Connections Magazine

ALUMNAE, MAKE 2012 THE YEAR OF CONNECTING PROFESSIONALLY WITH DELTA XI PHI

2012-01-17T12:57:00.006-06:00

Alumnae, Make 2012 the Year of
Connecting Professionally with Delta Xi Phi

Our sisterhood is for a lifetime. As we progress and mature, as does our relationship with Delta Xi Phi. As alumnae, it is our privilege and responsibility to stay connected with Delta Xi Phi – both personally and professionally.

Written by Lea Madry, 2010-2012 National Executive Vice President and
National Expansion Chair of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated.

Connecting personally with Delta Xi Phi is something that we, as alumnae, do extremely well. Whether attending initiation of our alma mater chapter’s newest line, scheduling a long lunch with another alumna when we’re overdue to catch up, or attending a local alumnae gathering in our area, our bonds of sisterhood and friendship continue well after graduation. However, as much as we personally connect to the sorority, we’re missing out on an important aspect of the Delta Xi Phi alumnae experience if we, as alumnae, are not connecting to the sorority professionally, as well.

It’s no secret that we have talented alumnae all over the country who are excelling in various disciplines, pursuing rigorous graduate programs, and starting their own businesses. As part of our lifelong commitment to Delta Xi Phi and to our sisters, it is important that we, as alumnae, develop a strong professional network to support and encourage these pursuits of our sisters and give other sisters the opportunity to do the same for us.

As we focus on goals and commitments for the new year, now is the time to ensure that developing professional relationships within the sorority is on our lists. Doing so is easy, the benefits are endless, and it is part of our commitment to lifelong sisterhood. The following four steps can guide you in getting started.

First, make sure you’re getting the information you need about Delta Xi Phi.

Be sure to keep the Delta Xi Phi Alumnae Liaisons (alumni@deltaxiphi.com) updated with your current contact information. The Alumnae Liaisons are your link to staying informed of how Delta Xi Phi, as an organization, continues to grow and develop. Without this, it is difficult for the National Board to keep you updated with the information you want and need about your sisterhood. Also, consider joining the Alumnae Association for special alumnae events throughout the year and at National Convention, gatherings in your area, and nationwide programs.

Second, include sisters in your professional network.

One popular and effective way to do so is through Linkedin. Launched in 2003, Linkedin is a free professional networking site with more than 135 million members in over 200 countries [1]. Simply search for and join the “Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority” Linkedin group and “invite to connect” sisters in the group and beyond. Once sisters have joined your Linkedin professional network, you can, for example, learn more about what they do, send quick congratulatory notes as they accept new positions and receive awards, and look for opportunities for your professional experiences to cross paths.

Third, be a connector.

As alluded to above, the best part of maintaining a large network of Delta Xi Phi sisters is that you can be a connector between opportunities or needs and the skills or businesses of those in your network. And, they can do the same for you. Perhaps a friend is looking for a free lance makeup artist for an upcoming project; one of our sorors in the Linkedin group does just that, so you can connect them through Linkedin or otherwise. Perhaps your company is looking to hire a recent college graduate with experience in social media; one of our sorors in the Linkedin group has just that experience, so you can connect them. Similarly, by connecting the people in your Linkedin network, don’t be surprised when you’re at the benefitting end of many such connections in the future. Linkedin, just like our sisterhood, is a give-and-take experience; the more you put into it, the better experience you will have.

Fourth, develop your professional experience through service to the sorority.

Are you launching or updating your Linkedin profile and wishing you had more experiences to include? Are you considering changing careers or taking yours in a different direction and seeking experience in a new area? Are you pursuing a career in working with students or non-profit organizations and think you would benefit from professional experience specifically tailored to your goals?

If any of these scenarios describe you, consider joining the Delta Xi Phi National Board, Regional Councils, or Connections team. Sisters who have volunteered or are currently volunteering their time through national, regional, or Connections roles do so for personal reasons; we do so because we love Delta Xi Phi and want to give back to a sisterhood that has given us so much. However, whether sought or unexpected, serving the sorority through a national, regional, or Connections position also has an enormous professional benefit.

Serving the sorority as an alumna develops your communication skills; provides advising or writing experience, depending on the position held; demonstrates your ability to manage a variety of tasks with precision despite other demanding responsibilities; allows you to diversify your skill set; lends you experience in working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds; and serves as a source of professional and character reference.

These are skills that employers and graduate programs value seeing in their candidates. Examples abound. Amanda Thomas, immediate-past Connections editor-in-chief, credits her volunteer experience as helping her secure a new position at a local newspaper in Georgia. National President Vicki Nelson frequently shares, especially with those pursuing graduate studies, that her service to the sorority has had a positive impact on her medical career. In her transition from her MD/PhD graduate programs into the work force, Vicki’s interviewers are always excited to talk about her experience with Delta Xi Phi. In these examples and many others, it is easy to see that the skills and experiences that result from service to the sorority through the National Board, Regional Councils, or Connections develop universally beneficial skills in the professional realm broadly and can grant experience tailored to specific career paths.

Now is the perfect time to consider volunteering in support of Delta Xi Phi, as elections for National Board and Regional Council positions will take place this summer at National Convention 2012 in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, appointments to Connections roles are ongoing.

As you continue to embrace your goals for 2012, make sure the list includes a goal of engaging our sisterhood – not only personally, but also professionally. It’s easy, it’s effective, and it’s both our privilege and responsibility as lifelong sisters of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated.

If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to reach out to any National Board members nationals@deltaxiphi.com. Or, if you’re interested in connecting, you can find me on Linkedin at http://www.linkedin.com/in/leamadry.

[1] http://press.linkedin.com/about

Lambda Chapter's Fall Success!

2011-12-22T10:21:00.002-06:00

LAMBDA CHAPTER'S FALL SUCCESS!

Written by Amanda Goldman-Petri, Lambda Chapter President

With our goal of "upward momentum," Delta Xi Phi’s Lambda Chapter has been busy this year! We have been getting more involved and organized every year, so in 2011 we hoped to exceed expectations in all areas... and we did!

To start, all of our Executive Board and Associate Member Educators attended DXP's National Convention, along with other sisters who were not required to attend. We made the most of our summer not only by attending Convention, but also by doing two things we’ve never done before: planning recruitment completely over the summer and organizing an event for the Johns Hopkins University Orientation!

We started off the year strong by giving our sisters free DXP pens and folders with materials geared towards each committee. We also started many other new initiatives such as a weekly “Snaps Jar,” “DXP Sister of the Month,” monthly lunch potluck meetings, and DXP crossword puzzle to remind active sisters of the information they learned as associate members, as well as a monthly calendar of events. We also voted on budget/dues proposals as a chapter for the first time in Lambda’s history.

In terms of committees, we have been stressing the importance of remembering every single committee and pillar this year. No committee or pillar should be any less important than the others.

Our historian and web-mistress started a DXP Photobucket account for sisters to share photos more easily. We are also making a slideshow for the 'Fall Formal' this year.

Our fundraising committee began the online survey and MyEdu fundraisers again. We’ve also applied for grants and earned money by winning the Second Decade Society Scavenger Hunt. Lastly, we raised money for the American Cancer Society - DXP's national philanthropy - through two awareness/fundraising booths and we planned our fundraising efforts for Intersession (the 3-week period after winter break) and the spring!

Publicity has also been very active this year, and we are definitely getting our name recognized on campus more than ever. We sponsored an event for Johns Hopkins orientation, which landed “Delta Xi Phi” on the schedules and shirts that were worn around campus and seen by freshmen. We ordered nice chapter recruitment postcards, painted a mural board, made a banner for the Breezeway, and put fliers all around campus (in the mailboxes and in the dorms)! We raised so much awareness that when we participated in the Student Activities Fair, many girls were coming over to our table peaked with interest. After recruitment was finished, we continued publicizing through co-sponsorships. We’ve co-sponsored with Thoroughfare Magazine by hosting a 'Poetry Night,' with CHAI by hosting an awareness event for Gilad Shalit, with Greek Life by running 'Penny Wars' for Greek Weekend, and are currently working on a co-sponsorship with Global Dental Brigades. These were ways we worked to raise awareness, but we also did many other things.

We have cultural presentations at every meeting, and many of our sisters attend awareness events together. For example, “Identity: Transgendered,” “Culture Show,” and the “Cultural Block Party” are all events that sisters attended together, volunteered for, or performed for.

Although raising awareness is one form of philanthropy, we didn’t stop there! We’ve been donating tons of DXP blood to blood drives, aided in Patterson’s High School Fair, wrote letters to a battered women’s shelter for a service-based recruitment event, had a team for the President’s Day of Service (which also landed us on the website and pamphlets as sponsors), volunteered for and participated in Towson’s 5K for Prostate Cancer, set up a team for the Breast Cancer Walk, wrote letters in honor of Fallen Firefighter’s Weekend, and helped aKDPhi run Breastival. It sounds like a lot, but believe me, we’re not done!

To finish up external committees, we’ve been entering the Greek community with full force this year. We participated in every single event for Greek Weekend. We organized a Powderpuff team with SOPi. The fraternity Sigma Chi even coached our team! Since then, we’ve had a mixer with aKPhi, and held another mixer with SOPi and Sigma Chi. Greek relations have never been so strong, and we know it will only get better with time.

Our internal committees have also been working hard this year! We started planning recruitment over the summer, purchased DXP magnets, postcards, and wallet calendars to give to all prospectives, and publicized a lot. As we had hoped, it really paid off! We saw over 20 new girls throughout recruitment (probably a record for us!). We organized a powerpoint for our information session, ordered recruitment t-shirts, line jackets, and nice invites for events! We had one of the biggest fall lines we’ve had in years and although many hardships in the process have arisen, we have handled everything with care and passion.

The social committee has been equally as diligent.

We decided on a schedule for socials by the end of September! Since then, we went ice skating, painted pottery, held a sister retreat, went to the Inner Harbor, and organized a “Smores and Secret Santa” event. Fall Formal is also going to be a special, catered formal event this year, which is a new type of event for Lambda.

Academically, we’ve began “Word of the Week” with bookmarks as gifts for those sisters who can correctly guess the meaning of the word. The Alumnae Committee has created a database of alumnae information, a Lambda Alumnae google group, and sent 1-2 newsletters a month. Three to four alumnae attended events this year, which was lovely!

This school year has been amazing so far, and it is only half-way done! We’ve been featured in our campus newsletter, sent all paperwork to Nationals on time, and have been raising the bar in all areas. We have so many more ideas for the spring and cannot wait to see our goals reached. We are very proud of where Lambda is right now and only hope that we keep improving every year!

DXPUID!

Edited by Brittany Savko, Connections Editor-In-Chief

Photos Credited to Lambda sister - Amanda Mason and DXP Lambda Chapter's Facebook Page

Welcome, Psi Associate Chapter!

2011-12-20T10:37:00.007-06:00

We are thrilled to announce the founding of our newest associate chapter! The Psi Associate Chapter at Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Eight women were initiated on December 17, 2011 at 10:09pm as a part of the Alpha Line, “Bennu." Psi is Delta Xi Phi's 22nd chapter across 15 states. Congratulations to our newest sisters!

#1 - Madeline “Alcedonia” Baker
#2 - Laura “Alba” Gonzalez
#3 - Sarah “Fides” Hinshelwood
#4 - Ruby “Chá” Mannankara
#5 - Katrina “Pixar” Mayes
#6 - Taylor “Stardust” Rousseau
#7 - Jessica “Kipaji” Smith
#8 - Caitlin “TGGG” Williams

Thanks to all of the actives and alumnae from Phi Chapter and Xi Chapter who attended the initiation, as well as sisters around the country who have already started to make our newest founding sisters feel welcome.

Congratulations, also, to Delta Xi Phi's National Expansion Chair, Lea Madry. This is Lea's first founding since being in her position. Great job!

Multicultural Cuisine: Rice n Simple Reviewed by Joicelyn W

2011-08-22T23:28:00.000-05:00

Rice n Simple may have helped save my marriage. Okay, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but I am now a devoted fan. I'm in the middle of my first pregnancy and it has been a serious of hospital visits and long stays in the bathroom (morning sickness should really be renamed). As a result, I have been exhausted and unable to spend much time cooking for my husband (a Marine who has a healthy appetite). Enter Rice n Simple. It is Jasmine rice that comes with your choice of 3 delicious glazes and is quick and easy to prepare. 60 seconds in the microwave and you have the perfect compliment to your meal (or a meal in itself). The rice has a lovely fragrance that actually didn't make me queasy and the texture made my husband second guess that it had been prepared in the microwave. I prepared the rice with Teriyaki glaze to go with chicken stir fry and even my unborn child must have
liked it! We also had the rice with Shiitake Mushroom sauce with mixed vegetables and the rice with soy sauce with shrimp and a side salad. Because the rice is cooked in the microwave, I could take it to work for lunch and save my husband from worrying that I wasn't eating. Now that I have moved into the second trimester (and actually want food), I can't wait to try out the recipes listed on the website! Rice n Simple has 2 (and a half) devoted new fans.

Annual Midwest Retreat hosted at Xi Chapter

2011-06-28T15:01:00.000-05:00

This past spring, the (now) Xi Chapter hosted the annual Midwest Retreat at Bowling Green State University. During the weekend of April 16th, chapters from the Midwest came to BGSU for a weekend of bonding, crafts, and fun in general. Due to scheduling conflicts, only the Xi and Phi chapters attended this years retreat.

A big part of the weekend was about communication. The Xi and Phi chapters discussed what each chapter practices during the year, what works well for them, what does not, and just tried to feed back off of each other in general.

"The weekend was a lot of learning our different styles and methods and learning how to reach out to our respective universities to host better events," says Jeanette Pavlik, Phi sister, "During the day we also had two graduate students from BGSU's Greek Life come in and speak to us about the best way to recruit quality, diverse prospects and how to appreciate our pillars better."

"A lot of great ideas were tossed around about fundraising ideas as well as multicultural ideas," says Ashley Osburn, Xi sister, "Xi and Phi learned a lot from the retreat and I believe this was a successful retreat."

The weekend also consisted of making handmade letters (i.e. for shirts), dinner, going out in Bowling Green, and overall bonding in general. Throughout the whole weekend, the Xi and Phi sisters came together to get to know each other and the sorority and they have become better sisters, and have a stronger bond to each other. The newer members of each chapter, sisters that had recently crossed, got a better understanding of the sorority as well.

"I think the neos benefited from this weekend because they can see how other chapters are run," says Jennifer Young, Xi sister, " Ithink they see how close we are with other chapters and sisters. They see the bigger picture of a nationwide sisterhood, not just chapter or region specific."

"[This retreat] helped me see [DXP] as a larger, national organization, because before I only knew my own chapter so it was difficult to think of myself as having so many other sisters across the country," says Alicia LeDonne, Phi sister.

OH! The Places We'll Go!: Countdown to Convention in Columbus

2011-05-27T00:08:00.000-05:00

The 13th annual Delta Xi Phi Annual Convention is around the corner. In about two months, DXP sisters from across the nation will converge in Columbus, Ohio. The National Convention will be held the last weekend of July from the 28th to the 31st.

Just like last year, convention will be hosted primarily by the National Board. This year however, DXP sisters will be attending meetings and staying at the Ohio State University campus, instead of a non-campus location.

"It was determined that we should stay on campus and work with Phi [Chapter] to get meeting rooms at the Ohio State Union," says Diane Abundabar, Beta Alumni, "It was also determined that housing on campus is the more convenient and price effective option for sisters, even though it's not as comfortable as a hotel. [The National Board] wanted to keep costs to sisters to a minimum."

Programming for the convention primarily is centered on necessary workshops and officer trainings as in years past. The National Board keeps evolving programs at each convention hoping to make them more helpful to sisters or giving choices between certain workshops for sisters who have come to convention before.

One goal for sisters each year, is to make connections with sisters from other chapters, to share ideas, share experiences, and just make new friends with someone who may live in a different timezone. While sisters do have some free time to mingle with each other, the National Board is planning an event for some quality sister time.

"Similar to last year, we're adding options to our risk management and recruitment workshops so people that have attended training in the past aren't sitting through the same presentations a second time," says Vicki Nelson, National President, "We've also added a sister mixer/social Friday evening that is casual mingling and entertainment (with food!) to help provide an opportunity for sisters to make connections."

Brittany Savko, recent Phi alumni, is a convention liaison to the National Board for the Ohio State/Columbus area. Savko (and the Phi Chapter) has been helping the board with organizing logistics on campus as well as helping with creative planning as well, like coming up with the "OH! The Places We'll Go!" convention theme.

"It's been great planning convention! I have really enjoyed being involved on a national level and staying involved as a recent alum," she says, "Ohio State has some really great resources that we will benefit from and I'm glad to help bring these resources to DXP's National Convention this summer."

You can still register for convention at http://convention.deltaxiphi.com/

Rho sister spends semester at Mississippi State University

2011-05-22T21:14:00.000-05:00

When most students want to learn about a different culture and make new experiences, they assume they need to study aboard and spend a lot of money doing so. What a lot of these students don't know, is they can learn about different cultures and have new experiences without even needing a passport. They can take part of the National Student Exchange (NSE) program, which allows students to attend another school in the country for a semester or a year. Ellie Wilson jumped at the opportunity to participate in this program and spent the past semester studying at the Mississippi State University.

Wilson, a social work major, found out about NSE at her home campus, the University of New Hampshire (where the Rho Associate Chapter is located). She thought it was a great alternative to going aboard and being in a new environment while still paying UNH's tuition. She decided to go to the MSU, home of the Gamma Associate Chapter.

"I liked MSU because it had a lot to offer, it looked like a beautiful campus, it had a chapter of DXP, and a social work program," says Wilson about her choice.

Throughout her time in Mississippi, Wilson was genuinely enamored just by the culture in the south & the hospitality, something she noticed was different than in the north. She also really enjoyed her time at MSU and with the Gamma sisters.

"I loved my time with the Gamma Associate Chapter. They are a fantastic group of ladies," she says, "They are very dedicated about the sorority and they welcomed me in with open arms. They really showed me what sisterhood is about and I was impressed by their love and respect for one another."

While she is looking forward to going back home to New Hampshire and seeing her friends and family, she is going to miss Mississippi and MSU.

"I've learned so much down here and have grown as a person. From being at MSU, I have really learned to relax and be myself and not get so upset and affected by what other people think about me," says Wilson.

The National Student Exchange program has been running since 1968. Participating institutions can be found in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students interested in partaking in the program can spend either a semester or a year at a different institution while paying their home school tuition or the in-state resident tuition at the school they are going to.

Gamma sisters host successful Xi Phi Week

2011-04-01T16:59:00.000-05:00

Each year, the Gamma Associate Chapter at Mississippi State University hosts an annual Xi Phi Week full of events that help promote the pillars of Delta Xi Phi. This past February, the Gamma sisters hosted a successful week that included events promoting Greek unity within the MSU community.

The events during Xi Phi Week consisted of Emerson Parent Day, a blood drive, a cancer awareness booth, "Xi-Phi Wars," Greek vs. Food, and a Sisters only Dinner Date. The "Xi-Phi Wars" and Greek vs. Food events involved other Greek organizations, bringing a camaraderie amongst the organizations.

"My favorite event of the week would have to be the Xi Phi Wars! It was incredible!" says Keeona Rena, "About eight Greek organizations came out to support us by participating in the event. I can honestly say not only did it help our sorority in regards to promotion, but it was [also] a big step within Greek unity of the NPC and NPHC Greek councils!"

"Xi Phi Wars was a lot of fun!" says Tara Pflomm, "Picture a big game of Capture the Flag, but with all of the Greek Councils on campus! Omega Psi Phi captured the most flags, which were decorated by the participating organizations, winning the competition, and Phi Mu won for having the most team spirit!"

The other events throughout the week were successful in their own right as well. The Greek vs. Food was the other Greek-oriented event during the week. Although there were fewer Greek organizations there than at "Xi-Phi Wars," Greek vs. Food was still a fun event for everyone who attended and who participated.

Xi Phi week was pretty well publicized by the Gamma sisters and turned out to be a successful week for the sisters. They have already noticed more unity amongst the Greek community, coming from the Greek participation during the events. Aside from the "Xi-Phi Wars," a favorite among the Gamma sisters was also the sisters-only dinner with their dates.

"I think [Xi Phi week] impacted our chapter in a good way," says Kayleen McGuckin, "It showed us that Greeks from different councils can come together and learn from each other. It made me and my sisters happy and motivated to utilize and unite our Greek community on MSU's campus."

Multicultural Beauty: Maya Essentials Rose & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil

2011-03-20T14:53:00.003-05:00

Handmade in New York, Maya Essentials products are the result of over five years of research and development. Each product was specifically designed with only the most essential ingredients, to help skin constantly appear youthful and healthy. Each product was made to nourish and nurture your skin, using only the finest exotic ingredients, many of which are organic and vegan!

Why Maya?

“Maya” is two-fold: She is a Hindu goddess and a concept of illusion! “Maya” loosely translates to “not that” in Hindu and symbolizes the illusion that must be seen through in order to attain enlightenment. We use “Maya” to mean that our products are natural and laboriously designed to utilize the properties of natural ingredients and “not that” chemical-based stuff!

Welcome to our new feature on multicultural beauty! We will be featuring reviews of great beauty products for all ethnic backgrounds. First up is a review of Maya Essentials’ Rose & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil.

I was thrilled to learn that I had won an 8 oz. container as part of a giveaway sponsored by the company. The cleanser contains rose, lavender and lemon, which are all scents that I love. The cleanser is designed to dissolve dirt, toxins and makeup.

It also clears pores and helps reduce pore size over time. The cleanser’s blend of extra virgin olive oil infused with fresh rose petals helps bring moisture to the face and create a smoother softer complexion. All you have to do is just squeeze a little into your hands and massage it into your face and neck using a circular motion.

After you allow the cleanser to soak into your face for a few minutes, rinse thoroughly. Follow up with toner and moisturizer. I am picky about what I put on my face and I try to stay away from products containing unfamiliar ingredients I can’t pronounce.

Not only does the Rose & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil leave my face feeling refreshed, it has a short list of ingredients that I have no problem pronouncing. I simply adore this cleanser! I wish the container was a bit larger for the price (the 4 oz. cleanser costs $23.50), but if you have the money to splurge, it's definitely worth it. Rose & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil

post written by Amanda

Multicultural Cuisine: Gloria’s Harvest Olives

2011-03-06T20:22:00.000-06:00

As I was shopping the produce aisle one day, something caught my eye – a bag of Gloria’s Harvest olives. Who knew olives came in a bag? I sure didn’t.

But that did not stop me from giving them a try. According to the product packaging, the world’s best olives have been grown near the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. Gloria’s Harvest olives, a product of Greece, are handpicked and naturally cured.

The company was kind enough to send me a bag of their Pitted Kalamata Olives and Pitted Salad Mix. When they arrived, I could not wait to tear open the bag of Kalamata olives. I’m not one to eat olives straight out of the jar or, in this case, bag.

But these were so good that I couldn’t resist indulging in a few before chopping them up and putting them into a bean burrito. A burst of flavor exploded into my mouth with each bite and its smooth texture makes it a great complement to pizza, salads or pasta. I’m very impressed with the quality of the olives and definitely prefer these over the ones I used to purchase in jars or cans.

It’s refreshing to be able to buy olives in the produce aisle where I’m trying to do most of my grocery shopping. My 4-year-old daughter just helped me polish of the last of the Kalamata olives and we’re already eyeing the Pitted Salad Mix. The next time you’re in the produce aisle at your local grocery store, be on the lookout for these delicious olives.

A is for Afghanistan: Afghan Cuisine Unveiled

2011-03-05T11:11:00.000-06:00

Note: We will be featuring posts from Phi Chapter sister Stephanie Cedeño's blog, "Discovering Cultures Through Cuisine," as part of our "Multicultural Cuisine" feature.

Many Americans have negative connotations associated with Afghanistan…war, terrorism, Osama Bin Laden. But how much do we really know about Afghanistan? Instead of using Wikipedia as an educational tool, I took a trip to my local Afghan restaurant to find out more.

Noorgul Dada

Hidden behind an Applebee’s in what use to be a Dairy Queen is a hidden gem that I am hesitant to reveal, just because I want it all to myself (good thing for you I am not selfish and I will share). In the heart of campus is Cafe Kabul. In 1986 owner, Noorgul Dada, immigrated with his family from Jalalabad, Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation. In 2002 he graduated from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) in engineering and in June 2010 opened Cafe Kabul. Although the restaurant was buzzing with a diverse clientele, Noorgul was nice enough to sit down and talk to my sister, Jennifer (she just happened to be hanging out), and I about Afghan food and culture.

Making veggie pakora

Afghan cuisine reflects its natural terrain along with its ethnic diversity. The wide varying terrain allows for many different crops, which the cuisine is based upon. Most dishes contain some variety of rice, which is considered the “king” of all foods, accompanied by meat, and a varity of dried fruits and nuts. While many staple dishes use many similar ingredients, such as coriander, cardamom, and cumin, Afghan food also reflects the influence of its neighbors. Dishes in the west have Iranian influence and use a notable amount of saffron (which I found out is super expensive!!!!), while dishes, such as the veggie pakora, are influenced from Pakistan.

Noorgul told me that Afghan people are proud people and take pride in displaying their food. Hospitality is key in Afghanistan and people are careful about their food preparations. Eating is a family affair, one that is large, detailed and intimate. Hours can be spent making meals for dozens of relatives. Eating is done on the floor over a large elaborate table cloth, in which the food is situated in the middle and people sit around the food and eat together.

At Cafe Kabul I had the national dish is Kabuli Pallow (also spelled Qabili Pilau), a heaping amount of saffron rice, seasoned tender lamb, garnished with sautéed raisins and shredded carrots. Their Okra dish, sautéd okra cooked with tomatoes and onion, intrigued me because I had never had okra, so naturally I had to get that too. My lucky sister also scored us some hummus, which one customer exclaimed it was the best hummus she had ever had (I agree), and Noorgul, living up to Afghan hospitality, amazingly gave me a piece of baklava.

I was pleasantly surprised with the food. I have to admit, I was intimidated because I had convinced myself the food was spicy. Noorgul eased my thoughts by telling me that most people have the same preconceived notion. The food was seasoned perfectly, tender, meaty, and actually pretty sweet. I think this can speak to way Afghan people and cultural are understood. Many are hesitant to get to know this culture, distorting to be what it is not, but once uncovering what it really behind this wonderful culture, we actually discover its pretty sweet.

RECIPE TIME!!

My kooky and very beautiful friend Kelly (she is single) came for New Years and helped me recreate Kabuli Pallow and the sautéd okra. The meal was relatively easy to cook, and, although not as delicious as Kafe Kabul, it was still pretty tasty, filling, and definitely one to make again.

Kabuli Pallow
Serves 3

INGREDIENTS

• 1cup of basmati rice
• 1lb of lamb on the bone
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1cup of raisins
• 2tsp of cumin
• 2tsp of cinnamon
• ¼ cup sugar
• Vegetable oil
• salt and pepper
• 1cup of water

DIRECTIONS

1. Brown diced onion in vegetable oil in a large pot. Sautee until the onion is soft and brown.
2. Cut lamb into cubes and add to the onion and cook until brown.
3. Add 1 cup of water, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until meat is tender (about 45min)
4. Remove meat from the juice and set leave juice in the pot.
5. Add basmati rice and cook until tender.
6. While the rice is cooking sauté carrots in sugar and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Cook until they are lightly browned and tender.
7. Remove from oil and add raisins to the same pan. Cook until they are swelled.
8. Once the rice is finished, place on a large dish. Add lamb pieces on top and then add carrots and raisins on top. ENJOY!

Afghan Okra
Serves 5

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2tbs tomato paste
• 1lb okra
• 1tbsp ground turmeric
• Vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2cups of water

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat vegetable oil in skillet and add onion. Sauté until soft and brown.
2. Stir in tomato paste until no lumps remain.
3. Add okra, and sprinkle with turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until tender and sauce has thickened, about twenty minutes. Season with salt and pepper again before serving.

Regional Positions Available to Alumnae

2011-03-01T11:58:00.000-06:00

When women become official members of Delta Xi Phi, they become sisters for life. After they graduate, some sisters go on to pursue various careers and have their own families, while other sisters want to also remain active in DXP, watching it grow and helping future sisters. These sisters make up the National Board, Regional Councils, Alumnae Association, and even part of the Connections magazine staff.

Regional Advisors serve as the primary liaison between their chapters and the National Board. Some of their responsibilities include maintaining constant communication with chapters in their region and National Board, making sure all chapters submit their reports on time and that all are submitted, planning meetings and retreats in their region, acting as a mediator to chapters who may have internal issues, etc.

DXP is currently seeking for an alumna to represent the West Region as their Regional Advisor. If you are interested and reside in the West Region, contact president@deltaxiphi.org and for a full description of the position.

The Regional Councils were established last year to help Regional Advisors manage their regions as they keep on growing and to improve communications between chapters and the advisor/council. Each region is divided into several districts made up of several chapters that are somewhat close in proximity. Each district has its own District Representative. The councils are also made up of Expansion Committee Representatives in their respective regions.

Currently, there are several districts primarily in the Midwest Region that are in need of a District Representative. Each representative reports directly to the Regional Advisor. Their responsibilities include:

To represent the chapters, associate chapters and their members contained in the District
Ensure that the needs and wishes of their constituency is represented to the Regional Council
Assist in the collection and maintenance of accurate records for chapters and associate chapters within the District
Maintain frequent contact with local entities in their District
Assist the Regional Advisor in completion of her duties as required

If you are a DXP alumnae, currently reside in the Midwest region, and are interested in serving as a District Representative, contact midwest@deltaxiphi.org.

It's all Greek to me!

2011-02-20T21:31:00.000-06:00

Since September, the alumnae from Chicago are meeting (or at least trying to meet) once a month for a brunch to meet other alumnae, reconnect with old friends, and just have a good time with each other. Lea and I (but mostly Lea), came up with this idea back in the summer when she had moved here from Ohio and didn't really know many sisters in the area although we knew there are TONS of alumnae from many chapters (since Delta's located in Chicago and there are several chapters nearby). After taking a break in December (due to the holiday season and alumnae being super busy), we were back on in January and it was my turn to plan the event!

I wanted to go somewhere multicultural, since we are part of a multicultural sorority, and so I decided to go to Greektown because I had never eaten Greek food before and I knew it where it was (only a few blocks down from UIC, my alma mater). I had heard Athena Greek Restaurant had good food and after doing some research, I decided we would go there.

After deciding to drive into the city (I live in the boonies, so it's always a trek), finding out that Athena has FREE valet parking was awesome. Our table was ready right away even though we were not all there (it's called DXP time, we all run on it) but the wait staff was very nice about it.

I'm a pasta lover so it was natural that I would order the Makaronada Apli which is pasta tossed in tomato sauce and cheese. I thought, "Really? I'm at a Greek restaurant and I'm ordering spaghetti?" I'm a very picky eater and I stuck with my choice and I'm glad I did. It was actually nothing like spaghetti but it still tasted very delectable. I'm nothing like our food connoisseur Stephanie (check out her blog Discovering Cultures through Cuisine) so I have no idea what ingredients I tasted, but it was very delicious and I'd order it again.

My dining companions were more daring and chose Greek foods you already heard of like lamb and mousaka and were also delighted with their meals, but a few of them chose to also order the saganaki as an appetizer and they loved it. Saganaki is goat cheese breaded in flour and then flamed in brandy and is an experience to eat. I didn't get a chance to try it, so I'll just have to go back for it. I say it is an experience because they flame it right in front of you. Opa!

This is a video I found on YouTube showing how they flame the saganaki at a different restaurant in Chicago (similar to Athena).

Lambda sister makes her mark as Navy JAG Corps officer

2011-02-19T20:56:00.001-06:00

The trials of daily life inspired Lt. jg Alexandra Nica to join the legal profession.

“I really felt like I had a set of skills that I could put to use for society, that there was a way to help people,” Nica said. “I wanted to fix peoples' problems in the same way that a doctor fixes a person's body. The best way I could think to do that was to become a lawyer.”

She decided to pursue a career in the Navy while in law school.

“The summer after my first year I worked for the Army JAG Corps,” Nica said. “I really enjoyed the work, my bosses and my coworkers.”

She took the opportunity to talk with recruiters from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. She ultimately chose to apply for the Navy.

“I like the Navy JAGC mission,” Nica said. “I like the type of law that the Navy focuses on; I like the option to deploy; I like the locations of the bases; and I like my bosses and coworkers. It was the best fit for me.”

She applied the first semester of her second year and was accepted. The application process has changed since she went through, but there is basically a written application followed by an interview before a panel of Navy officers.

“Once the panel professionally recommends the applicant, the commissioning process begins,” Nica explained. “There is a security clearance, a medical and physical clearance, and a lot of paperwork. A few months later, if all goes well, the applicant is commissioned.”

After taking the bar, there is a five week officer development program to introduce new JAGs to the military. After passing the bar, the JAGs go to Naval Justice School for a course in basic military law before reporting to the first duty station. Nica’s initial commitment to the Navy is for four years of active duty.

“Of those four years, my first three will be in Yokosuka, Japan working in an office that does both criminal defense and legal assistance for service members and their dependents,” said Nica who is currently on active duty, but will not leave for Japan until April.

At some point in those three years, she will switch between those assignments.

“After that, I will likely be back in the states somewhere doing more of the same or switching to prosecution or, if I'm lucky, I'd like to do a brief tour on a ship,” Nica said.

She hopes to make a career of the Navy and overtime will get the opportunity to deal with international law, particularly as it applies to armed conflict.

“The great advantage to working with the Navy is that I get to do a bit of everything and, throughout, I get to support our men and women in uniform,” Nica said. “I am very excited for this new phase in my life and I am so lucky to be able to help our men and women in uniform.”

post written by Amanda

A National Board Profile on Erin Kim: Executive Vice President

2011-02-12T21:24:00.000-06:00

The National Board of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. is comprised of 15 alumnae members who became sisters at different chapters across the nation. The National Board members are responsible for overseeing chapters, helping expand to new schools, as well as making sure the national constitution is upheld, among other responsibilities.

Erin Kim is the Executive Vice President of Delta Xi Phi. She is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the community service that DXP members perform. She also oversees the various committees and assists the National President as needed. Kim is also the Convention Committee Chair making sure the committee manages to meet deadlines for a successful convention.

"I like being on the Executive Board and working with the women I work with," says Kim, "I've worked with some of these women for almost five years and continuing our work has been great. I also love that there are new members on the board that I get to watch develop."

Kim works as a Data Entry Supervisor for Iron Mountain, in charge of overseeing two Data Entry teams and supervising 12 individuals. She works about 50-60 hours a week and attends school in the evenings. Kim is currently working on her MBA.

"My life is quite busy and hectic but I don't think I'd have it any other way," she says.

She chose to run for this position because she wanted a role on the Executive Board and to serve the sisterhood in a more direct contact leadership position. In her position as Executive Vice President, Kim hopes to better DXP's commitment to community service through new and different opportunities and by making the reporting process even easier. She also hopes to strengthen the committees so that the National Board and other committee members are able to meet their goals and make sure the whole sorority benefits.

"Delta Xi Phi and being a part of the board has enabled me to gain lots of leadership experience and skills," says Kim.

Kim was a sister of the Beta Chapter at California State University - Chico since Spring 2001. She graduated in the Spring of 2006 with a degree in Sociology. She will be celebrating her 10 year anniversary in DXP this April.

"Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are"

2011-02-05T17:52:00.000-06:00

Note: We will be featuring posts from Phi Chapter sister Stephanie Cedeño's blog, "Discovering Cultures Through Cuisine," as part of our "Multicultural Cuisine" feature.

Famously said by the brilliant French gastronomer Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin . There is a reason Monsieur Brillat-Savarin is named after the soft, white-crusted Brillat-Savarin cheese , he was brilliant, and a true pioneer of gourmet. Take me for example, I am a lot like one of my favorite foods in the world, Parmigiano Reggiano......I have a hard exterior, but I am surprisingly sweet, a little bit nutty, and better with a bottle of Cabernet. Cultures are the same. A great deal can be said about a community once you look at their food, notably it's traditions, history, people, and geography. I will start my food adventure with a 26 week alphabetical journey across the globe. Week one will focus on a country/region/area that begins with the letter "A", week two with "B"..........ex-cetera. So, if you have a favorite country let me know and we can cook together....or you can read all about it! Check me out the first week in January for my first cultural culinary experience.

Multicultural Cuisine: Tandoor Chef Naan Pizza

2011-02-03T22:08:00.001-06:00

Welcome to our new feature on multicultural cuisine! We will be featuring reviews and recipes of food from a variety of cultures. First up is a review of Tandoor Chef’s Roasted Eggplant frozen pizza.

If you’re a busy person like me who often comes home from a long day at work and would rather crash on the couch than spend even 30 minutes in the kitchen preparing dinner, then I highly recommend you give this frozen pizza a try. Prep time is only 10 to 15 minutes. The pizza is also made with all natural ingredients for those of you who don’t like preservatives and trans fat in your food.

Tandoor Chef sent me samples of their newest products to review and I am happy to say that I immensely enjoyed testing the roasted eggplant pizza for you all. If you asked me what naan was about a decade ago, I would have said, ”I have naan idea.” Get it? If not, I forgive you as it may take a while to get my sense of humor.

Anyway, I have had a chance to expand my culinary horizons since then thanks in part to my college years when I got an opportunity to taste a variety of different foods while bonding with my sorority sisters. I eventually discovered Indian flatbread and absolutely fell in love with it. Since tasting naan topped with roasted eggplant, mozzarella cheese and pureed tomatoes, I have introduced a new love in my life. The thick crust was oh so tasty after it was crisped to perfection in my oven.

The sauce was sweet and spicy, but not too much so. There was a generous portion of eggplant and just the right amount of cheese covering the pizza. If you’re still reading this review, what are you waiting for?

Get to the store and buy a box of these yummy pizzas so you can enjoy its deliciousness yourself. Be sure to watch your portions though because the eggplant variety will cost you 330 calories per serving, which is half a pizza. Other varieties include Margherita, Cilantro Pesto and Spinach & Paneer Cheese.

What is your favorite Indian food or pizza topping?

post written by Amanda

Meet the Members of the Expansion Committee!

2011-01-19T15:13:00.000-06:00

Expansion is clearly an integral part of Delta Xi Phi. Since being founded in 1994 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the sorority has grown to include 21 chapters located at schools in 14 states across the nation.

These chapters were founded with the help of a National Expansion Chair who is basically a New Member Educator for the chapter while they are still a colony. While there is still a National Expansion Chair, she now has a newly formed Expansion Committee to help her with expansion duties and help Delta Xi Phi grow to more schools across the nation.

The Expansion Committee is made up of a representative from the four regions where DXP schools are located - the East, South, West, and Midwest - and the National Expansion Chair. Each representative is also a part of her respective Regional Council. The committee helps the Expansion Chair with her duties in their own regions, such as researching and contacting schools regarding expansion.

The ladies who make up the Expansion Committee come from different backgrounds and different regions. Here is some information about them:

Lea Madry is the National Expansion Chair and head of the Expansion Committee. Unlike the other members of the committee, Madry is on the National Board and was elected to her position at the most recent National Convention. She is one of the founding sisters at the Phi Chapter at the Ohio State University. Their chapter was founded on May 7, 2009.

"I specifically ran for National Expansion Chair because, as a founding sister of Phi, the expansion process really meant a lot to me," says Madry, "Having been involved in it every step of the way as an undergraduate, I wanted the opportunity to facilitate that very special experience for our future sisters."

Madry oversees the Expansion Committee as they work to expand DXP to other schools in the nation. She is the main contact for any groups interested in establishing a chapter at their school and will be their New Member Educator should they go through the process. Her goal for the committee is to make sure the sorority grows in an effective, efficient way during her term as National Expansion Chair.

Alisha Stevens is the Expansion Committee Representative for the East region. She is a founding sister of the Upsilon Associate Chapter at Keene State College and they were founded on January 10, 2009. After graduating in May and going to convention in August, Stevens realized that she wanted to stay involved with the sorority and thought that joining the committee would be a great way for her to do so without taking up so much of her time.

"I am enjoying it," says Stevens about the committee thus far, "I LOVE when my inbox has a new email in it from a Delta Xi Phi account, and am anxiously hoping for more to happen in the East so I can try to help out a little more!"

Miranda Goodwin is the Expansion Committee Representative for the South Region. She helped found the Kappa Associate Chapter at the University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa on May 3, 2003 and has served many positions at her associate chapter and on National board since then. Goodwin was asked to join the committee to help with expansion efforts in the South. This allowed her to stay involved with the sorority but still have more time to continue her education as a graduate student.

"I am hoping to create new positive experiences and views of how southern schools and administration accept multiculturalism," says Goodwin, "Through my personal experiences as a founding sister at Kappa, we ran into many negative situations. Insofar, my correspondence with the schools has been positive and accepting. My mind will always remain open and hopeful regarding my efforts to expand our values and hold our pillars in the highest esteem while hoping to spread the message of diversity and multiculturalism."

Diane Abundabar is the Expansion Committee Representative for the West Region. She is a sister of the Beta Associate Chapter at California State University - Chico since Spring 1999. She held many positions on the National Board since graduating, including National Expansion Chair. Abundabar took some time away from DXP during the past few years and wanted to become involved again, especially since DXP now has more experience with expansion.

"I am quite proud of how our sorority has grown since I crossed," says Abundabar, "We have built this sorority from the ground up and believe that through the work of many dedicated sisters, our foundations are solid. Strategic growth with interested prospective members will help our organization help support chapters that are isolated and build the DXP network across the country."

Izzie Karpierz is the Expansion Committee Representative for the Midwest Region. She is a sister of the Delta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Chicago since December 8, 2007. She wanted to stay involved with the sorority, besides her commitment to keeping the Connections blog updated as much as possible, and thought that the Expansion Committee would allow her to do something in her free time.

"I really like being a part of the committee," says Karpierz, "Call me nerdy but I kinda like researching other schools to potentially expand DXP to and I get even more excited when they respond to my emails!"

If you are a student or a school interested in learning more about Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., please continue reading the blog posts and visit our Website. If you are interested in expanding Delta Xi Phi at your school, please visit this link and submit a web inquiry.

The more things change… the more they stay the same

2011-01-15T20:13:00.001-06:00

As a young girl, I loved spending the weekend with my cousin who was about two years older than me.

We grew up in a small town so there was not much for us to do besides trying to catch grasshoppers and butterflies in the spring or rolling down the hill in our grandmother’s front yard. The grass made us itchy in the end, but we didn’t mind. But whenever I visited my cousin, we would often head out of town to shop at the mall or stay in town and attend a Halloween carnival organized by her school.

I could not wait to find out where we would be going next, so I was excited the day I learned we would be helping babysit some younger kids in a daycare-type setting – we were about 12 years old at the time. Unbeknown to me, I would experience racism for the first time. But it would not come from the mouth of an older white person with prejudice views.

It would come from the mouth of a small child we were watching while the kids played outside.

We were trying to keep them from getting to rowdy when one of them said, “My mom told us we don’t have to listen to black people like you.”

My cousin and I looked at each other in disbelief, shocked that a child would be taught to not to listen to someone because on their race. This was the 90s. Weren’t we past that?

Up to that point, I never had anyone call me a derogatory name or single me out in a negative way because of my race. I went to a predominately white elementary school and race was the last thing on our minds. We were more concerned about when tacos would be served at lunch and waiting in anticipation for our book club orders to come in.

We only had one middle school so there was even more interaction between the races, but I never personally encountered any racism. It saddened me to think there were still families out there teaching their children to make judgments based on race. It was also interesting to see that even though my cousin is mixed –her mother is Thai and her father is black, the child viewed her as just another black girl they were taught not to listen to.

After all that civil rights leaders and their foot soldiers accomplished in the 60s, it is always disappointing to realize that racism still exists. While we may not be able to change the views of the older generation, we can definitely teach our children not to hate. This goes for all races.

As a black woman, I have heard many prejudice views come out of the mouths of people I know who are black. We should not teach our children that all white people are out to get them or Hispanics are out to get their jobs. This is not what King taught us.

We should love one another and seek to understand each other. I sometimes wonder what became of that child who opened my eyes to prejudice. But I focus most of my attention on making sure I teach my 4-year-old daughter that we are much more than the color of our skin.

post written by Amanda

Want to expand your reading list? Join Delta Xi Phi’s Multicultural Book Club!

2011-01-10T20:53:00.001-06:00

As editor of Connections and an avid reader, I am very excited to announce that Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. is looking for fellow readers to get involved in our multicultural book club. In upholding our sorority’s purpose to increase multicultural awareness, we read literature written by and about people of different cultures. Our next two-month reading period will begin in February and we are currently accepting suggestions for book titles.

Please visit the Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Book Club and join us as we prepare to select our next book.

I admit that I am a bit behind on my own reading so it will be great to get back on a schedule and be able to discuss what I have read with others. I look forward to kicking off the new year with a good book and hope you will join us. What is the last book you read?

post written by Amanda

"Diamonds are Forever" and so are our memories

2010-10-22T20:45:00.000-05:00

Delta Xi Phi sisters traveled from all over the country to meet in Las Vegas, Nevada during the first weekend of August for the 12th annual National Convention. Sisters spent the "Diamonds are Forever" themed weekend participating in officer training, attending meetings, meeting new sisters, and enjoying the Las Vegas attractions. Here's what they had to say about the weekend they had and the memories they made.

Why they attended - For some sisters, it was mandatory for them to attend convention to participate in officer training. Other sisters came in because they wanted to go to convention and/or Las Vegas.

"I attended convention for two reasons, the main reason being [that] I attended last year's in Memphis and had a BLAST. I knew what I would be missing and couldn't bear the thought of not attending this year! I love to meet all my sisters from across the country and hear their stories and of course make new memories with them that you can only get at convention!" says Erica Tremblay, Upsilon sister.

"Besides being elected secretary for this upcoming year, my sisters thought it would be great for me to get into the loop of things, meet sisters from other chapters, and just experience this whole other side of the sorority," says Anay Rodriguez, Eta Sister.

Traveling - Traveling to Las Vegas was quite an adventure for most sisters. A lot of sisters' flights were delayed and so they got there later than planned. Some sisters opted to drive instead of fly and spent many hours bonding before they even got to convention. Many sisters flew alone, but several traveled together.

"I traveled with my NME. It was fun since I have never been on a plane before but it did get a little tiring," says Dyana Collins, Iota sister, who flew in from Massachusetts.

Convention & Meeting Sisters - One of the highlights of attending convention is meeting sisters from all across the nation. Another is celebrating with the newly found friends at the formal banquet held on the last night.

"I love interacting with sorors from different chapters. Talking about the differences, hearing about their experiences but still being able to get along and vibe so easily - it's great," says Tiffany Reese, Kappa sister.

"The most memorable thing about convention was of course the banquet! I love meeting with all of my beautiful sisters that last night; dancing, reminiscing, celebrating and awarding," says Tara Pflomm, Gamma sister, "Letting my hair down with my sisters, strutting, dancing, laughing, eating - Nothing better!"

Las Vegas - This year was the second that convention was held in a city where there is no DXP chapter, but the first not held at a university in the city. The locale definitely contributed to the atmosphere surrounding convention.

"One thing I really liked about convention this year, was the hotel it was held in," says Amanda Laney, Beta sister and National Secretary, "From a National Board perspective, it was a lot easier to have everything held in the same place as we were already staying, that made it much easier to keep all the business on schedule!"

"I think the strip in general was very memorable, especially the night lights. I loved seeing everything lit up and 'sparkling,' it was truly amazing and I couldn't take it all in fast enough!" says Tremblay.

The 13th annual convention will be held next year in Columbus, Ohio.

Phi Sisters Receive Chapter Status

2010-07-31T17:02:00.000-05:00

Eleven women established an associate chapter of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. at the Ohio State University on March 27, 2009. A few months after they celebrated their first anniversary as an associate chapter, the sisters received chapter status becoming the Phi Chapter of Delta Xi Phi.

"Our founding Alpha line sisters put a lot of effort into laying the groundwork of establishing DXP at Ohio State. I think establishing a common vision and knowing where they wanted to be a year later probably helped a lot," says Jeanette Pavlik.

The sisters at the Phi Chapter have worked hard within the past two years in order to establish DXP at Ohio State, the university's first multicultural sorority. They are also one of DXP's youngest associate chapters to receive chapter status.

"I think that it is great that Phi now has chapter status despite us being fairly new in the sisterhood," says Layinka Osinowo, "This shows that you can achieve anything you want when you want it, as long as you meet the requirements to get it."

"The hard work, commitment and passion for Delta Xi Phi from my Phi sisters is what I think helped us receive chapter status," says Brittany Savko, New Member Educator and incoming President.

Phi sisters welcomed six Beta Line sisters on their one year anniversary and three Gamma Line sisters during the last quarter. There are now 21 sisters that make up the Phi Chapter. As the Autumn Quarter approaches at the Ohio State University, the sisters are hoping to expand their growing chapter in several ways.

"Currently, we hope to continue to spread the word about DXP on campus through successful multicultural events and marketing advertisements, recruit many more new women and continue to earn honors and awards from our university's Greek Life department," says Savko.

As the Phi Chapter was expanding number-wise, the sisters were also working hard to establish a solid presence on campus, as well as hosting several events that promoted the purpose of DXP's five pillars, especially Multiculturalism. Some events include multicultural movie nights, histories about several cultures (including Irish dancing, Bellydancing, and Native Americans), and a "That's so Gay!" GLBT Awareness Night that they received an Outstanding Diversity Program Award.

All of this hard work paid off with even more awards as well, both individual and group awards. The Phi Chapter sisters earned the Outstanding New Student Organization Award, the William H. Hall Chapter of the Year Award, the Outstanding Scholarship Program Award, and Recognition as Activists for Diversity Award. Phi sister Lauren Eskin also received a Greek Life Living the Ritual Award for her commitment to all five pillars.

"Truthfully, all the Phi sisters live and breathe the DXP pillars. Anyone who knows us without our Greek letters knows that about us. I think that's what makes a great chapter," says Pavlik, "In the short time I have been a sister, it's easy to see why it's great to be a Delta Xi Phi!"

Another sister, Lea Madry, Phi Chapter's first alumna, was also recently featured in an article on OSU's Arts and Sciences website. The article, titled "Lea Madry: Determined to Make a Difference," is about Madry's college career and what she accomplished such as serving others and promoting DXP's pillars, as well as bringing the sorority to OSU.

"It took a lot of hard work and perseverance from all of our sisters to gain chapter status. We all knew that gaining chapter status would be a hard goal to reach, but with the right visions, determination and amount of work we were successful! Each and every individual sister helped contribute to our success in earning chapter status. All of the fundraising, multicultural events and recruitment efforts on [Phi's part] were major components to our gaining chapter status," says Savko.

Countdown to Convention - What to do in Las Vegas

2010-07-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

There are many opportunities for DXP sisters to go out and explore the city of Las Vegas during the 12th annual National Convention held from August 5th - 8th. Although "Sin City," as Las Vegas is also called, is known for its many casinos, nightclubs, bars, and other venues where patrons must be over 21 years old, there are many exciting things to do for those who are under 21. Many of these venues are also open until midnight or later, so people can still go out on the weekend and have fun, without having to be of age.

"Sirens of TI" - Located at the Treasure Island Hotel-Casino, "Sirens of TI" is an 18 minute show full of pyrotechnics, acrobatics, pirates, and of course sirens. The pirates and sirens battle against each other, causing the ship to "sink" during each performance. During the five years that the show has been running, there have been over 4000 performances. Since the ship "sinks" during the performance, it has traveled more than 275 miles. The show is performed four times each evening (weather permitting) at 5:30, 7, 8:30, & 10pm and is free to all.

Worldly Experiences - DXP sisters can enjoy multiculturalism while in Vegas by visiting two attractions inspired by other countries. At the "Eiffel Tower Experience," sisters can view Las Vegas from 50 stories above ground at the half-scale Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. The tower measures 541 feet tall with an observation deck at 460 feet. It's open daily from 9:30am - 12:30am. Admission is $10 until 7:30 and $12 after. Just down the road, sisters can explore a new culture at the Venetian. "Gondola Rides" are open daily where a group of four can enjoy a scenic ride either indoors or outdoors for only $16. They are open 10am - 11pm Sunday-Thursday and are open until 12am on Friday and Saturday. Sisters who arrive 15minutes before they open can hope to catch the gondoliers singing to begin their day.

"Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat" - This facility was opened in 1990 and happens to be one of the projects of the world-famous duo, Siegfried & Roy. Located at the Mirage, admission to both exhibits is $15. The Dolphin Habitat is really a research facility, where visitors can be educated about these creatures and see their naturalistic habits, even though they do not regularly perform. The Secret Garden hosts a variety of wild cats which are different than the big cats visitors think of as the "norm." Siegfried & Roy have dedicated much time to preserving these species from extinction.

"Show in the Sky" - "Show in the Sky" is located at the Rio Hotel - Casino and is performed five times every night. Performers dance and sing to popular songs in an edgy pop, Latin or burlesque style. Sisters are not likely to get bored as each production is performed in a different style. Admission is free, but visitors can pay $12.95 to dress up and ride along on the floats.

These are only a few of the many attractions in Las Vegas that sisters who are not 21, and even those that are, can go to and enjoy their time in Las Vegas. For more attractions or other information about Las Vegas, visit www.vegas.com.

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T01:36:00.001-05:00

As you prepare to shoot fireworks and eat a lot of barbecue in celebration of the Fourth of July, please remember to take the time out to remember the contributions made by those who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Growing up in the South, I know firsthand how important it is to celebrate the lives of those who paved the way for me to earn a degree at the University of Alabama and vote in my first presidential election when I turned 18. Just as it is appropriate to honor our veterans and those in the military currently serving overseas, we should also recognize those who fought for our freedom on the home front. Thank you, Martin Luther King Jr. for never giving up on your dream.

Thank you, Susan B. Anthony for devoting your life to women’s rights. Thank you, Ida B. Wells for inspiring me to pursue a career in journalism. As I have my own heroes to thank, I am sure each and every one of you has someone you want to recognize on this day.

Through my involvement with Delta Xi Phi, I have met so many wonderful women who are striking out on their own paths to change the world and I wish them the best of luck on their journey. Being a member of a multicultural sorority has opened my eyes to the abundance of cultures that exist outside my Southeastern United States bubble. I have had my taste buds opened to Indian cuisine.

I have learned how to perform a Japanese tea ceremony. I even learned the history behind African boot dancing. So let us also spend July 4 celebrating the melting pot of cultures that has helped define America over the years.

While attending a local Independence Day parade Saturday, I could not help but reflect on how far we have come as a country. I know we are far from becoming a Utopian society as injustices against Americans are documented in the news every day, but there was a time when you never would have seen black and white children marching side by side, waving to the crowd in solidarity. Veterans, who never had the opportunity to fight together during war because of their race, now rode beside each other and smiled at the crowd as their float made its way down the parade route.

Freedom is a wonderful thing and I want everyone to remember what the Fourth of July is all about. Sure, the fireworks are breathtaking to behold and your grandfather’s pork ribs are to die for. But the holiday encompasses so much more.

Spend the holiday reconnecting with family and friends. Be sure to take a break from all the preparations and actually spend some time reflecting on the non-tangible aspects of Independence Day. Why not start a new a tradition and have everyone share what the holiday means to them?

I am sure everyone can put down their sparklers and barbecue chicken long enough to give thanks to the men and women who have helped make America what it is today.

post written by Amanda

Countdown to Convention in Las Vegas

2010-07-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

The 12th annual National Convention is fast approaching in about a month. The convention will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from August 5th - 8th. This convention is different than previous ones as it is the first to be hosted by the National Board instead of an individual chapter.

Normally, national conventions have been held on university campuses across the nation where a chapter is located with the exception of last year's convention held at the University of Memphis. This year, it will be held at the Hampton Inn Tropicana, the first time convention will be hosted at a hotel instead of a university campus. At the Hampton Inn, DXP sisters can expect the normal hotel amenities, such as a swimming pool, complimentary breakfast, professional meeting rooms, and more comfort than what dorms tend to offer.

"The Hampton Tropicana was overall more cost effective than UNLV once we compared the total expenses of both venues," says Miranda Goodwin, Vice-president, "The other reason is that in the past there have been complaints about staying in the 'dorms' and that sisters would prefer the comfort of a hotel."

This year's theme is "Diamonds Are Forever," a popular James Bond film from 1971, which was partially filmed in Las Vegas.

"We felt it was a nice blending of symbolism with the sorority's stone and paying homage to Vegas with the connect to the James Bond movie," says Vicki Nelson, President.

Although sisters can expect to have a good time while meeting with sisters from across the nation in addition to the Vegas entertainment, they should still expect to take care of sorority matters.

"Convention is also a time for us to do business. While I realize it's not everyone's favorite thing to do, it's an essential part of us maintaining a strong and viable organization," says Erin Kim, National Expansion Chair.

Sisters who attend convention are still going to be attending similar workshops to those previously present at past conventions, however, the National Board is revamping some of the workshops to improve on them. As a part of the general meetings this year, chapter delegates are also going to be electing sisters to be a part of the new National Board for the next two years. Something new that is planned for this convention is the introduction of the "Sister Social," where sisters will have time set aside to specifically mingle with each other.

In addition to all the planned events, alumnae sisters who are attending convention have their own schedule for the weekend. There will be an alumni ceremony, workshop, and several opportunities to visit several Las Vegas attractions, like a tour of the M&Ms and Coca-Cola Factory.

"Another improvement [of the convention program] is the number of activities for alumni, a few years ago, there was no incentive for alumnae to attend, and now they have their own itinerary!" says Goodwin.

Registration for convention is due Monday, July 5th, 2010, to guarantee accommodations for the weekend from Thursday, August 5th - Sunday, August 8th. More information can be found at http://deltaxiphi.com/convention/index.html.

Delta Xi Phi Sisters Rewarded for their Efforts

2010-06-13T02:02:00.000-05:00

As another school year comes to a close, Delta Xi Phi sisters across the nation are being awarded for their efforts at their respective schools. There have been many sisters and chapters working hard to promote academic excellence, multicultural awareness, community service, along with developing their chapters and setting themselves up for success. This post reflects only some of the awards won by sisters and chapters during the past 2009-2010 school year.

At the Gamma Associate Chapter, sister Tara Pflomm won third place in Sigma Chi's Derby Darling Competition this past year while Kayleen McGuckin was inducted into the Order of Omega. At the Sigma Associate Chapter, the sisters won the Chapter Programming award.

The Delta Chapter won an award at the UIC Greek Life Awards for their chapter development this year. Delta Sister, Duaa Sharfi (pictured right), also earned an award for Outstanding Greek Scholar for her commitment to academics and promoting it to her community.

The Upsilon Associate Chapter won the Olympus Bowl, which is a presidential Greek award for the Most Outstanding Greek Organization at the Keene State College Campus. Also, sister Alisha Stevens (pictured left) earned the Excellence in Mathematics Education Award as a graduating math major.

Eta sister, Samira Payne, won an award for the Greek Junior of the Year. The Eta Associate Chapter (pictured left) also earned an award for health and fitness that included $700 for programming in the upcoming 2010-2011 school year.

The sisters at the Xi Associate Chapter won several awards for their hard work this semester. Ashley Osburn won an award for having the most hours of community service(108) in the Independent Greek Council. Cassy Collier won an award for the New Member of the Year and Jennifer Young won an award for President of the Year. As a chapter, they won the Independent Greek Council Chapter of the Year 2009-2010 and they had the Highest GPA of all Sororities/Fraternities on the Bowling Green State University Campus in the Fall 2009. They continued their success in the Spring by having the Highest GPA for two semesters in a row.

As a new (Greek) organization on the Ohio State University campus, the sisters at the Phi Associate Chapter won several awards competing against 63 other Greek organizations. They won the William H. Hall Chapter of the Year Award, Recognition as Activists for Diversity, Outstanding Scholarship Program Award, and Outstanding Diversity Program Award for their "That's So Gay!" GLBT Awareness Event. They beat out many of the 900 other student organizations and won the Outstanding New Student Organization Award as well (pictured with the award left). In addition to all of those awards, sister Lauren Eskin, won the Greek Life Living the Ritual Award for her commitment to all of the five pillars.

"In all that she says, does, and works so hard to attain, Lauren is the perfect example of living the Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. ritual: a daily commitment to the pillars of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. It is truly be a privilege for our chapter to honor Lauren’s contributions to our sisterhood and dedication to all that it stands for through this living the ritual award," said Eskin's fellow Phi sisters as they nominated her for the prestigious award at OSU.

Congratulations to all Delta Xi Phi sisters and chapters!

Delta Sisters Receive Chapter Status

2010-06-11T20:40:00.000-05:00

On May 8, 1999, five women started a Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. at the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago and it became known as the Delta Associate Chapter. Eleven years later, the sisters at UIC receive chapter status becoming the Delta Chapter of Delta Xi Phi.

"Eleven years ago Delta associate chapter was established and to see the growth and the dedication from our following sisters to continue the legacy is amazing. I am so overjoyed with Delta in achieving Chapter status," says Ebonie Adams, founding sister.

During the past few years, there has been tremendous growth at the chapter, both in membership and in chapter development. In the Fall of 2008, three sisters started recruiting to reestablish their chapter and since then, 25 women have become members of the Delta Chapter, which is up to 69 sisters.

"[At one point], Delta Associate Chapter was only three girls and now look at us, we've become a chapter," says Duaa Sharfi, Vice-President, says of the impact of growth, "We're headed towards expansion and hopefully with a lot more girls and awareness, we're redefining the role of a multicultural organization within the Greek community and UIC in general."

Throughout the years, Delta sisters have worked to become more recognized on campus and this past year seemed to have culminated all their hard work. They were featured in their school's news publication, the Chicago Flame in January. They collaborated with many other organizations on campus for their events and befriended many others in hopes of future collaboration.

"We came up a lot from people never hearing about who Delta Xi Phi was, but in time our name got out there through socials, recruitment and rocking our letters. It's a great feeling to finally be recognized by others and to see more of our letters around campus," says Aileen Apuli, Social Chair and incoming New Member Educator.

While still trying to recruit women interested in joining the sorority and upholding the pillars, the sisters of the Delta Chapter also tried to focus on networking and hosting events based on the pillars. This helped them get them recognized more around campus, but it showed a commitment the women have towards the sorority and maintaining the five pillars.

"Because we had such an increase in numbers, we were able to do a lot more than we previously had been able to do," says Izzie Karpierz, President, "We held so many events this year - Study Break with DXP, Karaoke Night - our Founder's week had an amazing turnout! I think we definitely set a high standard for ourselves on what to accomplish next year, but we have such a great group of girls that they'll be able to exceed expectations."

"It's amazing to me to see how far we've come since Ebonie, Ann, Jennifer, Kristi, and I began our journey. I have met some amazing women and have formed many close bonds. I'm proud of everything that has been accomplished and every sister that has helped," says Maria Gasiamis Lamb, founding sister.

There were some ups and some downs throughout the year for the sisters, but for the most part, they pulled through all setbacks, together as sisters. Their commitment to the sisterhood pillar was definitely strengthened throughout the year.

"Being such a strong group of women that can work together and play together, I knew we could accomplish becoming a chapter," says Kimberly Longo, Community Service Chair, "I'm very proud of my sisters at UIC."

Delta Chapter sisters plan on celebrating their accomplishments with a formal event in August.

Alumna puts the Ritz in Ritzy Cakes

2010-06-05T00:14:00.000-05:00

Alpha sister, Syreeta Burnett, didn't learn how to bake in school. She went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in Architecture and Civil Engineering and then transferred to DePaul University where she earned her degree in Organizational Communications with a minor in Org. Psych. Burnett had a passion for baking food that turned into Ritzy Cakes, a bakery that specializes in wedding cakes, cupcakes, and other dessert foods.

"I started [Ritzy Cakes] originally because I have a love for making baked goods. It evolved into a passion that constantly motivates me each day to wake up and make something lovely for others to enjoy," says Burnett, "I love to see and hear that people enjoy my food."

Burnett started Ritzy Cakes officially in November 2008 as a home business. She bakes in a commercial kitchen that she rents. During the slower seasons, Burnett might have just herself and a delivery person working but during wedding season she employs another 2 people to keep up with the demand of wedding cakes.

"I mostly get asked to make wedding cakes, but my cupcakes are quite in demand, especially my Red Velvet Cupcakes! I also make Caribbean style desserts. These I learned from my mother growing up," says Burnett.

Starting up the business took a lot of determination for Burnett. She had been able to do some small-scale events for family friends previously and decided to open up her own business.

"It really does take a desire to succeed regardless of governmental forms or the bumps in the road that one can encounter," says Burnett.

Ritzy Cakes recently started shipping to those who would like to enjoy some tasty desserts outside of the delivery area.

For more information or to place an order visit Ritzy Cakes at http://www.ritzysweetandsaucy.com/

Kappa sister starts Customization business

2010-06-02T01:11:00.000-05:00

Kappa sister, Ashley Sparks, likes designing images on her computer. Art has been a passion of hers that she has been making customized images for DXP and several sisters. Making all of these projects has inspired her to start a customization business called Sparkymouse Customs, which caters mainly to Greek organizations.

Sparks uses Photoshop for most of her designs and then tweaks them and makes them unique to Delta Xi Phi or the individual sister. She personalizes her customizations and tries to bring a part of each sister to the image. She always manages to get each sister's personality across like in this picture made for Liz Swenk, of Delta.

"I hope they will be able to express themselves through my designs," says Sparks of sisters using Sparkymouse Customs for their customization needs.

Sparkymouse Customs got its start when Sparks went into the campus bookstore at the University of Alabama and noticed that most of the Greek merchandise for sororities were for the ones that are in the National Panhellenic Council or the National Pan-Hellenic Council. There wasn't much merchandise for other organizations, let alone Delta Xi Phi.

"I wanted to create a venue where multicultural organizations could get ready-made or customized [paraphernalia]," says Sparks of her inspiration to start her new business.

Many of Sparks' images have already been used for (DXP) flyers, especially at Kappa Associate Chapter. Some, such as the picture here, have been used for recruitment, whereas others have been for event promotion, among other uses.

Even though Sparkymouse Customs is still just starting out, there has been a lot of positive feedback from DXP sisters and many requests for personal images. Hopefully, Sparks' business will soon be growing.

"I would like to reach out and create for more organizations. Maybe even have a chain of stores one day," Sparks says, "And I hope to be able to promote multicultural Greek organizations and uphold the pillars of Delta Xi Phi."

For more information on Sparkymouse Customs, become a Fan on Facebook.

Delta Xi Phi welcomes 22nd chapter at Cabrini College

2010-05-21T23:39:00.000-05:00

On May 1, 2010, Delta Xi Phi welcomed its 22nd chapter at Cabrini College in Radnor, PA. Ten women became the founding sisters of the Chi Associate Chapter. The road to sisterhood was a long one, especially since Cabrini College does not have a Greek Life.

"We were, and still are, up against great adversity on our campus. Cabrini, having no Greek Life is hesitant to allow sororities and fraternities on campus," says Cate Schaffer, President of Chi Associate Chapter.

"We had to basically fight for it. We had to show that we were serious about establishing DXP and that we were going to follow the rules," says Maya Cheeks, Vice President.

Although faced with this adversity, these ten women made it through their process into sisterhood. They started showing their commitment to the pillars and philanthropy of DXP right away by participating in their local Relay for Life, right after they started their process.

"Relay was where we first started to bond as a group. It was perfect timing! We [had just started] and now we had to stay in a gym all night with each other. It was a lot of fun, though," says Cheeks.

Throughout their entire process, Schaffer and Cheeks and their line sisters relied on each other for support and encouragement, and bonded because of this. They also had support from DXP's national board and other sisters and made it through process with the help of their (sorority) mothers, Vicki Nelson, President, and Alyssa Sprovieri, Eastern Regional Advisor.

"I think [DXP] is a wonderful thing for anyone to be a part of. I have received overwhelming support from not only my line sisters, but sisters across the country," says Schaffer. "Alyssa was constantly emailing and calling us all to make sure we were ok. She kept reminding us that she was not scary, and was only there to help us in any way she could, which she always did. Those days when I needed someone to cry and panic to, it was Alyssa. She was wonderful, and I think I would have quit if it wasn't for her."

In addition to Schaffer and Cheeks, the women who founded the Chi Associate Chapter of Delta Xi Phi are Lauren Brescia, Melanie Greenberg, Brittany Hume, Dijana Ilic, Katie Jones, Melissa Mininno, Nicole Saputelli, and Melissa Todd.

Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. was established on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus in 1994 and is one of the founding members of the National Multicultural Greek Council. The sorority now has 22 chapters nationwide and is currently expanding. The sisterhood of Delta Xi Phi promotes multiculturalism, the advancement of women through higher education, community service, sisterhood and friendship.

National Board Member receives Graduate Research Fellowship

2010-05-19T02:46:00.000-05:00

National Membership Coordinator, Jennifer Petsche of Lambda, was recently awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. She, along with 2000 other graduate students, received the fellowship which covers her tuition and a stipend for up to three years so she can conduct her research.

Petsche is currently pursuing her PhD in Bioengineering at Rice University (Houston, TX). She became interested in medical research when she was just barely a teenager.

"I first became interested in medical research back in middle school. My dad showed me a couple news articles: one about cancer research and one about implanting an artificial ear on the back of a mouse. I thought it was fascinating and decided then that I wanted to do medical research," says Petsche.

Recipients of the NSF Fellowship receive three years of [tuition] support, an annual stipend of $30,000 for their research and a $10,500 cost of education allowance. Applicants are evaluated based on intellectual merit and broader impacts.

"For broader impacts, they seem to care most about what your broader impacts as an individual will be (rather than what that of your research will be), so they look at things like do you work with undergraduates or younger kids or working to promote diversity in science (just for example). I wrote about DXP and my involvement as an undergraduate and continuing now on the national board in the personal statement of my application," says Petsche.

Petsche pursued the NSF Fellowship for several reasons. It is a prestigious honor to receive the fellowship and she's not the only on in the family to receive it. Petsche's mother received the same fellowship when she was a grad student.

Petsche conducts research in tissue engineering, specifically working on finding a cell source for cardiac tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is the generation of replacement tissue for disease, wounds or congenital defects. She is currently studying stem cells that are gotten from amniotic fluid as a possible cell source. Petsche gets her cells from amniotic fluid that is removed as part of the intervention for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, fluid that needs to be removed and would normally be discarded.

"These cells have shown a lot of promise: they appear to have similar potential to embryonic stem cells to make at cell types in the body, but they don't form tumors (embryonic stem cells do, but adult stem cells typically don't) and they avoid the ethical issue around embryonic stem cells," says Petsche.

"My research aims are to study the best ways to culture these cells to maintain their pluripotency (ability to make cells form all over the body; all three germ layers) and how to differentiate them into cardiomyocytes."

Eta sister named Greek Junior of the Year

2010-05-14T12:12:00.001-05:00

Eta sister Samira Payne was surprised and excited to be named Greek Junior of the Year during Marquette University’s Greek Awards Ceremony earlier this month.

Marquette University Greek Life and the Office of Student Development honored Payne on May 3 as an Outstanding and Inspirational Greek in the community.

“I know that a number of other students have made great contributions to the Marquette Community as well,” she said. “Yet, I was proud to represent Delta Xi Phi and thankful to my sisters for challenging me to do my best!”

Delta Xi Phi has played a huge role in her college experience and the person that she is striving to become.

“I have put so much love into all the things I do with DXP and I appreciate the recognition,” said Payne who became a member of the sorority on Dec. 6, 2008. “I am so proud to be a member of this magnificent organization.”

Each day she learns something new about what one of the sorority’s chapters is doing and achievements that individual sisters have made. She also reflects on seeing the sisterhood expand to different colleges and universities across the nation.

“I am inspired and encouraged just thinking about it!” Payne said.

Congratulations are also in order for the Eta Associate Chapter. The chapter won a health and fitness award at the ceremony that landed them $700 for programming next year!

post written by Amanda

Alpha Sister has an Alternative Spring Break

2010-05-12T22:09:00.000-05:00

Katherine Thornton (Alpha) went to Los Angeles for spring break this past semester. Instead of spending her days on the beach, Thornton took part in Alternative Spring Break and spend her spring break working at an HIV/AIDS clinic.

"Our mornings usually consisted of learning about the disease and hearing first hand experiences while in the afternoon we would help in various ways," Thornton said about working at the clinic. They created safe sex kits to be distributed to at risk communities, interacted with the patients, and other various tasks at the clinic.

This was Thornton's second year helping out at an HIV/AIDS clinic during her spring break. Last year, she worked at a clinic in New York, where the volunteers would also serve food to the clients among their other responsibilities.

"I like working in different clinics across the country because they bring a different insight into that area's AIDS culture," Thornton said. "The US has such regional diversity, I was able to learn things that I could bring back to Illinois's HIV/AIDS community."

Graduating this may, Thornton is interested in becoming an HIV counselor so she can work with people with HIV and help them lead fulfilling lives despite their diagnosis. She also plans to keep working for HIV prevention and advocacy.

"I just want people to know that though they are living with HIV/AIDS, it doesn't mean they have to lower their standard of life. I want to empower people so that they feel that it is not an inevitable death sentence," says Thornton.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS prevention, check out www.aids.gov and learn the basics about HIV/AIDS.

Iota Rebuilding Chapter with Solo Line

2010-05-05T00:53:00.000-05:00

Recruitment can be very challenging for any chapter, especially if they are already low in numbers. The Iota Associate Chapter struggled a little more than usual this year. They started recruitment this past semester with no active sisters on their campus at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Two alumnae, Betty Alban DeAngelis and Alex Ravina Stone, decided to become active in order to reestablish the chapter.

“It is my obligation as a founding sister. I owe it to the Beta [Associate Chapter] sisters who initiated us eight years ago, to my line sisters, and all Iota sisters who came after me,” says DeAngelis about her decision to help rebuild the chapter.

Through their recruitment efforts, they found one woman who had the determination and the willingness to become a sister. Dyana Collins knew that she would be a solo line from the beginning. This was a little scary for her, but it just made her more determined to do the best that she could.

“Instead of thinking about it being negative, I thought that since it would only be me, I would have more time to grow and that I could definitely have any mistakes cleared up,” says Collins.

Collins was also pledging a co-ed community service fraternity with a pledge class of 14, so she did not feel lonely during her DXP process. She not only received support from her big sisters and alumni at Iota, but sisters from all across the nation encouraged and supported her throughout her process.

“I’ve been blown away with how much support we’ve gotten from sisters in the region, and nation-wide. It’s been a really hectic semester, but we wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without the support and positive energy from all of our sisters,” Stone says.

The support that Iota Associate Chapter has been given this past semester is not just for Collins going through the process, but also for DeAngelis and Stone as they are working to rebuild their chapter in other ways besides numbers. They’ve worked to reestablish connections with other Greeks and organizations on campus, attended Greek Council meetings, kept in contact with their advisor, and basically re-organized the business aspect of their chapter in hopes of keeping it active. Sisters from the region and across the nation were there to help them along.

Sisters from the Rho Associate Chapter and their associate members welcomed Collins during her process, Christine W., a Lambda sister, was there for moral support for everyone, and Vicki Nelson and Erin Kim of the National Board have guided Iota throughout the semester especially. Iota alumni have been there, throughout the semester, supporting Collins, DeAngelis, and Stone.

“I am so grateful for all the help and love that we are getting through this difficult situation. This sisterhood love is what keeps the fire going and allows me to have fun while working hard,” says DeAngelis.

Midwest Chapters Converge in Bowling Green at the Midwest Retreat

2010-05-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

Sisters from the Midwest met up together the weekend of April 16th to take part in the Regional Retreat at Bowling Green State University. The sisters of the Xi Associate Chapter played hostesses for a weekend full of business, sisterhood, and fun.

Members from the Delta, Xi, and Phi Associate Chapters met in Bowling Green, Ohio, along with National President, Vicki Nelson, and Midwest Regional Advisor, Brandie Morris. Sisters came in Friday night and spent Saturday at the retreat.

The retreat started with an icebreaker game to get the sisters comfortable and excited. Then, each chapter discussed fundraising and other events they held that were either successful or not. Sisters then played a exciting game of "Picturades," a combination of Pictionary and Charades, before breaking for lunch.

After lunch, sisters continued to discuss sorority issues, like recruitment and ideas for growing, before breaking off and meeting with Nelson and Morris separately, as chapters.

Although the ladies of the Phi Associate Chapter had to leave Saturday night, the sisters from Delta and Xi Associate Chapters spent the remaining part of Saturday bonding while making DXP t-shirts.

While only three chapters in the Midwest were able to meet together that weekend, the retreat was an overall success. Sisters from different parts of the region were able to meet and talk about successes and areas of improvement while tossing around ideas and suggestions to other sisters.

"It's a great feeling when you come together with girls who you've never met or have seen a couple of times and instantly you are sisters and share not only the same pillars but the same region of the country," said Kimberly Longo, Delta sister.

Lambda sisters to ride bikes across country in 4k for Cancer

2010-04-27T18:48:00.001-05:00

Two Lambda sisters will be riding their bikes across the country to raise money and awareness about cancer. Mariadina DiGennaro and Erica Lai will bike for two months as part of the 4K for Cancer ride, which was started by a John Hopkins University student to honor his father who died of cancer. They will leave Baltimore on May 30 and arrive in San Francisco on July 31.

Riders will visit large cities and small towns across the country. Once they get to their nightly destinations, they will give community presentations about early detection of cancer. They are also going to cook dinner for Hope Lodge residents in Cleveland and St. Louis.

Each rider must raise $4500, which will be given to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Baltimore Hope Lodge. They are also participating in three different Relay for Life events across the country. In the months before the trip, they have been cooking dinner for the Baltimore Hope Lodge and connecting with residents.

Riders rely on local donations for lunch and dinner to maximize the amount of money they can give to their two beneficiaries. DiGennaro decided to participate because cancer patients, when faced with this life-threatening disease, tend to make the most of each day.

“By biking across the country, I will also be taking extraordinary measures to make the most of each day in solidarity with the millions of people who have cancer,” she said.

DiGennaro was inspired by her friends who have done the ride and people close to her who have had cancer.

“It's a universal, nondiscriminatory disease,” she said.

Lai, who has been fortunate enough not to have anyone very close to her suffer from cancer, decided to participate because she wanted to be an active force in the fight against cancer.

“I feel that the 4K allows me to make a more significant contribution,” she said. “I also really wanted to embark on this once in a lifetime opportunity after I graduated.”

You can help DiGennaro and Lai reach their goal by making a donation at the 4K for Cancer Web site.

4K for Cancer

You can also keep up with the ride by following their blog.

4K for Cancer 2010

post written by Amanda

Growing Up

2010-04-22T01:31:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Delta Xi Phi celebrated its 16th anniversary. On April 20, 1994, 15 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign students unveiled a sisterhood that continues to break barriers and make connections.

Reflecting on this led me to think about my journey towards DXP sisterhood. In the Spring of 1999, I was a new mother, as well as a full-time student continuing my studies at California State University, Chico, was an active member of the Filipino American Student Organization, and had a part-time job on campus. My older sister, Cyndi, had joined Delta Xi Phi in the Fall semester, but it never dawned on me that I could join a sorority.

This is something that I've heard from many a DXP sister throughout the years - "I never would have joined a sorority." or "I didn't fit in with the sorority stereotype." So when I was invited to start the DXP membership process, I felt like the women of this chapter saw past my challenges, and saw potential in me that I couldn't see. I also have great respect for my sister Cyndi and thought that if she was passionate about DXP, it must be a good thing!

On May 3, 1999, I crossed as a Delta Xi Phi sister with 3 other phenomenal women as the Gamma line (Les Bleu) of Beta Associate Chapter. At the time, only 3 chapters existed in 3 states! DXP had only been a national organization (chapters in more than one state) for 6 months! I was the last of the single digits at Beta! It's all so amazing to me. I had a "sister-squared" - Cyndi (we're pictured above).

Being an active sister at Chico State was a learning experience! We were a small chapter compared to the other cultural greeks, but we were involved in so many events, committees and groups. We even planned National Convention 2000 (pictured below).

Serving on the National Board from 2002-2008 was a gift. I was given the opportunity to get to know and learn about so many exceptional women. Seeing the fire in their eyes, helping them achieve their dreams and build this sisterhood taught me a plethora of skills and gave me such priceless experiences.

One experience that has stayed with me happened when I was Expansion Chair and visiting our University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa colony. Experiencing first-hand just a pinprick of the discrimination our sisters in the south had to overcome, opened my eyes to the reality of why DXP is so important. Coming from California, diversity was a norm for me. I was humbled, and I will never take it for granted again.

We've built the national sisterhood from the ground up - from our founders and first sets of national boards to the present. I am proud of what we have achieved, and look forward to the amazing endeavors DXP sisters will pursue!

post written by Diane

Xi Sister Manages Multiple Roles in Chapter

2010-04-13T22:18:00.000-05:00

When Xi sister, Jennifer Young, joined Delta Xi Phi, she had no idea she would be taking on so many responsibilities at her associate chapter. Young is the President, Treasurer, and New Member Educator at Xi. In addition to these responsibilities, she is also the treasurer of the Independent Greek Council at Bowling Green State University, maintains a 3.6 G.P.A., and works at her local Flat Rock Developmental Care Center.

Young joined Delta Xi Phi in the fall of 2008. After checking out the national website, she realized that this sorority was the same one that her cousin (Candice Greathouse) helped found at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, so she decided to check it out.

“I loved and still love what the pillars stand for and when I met the girls at the DXP game night, I was hooked. We all meshed so well,” says Young.

Only a semester after she crossed, Young took charge of the chapter due to six graduating members. With only two members left, they basically had to start rebuilding the chapter from scratch. That meant doubling up on executive board positions with Young becoming the President, Treasurer, and NME. That also meant a lot of meetings with Greek Affairs, and the Independent Greek Council.

“I really extended a hand to other chapters even in our time of need to help them if they needed anything that we could help them with. In response, we got a lot of support from chapters who used to not get along with [DXP] in the past,” says Young.

The Xi Associate Chapter has seen much improvement this past year thanks to Young’s persistence. Other sisters helped her through all the tough times she faced this year including National President, Vicki Nelson, and Midwest Regional Advisor, Brandie Morris. Throughout the year, Young relied on the support given from these women and her fellow chapter sister, Ashley Osburn.

“Ashley, thank god she stuck it through with me because it made us grow closer together as sisters and our chapter couldn’t be what it is now without her, Brandie or Vicki being there every step of the way helping me in even the tiniest of ways,” says Young.

On the Independent Greek Council, Young works diligently to make the budget, make sure the council adheres to the budget, and collects dues and fines as necessary. This year, she was able to reallocate over $995 back to chapters who had applied for monetary support as well as eliminate over $500 in unnecessary expenses for the council. Her hard work paid off and she has been nominated for reelection for the 2010-2011 school year.

In addition to her responsibilities in Delta Xi Phi and the Independent Greek Council, Young also works 40 hours a month at her local Flat Rock Developmental Care Center, a center that is home to men and women aged 9 to 52 who are mentally retarded/developmental disabled. She works in a house of boys from 13 to 27 who are all non verbal and have severe behavior issues.

“All are moderately to profoundly [mentally retarded] but I love my job. It keeps me on my toes when I get into their heads to think about what they are attempting to do next and working out a course of action of intervention,” Young says.

Young is attending school to be an intervention specialist with a minor in developmental disorders but would ultimately like to sit on the State Board or the State Education Board of MRDD.

“I love taking on a challenge. It would be so easy for me to be a general education teacher. However, i have low tolerance/patience for laziness but I have all the patience in the world for disabilities -- if a person generally is not able to do something physically or cognitively,” says Young of her desire to work with people with mental retardation.

Young works hard throughout the school year, sometimes with severe lack of sleep, and still manages to maintain a 3.6 G.P.A. Not many people would sacrifice so much and still have a high G.P.A.

“I wanted to see this chapter reach its full potential in the time I’m here so after I leave it can continue to grow in the upward position. I believe when someone joins or contributes to something ([like] an organization) that person should leave it in better shape than when they found it,” says Young.

Rho Associate Chapter to host Multicultural Awareness Week

2010-04-13T21:18:00.001-05:00

April showers may be in the forecast, but the future of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority remains bright as sisters across the country prepare to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the sorority’s founding. This month also marks the founding of the Rho Associate Chapter, which has a week of events planned to celebrate multiculturalism. The chapter is hosting Multicultural Awareness Week April 19-23 at the University of New Hampshire.

MCAW will be held at the university’s Memorial Union Building. The purpose of the weeklong event is to create open environments in which topics such as feminism, race, sexual identity, sexual preference, ethnicity, religion and immigration can be discussed openly. The event also aims to bring issues to the surface that fly below the radar and provide an enjoyable environment that is empowering as well as engaging.

The chapter, which began planning this year’s event in January, is using MCAW to show the community who the sisters of Delta Xi Phi are and what we stand for. So please join us as we celebrate multiculturalism in 2010. All events are free and open to the public.

April 19
6-8:30 p.m. - Screening of “Iron Jawed Angels” in MUB Theater 1

April 20 (Delta Xi Phi’s 16th Anniversary)
12:30-2 p.m. - Safe Zones Workshop with UAC and MOSAICO in MUB 340.
5-7 p.m. - Safe Zones Workshops on sex, gender and the transgendered community in MUB 338.

April 21 (Rho Associate Chapter’s 3rd Anniversary)
5-7 p.m. - "Showcase on Religion" in Rockingham Lounge

April 22
12:30-2 p.m. - “Showcase on Immigration" in Rockingham Lounge

April 23
5-8 p.m. - “Multicultural Trivia Night" (Ice Cream, Sundaes and Prizes) in MUB 338/340

Contact:
Rachael Kreckman
ral23@unh.edu

post written by Amanda

Sisters Relay For Cancer Cure

2010-04-11T01:22:00.000-05:00

Sisters around the nation are lacing up their gym shoes for the annual Relay for Life events in their areas. They are getting tents, sleeping bags, and their pj’s ready for these overnight events as they plan to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Relay for Life events are overnight events hosted each year throughout April, May, and June to raise money for cancer awareness and cures. Relay for Life is an American Cancer Society event. ACS is the national philanthropy of Delta Xi Phi.

These events normally last for about 12 hours and are overnight. They start with a Survivor’s lap where cancer survivors walk a lap around the track or walking path, depending on where the event is hosted. Then, the other Relay participants join them on their second lap, officially opening the Relay event.

Activities at each Relay event can vary, but there are several that have become traditional, in addition to the Survivor’s and Opening Laps, Luminaria Ceremonies are held where bags are lit up with candles to remember and honor all loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer whether they survived or are no longer with us.

Many of Delta Xi Phi sisters have set up their chapters as teams and are starting to fundraise for their Relay events. They need all the help they can get so they can help find a cure for cancer. Please show your support in their endeavors by clicking on the links to their Relay pages and donating. With your help, the ACS can make sure there are more birthdays to celebrate.

Delta & Eta Associate Chapters

Iota Associate Chapter

Sigma Associate Chapter

Rho Associate Chapter Team 1, Team 2, Team 3 & Team 4

St. Lawrence Colony

Cabrini College Colony

WAMS of Cleveland State U.

Lambda sister raises money for brain tumor research

2010-04-05T19:57:00.001-05:00

Two years ago, Lambda sister Lauren McGrath was diagnosed with a rare type of brain mass called an arachnoid cyst. For years, her neurologist and different technicians missed the cyst on her brain scans. It was so large that she could even see it when it was pointed out to her.

McGrath’s symptoms developed from migraines to the inability to walk or drive because of constant dizziness. But she ignored her symptoms and began driving to her summer job. One day, she forgot where she was going and even where she lived.

The pressure in McGrath’s brain was too much for her body to handle. She finally found a doctor who diagnosed the problem. She underwent a successful eight hour surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital where they removed the cyst.

The recovery was slow and hard. But McGrath is feeling much better and says she has a “pretty cool-looking scar” on her scalp to show for it. Unfortunately, her story is not rare, especially for women.

Brain tumor symptoms are often overlooked in women and discounted as stress, anxiety or an effect of hormones. It is hard for McGrath to know that much of her life could have been different and easier if the mass was found before it could cause stress and damage to her cranial nerves. She is one of the lucky few who got away without many symptoms, but others are not so lucky.

If McGrath had waited one more month before surgery, she would have lost all hearing in her left ear. She is now a fundraiser for the National Brain Tumor Society through its annual DC walk in May. The money raised goes to research on rare cases like McGrath’s and development of newer, less painful treatment methods.

As a senior at John Hopkins University, fundraising is an important way for McGrath to celebrate the fact that she has been given the gift of health and is able to graduate on time despite her setbacks. If you can donate even a dollar, it will make a difference. She believes brain disease is preventable and treatable, if we work to find and support solutions.

“My Delta Xi Phi sisters helped me live through this challenge, and I know we can help others too!” McGrath said.

Visit her Web page to donate and feel free to pass on the link to family and friends.

Race for Hope - DC

post written by Amanda

DXP sisters to shave heads for childhood cancer research

2010-03-30T11:48:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the new home of Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority’s national magazine. We hope you enjoy your visit and want to come back daily to get the inside scoop on the sisters of Delta Xi Phi. Connections was created to connect sisters with what is happening on the national, undergraduate and alumnae levels.

We soon expanded our focus to connect with non-members who may be wondering what a multicultural sorority is all about. We are continuing to expand that focus by connecting to readers in the blogosphere. Our inaugural post will focus on the fundraising efforts of alumnae who are shaving their heads for a worthy cause.

Alpha alumna Casi Grabill and Zeta alumna Erin James are going under the clippers May 6 at a St. Baldrick’s event in Chicago to raise money for childhood cancer research. They are going bald in solidarity with kids who lose their hair while battling the disease. More than 160,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Despite progress, cancer remains the #1 killer of children in the U.S. and Canada. Since St. Baldrick’s began in 2000, “shavees” have helped raise more than $69 million, enabling the organization to grow into the world’s largest fundraising event for childhood cancer. The foundation made more than $12 million in research grants last year.

St. Baldrick's grants help fund a number of research projects that provide new treatments and a better quality of life for patients.

“Anyone can run or walk a 5K, but how many people, especially women, are willing to sacrifice their hair for cancer research,” said Grabill who has over 10 inches of hair she is giving up.

She will donate much of her hair to Locks of Love before she shaves it. Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. James, who works at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Hematology/Neurology Oncology, gets to see firsthand how the money raised by St. Baldrick’s is used and how much they benefit the fight against cancer.

“I feel really fortunate to be able to participate and to contribute to raising funds for research,” James said “My family lost 3 people last year to cancer and if being bald keeps someone else's family from going through that.....it's worth it!”

Lambda alumna Renee Egusa shaved her head at an event at the Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans on March 5. After shaving her head, Egusa was approached by a doctor and asked if she would be a buddy to a pediatric patient undergoing chemotherapy who was afraid of losing her hair.

"After meeting Bailey my outlook on life and medicine changed," she said. "Bailey is a courageous 8 year old who always smiles despite treatments that make her sick and despite being stuck in the hospital. All I can say is that I'm lucky to have met Bailey."

Each sister has a goal to raise $1,000. Please donate to this worthy cause by visiting each sister’s Web site. They are accepting donations before and after the event so feel free to share these links with everyone you know.

Casi Grabill

Erin James

Renee Egusa

Or you can donate by phone at 888.899.BALD.

post written by Amanda