Sigma Kappa - Missouri State University

Delta Upsilon Update 2 Lifelong Sigma Kappa Friendships Inspire Cindy Howell '77 to Give Back S tarting college can be a stressful time filled with a lot of changes, including meeting new people and trying to make friends. For Cindy Howell '77 that stress was lessened once she met the women of Sigma Kappa. "I was very comfortable with the women that I met, but there was more than that, it was a feeling of an immediate bond," she said. It was those friendships, formed in the beginning days of freshman year that blossomed into lifelong friendships, that had the largest impact on Cindy's life. From fond memories of spring formals, T-shirt dances, living in the chapter house and the leadership positions held, her interpersonal skills of building relationships and honing leadership skills began on a solid foundation through Sigma Kappa. "My experience with the Delta Upsilon chapter meant a great deal to me. I learned about forming lasting relationships and bonds that were formed through trust. We had a common purpose, and I continue to be a proud member of Sigma Kappa, and I try to live by the ideals that our sisterhood was founded in," she recalled. Cindy graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in marketing. Following graduation, she served as a traveling consultant for Sigma Kappa, a position that is now referred to as a leadership consultant. This was the just the beginning of Cindy's lifelong service to Sigma Kappa. She then served as graduate consultant at the University of Louisville, as a member of the Delta Upsilon House Corporation board, a collegiate province officer, and as the advisory board coordinator for Delta Upsilon. "I love sharing Sigma Kappa with the undergraduate women and seeing how similar our experiences are. I received so much from both my collegiate experience and from those that followed, so I just wanted to give back. I think it's also important for us to show the collegiate women how Sigma Kappa helped us become who we are today," she shared. She doesn't see as many of her sisters as she would like, but social media has helped them keep in touch. "There is a group of us that have been pretty much in constant contact for 36 years! I don't know what I would do without any of them." Reflecting on it now, Cindy emphasizes how fortunate she feels to have been a member of Delta Upsilon. "The chapter has a long tradition of excellence in academics and campus activities. We have also made a difference in the lives of others through our philanthropic efforts. But the biggest impact it has made in my life is through the lifelong friendships. They have endured the test of time," she said. Cindy lives in Springfield, Mo., and works for United Way of the Ozarks as the vice president of resource development. "I raise critical resources for those individuals and families who are in crisis and need help, resources that can help them stabilize their lives and get back on track to providing for themselves and their families," she said. In her free time, she loves to travel, cook, read, and spend time with her family and friends. You can connect with Cindy at chowell@uwozarks.com. LIVING WITH HEART Sigma Kappa Updates Branding and Collegiate Member Programs Y ou may have noticed that your latest issue of the Delta Upsilon Update has a new look. This matches the new Sigma Kappa branding guidelines that seek to reflect the values of Sigma Kappa. This change, especially infusing our tagline, Live with Heart, highlights that we are devoted to embodying the values of Sigma Kappa in everything we do as collegians and alumnae. This also mirrors broader national changes that have been made to the Sigma Kappa new member program. In August 2015, the Promise for New Members program was successfully launched to all collegiate chapters. This program helps integrate new members while helping them grow as individuals. Then in the summer of 2016, the first pilot phase of the updated Promise for Initiated Members program launched. This program focused on several competencies, including deeper and more meaningful relationships, self-awareness and development, holistic personal wellness, national and global citizenship, and career readiness. The second phase of the pilot process was launched in January. These changes to our new member and initiated member programs emphasize personal development, as well as growth in sisterhood and Sigma Kappa, helping enhance the undergraduate member experience to help them succeed.

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