Thursday, March 31, 2011

Message

All,
We had an AAC conference call last night. The current Chapter president was in attendance. I expressed everyone's concerns about losing our historical possessions that belong to all of us. The girls have taken everything down and are taking an inventory and putting everything under lock and key. Heather has offered storage space, if needed to keep everything safe.

Please let me know if you have any questions or additional concerns.

In addition if you intend to send a letter of support please send it in ASAP. We are trying to send them out in bulk this week. Please email your letter to Samantha Saverio at ss0501@ship.edu

Alpha Love,
Rogers

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Happy Wednesday

I am committed to giving you as much information as we can and keep you up to date on our progress - so I will try to post as often as possible... please feel free to leave comments, suggestions, etc.

The AAC held a conference call last night to discuss our action plan. The online petition is going well and we have extended the letter writing campaign. Please have your letters sent in by Saturday (this will give us a little more time - - we know the weekdays become hectic with work, families, etc).

We discussed a proposed "calendar" of events during the appeal process which the chapter will submit for approval by Headquarters. They are requesting to hold one meeting a week (possibly late Sunday afternoons), a philanthropic event, one Ritual ceremony and to assist in a 5K Run to benefit Haiti on Saturday April 23rd at Shippensburg. We are expecting all sisters to attend these events and it would be wonderful if we could have support from alums. Assuming these events are approved, PLEASE tentatively clear your calendar and try to make at least one of these events. Once we receive approval, we will give you the specifics and set up dates, times, locations, etc.

A few members of the AAC will be contacting Emilee Danielson (Director of Greek Life at Ship) to set up a meeting. One of the steps we need to take toward restoring the chapter is ensuring we have support from the University.

Karen Weigel and Christi Scheel are gathering information showing the history and past offenses of the chapter. We believe there is a lot we do not know about that led to this decision, so we are trying to piece together a timeline of incidents. If you have any information, we would really appreciate your input. You can email us at taulambdaalum@gmail.com.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Good Morning

Thank you for checking in... as stated earlier, this is our best form of communication so I will do my best to keep you updated as I hear more information. First of all, thank you all for acting quickly and signing the Online Petition... we currently have 331 signatures - and the girls have paper petitions, so we are on the way to reaching our goal. Please encourage ALL your friends, family, etc. to sign.

Letter writing campaign - due tomorrow... we would really appreciate it if you take a moment to submit your thoughts, email to: ss0501@ship.edu.

Monday, March 28, 2011

How you can help

Here is what we know. There were sisters at the house in February and the police responded to a noise violation. At that time, they found alcohol and a few sisters were cited for underage drinking - however no fines were given. This was not the only incident over the past 4 or 5 years, but this was the final occurrence that prompted AOII to take action. We are trying to piece together the previous incidents, as the chapter has been on probation since at least 2007 but we do not yet have details from all of the other investigations (we believe most of the incidents involved alcohol). If you have any information we could really use your help! Please contact us at taulambdaalum@gmail.com - and please let me know if you wish for any of the information to be kept confidential.

We appreciate the outpouring of support... at this time, we are asking that you sign the on-line petition (link below) - it's a cool site and takes a few seconds... and join in the "letter writing" campaign due Wednesday March 30th (see details below).

Feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions. I will also be checking our gmail, taulambdaalum@gmail.com if you have any other thoughts or ideas.
Thanks,
Coleen

The following updates are from Christi Scheel.
We are on our way to moving forward towards the appeals process. Here are a few orders of business that we need to address:

1. We need to get a copy of the “charges” that will need to be addressed at the hearing, as this will be necessary to prepare the presentation & defense for Chapter’s appeal hearing. Without knowing the exact “reasons” for the revocation of the charter, it is near impossible to know what to focus on when meeting with the current members. We have included a request in our letter requesting the appeal, but any information you may have would be helpful.

2. We have prepared a formal letter to be sent in accordance with the Bylaws stating that the chapter has unanimously decided to appeal.

3. The Collegiate Members will be conducting a petition of their peers on campus over the next week to gain show AOII HQ the support for the Chapter. We are requesting the same from our Alumnae. Here is the link to our online petition

4. We are conducting a letter writing campaign. All collegiate members will be writing a letter to AOII HQ expressing what AOII has meant to them throughout their collegiate experience. New Members (who were in the midst of associating when this happened & who have expressed sincere loyalty to our Sisterhood) will be writing letters on why they chose AOII and why they continue to want to become initiated sisters. As Alumnae we too should write a letter to AOII HQ expressing what AOII means to you and how the Tau Lambda chapter has enriched your life through your collegiate life through today, ultimately asking them to restore the Charter for the Chapter. Alum should include any willingness to work directly with the chapter to lift it up to the level AOII expects from its collegiate Chapters & Members. Letters should be submitted via email to Samantha Saverio - ss0501@ship.edu . If you have a relationship with any of the staff (academic, administrative or otherwise) of the university, you are encouraged to reach out to those contacts and ask them for their support by writing a letter & signing our online petition. Please provide letters to Sam by Wednesday, March 30, so they may be all mailed together to AOII HQ on March 31. The collegiate members will be collecting letters from other Greek organizations and any other supporters they can entice to actively show support (e.g., professors, academic advisors, etc.). They are also asking their parents to write letters of support.

5. CALL TO ACTION – Are any of our Alum Attorneys or have husbands who are Attorneys that are willing to provide Pro Bono assistance to us in this fight to restore the charter. There maybe a few items we need legal assistance with moving forward and any help we can obtain would be greatly appreciated!!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Tau Lambda Update

Tau Lambda Alumnae~
As some of you may have already heard, our charter has been revoked; however the chapter has voted to appeal the decision. We still have a lot of questions regarding how to proceed and what the next steps will be. We do know this will be a long, difficult process and can use support; although at this time we don't know specifically how or what is needed.

Attached are 2 letters explaining, from Chapter Adviser Karen Weigel and from Allie Digioia the current Chapter President.

All current sisters have been given alumnae status (assuming they are in good standing). The chapter's belongings (paddles, composites, etc.) will remain secure at the house for the time being. We are asking that everyone use caution when discussing these issues, specifically to refrain from any postings on facebook since the appeal will lead to a panel "hearing". ((As we all know, much of what is posted online may become 'publicly' viewed - - for example, if you "like" AOII, then "AOII" can view your comments or discussions.))

The chapter is doing all they can to remain positive and well-composed during this time, not pointing fingers or placing blame... but rather sticking together.
We will keep you posted as we know more.

Alpha Love,
Coleen Murphy Fickes
(Alumnae Relations Adviser)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
KAREN WEIGEL - Chapter Adviser

Sorry, it took me this long to let those of you who were not able to attend yesterday know what the outcome of the meeting was. Thanks to Christi Scheel, Coleen Fickes and Heather Swartz for joining myself and the chapter. I know the rest of you were there in spirit.

Present from the fraternity were Gayle Fitzpatrick, Executive Board Vice President, Amber Countis, Network 1 Director, Jen Thompson, Network 1 Collegiate Finance Specialist and Kay Welch, Network 1 Alumnae Specialist.

The chapter charter has been revoked. As of yesterday the chapter at Shippensburg no longer exists. Each of you as an alumnae of Tau Lambda chapter should be receiving a letter in the mail within the next 2 days (they were sent on Friday) informing you of this.

Ladies, this isn't over. The chapter is planning on appealing the decision. I sent you previously a copy of the Governing Documents with specific sections indicated. The process that needs to be followed is in the following: Bylaws, Title II, Collegiate Chapters, Article XIV, Withdrawal of a Collegiate Chapter Charter. They have already selected a member to represent the chapter on the hearing panel, and the certified letter will be sent tomorrow morning.

The women are going to be meeting this evening at 7:30 at the house to come up with a formalized plan of action.

The incident that occurred in February was the catalyze for the closing of the chapter but they have stated that the closure is based not on just this one incident but on the fact that since 2007 there have been a number of incidents. I believe that it is in our best interest to be as prepared as possible to defend these charges and to separate a number of these charges from the current members of the chapter.

One thing the women may need is some financial support as they no longer have access to their chapter checking account. Also, if the chapter does ultimately close, we need reliable storage for composites and paddles for the time when the chapter is re-chartered.

If any of you know any of the details surrounding the initial incident that occurred in either the Fall of 2006 or Spring of 2007, we could use that information.

I am currently compiling e-mails/documentation/etc, that I have since I became chapter adviser and I will be putting my thoughts together. Any thing that you have that you would like to add about any thing that may have occurred at the chapter over the last 4 years would be appreciated.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ALLIE DIGIOIA - Chapter President
-----Original Message-----
From: Digioia, Alexandra [mailto:ad2896@ship.edu]
Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2011 2:54 PM
To: Fickes, Coleen
Subject:

Hello Everyone,

First I would like to say how much I appreciate the support from our Alumni. We appreciate you reaching out and being there as our support system not just yesterday but always. We recognize and honor the hard work and efforts you have done you all have done in the past 25 years. I want to send a special thank you to Karen, Coleen, Christi, and Heather for being there with us yesterday. That meant a lot for you all to attend and stand by our sides the entire day. I just wanted to say even though the outcome of yesterday was not what we wanted, we handled ourselves and the situation very well. I appreciate the efforts and questions those of you asked nationals, they were very impressed with how serious we are about this. As of now we are expelled from campus, BUT we have voted to appeal this decision. We are going to need to put forth a lot of effort and hard work to make this work. As said yesterday, we are meeting tonight at the house at 7:30pm.

Alyssa Dugan typed a formal letter to the executive board asking for an appeal and hearing. It will be proofread and sent out by Monday. We have 14 days from yesterday to send this letter in and we are doing this as soon as possible.

Tonight we will be discussing ideas and reorganizing our chapter with a detailed and thorough action plan involving positive attributes, accomplishments, awards, recognition, leadership skills, and other academic, clubs, organization recognitions outside of Alpha Omicron Pi. Here is a list of what we are focusing on within the chapter. We need to come up with ways to improve and take action as well for the future and how we will meet these goals:
-Risk Management/Standards
-House Rules
-Recruitment
-Philanthropy
-Sisterhood
-Communications
-Ritual
-Education
-New Member Process
-Academics

We are going to split up in our comimittees tonight I have attatched a list in case you do not know or forget and I will assign the Beta Zetas a committee tonight as well. I have also attatched the goals we had stated before this semester began.

If you have any questions/concerns/comments/ideas please bring them all to the meeting tonight we will be outlining our ideas on the chalk board in the living room.
Also if you would like to review the governing documents, bylaws, standards. Please use the officer library on the AOII website. I will provide a copy of these tonight to pass around and go through.

Thank you all and I will see you tonight.
Allie

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

ALUM Weekend POSTPONED to April 16th

Hello, all ~
I apologize for the short notice and for those of you that had made plans this weekend I am really sorry... however we had an under-whelming response for this weekend and the chapter has a lot going on at this time. We have decided that rather than visit this weekend, we would be better suited to encourage you to attend Initiation April 16th.

APRIL 16th, 2011 - INITIATION at 1 pm

We will organize a luncheon following the ceremony and hope to hold a Ritual Workshop later that day. This would help alums re-familiarize themselves with Ritual and give the sisters a review for their exam (which they are all taking the following day, April 17th.) The sisters are working on securing a location for this event, it will not be held at the house.

Rooms can be reserved at Shippen Place Hotel for Saturday night (however they are limited and only Queen rooms are available - so bring a sleeping bag!!!). Rates are $79 - call (717) 532-4141 and mention AOII.

We hope to see you April 16th and will send more details within the next few weeks.
Roses,
Coleen

Monday, March 21, 2011

SU Children's Fair

Heiges Field House
10:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

All area children are invited to the 29th Annual Children’s Fair at Shippensburg University’s Heiges Field House sponsered by the Shippensburg University Volunteer Service Office. All activities are designed for children ages 1 through 12. This year's theme is "How the West was FUN" .

Open to the Public
Free Admission
(Some games require one 25 cent ticket)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Springtime at Rita's

As the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, Rita's will hold our 19th Annual First Day of Spring FREE Italian Ice Giveaway on Sunday, March 20, at over 550 stores in 18 states. More than one million Guests are expected to attend the Free Italian Ice Giveaway.

From noon to 9 p.m., each Rita's Guest will receive one free, regular-size Italian Ice in the available flavor of their choice to commemorate the arrival of spring!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Irish Humor

Two women were sitting next to each other at a bar. After awhile, one looks at the other and says, "I can't help but think, from listening to you, that you're from Ireland." The other woman responds proudly, "Yes; I sure am!" The first one says, "So am I! And where about in Ireland are ya from?" The other woman answers, "I'm from St. John's, I am". The first one responds, "So am I!! And what street did you live on?" The other woman says, "A lovely little area it was in the west end. I lived on Warbury Street in the old central part of town." The first one says, "it's a small world. So did I! So did I! And what school did ya go to?" The other woman answers, "Well now, I went to Holy Heart of Mary, of course". The first one gets really excited and says, "And so did I. Tell me, what year did you graduate?" The other woman answers, "Well now, let's see. 'Twas 1964." The first woman exclaims, "The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same pub tonight. Can you believe it, I graduated from Holy Heart of Mary in 1964 me self." At this time, Michael walks into the bar, sits down and orders a beer. Brian, the bartender, walks over to Michael, shaking his head and mutters, "It's going to be a long night tonight." Michael asks, "Why do you say that, Brian?"
Brian answers, "The Murphy twins are drunk again!"

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S!!!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

HAPPY PI DAY

Today is Pi Day, and if you don’t know what that means, hit up an old math textbook.

Pi is the number expressing the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s used in engineering, science and statistics and begins with 3.14 and goes on into infinity.

Hence, March 14, is international Pi day.

Friday, March 11, 2011

SU ALUM Spring/Summer Events

SU Alumni Association
Spring/Summer SHIP Alumni Events in W. Conshohocken, Philadelphia, and W. Chester.
SHIP Volunteer Day
Tippler’s Tour
QVC Studio Tour
Alumni After Party

SHIP Alumni Volunteer Day @ Cradles to Crayons, The Giving Factory, W. Conshohocken
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2011; Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
Location: The Giving Factory, Cradles to Crayons, 30 Clipper Rd., W Conshohocken
Your Alumni Coordinator: Dan Brown ’04

What we will do: Groups are separated into a clothing section, books section, and toys section. We will check donated items for quality, making sure clothing is not torn or dirty and that toys work. We will sort the items by age and package the items to be given away. Volunteers are encouraged to bring in new and gently used children's items to donate (clothing, books, toys, school supplies, and baby equipment). Right now, certain “hard to get items” are especially needed, including new socks and underwear (2T – 14/16) and all boy's clothing. A list of their Top 10 Most-Needed items is available from http://philadelphia.cradlestocrayons.org
RSVP: Please let us know if you are able to volunteer with us. E-mail: alumni@ship.edu or call 717-477-1218.
After you RSVP, volunteers are asked to pre-register themselves with C2C. This will make sign-in simple and quick on our volunteer day! About Cradles to Crayons: They provide, free of charge, low-income and homeless children from birth to pre-teen the basic essentials they need to be safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. For more information, you may visit their website at: http://cradlestocrayons.org/

*************************************

Tippler’s Tour – Colonial Style Pub Crawl, Philadelphia
Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tour Begins @ 5:30 PM (Please allow approximately 2 ½ hours)
Cost: $30.00/person (Ages 21 and older)

Join us for this very fun tavern tour of Colonial & modern day watering holes. Our Colonial host/hostess will share historical facts about the traditions of drinking and lead us in Colonial drinking songs & toasts. Included is a drink and snacks at each of our four stops: Society Hill Hotel Restaurant, National Mechanics, Triumph Brewery, and the historical City Tavern. You'll be sure to have an entertaining, while educational, night as our tour guide entertains us with songs and stories of the drinking traditions from Colonial times. The tour departs from the Historic Philadelphia Center on 6th & Chestnut. Arrival information will be sent with reservation confirmation.


Please RSVP to alumni@ship.edu or 717-477-1218 by May 16. Checks may be made payable to SUAA/SU Foundation or call for credit card payment.

*************************************

QVC Studio Tour & After Party, West Chester
Date: Saturday, August 13, 2011
Tour Begins @ 4:00 PM (Please allow approximately 1 hour)
Location: QVC Studio Park, 1200 Wilson Dr., West Chester
Cost: $6.00/person; RSVP to alumni@ship.edu

Enter the fantastic world of electronic retailing! Join us on a guided tour through this state of the art broadcasting facility. We'll get to see and experience how QVC products are sourced, tested, brought to life on air and delivered to millions of QVC customers. We'll have views into the studio including the spectacular views from the Observation Deck. Maybe we'll even catch a glimpse of a favorite host or guest
.

After Party @ Stadium Grille, West Chester
Location: 104 Turner Lane, West Chester
Proprietor & Alumni Host: Bob Batley ‘85
Time: 5:30 PM

Stadium Grille is located just 3 miles from the QVC Studios. After the tour, join the SHIP group for a bite to eat or drink. The Stadium Grille is BYOB so bring your favorite or purchase from the beverage store right next door.
Not attending the QVC Tour? - No problem - Meet us at Stadium Grille for the After Tour Party at 5:30 PM. As always, friends and family are welcome!


Please RSVP to alumni@ship.edu or 717-477-1218 by August 8. Checks may be made payable to SUAA/SU Foundation or call for credit card payment.

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Friday, March 4, 2011

Wear Your Badge March 7th

Sorority Pride. That's what International Badge Day is all about. Credit Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnus, Nora Ten Broeck with sparking the idea. In 1996 she wrote an article about wearing her sorority pin to work one day.
The following year, 1997, the National Panhellenic Conference set aside a day for women throughout the world to wear their sorority badges or Greek letters in a celebration of sisterhood. The month of March was chosen because of two other significant women's events. March celebrates National Women's History Month and International Women's Day. The 14th annual International Badge Day will be celebrated on March 7, 2011.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Grab Your Hat

Grab Your Hat... and Read With the Cat... Read Across America March 2nd, 2011