Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

Janae Arne | Pine Dale, Wyo. Emma Bargstadt* | Yankton, S.D. (Sister Ashley Bargstad '17) Bella Bauman | Grimes, Iowa Shanae Bergt | Lincoln, Neb. Ellie Betz | Sioux City, Iowa Ashlyn Blake | Mapleton, Iowa Chloe Denny | Yankton, S.D. Delany Hall | Red Oak, Iowa Sarah Hammond | Sioux Falls, S.D. Hope Hoerner | Bowdle, S.D. Heaven Hofer | Dimock, S.D. Rachel Hovdenes | Sioux Falls, S.D. Olivia Just | Sioux Falls, S.D. Brianna McCarthy | Brandon, S.D. Kelsie McKinstry | Waverly, Neb. Choe McNabae | Rapid City, S.D. Aryn Meiners | Winner, S.D. Grace Miller | Lincoln, Neb. Baylee Peterson | Lincoln, Neb. Katie Beth Pinaire | Sioux Falls, S.D. Rosara Riecks | Onawa, Iowa Shannon Schrecengost | Rapid City, S.D. Madelyn Sortino | Bennington, Neb. Celia Thompson | Jordan, Minn. Katiana Zak | Bethel, Minn. *Legacy J oining Alpha Xi Delta provides undergraduates the opportunity to create lifelong bonds with people they may have never crossed paths with otherwise. Epsilon Chapter can introduce its members to their future maid of honor or post-graduation roommate, among a multitude of other possible connections. For Jennifer Jensen '17 and Kate Kirkebak '17, they have continued to strengthen their bonds as co- workers, roommates, and sisters for life. "Epsilon will forever have a special place in my heart," Jennifer said. "It has given me the very best of friends and memories that I will cherish forever." "I am still very close to many sisters," Kate said. "I work with my very best friend; we lived in the house together for three years, and now we live in the same apartment complex. She is definitely more of a sister than a friend to me." S H A P I N G T H E F U T U R E Teaching is an extremely challenging but rewarding career. Jennifer and Kate absolutely love being able to shape and educate children as elementary teachers in the same district. "An important life lesson Epsilon taught me that I use with teaching and everyday life is to never judge or give up on someone without knowing their story. Someone could be going through hardship, so always treat people with kindness," Jennifer said. During recruitment, Kate learned how to hold conversations and work together with others, which, "Has helped me in my professional career because I feel like I am able to better communicate with my coworkers and my students' parents." C O M I N G B A C K H O M E Jennifer and Kate visited the chapter house recently and loved seeing the actives living their best lives. "Seeing my old rooms and having millions of memories flooding back to me made me appreciate the house so much more," Kate said. "I will always cherish those nights studying in the lounge or dining room with Jennifer. She is and always will be a shoulder to lean on." As they reminisce on their time as undergraduates, both Jennifer and Kate credit Alpha Xi Delta for helping them become the women they are today. "Epsilon has taught me to push through the hard times and always focus on the positives," Jennifer said. "I will never forget the morals and life lesson that it taught me." page 3 page 3 Alpha Xi Delta Alpha Xi Delta Alumnae Updates Chapter Eternal Joyce Sharpe Voyles '37 Fern Bergren Wright '39 Carol Ivers Carson '45 Dolores West '46 F. Marione Emerson Browning '49 Karen Axness Fleischer '56 Shirley Dyer Marten '56 Mary Martin Sellers '70 ALUMNAE NEWS Holly King Miller '73 received the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award at the University of Wyoming. Holly served on the faculty for the School of Nursing for many years. She received her associate degree in nursing at USD. Kristi Fischer Wagner '81 was named to the Junior Achievement Board of South Dakota. Kristi has volunteered for 16 years in the classroom for junior achievement. Our celebratory cake for new initiates. Advice for undergraduates: Take a step back and look at the bigger picture of things. Yes, everyone can get into cat fights and be annoyed with little day-to-day things. But just know how fast those four years go. You will only have the opportunity to live in a house and participate as an active member once. W H E R E YO U B E L O N G How Jennifer Jensen '17 and Kate Kirkebak '17 Found Sisters for Life You can contact Kate at kjkirkebak98@gmail.com and Jennifer at jennifer.jensen@k12.sd.us. Welcome, 2022 Welcome, 2022 New Member Class! New Member Class! (Continued on page 4)

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