Officer Articles:
President: This past spring semester has been quite successful in all aspects of Greek life for Beta Epsilon. We had two great rounds of informal recruitment, and have spent many hours planning and preparing for formal recruitment in the fall. The whole chapter showed great support during Greek Week, taking second overall among the six chapters on campus. The chapter was also recognized for the leadership skills of its individual members. Annie Shortridge, our Chapter Life VP, received the "Emerging Greek Leader" award; while Dr. Bond, our chapter advisor, was named "Outstanding Chapter Advisor". The chapter was also recognized among the college community during the Highlander Banquet for the "Outstanding Program" titled Gossip. At this banquet Dr. Bond was recognized for her dedicated support of Beta Epsilon as "Outstanding Advisor" among the campus community. As an Executive board, we have created a new academic plan for our members, which will allow them to set and achieve academic goals within a supportive group of sisters. We have also started a program, "Adopt and Alumni", to better connect with our Alpha Xi alum and to keep them updated on chapter events (For more info on the "Adopt an Alumni" program, please see the article below). Overall, this spring has been full of great experiences for our chapter members, old and new, and has allowed us to be recognized by the Greek and Campus communities.
Membership VP: With the close of the 2004 spring semester, we have initiated eight more fabulous women, which was the result of a great two rounds of Cob’s. Since formal recruitment is quickly approaching, I have held various spring workshops to prepare the chapter for our recruitment. We have done some goal setting, rotation practice, and conversation activities to give everyone a taste of what to expect. Fall recruitment will begin on August 31st and will consist of 2 parties and a bid day. The main objective for this recruitment that I have planned is try and implement new activates and new themes for the parties. For instance, one of the parties is a 'Grease' theme where there will be 50's music and decorations, as well as a skit performed by some of our talented sisters. Everyone is being very helpful and enthusiastic about recruitment that is making my job much easier! I am confident that this recruitment will be a successful and bring in great women that we can share Alpha Xi Delta with!
Jodi Luif
Programs VP: Programs is having a great spring semester so far! This semester we have initiated eight new girls into our lovely Beta Epsilon chapter, Congratulations women! Senior Ceremony recently occurred; while welcoming new sisters is exciting, eventually everyone has to leave. The women of the programs council recently helped Dr. Bond and Karen with Founder’s Day and it was awesome to meet and chat with some many accomplished alumnae and looking back on the history of Beta Epsilon has always held a special place in this chapter’s heart.
Other exciting events in the spring include a new philanthropy! Kiss a Senior Goodbye is Beta Epsilon’s way of saying farewell to the seniors while still benefiting the Make A Wish foundation. We sold be selling bags of Hershey kisses with sentimental notes attached and personally delivering them! We had an overwhelmingly positive response to this program and cannot wait to do it again next year
This year’s programs council has already started making plans for the next school! Way to plan ahead girls! Next year we hope to try and make life a little more exciting and have a night time initiation during Halloween weekend!! Other changes include more philanthropy activities, a new academic plan, and much much more!
I hope every one enjoys the rest of the year’s activities. Good luck on finals ladies, and have a fabulous summer!!
Chapter Live VP: N/A
Panhel Representative: This semester, Panhel has been working hard on achieving the goals set at the beginning of the year. The goals we hoped to achieve were to organize a successful Greek week, promote good scholarship, and implement a strong fall recruitment.
Greek Week 2004's theme was "Greeks: Where everyone knows your name" We had many activities planned throughout the week, including softball, volleyball, several philanthropy events, and our favorite the Greek week show among many other events. We were with Alpha Tau Omega for the show, and won 2nd place in not only the show, but also as a chapter over all for the week.
Another goal of ours was to promote good scholarship. All three sororities were present at a forma dinner where extraordinary sisters off all the chapters were recognized. An all Greek Honor Roll (GPA of 3.5-3.74) and Dean's list (GPA of 3.75 and up) were among the awards given out, and we had several Alpha Xi's awarded.
Our third goal was to implement a strong fall recruitment. The Panhel vice president (our own Jeniah Chesser) has been working hard on organizing the rules, recruitment parties, and the entire recruitment week. we have several sisters that have been selected to be recruitment councils, Sarah Zanger, Lacy Hatch, and myself will join Jeniah as councilors to guild potential new members in become Greek.
With the semester, approaching an end Panhel has been working hard on achieving its goals, and looking forward to next year and all that it holds!
Public Relations VP: I have been busy publishing for the chapters many events such the Annual Easter Egg hunt, and the new philanthropy “Kiss a Senior Goodbye” I have also been trying to pull together new pictures for the website and add new links with innovative pages about our great chapter. I would like to thank all of the alumnae that have recently contacted the chapter with updates on their lives, will be working on an alumnae section for the website so please continue to update us on the events of your livesJ That is about all from the world of PR.
Financial VP: Nothing exciting is happening in the financial world. We still have some bills to pay off, but those are in the process of being taken care of. Other than that, my job consists of filling out reports, writing checks, and making sure that people pay their bills on time!
Twin Talk
Lets face, when women join a sorority and hear "this is a bond of sisterhood that is forever," many thing "sure, we'll be sister for while, but once I graduate, and start my life in the real world, this so-called 'bond' will be over." When you joined Alpha Xi Delta, did you think the same thing? If you did not live on campus anymore and were not around your sisters all the time, this "unbreakable bond" would be broken!
Although this may seem to make sense, it could not be farther from the truth. This bond doesn’t have anything to do with how close in proximity you are to your sisters. Rather, this bond is all about sharing Alpha Xi Delta's ideals and living up to the ritual, regardless of how far away you are from you sisters. Even after you graduate you still get to wear your quill, your letters, attend ceremonies, and even end emails and letters with "TFJ and Xi Love". All of these things keep this bond alive
Still not convinced? Take dedicated alumnae Isabel Marshall for example. As one of our oldest alumni, she has obviously graduated from college some time ago, yet she still very active in our sorority by reading the Quill Magazine, attending ceremonies and even sharing her infamous story of knowing one of our founders, Alice Bartlett Bruner. Even when Alpha Xi was no longer on the Monmouth College campus, she still kept this bond alive. On many occasions, Isabel would talk to Dean Condon about bringing Alpha Xi Delta back to campus, until one day in 1997, it finally happen. Why did Isabel do this? Why did she keep constantly asking Dean Condon, "Are you ready for another sorority?" Isabel had been out of college for many years at that time, so what did she care if Alpha Xi Delta was on campus? She did this because of our bond of sisterhood. Just because she had graduated did not mean that she was no longer an Alpha Xi and no longer shared this bond.
This idea does not just apply to Isabel. It applies to ever sister, whether you have just graduated or still attend college. This bond of sisterhood really does not have anything to do with distance, but rather it is all about feelings. As long as you can feel Alpha Xi Delta in your hear you are still connected to this bond. As our traditional song says it best: "The sisterhood of women that lives within our HEARTS..."
~The Luif Twins~
Newly Initiated Members Bios
Katie Liefke: n/a
Holly Trotter : This is my first-year as a student at Monmouth but I have sophomore standing. As the year comes to close, I have enjoyed the many things that I have had the opportunity of being involved in. I am a member of the Monmouth Women's Tennis Team, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, the Monmouth String Ensemble, and have been active in theatre. The decision I am most proud of, however, is my decision to join Alpha Xi Delta. I have met many great girls that otherwise I might not have ever had the opportunity to get to know, and I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend with them. I hope that Alpha Xi Delta will remain an important portion of my life and that I will have many fond memories of the sorority by the time I leave Monmouth College. As a newly initiated member, my focus right now is to become even more acquainted with my sisters and learn all the of sorority's fun secrets!
Megan Lenhart: My name is Megan Lenhart. I am 21 years old and I am from Woodridge IL. I transferred from Lincoln College, which is a two year school to Monmouth college this past Fall. I had to leave all everything and everyone I had ever known. The moment I stepped onto the Monmouth College campus was the moment that I entered a world of uncertainty of unknown. I had a really rough time for quite awhile trying to meet people and making friends and since I was a transfer student this was even harder. I was entering a class where everyone knew one another and I knew no one. I spent many days feeling down and discouraged at my failed efforts to meet people and make friends. Then one day I met a girl in one of my classes that told me I should come to some activities the sorority was having and at first, I was not thinking I would have much luck with it. I had never really considered joining a sorority before that day. Then I thought what do I have to loose? I went and I instantly fell in love with all the girls and Alpha xi Delta and I became an initiated member just recently. I no longer have a feeling of uncertainty here at Monmouth College because I found all that I was searching for in Alpha xi Delta. Alpha xi Delta has given my life here so much purpose. As I look back on the rough days of yesterday I am reminded of why it was all worth it because today I am able to look at each and every one of my sisters faces and it is there that I have finally found my purpose.
Brandie Miller: My name is Brandie Miller, and I am a sophomore from Milledgeville, IL. I live with my parents, Kim and Patty, my sister, Stephanie, 17, and my brother, Austin, 13. My Alaskan Malamute dog, Teddie, also lives with us. I am majoring in History while also being certified to teach secondary education. Besides Alpha Xi Delta, I am very involved on campus. I participate in the Speech/Debate and ThinkLab components of Scotspeak. Also, I have served as Scotspeak treasurer for two years, and next year will be its president. I am involved in Student Senate, where I was the Elections and Chartering Chair. In addition, I am a member of two academic honorary organizations: Alpha Lambda Delta and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). In my free time, I like to read, listen to music, watch movies, play sports, and hang out with my friends.
Shannon Healy: I am a sophomore here at Monmouth College. I'm majoring in psychology and minoring in business. Back home in home in Homewood I live with my parents and older brother. So far Alpah Xi Delta has been an awesome experience, and I look forward to getting closer to everyone over the years.
Kim McCoy: Kim McCoy I am a sophomore education major from Cary, IL. When I graduate from Monmouth, I hope to teach 4th or 5th grade near my home. At home, I live with my mom (Barb), my dad (Mike), my two brothers (Matt and Eric), my little sister Kelly, Rudy the bird and Emma the hamster. In the little free time that I have, I like to scrapbook, dance and shop. I am very excited to be an Alpha Xi, and I cannot wait to get more involved in the chapter!
Lindsay Rolando:n/a
Danielle English: My name is Danielle English and I am a biology and Spanish education major at Monmouth College. I was recently initiated into Alpha Xi Delta and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Being a sister in Alpha Xi Delta has helped me to grow into a better woman and individual. The sisterhood I have with the other members of AXD is constantly growing and I feel closer to them more as days pass.
The first time I encountered the love and closeness of all of my sisters was when I attended a COB in late January. We introduced ourselves and played a bunch of fun ice breaking games. I was so nervous that I did not know what to say or do. My nervousness soon eased and turned into confidence when I realized that the women of AXD were not your typical mean and cruel sorority girls. The women of AXD were compassionate, loyal and loving, but the part I liked the most was that they were funny, goofy and knew how to put a smile on a timid freshman face. The personalities of these women all complemented each other. Although the group had their loud and funny women, their calm and quiet women and their in between women, the group personalities just seem to fit together.
I have been blessed to have a wonderful and cool big sister like Lisa Bondi. I was so happy when I found out Lisa was my big that I called my real little sisters back at home to brag about how wonderful my big sister was. Lisa helped to make my transition into AZD life easy and less confusing by offering a listening ear and filling me in on things I did not know. Although I had a lot of questions and at times forgot things, she stuck by my side.
My first semester as an AXD woman has and will always be a tremendous part of my life. I am told that each semester of college, gets ten times better then the last and I look forward to my experiences in AXD doing the same. With the growth, confidence, love, sisterhood and compassion I have gained from AXD, there is no doubt that I am and will be the best and strongest woman ever!!
Alumnae spot light
Molly Keefe
I graduated in 2000, and moved to Washington DC in September of that year. I started working for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which is a federal government agency that regulates the use of nuclear energy. I am a project manager in the Office of Research dealing mostly with safety culture, and safety conscious work environment issues inside the power plants. I received a Master's Degree in Sociology from American University in December of 2002.
Hobbies include: singing in a professional choir in DC, taking pilots classes and traveling.
Molly J. Keefe
PHILANTHROPY UPDATE
On April 3rd, we held our 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt at President Giese’s house. This event is our chapter’s annual philanthropy and a favorite of many. We hide hundreds of eggs filled with candy for children of all ages. There are also games with prizes, such as pin the ears on the bunny, walking with an egg on a spoon, and an egg toss. As usual, President and Mrs. Giese began the event and the all the eggs were found in no time!
Another event that has become a favorite is Relay for Life. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s national signature activity. It celebrates survivors and remembers those who have lost their battle with cancer. Relay money will be spent in a variety of ways: support for those battling cancer, advocacy in both local and national legislature, educational programs, and research. We have participated in this event for the past several years. Our team of seventeen women has each set a personal goal for $100, but we have already raised over $1600 together. The theme for our overnight campsite is roaring 20’s. A group of girls worked extremely hard on making a city skyline out of large refrigerator boxes, and we even had a cut out of a 1929 Buick that spelled out AXD in bullet holes to go alone with the gangster team of the era, and the car also read “Shooting down Cancer”. As a team, we raised about 2,465 for the American cancer society, and as a school, the event raised about 12,000. At the event, our dedicated team walked the track the entire night, there was an Alpha Xi on the track at all times, and we participated in several of the events that took place over the course of the night! We also as a team dawn our brightly colored axd shirts that read “the answer for cancer”, you defiantly could not miss us! We can wait until next year; some of the girls have already started thinking of fundraising ideasJ
~N/A AND LISA BONDI
**Greetings from your neighborhood NMOC**
Our Spring Informal Recruitment was a huge success this year with the addition of eight fabulous new members. Not only have these eight girls brightened my life they have each added so much life to the Beta Epsilon Chapter. As the New Member Orientation Chair, I have had the pleasure to watch these girls grow with Alpha Xi Delta. I have truly enjoyed spending the time before their Initiation getting to know each girl as well as watching them learn more about Alpha Xi Delta. Each one of these girls has unique talents that they have already begun to share with the sorority and they have been nothing but wonderful throughout their past few months as new members. I know as these eight newly initiated members of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta continue to grow with the Chapter they will add nothing but sunshine and enthusiasm. As a newly appointed New Member Orientation Chair, I was a little nervous accepting this position. Annie Shortridge did such an amazing job as NMOC and she has been a blessing to me for her ideas and guidance. Programs Vice President, Kat Koelbl, has also been a blessing to me through this past semester. I have learned so much from these eight new members and am looking forward to another new member class in the fall. I am also looking forward to working with Liz Lutmer, the Assistant NMOC, who has been more than willing to help me this past semester. I have such great expectations for these eight wonderful women and am anxiously awaiting those who have yet to join! ~Kari Keimig ~
BBQ @ Dr. B’s
Calling all current and recently graduated sisters!
Dr. Bond would like to have us all over to her house for a mid summer BBQ. She mentioned something about not being able to go the summer with out seeing our lovely smiling facesJ Dr. Bond has also offered her lovely floor if any of us would like to sleep there for the night! This will be a great opportunity to see our sister midway through the summer. I know I am not looking forward to spending the summer with out all of you! Decorations for recruitment will be displayed too.
This glorious event will take place on July 10th, Saturday, starting around 6:00 p.m. Address: 218 East Girard. Dr. Bond will supply hamburgers (vegetarian & non-vegetarian style) and asks that others supply side dishes, chips, desserts, drinks, & ice. Divide up similar to the last potluck at Dr. B's. If you need a ride, email the chapter. I’m sure there are a lot of sisters (including myself) that are planning on attending!
~Lisa Bondi
ADAPT AN ALUMNAE PROGRAM
Rachel Edwards and I have been
starting to work on improving alumnae relations with the chapter. As apart of
this endeavor Rachel will shortly be starting an “Adapt an Alumna” program. It
will be set up like a pen pal program between current sisters and alumnae. We
are hoping for this to be a way for the alumnae to still feel involved and
knowledgeable about and with the chapter. If you are interested in participating
in this program please email Rachel Edwards at
REdwards@monm.edu
Sister Spot Light:
Annie
Shortridge
Annie is:
~A native of Shamburg, IL
~Rising Junior
~Chapters VP of Chapter Life, and was formally the New MOC
~Double Major in Religious Studies and Vocal Performance
~Oldest in a family of 3 children
~Member all most all campus clubs including: Student Chaplains, Choral, Blue Key, Alpha Lambda Delta, Scots Ambassadors, NSCS, MCF, and much more.
~Most of all Annie is very loved by her sisters!
WHY DO WE LOVE ANNIE SHORTRIDGE?
I love Annie Shortridge because she's always smiling and she always makes me smile!
~ Terri John
I love Annie Shortridge because she is always smiling when I see her, and she is willing to drop whatever she is doing to give me a hug or to talk!
~ Michelle Anstett
I love Annie Shortridge because in the time I have known her, I have been involved in a variety of activities with her. We were on the tennis team together. Annie and I also played in the string ensemble together, and finally yet importantly, Annie and I have interacted often through Alpha Xi Delta! Annie is always a bright burst of sunshine on what can sometimes be a cloudy day. She always has a beautiful smile on her face. Her laugh brightens anyone's day and her positive attitude keeps friends and sisters supported and motivated. Annie is a very trustworthy friend, and she is always there when you need her, to share in a funny story or hug you when you have had a rough go of things. Annie we love you, you are a beautiful and unique snowflake!
~Emily Nathan
I love Annie because she is always very happy and helps me finds a positive aspect no matter what I’m going through. She is always there for me, to help or to listen when I need it no matter what; she would drop anything to be there for her friends.
~Alexis Oddson
I absolutely love Annie for millions of reasons! She is just that type of person that you cannot help but love to death! Annie and I are both religious studies majors, so we spend lots of time together with in the classroom and studying. Annie is an extremely dedicated student, who helps keep me on my game, in regards to my grades. Recently Annie has stuck by me when I needed her most wither it was listening to me sob, or taking me out for a frozen hot chocolate, she is always there when needed, and that is why I love her!
~Lisa Bondi