Beta Chi Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau

Happy Birthday to the women of Sigma Delta Tau here at KU! The national Sigma Delta Tau chartered the KU colony as the Beta Chi Chapter on May 5, 1985. In the fall of 1987 they aquired their current house at 1625 Edgehill Road. The sixteen women who founded the Beta Chi chapter were:

1. Julie Ables
2. Robyn Levine                             
3. Brenda Ashner        
4. Amy Mandelmen
5. Fay Feldman            
6. Lori Nuddelman
7. Jodi Harris                
8. Charlotte Ross
9. Robyn Hart               
10. Janice Sherry
11. Lori Kagan               
12. Michelle Weisman
13. Lindley Kimbrough    
14. Jill Zakon
15. Wendy Kirsch           
16. Lisa Zurovsky

 The first Sigma Delta Tau chapter was founded at Cornell University in 1917 by seven women. These women decided to form their own Greek Chapter because most of the seven women had experienced the subtle discrimination practiced against religious minorities at the time.

Information taken from www.kusdt.com

Circle Of Sisterhood: The Story of Neth, Chapter 2

Chapter Two

    Neth was very pretty, short, and light-skinned. She looked fourteen or fifteen, but she thought she was much older than that; she had no idea of her actual birth date. A female cousin had taken Neth from their village, telling the family that Neth would be selling fruit in Poipet. Once in Poipet, Neth was sold to the brothel and closely guarded. After a check by a doctor confirmed that her hymen was intact, the brothel auctioned off her virginity to a Thai casino manager, who locked her up in a hotel room for several days and slept with her three times and he later died from AIDS. Now Neth was confined to the guesthouse and was young enough and light-skinned enough to rent for top rates. When she was allowed to go out into the village she was under close watch since there was fear that she would run away. However, this is something Neth wouldn’t even consider doing out of fear of getting beaten.

    Nick bought Neth for $150 and returned her to her home village. Neth opened up a grocery shop, which initially was a thriving business. Unfortunately men in the area took advantage of uneducated women and would take her things without paying. After the decline of her shop Neth almost got back into trafficking but was stopped by a member of the American Assistance for Cambodia named Bernie. Bernie arranged for Neth to move to Phnom Penh and study English and hair dressing. She excelled in this and wanted to own her salon. During her time there Neth found out that she had AIDS and became deathly ill and discouraged. Neth fell in love and married a man named Sothea and they had a baby. During her pregnancy Neth found out her previous AIDS diagnosis was false and that she was actually HIV negative. Neth got back on her feet and pursued her career in hairdressing and is now working as a manager in a small shop near her home village gaining experience so that she can open up her own shop in the near future.

Hawaiian parable: A man goes out on the beach and sees that it is covered with starfish that have washed up in the tide. A little boy is walking along, picking them up and throwing them back into the water. “What are you doing, son?” the man asks. “You see how many starfish there are? You’ll make a difference.” The boy paused thoughtfully, and picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean. “It sure made a difference to that one,” he said.

Story summarized from Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kriston and Sheryl WuDunn, Vintage Books,  2009

Pi Beta Phi Founders Day: April 28, 1867

Happy Birthday to Pi Beta Phi! Today the women's fraternity has 134 collegiate chapters and more than 241,000 members across North America. The Kansas Alpha chapter was established at the University of Kansas in 1873. Here's some information on the fraternity's history and its founders.

On April 28, 1867, 12 women joined together to form the first national secret society for women at a time when only five state universities admitted women. That society was founded as I.C. Sorosis at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Pi Beta Phi was the motto of this secret socitey and in 1888 the fraternity changed its official name to Pi Beta Pi.

Meet the Founders

Jennie Nicol, M.D. Jennie was a pioneer among physicians; she was one of the first women to study medicine. 
Quote: No woman ever entered the profession with a nobler purpose.

Libbie Brook GaddisThe youngest founder, she established Pi Beta Phi’s second chapter at Iowa Wesleyan University.
Quote: For while there are deeper and holier relations than that of … Pi Beta Phi, still nothing purer or lovelier graces the name of friendship.

Clara Brownlee Hutchinson Gentle and shy, she was Emma Brownlee’s younger sister. In challenging circumstances, she showed an admirable strength of character.

Ada Bruen Grier
A teacher and minister’s wife, she formed friendships in Pi Phi that lasted her entire lifetime. Her son, the Rev. James Harper Grier, became president of Monmouth College.
Quote: It has always been a real joy to me that I had a little part in the founding of Pi Beta Phi, and I wish you all continued prosperity of success.

Emma Brownlee Kilgore A true leader and Pi Beta Phi’s first president, she was the only founder to live continuously in Monmouth, Illinois. The Fraternity coat of arms is derived from the Brownlee family crest.

Fannie Thomson Radiating happiness, with a beautiful voice, in her short year of membership she was a faithful and enthusiastic member. The first Pi Beta Phi Convention was held at her house in Oquawka, Illinois, in August of 1867.
Quote: Our object … is to send out into the world women who will ever be an honor and a blessing.

Margaret Campbell Pi Beta Phi’s first treasurer and a promoter of philanthropic work.

Jennie Horne Turnbull Quiet and charming, she planned her life around her work as a minister’s wife and Pi Beta Phi. Jennie was a charter member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Club and had Illinois Alpha granddaughters.
Quote: The founders dreamed dreams as to our future but truly this has gone far beyond our wildest dreams. Words fail to express the pride the founders feel in the work, and well we should. It’s wonderful.

Rosa Moore Generous and sensitive to the needs of others, she spent her days in social work and missionary endeavors.
Quote: The one word out of my heart to every other heart is give all that you are and have, and this consecration will restore all that has been lost to you, to others and the world forevermore.

Nancy Black Wallace
Pi Beta Phi’s first secretary and an enthusiastic extensionist. She installed the third chapter of I.C. Sorosis at the Seminary in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Quote: I am glad that the great, sympathetic heart of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity has responded to the call of true service, that the result is worthwhile work in a needy field, uplifting the womanhood of our own America. This is a worthwhile work and commands the admiration of those of us who launched the craft.

Inez Smith Soule
Independent, beautiful and known for her keen wit, she established a long Pi Phi legacy through a Pi Phi daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
Quote: Said of Inez, “Any attempt to transfer her enthusiasm, her keen humor and her lovable charm into the category of printed words fails from the outset. There is an inner radiance expressed by her actions which finds no other medium.”

Fannie Whitenack Libbey It was in her home that the groundwork was laid for Pi Beta Phi. She always remained young at heart and found great joy in meeting with the girls of Pi Beta Phi.
Quote: I trust that the companionship and friendships formed in your college may prove sweet and lasting as those of us girls in 1867 … a tie that will bind you to achieve the highest and best in life.



 

Information taken from the Pi Beta Phi International website at http://www.pibetaphi.org/ 

Greek Recognition Night

Last night many of our Panhellenic chapters, women and alumnae were recognized for their hard work, and dedication. Thanks for making the KU Greek Community even better and Congratulations on your awards!

Here is a list of the Panhellenic awards given last night:

Outstanding New Members

1. Andrea Black

2. Alexa Buffington

3. Margie Carmody

4. Sarah Kenning

5. Lindsey Mayfield

Outstanding Grade Point Averages

Spring Semester 2010

1. Chi Omega, 3.42

2. TIE: Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Beta Phi, 3.33

3. Alpha Chi Omega, 3.28

Outstanding Grade Point Averages

Fall Semester 2010

1. Kappa Alpha Theta, 3.45

2. Chi Omega, 3.39

3. Kappa Kappa Gamma, 3.3

Highest New Member Class GPA 

Fall 2009

1. Kappa Alpha Theta, 3.48

2. Chi Omega, 3.31

3. TIE: Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi, 3.22

Blood Drive Award

 Kappa Delta

Outstanding Sorority Leader

Lindsay Moffitt, Kappa Alpha Theta 

 

Outstanding Panhellenic Council Leader Award

Sierra Wright, Kappa Alpha Theta

Bill Nelson Scholarship Winner

Andrea Olsen, Kappa Alpha Theta

David A. Ambler Outstanding Campus Leader Award

Sarah Weaver, Kappa Alpha Theta

  

Margaret E. Miller Multicultural Award

Delta Delta Delta

Outstanding Alumna Service Awards

1. Debbie Vingatelli-Konzem, Kappa Alpha Theta.
2. Sheila R. Wilson, Sigma Kappa
3. Jessica Cornwell, Sigma Kappa
4. Renny Arsensberg, Delta Delta Delta
5. Cynthia "Chi-Chi" Coe Allen, Alpha Gamma Delta

Outstanding House Director

 Kandyce Horn, Delta Gamma

Outstanding Greek Senior Award

1. Emily Loyd, Kappa Kappa Gamma
2. Jenna DeGennaro, Delta Gamma
3. Kelly Unger, Kappa Delta
4. Caitlin Wise, Delta Gamma
5. Tonia Salas, Kappa Kappa Gamma 

 

   Excellence in Scholarship Programming 

1.   Alpha Chi Omega
2. Chi Omega
3. Delta Gamma
4. Kappa Alpha Theta
5. Phi Beta Phi

Excellence in Community Service

1. Alpha Delta Pi
2. Chi Omega
3. Delta Gamma
4.  Pi Beta Phi 

Excellence in Leadership

1.   Chi Omega
2.   Delta Delta Delta
3.   Pi Beta Phi
4.   Kappa Kappa Gamma

Excellence in Growth

1. Chi Omega
2.  Delta Delta Delta
3.  Gamma Phi Beta
4.  Kappa Alpha Theta
5.  Kappa Delta
6.  Delta Gamma
7.  Kappa Kappa Gamma
8.  Pi Beta Phi
9.  Sigma Kappa

Excellence in Standards

1. Alpha Chi Omega
2. Alpha Gamma Delta
3.   Chi Omega
4.   Delta Delta Delta
5.   Gamma Phi Beta
6.   Kappa Alpha Theta
7.   Kappa Kappa Gamma

Excellence in External Relations

1. Chi Omega
2.   Delta Delta Delta
3.   Kappa Alpha Theta
4.   Kappa Kappa Gamma
5.   Pi Beta Phi
6.   Sigma Kappa

Excellence in Sisterhood

1.   Alpha Chi Omega
2.   Alpha Delta Pi
3.   Chi Omega
4.   Delta Gamma
5.   Gamma Phi Beta
6.   Kappa Alpha Theta
7.   Kappa Kappa Gamma
8.   Pi Beta Phi
9.   Sigma Delta Tau
10.   Sigma Kappa

Panhellenic Chapter of Excellence 

Chi Omega

Sisterly Support

"My expectations for life as a new member have reached leaps and bounds more than anything I could have imagined. I grew up with a kid brother and suddenly as I get to college I have 50 sisters? This was too awesome to handle.

I love being in a sorority and I feel like it connected to me school in a unique way and I would recommend it to anyone. I think of different sororities as a favorite pairs of shoes. I think it's important to find the sorority (shoe) that fits you're personality (foot) and you never want to be without.

I don't think I would have gotten through this year without my sisters. I came to KU knowing a handful of people I went to high school with but never hung out with and a church friend. But I will be forever grateful to my sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta for taking me in and accepting me just as I am.

Before I got to KU, I had a few thyroid surgeries, which left a pink scar on my neck and I went through a cancer treatment. But I don't let it define me. And honestly, unless I am thinking about thyroid stuff, I forget I have it. I told a few people what happened. But I didn't really explain it to one of my sorority sisters until around February. She also happens to be in charge of Relay for Life for our sorority. Because of her, the encouragement of a few other sisters and in order to support another sister with cancer, I attended Relay for Life 2011. Through everything that happened with my illness, I spent a lot of time feeling like many people didn't understand what I was going through. Then a large number of my chapter showed up to support me and our other sister. I broke down. They care. They are here when they could be doing anything else. It meant the world to me.

Words don't give justice to how I feel about my sorority. But what I do know is this, a majority of the stuff I did with them this year, is what I will remember when I am a wrinkly old woman looking back on life." - Courtney is a Freshman Alpha Gamma Delta majoring in Journalism.

Circle of Sisterhood: The Story of Srey Rath Chapter 1

When Srey Rath was 15 years old, she went to work in Thailand as a dishwasher to help support her family who was suffering from financial need.  Srey went with her new employers but was surprised when she was not taken to work as a dishwasher but was actually given to gangsters and sent to Malaysia.  She arrived at a brothel and her boss told her she must repay the debt she owed to him. She tried to fight back but was beaten each time she did.  All of the girls at the brothel were beaten and tortured into compliance and forced to smile.  They were forced to “work” every day of the week for at least 15 hours per day. The girls were never allowed to leave the brothel and never saw any of the money.  

Srey Rath was lucky. She was a strong young girl who was able to escape. One night, she and a few other girls broke open a window and climbed across a board only 5-inches wide to the balcony of the nearest apartment building.  Many girls were too afraid to follow in fear that they would fall and die.  Srey was willing to take that chance.  She escaped and was able to find a social worker who gave her the information for a group that supports girls who fall victim to sex-trafficking.  They gave her $400 of money that had been donated to their organization so that she could by a cart and become a street peddler.  Srey Rath is an intelligent young woman and was soon able to start saving money and expand her business.  Today she owns not just a cart but a stall, and the stall next to it. And the stall next to that. Today she is married and has a young son. She is currently saving money to provide her son the education she was never able to receive.

Story summarized by Kelly Tankard from Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kriston and Sheryl WuDunn, Vintage Books, © 2009.

A New Philanthropy: Circle of Sisterhood

The Circle of Sisterhood is an organization created by sorority women that has made it's way onto many college campuses. Now, we have decided to bring it to KU. Below is what the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation calls their story;

"In the mid 1800s in America, women stood together for the right to go to college and thus began the sorority movement.  Now, almost 150 years later and more than 5 million strong, we vow to continue our Founders' legacy by standing together again to help girls and women go to school around the world.

As women, who have in common a college education, we know that access to quality schooling affords a better life for a woman and that of her family. For too many girls and women around the world, access to quality education is often limited. And education is the answer to many of the global issues related to women - poverty, oppression, misogyny, brutality. Ultimately, more and more educated girls will mean stronger and healthier villages, communities and entire countries.

One person can make a small difference. But as a community of 5 million, our collective efforts will be transforming for generations to come."

© Copyright 2011 by Circle of Sisterhood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity

This organization was created based off of a book called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kriston and Sheryl WuDunn. The Panhellenic Association has decided to introduce this organization to campus by creating awareness and becoming educated ourselves on the issues and problems Circle of Sisterhood is trying solve. In order to do this we will read a chapter and present a story from one of the women featured in Half the Sky during each council meeting. We then encourage all our members to bring this story back to their chapters by reading the information at their own chapter meetings. Stay tuned to our blog and website for updated information and story summaries.