Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

Epsilon Calls page 2 M ore than 60 years ago, Anne Cover Anderson '55 made the decision to become a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Now, Anne spends her time traveling around the world singing with a chorus, but she still remembers her time with Epsilon Chapter and has a connection with the sorority. "Looking back at age 18 in 1954, sorority life was an unknown, and rush was both exciting and confusing. The Alpha Xi Delta actives were warm and welcoming, and I knew I had found my home away from home," Anne says. While earning her B.S. in education and majoring in physical education with a minor in history, Anne dedicated her time to Alpha Xi Delta, serving as treasurer, vice president, and chapter president. Being in a sorority gave Anne confidence, and as a younger member, she was inspired by the older women in the chapter. "I have never regretted pledging Alpha Xi Delta—I was encouraged to be a good student, had experience in leading, and built lifelong friendships and memories," Anne says. Anne still shares those fond memories with her roommates, and they have stayed in touch since graduation. One of Anne's favorite memories is participating in the Strollers Show, where she met her future husband in 1955 when Alpha Xi Delta was paired with Theta Xi. Anne married Carl Anderson on the day she graduated from college, and one of her treasures is her Alpha Xi Delta pin connected to Carl's Theta Xi pin. In 1966, Anne became a founding member of the Peninsula Women's Chorus, a community chorus of 50 members. She has been singing with the group ever since, traveling and competing all over the world. In August 2015, she traveled to Argentina for a festival, and in February, she performed at the American Choral Regional Convention in Pasadena, California. Anne is also a member of another singing group, the JewelTones. Over the last 15 years, the group has performed at over 200 gigs where they sing '30s, '40s, and '50s music in costume. When Anne isn't busy singing and traveling, she stays in touch with friends and tries to visit the campus and chapter house. "I was back on campus just two years ago, and I was amused that my former room (looking at the front) on the upper left corner is now designated for the president," Anne says. "I will always have a connection with and fond memories of my days with Alpha Xi Delta." Anne has two children: Cathy, who lives with her husband in Newton, Kan., and Michael, who lives near Sacramento, Calif. Her husband, Carl, passed away in 2009 after more than 50 years of marriage. Anne lives in Palo Alto, Calif., and her e-mail address is acand36@aol.com. Anne Cover Anderson '55 Remembers Epsilon Chapter Epsilon sisters gathered in January at the home of Mary Miller. They came from all across the country to reconnect as sisters. Some had not seen each other since graduation day in 1970. Front row, from left: Kay Cameron Olson '68, Mary Ann Vlahakis McAtee '70, Marilyn Peterson McCann '67, Chaille Harrington Womack '67, Diane Sullivan '66, and Betsy Lamont Groves '67. Back row: Mary Brandon Miller '67, Wanda Fisher Murphy '67, Alice Laird Rapport '67, Kate Daugherty Jones '67, Cathy Duncan Hanson '67, Judy Kirk '67, and Kathy Jones Schladweiler '67. Barbara Shafer Kraemer '39 turned 96 years old in October 2015. In April 2014, the Dallas and Fort Worth alumnae chapters presented her with a proclamation plaque honoring her 75 years as a member of Alpha Xi Delta. Barbara lives in Arlington, Texas. Mildred Fiksdal O'Neill '44 moved into an assisted living facility in Webster, S.D., and enjoys the birds and dogs there. Donafaye Cottrell Brecht '47 enjoys living at Trail Ridge in Sioux Falls, S.D. Alverta Reifel Koplin '50 is a caretaker for her husband, Eldon, in St. Paul, Minn., and just wrote a novel. She worked as a teacher in public schools and also at the university level. E-mail: alvertakoplin@gmail.com ALUMNAE NEWS W e want to hear from you! Alumnae are encouraged and welcome to keep us up to date on personal news about your family, career, activities, and contact information. As sisters of Epsilon Chapter, we want to utilize Epsilon Calls as a way to keep in touch. Please send information for publication in future issues to our alumnae relations coordinator at mlisher@penningtonco.com. (Continued on page 4) W e had a reunion of our 1967 pledge class on January 26-31 with 15 Alpha Xi Deltas in Bonita Springs, Fla. We met to reconnect and remember all the fun we had in our sorority! Being an Alpha Xi Delta helped each of us reach our potential and prepare us for the life to come. We want Alpha Xi Delta to continue to be a strong influence at USD! Those in attendance were Diane Sullivan '66, Betsy Lamont Groves '67, Cathy Duncan Hanson '67, Mary Flemmer Husman '67, Cynthia Manke Jewett '67, Kate Dougherty Jones '67, Judy Kirk '67, Marilyn Peterson McCann '67, hostess Mary Brandon Miller '67, Wanda Fischer Murphy '67, Alice Laird Rapport '67, Kathy Jones Schladweiler '67, Chaille Harrington Womack '67, Kay Cameron Olson '68, and Mary Ann Vlahakis McAtee '70. Yours in Alpha Xi, Mary Brandon Miller '67 Class of '67 Reunites in Florida

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