F R O M T H E D E S K O F T H E N A T I O N A L P R E S I D E N T I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

C A N D I D A T E S F O R

N A T I O N A L

C O U N C I L

2 - 4

F R O M T H E D E S K

O F T H E D I R E C T O R

O F A L U M N A E

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C O N V E N T I O N 2 0 1 0 7

C O N S T I T U T I O N

R E V I S I O N

P R O P O S A L S

8 - 9

A L E G A C Y S T O R Y 1 0 - 1 1

― A S T ‖ O N I S H I N G

A L U M N A

1 2 - 1 3

A L P H A S I G M A T A U

G O E S T O

W A S H I N G T O N

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C H A P L A I N ‘ S C H A T 1 6

T H I N G S I H A V E

L E A R N E D F R O M A N A L P H A S I G M A T A U

C O N V E N T I O N

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THE CREST

The Alumnae Newsletter of Alpha Sigma Tau

Summer 2010

The Purpose of the Sorority is to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its mem-bers, specifically: ~to develop the character of each member through a study of ethics so that she will show in all her relationships sincerity, honesty, love and understanding; ~to help each member enjoy the cultural advantages in life so that she will know how to select those things which are most worthwhile; and ~to develop in each member the social graces to the extent that she will be able to take her place in life with true dignity and poise.

T H E P U R P O S E O F

A L P H A S I G M A T A U :

I do not believe that the accident of birth

makes people sisters and brothers. It makes

them siblings. Gives them mutuality of parent-

age. Sisterhood and brotherhood are condi-

tions people have to work at. It's a serious

matter. You compromise, you give, you take,

you stand firm, and you're relentless. And it is

an investment. - Maya Angelou

Leadership – this is a key element of Greek life that

distinguishes us from other membership organizations.

As members of Alpha Sigma Tau, we celebrate our

collegiate and alumnae leaders and our leadership,

nationally.

On our campuses, Zeta Tau (Longwood) and Phi

(Southeastern) were selected as Panhellenic Chapters

of the Year for the Greek example they serve to all

students. Beta Epsilon (Shippensburg) has overcome

many obstacles in the past year to become the most

improved chapter on its campus. All are accomplish-

ments to be proud of!

Kimberly Taylor, Alpha Phi, (West Chester) was hon-

ored as a member of the University‘s Legacy of Lead-

ership for her service to the campus. Janet Hanson

Dodson, Iota, (Emporia) was selected as a Trustee to

the National Panhellenic Conference Foundation.

Thank you to these wonderful alumnae who serve as

examples of leadership to our members.

Greek community alumni and student leaders gather

each April to celebrate leadership and give a voice to

students across the United States. Over 400 Greeks

meet in Washington, DC to advocate for affordable

and safe non-profit student housing and for matching

grant funding for fire suppression systems in Greek

housing.

This year Bayley Lesperance, Psi, (James Madison),

Jim Paponetti, Executive Director; Carol Mooney, 1st

Alternate NPC Delegate; Jamie Miller, 2nd Alternate

NPC Delegate, and I met with Senators and Con-

gressmen/women on your behalf. Bayley gave a com-

pelling case for consideration, and we are hopeful for

the co-sponsorship of every US leader with whom

we met. It was amazing to see Alpha Sigma Tau rep-

resented among the best student leaders in the na-

tion. I know we all take great pleasure in Bayley‘s

success.

And among the leaders, we found our Anchors…

Beauty of Spirit . Fulf i l lment of Self .

Exceptional Sisterhood,

Christina Covington, National President,

Happy Anniversary to the Detroit (Northeast Suburbs) Alumnae Chapter for 75 years of Excellence!

7 5 Y E A R S S T R O N G — D E T R O I T A L U M N A E C H A P T E R

During National Convention our leadership for 2010-2012 will be

elected. These astonishing woman have answered the call to serve

and have submitted applications for National Council positions.

Please note that these are all candidates for all positions as of April 30th,

2010. Nominations are now closed—there are no nominations accepted

from the Convention floor. The National Nominations Committee will be

completing interviews and announcing a slate on May 24th. Please see

the National Website for updated information.

Who is eligible to run for National Council?

To be eligible for election to a National Council position, a candi-

date must:

a) Be eligible to serve in the same office again, not to exceed 8 years

of consecutive full appointments in same position (4 complete

terms)

b) Have maintained good standing by appropriate performance in

this or other position(s)

c) Be current with dues, fees and assessments

d) Have completed the application with all required attachments by

the due date

e) Have completed the interview and evaluation process

For a fair and thoughtful leadership selection process, all candidates,

including potential write-in candidates, must complete these eligibil-

ity requirements to be eligible for election or appointment to the

National Council. There are no nominations from the floor for National

Council positions (Standing Rule 22).

Meet the Candidates

TAMARA LEE STEGEHUIS BONIFIELD (Tammy), Beta Xi

‗86: Tammy is seeking a second term on National Council as the

returning National Treasurer. She lives in Livonia, MI and is a mem-

ber of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter. She graduated from Michigan

Technological University with a degree in Accounting. As a colle-

gian, she served as Housing Director, Panhellenic delegate, and was

a convention delegate for two conventions. She served on several

committees and chaired many and also served as President of the

Accounting Sorority. As a member of her alumnae chapter, she has

held positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Panhellenic

Delegate and convention delegate. Outside of Alpha Sigma Tau,

Tammy has held various offices within the Detroit Area Alumnae

Panhellenic as well as positions in various PTAs and the Livonia

PTSA Council. Most recently, she was awarded the Michigan PTA

Member of the Year. Her other awards have included: the Mary

Louise Doyle Panhellenic Award, the Anchor Award, Detroit Pan-

O U R L E A D E R S , O U R F U T U R E …

N A T I O N A L C O U N C I L E L E C T I O N 2 0 1 0

Page 2 T H E C R E S T

hellenic Woman of the Year and alumnae Top Tau. Her previous

National Staff/Committee positions have included serving as Dis-

trict President and Social Growth and Development. Tammy is

currently a Senior Accountant at an accounting and tax service

company. She is also the Accountant Controller for a properties

management company. When asked to explain her desire to hold

the position of National Treasurer for the 2010 – 2012 term, she

stated, ―I feel that I am able to provide experience and dedication

to the organization. I am excited to be able to work toward fulfill-

ing our strategic plan and moving Alpha Sigma Tau into the future.

We have made so much progress and I would like to follow

through and work on implementing the plans.‖

CHRISTINA ANN DUGGAN COVINGTON (Chris), Alpha

Lambda ‘86: Chris is seeking a second term as our National Presi-

dent. She lives in Haymarket, VA and is a member of the Northern

Virginia Alumnae Chapter. She graduated from Radford University

with a degree in Chemistry and is a candidate for a MBA degree

from Simmons College in Boston, MA. As a collegian, she served

as the CPH President, CPH Publicity Chair, Housing Director, and

Assistant of Recruitment. As a member of her alumnae chapter,

she has served as President, Treasurer, and Recruitment Chair.

Outside of Alpha Sigma Tau, Chris has been involved with the Jun-

ior League of Northern Virginia by serving as their Parliamentarian

(a board position), chairing their Children‘s Event (The Enchanted

Forest), serving as their Provisional Advisor, and currently serving

as a regular Parliamentarian. Chris was recently recognized by

HazingPrevention.org with their Anti-Hazing Hero Award. Her

other awards have included: the Ada A. Norton Award, several

Yellow Rose Awards, Alumnae Chapter Top Tau (two consecutive

years), and the Junior League of Northern Virginia Hartman Award

for Service. Her previous National Staff/Committee positions have

included serving as Director of Fraternity Programs, Awards Coor-

dinator, National Nominations Coordinator, Director of Collegiate

Chapters, NPC 3rd Alternate Delegate, Collegiate Expansion Co-

―Leadership is not magnetic personality—

that can just as well be a glib tongue.

It is not "making friends and influencing people"—that is flattery.

Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights,

the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard,

the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.‖

~Peter F. Drucker,

writer and consultant specializing in strategy and policy for businesses

and social sector organizations

~Our Leaders, Our Future Story continued on page 3 ~

ordinator, Director of Extension, National Secretary, Iota District

President, and serving on many committees. She has held positions

as a Marketing Associate for the largest investment consulting firm

to non-profit institutions in the U.S. as well as a Research Assistant

for a top MBA program at Dartmouth College. Chris explained

her desire to continue her role as our National President by stat-

ing, ―As the National President, it is my sincere desire to lead the

Sorority in fulfilling its potential with guidance and support from

our diverse membership. Alpha Sigma Tau is uniquely positioned at

this time to expand services and positively impact its members,

guided by our principles.‖

MICHELE LYNN HUJARSKI GOLOB (Shel), Delta Alpha ‘95:

Michele is seeking her first full term as the Director of Collegiate

Chapters. She lives in Maple Heights, OH and is working to start

the Cleveland Hope Group. Michele was a Pre-Pharmacy major at

Gannon University and received her Doctorate of Pharmacy in

Pharmacy Management from Duquesne University. She is the Re-

gional Pharmacy Supervisor for an Ohio-

based drugstore chain. As a collegian,

Michele chaired the following commit-

tees: Ritual, Courtesy and Etiquette, and

served as the New Member Director.

She is currently a member of the follow-

ing organizations: AFA, APhA, and OPA.

Her previous National Staff/Committee positions have included

serving as the Sigma District President, member of the Headquar-

ters Relocation Evaluation Committee, and Assistant Chapter Ad-

viser for Beta Delta. When asked to explain her desire to hold the

position of Director of Collegiate Chapters for the 2010 – 2012

term, Michele stated, ―I have just begun to understand the needs of

the collegiate chapters on a broader level and would like the op-

portunity to continue to support them, especially as the organiza-

tion moves forward with the strategic plan.‖

JAMIE JONES MILLER, Psi ‘95: Jamie is seeking a second full

term as the Director of Alumnae, having begun her role as the DA

in February 2007. She lives in Vienna, VA and is a member of the

Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter. She was an International

Affairs/Latin America/Spanish major at James Madison University.

She has been the Legislative Director to two different members of

Congress since December 2004. As a collegian, she served as

Chapter Treasurer, Collegiate-Alumnae Liaison, Intramurals Chair,

and served on the Recruitment Committee, as well as a member of

the Varsity Women‘s Basketball Team, served on the Alcohol Pol-

icy Review Committee, and the Greek Week Steering Committee.

… C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 2 … O U R L E A D E R S , O U R F U T U R E

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As an alumnae member, she has served as Chapter Historian and

received the Mary Louise Doyle Panhellenic Award. She is involved

with the NPC Delegation and has held several key positions: she is

currently an NPC Area Advisor, Chair of the NPC Public Relations

Committee, and most recently, served as the NPC Senior Release

Figure Specialist, and Chaired the NPC Government Relations

Committee. She is currently the President-Elect of the James

Madison University Alumni Association Board of Directors of

which she has been a member for the past five years. Her other

current memberships include: the Association of Fraternity Advi-

sors, the Capital Fraternal Caucus, and the Congressional Legisla-

tive Staff Association. Jamie‘s previous National Staff/Committee

positions have included serving as a Traveling Counselor, serving as

the NPC 1st and 2nd Alternate Delegates over the course of the

past 10 years, as well as serving as the Assistant Chapter Adviser

for Psi Chapter for almost 10 years. Her recent Committee

Chairmanships have been leading the Hardware/Software Analysis

Committee and the Headquarters Location Evaluation Committee.

She recently served on the Governing

Documents Review Committee and the

Minutes Review Committee. Jamie

looks forward to continuing her role as

the Director of Alumnae and states,

―There is a lot of work to be done to

deliver on the goals outlined in the Stra-

tegic Plan. If elected to another term as

Director of Alumnae, I would work with my colleagues on the

Council, volunteers, and staff to ensure that the Strategic Plan is

executed, evaluated regularly, and communicated to the member-

ship.‖

SHELLY ANDREA MARIE REDMOND, Delta Kappa Colony/

Psi ‘06: Shelly is seeking her first full term as National Vice Presi-

dent after her appointment in this position in March 2009. She

majored in Nutrition and Dietetics at Nicholls State University and

received her Masters in Nutrition from Louisiana Tech University.

She is a consultant in media relations for nutrition and lifestyle

issues and is also a Nutrition Therapist with a concentration on

eating disorders, binge eating, and wellness. Shelly lives in Shreve-

port, LA. As a collegian, she served as Colony President, Recruit-

ment Chair, Student Programming – Special Events Coordinator, as

well as serving as an RA, she was also involved in Student Govern-

ment and was an Orientation Leader.. As an alumna, outside of

AST, she is a member of the Shreveport/Bossier Alumnae Organi-

zation, has led warm ups for the Susan Komen Race for the Cure

for six

People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses,

or the problems of modern society.

~Vince Lombardi

~Our Leaders, Our Future Story continued on page 4 ~

years, and has provided various health presentations for the Susan

Komen/American Heart Association for six years. The previous

National Staff/Committee position Shelly held was Alumnae Expan-

sion Coordinator. Shelly has several major goals in her role as Na-

tional Vice President but she says, ―The goal I value the most as

National Vice President is to plan and execute an affordable, yet

effective convention for our entire membership (collegians and

alumnae). Plan by asking members what they want; but also to work

with the strategic plan of our members to execute a convention

based on the findings of the strategic plan.‖

TIFFANY KATHLEEN STREET, Delta Mu ‘98: Tiffany is seek-

ing a second term as our National Secretary. She majored in Biology

at Cumberland University and received her Masters in Nursing from

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Tiffany lives in Houston,

TX and is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Vascular Surgery at a

major Houston hospital. As a collegian, she served as the Delta Mu

Chapter President and CPH President while also serving as Student

Body Secretary, a Student Ambassador, and Captain of the Varsity

Tennis Team. As an alumna, outside of Alpha Sigma Tau, Tiffany has

served as Vice President of the Cumberland University Alumni

Board and is currently a volunteer for Dress for Success of Hous-

ton. Her previous National Staff/Committee positions have included

serving as National Colony Adviser, Director of Extension, and

Chair of the Headquarters Transition Committee. Tiffany has sev-

eral major goals in her role as National Secretary with her first goal

being the ongoing transition of the CEP to an online reporting proc-

ess. Tiffany states that, ―When seeking election to the position of

National Secretary in 2008, one of my goals was to evaluate the CEP

reporting process. Over the past two years, the CEP process has

been streamlined in attempts to reduce the workload of the colle-

giate chapter and provide the National Organization with the appro-

priate data and information. The CEP reports are available to the

collegiate chapters via an online resource to eliminate paperwork

and postage for the collegiate chapters. This online resource has

provided the National Council and Staff the ability to access the CEP

reports from their own computer at any time to provide efficient

support to the collegiate chapters. While these changes have been

put into action, there is still work to be done. I was appointed to

serve on the Hardware/Software Analysis Committee to investigate

options for an online database which would allow for an online re-

porting system as well. This is a goal that I would like to see through

to completion.‖

KRISTIN MARIE WALKER, Alpha Lambda ‘00: Kristin is seek-

ing her first full term as the Director of Fraternity Programs. She

lives in Bowie, MD and is a member of the Northern Virginia

Alumnae Chapter. She is an English, Math, Freshmen Seminar, and

Dance teacher at an middle and upper school in MD. She majored

in English, Dance, and Secondary Education at Radford University.

As a collegiate, Kristin served as Chapter President, Recruitment

Director, New Member Director, 50th Anniversary Co-Chair, His-

torian, Airbands Coordinator, and Assistant New Member Direc-

tor as well as serving as the Residence Hall Secretary, member of

the Radford University Rockers Dance Team, Orientation Assis-

tant, Writing Center Tutor, Peer Instructor for UNIV 100, and

volunteering for the Beans and Rice after school program. As a

member of her alumnae chapter, she has served as President, Vice-

President, Membership Coordinator, Collegiate-Alumnae Liaison,

and Editor. Outside of Alpha Sigma Tau, she volunteers at Habitat

Restore once a year, organized The Heifer Project, has been in-

volved with Gift Wrap for Juvenile Diabetes for three consecutive

Decembers, Adopt-a-Family at school for four years, organized

canned food drives at school for four years, has been the sponsor

for Campus Clean-up for three consecutive Aprils, participated in

Holiday Cards for Senior Citizens, and most recently, was the

faculty head for Haiti Relief in January 2010. Kristin has been

named Top Tau by her alumnae chapter twice in three years and

Convention Alumnae Top Tau in 2008. She also received a regis-

tration scholarship to IFI awarded by the Order of Omega. Kristin

is also the recipient of the Faculty Spotlight Award from her

school. Her previous National Staff/Committee positions have

included serving as Coordinator of the Nominations (Non-

Advisory) Committee, Iota District President, Rho District Presi-

dent, and Membership Development Coordinator. Kristin ex-

plained her desire to continue as the Director of Fraternity Pro-

grams by stating, ―After serving in this position for over a year

now, I‘m confident that my knowledge and experiences still make

me relevant to this position that is a strategic area of focus for the

organization. With attending the Association of Fraternity/Sorority

Advisors Annual meeting for the last three years combined with

representing Alpha Sigma Tau at the AFA Virginia Drive-In Confer-

ence for the last two years, I thrive on learning what the trends are

in the fraternity/sorority relevance movement in order to ensure

we are providing the latest and most relevant programming for our

members in every area of the fraternity programs area.‖

We currently do not have candidates for the positions of:

Director of Extension and Director of Publications

Respectfully submitted,

Yolanda Bauer, Member, Nominations Committee

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Page 4 T H E C R E S T

As we approach the National Convention in Birmingham, Alabama this June, Alpha Sigma Tau

will once again select women from its membership to fill the volunteer positions within the

Sorority. Please take a moment to consider how you would like to serve your Sisterhood.

Being a National volunteer is a most rewarding experience. As a representative of Alpha

Sigma Tau, you would work closely with a variety of amazing women access the United States

making an impact on individuals, chapters, Alpha Sigma Tau, and the Greek community as a

whole. Within Alpha Sigma Tau, you will have the opportunity to become one of our trained

volunteers and have the chance to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others. You

will become familiar with how the Sorority operates on a National level and represent the

Sorority in an official capacity. You can shape Alpha Sigma Tau‘s future by participating in

Conventions, RLWs, and Officer Academies. Finally, as a National volunteer, you‘ll develop a

national network of personal and professional contacts.

Of course, there are always ample opportunities to help at the local level too. Every chapter needs an Adviser, Assistant Adviser, Recruit-

ment Adviser, New Member Adviser, and District President, just to name a few!

If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact the National Nominations Committee at nominations@alphasigmatau.org.

By Lauren Welch, Delta Psi, Staff Writer

February 19th 2010-- I enjoy food, music and looking back at all of our scrapbooks with fellow advisors and current collegiate of the chap-

ter I helped found with 16 other women just 5 years earlier on February 19th, 2005. What an amazing time to sit back and congratulate all

the women who contributed to the growth and success of this chapter. I truly see this as the ultimate return on investment!

In this spirit, it was appropriate to reflect on how alumnae can give back positively to their roots. For all of the alumnae looking to go

back and visit or assist your collegiate chapter or another chapter in your area, here are some ideas of how you can assist in growing and

strengthening that chapter, while still allowing them to take ownership.

Help with a particular event or an area in which you have experience or educa-

tion: publicity, marketing, editing of press releases or articles, writing of bylaws,

membership growth & development events, event or risk management.

Take a position on the Advisory board.

Assist in leading rituals including alumnae inductions and initiations as an extra set

of hands or to give ideas.

If an alumnae association is not formed locally, start one! The collegiate chapter

would benefit from a group of alumnae support.

As stated above, we remember how nervous and scared we were (especially when starting a chapter!) to make sure we did every-

thing right; followed the rules and set ourselves up for success – simple support and words of encouragement at events or meetings

goes a long way!

If it is your chapter you are visiting, teach the chapter about its history! For the historical file and scrapbook and to educate the

women about the successes and hardships; this will help with their growth as well.

If nothing else, ask them! Go to a meeting and see what they, as a chapter, need the most.

For a list of collegiate chapters in your area, go to www.alphasigmatau.org.

B E C O M I N G A S O R O R I T Y V O L U N T E E R

H E L P I N G O U T A C O L L E G I A T E C H A P T E R A S A N A L U M N A

Page 5 S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

Past and current Advisors of Delta Psi

Page 6 T H E C R E S T

W E L C O M E N E W A L U M N A E ! W E N E E D Y O U !

So, you thought the sorority was just for your college years? Think again! The fun has just

begun!! While you will most definitely keep in touch with sisters from your home chapter,

don‘t forget about the thousands of other sisters whom you have yet to meet!

As you settle in to your new job and life, these long-lost sisters can help. They may be able

to guide you into a neighborhood to live, help show you the nightlife of your new city, or

even just be there as a friend to talk with (something especially great when you don‘t know

anyone where you have moved to!).

Alumnae organizations are much less structured than collegiate chapters. Alumnae tend to

meet monthly or quarterly in relaxed, social atmosphere typically at someone‘s home or a

restaurant. There is even an Alumnae Club that meets virtually, so no excuses!

Although alumnae associations try, it is difficult for them to locate new members that move

into their area. So, don‘t be shy—pick up your cell phone, zap out an e-mail, or stalk

through Facebook and find an alumnae group to join. And if there isn‘t one in your area,

create one! It only takes one person to get something great going.

F R O M T H E D E S K O F T H E D I R E C T O R O F A L U M N A E

Dear Alumna:

The 2009-2010 fiscal year was an exciting time for Alpha Sigma Tau! You may have heard about several new initiatives:

Developed the Alpha Sigma Tau Strategic Plan

Hired the first Executive Director of Alpha Sigma Tau

Purchased a new Alpha Sigma Tau National Headquarters facility on Founder‘s Road in

Indianapolis, IN

Launched the official Alpha Sigma Tau Facebook application

www.alphasigmatauconnect.org

Conducted multiple surveys of alumnae and collegiate members about Sorority

operations

Published the 2010 Alpha Sigma Tau Alumnae Directory

Published the 2010 National Council Quarterly Reports

(available online at www.alphasigmatau.org)

What‘s in store for Alpha Sigma Tau in 2010-2011?

The National Headquarters in Indianapolis will be fully staffed and operational this sum-

mer at 3334 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268

Implementation of the Alpha Sigma Tau Strategic Plan

Implementation of a new database and data management system at Headquarters to

include a member portal

A new edition of THE ANCHOR will be published for Spring/Summer 2010

Birmingham, Alabama will host the 2010 Alpha Sigma Tau National Convention

June 23-27, 2010

Please let me know how I can be of service to you or your alumnae association this spring

and summer!

Jamie Jones Miller, Psi Director of Alumnae jmiller@alphasigmatau.org

From Top to Bottom: (1)Southeast Louisiana

sisters don their hats for a fellow sister’s bridal

shower; (2) You can find a sister anywhere.

Last year four sisters who lived in Germany met

up for a Tau Weekend in the Rhine River city

of Bad Durkheim, Germany; (3) Alpha Sigma

Taus living in Central Pennsylvania meet up for

an evening out; (4) Sisters of Gamma Chi cele-

brate their graduation last year.

REGISTER ON-LINE:

www.regonline.com/2010_convention_819754

WHERE: Sheraton-Birmingham, Alabama

WHEN: Wednesday, June 23rd—Saturday, June 26th

LODGING PRICE: $145/night plus tax (add $15/day for parking)

FULL TIME REGISTRATION FEE: $400 for alumnae (please bring

additional cash; some meals are not included)

YELLOW ROSE ONLY: $75

CONVENTION PHILANTHROPY: RONALD MCDONALD CHARITIES OF ALABAMA

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama offers a ―home-away-from-home‖ for families

who travel to the Birmingham Children‘s Hospital and have a child staying in the hospital for care.

Over 75% of the children in Alabama and their families must travel to receive appropriate pediatric

care. The average stay at the Ronald McDonald House is 13 days (almost 2 weeks away from

home!) and approximately 16% of stays are over 3 weeks!

Please visit http://www.rmhca.org for more information about the Ronald McDonald Charities of

Alabama.

This convention Alpha Sigma Tau will provide guests at the Ronald McDonald House with welcome

baskets to ease the stress of being away from home for so long. During convention, sisters will

work interactively in small groups to create these baskets with the donations brought by the Sis-

terhood. The goal this year is to donate 75 completed baskets to Ronald McDonald House Chari-

ties of Alabama!

Here are some suggested items to donate:

Flying: travel toiletries, soaps, bath loofas, new teddy bears, puzzle books (to do in the waiting

room at hospital), small picture frames, non-perishable food items like hard candy, ribbon, pre-made welcome and get-well cards from

sisters, tissue paper in green and gold, construction paper, stickers, and other small items that can fit in luggage.

Driving: baskets (ask each member from your group to donate at least 1 basket), larger items like full size shampoo and soaps, candles,

craft items made by members, candy and other food items, journals, pens, coloring books and crayons for child in the hospital, ribbon,

markers, construction paper, cellophane paper, and other appropriate crafts and items for the families

If you have any questions please contact the National Philanthropy Coordinator, Sara Brown, Gamma Pi, at sbrown@alphasigmatau.org

G E T R E A D Y F O R F U N ! C O N V E N T I O N 2 0 1 0 : B I R M I N G H A M , A L A B A M A

Page 7 S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

K E E P I N G I N T U N E : B L E S T B E T H E T I E T H A T B I N D S

Submitted by Kelli O’Brien, Delta Eta, National Music Coordinator

Each year, chapters, alumnae associations, and individual alumnae create and submit their own Alpha Sigma Tau songs to compete for the

National Song Award. The winners will have their original creations performed at our National Convention! There are three categories -

sorority-themed chants, songs with borrowed music and original lyrics, and songs with original music and lyrics- from which to choose, so

there‘s something for everybody!

“ Blest be the tie that binds; Our hearts in worldwide love; The fellowship of kindred minds; Is like to that above. “

C O N S T I T U T I O N R E V I S I O N P R O P O S A L

H O T T O P I C S

Here are some of the Hot Topics for this year‘s Constitution Revision Proposals. For more detailed

information, please go to the Officer Resources section of the Alpha Sigma Tau website.

Page 8 T H E C R E S T

Resolution

#

Topic

What this effects (related resolution in parentheses)

1 Clarification of duties of

Director of Expansion &

Director of Publications

Changes ―appoints‖ to ―supervises‖ Area Expansion Representatives and Chapter CREST Edi-

tors

3 Badges Adds National Council Ring to Constitution, currently under Standing Rule (#4)

4 Official Sorority Jewelry Clarifies Standing Rule #7 on National Council Ring (#3)

5 Role of Immediate Past

National President

Deletes role as members of National Council (#27)

6 Authority of National

Council

Provides sole power of running the Sorority to National Council

7-8 Assistants to National

Staff

Adds New Member Adviser and Recruitment Adviser; Deletions of Area Expansion Representa-

tives and Chapter CREST Editor/Collegiate Chapters

9 National Conventions Changes National Convention from every 2 year to every 3 years (#10, 11)

10 Terms of Office Changes terms from 2 years to 3 years – not to exceed 3 full terms in same position (#9, 11)

11 Terms of Office Changes maximum time in position from 8 years to 6 years (#9, 10)

12 Changes in Fees and Col-

legiate Dues

Adds ―unless otherwise indicated‖ to The collegiate chapters will be notified of any approved

changes in the assessment amount sixty (60) days prior to the end of the fiscal year; also in-

creases collegiate fees by $5 through 2021 (totaling $50 increase)

13, 14,

15, 16,

17, 18

National Dues, Fees, and

Assessments

Add the following fees: Reinstatement, Returned Check, Office Expense Assessment, Risk Man-

agement Assessment, National Event Registration Assessment, Endowment Assessment

19.1 National Advisory Board Eliminates National Advisory Board

19.2 Board of Trustees Eliminates Board of Trustees (#20-21)

20-21 Board of Trustees Clarifies composition of trustees membership and purpose (#19.2)

22 Endowment Fund Sets regular standard of donation vs. open donation amount

23 Publications Establishes Alpha Sig-Nal as official sorority newsletter and its recipients

24 President‘s Badge Clarifies description of badge and ownership of badge

25.1,

25.2

National Council Adds National Panhellenic Delegate to National Council as voting member thus eliminating need

for invite from National Secretary (#28)

26 Constitution Revisions Standing rules can only be adopted, changed, or eliminated during National Convention

27 Duties of Immediate Past

National President

Clarifies duties on the National Council (#5)

28 Sorority Jewelry Adds National Panhellenic Badge (topaz in pin points) (# 25.1, 25.2)

29 Installation of National

Council

Clarifies National ―Officer‖ to ―Council‖

30 National Council Clarifies Council; changes ―Director of Expansion‖ to ―Director of Extension‖ (#32)

31 Voting Add all qualified voters must be initiated members of Alpha Sigma Tau

~Revision Story continued on page 9 ~

Are you planning to attend Convention 2010?

Convention is an ideal way to experience ―Sailing Into Excellence.‖ Participate in the deep-rooted traditions and rituals of Alpha Sigma Tau

as they set the mood for business in the midst of an environment of work and fun. Set aside June 23 – June 27 and allow the ―Convention

Experience‖ to become a wonderful Sorority memory.

This convention there are many important constitutional revisions for one to review.

Some are easier to render decisions on than others, but all are of equal importance.

Take the time to review all sides of an issue before rendering an opinion or vote.

This way you, as well as the Trustees, can continue to ―preserve the ideals and stan-

dards of Alpha Sigma Tau.‖

Will you come to convention? We want to meet you!

Bobbie Nichols Tucker Mary Ellen Willmitch

Patricia L. Nayle Mary Glor Bolton Martha Drouyor DeCamp

trustees@alphasigmatau.org

F I D E L I T Y T O P U R P O S E : C O N V E N T I O N 2 0 1 0

Page 9 S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

Resolution

#

Topic

What this effects (related resolution in parentheses)

32 National Staff Changes ―National Colony Adviser‖ to ―National Colony Educator‖; Changes ―Collegiate

Expansion Coordinator‖ to ―Collegiate Extension Coordinator‖ (#30)

33 National Staff Deletion of Resident Counselor and Traveling Counselor; Adds ―Educational Consult-

ant‖ (employed) (#34)

34 National Staff Adds description of Educational Consultant (#33)

35,36, 37 National Staff Changes Resident Counselor and Traveling Counselor from Assistants to National Staff

to National Staff, defines roles of each

38 Constitution and Bylaws Publishing Constitution and Bylaws within 3 months of convention approval; within any

new or revised Standing Rule within 2 months of any NC meeting/conference call in

which they were approved (#39, 40)

39-40 Distribution of Convention &

National Council Minutes

Establishes procedure for distribution of Convention and National Council minutes

( #38)

41,42,44, 45,

46, 47

National Council Selection Changes time frame to apply for National Council positions

43 Reporting Nominations in-

formation to National Coun-

cil

Establishes procedure to support autonomy of nominations committee

48 Term end for Nominations

Committee

Rectifies conflict between Constitution and Standing rule

49, 50, 51,

52, 53, 54,

55, 56, 57,

58, 59, 60, 61

Nominations Committee –

Non Advisory

Expand Nominations Committee to include elected members as well as appointed

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 8 …

C O N S T I T U T I O N R E V I S I O N P R O P O S A L H O T T O P I C S

Page 10 T H E C R E S T

T H E P E A R L S T H A T C O N N E C T T H E P A S T A N D P R E S E N T ,

A L E G A C Y S T O R Y

By Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon, Staff Writer

There are six women of Alpha Sigma Tau that are

more than just ―sisters,‖ they are mothers and

daughters. Legacies Rachel Bourgeois ‗09, Meggy

Worth ‗11, and Margaret ―Maggie‖ Rownd ‗12

have all admired the bonds of sisterhood their

mothers experienced as devoted members and

best friends of the Phi Chapter at Southeastern

Louisiana University, and 30 years after their moth-

ers were collegians, they each joined the Phi Chap-

ter.

This unique legacy story of three sisters from 30

years ago, and their daughters, demonstrates just

how strong the close bonds of sisterhood are and

the impact Alpha Sigma Tau has on each generation. The Phi Chapter recently celebrated their 70th Founder‘s Day Celebration and while we

all know the bonds of sisterhood are like no other, these six women really are intertwined for life.

Jill Hite Worth '80 and Meggy Worth „11

While Meggy was growing up, she remembers her mom talking about Alpha Sigma Tau a

lot. ―She showed me pictures of their Greek Weeks and formals,‖ remembers Meggy. ―She

always talked about how much fun she had.‖

But when Jill would talk about her wedding, Meggy was struck by how she described her

sisters supporting her and standing by her side. Meggy still gets chills when she sees her

mother and her sisters from college get together after long periods of time.

―It just amazes me the way they don't see each other for months or even years at a time,

and the second they reunite is like they just saw each other yesterday,‖ says Meggy. ―I

know that one day that will be me and my sisters.‖

In Meggy‘s senior year of high school, Jill‘s mother passed away and several of her sorority sisters came to the funeral. ―I believe it was times

like these that helped Meggy to choose Alpha Sigma Tau,‖ says Jill.

―When I saw mom‘s sisters show up for my grandmother‘s

funeral, I wanted to have life long friends like that,‖ recalls

Meggy. ―I saw how much each sister cared about each other

and how close they were, and I knew I wanted to be a part of

it‖

Jill encouraged Meggy to go through recruitment her freshman

year so she could meet new people and make friends, but

Meggy had no intentions of joining Alpha Sigma Tau just be-

cause of her mom.

While Meggy was going through recruitment, she called her

mother nightly to fill her in on the day‘s activities. But ―Momma

Jill‖ (as she is referred

to by the collegians in

Jill’s Wedding, complete with Ann and Rita—

All her bridesmaids were Alpha Sigma Taus, except for one cousin. ~Legacy Story continued on page 11 ~

Page 11 S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

the chapter) decided from the beginning to not offer her opinion and let the decision to join Alpha Sigma Tau be Meggy‘s.

Meggy soon realized Alpha Sigma Tau is where she wanted to be and on her first mother/daughter day, the Phi Chapter had a ceremony for

all of their mothers where the collegians pinned their mothers with the mother's pin.

―When I pinned my mom, it was different for me because I pinned her knowing that she is not only my mother but also my sister,‖ says

Meggy. ―Not many people can actually say that they are mother and daughter and also sisters for life.‖

Rita Anne Bertolino '78 and Rachel Bourgeois „09

―Rachel has heard me speak of my sorority sisters and experiences through the years and has

met many of my sisters from the past,‖ says mother Rita. ―She realized that these ladies are

my lifelong friends, and our relationships are different from other friends.‖

Growing up, Rita‘s love for yellow roses, pearls, anchors, and her badge sparked Rachel‘s

interest. Rachel always had a set of pearls to wear and gave her mother yellow roses on

Mother‘s Day. But after Rachel told Rita she had decided to not complete formal recruitment

following Hurricane Katrina, Rita was surprised when they joined together for dinner one

night and Rachel unzipped her jacket, revealing a green and gold shirt with the letters she had

cherished so much.

―I could not believe my eyes,‖ remembers Rita. ―All I could do was cry and embrace her.‖

―If my mom hadn't been AST, I probably would have never considered Greek Life at all,‖ confesses Rachel, a current Educational Consultant

for the sorority. The passion Rachel has for the sorority is natural for her, she says, but the motivation to push the chapter forward, ―a cut

above and a step‖ ahead, Rachel credits her mother for.

―When my mom was a collegiate member, the chapter was strong and overflowing with members,‖ says Rachel. ―I wanted AST to thrive in

the present like it had in the past.‖

―Personally I think Rachel is one of the many excellent role models for Alpha Sigma Tau,‖ boasts Rita. ―I cannot always be by her side and in

every part of her life but AST is a common bond that we share and we know is rare. It is a precious bond, just like the pearl. We will always

be bonded and share our love and dedication to Alpha Sigma Tau.‖

Ann Wainwright Rownd '78 and Margaret “Maggie” Rownd „12

Maggie‘s childhood memories of her mom‘s sisters (―Ms. Rita‖ and ―Ms. Jill‖) visiting

their home, looking at old photographs, and hearing stories about their collegiate days,

compelled her to love AST before she was even interested in joining a sorority.

―Maggie decided to begin her first semester concentrating strictly on academics and

her part-time jobs,‖ explains Ann. ―But she quickly realized she was not feeling ‗a part‘

of campus life.‖

―In November of 2008, Meggy (Worth) invited me to AST‘s COR [Recruitment

Event], and after meeting the women, I fell in love,‖ says Maggie. ―It truly just felt right,

so I signed my bid as quickly as I could!‖

After she was welcomed with open arms, says Ann, she blossomed into an active and

dedicated member.

―Because my mom is so devoted (to the chapter), she supports me getting involved and inspires me to put everything into this organization,‖

says Maggie.

Maggie says since joining Alpha Sigma Tau, her relationship with her mother has brought them closer. In addition to being mother and

daughter, they, too, are sisters.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 0 … T H E P E A R L S T H A T C O N N E C T T H E

P A S T A N D P R E S E N T , A L E G A C Y S T O R Y

“ A S T ” O N I S H I N G A L U M N A : H E A T H E R N E U M A N H I E B , Z E T A

Page 12 T H E C R E S T

Submitted by Heather Neuman Hieb, Zeta

On February 9, 2010 I flew to Kampala, Uganda with 25 team members from Central United Method-

ist Church and the surrounding community of Linwood, New Jersey. We went to build a classroom

and teacher‘s home for Watoto Children‘s Ministries. We built the structures in the memory of

Dave Lewis who was an active member of the church and high school basketball coach.

Watoto‗s mission is to raise future leaders of Uganda by providing them with physical care, medical

intervention including HIV/AIDS treatment, education - formal and vocational, counseling and emo-

tional well being as well as moral and spiritual discipleship. They do this by providing a home for

orphaned and vulnerable children and women. The facility called the Bulrushes is located in down

town Kampala and provides a loving safe haven for babies to be restored physically and mentally. Babies newborn to 2 years old are rescued

and nurtured until they are ready to either graduate to a Watoto Children's Village or to be reunited with existing relatives. The Children‘s

Villages are made up of clusters of homes outside of Kampala and in Gulu. Individual families - made up of a housemother and eight children-

are housed and a homely environment is created where their physical needs are met. They receive education, care, nurturing and are spiritu-

ally discipled. Watoto has initiated Living Hope, to restore dignity and hope to vulnerable women - the most marginalized and wounded

people in Africa. Living Hope has initially committed to transforming and restoring the lives of 1200 women in Kampala and 900 women in

Gulu.

Every day we traveled about an hour to get to the Suubi 1 and Suubi 2 villages to build. As we looked

out the windows of the bus, we saw unbelievable poverty. There were shacks for homes with no

water or electricity. People walked with yellow jugs filled with water they got from puddles and other

water sources. Bicycles and motorcycles were weaving in and out of traffic, loaded with food and

supplies. The buses were overflowing with people. Markets were selling all kinds of goods out in the

open. Bananas were everywhere, and we later found out that they are a staple for every meal. One

other thing we noticed was how young everyone looked. We never saw an older person. The aver-

age age in Uganda is 15; HIV, poverty, and civil war have taken many lives. The other thing was no-

ticed was the smell. There is no trash removal, so trash is being constantly burned, leaving the air

filled with smoke and stench. This ride made us more appreciative of what Watoto is doing for the

children.

As we entered the guarded gates of Watoto Children‘s Villages the whole atmosphere changed. It

was peaceful, and clean. The villages and campuses were neatly kept. As we pulled up to the one

story building that we were going to add to for a teachers home, I got a little nervous about the scaf-

folding and bridge that would get us onto the top floor. It was made of small sticks and boards with

holes in them. We walked and hulled bricks across the bridge for hours a day.

We started each morning by singing a song to the local workers and they returned a song to us. Though there was a language barrier with

some of the workers we had a fun time with them. We taught them a few English words and they taught us some Swahili. We worked along

the side of local men and women who taught us how to lay bricks with primitive tools.

I have never worked so hard physically or been so dirty. I enjoyed every second it.

They were so patient with us as they helped us build the walls straight. They are very

hard workers, and work for less than $10 a week. One worker who we all admired

was a woman named Betty. She was stronger than some of the men and did all her

work in flip-flops. One thing that inspired us to work so hard was the voices of chil-

dren that carried up the hill from the school down below. It reminded us why we

were there.

When we weren‘t working we visited with the children. We were able to have time

to play with and hold the beautiful ~Heather’s story continued on page 17~

“ A S T ” O N I S H I N G A L U M N A : J A N E T D O D S O N , I O T A

Page 13 T H E C R E S T

February 26, 2010 – Birmingham, AL – Alpha Sigma Tau is pleased to announce that the National Panhellenic

Conference Foundation has selected Janet Hanson Dodson, Iota, as a new Trustee to the NPC Foundation.

―I am delighted to be able to represent Greek women of yesterday and today on the Foundation Board. The

prospect of working together for a common goal is exciting and I look forward to helping the Foundation con-

tinue on a path of growth,‖ said Ms. Dodson.

Ms. Dodson is a 1976 alumna of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, and holds a graduate degree from

Kansas State University. Janet shares her home with her husband Duane of 32 years, and while they have lived in

Nebraska for the last 21 years, they still visit Kansas often to visit family.

Ms. Dodson has served Alpha Sigma Tau as a member of the National Council and Staff in a variety of positions

including District President, National Vice President and Director of Expansion. Interestingly, as part of Janet‘s

collegiate experience with Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, she served as First Vice President before the position was abolished in favor of a differ-

ent leadership scheme.

She is the Vice President of Policy, Research and Education at National Student Loan Program headquartered in Lincoln, NE. Prior to joining

NSLP, Dodson served as the Director of Financial Aid at Doane College. Janet has been actively engaged in financial aid and a member of

NASFAA since 1979. In addition to serving as NASFAA Chair in 2006, she currently serves as a member of NcHELP‘s Private Loan Commit-

tee. Ms. Dodson is the recipient of numerous honors in her professional field and as a volunteer leader. She continues to create training mate-

rials for financial aid personnel.

Janet is excited about this new role as Trustee to the NPC Foundation stating, ―It was time to once again be involved in my Greek associa-

tions. The timing was right!‖

―Janet will be a wonderful addition to our team; her passion and belief in the sorority experience, coupled with her work in the field of higher

education, will truly advance the Foundation‘s work,‖ said Patty Purish O‘Neill, Alpha Delta Pi, President of the NPC Foundation. The Founda-

tion provides funding for the educational initiatives of the National Panhellenic Conference and promotes the ideals of women‘s fraternities.

About the National Panhellenic Conference Foundation

The National Panhellenic Conference Foundation was established in 1995 to promote values and ethics in women's fraternities and to encour-

age their members to be active and responsible leaders in their respective communities. NPC‘s mission is furthered through the sponsorship

of National Panhellenic Conference educational and charitable programs to address health, safety, education, leadership, and other issues fac-

ing women in today's society. The mission of the NPC Foundation is to advance the twenty-six women's organizations of the National Panhel-

lenic Conference and their commitment to personal growth by underwriting initiatives that launch and sustain women leaders.

Original article from Alpha Sigma Tau National Website; Article enhanced by Lauren Welch, Delta Psi, Staff Writer

After a long and fulfilling life, Lois Anne Dryer Cooke died on September 27, 2009. Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority

and Buffalo Alumnae Chapter will deeply miss her.

Lois Anne joined Alpha Sigma Tau in 1932 and remained an active member until her death on September 27th,

2009. As a member of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, she received the Yellow Rose Award and the Top Tau

Award. Always a champion of education and professional growth, using the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, she

established the Lois Anne Cooke Scholarship to benefit the Sigma Chapter in 1982. This scholarship was

turned over to the National Foundation in 2000.

Lois Anne was an elegant, kind, generous, and fun loving lady who truly loved life. Her heart and soul were

dedicated to her husband, her family, her friends, her church, her career, and her beloved Alpha Sigma Tau. In

jest, she was delighted to see her name on the Publishers Clearing House mailings and how she loved choco-

late!

T H E E T E R N A L C H A P T E R : L O I S A N N E D R Y E R C O O K E , S I G M A

~Lois Anne’s story continued on page 17~

Page 14 T H E C R E S T

Remembering… Remembering is so important as we, your Board of

Trustees, monitor Alpha Sigma Tau. Our Sorority‘s insignia, pur-

pose, traditions, and the preservation of its ritual and historical integ-

rity are essential. The Board of Trustees exists to assure that there

is no change, unintentionally or inadvertently, without due process.

As you read this issue of THE CREST, re-

member this sister:

Ruth Magers Glosser, Alpha ‘24

Ruth designed the National Sorority Crest

while a member of Alpha Chapter in her

college year 1922-23. We are indebted to

her for this lovely and permanent reminder

of our ideals. For eighty-eight years we have

held her design in esteem. It contains the

major elements of Alpha Sigma Tau and must

be preserved.

How are pizza parties, study hours, and sisterhood related to leadership? Even something as simple as planning a pizza party requires coordi-

nation and compromise. Study hours require effort and commitment.

Within your chapter you have been on committees, later chaired a committee, then likely held a staff position, and maybe you have been an

officer. All of these occur within the loving arms of your sisters, your comfort zone. As you continue to test your wings and grow, you are

becoming a leader without even realizing it.

Next, your alumnae chapter will surround you with a larger comfort zone and encourage your participation and growth.

National staff continues the training ground. By now, your career is also getting an enormous boost from your many acquired leadership skills.

Your sisters trust you to finish your tasks and help you along the way far more than any employer could risk.

As you lead, remember that true leadership requires being a member of the team that you are leading. Your jersey may say #1, but you are

always a member of the team. Good leaders listen to dissenting views, factor them in, and use their best judgment to unite all team members.

As a leader, you are never above them; you are one of them. Leadership is never a dictatorship. A good leader is the ultimate servant and

team player.

Your sorority experience is like ―spring training‖ for the big league of career and life. Growing in leadership is a valuable fringe benefit of being

an Alpha Sigma Tau sister.

Martha DeCamp, Past National President, Board of Trustees Secretary

*Editor’s Note: Martha was invited to write an article for THE CREST based on her leadership experience. She will celebrate her 25th National Conven-

tion this year in Birmingham, Alabama.

F I D E L I T Y T O P U R P O S E : O U R B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S

Regarding this crest (coat of arms)

It is a shield divided into four parts

with the following symbols: in the up-

per right, a book; in the upper left, a

crown; in the lower right, an anchor;

and in the lower left, six stars. Above

the shield is a lighted candle with

spreading rays resting upon a rope.

The words ―Alpha Sigma Tau‖ in

Greek appear on the band below the

shield. What wonderful significance.

AST Trustees will continue to remem-

ber, thus to preserve.

Bobbie Nichols Tucker Mary Ellen Willmitch

Patricia A. Nayle Mary Glor Bolton Martha Drouyor DeCamp

trustees@alphasigmatau.org

A S L I C E O F L E A D E R S H I P , D E L I V E R E D

Do enjoy reading THE ANCHOR and THE CREST? Do you want to support collegiate chapters?

Help us continue these programs and others by paying your $40 alumnae dues for 2010-2011.

www.alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/pay-your-alumnae-dues

Page 15 S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

A N C H O R E D F O R L I F E … A L U M N A E H A P P E N I N G S

ATTENTION ALL MIDWESTERN SISTERS—ANNOUNCING THE MIDWESTERN FOUNDER‟S

DAY! If you live in or near southern Michigan (including South Bend, Chicago, Cleveland, and Mount Pleasant),

please reserve Saturday, November 6, 2010 to celebrate Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority‘s anniversary with 18 collegiate

and alumnae chapters. The luncheon with chapter events will be held at Lansing Community College/West Campus,

conveniently located just west of Lansing and easily accessible from all expressways. Watch for more information in

the fall.

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD. The Zeta Chapter is gearing up for their 90th Anniversary

next April. If you have not joined the Alpha Sigma Tau Zeta Chapter Facebook site, please do so. The chapter will

be looking for assistance from alumnae members in planning and executing the event. Information can also be ob-

tain by contacting Kristina Kane, Zeta, kkane2@lhup.edu.

BALTIMORE ALUMNAE LUNCH DATE. Live in the Baltimore area? Come to our meeting on May 16th in

Columbia! The group will be collecting signatures to petition the National Organization for official status and plan-

ning an eventful year! Please contact baltimorealumnae@gmail.com for a specific address for this meeting, and fu-

ture events.

SEND “SISTERLY LOVE” CARE PACKAGES TO AST MILITARY SISTERS AND/OR THEIR FAM-

ILY MEMBERS BEING (or who are) DEPLOYED TO HOSTILE FIRE AREAS. Sponsored by Alpha

Sigma Tau Stars and Stripes Alumnae Club. For more information, please contact Tracy Ciabattoni, Zeta,

tabond135@aol.com.

A L P H A S I G M A T A U G O E S T O W A S H I N G T O N

Submitted by Jamie Jones Miller, Psi, NPC 2nd Alternate Delegate

On April 20, 2010, Christina Covington, Alpha Lambda, National President, Bayley Lesperance, Psi, Collegiate Representative, and Jim Papon-

etti, Executive Director, represented Alpha Sigma Tau at the annual North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)/National Panhellenic

Conference (NPC) Congressional Hill Visits. The Alpha Sigma Tau team joined nearly 250 national fraternity and sorority leaders from

across the country, including almost 100 outstanding student leaders, on Capitol Hill to advocate for passage of the Collegiate Housing and

Infrastructure Act (CHIA) (H.R.1547/S.781). Carol Mooney, Alpha Lambda, NPC 1st Alternate Delegate, joined the team for the Congres-

sional Reception and Jamie Jones Miller, Psi, NPC 2nd Alternate Delegate, represented Alpha Sigma Tau at the Fraternity/Sorority Political

Action Committee dinner.

Passage of CHIA is critical to the safety of hundreds of thousands of college students nationwide, including the 250,000 students each year

who call fraternity and sorority houses their home away from home. Currently, fraternity and sorority educational foundations are allowed

to expend tax-deductible charitable contributions for the benefit of college students only if the grant is of a purely educational nature. Frater-

nal housing owned by the school enjoys the benefits of fundraising tax-deductible funds for improvements while similarly situated students

living in the other fraternity housing cannot raise the tax-deductible funds needed to improve their own housing.

CHIA would eliminate the distinction between the types of student facilities that may be provided by a tax-exempt college and those that

may be provided by another tax-exempt charitable or educational organization to a collegiate organization for the benefit of individuals who

are full-time college students. Fraternal educational foundations (501(c.)(3) organizations) would be able to make grants to the not-for-profit

house corporations of their respective undergraduate chapters (501(c.)(2) or (c.)(7) organizations) for a larger array of purposes including

bricks and mortar infrastructure and life safety improvements to chapter housing. Fraternities and sororities currently own over $3 billion in

infrastructure assets at colleges across the nation.

Thanks to the work of the student and alumni representatives, over 15 cosponsors were added to H.R. 1547! For more information about

the efforts of the NIC/NPC community in Washington, D.C., and to learn how to contact your Member of Congress about this legislation,

please visit www.fraternalcaucus.org.

O U R S T R E N G T H , O U R F O U N D A T I O N :

T H E M I S S I O N , V A L U E S , A N D V I S I O N O F N A T I O N A L F O U N D A T I O N

C H A P L A I N ‟ S C H A T : A G O O D L E A D E R

Page 16 T H E C R E S T

Submitted by Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi, National Chaplain

Whether you‘re a leader in the corporate, military, non-profit, or education worlds, three important

characteristics to possess are character, competence, and vision. Are you the kind of person that others

can trust? Can you do the job well? And do you have a plan that you can communicate to your constitu-

ents and sell to them?

Chances are that all of you have been a leader at one time or another. You‘ve led your family, your

classroom, your division, your staff by directing, modeling and performing. Many of us have led one pro-

ject after another, and most of us lead by example at one time or another.

What does a good leader look like? Pretty hard to say, isn‘t it? We‘ve all heard the Greek chorus of

wailing that there are no more good leaders. Well, it may seem that they‘re hard to find but I assure you that they‘re out there.

It is not easy to define leadership, and the definition of leadership can vary with the situation. How about this definition from our sixth Presi-

dent, John Quincy Adams: ―If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.‖

A good leader is inspirational. She inspires you to do something, to pay more attention to something, to learn something, She encourages

you want to do something that will improve yourself or improve the greater good. An inspiring leader is more than a motivator; she is a

guide who may clear the path for you or walk beside you on the journey.

A good leader gets the full picture from the start. She has a vision and a pretty good idea of how to achieve that vision. She knows who can

help make that vision a reality and who might throw out roadblocks, and knows what those roadblocks might be. Further, she has the wis-

dom to be flexible and make changes when necessary.

As teachers, mothers and mentors, we are leaders. We inspire others to learn, to grow, to explore new territories.

You may not personally know or even like the leader, but if she‘s a good leader, you will probably like her ideas or admire her talents or her

energy. You may want to be as tenacious and as dedicated as she is. Her efforts at keeping the team focused on a common goal will seem

effortless.

Vision, wisdom, inspiration… just three of the qualities of a great leader. We all have these qualities to some degree – and we all have leader-

ship ability in ourselves. Whether you enjoy motivating or leading by example, show the world that you are a leader!

The Alpha Sigma Tau National

Foundation Inc. was established

to promote the acquisition,

development and disbursement

of charitable contributions from

donors to promote and fulfil the

educational and philanthropic

programs of the Sorority.

The Foundation's objectives

include:

Educational assistance through

scholarships, grants, and loans to students ; Sponsorship of

programs at national or regional functions which promote

citizenship, leadership, personal growth, self-improvement and

education; Assisting others in the advancement of education

and their welfare; Support of purposes

that preserve and promote the educa-

tional benefits to the membership; Con-

tribute to the publication of educational

materials

The Board of Directors continues to

implement these objectives by: Distribut-

ing funds to Pine Mountain Settlement

School; Managing the many scholarships

available; Awarding those with out-

standing monetary contributions; Allo-

cating funds for Regional Leadership Workshops and Convention pro-

gramming; Providing educational articles in THE ANCHOR, and videos

for membership development programming; publishing the Alpha Sigma

Tau Scholarship Manual.

… C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 2 … H E A T H E R N E U M A N H I E B

Page 17 S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

babies at the Bulrushes. This brought us, and the babies so much joy. The children long for attention, affection, and to be held. We were

more than happy to give it to them.

We also were able to have a traditional meal with one of the families at Suubi 1. My host family consisted of a mother, Harriet, and 8 girls

ranging from ages 5 to 16. They were so gracious and the meal was probably the best I had while we were there. Mama Harriet did not

know much English, but kept thanking us for everything. One of the girls was her natural

child, and the rest were orphaned. They had seen and been through so much in their

short lives but happy and grateful for Watoto. We felt so welcome and enjoyed talking

with and getting to know the girls who had dreams like any other child.

We finished our stay by dedicating the two buildings that we built. We held a small cere-

mony at each structure and laid our hands on the walls and prayed over the space. It was

sad to say goodbye to the workers who we had spent time with.

I went on this mission to fulfill a dream to help children in need. I never thought I would

ever have an opportunity to go to Africa, and I am thankful to my husband, family, and

friends who supported me. I feel I got so much more from this trip than I ever thought I

would. The humanity in Uganda is like no other place I know. The Ugandans have so

little, but they take so much pride in what they have. They live in shacks, but walk around

with smiles on their faces, and never give up. It made me appreciate what I have, and realize that I need nothing more. These people and

children inspire me. They have come out of horrible circumstances and still have joy. When I feel like I am having a bad day, I think of them

and realize things aren‘t that bad after all.

Uganda is a part of me now. I want to take my daughters back with me when they get older. They need to experience this too. I also found

that my passion is missions like this. I will continue to do what I can to help children in the US, and hope to do more globally in the future.

If you would like to know more about Watoto, and the wonderful work they do visit their website at www.watoto.com .

Lois was an adventurous woman. She was willing to try anything and ventured on a hot air balloon ride when she was 80. She was always

ready to go. She enjoyed her AST meetings, the times she attended convention, and any social event that came her way. Lois Anne lived

independently and drove until she was 95 years old.

Lois Anne graduated from the Buffalo State Teacher‘s College in 1933, taught school one day, and never returned to the classroom. She

chose a completely different career and never regretted it. She became a professional secretary at Advest, an investment firm, where she

worked for more than 40 years until her retirement in 1974.

Being the ambitious, dedicated individual she was, she held many offices in her various organizations and received many honors. As a charter

member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), she served as President and Chairwoman of the annual fash-

ion show. In 1952, she was named the organization‘s National Secretary of the Year in Washington, DC. That same year she received the

Ideal Career Girl Award during the Exposition of Women‘s Arts and Industries. In 1985, the Buffalo Chapter IAAP named her the Out-

standing Member of the Lifetime Achievement Awards. She was a life member and Board of Directors‘ member of the Auxiliary to the Phar-

macist Society of the State of New York and served as President, as well as being a life member, or the Board of the Pharmacists Association

of Western New York.

Lois Anne was an ardent supporter of the Pharmacy Museum at the University of Buffalo. Her husband, James M. Cooke, was a pharmacist

and died in 1992. Lois was an active member and great supporter of the Central Park United Methodist Church, the Betsy Ross Levant

Chapter 695, the order of the Eastern Star, the Business and Professional Women Retirees and Friends of the Amherst Symphony Orches-

tra, and an honorary life member of the American Association of University Women.

Lois Anne was and will always remain a wonderful representative of Alpha Sigma Tau. Her memory will be perpetuated as members of

Sigma Chapter receive the scholarships that will assist in their educational pursuits. May her wonderful legacy live on!!!

… C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 3 … L O I S A N N E D R Y E R C O O K , S I G M A

How to Update Your Name,

Address and/or E-mail:

Please contact National Headquarters at

headquarters@alphasigmatau.org or through

the address or phone number listed above.

How to Submit Articles/Photos and

Give Story Leads for THE CREST:

THE CREST encourages all Alpha Sigma Taus

to submit articles/photos and leads. The

Editor reserves the write to edit submissions

for space and clarity. Please contact THE

CREST Editor, Vanessa Florence, Zeta, for

details:

vflorence@alphasigmatau.org

THE CREST

Editor: Vanessa Florence, Zeta

Staff Writers:

Joanna Barrett, Epsilon Epsilon

Carole Bicking Keily, Alpha Xi

Kirsten Heck, Gamma Pi

Lauren Welch, Delta Psi

Special Thanks to: Sally Belknap, Alpha; Heather

Neuman Hieb, Zeta; Martha DeCamp, Alpha;

Buffalo Alumnae Chapter; Kelli O‘Brien, Delta

Eta; Jessica St. Cyr, Phi; Chris Covington, Alpha

Lambda; Sara Brown, Gamma Pi; Yolanda Bauer;

numerous Facebook friends of Vanessa Florence

for their great photos and ideas; Board of Trus-

tees; National Foundation; Jamie Miller, Psi, and

Jim Paponetti.

How to Pay Alumnae Dues:

www.alphasigmatau.org/alumnae/pay-your-

alumnae-dues

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(Phone Numbers Effective May 15th, 2010)

Toll Free: 1.877.505.1899

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T H I N G S I H A V E L E A R N E D F R O M

A T T E N D I N G A N

A L P H A S I G M A T A U C O N V E N T I O N . . .

Submitted by Facebook friends of

Vanessa Florence, Editor of THE CREST

… you can wear a green and yellow

outfit and not look tacky.

… when you are wearing a skirt, don’t

stand at the edge of a glass elevator.

… chicken can be prepared in a variety

of ways.

… fire alarms do go off if you leave the hot water on too long.

… sisters, in dresses, can change a flat tire… even in the rain without an umbrella.

… there is always a place that will deliver food to a hotel after midnight.

… we are the big people in town, until the G12 Summit comes.

… some chapters have totally different endings to their songs than others.

… shaving ones legs can lead you to the ER.

… hotel refrigerators have an on/off switch on the wall—and a cute maintenance

man to show you were it is.

… the location of the convention will always be held nearest the world’s slowest

McDonalds.

… men ask interesting questions when seeing 500 women all wearing white

dresses.

… no matter how hot it is outside, you will need a sweater inside.

… women do snore.

… apparently there is always room in your luggage for shoes.

… you find out the most interesting stories about your sisters when the lights go out.

… if you go to bed before 2AM and wake up after 6AM, you are doing it wrong.

… every constitution amendment you think will take forever doesn’t, and the ones

that take forever you never would have pre-

dicted.

… when you hang hangers on the fire sprin-

klers, they will go off—and those things con-

tain foam, not water!

… Energizer batteries were a sponsor of the

convention spirit!

… you’ll have the most amazing time, ever,

with your sisters!

Sisters of Zeta goofing off for the camera!