Xi News Alpha Xi Delta,Gamma Zet a Winter-Spring Edition: 2015

Zeta

By : Meagan Welsh

Letter from our President:

Emily Lundh H e llo ! Th e Gam ma Z eta s isters h av e been w orki n g ex tr em ely h ard thi s sem ester to rai se A u t ism A wa re ne ss in t h e E a ste rn an d su rr ou n din g co m mu n it ie s a n d streng then in g ou r si sterh ood a nd con n ec ti on s with oth er G re ek o rga n izatio ns on cam pu s. W in t er se m est e r was fil le d w it h socia ls, sisterh oods, an d ph i lan thr op y e ve nts th at h av e ke pt o u r ch a pte r ve ry b usy. I’v e been w atch in g our sisterh ood gr ow during m y first te rm as Pr esi de nt, and it h as be e n t ru ly am ax in g. I n Fe b rua ry t he E xe cu t ive C om m it te e , M A X, an d Ph il an th ro py ch a irs go t t h e o ppo rtu n it y t o at t en d A re a W ide T rain in g a nd m ee t r epr ese n t at ive s fro m t he Na ti on a l H e ad qu art e rs a lon g wi th sisters from Western , A lbi on , F er ris State, M ich ig an State, an d A lma ! It w as a gr ea t le arn in g o ppo rt u n ity a n d o n e t h at h ad a la rge p osi ti ve i mpa ct o n o u r s em e ste r an d all w e ac hi ev e d. Th is se me st er w as suc ce ssfu l fo r u s w ithin the G reek C omm u ni ty as we ll w it h o u r o w n E mi ly W h ee le r be in g n am ed Miss. Gr eek in the pa geant put on by D e lta T au D e lt a a n d co m in g in a c lo se se co nd pl ace d ur in g Gre e k W e e k! Fo r A u ti sm A wa ren e ss Da y we h ad lo bb y tabl es in col lab or ation wi th Ypsil anti’s A u ti sm C o lla bo rat ive C en t e r, an ex tr em e ly su cce ssfu l din e t o do n at e a t To we r In n an d H a lle Li brar y was li t u p b lu e! T h is s um m er we are ex cited to take a li ttle break so w e can come b ack ready for re cru itm ent i n the fall a fter we ha d 1 7 sisters go a lu m! It is a l arg e gr oup to go alum and we wis h you a ll the be st i n wh a te ve r yo u r fu tu re s ho ld . – E m ily Lu n dh

“Courage, Graciousness, and Peace”

Miss Greek Emily Wheeler Takes the Crown This year, freshman Emily Wheeler took home the title of Miss Greek for Alpha Xi Delta! With her stunning smile, genuine personality, and killer Irish dance moves, Emily was crowned the dancing queen of the night. Emily raised an amaxing amount of $1,100 for Delta Tau Delta’s national philanthropy, JDRF. Our sisters surrounded her with love, support, and Alpha Xi Delta spirit, proving to everyone watching that our sisterhood is strong!

“Miss Greek was one of the best experiences I’ve had in college so far because I got to meet a bunch of fantastic people and raise money for a great cause,” ~Emily Wheeler

“These things do we earnestly desire, a clear vision of life” Congrats to the following sisters who were elected to hold positions during 2015: Philanthropy Service Chair- Katie Kingsley

Scrapbook Chair- Lauren Clem

Fraternity Heritage Chair- Shelby Lasky

Song Leader- Meg Heatley Alum Relations Chair- Morgan Ziegelhofer GSAP Chair- Brittani Price APR Chair- Stephanie Spiggle Formal Chair- Stephanie Spiggle Junior Pan-Hellenic Delegate - Gillian Autterson Service Chair- Kenzie Cronin ACC Chair- Emma Perpich Sisterhood Chair- Sydney Bakos Sports Chair- Jackie Cook MAX Chair- Lauren Clem Foundation Liasion- Janessa Monahan

New Member Orientation Chair- Meg Heatley Assistant New Member Orientation Chair- Amber Cottrell Assistant Financial Vice President- Janessa Monahan Recruitment Secretary- Amanda Durand Continuous Opening Bidding Chair- Morgan Campbell Social Chair- Madison Norman Fuzzie Football- Katie Kingsley and Madison Norman

Greek Week Alpha Xi Delta Took 2nd Place!! One of the most highly anticipated events of the year is the annual Greek Week competition. For four consecutive days, sororities and fraternities compete against one another in efforts to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. Under the wonderful leadership of senior captains, Alysha Reed and Nikki Markowitz, Alpha Xi Delta won 2nd place overall! Our courageous sisters won first place in dodge ball, tug of war, and the obstacle course! We were also voted most helpful chapter with the help of generous donations and support from alumni. Sisters worked for weeks on a stunning dance routine choreographed by freshman, Leda Stimac. The theme of our performance was Girl Power, so naturally we had to end with Beyonce’s song, “Run the World (Girls).” See below to find out what our captains, Alysha and Nikkie had to say about Greek Week 2015!

Captains Farewell: Alysha and Nikkie “A huge thank you to all of our sisters who were willing and devoted so much time and energy to Greek Week. It was an exhilarating week and our sisterhood was radiant for all to see. We don't need a trophy to know that we won so much more that week. Thank you for dealing with us during frustrating practices, countless pyramid building efforts and moments when all our competitive edge got the best of our sanity. Most of all, thank you for making going alum one of the most difficult steps ever.” ~Alysha “This past Greek Week was the best we've ever had and I've never felt more connected to chapter than during that week. Alysha was a great co captain and Leda was such a huge help with variety show.” ~Nikkie

Relay For Life Relay for life this past April was a huge success. Not only for Alpha Xi Delta, but for Eastern Michigan University as a whole. Together our campus raised just over $57,000. Not even the rainy weather could stop EMU from making Relay for Life 2015 the best it could be. As a chapter we raised money through hosting a trivia night, selling baked goods and other refreshments at the event, and through “paint” a Xi. This is where relay participants could pay to spray paint a sister with colored paint in order to raise more money for Relay. Here is a little bit from our sister, Emma Perpich, about her experience as our Relay for Life captain, “I was honored to be picked by my sisters to be a Relay for Life captain this year, and was blown away by what a rewarding experience it was. With our fundraisers combined with sister’s personal fundraising efforts, as a chapter we were able to donate over $2,000 to Relay for Life. It was an incredible event that brought the EMU community together for a very important cause!” –Emma Perpich

Greek Awards 2OI4- 2OI5

• Chapter of Excellence Award • Excellence in all five categories: Civic Engagement Intellectual Development Positive Relations Integration of Purpose Leadership Development • Kalandria Robinson won the Silent Leader award • Morgan Ziegelhofer recognized as Vice President for Internal Affairs of CPC

Light It Up Blue

Halle Library lit up blue for Autism Awareness Day! This picture is posted on our Chapter Instagram, and it was even featured on the National Headquarter’s Flipagram!

Autism Awareness Basketball Game “Nurturing unity and cooperation,” is one small part of the Alpha Xi Delta mission statement. While we strive to better the community, we also begin to realize the potential within ourselves and in those we aim to influence. Under the supervision of our sister, Katie Kingsley, our chapter collaborated with the EMU Men’s Basketball team to bring together a night of school spirit and Autism Awareness. We set up a booth and signs around the Convocation Center displaying facts about autism that they may not have been aware of. For example, an estimated 1 in 42 boys are now diagnosed with autism in the US. As the night drew to a close, not only did EMU bring home the win, but AXiD and the Ypsilanti Autism Collaborative Center raised Autism Awareness and lit the night up blue!

In a big, bright blue show of support for our philanthropy and Autism Awareness Month, we as a chapter inspired EMU’s campus to light it up blue! Halle Library joined in on the fun, students sported their favorite blue clothing, and sororities on campus even added blue ribbon to their hair. With the guidance of our Philanthropy chair, Katie Kingsley, we chalked the campus sidewalks, so whenever someone had to rush to class, at least they could rush knowing Autism Awareness Day is not a day that should go unnoticed!

Brand New Alum! Erin Traczek Brittani Price Stephanie Spiggle

Dear Seniors, “Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we’ll miss you, until we meet again.” The beginning of spring is bittersweet. The weather warms; the flowers bloom and finals are finally over. But the beginning of spring also signals the time we say goodbye to our seniors as they move onto bigger adventures. Always remember, dear sisters, that you are always Alpha Xi Delta women. The colors imprinted on your hearts will forever be double blue and gold. Your legacies fortified the foundation that we stand on today and your love for our sorority will ensure it never breaks. Whatever life has in store for you, remember that we will be there for you, for what else do sisters do best? Home is where the heart lies, and our hearts are forever with you. Love,

Kelsie Autterson Molly Needham Maddie Hoffman Kathryn Bryant Nicole Roser Andrea Baird Nikkie Markowitz Dani Stuart

Your Sisters

Mackenzie Kretz

“With gracious and kindly hearts we share both joy and sorrow, and bring into living reality, the sisterhood of women”

Natalie Toth Mariah Robinette Alysha Reed Jenn Sell Brianna Williams

Warm Fuzzies Sometimes we just can’t keep our warm fuzzie feelings inside, so we dedicate a portion of every newsletter to Warm Fuzzies. Here sisters can give shoutouts to other actives or alum to let them know how much they are appreciated! “Kayla and Morgan C: You two are the best people/friends/sisters in the whole world! I wouldn't want to be conjoined at the hip with anybody else ;) Dip, Stick, and Link forever!” ~Brittany Bentz “Mariah and Brooke (my big and Gbig): I would not be the woman I am today with out AXiD or my Love family. Who have always been so loving and so kind to me. They welcomed me with open arms. I'm so happy to have gotten to know them and become so close. People don't realize how close we are, but that’s what makes it so special to me.” ~Marena Schram “To my sisters who just went alum: Congratulations to each of you as you move on to new and exciting chapters in your lives! I have enjoyed every moment spent with you all, and I'm so proud of where you are all headed, and I know wherever your paths lead you are all destined to do great things.” ~Ashley Bentz “Alysha, Molly, & Kady: I am so happy I got to be in the dove family with all of you! You all have impacted me in so many ways. I love you guys! Xoxi” ~ Katie Kingsley “Katie Boroniec: Thank you for taking on Financial Vice President this semester! You have done a great job and made it so easy to pay our bills and make sure things are on time! You're such an easy person to work with and we really value you as a sister. We love you KB <3” ~Lauren Koss “Sydney Bakos: I would like to acknowledge her warm, kind soul. She is so sweet and always has a smile on her face.” ~Janessa Monahan “Madison Norman: To my twin who has helped me discover my place in chapter. I don’t know how I would have gotten through all of the stressful things in my life without you. Thank you for being the wild spirited sister I love who never fails to make me laugh. You have a heart of gold big enough to love a monster like domo J” ~Meagan Welsh “Ashley Bentz and Katie Kingsley: Oh my, my favorite pair:) You guys set the best example when it comes to dedication, true friendship, how to live out our ritual, and so much more. I look up to both of you so much, and I love you!” ~Brittany Bentz “Amanda Durand and Amber Cottrell: Thank you for being such great friends this past year. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. You guys mean the world to me!” ~Sydney Bakos “Meagan Welsh: Twinny, I am so grateful for you! I don’t know what I would do without you. I know that no matter what you will be there for me! Thank you for always checking on me and reassuring me that things are going to be alright. Also, thank you for enjoying my weirdness and being just as weird. I cant wait to live with you this Fall, it is going to be so much fun! I love you to the moon and back!” ~Madison Norman

Warm Fuzzies Warm Fuzzies Continued… “Maddie Hoffman: Thank you for being one of the most influential people in Alpha Xi Delta for me. You are a true sister, and I have loved working alongside you both in chapter and in classes. Thank you for pushing me to become an AXiD to begin with since I don't think I would have walked into recruitment without you. Also, thank you for also guiding me and being my go-to person when it comes to anything school related. I truly adore you and I wish you the best of luck student teaching in the Fall, I know you will be fantastic!” ~Ashley Bentz “Ashley Bentz: No words can really describe my love for you. So thanks for keeping it real everyday and being the greatest best friend I could ever ask for. LOVE YOU!!” ~Katie Kingsley “Brittany Bentz: I would like to give a shout out to my Big! She has been so awesome since I've joined chapter. We have so much in common and she is always encouraging me. I had so much fun with her at LeaderShape and would not have had the same experience if she wasn't there. Thanks for always having my back biggie!!” ~Janessa Monahan “Sydney Bakos: My little is truly someone I love. She showed me how life can be awesome and brought me back up when I felt low. She is so kind and has so much love in her, she will do great things for chapter. I have no doubts in my mind about that. Without her, AXiD would not be the same and neither would I.” ~Marena Schram “Janessa: Ever since I joined chapter I couldn't wait to get my "perfect" little. After our first rose sister date to see the movie Anabelle, I knew you were the perfect little I was waiting for! Thank you for being you and always making me a better person. I can't wait to be roomies next year! I love you! ~Brittany Bentz “Marena Scram: Thank you for being a wonderfully understanding sister and entertaining psych class partner. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a better person.” ~Meagan W “Maddie Bedard, Madison Norman, Shelby Lasky, and Danielle Koss: So excited to take on the summer with you guys! Xi love!” ~ Sydney Bakos “McKenzie Cronin: I’m so glad you’re my little! I love our coffee dates and can’t wait to have many more! Having class together this fall is going to be so great! I love you!” ~Madison Norman “Brit, Kayla, Janessa, & Morgan C: Y'all are amaxing friends and always can turn my frown upside down. I love you to Xi moon and back. XOXI” ~Katie Kingsley Katie Kingsley: Thank you for always being a great friend and an awesome study buddy during finals week!” ~Janessa Monahan “Courtney Smith: Thank you for being the best little a girl could ever dream of. I love you!” ~Ashley Bentz

Warm Fuzzies Warm Fuzzies Continued… “Lauren Koss: You are such a sweet and caring soul. Thank you for being you and always bringing a special light to our chapter” ~Meagan W “Shelby Lasky: I am so glad that we have gotten closer this year. You’re such a wonderful person and an amaxing sister! Can’t wait for many more adventures with you.” ~ Madison Norman “Morgan C and Gillian A: You guys were so much fun to hangout with at LeaderShape and I'm so happy I got to share that experience with you. You two are amazing friends and I'm so happy to have you guys in my life.” ~Janessa Monahan

“My Fall 2014 New Member Babies: Thank you for being such an awesome and inspiring new member class! I could not imagine chapter without each and every single one of you. Saying that you all have all helped me to realize my potential is a huge understatement and I thank you. I'm so blessed to have had the pleasure of introducing you all to chapter and I'm so grateful that you all have stuck with chapter and challenged yourselves to help our chapter and sisterhood grow. I LOVE YOU ALL! New Member Momma 2015 (Ashley B) “Danielle Koss: Whenever I see you I am always smiling because you are the funniest person I know. Please don’t ever change. Love you beautiful” ~Katie Kingsley “Kady Anguilm: You are strong beyond words! I am so glad that we have gotten closer this year. You are such an inspiring person to have in my life. Thank you for all you’ve done for me! I cant wait for all the of our adventures together! I love you!” ~Madison N “Kayla Reardon and Ashley Bentz: You guys are so awesome. I’m so happy to call you my friends and sisters. You have made time in chapter thus far amazing.” ~Janessa Monahan

“Britt Brat: Love you, my little legacy you! You know you're my girl and I'm so glad that we share more than one sisterhood together.” ~Ashley B “Lauren Clem: You are such a wonderful person all around! Your dedication to everything you do is amaxing! I love you!” ~Madison N “Danielle Koss: You are such a sassy person! I loved our car ride rant and hope to have more in the future.” ~Meagan W

Alumni News To the women and sisters that helped build this sorority

Meghan (Riley) Coleman Initiated 2006 -Expecting a beautiful baby June 19th with husband Jim Coleman! Name and sex of baby will be announced when born! Julia Rosenzweig Initiated 2006 -Will be graduating from Indiana State University with a Masters degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education! Erin Traczek Initiated 2013 -Will be working at Nashville Sounds! Stephanie Spiggle Initiated 2011 -Will be working at Ford Credit in Nashville, TN! Stefanie Kennedy Initiated 2013 -Is expecting her very first child with her husband, David Kennedy. Their newest addition will be making an appearance during October 2015!