Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

Epsilon Calls Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta • University of South Dakota • Fall 2020 Epsilon Chapter Navigates Ongoing Pandemic, Takes Steps to Keep Sisters Safe Alumnae Support Key to Alpha Xi Delta's Future at USD T he year of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought challenges for all of our households, and Epsilon Chapter has not been without its challenges. Most sisters living in the chapter house moved out as USD closed in March. As recruitment took place in August and students returned campus, the Corporation Board took measures by building a plan to keep the collegiate sisters healthy and safe. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES Extra measures include the cleaning staff taking on additional cleaning duties, wearing masks in public areas of the house, serving and plating of food by kitchen stewards, limited number of members housed in bedrooms together, and no visitors other than members and staff inside the house. Protocols were developed for a member to remain in the house if she tests positive and must quarantine by setting aside a sick room. Additionally, the members are committed to utilizing the USD Safe app and working with the USD Case Management Team. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS With thankful hearts, we express our appreciation to alumnae who supported our COVID-19 plan by purchasing games and activities from the Amazon wish list. The donations even included a Wii so sisters can have Just Dance competitions! These will give the members the incentive to spend much of their free leisure time at the house. Additionally, we are still seeking small gift cards to local and chain restaurants and stores to be given to members who exemplify good COVID-19 living skills. Please consider donating to support these positive reinforcements. ANNUAL MEETING HELD VIA ZOOM COVID-19 also changed things for our annual Corporation Board meeting in April with the cancellation of Founders Day. An annual meeting was held via Zoom. Several Board members were elected new, with additions made later this spring. Carla Johnke Ewald '82, Yankton, S.D. Bonnie Untereiner Bjork '73, Rapid City, S.D. Jessica Watkins Skelton '08, Burbank, S.D. Karen Nelson Kirkebak '79, Alcester, S.D. Lynae Tucker '12, Spirit Lake, Iowa These members join the following ongoing Board members: Kim Jensen Dietrich '87, Tea, S.D. Connie Cottington Colwill '66, Sioux Falls, S.D. Mary Duncan '98, Vermillion, S.D. Cristi Oswald McClelland '89, Vermillion, S.D. Bridgett Crayne Chaclan '99, Sioux City, Iowa Officers elected to the Corporation Board are President Kim Jensen Dietreich '87, Vice President Connie Cottington Colwill '66, Treasurer Carla Johnke Ewald '82, and Past President Mary Duncan '98 (Ex Officio). BOARD BIDS FAREWELL TO RETIRING MEMBERS It is with forever grateful hearts we offer our gratitude to the following retiring Corporation Board members: Mary Roth Runge '85, Kay Cameron Olson '68, and Michelle Morse Bordewyk '05. Their dedication and leadership were invaluable during the planning, designing, building, and moving into the new house at 214 North Plum. We appreciate Mary Ann McAtee '67 and Kathy Jones Schladweiler '67, who for personal reasons had to end their terms on the Board too soon. We appreciate their willingness to give to the sisterhood and wish healthy futures for their families. CHAPTER HOUSE UPDATES We are excited about some changes around the house. Our house director who joined in late fall 2019, Karen Franken, has been a great addition to us during these unusual times and will continue during the 2020- 21 academic year. Also, the front of the house is getting a little update with the addition of benches on the front veranda and an update to the mailbox. Bricks from the old white house will be used to enclose the present mailbox. These will remain as a constant reminder of our legacy of sisterhood in memory of Cynthia Cameron Brogren '64. Please keep our collegiate members in your thoughts and prayers as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic year, and pray for a vaccine so that all of us may come together in 2021 to celebrate our sisterhood and recognize all those who will reach their 50-, 60- and 75-years of sisterhood milestones in 2020 and 2021. These Things we do Earnestly Desire: A clear vision of life, that with gracious and kindly hearts we may share both joy and sorrow and bring into living reality the Sisterhood of women. An appreciation of real merit and worth, steadfastness of soul, that without bitterness or defeat we may encounter misfortune and with humility meet success. These things, O Lord, help us to instill within our hearts that we may grow in courage and graciousness and peace. Stay Healthy and Safe, Kim Jensen Dietrich '87 President Alpha Xi Delta Corporation of Vermillion, S.D. Axid.epsilon.corpboard@gmail.com (605) 201-3561

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