Just how far would you travel to see your sisters?

The Zeta chapter at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

found out the weekend of April 8th, 2011. Over 135 sisters

came from across the nation, including such far away

states as California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida, to cele-

brate the Zeta chapter’s 90th anniversary.

Sisters of six decades were in attendance, including a sister

from 1948, Dr. Betty Schantz, Z 344, who spoke to the

sisters on how the university, and sorority life, has changed

since she was in school. She told how the university

started with just 900 students (there are over 5,500 today)

and Alpha Sigma Tau was the sorority

The Zeta Chapter: 90 Years and Counting!

From the Desk of the National President

WOW! I think that is the most appropriate word to describe the 2011 Officer Academy (OA). It

was an amazing weekend where members discussed the importance of our values in their daily

ritual and made some amazing strides in executing a successful recruitment. But OA is more

than an event, it is an exceptional sisterhood experience. This was a time where I can defi-

nitely say that every sister brought her best to the table.

OA is just one example of the work being done to provide our members with the exceptional

sisterhood they want. Every day board members, volunteer leaders and Headquarters staff are

working to think big and implement the members’ strategic plan. First and foremost, our mem-

bers want to be developed as women, followed by being better recruiters/retainers of mem-

bers. We directly addressed both of these at the 2011 OA and will continue to do so at future

events. With a select attendance of collegians and alumnae advisors, Alpha Sigma Tau met our

members where they needed our assistance, but that was just the beginning…

The Sorority entered into a long-term relationship with The Leadership Institute – Women with

Purpose and unveiled a new four-year membership experience for the women of Alpha Sigma

Tau, which is based on The LI’s leadership competency model and Alpha Sigma Tau core values.

But this was a launch party, and we wanted to kick it up a notch! Our

THE CREST The Alumnae Newsletter of Alpha Sigma Tau ~ Summer 2011

By Vanessa Florence, Zeta, Editor of THE CREST

From the Desk

of the Director

of Alumnae

2

Officer

Academy 2011

3

The Leadership

Institute—

Women with

Purpose

4

Defining Alpha

Sigma Tau

6

“AST”onishing

Alumna:

Chelsea Price,

Alpha Lambda

7

A Sister Who

Was Taken Too

Soon

10

New Do,

Great Cause

11

3 Simple Ways 12

A Real Look at

Volunteering

12

Where Is that

Money Tree?

14

A Chaplain’s

Chat: Ritual

15

Anchored for

Life

16

“Snap-Shot of

Sisterhood:

18

Inside This Issue

~ Continued on page 3 ~

~ Continued on page 5 ~

Dr. Betty Schantz, Zeta’s most seasoned sister, and Kayla

Quinn, Zeta’s newest sister at Zeta’s 90th celebration

I was recently asked to write an

article for Madison Magazine, the

magazine for my alma mater, James

Madison University (JMU). The

theme touched on what spurs peo-

ple to get involved and stay in-

volved in volunteer roles. That arti-

cle got me thinking about why

alumnae volunteer for Alpha Sigma

Tau. Although I took my initiation

vows almost 16 years ago, I con-

tinue to uncover people, places and

things that inspire me to stay in-

volved with Alpha Sigma Tau.

In April 2010 and 2011, I partici-

pated in a very special event at

JMU, the annual Bluestone Society

Induction, which honors alumni

celebrating their 50th class reunion.

It is impressive how many women

(and men) come back to JMU to

visit with their classmates and to

see how the institution has trans-

formed since they were students.

In 2010, there were almost 20 Al-

pha Sigma Taus at the reunion, al-

most a quarter of the total partici-

pants. It was easy to spot them-

they all arrived at the Bluestone

Society banquet with silk yellow

roses!

At this year’s reunion, I met a

founding member of Psi Chapter,

who was initiated in 1944. She

mentioned that she was hoping to

find a good home for her sorority

badge- the same badge that she

wore as a founding member of

the chapter- and subsequently

mailed it to me for safekeeping. I

hope that this badge will find a

home on display in the archives at

the sorority’s National Headquar-

ters one day and while it is under

my care, I will be inspired by the

leadership and dedication displayed

by the young women who founded

the Psi Chapter at JMU almost 70

years ago.

It is exciting to see how Alpha

Sigma Tau is providing inspiration

to our members! The lucky colle-

gians and alumnae who attended

Officer Academy in June went

home with lots of ideas, resources,

and new connections. I am sure

they were inspired by what they

learned about Alpha Sigma Tau’s

new Four Year Membership Devel-

opment Program facilitated by The

Leadership Institute: Women With

Purpose. Recruitment Boot Camp

attendees left with an action plan

for their individual chapters and

new tools they can use to help in-

crease their chapter’s growth po-

tential. From the comments on

Facebook and Twitter and the pho-

tos I’ve seen, there is no doubt that

all of the participants left Indianapo-

lis inspired by what Alpha Sigma

Tau is offering to our members!

I hope that you will continue to

seek and find many sources of in-

spiration for your involvement with

Alpha Sigma Tau.

In sisterhood,

Jamie Jones Miller, Psi

From the Desk of the Director of Alumnae

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 2

Beta Eta Alumnae: Michelle Wirth Davis, Hannah Marks, Kayla Druthoff, Samantha Lyons, Kirsten Reynolds, and Amanda McAllister

These masked bandits of the Baltimore Alum-

nae Chapter are working away at Habitat for

Humanity, ’s National Service Project

members had some great fun and were energized with

the Cupid Shuffle. Reminiscent of Oprah, we had an Al-

pha Sigma Tau’s Favorite Things with each of the com-

petencies introduced and fun gifts associated with each

competency given away. And just like in Oprah’s shows,

we ended with a huge surprise at the end: an Alpha

Sigma Tau service immersion trip to Hawaii! Next May

several Alpha Sigma Tau members will have the oppor-

tunity to soak in the culture and sun of Hawaii all while

serving others!

It is always inspiring to be with our members, to share

our vision for the amazing places we plan to go, but this

weekend, Alpha Sigma Tau took a huge leap forward to

living our visions and making our dreams reality. We will

continue to go in the direction our members have

shouted they want: excellence, intellect, graciousness,

respect and connections!

In your service,

Chris Covington, National President

National Event: Officer Academy 2011

Continued from Page 1: From the Desk of the National President

By Stacey Daniel Fragile, Gamma Mu, Alumna Guest Writer

When you think of Alpha Sigma Tau’s Officers Academy the first

thing to cross your mind is that it is for collegiate chapter offi-

cers only. However, not only were advisors invited during the

weekend of June 17-19 in Indianapolis, Indiana, they were wel-

comed with open arms.

The advisors in attendance participated in various programs

designed to help each individual advisor learn about their spe-

cific communication and confrontation styles. Advisors were

shown how their “style” affects their ability to interact with

the collegians and other professionals. The programs also provided advisors an insight into how the women we

advise view the world and how those views may differ from our own.

Advisors in attendance also were there first hand for the launch of Alpha Sigma Tau's partnership with The Lead-

ership Institute-Women with Purpose. This partnership will enable our collegiate members to receive valuable

leadership skills during all phases of their college years, which will give them a tremendous advantage when they

enter the professional world after college. The training will focus on the eight core competencies of a leader and

how each member can work to bring out the leader in her.

It is always a fun time when you can spend time with your sisters and Officers Academy was no different. To be

in our new “home” of Indianapolis, Indiana made the weekend that much more special.

With the close of Officers Academy 2011, it left me counting the days until Convention 2012 when I can again

spend time with my sisters and learn even more about this wonderful new partnership with the Leadership Insti-

tute.

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 3

The Delta chapter is all smiles about attending Officer Academy

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – The Leadership

Institute – Women with Purpose (The

LI) and Alpha Sigma Tau (AST) Sorority

held the 2011 Officer Academy June

17-19, 2011 in Indianapolis, Ind. The

event unveiled a new partnership be-

tween The LI and AST. In this partner-

ship, The LI will write a four-year

membership program for collegiate

members of AST. This program will be

based on The LI’s leadership compe-

tency model and includes a service

immersion opportunity in Hawaii.

Officer Academy, held at the Hilton

Downtown Indianapolis, hosted chap-

ter presidents and advisors, and re-

cruitment and assistant recruitment

directors from 30 chosen chapters.

The event was in line with AST’s stra-

tegic plan that calls for a focus on

leadership and member development.

“Working directly with The LI, we are

helping each member to define her

future and reach her true leadership

potential by launching an innovative

member engagement program that

shares our values of intellect, excel-

lence, graciousness, respect and con-

nections and fulfills the mission and

vision of Alpha Sigma Tau,” said Chris

Covington, National President of Al-

pha Sigma Tau.

The four-year program is based on

eight competencies great women

leaders possess. To determine those

areas, The LI reviewed competencies

from 11 different organizations and

leadership development authors to

synthesize themes, traits and behaviors

and compiled a wide range of leader-

ship competencies for women to priori-

tize. At the end of the research, 81 to-

tal leadership competencies were inte-

grated into a survey where participants

ranked competencies from very high to

very low, indicating their interest in

learning more about each. The final

eight competencies consist of:

Being genuine

Communicating effectively

Possessing expertise

Striving for personal life balance

Valuing and maintaining relation-

ships

Contributing to society

Being confident

Innovating and managing change.

“The LI’s process for creating curricu-

lum is based on data, trends and re-

search, but it has to be relevant, fun

and engaging as well,” said Erin Correa,

Executive Director of The LI. “We are

thrilled to be partnering with AST to

provide curriculum for their four-year

collegiate member experience.”

Covington states, “We have a vision

that when the women of Alpha Sigma

Tau graduate they will have a comple-

ment of academics, leadership devel-

opment and experiential opportunities

to give them the lead wherever their

journey takes them.”

To that end, AST and The LI took a crea-

tive approach to unveiling each compe-

tency to the sorority women. In the

spirit of Oprah Winfrey’s popular

“Favorite Things” shows, each compe-

tency was accompanied by a related

gift.

“Everyone loves gifts,” said Erin

Fischer, The LI’s Director of Training

Services, “but the real gift is life-long

opportunities through invaluable lead-

ership skills.”

As the event culminated, AST revealed

a final surprise. Reminiscent of Win-

frey’s big Australia announcement,

Covington proclaimed AST will con-

duct a service immersion trip in Ha-

waii in May 2012, the first of its kind

to the AST undergraduate women!

The location was selected not only for

its natural beauty, but its culture, to-

pography and immense opportunities

for the women to contribute to soci-

ety. The women will spend eight days

on the island of Oahu at YMCA Camp

Erdman, perform service and learn

curriculum from The LI, titled Project

Impact. Applicants who demonstrate

the aforementioned eight competen-

cies and are ready to learn and grow

will be considered for this once-in-a-

lifetime trip.

In closing, Covington asserted, “There

are several ways to get engaged with

this new and exciting programming.

We hope [the women of AST] will be

ready for some of the most exciting

times in Alpha Sigma Tau’s history.”

Membership Development: The Leadership Institute—Women With Purpose

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 4

with the highest academic average—a tradition that continues to

this day. The current collegians have earned the highest GPA for

three consecutive semesters among sororities, as well as exceed-

ing the overall campus GPA. Dr. Schantz also described how eve-

ryone had a strict dress code, how ‘proper’ meals were served,

and that the cost for a day student was $100 a semester.

The sisters of the early 70’s were one of the highlights of the

weekend. “You could tell they were Alpha Sigma Taus right away

by their laughter and enthusiasm,” says Linnette Bidelspach, Z 914. Many of these Zeta sisters have not been in con-

tact with each other since they graduated. “Most of us found out that although it was close to 40 years that we have

been apart, it took only seconds to feel at home with each other. That sisterhood bond did not go away,” states Deb

Burris Fralick, Z 636.

Tracy Bond Ciabattoni, Z 927, a past National Council member, spoke on the 1980-

decade sorority experience. It was during her time that naming of family trees began

(mostly named after animals) and the annual Rock-A-Thon for local charities began—

which still happens each spring. It was during Tracy’s collegiate time that Amy

Dupree Brooks, Alpha Xi, was asked to volunteer with the Zeta chapter. That was 25

years ago and she’s still advising today. The Zetas put together a “Thank You” scrap-

book and presented it to her during the luncheon.

“One of the things I enjoyed most about attending the 90th reunion was hearing sto-

ries from the women who joined the Zeta chapter

so many years before I did in 1997,” states Jessica

Snyder, Z 1105. “It was exciting to meet the

women who started some of the our Zeta tradi-

tions.”

During the 2000’s the Zeta chapter fell onto hard

times, having only four active members. All four

of those ladies,

Continued from Page 1: The Zeta Chapter: 90 Years and Counting!

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 5

Above: Beth Fischer Wolford

and Tina Burns Macdavitt show

of their pledge/new member

class paddle from 1990.

Right: Sisters of the class of

1971 & 1972 pose for a picture ~ Continued on page 17 ~

By Stephanie Sanders, Beta Theta, Staff Writer

No matter the distance from her home chapter, an alumna would define Alpha

Sigma Tau through her instinctive moments of active and lively behavior, remind-

ing her that the qualities of a sorority woman do not fade even after college;

rather, they flourish with the cultivation of her beauty and spirit as she ages.

Words like ‘obligation’ and ‘allegiance’ do not exist in a Tau’s vocabulary because

sisterhood is more than just about duty and devotion. Upon entering the emer-

ald and gold gates of AΣT, we engage in a relationship built on faithfulness and trustworthiness.

After collegians from the Beta Theta chapter in San Antonio, Texas asked their local alumnae forum on Facebook

what sparked their interests in AΣT, Eliza Vela Martinez, spring 2002 new member class, said, “I felt at home, and

the girls really made me feel at home . I made wonderful relationships with my sisters, and I will always be at-

tached to my pledge sister, Sarah.” For alumna Marisela Ramirez, spring 2003 new member class, said, “I wanted

to join AΣT and be a sister for life.”

For many, an uncanny sense lingers over the thought that choosing AΣT among other sororities proved to be the

“right” decision for them; in fact, the sorority continues to reward its members in more ways than one long after

they have signed their bid cards.

The vivacity to keep the AΣT close to heart strengthens as the years away from college increase. Alumnae do not

forget AΣT nor do the alumnae want to be forgotten. There is a driving force among this special group of sisters

and it only intensifies after the college years.

Glancing upon old composite photos, an alumna could look at her photos and recall every obstacle that she faced at

that time. Whether it was that semester of love or of tough course loads, she muses over the role sorority played

while undergoing these moments of happiness, sorrow and bittersweet sensation. Sturdy. Unfailing.

Thinking back to the first few weeks of the new member period, an alumna reflects on the times that family and

friends asked her about the new student organization she had just recently joined at her respective university. As a

newly-pinned member, how does one define nearly 100 years, depending on what year you were initiated into the

sisterhood? Facts, of course, are easily attainable; the experience cannot yet be put into words.

Flash forward a few years and reminisce over the senior year of college. It is the final stretch of months leading up

to that last Mother/Daughter Ceremony, that farewell to the Yellow Rose Formal or that surreal moment of Alum-

nae Initiation. How could one encompass the first years of living and learning into an accurate definition?

Now, browsing through her photo albums, she counts the number of sisters standing in her wedding or admires her

sisters asking to see new photos of her baby.

Being a part of an even greater group of Taus redefines the black and white facts learned during a mere six-week

new member period. It puts color and inspiration to the overall picture of what it means to be an Alpha Sigma Tau,

a sorority comprised of lovely women and valued friendships.

Defining Alpha Sigma Tau

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 6

By Chelsea Price, Alpha Lambda,

Alumna Guest Writer

Less than one year ago, I was a firm

believer that everyone looked a tad

bit prettier with some color on

their skin. I am not talking Jersey

Shore orange, but a minor brown

glow seemed to just add something

to a person. Oh, how my opinion

changed when my dermatologist

said two words: “Malignant mela-

noma.”

Maybe I should start at the begin-

ning. I am Chelsea, I recently

turned 24, and I was diagnosed

with malignant melanoma in Febru-

ary. It all started innocently

enough. After feeling an odd scab

on my left shoulder, I had my boy-

friend take a look. He informed me

that my mole was scabbed over

and leaking a clear fluid. Although I

figured I had scratched my back, I

was talked into scheduling an ap-

pointment with a dermatologist.

Upon meeting him, the dermatolo-

gist agreed we should remove the

mole “just to be safe.” The derma-

tologist stressed that he thought I

had nothing to worry about, but

because I was a beach-loving girl,

who happens to be covered in

moles, I should know the possibility

of melanoma. I left the appoint-

ment without a worry in the world.

Ten days later, I’m on the examin-

ing table having my stitches re-

moved when the same dermatolo-

gist strolls into the room. He

wastes no time with silly greetings.

He reads me the pathology report,

but all I hear is “malignant mela-

noma.” I start laughing because I

knew it had to be a cruel joke. The

dermatologist had told me I had no

reason to worry! The nurse touches

my shoulder at the same time my

boyfriend starts rubbing my back

and says, “He would not joke about

this, ma’am.” In walks the head

dermatologist

to help discuss

my situation.

That is when

reality hit me.

This malignant

melanoma was

no joking mat-

ter. When I had

two different

medical head

honcho’s stand-

ing in front of me, listing the next

surgeries, introducing me to an

oncologist, discussing possible ra-

diation, and questioning my desire

for a family, that is when reality

struck me. Melanoma is much

more than “just” skin cancer.

Two weeks after that life changing

appointment, praying was all I

could do on the operating table as I

watched the doctors prepare to cut

me in five separate locations. Be-

cause my melanoma was 1.15 cm

deep, it was necessary to have a

wide excision surgery which is

where the surgeon removes addi-

tional skin surrounding the original

melanoma site. A sentinel lymph

node biopsy was also performed to

see if the cancer has spread to my

lymph nodes. To determine which

areas to operate, a dye was in-

jected. The lymph node basins that

“light up” are the areas where sur-

geons operate. Following in the

“AST”onishing Alumna: Chelsea Price, Alpha Lambda

~ Continued on page 8 ~

“But everyone looks prettier in a

tan,” thought Chelsea prior to her

diagnosis. In her blog she shows

these pictures after her surgery

and states, “Beautiful, huh?

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 7

trend of my recent bad luck, I was

“glowing” in four different areas:

both sides of my neck and both

armpits. When I asked the radiolo-

gist if the surgeon would cut me in

all four lymph node basins, she

kindly replied, “You want him to,

ma’am.”

Although my original melanoma

was on the left side of my body,

the pathology report showed that

the cancer had spread to both sides

of my body, in my left armpit, and

the right side of my neck. When

melanoma is found in your lymph

nodes, it automatically puts you at

Stage III. As stage IV is the final

stage, I knew that statistically this

was horrible news. Advanced mela-

noma survival rates are scary. I am

not going to share the rates be-

cause, quite frankly, they terrify

me. I continue to wonder how I

went from feeling healthy and

fabulous to being a warrior of an

advanced cancer who may or may

not be around in five years. Fright-

ening, yes?

Since realizing the melanoma had

spread to my lymph nodes, I have

established a great relationship

with amazing doctors at Memorial

Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in

New York City. Sure, traveling from

Virginia is expensive and tiring, but

this is my life we are talking about.

I want the best possible treatment

available. There are limited treat-

ment options for advanced mela-

noma patients. My next step was

another crucial surgery where two

surgeons completed a full lymph

node dissection in my left armpit

and the right side of my neck. Al-

though this surgery was ugly and

incredibly painful, it brought good

news. All of my lymph nodes

showed no evidence of melanoma!

Yes, this is great news, but my fight

against melanoma is only begin-

ning.

Not only does melanoma have a

high recurrence rate, it affects

every minute of my life. The emo-

tional roller coaster I am on is ex-

hausting. I went from being a

cheerful social butterfly to being

the girl who cries over a spike in

temperature or a swollen lymph

node. I can never get in the hot tub

again. I have to wear gloves to

wash dishes. If I get a cut, I have to

rush to the doctor for an antibiotic.

Manicures? Those are guilty pleas-

ures from my past. I become frus-

trated easily. I question if I will

have babies. And talk about mood

swings…wow! They are record

breaking. Not only has melanoma

attacked my body, it has attacked

my soul.

Instead of letting melanoma totally

Continued from Page 7: “AST”onishing Alumna: Chelsea Price, Alpha Lambda

TALKING POINTS ABOUT MELA-NOMA/SKIN CANCER PREVALENCE & MORTALITY RATE:

Over one million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, outnum-bering the total number of other can-cers combined

2000% increase in melanoma inci-dence since 1930 with one in 50 being affected

Most common cancer killer of young women, more common than breast cancer in ages 29-34

More than one person dies each hour from melanoma

Advanced melanoma has no effec-tive treatment

THE FORGOTTEN CANCER

Melanoma/skin cancer is the most underfunded of all cancers by federal and private agencies

Early detection makes melanoma highly curable, but it is the least screened for cancer

People find their own melanomas more frequently than doctors do and melanoma detection is not a training requirement for most medical disci-plines

TO AVOID MELANOMA

Seek shade and avoid direct sun during the peak hours of 10AM-4PM

Cover up with protective clothing and use sunscreen lotion

Protect your children and role model sun safe behaviors

Avoid tanning salons: 15 minutes is equal to a whole day’s exposure at the beach

Source: www.melanomaintl.org ~ Continued on page 9 ~

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 8

take a few extra minutes to protect

yourself by lathering up in a mois-

turizer that has sunscreen in it. Say

hello to spray tans instead of tan-

ning beds. Become buddies with a

dermatologist. Be proud to be pale.

Remember that melanoma is so

much more than “just” skin cancer.

As fashion designer Marc Jacobs

says, “Protect the skin you’re in!”

I have heard from a lot of the so-

depress me, I am determined to

embrace this journey with an ener-

getic spirit. I flirt with my doctors. I

write about the good, the bad, and

the ugly. I post horrible pictures of

myself in the hospital with drains

coming out of me. I share my story.

Why do I put all of my information

out there? I am determined to

make others aware of the serious-

ness of melanoma. Sure, we all

want to be beautiful, but had I

been truly informed of melanoma,

maybe I would have worn more

sunscreen and stayed out of the

tanning beds.

Instead, here I am, only 24 years

old, fighting for my life. We are lec-

tured on the importance of check-

ing our breasts for lumps, so

shouldn’t we start examining our

skin as well? With early detection,

melanoma can be easily removed.

In the advanced stages, the cancer

is deadly as the treatment options

are limited. Do yourself a favor—

rority sisters since being diagnosed -

some of the new ladies and some of

the fabulous sisters I already know.

Two of my sorority sisters visited me

during my recent hospital stay in

NYC. Some of the women attended

the fundraising concert we had back

in April. They have been some of my

biggest cheerleaders in the last six

months. I am incredibly grateful for

them. Our chapter advisor has also

been in touch with me. He's such a

nice man. Anyway, between the

cards, the messages, the chocolate

pick-me-ups, the sorority has been

overly supportive. I could never

have imagined the support they have

given me.

Follow Chelsea’s journey through her

“Adventures with My Enemy” blog at

http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/

Continued from Page 8: “AST”onishing Alumna: Chelsea Price, Alpha Lambda

National Headquarters Undergoing Facelift

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 9

Besides building an exceptional sis-

terhood, Alpha Sigma Tau is also

remodeling an exceptional head-

quarters building. Check out of

Facebook fan page, Alpha Sigma Tau

National Sorority, to keep up to

date on all the happenings of our

sisterhood.

By Nicole Gelinas, Gamma Delta, Alumna Guest Writer

Kimberly Jacobsen became a member of Alpha Sigma Tau's Gamma Delta Chap-

ter at UMass Dartmouth in the fall of 2003. We were members of the Iota new

member class. Kim loved every minute of becoming a sister. Like most of us, she

found herself getting excited for philanthropy events, social events, meetings...

all of it. Kim went through the years holding many positions, including Secretary.

She would always put emphasis on her fellow new members and be sure to dis-

tinguish the three of us as her "Iota's." Kim loved the sorority and its impact on

her life so much so that you could find a yellow rose tattooed on her back.

In early 2009, Kim was getting settled into a career and living her post-college

life. She had been having a persistent cough, which she went to the doctors sev-

eral times for. She was treated with antibiotics, but the cough got worse. She

also had night sweats and itching. Kim eventually went for more extensive test-

ing, which revealed that she had Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's Disease, is a form of lymphoma that has a great survival rate. 90%

of people diagnosed live over 10 years. Kim's disease was extremely aggressive. Kim went through extensive che-

motherapy regimens and had some of the best doctors in the world at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham

and Women's Hospital (BWH), both located in Boston. Every last effort was made to get her disease under control

and get her a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

Kim was so unbelievably strong during this year of battling her disease. She kept such a sense of humor about her,

she even had a "crazy wig" party after her first round of chemo was complete. I am an oncology (cancer) nurse at

BWH and was fortunate to be able to go with Kim to a lot of her appointments and see her when she was hospital-

ized. Kim was so selfless. I would walk into her room and the first thing she'd say, through a coughing or itching fit,

is "Hi Iota! How are you?!" in the most enthusiastic way possible. She'd then go on to ask about everyone else, es-

pecially sisters, and leave herself out of the conversation.

In April of 2010, Kim's disease progressed and some of the chemo she had received as a last effort had really taken

a toll on her body. Kim had to have a breathing tube placed be-

cause her lungs were failing and she was put on a ventilator. For

the days following this horrible turn for the worst we sat and

waited and hoped for her recovery. When it became inevitable

that she was not making progress in her breathing and would

not be able to be without this life support, Kim's family knew

she need not suffer anymore.

I updated the Gamma Delta chapter through email about Kim's

status and urged any visitors to come immediately. As soon as

A Sister Who Was Taken Too Soon

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 10

~ Continued on page 11 ~

By Vanessa Florence, Zeta, Editor of THE CREST

This past June Jessica Treneer, Ep-

silon Lambda, donated 12.5 inches

of hair to Locks of Love—and or-

ganization that creates wigs for

patients under the age of 21 that

lose their hair due to medical

treatments.

“Locks of Love is a great cause and

it makes my heart smile knowing that someone who is

having a really hard time is going to be able to pick out

their hair, decide how they want it styled, and can cut,

color, and style to their choosing,” says Jessica.

this update was sent, sisters came rushing in. At one point we had many sisters in the room at one time. We began to

share memories of Kim and her love for Alpha Sigma Tau. We eventually all agreed that it would be nice to recite

some of our sorority’s prayers, including "Footpaths to Peace." It was a surreal moment that was filled with grief as

well as love and a bond that I feel those who aren't part of an organization like this would understand. Ironically the

Relay for Life event was also occurring at UMass Dartmouth that night. The Relay was one of Kim's favorite events.

Kim was honored at the Relay that night through a silent lap, many readings and everyone’s thoughts and prayers. On

April 18, 2010, around 2:00 am, while the Relay was being shut down due to torrential downpours, Kim passed peace-

fully with her family and close friends nearby.

Kim's one-year anniversary passed with much celebration in her memory. The Relay for Life at UMass Dartmouth was

the same weekend as the anniversary of her passing. Again, Kim was honored at this event with a silent lap and read-

ings. The Boston Marathon was the day after her anniversary. I ran the marathon with Leukemia and Lymphoma Soci-

ety in Kim's memory. I was fortunate to be able to raise over $5,200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through

this event. Kim's mother, Deb, led her team "Kim's Angels" in the Relay for Life on June 10, 2011. Kim's battle will

never be forgotten and her memory will live on through

family, friends and SISTERS.

The Gamma Delta chapter recently awarded me with a

new award, fittingly called the Kim Jacobsen Award, at

their Yellow Rose Ball. This award means the world to

me. Knowing that I am compared to a sister who clearly

embodied the spirit of Alpha Sigma Tau is incredible. I will

continue to carry on her legacy as much as I possibly can.

Continued from page 10: A Sister Who Was Taken Too Soon

New Do, Great Cause

This is Jessica’s second time donating her locks—the first

was in August of 2008. “I know how much I love my hair

and thinking about losing my hair (due to medical treat-

ments) really upset me. So I decided

that I was going to donate.”

“Cancer has touched my life through

family members and friends. Some

have won their fight. Others have lost

it. This is my way of giving back just a

little.”

To learn more about Locks for Love,

go to: www.locksforlove.org

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 11

Volunteer with a

Collegiate Chapter

The number one impact

alumnae can make with a collegiate

chapter is by volunteering their

time to be a part of a Chapter Advi-

sory Board. The Chapter Advisory

Board consists of five alumnae po-

sitions: Chapter Advisor, Assistant

Chapter Advisor, New Member Ad-

visor, Recruitment Advisor, and the

Collegiate Chapter Consultant.

There are additional ways to volun-

teer such as assisting with fundrais-

ing, supporting philanthropic ef-

forts, or even organizing large

events such as homecoming and

reunions. You don’t need to volun-

teer at your chapter as there are

many chapters that are in need of

advisory board members.

Join an Alumnae

Chapter or Association

Alpha Sigma Tau just

isn’t for college. If you enjoy such

activities as going to the movies,

volunteeringing for a local philan-

thropy, meeting up for dinner with

girlfriends, or having a girl’s night

at a friends house, then join (or

start up) an alumnae chapter or

association near you. Alpha Sigma

Tau alumnae chapters and associa-

tions are regionally based across

the country from Philadelphia to

Tampa and from Raleigh to Los An-

geles. For a complete listing of

alumnae chapters and associations,

please visit http://

www.alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/

alumnae-association-directory.

Stay Connected

Nationally

One of the greatest

ways you can stay connected and

keep up-to-date is to remit alum-

nae dues of $40. In addition, you’ll

receive THE ANCHOR, the Sorority

magazine published twice a year. It

also assists with running our head-

quarters and providing programs

for both alumnae and collegians.

You can pay your dues by credit

card by going to : http://

store.alphasigmatau.org/alumnae-

dues or by sending payment to Al-

pha Sigma Tau headquarters via

check.

If you are interested or would like

additional information please con-

tact: Allison Bressler at

abressler@alphasigmatau.org

By Stephanie Beers, Zeta, Alumna Guest Writer

Alpha Sigma Tau has many volunteers but a Chapter Ad-

visor is invaluable to its success. These ladies work

closely with the collegians to guide them through deci-

sion making and ensuring that the values of the organiza-

tion are upheld.

A perfect person to ask about “A Real Look” at volunteer-

ing at the chapter level is Amy DuPree Brooks, Alpha Xi.

Amy has served as Chapter Advisor for the Zeta Chapter

since 1986 and began serving as the Chapter Consultant

for the Alpha Xi Chapter in the mid 90s. However, this

wasn’t Amy’s first stint at volunteering in AST. In 1981

Amy served as a Resident Counselor in assisting to es-

tablish the Beta Pi chapter. From there she moved on

to becoming a District President and serving as a Re-

gional Collegiate Coordinator in the1990’s.

Amy states, “I volunteer for Alpha Sigma Tau because I

took my vows literally. I am a member for life.” She

also states that she had excellent advisors who set

great standards, inspiring her to continue within Alpha

Sigma Tau.

Three Simple Ways to Remain “Active” within Alpha Sigma Tau

A Real Look: Being A Chapter Advisor

By Allison Bressler, Alpha Tau, Alumnae and Volunteer Services Coordinator

1 2 3

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 12

~ Continued on page 13 ~

While she loves Alpha Sigma Tau, she also volunteers

extensively with the Eastern Star, works a full time job at

Susquehanna Trailways, and a part-time/fun job of being

a Longaberger consultant. “Being an advisor does take

time and dedication,” says Amy. “But with some time

management and a great

Advisory team, volunteering

at the chapter level won’t

overwhelm your life and

definitely enhances it.”

Amy enjoys being able to

teach new members about

what being an Alpha Sigma

Tau member is all about –

and the benefit that she still

feels like she’s in college

doesn’t hurt. “It’s rewarding

to be able to teach new

members how to ‘pay it for-

ward’ and realize that some

day they will give back to this

organization by becoming

advisors or serving on staff.”

Andrea Dougherty is one of the Zetas influ-

enced by the dedication of Amy and her

teachings of ‘pay it forward’. Andrea cur-

rently serves as the Chapter Advisor for the

Gamma Tau chapter and was previously

was a Chapter Consultant for Zeta. “I

want to show the women not only how to

be an Alpha Sigma Tau during college years

but after graduation as well,” says Andrea. “Alpha

Sigma Tau is more than just your own collegiate chapter,

more than just your friends in college, its nationwide –

every chapter and friends all over the country.” One of

the best things about being an advisor, admits Andrea, is

watching the members mature throughout college and

into their adulthood, careers, and families.

Andrea describes her time as an advisor as a

“challenging, joyful, eye-opening, pleasurable experi-

ence.” She takes advantage of advisor training oppor-

tunities during such events as officer academies

and conventions. “Not only do you get to mingle

with other Alpha Sigma Taus, but you also have

the opportunities to learn from their experiences

and share yours,” states Andrea.

Andrea is not the only Chapter Advisor that be-

lieves that being a Chapter Advisor is a great way

to give back to

Alpha Sigma Tau

as an alumna.

Katie McNulty

has been the

Chapter Advisor

for the Beta Mu

Chapter for four

years, in addition

to serving as a

District Coordi-

nator, a member

of the Awards

Committee, and

President of the

Baltimore Alum-

nae Chapter.

As an advisor,

Katie enjoys as-

sisting the chapter in any way that she can. She states

that includes, “whether it be giving advice, acting as a

liaison, or making sure they are fulfilling their responsi-

bilities as a chapter.” Katie adds, “I want to be a posi-

tive example of fulfilling my

Continued from Page 12: A Real Look: Being A Chapter Advisor

Left: Stephanie Beers and Amy Dupree

at Zeta’s 90th Anniversary celebration

Bottom: Andrea Dougherty (bottom

right) with Gamma Tau collegians during

a 4-hour stalled traffic jam after the

2011 Officer Academy

~ Continued on page 15 ~

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 13

By Lauren Welch, Delta Psi, Staff Writer

Well, this could easily be one of my favorite articles to write, when asked to write about easy ways to save money. I

am your sister who has dreams of counting discounts, cutting coupons and the next big deal. Check out this list of 5

easy and fast ways to start saving money.

Coupons and Discounts. I highly believe that you should never pay

full price for anything. Now, you do not have to be an extreme cou-

pon queen like the TV Show, but when you have a grocery list – look

online or in your newspaper to get discounts on the items you al-

ready purchase. When it comes to diapers (Amazon/Mom), ink car-

tridges (123inkjets) or others – ebates.com, retailmenot.com or a

simple search on the internet can pull up coupon codes or coupons

to print pretty easily. With time, you can find coupons for pretty

much anything you purchase online or out in town! Of course, if you

have AAA, are a member of the military or another discount group –

make sure you ask for discounts on everything.

Budget! Also called a “spending plan”. I know it might sound easy,

but when every dollar has a name and you tell your money where to

go – you have the ability to spend less and save more. Track your spending, check to see exactly where it is going

for a few months. When you budget, see where you spend the most and where you can cut down. For those “quick

spending items” or other large budgeted items, place the budgeted amount in cash in envelopes. When the cash is

gone, it’s gone! This is the biggest, easiest, and sometimes hardest way to save money. Saving more money each

month allows you to save for emergencies, pay down bills and save for vacations, pay those alumnae dues, etc.

Insurances – At least once a year, look for better deals on all insurance premiums by looking into switching provid-

ers or even asking your own provider about what discounts they have. Homeowners or renter’s insurance may have

discounts for such things as installing dead bolts, having fire extinguishers or fire alarms. Check all of the services

(cable, internet, cell phone) that you pay each month and see if they are offering discounts for loyalty, six month

deals, etc. It never hurts to ask!

Holidays and Birthdays! A royal pain to your budget, right? Decide on how much you are going to spend in January

for the year, so when the holiday (especially ones like Christmas) or birthday comes around the money is in the ac-

count and ready to be spent. A good idea that I picked up from a friend (who has seven children!) is to get some-

thing they “want, need, wear, read” and that is it.

Monsters. Not the ones under your children’s bed, but the drinks. The large ugly canned energy drinks that when

bought come from the vending machine, can cost you $90 a month (two a day during the work week), but if you

purchase from the grocery store and bring it to work with you it is around $30 dollars, a 66% savings. This is the

same with specialty coffee, bringing your lunch to work vs. going out every day, etc. The point is, make it at home,

buy in bulk, reuse containers, reuse bags – it all makes a difference.

Where Is That Money Tree?

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 14

By Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi, National Chaplain

When we think of “ritual”, we may think of the sorority’s ritual and what it means to us; how we felt hearing those

words for the first time, and how we felt watching others as a chapter officer or upperclassman. Or the word “ritual”

may conjure up images of a religious service or a wedding.

At the heart of any ritual are the promises we make and the consistency of the ritual service. Ritual is not just limited

to sorority or religion. We make promises in ritual, at a worship service, at a wedding, at a baptism, even at a fu-

neral. But think of the other rituals in our lives:

If you’ve ever been called for jury duty, there is ritual involved. You’re ush-

ered to the jury room and a court official gives you instructions about the rit-

ual to take place in the courtroom. When you’re sworn in, you make promises

to show fair and impartial judgment. While there may be slight variations, the

basics of jury service are the same everywhere.

Maybe the “promises” you make on a flight are nothing more than to sit qui-

etly with your seat belt fastened and to not use your phone until the second

the plane touches down! But anywhere you fly, the “ritual” is still the same.

Think of the security process at the airport, the boarding, the safety instruc-

tions, when the food and drink are served, and the landing. It’s pretty much

all the same, no matter where you fly or in what languages the instructions

are issued.

Our Alpha Sigma Tau ritual is performed by many chapters across this country.

We all use the same words, whether we’re in Pennsylvania or Florida or Texas or Colorado. We all live by the same

values, no matter where we live. We have a consistent ritual that has lasted through generations.

Take time to observe and really pay attention to the “ritual” in your life. It may seem ordinary to you butit is not; the

quotidian ways of our lives can indeed be extraordinary!

Continued from Page 13: A Real Look: Being A Chapter Advisor

Chaplain’s Chat: Ritual

initiation vows after graduation.”

These are only three of the many Chapter Advisors that

Alpha Sigma Tau has. All Chapter Advisors may have a

slight difference in why they have become a Chapter Advi-

sor but the one common reason is to give back and fulfill

the vows we all take the day we are initiated. Alpha

Sigma Tau does actually mean ‘Always Someone There’

and this is proven by all our volunteers but seen the most

through the Chapter Advisors.

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 15

Katie McNulty, fourth from the left, pauses for a picture with the

sisters of Beta Mu at the 2010 Convention

Are You Anchored for Life?

As members, we commit ourselves to the values of Alpha Sigma Tau each day.

Anchored for Life. Paying annual dues anchors alumnae to the greater

alumnae organization.

Anchored for Life is not just a theme or a motto,

it is a mission.

Faithfulness to These Ideals. The Creed serves as a reminder to re-

main faithful to the ideals alumnae promised to uphold during the Initiation

Ritual. Alumnae continue to share in the financial responsibility to ensure

the success of the Sorority and all of its members.

Think on These Things. Did you know that if the annual dues pay-

ment was broken down over a year the amount would be just $3.33/

month? That’s less than a gallon of gasoline!

Alumnae are able to make annual dues payments through their alumnae

chapters/associations. Alumnae can also pay online via credit card at:

http://store.alphasigmatau.org or by mailing a check to the Sorority, including the information listed below.

Mail this completed form to: ☐Annual dues payment ($40.00)

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority ☐Legacy of 1899 Fund _______

3334 Founders Road ☐Educational Set-Aside Fund _______

Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 ☐NPC Leadership Reserve Fund _______

☐Check enclosed

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Member First Name Middle/Maiden Name Last Name

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

School Chapter Grad Year

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Preferred Phone Preferred Email

*Please note this dues payment and any related donations are payable to Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, a 501c7 corporation, and

therefore not tax-deductible by law. For tax-deductible gift options, please consider the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation.

www.alphasigmataufoundation.org

Thank you for staying Anchored for Life!

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 16

Clipart by Erica Greene, Sigma Collegian

Above: Sisters of the class of 1972 pose for a picture; Top Left: The

Zeta Chapter prepares for the 5K Memorial ; Bottom Left: Zetas Amy

Mueller and Beth Fischer-Wolford are ready for the run!

Continued from Page 5: The Zeta Chapter: 90 Years and Counting!

Stephanie Beers (Z 1158), Stephanie Schiebel (Z 1164), Kelly

Yanochko (Z 1165), and Lindsay Lechance (Z 1168) joined in

the celebration and received a standing ovation. “It is so

impressive that those four women were able to turn the entire chapter around,”

says Barb Grant Wetherhold, Z 995. “That is dedication.”

Between the late night chats and stories, the chapter sponsored a 5K walk/run to

raise funds for the Zeta Chapter Dennis Strouse Memorial Scholarship through Al-

pha Sigma Tau’s National Foundation. The Zeta chapter also silent auctioned off

pledge class paddles and scrap books as it became difficult to keep up with 90 years

of memoirs. Also on display were family trees, some dating back to the 25th

grandlittle.

THE CREST, Summer 2011 ~ Page 17

Our Strength, Our Foundation: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

The Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation is vital to Al-

pha Sigma Tau Sorority. It has a 27-year record of re-

sponsible management of bequests, legacies and memo-

rial gifts to perpetuate the goals and dreams of this So-

rority. The Foundation continues to be the steward of

your generous contributions.

In the past year, 2010 – 2011, the Foundation funded

$30,400 in scholarships to collegiate and alumnae

women. The largest scholarship awarded is now the

O’Dell Scholarship which will pay out approximately

$3,325 next year. There are over 61 grants and scholar-

ships that are available not only to collegians, but to

alumnae as well. Scholarship information is published

at Foundation’s website

www.alphasigmataufoundation.org each January.

The Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation does take

donations in honor of a sister’s birthday or special ac-

complishment, in honor of your chapter advisors, your

chapter’s founding anniversary, from individuals –

members and non-members, collegiate chapters, alum-

nae chapters, parents and families, a boyfriend, a

graduating senior class, your friends , and of course,

you!

Please visit our webpage at

www.alphasigmataufoundation.org for information on

ways you can give. Also, join the 1000 other sisters

who are friends of Alpha Sigma Tau National Founda-

tion on Facebook!

3334 Founders Road

Indianapolis, IN 46268

Alpha Sigma Tau

Nat ional Headquarters

Confession: I did not pay my alum-

nae obligations until at least 6 years

after I graduated. I had many reason,

some more legitimate than others.

It was so much easier paying my col-

legiate dues than alumnae ones since I

had less responsibilities to attend to.

Economically, times are tough. I’ve

been there, especially as a young

alumna.

If you cannot pay your obligations

right now, consider saving up $3.33 a

month now so you can be on track for

next year. Perhaps you could even

save a bit more each month and pay

this years and have money ready for

next year too!

Alpha Sigma Tau needs your support.

There is more to being a sister than

just saying you are one (notice I didn’t

use the past tense there).

Taus Forever!

~Vanessa Florence

Editor of THE CREST

From the Desk of the Editor: Was/Am a Sister?

Toll Free: 1.877.505.1899

Local: 317.613.7575

E-mail: headquarters@alphasigmatau.org

Moved? Name Change?

New E-Mail?

Please contact HQ to update your information.

Looking for an

Alumnae Association near you?

Want to volunteer?

Contact HQs Alumnae and Volunteer Services

Coordinator, Allison Bressler, Alpha Tau,

abressler@alphasigmatau.org

Where to Pay Your Alumnae Dues: www.alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/pay-your-alumnae-dues

THE CREST Staff

Editor

Vanessa Florence, Zeta

vflorence@alphasigmatau.org

Staff Writers

Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon

Kirsten Heck, Gamma Pi

Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi

Lauren Welch, Delta Psi

Steph Sanders, Beta Theta

Contributors

Christina Covington, National President

Jamie Jones Miller, Director of Alumnae

Allison Bressler, Alpha Tau

Stacey Daniel Fragile, Gamma Mu

Nicole Gelinas, Gamma Delta

Chelsea Price, Alpha Lambda

Stephanie Beers, Zeta

Andrea Dougherty, Zeta

Jessica Treener Epsilon Lambda

Erica Greene, Sigma

THE CREST reserves the right to accept/deny

submissions and edit for space and clarity.

“Snap-Shot” of Sisterhood

Top Left: Sisters of the Zeta chapter support two of their own who instead of studying,

will be deployed with the US Army reserve; Bottom Left: (L-R) Yolanda Bauer, Sailynn

Doyle, Cindey Thibault, and Joanna Barret, members of the Boston Alumnae Chapter

show off their stylish shoes straight from the bowling alley; Right: Margaret Pollock

Small, Alpha, has her final resting place in the mountains of Baja, Arizona.