Sigma Kappa - University of Kansas

H H H Sigma star Page 4 Regional leadeRship ConfeRenCe Yields new aCademiC and philanthRopiC pRogRams Chapter Poised for Decades of Success X i officers were dedicated to shaking things up at our first all-executive council regional leadership conference in January. At the weekend retreat in Tulsa, Oklahoma, members collaborated with officers and advisors from various chapters to develop several new academic and philanthropic programs. We are confident these programs, in conjunction with a solid plan of action, will effectively strengthen the chapter for years to come. Motivating the Middle through Academic Achievements While our GPA has steadily increased from a 3.21 in the fall to a 3.23 in the spring, we are dedicated to driving our academic excellence through the roof. Motivating the middle—or in other words motivating those above academic probation (2.75 GPA) but below the all-sorority average (3.25 GPA)—is our number one priority for the 2015-16 academic year. We will establish teams that strive to collectively obtain points by earning A's on papers and tests, tutoring members, or attending professors' office hours. At the end of the semester the team with the most points will receive a gift from the chapter. By motivating the middle, we hope to secure a prominent academic standing on the Hill next fall. Maine Sea Coast Mission to See Philanthropic Contributions from Xi In order to make a greater impact on our philanthropic endeavors, we've created a pen-pal system with third and fourth grade students in eight elementary schools serviced by the Maine Sea Coast Mission. Each month we will send letters and a package of goodies to these students to encourage and support their educational aspirations. Beginning this year, we will also contribute a scholarship to the Maine Sea Coast Mission, and enable a deserving student to fulfill their dream of attending college. We are proud to raise money in support of an incredibly empowering organization. Chapter Boasts 19 New Members Our success as a chapter wouldn't be possible without a growing membership, which is why we are proud to welcome 19 new members to our sisterhood this spring. We are always trying to think of ways to polish our new member program, so if you have any suggestions, please e-mail Vice President of New Member Education Lauren Dollar '13 at lauren.dollar@ku.edu. Alumnae Support Keeps Xi Chapter Strong The pride that Xi members feel after our first full year in our newly renovated chapter house is unrelenting. A simple thank- you to the generous alumnae who have made this renovation possible doesn't seem to do our gratitude justice. Don't forget to stop by the chapter house for a tour of our beautifully renovated facility whenever you're in Lawrence. Let us know you're coming by e-mailing Vice President of Alumnae Relations Emma Zink '13 at emmazink@live.com or just drop in and say hello and meet our active members. We welcome every opportunity to hear stories from the past and share visions for the future. Loyally, Taylor Atkinson '12 Chapter President (507) 413-2533 | tayloratkinson@ku.edu H H Lauren Dollar '12, Kathleen Hahne '12, Andrea Fogarty '14, Taylor Smith '13, Caren Brandenburg, Zeta Delta '82, Anne Dimas '14, Emily Kaplan '13, Taylor Atkinson '12, Kate DeJarnette '12, Abbie Symes '12, and Emma Zink '13 pose for a chapter officers photo. Samantha Harms '14, Farrah Zonoozi '13, and Alyssa Huntington '13 show their Sigma Kappa pride at a KU game. Sarah Fath '14, Gracie Larcher '14, and Sadie Kirkwood '14 ice skating in downtown Lawrence. H Taylor Smith '13, Hayley Disney '13, and Emma Zink '13 play rock, paper, scissors. H Shelby Poskochil '14 at the International Junior Miss pageant. H Emma Dougherty '13 and Ellen Balentine '14 on Bid Day. H

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