Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

Epsilon Calls Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta • University of South Dakota • Spring 2019 On April 7th, the House Corporation Board voted in four new board members. Learn about them below! Kathy Jones Schladweiler '67 Chapter Positions Held: President Why I Love Epsilon: I never had sisters growing up and the friends I made at Epsilon have remained close to me for over 50 years! Position on Board: Alumnae Relations Mary Ann Vlahakis McAtee '67 Chapter Positions Held: Panhellenic Council Representative and Recruitment Advisor Why I Love Epsilon: Learning the importance of accepting and loving all my sisters definitely prepared me for my future as an elementary teacher. Leaving Vermillion and Alpha Xi Delta with those life lessons of acceptance and appreciation of others has been priceless. Position on Board: Chapter Life Liaison Kimberly Jensen Dietrich '87 Chapter Position Held: Recruitment Chairman Why I Love Epsilon: The time I spent at Alpha Xi Delta gave me leadership skills that have helped me tremendously in my career at the American Red Cross. I grew up at the Alpha Phi house as my mom was on their corp board and felt now was my time to give back to Alpha Xi Delta! Bridgett Crayne Chaclan '99 Chapter Positions Held: Recording Secretary and Recruitment Advisor Why I Love Epsilon: Freshman barn party, singing Grace before meals, and hanging out on the second-floor lounge. Celebrating Epsilon What an exciting year for Epsilon Chapter! Last fall, the girls moved into a new home at 214 N. Plum Street and jumped right into recruitment week. In October, Epsilon celebrated 115 years at the University of South Dakota and recognized the alumnae and volunteers who helped build a new home for Alpha Xi Delta. This spring brought success and excitement for the chapter women (read the update on page 2). And a small group of alumnae began meeting with chapter members monthly during the spring semester to brainstorm and increase alumnae support of the chapter. Change is in the air and we are thankful to the alumnae who have made such incredible change possible! Supporting Our Sisters Some changes this spring were harder than others. Devastating flooding across the plains left farm fields buried beneath sand, water, and debris. If you were impacted by the flooding this spring and can use an extra hand, or any other aid/assistance, please let us know so we can put out a call of support for your family. We are stronger together—and are sisters for life. Alumnae Gathering? Come Stay at the New House! This year was full of new house tours—and we invite you to come stay and check it out this summer! As alumnae groups gather and celebrate sisterhood, connect with us to help set up your stay in. Rates: $50 per person per night - Covers cleaning fees, and raises a small bit of revenue Needs: Please bring your own linens and sheets. If you are traveling via airplane and need this provided, please let us know! Let's Finish What We Started The campaign for a new home at 214 N. Plum brought our alumnae together to accomplish what some believed to be impossible. We are SO CLOSE to our goal of $1.4 million, and we need just a bit more to stabilize the financial status of Epsilon Corporation Board. Our campaign total has been around $1,365,000 for the past 6-9 months. As you know, the project came in over budget. Really difficult decisions on cutting project needs and costs were made—with a priority on making sure what we put in was quality workmanship. In order to put the finishing touches on the house, corporation board opened up a $150,000 line of credit with the bank last fall, fully anticipating additional gifts to the campaign to help wrap things up. Of this, $100,000 was used. So, we still need you. Please consider doing just a little more. If you have not made a gift, it is not too late. If you pledged early on and are wrapping up your commitment, consider extending your pledge one more year. Gifts directly to corp board (versus the foundation) will ease the burden of debt and keep costs low and reasonable for chapter women. Corporation Board Contact If you would like to participate and be part of the alumnae relations committee, contact Kathy S. at kate.schlad@gmail.com or call (641) 430-2269. Questions on making a gift to the campaign? Need some alumnae support? Want to stay at the house this summer? Contact Mary Duncan at mary.duncan1@yahoo.com or call (605) 659-5094. Thanking Our Alumnae Volunteers Four dedicated alumnae completed their terms on corporation board in April. It takes volunteers with heart, sunshine, and a soul committed to serving our sisters to make things succeed behind the scenes. Thank you all for your service to Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta! Ellen Kennedy '05, past president, will remain on the board as an ex-officio member to help advise and lend an experienced voice. Stephanie Dahl Johnson '08, secretary Danelle Johnson '92, alumnae relations Maggie Pearson '05, special projects (helped to organize our move and transitions during the build). EPSILON HOUSE CORPORATION BOARD NOTES New House Corporation Board Members

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