Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

Epsilon Calls page 2 Campaign Status At-a-Glance As of November 18, 2019 Coming Home: The Campaign for 214 North Plum T he founders of Alpha Xi Delta believed in the value of education and the power it gives sisters to achieve their goals and choose their direction in life. For Cynthia "Cin- dy" Potter Fejfar-Higgins '69 and her sisters, Cathy Potter Hayes '71 and the late Julie Pot- ter '77, AΞD was an integral part of their educa- tion at USD and set them up for success. Through AΞD, the Potter sisters were af- forded life-changing experienc- es and encouraged to grow into inspiring women. "It was our oasis," Cindy said. "A home away from home that gave us the opportunities to grow in friendships, responsi- bilities, and service to others, and helped us obtain that col- lege degree." In the spirit of giving back for the support they all received from AΞD, Cindy and Cathy donated to the capital campaign in memory of Julie. "It felt right to give back in her name for all the good things AΞD had given me and for the love my sister had for AΞD," Cindy shared. "We are a sisterhood, and it is our responsibility, an honor, to support something we found joy in." Julie led the House Corporation board for many years, giving back with her time and leadership to help support members living in the chapter house. Although she passed away before hearing the details of the campaign, Cindy believes that Julie would have loved the thought of a new house. "As house corporation president, she had many house problems to deal with," she said. "A new house would be a new beginning—an update to the Greek housing world at USD, something that would bring sisters together." Beyond taking care of the chapter house, Julie enjoyed spending time with the active AΞDs, often baking them cookies as well as sitting and chatting with them. She was giving, positive, and full of laughter. "Her smile was her best asset," Cindy said. "It was something you always remembered." Before Julie passed away, she gave the most precious thing—she donated her body to science at the USD medical school. "She was still a teacher and knew others could benefit from the knowledge they would learn," Cindy stated. Cindy, Cathy, Julie, and their mother were all teachers. Julie has a memorial bench in front of Jolley Elementary School in Vermillion, where she taught for many years. Her memory is also kept alive through a USD scholarship Cindy and Cathy have established with Julie and AΞD in mind. The scholarship will provide $1,000 a year for the next 10 years. Requirements are that applicants must be a member of AΞD Epsilon Chapter and an education major or a medical school student. They are in the selection process of the first scholarship recipient for the spring of 2020; the next scholarship will be awarded in the fall of 2020. You can connect with Cindy to share memories at cfsdak50@yahoo.com. For more information on the scholarship fund, please contact Ravan Kott at ravan.kott@usdfoundation.org. REMEMBERING JULIE POTTER '77 Cynthia "Cindy" Potter Fejfar-Higgins '69 Shares Support of AΞD and Capital Campaign, and Establishes USD Scholarship with Cathy Potter Hayes '71 Goal: $1.4 Million Total Raised: $1,372,339 Number of Donors: 245 Participation: 19.3% Julie Potter '77 with Charlie Coyote. Cynthia Potter Fejfar-Higgins '69 and Cathy Potter Hayes '71. Julie Potter '77 and Ione Cluts Wohlhueter '76.

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