Alpha Phi International

The Places Life Takes Us and the People We Meet

2013-05-20T09:33:00.000-05:00

After my college graduation, I had no idea what I was going to do. I wasn't focusing on what I was going to do after college, but what was going on in my life right then. I was stressed trying to finish my senior requirements, sad to be leaving, and just tired. I was lucky enough to hear about an extraordinary opportunity teaching English in Thailand and applied. When I received my acceptance letter, it was a huge relief to know what I was doing for the next nine months.

The school that I taught at was located just north of Phuket on the west coast of Thailand. The town was one of the hardest hit areas from the 2004 tsunami. The tsunami devastated the coast of many southeast Asian countries with little warning. Most of the town was destroyed and many people lost their lives on that day. It was after the tsunami that my school was built as one of The King's Schools. It was created as an orphanage for the surviving children. It is one of the only public boarding schools in the area and has become essential to the areas recovery.

When I first got to the school, I was nervous beyond belief. I had never taught before and I didn't know any Thai. Before I was sent off into the classroom, I had a brief orientation about the school and the students. Initially it started as an orphanage for children who had lost their parents in the Tsunami, but as the years went by it became a place not only for orphans, but for students with troubled family life or broken families. My supervisor told me that the students will probably misbehave and to try not to feel frustrated if the classroom experience is a little different than what I'm use to. Teaching would get easier as I taught more and understood Thai culture a little, but nothing really prepared me for the road ahead.

Let's just say the first week wasn't a lot of fun for me. The students were all troublemakers! They would leave the classroom when they wanted, sleep, and copy each other's work. There were always a few students that would try for the first 15 minutes of class, but would get bored. It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I tried to make the classes more interesting, but rarely succeeded in holding all of my students attention. The funny thing is, as much as I frustrated with my students, well, as students, I can't think of a single one of them that I didn't like.

Part of being a teacher at this school meant that I had to live on the school campus with 700 of my students. Outside of the classroom, they were all amazing people and would try to help me learn Thai and come up and talk to me in English. It was absolutely wonderful. Living on the campus gave me a better idea of who the students were and how they interacted with one another. There were mixed ages in the dorms and you could really tell that each student looked out for the other. Most conflicts on campus were settled between the students and not by the teachers. Each student had duties around the campus such as; cleaning the campus, serving food, feeding the cows, or attending the rubber tree farm. It was a dynamic campus that relied on the students to keep it maintained. The students were there to learn, but got so much more than an education. For some of the students, their classmates and teachers were the only family they had. For others, it was a family they created.

During my time in Thailand I learned a lot about myself and what I think is important to have in my life. One of those things is defiantly family or rather community. I created special bonds with my students as their teacher and as their friend. It made me reflect on the other families I've created over the years. Family isn't always through blood, but with people you create a connection with when you need it the most. Your family is the made up of the people that let you grow and help you when it's needed. I expect that I'll be part of more families and communities in the future, but I'll never forget the important ones from the past. They have helped me become who I am and deserve a little acknowledgement.

AOE.

Lauren Brougham (Beta Phi-Whitman College) recently moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area. She's excited to become involved with the alumnae in the area. She enjoys being outdoors and active.

Featured Product Friday: Bid Day Cards from Sorority Girl Store!

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

At Sorority Girl Store, they understand that your Bid Day card is a treasured keepsake. Their pretty custom cards feature the Alpha Phi crest printed in color on high quality, environmentally friendly papers. Pricing is based on quantity and includes envelopes, personalization, and a PDF proof for approval prior to printing.

Visit www.sororitygirlstore.com to see their Bid Day cards and "Adorable & Affordable" gifts. Chapter checks accepted. Discounts available for bulk orders of gift items and notecards. Contact them for a quote, style samples, or more information.

Featured Product Friday: Spirit Football Jersey from Sorority Specialties

2013-05-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

This week's Featured Product is the Spirit Football Jersey in mint from Sorority Specialties! This jersey includes Alpha Phi Est 1872 on the back in raised white print. This is men's sizing, so sizing runs big. Price is $55/jersey. You can order individually, or place chapter orders in bulk to receive a discount! To view details and place your order today, please click here.

Wedding Planning: How I Give Back to Alpha Phi

2013-05-06T15:48:00.003-05:00

When I started my wedding and event planning company Elegant Affairs, I knew that I wanted to give back to Alpha Phi in some way. It was Alpha Phi that helped me get my feet wet by planning different events for our chapter and for the Greek community.

It if weren’t for Alpha Phi, I don’t believe that my company would be as successful has it has been. For the past two years, I have been named Best Wedding Planner from King 5 Evening Magazine, thanks in large part to all my Alpha Phi voters.

To date, I have coordinated nine Alpha Phi weddings (from four different chapters) with two more Alpha Phi weddings this summer. To help me with all of my events is the amazing support from my staff that nearly all have been Alpha Phi members. My first assistant was an Alpha Phi from the Gamma Zeta Chapter (University of Puget Sound) when I was still the chapter advisor. I knew that if I wanted the best, then an Alpha Phi was the only way to go. After that first summer, I began talking with chapters from our region about the opportunity then it just took off. To date, I have had eight Alpha Phis serve as wedding day assistants. This summer, I have six more to add to the list.

By hiring Alpha Phis to not only work for me, they are representing my company in the best light. In addition to these women working various weddings & events, they gain so much. I mentor these women on life after college. It’s truly a worthwhile opportunity for me to connect with these women on a different level. My goal for all my assistants after spending a summer with me is that they come out educated, prepared for a future career if that happens to be in this line of work. The best part? I have not only gained a new friend, but another sister!

Lori Losee is a 2001 graduate of the Beta Rho chapter at Washington State University. She was a Journalism major and now owns Elegant Affairs, a wedding and event planning company in Puyallup, Washington. She married her college sweetheart (member of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity) and has two sons - Grant and Jackson.

Featured Product Friday: A Gift for Mom from Sassy Sorority

2013-05-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

Now your Mom can show off your sorority pride with her own coffee mug that proudly says she's an "Alpha Phi Mom!" This acrylic mug holds 18 oz., is shatter proof and is both microwave and dishwasher safe. Your hot drinks will stay hot and your cold drinks will stay cold...they won't sweat like glass!

Priced at $16.00, this is the perfect gift for any sorority mom. Click here for more info.

Featured Product Friday: Alpha Phi Gifts Under 20 from ScreenCraft Gifts!

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Check out these unique, long-lasting keepsakes that celebrate Alpha Phi long after college! These marble coasters, paperweights, key tags and magnets make great take-away items at special events, alumnae functions and philanthropy events. They also make great thank you gifts for Alpha Phi supporters, your "big sister" and the entire Alpha Phi community.

To learn more about these products and pricing please call or email Jon Rousseau at 517-262-8146 and jon@screencraftgifts.com. Visit ScreenCraft Gifts online by clicking here.

Featured Product Friday: Hand-Stamped Pendant by E. Ria Designs

2013-04-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

This Alpha Phi necklace by E. Ria Designs features a gold-filled (20% 14K gold content, double-clad) 5/8" pendant, hand stamped with the Greek letters "alpha" and "phi". Using traditional hand tools, this vendor stamps each letter into the surface of the gold pendant, then gently brushes the surface for an elegant finish. The pendant is the size of a US dime. Priced at $40.00. Click here to see more details on this product.

Choose one of three chain lengths: 16", 18" or 20". Please specify chain length in the blank message box at checkout. This vendor's product schedule is posted under her shop header in the announcements section on this page.

How to maintain energy for Alpha Phi? Join a local Alumnae Chapter!

2013-04-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

The last meeting I headed to for my local alumnae chapter was a cold, rainy day; one of those reminders that Mother Nature is still in control in our area. Even if we’d worn shorts last week, it was still time to bundle up. I baked my pound cake for the “Skinny Salads and Fat Desserts” meeting. Still cold, still wet, I bundled up for the drive, Google Maps plotted on my phone. 37 minutes, 43 with traffic.

What drives someone to leave their warm home and head out for an hour or two? For me, it’s the energy I get from attending our alumnae group meetings!

Some of the “regulars” are there at this meeting, but so are four others whom I don’t know very well. There was someone who lived in my hometown for a time, someone who shares a job similar to a long lost friend, and two other just getting started as young alumnae. Those women, sister strangers, brought smiles to my face. Their stories made me think about why it’s so incredibly important for women to connect to their identity; to what was formative and helped launch them into their present world.

I am an Alpha Phi. Sure, a good number of people mock me for my continued involvement. Regardless of where you are on your path as an alumna, I guarantee that your career, your volunteerism, and your family relationships are connected to lessons learned as a collegian.

It’s easy enough to say that you’re too busy to engage with a local chapter or with an alumnae group. Doing so only hurts you. Think of the pre-flight directives on an aircraft: “Be sure to put your oxygen mask on first and then help those around you.” What I get from my time with Alpha Phi helps me in my day-to-day living. Alumnae engagement will help you flourish in life after college, too!

Melinda Wedding (Gamma Iota-Texas Tech) currently lives in McKinney, Texas with her husband, two daughters, and a new dog. In addition to working part time with an event planner and as a contract recruiter, she volunteers at school and at church. She loves being an active member of the Dallas-Suburban Alumnae group and recently joined McKinney Area Alumnae Panhellenic.

Featured Product Friday: Personalized License Plate Frames from Greek Girl Shop!

2013-04-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Greek Girl Shop is now offering personalized license plate frames, including chapter specific frames and alumnae frames! The frames are available in pink, gold, red, and magenta glitter, in addition to burgandy. Individual plates retail at $28 and personalized plates are $35. Group discounts are available. Click here for more information!

*Hardware not included*

Featured Product Friday: iPhone Covers from Sorority Girl Store

2013-04-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sorority Girl Store has added some adorable iPhone covers to their inventory! The “Florette” iPhone case is available in black and white and fits the iPhone 4 or 4s. Price is $28. Discounts offered for group orders. Orders ship in approximately 7 to 9 days. Chapter checks accepted. Call or email for details: 615-627-0049 or info@sororitygirlstore.com.

Click here to view details!

*iPhone 5 cover also available on sororitygirlstore.com*

Deeply Rooted in Alpha Phi

2013-04-10T16:36:00.001-05:00

By Nancy Bennett (Delta Tau-Louisiana State)

As an avid gardener, I do landscape design part time as a business. With spring rapidly approaching, I was doing some prep work in the yard today. It involved digging out some invasive forget-me-nots I had planted that were choking out the groundcover. Also in my garden are some forget-me-nots that an Alpha Phi sister nearby gave me years ago – they have since have spread into unintended places.

It recently occurred to me that our Alpha Phi Founders may have had some gardening insight in selecting forget-me-nots as our main flower and the Ivy as our symbol. Forget-me-nots are early spring bloomers. When they do go to seed, the seeds stick to my socks and pants and hence, they spread easily to unintended places. Ivy, as anyone who has ever had it knows, spreads out long vines that root and quickly grow to cover a yard in a short amount of time as its roots dig in.

Just like the forget-me-nots, Alpha Phi sticks to you. Like the ivy, it roots itself in your being and becomes pervasive in your everyday life. It never goes completely dormant. Alpha Phi rooted itself in me from the very beginning. It grew to be a very important part of my life in college. At different times as an alumna, I have experienced new growth by always meeting new Alpha Phi friends and taking on new involvement with Alpha Phi. The old friends from college have remained close and have been sturdy and grown with me like the Ivy.

This August, 41 years after I joined Alpha Phi at LSU (Louisiana State University, Geaux Tigers!), I, along with my Delta Tau sisters, will get to experience a re-birth of our chapter. It will be like spring to me when the forget-me-nots are amongst the first flowers to bloom, showing their beauty after the long, cold winter. The anticipation of the re-birth of Delta Tau is palpable amongst our chapter sisters and other Alpha Phis in the area. We have gotten together regularly for years and the planned colonization has been a shot in the arm to our alumnae group.

So, as I hope many Alpha Phis would agree, embrace the ivy that takes root in each of us as we join. It will always be there, evergreen, deeply rooted—but always invite the new growth in Alpha Phi like the forget-me-nots because, the opportunity to meet new friends and have new experiences is very special.

I look forward to this August as a new spring, with new growth for Alpha Phi, for Delta Tau and for me!

Nancy Bennett (Delta Tau-Louisiana State) currently lives in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. She is an active volunteer in the community as a member of Junior League, DAR, PTA President, Animal Rescue Fresno, Fresno Alumnae Panhellenic and of course, forming an Alpha Phi Alumnae Chapter here that existed for about 14 years. She also served as a District Alumnae Coordinator for Alpha Phi for several years and has attended four conventions over the years. She is thrilled to have been a Delta Tau at LSU—especially with its upcoming re-colonization!

Featured Product Friday: Graduation Stoles from Herff Jones!

2013-04-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Alpha Phi recognition stole from Herff Jones is the perfect accessory for your cap and gown. The stole features grey Alpha Phi Greek Letters. For express shipping please call 1.800.451.3304 (please ask for Greek Customer Service). In most cases, stoles will schedule to ship within ONE WEEK! Priced at $35.00, this is the perfect gift to celebrate the Alpha Phi graduate! Click here for details.

Featured Product Friday: Grab Bag Tote from Toss Designs

2013-03-29T08:03:00.000-05:00

This lightweight Alpha Phi tote from Toss Designs is perfect for carrying almost anything-- and just in time for the spring season! Made of recyclable plastic, it's extremely durable, lightweight and wipes clean easily. Eco-chic!

Size: 23"w x 10.5"d x 19"h. $24.00each plus $6.00 for Alpha Phi embroidery.

Click here for the full product line.

Inspirational Women Series: Delta Upsilon Chapter at Baldwin Wallace

2013-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

By definition, community service is “voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area”. As the past director of community service, and current chapter president of the Delta Upsilon chapter at Baldwin Wallace University, I have learned that community service is much more than the dictionary can put into words. It’s not about the “voluntary work” as much as the feeling of completeness when you see a little girl’s face knowing she thinks you’re a real princess. Or the moment when you take time to reflect and realize that the small effort it takes you to walk a mile or pack a box of supplies is going to make the world of difference to someone else.

Creating a legacy of service has been a priority for the Delta Upsilon chapter at Baldwin Wallace University since I joined in 2011. Just this past year, we completed 1,800 hours of community service earning the Excellence in Service award for the Upper Midwest Region. In 2011, we competed with four other sororities on BW’s campus for the Dorothy Marks McKelvey Award for Community Service. I take pride in earning these awards as an individual, as an Alpha Phi and as a member of the Greek community.

While I do love winning, the time spent completing the service is much more meaningful to my sisters and I. An inspirational sister once enlightened me by saying, “Alpha Phi has provided me with opportunities for service that have allowed me to think of others before myself. These experiences have helped me to serve others to become more of a well-rounded person. I will be forever grateful for these amazing opportunities.” The opportunities we provide our members helps them grow into the women they want to be.

A favorite service project of the Delta Upsilon chapter is Princess Ball. The Lorain Country “Princess Ball” is put on by Lorain County Children Services, and this past October marked the third year of the event. Our chapter got involved the very first year through an Delta Upsilon alumna and former employee of Children Services, and we have continued to volunteer each year. The day consists of us dressing up as Disney princesses and putting on a special day for young girls who dress up as princesses themselves. We sign autographs, take a lot of pictures and dance for hours! The event is open to anyone in the area, but most of the girls who attend are currently living in foster homes. We have so much fun during the day that we often forget how grateful the families are for the service we provide. One father wrote a thank you to us commenting on how “all the character actresses they kept all the little girl's fascinated and engaged each of them in discussions and questions about themselves and what they liked”, and said his little girls “loved every minute and on the ride home were already asking when they could go to another Princess Ball.” At the end of day, when we are all exhausted and tired of smiling, it’s those families and little girls that remind us why we reach out to the community. Personally, being able to spend the entire day with my sisters is a reward in itself, but when you get to share the special moment of making a young girl’s dream come true there is no greater feeling.

Our role as Greek women is to challenge one another to make a difference in our communities, on our campuses and within ourselves. Highlighting our value of service is the ideal avenue to communicate to the community who we are and what we stand for. I hope that you take your pledge to strive for higher standards as seriously now as you did when you first made them at Initiation. At BW, we do.

Featured Product Friday from Ink & Iron!

2013-03-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

We're in love with the Alpha Phi banner notepad from Greek Licensed Vendor Ink & Iron. This product is perfect for jotting down meeting notes, to-do lists or class notes.

Notepads measure 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" and include 50 sheets. Please note slight variations in color may occur due to different monitor settings.

Notepad is $12 and can be purchased directly through Ink & Iron by clicking here.

FEW Inspirational Women Series: Allison Cink Rickels

2013-03-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

For Allison Cink Rickels (Epsilon Theta – Northern Iowa), career and service have come together through her position as Executive Director/CEO of the FarmHouse Foundation. She has now been with the Foundation for twelve years, and credits Alpha Phi with fostering her passion for service. We caught up with Allison to kick off the Frances E. Willard Day of Service this March.

What is your current/past career?

I am currently the Executive Director/CEO of the FarmHouse Foundation. The FarmHouse Foundation supports the educational and leadership programs of the FarmHouse International Fraternity as well as provides scholarships to individual members for academic achievement. FarmHouse International Fraternity is a men’s international agriculturally-related fraternity founded in 1905 that seeks to build men intellectually, spiritually, socially, morally and physically. FarmHouse, an NIC fraternity, is located on 35 campuses throughout the United States and Canada, with 1,600 undergraduates and 22,000 living alumni.

FarmHouse was my first job after graduation, starting in the summer of 2001, as the Director of Annual Fund & Communications. Little did I know at the time how incredible of an opportunity I would embark on as a fresh-faced college graduate. In 2007, I became the Foundation’s Executive Director, and I am the second person to fill the position on a full-time basis in our Foundation’s 47-year history and the first woman to serve as CEO of a men’s fraternity educational foundation.

How have you incorporated service into your life?

I find my purpose and passion in making a difference in others people’s lives. Whether it’s

professionally, as a volunteer or as a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend, I like to help

and get involved. Professionally, I encourage and foster philanthropy for the better of

young people. I fundraise for and serve FarmHouse because I believe in it. I witness every

day the difference we make in young men’s lives. Seeing a budding college freshman

who’s naïve and unpolished, mature throughout college and then graduate as an all-star

leader and student, is inspiring. Then to watch his career path evolve, see him became a

husband and a father, and help him give back to a cause that’s near and dear to his heart,

is beyond incredible. I want young men to become gentlemen, devoted husbands/partners,

amazing fathers and find success in their careers. We need this in our world. And I believe

FarmHouse, and all fraternities and sororities done right, makes it happen. The causes I’m

passionate about all revolve around this belief – making a difference to better tomorrow.

To explain how service is incorporated into my life is difficult to articulate because it’s

just me.

How did Alpha Phi prepare you for a life of service?

As a collegiate member, Alpha Phi (Epsilon Theta Chapter) was my launching pad to get involved at my university. As a first-semester freshman, I volunteered to help with a service project for an organization for my major and I was turned down – they said they had enough people. At the same time, I raised my hand to volunteer in a leadership role with my Alpha Phi chapter and was elected. I was elated. Both were eye-opening and humbling, influential experiences for me. While I was told “no” by one group, I was given a chance by my sisters to get involved. Alpha Phi empowered me - gave me the confidence, opportunities and leadership skills I needed, and I never looked back. I caught the bug and volunteered as much as I could. In turn, when I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, I was a named a Lux Recipient, my university’s highest honor given to 5 undergraduates each year for their service to the university and community. This honor is one I am most proud of, not because of what I did, but because of my Alpha Phi sisters. They afforded me this incredible honor – they inspired, challenged, empowered and believed in me, especially when I was that first-semester freshman raising my hand. Alpha Phi gave me a chance.

Today, I live, eat, sleep and breathe Greek life with my work with the FarmHouse

Foundation. None of it would be possible without Alpha Phi. I wouldn’t have been hired

without my Greek affiliation. With the FarmHouse men I work with, I can always say I

understand their fraternity experience because of my own personal Alpha Phi experience.

When I joined Alpha Phi and was told it was a lifetime commitment, I believed it. I still

do. For me, this has translated into continuing to volunteer my time, talent and treasure

for Alpha Phi when I can and serving other non-profit organizations through professional

and interfraternal organizations, and in my community.

What advice do you have for young women looking to use their talents for service?

Raise your hand – you never know what new passion you’ll find. Get involved – you never know who you will meet. Offer to be a leader – you never know where the opportunity will take you. Take advantage of the opportunities offered to you, especially when you’re in college. Make time to serve and volunteer. I believe everyone should volunteer for a cause they care about regardless of their professional path. Your talents will develop, your personal experiences will be enriched and your resume will build. I believe if you work with others and use your talents for a greater good, you will be fulfilled. My new, favorite quote is an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Fundraising has been the most rewarding, challenging and fulfilling career, and beyond my wildest expectations. My skills and abilities in philanthropy continue to develop each day. I’m constantly learning and growing. Who knows where my journey will take me, but I am blessed Alpha Phi has been instrumental in shaping who I am to lead me to where I am today and going tomorrow.

Featured Product Friday: Adam Block Sweatshirt

2013-03-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

We love the pastel purple on this cozy crew neck sweatshirt from Adam Block Design!

Click here to learn more and place your customized order.

Alpha Phi Foundation's Community Contributions Program

2013-02-27T08:30:00.000-06:00

It is no secret that Alpha Phi collegiate chapters across the nation are going to great lengths to improve women’s heart health.

From Red Dress Galas to Move Your Phi’t and Hoops for Heart, chapters are hosting events on their individual campuses to raise awareness, and funds to strengthen the fight against heart disease.

Meet three chapters that are taking advantage of Alpha Phi Foundation’s community contributions program to make strides in the fight against heart disease in their local communities.

Zeta Iota-University of Virginia
Raised $6,000+ for the University of Virginia Health Foundation – Club Red Heart and Vascular Center

“The Club Red Clinic of the UVA Health System is an invaluable resource for women's heart disease awareness. Our chapter has always been proud to support Club Red as they strive to help women realize the importance of heart health and taking control of their own lives to make the right lifestyle choices. Who knew regularly doing something as fun as zumba is actually helping your heart? At our annual Red Dress Brunch during Parents' Weekend, our chapter members and families enjoyed learning the most up-to-date information regarding heart health and helpful tips for eating and living right from a Club Red representative speaker.” – Annie Brooks (Zeta Iota-University of Virginia)

Gamma Phi-Florida State
Raised $13,000+ for the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation Heart & Vascular Center

“We selected the Heart & Vascular Center because it closely promotes our international philanthropy of women's heart health, and have created a great partnership. The Heart & Vascular doctor's staff attended our gala, invited us to their open house to show off their new state of the art equipment and have indicated a great interest in supporting our gala even more in the future. Our collegiate members will also be providing support for the Leon Heart Ball on March 1, 2013, sponsored by Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and the Heart & Vascular Center of the hospital. This partnership has been a great learning experience for the collegians and has provided much needed funds for a great cause. I could not be more pleased.” –Gamma Phi Chapter Advisor, Becky Cornwell Brinson (Delta Epsilon-Iowa)

Sigma-Washington
Raised $33,000+ for the University of Washington Cardiology Department

"We are proud to give the money that we have raised to the University of Washington because it brings us closer to our school. Each year we have the doctors who have conducted research with the money we have donated come to our chapter house and show us how they have contributed to the prevention of heart disease. This, along with the attendance of representatives from the University at our Red Dress Gala each year, allows for an honest working relationship where we are able to see how our contribution is being implemented. We as a chapter take pride in knowing that we are helping our university as well as women nationwide." – Kirsten Roof (Sigma-Washington)

*The Sigma chapter also nominated UW-Cardiology for Alpha Phi Foundation’s 2012 Heart to Heart Grant, which they received. Essentially, they received $80,000+ from the Foundation in 2012!

To these ladies, and to all of our collegiate chapters, we thank you and celebrate your success!

You are an inspiration on your campuses, in your communities, and to Alpha Phis everywhere.

If you would like to learn more about Alpha Phi Foundation’s community contributions program, or for help planning a philanthropy event on your campus, contact Leesa Havel, Special Events and Program Manager at lhavel@alphaphi.org.

Featured Product Friday: 20th Anniversary Red Dress Pin!

2013-02-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Heart Health Month inspired this week’s Featured Product Friday! For 20 years, Alpha Phi Foundation has been improving women's heart health by funding research and educational programs through its annual Heart to Heart Grant.

In celebration of this special milestone, the Foundation is releasing a limited edition awareness pin that will add sparkle to any wardrobe. By purchasing this pin, you are taking a stand against heart disease - the #1 killer of women.

Pins are $20/each and can be ordered by clicking here.

Take it to Heart: A Message from Alpha Phi Foundation

2013-02-21T08:30:00.000-06:00

Heart disease is the number one killer of women.

As Alpha Phis we take this statement to heart. We see it as a reason to stand together, hand in hand, and fight.

We fight to raise awareness, empowering women to understand their risk factors. We fight by providing funding for critical research and educational programs to improve women’s heart health through our annual Heart to Heart Grant. We fight because together we can make an impact.

February is Heart Health Month, a time when national focus joins ours, and shifts to women’s heart health. This focus doesn’t have to end when the month does.

Alpha Phi Foundation wants you to continue the fight all year long. Here are five easy ways you can take a stand, and care for your heart all year long:

Connect with sisters who have heart disease stories to share. These women want you to stay informed!

Add a little sparkle to your wardrobe with this Limited Edition Red Dress Pin honoring the 20th Anniversary of our Heart to Heart Grant. Purchase yours today here.
Learn the risk factors associated with heart disease in women here.
Follow the Foundation on Facebook and Twitter for a variety of heart health tips ranging from heart-healthy recipes to heart disease fast facts and ways to start the conversation with your doctor.
Support the Foundation with a gift designated to the advancement of women's heart health. Make your donation here.

However you choose to care for your heart, we thank you for joining the fight, and for standing with us hand in hand, in support of women's heart health. With your support, we are advancing women's lives through the power of philanthropy.

Passing the Baton... College to Real World

2013-02-20T12:42:00.001-06:00

As May rapidly approaches and the potential for a new summer job, or the real world, nears, you may find yourself asking, should I or should I not list my homecoming candidacy on my resume? Does Director of Music really have anything to do with being the head life guard? Will XYZ company care that I was the Director for Formal Recruitment? These questions are an easy YES! Allow me to explain…

Although it may seem as though these positions and awards within your chapter are simply that, they have helped in making you the capable young woman you are today. Allow employers the opportunity to delve deeper into these topics in your interview. If, by chance, they do not specifically ask about your involvement within Alpha Phi, utilize other questions to tie in your experiences. For example…

Could you please tell us of a time in which you have faced a difficult decision and how you handled that?

While I was a sophomore in college, I was making the decision to run for an office within my sorority or to represent my chapter in a position in the greater Greek life community. This decision was difficult for me for two reasons. The first being that I was already heavily involved and needed to be sure I could commit to another position. In order to finalize my thoughts on this, I sought out my sorority advisor and had a very candid conversation with them about my commitments and their thoughts on my abilities. After determining this, the second issue no longer seemed to be a problem. Once I had discussed my initial concern, the rest fell into place and I decided to represent my chapter to the Greek community as I loved interacting with other individuals and seeing/hearing new viewpoints.

How do you handle stress?

During my time as the Panhellenic Delegate for my chapter, there were a handful of times in which I encountered some stressful situations regarding the position. I chose to handle the stress by speaking with my advisors about the issue and listening to their suggestions before finding the one that worked best for me and solving the issue with a clear head. Now, I have learned to solve the stresses on my own by simply taking a step back and thinking through whatever is affecting me prior to moving forward with an open mind.

Would you consider time management to be a strength of yours? Why or why not?

I would consider time management to be a strength that I possess. I was the Homecoming Queen candidate for Alpha Phi my senior year of college. While I was candidate, I had multiple duties which ranged from attending candidate meetings to writing a cheer and managing the budget set forth by my chapter. I was able to utilize multiple different aspects of my personality. However, I did all of this while also maintaining my normal membership duties and holding two on-campus jobs as well as upholding my academics. During this time, I learned to fine tune my time management skills to fit the situation and its needs while also providing support and encouragement to my sisters and co-workers for helping and supporting me.

Those are a mere three ways in which you can incorporate your time as a phi-nomenal member of Alpha Phi into an interview for a new position. Overall, an employer is going to be impressed with the fabulous woman you are regardless of what examples you may provide, but integrating your time in Alpha Phi is a great way to show your passion for our sisterhood as well as for a lifelong commitment that your future employer is sure to take note of.

Beth Little is a first year graduate student at Kansas State University pursuing a degree in College Student Development. She is a member of the Theta Lambda chapter at the University of Central Missouri. While at UCM, Beth was chosen to represent Alpha Phi in multiple ways as a member and co-chair of the Greek Week executive board, Gamma Chi recruitment counselor, Homecoming Queen candidate and Panhellenic Delegate. She also held the title of "Sister Most Involved on Campus" for four years and was chosen as the Order of the Ivy recipient for 2011-2012. Beth now has a graduate assistantship with Kansas State University as an Assistant Coordinator for Apartment Living. Some of her hobbies include tweeting, crafting, shopping, reading, watching movies, and, of course, writing!

Featured Product Friday: Dana's Designs

2013-02-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

Looking to add some Alpha Phi flare to your dorm room or living space? Dana's Designs creates fun and whimsical sorority designs, like this ivy leaf plaque!

Featuring "graffiti"-style words and phrases, the front of the leaf is multi-color with black-and-white-striped-sides. Hanging with a black and white ribbon, this ivy leaf is the perfect wall-decor for your little sis or a new member who has just joined the sisterhood!

Price is $24.95 for full size and $11.95 for mini.

Learn more by clicking here!

Featured Product Friday: Sorority Specialties Quarter Zip

2013-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Keep warm with this classic unisex quarter zip Alpha Phi sweatshirt from Sorority Specialties! This athletic cut features an embroidered Alpha Phi crest on the front left chest, embroidered Alpha Phi and Greek letters in bordeaux, cozy colorfast heather grey cotton and minimal shrinkage. Price per quarter zip is $47.00. This item runs big, so size down.

This product can be customized for bulk orders, and Sorority Specialties can change the color of both the product and logo/print. They can also do a 100% custom design on the product. For more details please click here.

Office Grace

2013-02-01T12:40:00.000-06:00

Having a career in any office presents challenges – refrigerator food theft, heading to the break room about to pass out only to find an empty coffee pot because that new intern is not doing his job, waking up early, sitting next to a mouth breather, trying not to go insane within the confines of your gray, dreary cubicle, and all sorts of other fun stuff.

How about adding this to the mix? – you’re an electrical engineer and are part of an overwhelming minority of women in your office. On top of all the standard office challenges, you are provided with the experience of being treated differently from your peers. This is my life. I’ve noticed different sets of obstacles provided by older men and by younger men – but both are frustrating and it’s easy to have a hard time.

Granted, the times are changing for the better. Younger men who are not accustomed to old-fashioned culture are respecting women more as engineers. They expect the same level of expertise regardless of gender. They trust women with equal responsibility, which makes excelling in the career much easier. However, I’ve found that a new set of challenges (and some old ones) occur with younger men in the office.

If you have these issues, your main weapon against “woman treatment” is... You are an Alpha Phi! Alpha Phi's are strong, and Alpha Phi's know what they are doing. Alpha Phi's also receive advice from other Alpha Phi's. Here's mine for any of you who are uncomfortable in a male-dominated office:

Ask questions if you don’t know how to do something. However, begin your question with a display of your knowledge.

I’ve noticed that whenever I just asked a question at work, an older gentleman would begin his answer with the most basic principles that any engineer should already know, which he wouldn’t do if a man had asked. For example, if I were to ask how to set up my voicemail, some older men I’ve worked with would probably say “So, a telephone is a device used to communicate with another individual remotely – which means from a distance. Some phones are equipped with ‘voicemail’ which is a system designed so that you can leave a message in a person’s phone if they are not near it at the time of your call.” This frustrated me to no end. However, I discovered that if you display your knowledge up front on a consistent basis, men will raise their expectations, your responsibility levels, and consequently their respect for you.

Ask for constructive criticism frequently.

At first, men may be hesitant to give you any. But after some period of consistent badgering, they will start to answer your questions about what you can improve upon. Eventually, they will start to offer unsolicited advice, and you will be able to really thrive in your career.

If someone pulls a prank on you, do not take it personally or complain to management.

Most companies will advise you to report office mischief, but I disagree (unless the prank caused damage to yourself or your cubicle). On most occasions, pranks are sort of an initiation into a group, which is a good thing. I have noticed that women are usually prime targets for multiple “attacks,” though. My theory is that young men expect women react to pranks in ways that are incredibly humorous to them. So what should you do? Laugh about it, and take revenge on the perpetrator (in a safe, harmless way of course!). It will show that you’re easy-going and not high maintenance, which can make people more comfortable working with you. Having working relationships is extremely important.

Keep in touch with your sisters on breaks.

Many of your alumnae sisters may be in an office environment as well. It helps to air any grievances to each other, and you may be able to give and receive some good advice! My chapter has a message board set up so that the alumnae and collegiate members can communicate all the time. We usually have threads dedicated to work/office complaints, and it really does help us all out with uncomfortable situations. Some of the stories actually end up being pretty funny too, and a good laugh can help you get through a bad day no matter where you work.

Get used to/ignore being called “hun,” and other terms of endearment.

I haven’t been able to avoid this particular nuisance. On the bright side, at some point the younger men who are used to modern culture will be the only ones who haven’t retired. I think this is just something that will take a few more years to phase out, and if this is your only obstacle related to being female in a male dominated, you are doing really well for yourself.

Happy careering, ladies! I expect to see you as CEOs. :)

Yvette Babich was born and raised in the beautifully scenic land of Southeast Michigan, where she recently graduated from the Iota Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi at Kettering University. As an undergrad, she took exciting opportunities to hold positions within her chapter, including Director of Publicity and Advertisement, Director of Music, Director of Member Development, Chaplain, and Vice President of Chapter Operations. The chapter truly shaped her into the confident person that she is today.

These days, she holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and is at the starting line of her career as a power systems engineer in downtown Detroit. She’s looking forward to what's in store and the adventures she will continue to have with sisters/best friends, and is thankful for the opportunity to share her alumnae experience with the best and brightest women of the world!

One Beta Sigma Sister's Touching Story

2013-01-30T10:40:00.002-06:00

Post written by collegiate member Kenzie Peyton (Beta Sigma-Utah)

January 28, 2013

I just want to take a second to highlight my sisters in the Beta Sigma chapter at the University of Utah.

Three years ago today, my father passed very unexpectedly of a heart attack. Needless to say, I am still a wreck today. It doesn’t get easier with each year like people would think, and as each year passes, more and more people forget. Everyone expects you to just get over it, but that is not possible. I felt so alone and isolated today—until my sisters stepped in.

Some of them know the story about the last time I saw my dad. It was at my region drill competition, and he gave me the most beautiful bouquet of purple flowers that I had ever seen. They made me cry just looking at them. Ten days later, the night before my state competition, he passed.

All day today, I prayed and prayed and prayed. ALL I wanted was to see a purple flower. Just SEE one so that I knew he was still with me or that someone cared that his death was still affecting me. I didn’t tell anyone about my prayer, as I tend to keep these things to myself. My day continued, and I felt more alone than I ever have. I wasn’t motivated to do anything. The only reason I left my house was to go take a test for my anatomy class.

When I returned home, I walked into my room to find a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of purple flowers with a card from my Alpha Phi sisters. It was the answer to my prayers. This was the one act of kindness that I needed today to remind me that I can get through this. To remind me that I am not alone.

I couldn’t do this without my sisters, especially our president Stephanie Scott. Stephanie goes above and beyond her presidential duties constantly. She is the most thoughtful, caring, genuine, loving person I know, and has been my angel through this whole journey. I love Alpha Phi, I love my chapter, I love everything we represent, and I owe my fraternity so much. I do my best to give back by serving as VPPE and trying to be as involved as possible, but even then, I know I will always be in debt to this amazing organization and the people involved.