New Attitude, Even More Phi Sig Pride

Epsilon Alpha sisters at Illinois State can tell you: Every effort to improve a chapter pays off

 

July 1, 2009

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, THERE'S A NEW ATTITUDE at our Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University – and even more Phi Sig pride as a result.

Founded in 1988 and recently celebrating its 20th anniversary, the chapter is now routinely 100 sisters strong – and a major force to be reckoned with on campus, especially since the purchase and renovation of a new home in 2007.

“I guess you could say we’ve been working on every aspect of the chapter that was in need of renovation – not just the house,” said Archon Brittany Bakke with a laugh. “It’s been a challenge, but it’s worth it. We’re better, and stronger, and we’ve got a lot to be proud of.”

A better way...

Even as one of Phi Sig’s top chapters, Epsilon Alpha – as recently as several years ago – still hadn’t explored the many resources and opportunities provided by our international Headquarters to help chapters streamline operations, guide sisters on how to get the most from their sorority experience, and ensure that all members remain accountable to themselves and our core values.

So, as Brittany says, “We did everything the hard way without even knowing it. From the way we structured our meetings, to our judicial-board proceedings, to how we performed our rituals and new member education, we had created our own processes over the years. We didn’t even realize what we were doing was reinventing the wheel – and that there was a better way.”

That began to change when the chapter partnered closely with Chapter Key Advisor (CKA) Cindy DeNormandie and its Housing Corporation President Barb Gentry, Brittany adds.

Specifically, these alumnae volunteers helped the chapter understand what the international standards for chapter excellence were and why they were in place. “Thanks to them, we were able to start identifying areas we could improve upon,” Brittany explains.

Major progress

Among the incredible accomplishments the chapter has worked hard to achieve, especially in the past year:

• Designating a brand new leadership development position: the “Leadership & Service Chair,” whose job it is to become familiar with the many campus and Fraternity resources that can help members participate in and become leaders of whatever groups and activities that may interest them. The goal: to help sisters become even more successful students, and even better prepared for their future careers and involvement in their communities. (“This mirrors a Leadership & Service office that we have here at Illinois State,” Brittany adds.)


• Revamping their new member program. “Before, we’d known about Reflections (Phi Sig’s official new member program – incorporating personal development and a focus on our core values of lifelong learning, inclusiveness and leadership through service), but we hadn’t really taken strong steps to incorporate it into our chapter’s operations and traditions,” Brittany explains. “Now, our recruitment and new member approach is very different. We teach new members they’re already part of the chapter – from day 1 – and it’s created an open, honest, trusting atmosphere that makes us all proud of who we are and what we’re accomplishing."


• Working together to create, and agree upon, two sets of comprehensive guidelines – one for risk management, the other for event management – to help ensure sisters’ safety and reduce liability while maximizing fun.

All this - and a renewed commitment by every sister to keep the Phi Sig house an incredible showplace, too. Purchased by Phi Sigma Sigma's National Housing Corporation, the formal living room, formal foyer and parking lots for the 17 bedroom, 37-person house were recently renovated. Their home isn't just a source of pride: It's an important recruiting tool that helps draw the best and brightest to Phi Sig.

“We still have work to do,” Brittany admits, adding that will always be true for Phi Sig chapters that are committed to excellence. "But we're really proud of how far we've come in just a few years."

Tops in philanthropy

One area where Epsilon Alpha has always been a standout: its focus on philanthropy.

Laughs Brittany: “We’re ridiculous about community service – it’s like we’re out to change the world.”

Sisters are so actively involved philanthropy, that among 12 sororities and 11 fraternities, Phi Sigma Sigma consistently wins Greek awards for chapter service. (The past two years, two members earned a special Greek distinction: “Outstanding Community Servant.”)

Sisters also participate in what’s known as an “alternative spring break.” Instead of heading for beach party destinations, these women travel to communities across America where people are in need - volunteering in soup kitchens, distributing food to the homeless, building Habitat for Humanity homes, or preserving green spaces by cleaning polluted beaches.

“It’s a life-changing experience,” Brittany explains. “Very emotional, very rewarding. We see more and more sisters interested in going every year.”

Fun fundraiser for kids

Perhaps one of the biggest highlights underscoring the chapter’s continuing success in recent years is the creation of a new fundraising project benefiting the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. It's called “Princess for a Day.”

Here’s how it works: Sisters plan an afternoon that’s entirely devoted to making little girls feel like princesses. Then, they promote it on campus and around town, holding the event in an easily accessible location such as the student center.

Sisters do the girls’ make-up and hair, and then everyone participates in a fun tea party and plays games. (Many of the girls show up in princess dresses; next year, some of the sisters want get into character by dressing up like favorite Disney characters.) It’s a perfect project for any Phi Sig chapter, Brittany says – especially those on campuses where there are a lot of education majors.

“The girls were so adorable! And we got really great response – 50 attended,” Brittany adds, noting this first-ever event is sure to be even more successful next year. Indeed, the women are already planning for it - and for other ways to show their Phi Sig and Illinois State spirit.

“No doubt, this is a chapter that really has it all ‘together,’” says Cindy, their CKA. “It’s a joy for everyone to watch Epsilon Alpha thrive.”

Brittany agrees. “We want to have the best attitude. And we do. We are proud to be Phi Sigs, and it shows in the love we have for each other and for our chapter and what we've accomplished. That’s what sisterhood is all about, after all.”

 

Do you know an outstanding chapter that deserves to be profiled? Write us at phisighq@phisigmasigma.org