February/ March 2013 Volume II, Issue 5

UNDISPUTED NEWS The Upsilon Mu Chapter of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Greetings on behalf of the Upsilon Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.! Upsilon Mu has certainly taken advantage of this new era— new initiative, new partnerships, deeper relationships, and greater perspective.

As we celebrate 2 years of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service this year, we recognize the 15 women that brought change to Davidson College. We honor the sacrifice of those who sought to bring a much-needed end to business as usual. We attest to the power of collective vision and collective action in getting us where we need to be.

As we close this academic year, the sorors of Upsilon Mu want to take this time to remind you of the power of the mind to change any situation. The original 15 believed in their dreams enough to make them a reality. REDvolutionize your thoughts. Soon after

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your thinking will REDvolutionize your actions. In the end, your new actions will REDvolutionize others around you. Delta means change.

Warmly,

Kaneisha L. Gaston

Kaneisha L. Gaston

President, 2012-2013

A Message From the President

Issue III

Features

Features

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SORORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Meet Raven Hoskins ’13 and Kaneisha Gaston ‘13

Sustainable Living: Take a peak at Upsilon Mu’s efforts to promote Sustainability as a collective and as individuals.

Call it a REDvolution: Preview our Charter Week 2013 as we commemorate YM’s Charter Members.

TRANSITIONS AND TRADITIONS: Wisdom, tips, and insights from former member of Upsilon Mu as they transition to greater things.

A Movement, Not A Monument

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Many may not know the driving force behind Upsilon Mu’s daily operations. To the sorors of Upsilon Mu, Raven Hoskins is a presence, lending her time, attention to detail, and comic relief to the chapter.

This Charlotte native serves as the Treasurer of the Upsilon Mu Chapter and former Treasurer and Secretary of Patterson Court Council. Engaging fiscal responsibility and accountability is a primary focus for her. In fact, Ms. Hoskins designed her several voucher systems, facilitated financial officer trainings for 10+ organizations, and refines her own skills through nationally prescribed training.

Ms. Hoskin’s college career has afforded her several opportunities. She currently uses her background in Forensic Anthropology with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Working directly with agents, Hoskins helps apprehend and interrogate offenders and suspects. Ms. Hoskins hopes with work with the SBI in the future, bringing justice for all citizens.

Why does she love YM?

As a charter member for the Upsilon Mu Chapter, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with strong-willed, determined, and so amazing women. I love Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and more specifically, the Upsilon Mu Chapter, because I can just be the true me.

Soror in the Spotlight: Raven Hoskins ‘13

“I don’t have to put on a front, or try and be

something that I am not; I can be Raven Hoskins, and be accepted, respected, and loved. The women of YM motivate me to be the best that I can be in whatever it

is that I do.”

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This year, the Upsilon Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. not only addressed the pressing issues of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, but also developed sustainable chapter programming and practices.

Why do we care? Because what you do to the earth, you do to the people. As an organization that seeks to build communities, we recognize the importance of the physical environment in personal development.

Upsilon Mu kicked off its focus on sustainability by assessing its use of paper fliers and developing its electronic publications and publicity. In cutting back on paper products, the chapter could better direct funds to future

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Building Tomorrow: YM tackles Sustainability

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March 27th, 2011, the Upsilon Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered by fifteen collegiate women. These young women sought to fill several voids in the Davidson College community by using their collective strength and individual talents to both enlighten and enhance the community. The first public act performed by the charter members involved their participation in a community build with Our Towns Habitat, a community chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Since that day, the Upsilon Mu chapter has expanded, touching many members of the community and developing chapter members to their fullest potential. As we celebrate two years at Davidson College, Upsilon Mu wanted to present a series of events that not only touched the hearts and minds of the community but addressed the interests of the members as well.

“When we program, we also want to profit from the knowledge, awareness, and services that we bring. We are in a process of developing as we pursue community development. Why bring events that do not touch us personally as well?” remarked President Kaneisha Gaston as she reflected on this year’s events. Despite the volume of events it is the organization’s hope that every member and attendee learn something new.

The week will begin with a small yoga session with Caitlin Klein, a current Davidson student who leads several yoga sessions in Charlotte. Klein encourages participants to look inside themselves, be in tune with their bodies, and to find ways to release the stressors of Davidson College and other aspects of

It is REDvolution Time!

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life. REDvolutioning the Total Body is the first step to impacting the community.

Monday’s events will continue the celebration, as Mel Mendez will lead a CAFÉ 1.9.1.3. discussion on the role of African American communities in global climate change. Following her discussion is the preparation for Upsilon Mu’s groundbreaking as the chapter plants a tree on campus. “Not only do we want to symbolically show that we are rooted here at Davidson, but we want to do our part in giving back to the natural environment,” explains Mendez.

Don’t miss Tuesday’s events as Upsilon Mu participates in the annual Lock Up to Lock Out Domestic Violence event with Campus Safety and the Center For Civic Engagement. This year, Upsilon Mu emphasized the importance of intimate partner violence awareness and prevention. All proceeds of the event will benefit Safe Alliance as “campus celebrities” are bailed out of jail. Join Upsilon Mu for a quick Rape, Aggression, and Defense Course (RAD), as you proactively REDvolutionize your safety.

On Charter Day, March 27th, Upsilon Mu will host two signature programs. Join us as we sell Rita’s Italian Ice Cream by the Union from 2pm-5pm to benefit the Davidson Cornelius Child Development Center. Many may not know that several Charter Members volunteered at the center, establishing a partnership between the organization and our chapter. At 7:13pm, Upsilon Mu will hold its

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This Charlotte native is the last Charter Member to be featured in Upsilon Mu’s Soror in the Spotlight series. This Quiet Storm has certainly taken Davidson by surprise as the President of the Black Student Coalition (BSC), President of the Upsilon Mu chapter, Residence Advisor, former Diversity Coordinating Board Representative, and Bonner Scholar.

“Service is a lifestyle,” says Kaneisha Gaston, who recently became a

Neman Civic Fellow for her commitment to civic engagement. Ms. Gaston seeks to incorporate service into every aspect of her life. It has informed her career choice as well:

“I want to teach. I think that words, teachers, and learning experiences have the power to change minds and upset systems. I want to be a part of that.”

When she isn’t working hard for Upsilon Mu, talking about the BSC, or reading for her English courses, Ms. Gaston is scheming, planning, and implementing new projects. In fact, a great deal of her inspiration comes from members of the chapter.

“I love Upsilon Mu because you get to be around driven, motivated, purposeful women. Being in that type of environment forces you to rise to the occasion. You have to be your full self and we call each other out when we are not doing that!”

(Continued)

Transitions &

Traditions

Being a member of Upsilon Mu as well as Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc. involves keeping traditions and

encouraging each member as she transitions to each new

phase of her life. This section serves to highlight both

aspects by spotlighting recipes, tips, insights, and resources from former members of the Upsilon Mu chapter. Enjoy!

Fact Check with Victoria

Be sure to have your credit report checked to make sure

that your finances are in order. Every year you are entitled to

one free credit report from three major credit bureaus.

I use http://www.annualcreditrepo

rt.com because it is the only government-approved site. Having a good credit score

affects things like your ability to get an apartment, purchase a car, and even get hired for a

job in the future. This is especially important as you

prepare to leave college. For more information of credit

reports, visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov

/articles/0155-free-credit-reports.

Soror in the Spotlight: Kaneisha Gaston ‘13

THANK YOU! The Upsilon Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Pi Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. would like to thank you for your support of the first annual

Crimson and Crème Ball.

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investments such as compostable cups, cutlery, and tableware for its events.

Individual chapter members have taken up the cause as well. Alexa King ’14 is looking for ways to integrate her personal interest in Political Science and Environmental Justice. She hopes to become involved in public policy, ensuring that all communities have access to suitable living environments and encouraging the government to make resource conservation a priority.

Kaneisha Gaston ’13 is laying the groundwork for a business that encouraged both plastics recycling and local artisanship in Ghana. “Growth and development naturally produces new stressors and new challenges in an environment. How do we continue to encourage productivity without compromising the integrity and longevity of the environment?”

Programmatically, CAFÉ 1.9.1.3. traditionally seeks to address the ways in which communities of color have become food desserts, receiving unequal access to the whole foods and local foods movements in the United States. This program engages participants in a critical analysis of this disparity in addition to supporting a local Black-owned business in the process. In 2012, Upsilon Mu received a Green Grant from Davidson College to continue this program.

In 2013, Upsilon Mu showcased its sustainable efforts as a chapter at the Sustainability Fair, spearheaded by Jeff Mittelstadt, Director of Sustainability at Davidson. Invited because Mittelstadt, he wanted to recognize our intentional efforts towards becoming an eco-friendly chapter internally and externally within our community.

This is just the beginning for Upsilon Mu. As we build a better future and build upon our legacy here at Davidson, sustainability will remain an integral part of chapter operations.

December 6th, 2013, Patterson Court gathered to acknowledge the efforts of its community. As a council, Patterson Court “recognizes the unique individuals and organizations and promotes their engagement in the larger community through relationship building, collaborative learning, and the process of self-discovery.”

Upsilon Mu had the honor of participating in this year’s banquet. “We enjoy hearing about the contributions of other organizations. We often don’t realize the impact Patterson Court makes as a whole,” remarked Aminata Dumbuya. The night’s ceremony highlighted the best Patterson Court has to offer by way of fellowship, civic engagement, and constructive development.

Upsilon Mu took home several awards that night including Advisor of the Year, Emerging Leader, and Outstanding Women’s Organization of the Year to name a few. Additionally, Upsilon Mu used that time to make connections and think about inter-Patterson Court partnerships for the coming years.

Building Tomorrow (continued)

Patterson Court Awards 2012

Upsilon Mu members pose for a congratulatory photograph at the awards banquet after receiving Outstanding Women’s Organization of the Year.

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monthly T.U.S.K. Talk series in conjunction with F.L.Y. REDvolutionize the female body by challenging body image stereotypes and negative self-perception. Everyone is welcome! “Although we focus on issues that pertain to women, we want the perspectives of all genders, sexes…anyone” says Katie Ramseur, the brainchild of this event. “We value candid conversation above all.”

As the week draws the a close, the chapter will turn inward, coming together for a Sisterhood Service project with the LEARNWORKS program at Ada Jenkins. “Sisterhood is the core of who we are. Service is the purpose of our Sisterhood. We want to make sure we are making a hands on impact like our organization at-large.” Gaston, the lead for the service project, hopes that the children will learn about art’s ability to inspire change through engaging crafts and reflection.

And if these events were not enough, the chapter will cap off the week with Everybody Zumba! Combining exercise with health tips and nutritious snacks, Upsilon Mu desires to learn about healthy living practices that are fun and easy to implement. Come dance with us as we step, dip, and swing away the stress of a full week and look towards the fruitful productivity of a new season.

Feel free to contact upsilonmudeltas@gmail.com, follow @UpsilonMuDeltas on Twitter, or like events on the chapter Facebook page in order to receive updates on the week’s events. We’d love to see you there!

REDVOLUTIONIZE THE COMMUNITY!

The 15 Degrees of Enlightenment

Erika Morgan Bell

Ashley Nicole Crawford

Leah Monique Davis

Kaneisha LaShay Gaston

Marissa Simone Ghant

Aria Symoné Halliday

Raven Symone Hoskins

Victoria Dominique Jackson

Rachel Lenora Means

Melodie DelSol Mendez

Rayna McKenzie

Tamara Latrice Munroe

Margaret Katherine Ramseur

Natasha Daniella Rivera

Chloé Sunita Woodington

REDvolution Time (continued)

Charter Members of Upsilon Mu

February/ March 2013 Volume II, Issue 5

uPSILON MU P.O. BOX 5180

Davidson, NC, 28035

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a sisterhood of

college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the African American community.

The Sorority was founded January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University, by 22 illustrious

Founders.

www.deltasigmatheta.org

A MOVEMENT NOT A MONUMENT REDvolutionize the Community

Uspilon Mu Deltas upsilonmudeltas@gmail.com @UpsilonMuDeltas