graciousnessand peace.”

…Without bitterness or defeat,we may encounter misfortuneand with humility meet success…By Elvira Esparza Bencomo, New Mexico State ‘03

Living Our Symphony

Elvira (pictured left) with the Phoenix Alumnae Association

President, Frances Archuleta.

Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity8702 Founders RoadIndianapolis, IN 46268

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PARENTS of Alpha Xi Deltas: While your daughter is in college, The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta is sent to her home address. 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 addressto Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. Any Alpha Xi Delta member should use this form to change her name/address. Send this form to: Alpha Xi DeltaFraternity, 8702 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or email [email protected].

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The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta - Spring 2012