The Fall 2009 Diamond A publication of National Sophomore President’s Message A Wonderful Weekend in Thanks to Eta Chapter!

lying into the city located on three rivers was a special treat for those of us coming in from the South. The fields were verdant and the trees filled with color. We are just entering fall in , and Jane Price Harmon INSIDE THIS ISSUE our trees have only tinges of color on them. National President

Congratulations – Carnegie Mellon University provided a great atmosphere in which to exchange ideas about Lambda Sigma Lambda Sigma and to learn about the scope and workings of the national organization. Please Honor Chapters F use your magnet which will remind you of important dates for filing reports to national. Check page 2 the web for all honor chapter requirements, and be sure and contribute generously to the national scholarship fund. The national board awards five $500.00 scholarships annually, and Gift of Honor those selections are made from applications which each chapter submits in the spring. page 2 For presidents your national board correspondent is a huge resource who will be thrilled to Ruth Knight Outstanding answer your questions as you lead your group through the year. We are all anxious to help Advisor Award when you need us! page 2 We are delighted to welcome two new members, Mark Kidd from , New Awards who will be responsible for bylaws, and our new student representative, Justin Larsen from Announced at Omicron chapter, Northern Illinois University. Justin will join Logan Matthews, our other student Presidents’ Conference representative. Our student representatives are an integral and valued part of our board. page 3 Again, kudos to Amanda, Jamie and Michael from Eta chapter for a fabulous Presidents’ Scholarship Donation Conference. You have set the bar high for next year’s host chapter! N Challenge page 3 Beta Lambda Chapter Installed at UNC- Chapter Presidents Convene in PA Pembroke Campus page 4 he installation of the Beta Lambda chapter National Scholarship was held on October 5 , 2009, on the Recipients page 5 University of North Carolina – Pembroke Campus. John Hauser, national vice president of Lambda Sigma, conducted the Chapter News page 7 installation and initiation of the 17 new Tmembers. Parents, grandparents, and friends Beta Lambda Installed (left to right) Nicholas Locklear, were in attendance for the installation and Brittany Dupree, Benjamin Mitchell, Megan Garris, Upcoming Deadlines initiation. The idea for a Lambda Sigma chapter Katie Jimison (secretary), Daisy Irra, Krisha Skye Beasley Chapter Roster stemmed out of an initiative on campus to focus (treasurer), Brittney Galbreath (president), Jasmine National Directory more on sophomore academic needs. Along Robinson (vice president), Meghan Brady, John Ethan Freeman, Deneka Sampson, Jasmyn Riggins, Shannon page 14 with academic advising and programming, the Hand, Kimberly Brewington, and Doug Smith (advisor). installation of a Lambda Sigma chapter became Not pictured – Chelsey Witter and Troy Cotten. a priority. Doug Smith, a member from the class of the 2000 Alpha Eta chapter and currently working at UNC-Pembroke, serves as the advisor. N Congratulations – Lamba Gift of Honor Sigma Honor Chapters his year’s recipient for the Ruth Knight Outstanding Advisor Award, Kathy onor chapters are selected by the national executive Fischer, served as an advisor to Omega board for excellence and achievement. Requirements chapter from 1987 until these chapters must fulfill to be considered include: she retired in 2009. During this time the completion of annual reports by the president, treasurer, chapter was consistently recognized as an and advisor; completion of all rituals in accordance with honor chapter. This is the highest honor chapter and national guidelines; correspondence with board T bestowed upon our chapters. Not only did Hcorrespondents; submission of an article to at least one issue Fischer serve the chapter well, but she also of The Diamond; evidence of campus and community service, served on the national board for 5 years. minimum contribution of at least $50.00 to the national After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Kathy Fischer scholarship fund; approved bylaws on file with national, and Empire State College in New York, she then attendance at the Presidents’ Conference . pursued a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University. She also did graduate work at the University of Congratulations to the following chapters on receiving this high Arkansas. Fischer taught history at PSU, first on a part time honor! basis and then as a full time professor, until she retired in 2009. Fischer will be missed by the students she taught and advised Alpha for so many years. N Epsilon Eta Carnegie Mellon University Lambda Westminister College Omicron Northern Illinois University Pi Ruth Knight Rho Tau Outstanding Omega Pittsburg State University Advisor Award Alpha Gamma Alpha Delta University of Southern Mississippi his year’s recipient for the Ruth Alpha Zeta Texas A & M University Knight Outstanding Advisor Award, Alpha Eta Penn State Erie – The Behrend College Wendy Dahlgren , has been an Alpha Theta Slippery Rock University advisor to Alpha Mu chapter of Wendy Dahlgren Alpha Iota Mississippi State University Lambda Sigma since July 2006. During Alpha Lambda D’Youville College this time the chapter has consistently been Alpha Mu Trecognized as an honor chapter, the highest honor bestowed Alpha Pi Lawrence University upon our chapters. After receiving an undergraduate degree in Alpha Sigma communications from Berry College, Dahlgren began her Alpha Tau career as an admissions counselor at her alma mater. Currently Beta Gamma Pikeville College she serves as associate director of admissions. Professionally, Dahlgren is a member of the Southern Association for College Beta Zeta Pace University – NYC Campus Admissions Counseling, Georgia PROBE Counselor Workshop Beta Eta Pace University – Pleasantville Campus and several campus committees. N Beta Kappa George Mason University N

LAMBDA SIGMA SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT

Lambda Sigma Society, a national honor society for second year students, is dedicated to the purpose of fostering leadership, scholarship, fellowship and service among its members as they promote the interests of the colleges and universities they represent. N

Page 2 New Awards Announced at Presidents’ Conference Scholarship Donation

wo newly created awards, participation in a Halloween carnival, Challenge Outstanding Chapter and Operation Christmas Child, bingo at a Most Improved Chapter , were local nursing home, The Big Event, and presented for the first time at the working with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Listed below are the chapters who 2009 Presidents’ Conference. The Most Through the chapter’s participation in all donated to the scholarship fund Outstanding Chapter award was these projects a new record was set for last year. These chapters challenge Tpresented to Alpha Iota chapter at service hours completed by Alpha Iota ! all other chapters to make Mississippi State University and the Most contributions during the 2009- Improved Chapter award went to Psi Although Psi chapter’s membership has 2010 school year. Congratulations chapter at University of Central been low the past couple of years that Tto these chapters! Missouri. did not hinder the chapter from having a successful year in 2008-09. The chapter’s $250 N Diamond Level Alpha Iota has consistently been an focus was on participating in meaningful Rho honor chapter with high visibility on projects and increasing their campus and membership during the $150 - $249 N Gold Level involvement in membership selection numerous service process. They were Alpha Zeta opportunities both on successful with both campus and in the goals. Throughout the $100 - $149 N Blue Level community. These year the members Zeta projects ranged from collected over 200 Alpha Delta cleaning area streets, canned food and dry Alpha Theta to mentoring local goods for a local children and building a pantry, donated more Alpha Kappa house. The mentoring than 40 book sets to Alpha Lambda program called Project the local Adult Abuse Alpha Pi AIM, required Survival House, and Alpha Omega members to dedicate made fleece blankets Beta Gamma one hour a week to for Big Brothers Big Beta Delta spend time with one Sisters. In order to be student from an area successful in Beta Eta school. The hour sponsoring these Beta Kappa N New Awards – (left to right) president consisted of studying, of Psi, Curtis Beasley and president of events the chapter playing, or just talking Alpha Iota, Hannah Rachel Carbin. sponsored two about ideas. Most of the fundraisers. A table children came from was set up during the broken homes and the time they spent homecoming parade to sell coffee, hot with their mentor was often their chocolate, biscotti and granola bars. favorite time of the week. Members, Next a leaf-raking project was held. This also looked forward to this mentoring project was scheduled for two days and time as much as the students did. Last in spite of the cold and snowy weather fall the chapter members, also, spent two the project was successful. The Psi Saturday mornings literally raising the chapter worked extremely hard last year walls of a Habitat home. It was such a to rebuild the chapter and heighten rewarding project that the chapter awareness on campus in order to decided to participate in two more continue the legacy of Lambda Sigma at Habitat projects in the spring. Other UCM. N projects during the year included

Page 3 Chapter Presidents Convene in Pennsylvania

his year the Lambda Sigma the student representative position were the delegates returned for an evening in presidents traveled to Pittsburg taken. After brief talks by the candidates downtown Pittsburgh or just in small on October 16th for a weekend of votes were taken with the result gatherings back in the hotel. It was a learning, sharing, and fun at the announced at the banquet. Finally, great way for the delegates to relax at 2009 Presidents’ Conference . presidents watched a brief segment of an the end of a work filled weekend and say Oprah interview with Randy Pausch and goodbye to the friends they had made. T heard from CMU student and conference chair, Amanda Davenport, who attended Sunday morning came early for most Pausch’s last lecture. The session ended delegates as the van departed for the and everyone returned to airport to take them back to their the hotel to relax before the final respective chapters with many new ideas banquet. in hand. N

Sara Hannah speaking at the closing banquet. “The Last Friday night began with a pizza party followed by ice breakers and get-to- Lecture” know-you games. The presidents then participated in a community service “What wisdom would we impart to the project included filling Halloween bags world if we knew it was our last chance? with candy and making cards for a local Ron Wolfe discussing annual reports. If we had to vanish tomorrow, what children’s charity . would we want as our legacy?” The banquet began with special Saturday morning began with an opening entertainment provided by an Eta So begins “The Last Lecture,” the session and role call. Next the board member, Roberta Sefcik, who played the national bestseller by the late Randy correspondents met with their delegates bagpipes in full Scottish attire. Pausch, alumnus and professor of to discuss membership selection, Recognition was given to all chapters computer science at Carnegie Mellon attendance policies, ideas for service who received honor chapter status this University, and his co-author, Jeffrey projects and fundraisers, and other past year. Other awards presented Zaslow. Pausch’s brief but powerful topics of interest. Student included the Ruth Knight Outstanding book offers a series of “life lessons” representatives discussed their roles and Advisor, Wendy Dahlgren, from Alpha Mu from the vantage point of a man in his then students were asked to submit chapter; Most Improved Chapter, given 40s who battled pancreatic cancer questions or topics of interest to be to chapter; and before his death in July 2008. Pausch’s discussed in the afternoon session. After Outstanding Chapter, given to Alpha Iota . exuberant personality and determination lunch students had an opportunity to go The outgoing student representatives, to live life to the fullest despite his grim on a campus tour that included visiting Sam Rigotti and Sarah Hannah, both gave prognosis also have been witnessed in a the bridge named in memory of Randy inspirational speeches encouraging the popular YouTube video seen around the Pausch, alumnus and former professor of delegates to make the most of their world since the “last lecture” was given computer science at Carnegie Mellon. Lambda Sigma experience and leadership at Carnegie Mellon on September 18, 2007. opportunities. At After returning from lunch and a campus the conclusion of Pausch’s wisdom is both practical and tour Mark Shotwell led a question and the banquet it was inspirational. For example, he writes of answer session on topics that students announced that realizing your childhood dreams, had submitted. Then nominations for the newly elected empowering others, expressing student gratitude, “getting in touch with your representative, crayon box,” and “being the first Justin Larsen , penguin.” Many “gems” are embedded in would serve on the pages of the book that can help us the national board become better student leaders, teachers, for a two-year advisors, and human beings. term . Roberta Sefcik providing Because the 2009 Lambda Sigma After a quick entertainment at the Presidents’ Conference was hosted by Sam Rigotti speaking at the closing banquet. change of clothes banquet. our chapter at Carnegie Mellon in

Page 4 Pittsburgh, many conference delegates National Scholarship Recipients had the opportunity to tour the campus and see the incredible new computer science building constructed with funding he 2009-2010 national scholarship her peers.” Richards’ involvement at from the Bill and Melinda Gates recipients are: Southern Miss resulted in her being the Foundation. We also watched a brief Lauren Richards , John Yocca recipient of Outstanding Freshman segment of an Oprah interview with Scholarship , from the University Award last year. Upon graduation Randy Pausch and heard from CMU of Southern Mississippi ; Katelyn Exler, Richards plans to pursue a teaching student and conference chair, Amanda Pat Watt Scholarship , from Thiel position while furthering her education. Davenport, who actually attended College ; Alison Paden, Emily Taylor TScholarship Katelyn Exler Randy’s last lecture in 2007. , from Westminster , College; Adam Snow , Thyrsa Amos from Thiel Connecting the computer science Scholarship , from College , is a building with a major fine arts facility is University; and Aleese Kopf , National communication the Pausch Bridge, which was formally Board Scholarship , from University of sciences & dedicated during homecoming weekend Kansas. disorders major . on October 30. (Lambda Sigma She maintains a conference participants were able to see A junior at perfect 4.0 grade the nearly-completed bridge while at Southern Miss, point average Carnegie Mellon October 16-18). It is Lauren Richards while participating in Katelyn Exler truly a celebration of Randy’s life and is pursuing a major many organizations legacy, and moving tribute to one in elementary and activities both on and off campus. individual who continues to inspire education . While Exler’s involvement on campus includes millions make the most of their lives, no maintaining a 3.8 participation in the Thiel College Choir, matter their challenge. grade point Chamber Singers, Newman Society, average, Richards is Lauren Richards Women Inspiring the Next Generation, Lit by 7,000 energy-efficient LED lights, actively involved on and National Student Speech Language the Pausch Bridge delivers a powerful campus, as well as in the community. Hearing Association. She has also light show that is a constant reminder of She truly represents the tenets of earned the Thiel Leadership Award, the Pausch’s commitment to combining the Lambda Sigma. Her outstanding Thiel Merit Award, and the Thiel Choral arts and technology in his work. He scholarship has resulted in selection in Scholarship. Her service is extensive, continually reminded his students that numerous honor societies. Her not only to the college, but also in the even in dangerous waters, one penguin leadership is evident in the many community and Lambda Sigma. Serving had to be brave enough to take the first organizations she serves. Richards has as ritual chair in Lambda Sigma she has dive. In its design, the bridge, with its been active in Freshmen Associates, SGA fulfilled her duties, but more importantly, abstract penguin cut-outs, recognizes all Executive Cabinet, Eagle Connection, she has gone above and beyond her the “penguins” of the world. You can The Legacy, Luckyday Leadership Board, responsibilities. She was successful in learn more about Pausch and the bridge and Kappa Delta Sorority where she increasing the profile of Lambda Sigma dedication at www.cmu.edu/randys served as vice president of membership. to the first year students and through lecture/bridge.html . As a Luckyday Citizenship Scholar, her leadership she doubled the chapter Richards is dedicated to service, actively membership. Caring about the values of In honor of Lambda Sigma members involved in numerous volunteer leadership, service, fellowship, and everywhere – especially our conference opportunities , and she will continue to scholarship, she led by example and was host chapter at Carnegie Mellon – a do so throughout her collegiate present at meetings and participated in contribution has been made to support experience. In Lambda Sigma Richards all service projects. Currently she the Pausch Bridge. This contribution served as the membership chair and continues to serve Lambda Sigma as designates us all as “Pausch Penguins,” always volunteered to assist with all junior advisor . In a recommendation which aptly describes our sophomore projects. A Lambda Sigma member letter it states, “As a society we must leaders and scholars. As Pausch told his states, “Lauren is by far one of the most reward people who stand above the rest students, pursuing knowledge involves genuine and hard-working people I have embodying the essential qualities of risk-taking and requires that we be “first had the pleasure of knowing. Her honesty, integrity, reliability, penguins.” excitement for life and leadership is accountability and academic merit and something that is obvious to all she achievement. All of these are found in Denise Rode meets. Most importantly, she is a Katelyn Exler. Beyond these attributes I National Recording Secretary N woman of integrity who is respected by find one additional quality that is

Page 5 refreshing in our culture. Exler does not Adam Snow ’s Aleese Kopf , a seek attention or praise or outward involvement at sophomore at the notoriety, but rather has a quiet spirit Georgia Tech also University of that simply seeks to serve others.” Her exemplifies the Kansas, is a career plans include pursuing a masters four pillars of journalism, and doctorate degrees , eventually Lambda Sigma – Spanish, and becoming an audiologist to work with leadership, international children and adults with hearing and scholarship, studies major speech impairments. service, and with a 3.82 grade fellowship. While Adam Snow point average. Aleese Kopf Alison Paden has pursuing a major in Volunteerism, maintained a 3.76 aerospace engineering he has maintained leadership, and academic success are grade point a 3.55 grade point average and has been truly part of her everyday life. She average while actively involved in many activities. He actively volunteers with the Center for pursuing a degree served as service chair for Lambda Community Outreach in a variety of in music Sigma, chair of the new member service programs, has taken part in the education. Paden committee, and chair of the Presidents ’ Alternative Breaks programs traveling to exemplifies Conference service committee last year. Lakeshore, Mississippi to rebuild homes leadership in all Under his leadership his chapter has after Hurricane Katrina and to Tucson, areas of her campus Alison Paden worked with The City of Refuge which Arizona to provide humanitarian aid to involvement helps people in one of the poorest areas migrants who were dying on the U.S.- whether it is through her music or as a of Atlanta, helped refurbish a playground Mexico border. After those experiences member or officer in an organization. and park, provided Thanksgiving dinners Kopf decided she wanted a larger role in Her activities have included serving as a for over a 100 families and aided a the program and now is the director of vice president for the Student Alumni program which targets the sex trade, a the Alternative Breaks organization. She Association, co-chair for the Campus huge business in Atlanta. Snow’s passion also co-coordinates the program Programming Council, secretary for the is for service and it is indicative by the Mentors in the Lives of Kids. Her other American Choral Directors Association, way he serves others. While most involvement on campus includes Board mentor in the Young Presbyterian college students spend their Friday nights of Class Officers, Dole Institute of Scholars, assistant music director for at parties, Snow volunteers with the Politics Student Advisory Board, Society Chapel Drama, Habitat for Humanity, program mentioned above that works to of Professional Journalists, 2008 Students Against Destructive Decisions. free woman from the sex-slave industry. Freshman Leadership Council, and In Lambda Sigma Paden has served as Many students to do not know how to Jubilee Café volunteer. A fellow Lambda secretary. Her exceptional grades and interact with the homeless, but Snow Sigma member states, “Clearly, she is a academic achievements demonstrate her consistently volunteers with a homeless one-of-a-kind leader and student, outstanding scholarship. She devotes service organization. He knows how to dedicated to serving others and giving of countless hours to faithfully serving be a friend to the under-privileges by her time for the improvement of her those less fortunate. During spring dropping off food and getting to know university, her community, and her world. break she traveled to the hurricane men on the street. Snow is a role model Her humility and desire to serve for the stricken gulf coast to rebuild houses of someone who really cares and has sake of serving are truly unique.” exemplifying her dedication to service. concern for others less fortunate than Currently, Kopf is studying abroad at la Her positions held in numerous himself. This past summer he spent two Universidad Catolica de Argentina in organizations indicate her unique gift of months in Africa with a group which Buenos Aires, Argentina . After leadership, and her commitment to her worked with the poor in that country. graduation Kopf aspires to become relationships with those around her His other involvements on campus have and international journalist and Latin demonstrate her exceptional fellowship. included Sigma Chi Fraternity, Campus America correspondent for the Paden’s career plan includes becoming a Outreach, Connect with Tech, Midtown Associated Press. N music educator and molding the younger Community Church at Tech, and College generation of musicians. As a music Ambassador . Upon graduation, Adam educator she hopes to construct a plans to pursue his interest in vocational program that nurtures students and ministry, possibly abroad. Evidentially, he empowers them to achieve more than plans to return to school for a graduate they ever imagined. degree before beginning a career in space craft design .

Page 6 Chapter News Lambda Westminster College has been very busy Honor Chapter during the fall semester! We are Westminster College extremely proud of the work we have completed so far, and we are excited about our upcoming events on Everything is in full swing at the Lambda campus and in the community! Good chapter in New Wilmington, luck to all fellow Lambda Sigma chapters! Pennsylvania. Advisors, officers, and members are in full cooperation for our semimonthly meeting and are ready to make their presence known both on campus and in the community. To the festivities. To start the homecoming increase morale and fellowship within week, members made and hung a large our chapter, we have been ending each banner in the student union, wishing meeting with a quote of the day to everyone a happy homecoming inspire members to be better people and wishing the best of luck to all both inside and outside of the candidates from Lambda Sigma. On the classroom. actual day of homecoming, members were busy early in the morning We have started the year by personally decorating the campus by blowing up Lexie Elliott welcoming all freshmen to Westminster balloons and placing them in key Secretary College. This is one of the largest points around campus. Another large freshmen classes in school history and task was decorating for the 20th members of Lambda Sigma sent letters Reunion Luncheon for returning alumni . to each first year student. The letter Rho welcomed each student to the college, Lambda Sigma, also, participated in the explained the goals of Lambda Sigma, and Make a Difference Day on Westminster’s Honors Chapter expressed our willingness to answer campus. On this day, members picked up Thiel College any questions that may have during the litter on campus and the surrounding first year of school. The letters were area. This not only made Westminster The Rho chapter of Lambda Sigma at well received and the freshmen truly look great, but helped the environment Thiel College has high expectations for appreciated the generous welcome. as well. Another service project we both the fall and spring semesters. Like arranged was visiting a local nursing many before us, we are dedicated to the Our other big event on campus, not home and taking the residents goodies! four tenants of scholarship, leadership, only for Lambda Sigma, but for the fellowship, and service, for which Lambda whole school, was homecoming! The This semester, Lambda Sigma is Sigma stands, and we plan to incorporate Lambda members were in full force for continuing with our lucrative fundraiser, each of these tenants throughout the Lil’ Hug Sale. Students will be able to year to help our school and our purchase a “little hug” juice bottle and community. send the “hug” to their friends and loved ones through campus mail. This not only Upon returning to Thiel, we began brightens the day of the person to organizing weekly meetings in order to whom they are sent, but raises arrange projects that would occur during awareness of our honor society. the semester. The first fundraiser is a Nothing seems to brighten someone’s birthday cake sale, which is scheduled to day more than a hug! take place throughout this and next semester. This project is meant to send Thus far the Lambda chapter at cakes, ordered by parents, to students

Page 7 who cannot be home for their birthdays. Some of these activities included Paint students, it was the first time they ever the Town, where society members went experienced Halloween. We did Furthermore, in October, we to various locations and businesses to everything from dressing up in costumes, participated in our first of two highway paint their windows with school spirited to giving out candy, and also telling the cleanups scheduled this school year. sayings; Dunk Your Leader, where our story of how Halloween came about. Even though it was cold, we made our Lambda Sigma vice-president, Clint Upcoming events include a car bash best effort to make the area look Carlisle, sacrificed himself to be placed in during finals in which students will pay beautiful. Also, during this month, we a dunking booth while members took money to take a sledge hammer to a went around campus to raise money for chances at dropping him in; Tower car! Not only will this raise money, but UNICEF, an organization that helps Stand, where one of our members, it will be a great stress reliever during children worldwide. Dorian Long , stood at our school’s clock those tough times. tower for an entire afternoon while In November, we are organizing Teacher people dumped anything from ketchup Already, we have added $500 dollars to Appreciation Week. During this week, a to anchovies on him. We also our bank account by teaming with Sigma teacher is selected by the student body participated in Dawg Hawl, which is an Sigma Sigma Sorority to sell programs at to be recognized for his or her hard event to help move in students at the our university’s football games. It was a work and achievements. In addition, we beginning of our fall quarter. While great experience to collaborate with are also organizing a t-shirt sale, which homecoming week and Dawg Hawl have another organization, and the money will will be opened up to the entire student been two examples of school most likely be used to adopt a family at body and faculty. involvement, we have planned many Christmas time. We are spreading the other activities to help build name word about Lambda Sigma throughout This semester has thus far been a recognition about the Lambda Sigma the campus as well. One of our success, and we plan to keep up the hard Honors Society around our campus. members was selected to run for work for the rest of the year. The Rho Homecoming Queen this year. The chapter of Lambda Sigma has always and To help aid financially in our community results are not in yet, but we hope she will always strive to the best of our service projects and school involvement, wins. abilities to not only adhere to the we have planned two fundraisers. Our principles of Lambda Sigma, but to aid first was painting faces for our bulldog The Omega chapter is already well the community in any way possible. fans at our homecoming game. Our underway this year, and is excited for all second was a night at Pizza Inn where of the upcoming events. In the mean Erica Marie Rinehart our society members became waiters time we will all continue to build on a Editor and waitresses to earn a percentage of tradition of greatness. the profit that night as well as all tip Zach Krumsick money. Our Lambda Sigma chapter has President made a commitment to bettering our Chi community and our campus, and we are Louisiana Tech University confident that these activities will do just that. GO DAWGS! The Chi chapter of the Lambda Sigma Alpha Delta Lauren McCalmont Honor Chapter National Honors Society of Louisiana Historian Tech University has directed our focus University of Southern on community and school involvement. Mississippi This year we have planned to become a part of 4 Paws, an organization that Omega This year our Lambda Sigma activities helps find families that are willing to take Honor Chapter started early. First of all, we sponsored a in homeless animals. This organization care package event by sending letters to not only provides homes for animals, but Pittsburg State University parents of freshmen. We invited them to also provides the excitement for write a note to their college student to children and families as they take in their The Omega chapter of Lambda Sigma insert in the care package which we new pet, and Lambda Sigma is proud to had a good jump start to the fall would deliver to them. The Lambda be part of such excitement. Besides semester. With everyone being Sigma members got together and stuffed community service, our chapter has also extremely busy already, we decided the packages with food and a note from emphasized the importance of school committees would be the best way to home along with other goodies and involvement, and this year our society get work done this year, and we were delivered them to the freshmen. This has already become involved in all of the right. We had a Halloween party for the was a way for us to raise money for the homecoming week activities. Intensive English students and it was year, and to get the word out to enjoyed by everyone . For many of these freshman about Lambda Sigma and what

Page 8 Alpha Gamma While it is true that Alpha Gamma is fully Honor Chapter dedicated to service, they still find time Duquesne University to have fun! Alpha Gamma began the semester with a back to school luau where the group spent time getting to The 2009-2010 Alpha Gamma chapter know each other and relaxing before began the year by greatly impacting its classes became too intense. Alpha community through service , and has the Gamma also held a cookie baking party high energy and dedication needed in where the group was once again able to order to continuously make a difference become a tighter society. throughout the year. As Duquesne University is located in downtown Thus far Alpha Gamma has truly been Pittsburgh, service possibilities are we stand for. Our main service project hard at work in their community and endless. This chapter started the year for the year was our John Barr in A school. The Alpha Gammas are a tight with its participation in the Leukemia & Dress Week benefiting Habitat for night society that is sure to have a Lymphoma Light the Night Walk. Also Humanity. After much persuasion by our tremendously successful and fun-filled this chapter has participated in an Up ‘Til advisor Ms. Barbara Ross and our year! community service chair, Virginia Little, Dawn letter writing event that focused our fearless leader, President John Barr , on raising funds for St. Jude. As the year Molly Beahr finally agreed to wear a prom dress progresses, more and more service President around campus one hour for every one activities will be supported as they hundred dollars that we were able to become available. Soon this chapter is raise. This money will go to a Habitat planning on dedicating their time to for Humanity project for one of our support the local food pantry during Alpha Epsilon own staff members, Ms. Melissa their busy Thanksgiving holiday. Alpha Carpenter , who lost her home during Gamma is also anticipating its Honor Chapter Hurricane Katrina. All week Lambda involvement in activities such as: shipping Mansfield University Sigma members took donations at a of medical supplies through Global Links, booth set up outside of our dining compiling activity kits for Children’s Alpha Epsilon members at Mansfield facility. We handed out Lambda Sigma Hospital, partaking in activities through University returned this fall ready to do brochures and answered many questions Gilda’s Club with individual’s battling what we do best, which is helping both about this Habitat project and the cancer , and also planning a clean-up trip the students and the community. We are Lambda Sigma organization itself. around areas in the city. While the starting the semester strong, welcoming Thankfully we were able to raise over majority of Alpha Gamma ’s impact may new members and planning a variety of $500 for Ms. Carpenter and this event be on the local level, the chapter is fun activities for the semester. We are helped bring our campus and our confident that their open support for setting high goals and encouraging our Lambda Sigma group closer together. these foundations will make a difference members to demonstrate good We appreciate all donations from board globally. leadership. Our goal and focus for this members and other chapters and the semester is to make Lambda Sigma a hard work put in by our Lambda Sigma Even though the chapter’s participation well known and recognizable members. We are all so excited about is primarily community centered, the organization on campus, by working hard the rest of the year and the potential it chapter is dedicated to making a and giving our best effort. holds. Who knows what John might be difference on campus as well. Members wearing next? assisted freshman on their infamously We started the semester by inviting Mr. stressful move-in day. Members are also John Hauser from the national board to Virginia Little planning on helping the same freshmen discuss group membership. His advice Service Chair become better acquainted with their was to focus on recruitment for next school through Freshman Parent year by increasing awareness of Lambda Weekend. Representatives from the Sigma on campus. Alpha Gamma chapter serve on the food service committee, providing the missing Other activities we hosted were a movie link between students and their food night, a trip to Darien Lake, and a provider. Also representatives serve on Halloween event. We encouraged our each one of the University’s dean members to come out and have fun by advisory committees where once again meeting and getting to know other they provide an instrumental link members of the chapter. The event was between the school administrators and a huge success! Next we went to the student body. Darien Lake for a day of activities. For

Page 9 our first community service activity of bags of clothes, stocking and organizing the semester we went trick-or-treating their food pantry, or just sweeping and for canned goods. This project was done cleaning. They appreciate all the in conjunction with other honor clubs at volunteers, no matter the time or day! Mansfield University. Among many other projects, we enjoy visiting a local nursing home and playing As the semester goes by we are Bingo with the residents. continuing to share and bring new and exciting ideas to the chapter. One of the The past couple of years we have raised biggest events we are planning is a money by selling Krispy Kreme fundraiser to sell Orange Crush sodas. doughnuts. We sell a dozen doughnuts for five dollars, and we always sell out Finally as we move forward in the continue to succeed. Our biggest fast because it seems like a college semester we hope to accomplish all of service projects are Habitat for student will never turn down a our goals and ambitions and to make Humanity and Project AIM. Everybody doughnut! Even better, we deliver them our chapter the best it can be. We hope loves to help out with Habitat for early in the morning for added to make positive changes , leaving the Humanity because it is a fun activity to convenience. This really helps our chapter better than we found it for our do as a large group . This year Mississippi fundraising efforts, and, best of all, it is future members . State is building the Maroon House; the successful ! idea spawned from a new reading Patience Bloh initiative called the Maroon Edition. It is Amanda Ward a first-year reading experience and the Editors campus has really embraced the concept. The first book on the list was John Grisham’s A Painted House . So, one of the projects accompanying the reading Alpha Iota initiative is the Habitat house, with which Honor Chapter Lambda Sigma has been able to help. Mississippi State University

Alpha Iota has made a large impact on campus this past fall. Our goals as a chapter are to increase community service, form new friendships, and keep a positive attitude flowing through Lambda Sigma and Mississippi State University. We are looking forward to the spring We meet bimonthly, every other semester with new ideas, projects, and Thursday, to discuss new service initiation. We are already excited about opportunities throughout the the selection process and interviews for community. As the fall days have flown the upcoming sophomores. Our high by, our chapter has grown closer, and it Project AIM, our second main service hopes and goals will eventually be passed seems everyone is excited about new project, was created by a school teacher, onto them, but for now, we are happy in community service opportunities . and it is a mentoring program. Our achieving all that we can in leadership, members who are involved with AIM scholarship, fellowship, and service. As Our fundraiser has always been have been very enthusiastic about getting Anatole France said, “To accomplish successful, and we are sure it will to know the children in the Starkville great things, we must not only act, but Public School District. They go to the also dream, not only plan, but also child’s school once a week to color, play, believe.” We dream and believe that read, or just talk to their “special one.” Alpha Iota and the other Lambda Sigma The children are considered high-risk – Honor Society chapters are truly making they might have a learning disability or a difference in their communities and discipline problems – so mentoring has schools . been proven to make a difference in the children’s lives. Kathleen Simmons Editor At other times, we lend a hand to the Salvation Army – whether it’s organizing

Page 10 Alpha Kappa a Georgia Tech Leadership Conference, from other chapters about forming Georgia Institute of which this year will have a heavy focus relationships, as we feel that doing this Technology on helping freshman develop their now will allow our little corner of leadership. We also hosted a freshman Lambda Sigma to be usefully present in advisement day at the end of October to the future. To promote leadership and service among teach freshman the ins and outs of undergraduate students, the Alpha Kappa registering for classes. Often the Andrew Tuggle chapter of Lambda Sigma is proud and freshmen do not learn about all of the Public Relations Co-Chair excited to be partnering with the Georgia third-party registration aids from Tech’s College of Management to host Georgia Tech. We are very excited for the Ideas to Serve competition. This what looks to be an excellent year of competition is designed to encourage Lambda Sigma. Alpha Phi social entrepreneurship, or entrepre- Ferrum College neurship for the good of society. Lisa Thornsberry Contestants will first devise innovations Editor that will have a positive, philanthropic The 2009-2010 members of the Alpha impact on society, the environment, or Phi chapter of Lambda Sigma started the both, and then they will develop plans fall semester and the new year of 2010 with a lot of new ideas and events for turning their ideas into sustainable Alpha Tau business ventures. The competition the organization. The members have consists of a preliminary poster round Honor Chapter worked hard to increase the treasury by and a final presentation round. University of Alabama hosting a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale , as well as informing prospective inductees As a co-sponsor of Ideas to Serve , In Tuscaloosa, we are very excited to about the honor society. Lambda Sigma will be involved in all have been awarded honor chapter status stages of the competition. The chapter and used this excitement as momentum One of the most well known service has already orchestrated the marketing to start an awesome semester. Even events that occurs on the Ferrum of the competition to the undergraduate before our first meeting, we were College campus is Trick-or-Treat for student body in preparation for the kick- spreading the word about the Lambda Canned Goods. The members spent a off introductory event this fall. Lambda Sigma Society to freshmen new to lot of time in preparation and execution Sigma will also be involved in choosing campus, communicating to them the for this event. The group was in charge the winners for the competition. During opportunities for heartfelt service and of the program and all that it entailed, the poster session, a committee of fellowship. including getting the word out into the Lambda Sigma members will present an community about donating cans, award to the most outstanding Committed to the idea that community designating areas for other clubs to ask undergraduate team. For the finalist service is not an event, but a lifestyle, we for canned goods, and taking the food round, one member of Lambda Sigma have implemented long-term collected to food banks. This project will serve on the panel of judges to partnerships with community-oriented took a lot of hard work for each of the determine the overall winner of the organizations nearby. Each of our members to complete but they Ideas to Serve competition. current members is now registered as succeeded. volunteers with the local (West The Alpha Kappa chapter is very excited Alabama) Red Cross unit, taking Other events and programs the group for this opportunity to bring the idea of opportunities as we are needed dedicated time to this school year were leadership in service to the throughout the coming year. Also, we the 5K Panther Scamper with donations undergraduates at Georgia Tech. We have been able to provide a month of going towards the St. James Food Bank, look forward to working towards the service to the Boys and Girls Club and Relay for Life with donated money going Ideas to Serve competition for the to the students that they serve. Each to Colleges Against Cancer to help with majority of the school year and eagerly member has volunteered at least two anticipate the outcome. hours during the month of October to academic tutoring, playing ball, and Alpha Kappa is also proud to be listening (a lot of listening!). developing the leadership and fellowship tenets by focusing especially on bringing Forming relationships are the focus of freshman and sophomores into service our first year as an honor chapter – and also providing services to these forming relationships with each other, same groups. In the spring, we will be with those in our community, and with partnering with , a the other organizations that aim to upperclassmen honor society, to sponsor serve. We would love to hear ideas

Page 11 breast cancer awareness, Operation Beta Eta Christmas Child Shoeboxes, and the Folk Honor Chapter Life Festival with the local Lion’s Club Pace University – helping them to prepare chili . Pleasantville During the fall semester it was important that the members make a The Beta Eta chapter, located on the difference in the Ferrum community as Pleasantville campus of Pace University, well as the college campus. They were has hit the ground not only running, but involved in many service projects on and in a thoroughgoing sprint. With our members who volunteered their free off campus. Each member helped to members wholeheartedly involved in an time drove out to a park in New continue the traditions of Lambda Sigma honor society advocating civic Rochelle and provided assistance by by promoting and leading by example as engagement and promoting collecting and reassembling a great deal good leaders and service providers. opportunistic affairs, the Beta Eta chapter of donated furniture for those in need. has savored the sweet and ceaseless But it does not stop there! The Beta Eta Mallory Taylor taste of success! chapter has also held an exceedingly President successful fundraiser within the To commence with the fall semester for University where lots of delicious baked the 2009-2010 academic school year, goods were sold. In good spirit and Pace University hosts an event titled The acknowledgement that there are others Alpha Psi Sophomore Kickoff. As an honor society in the world less fortunate than us, the University of Toledo strictly for sophomores, the Beta Eta Beta Eta chapter donated 75% of the chapter facilitates the arrangement of proceeds to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for kids suffering from cancer. The Alpha Psi chapter at The University events held throughout the longevity of We will continue to donate major of Toledo aspires to grow in strength and the semester following The Sophomore portions of our fundraising proceeds to numbers. With historically low Kickoff, titled The Sophomore Scoop various other good causes! membership and activity, the chapter Series . In holding these numerous seeks to intensify the definition of what events each Wednesday, students are Acknowledging resourcefulness as one of it means to be a part of Lambda Sigma. given the opportunity to assist in various our main goals, the rest of The Immediately following the start of the community- based activities, as well as Sophomore Scoop Series events have academic year, the members of the attend services regarding school-related been, and will be, presented with the chapter enthusiastically began issues. same theme. Events such as Pace participating in community service Tutoring & Writing , Your Career Starts activities, choosing to participate in a Giving back to the community by means Here! Co-op and Career Services , See benefit walk for the Sunshine Children’s of providing aid to underprivileged the World: Study Abroad, Check Up Home, which houses disabled children. children illustrates the whole-hearted From the Neck Up Counseling Center, The group’s latest decision allowed them qualities of the Lambda Sigma Beta Eta and many more all provide the student to realize the power of collaboration, as members. In September, our first event, body with a variety of routes to find they partnered with the Resident titled Engage-alicious: The Center for solutions to questions plaguing the Student Association to create a safe Community Outreach and Project college community: Beta Eta is glad to trick-or-treating environment for inner Pericles Community Outreach, took advocate a system working towards the city children in the annual event of place and had a more than satisfying growth and advancement of Pace Halloween Walk. Activities were set up outcome. Assembling homework kits for University’s students. All of this only with residence halls to entertain the grammar school students made the sun scratches the surface of the many great children as they entered. Though Alpha shine a little brighter at Pace University things the members of our chapter have Psi is a small chapter, its members have that day. In the homework kits, we already accomplished, and will continue the spirit and energy of a large group. To included items such as pencils, erasers, to accomplish! add to that energy, the chapter will be markers, stickers, crayons, glue, and holding a membership drive to increase individualized inspirational messages. Saying that the Beta Eta chapter from the size of the chapter, making it as Looking at the smiles on all of the Lambda Sigma is a great asset to Pace strong as possible. President Heather children’s faces after they received these University would be an understatement. Griffin’s initiative to take charge and gifts generated an incalculable feeling of However, one thing is for certain, we do bring undying enthusiasm to the group bounteousness inside. not give Lambda Sigma a great name on has driven all members to whole- the strength of only one chapter, and for heartedly seek excellence. In another effort to give back to the that, we express an immense amount of community, the Beta Eta chapter of gratitude towards all of our fellow Stephanie Gurgol Lambda Sigma partook in a furniture chapters. With plenty more events on Co-Chair of Membership warehouse drive. During this event,

Page 12 the horizon, the Beta Eta chapter will Beta Kappa continue to take long and triumphant Honor Chapter strides in our systematic sprint towards George Mason University success!

Emmanuel G. Ramirez The members of this year’s chapter are Editor motivated to not only meet higher goals, but to set new ones. The four pillars on which our chapter stands to exemplify: leadership, fellowship, scholarship, and Beta Theta service are all integral components in being able to do so . Striving to achieve a higher standard will be challenging due Jane Harmon presenting honor chapter certificate to Addison Brown and Mark Kidd. to the efforts of the chapter before us, The Beta Theta chapter of Lambda Sigma but the members of this chapter has started the year great! We are one anxiously accept the challenge. Being a accomplish all of these goals and more in of the newer chapters, and as a group part of this society is more than just a a comfortable and supportive we have decided to try a number of bullet point on a resume that references environment where we all share the different service projects and fundraisers academic success, but it is the common bond of wanting to improve to expand the awareness of Lambda acceptance of pursuing a better our community. The Beta Kappa chapter Sigma on campus. community in which we live. Aristotle has made its mission to not only once said “with regard to excellence, it is exemplify the four pillars, but to do so as First, the chapter decided we would not enough to know, but we must try to role models while bringing about carry on the tradition of our final exam have and use it.” The goal this chapter positive change. packet fundraiser, where parents can has set is to reach that excellence Addison Brown purchase an exam packet and send it to through action and service, and not President N their child. We know what a stressful simply live by the idea of it. time finals can be and the late nights students have. Therefore, we plan to The members will rise to the challenge pack bags of different items one may of exemplifying service through activities need for a study night. We also put in in the fall semester. During Thanksgiving many different fun items to relieve the group plans to participate in a can stress, like frisbees. drive to provide food to families that Available need help during the holiday. To make a Also, at Urbana University we hold an more direct impact we will also organize Many chapters are now providing honor event for Relay for Life. The Beta Theta baskets containing canned goods and cords for their graduating seniors to be chapter has decided to host a Relay other items for each family. We aim to worn at graduation. If you are team and participate in this event to provide each family with an additional interested in ordering these blue and help fight cancer. gift, such as a gift card, to make their gold cords, you may do so by contacting holiday more festive and enjoyable. The the following company: Schoen Trimming Another event we have planned is to second service activity will be to help and Cord Co. Inc., 151 West 25 th St., visit the local elementary schools to children in the Fairfax area through the New York, NY 10001 , or contacting become mentors for the children while donation of money for holiday gifts and them at (212) 255-3949. N raising the awareness of Lambda Sigma. toys. Once again, the chapter will target We hope to create a relationship individual families by creating and through writing letters to the children organizing baskets of gifts for children of and setting a good example for college families in need of help during the Professor of the students . holiday season. Month Mugs Beta Theta is dedicated to growing The dedication and motivation in the fall stronger each year . We plan to continue semester is apparent for the spring Available to reach out to our campus and semester as well. Members are already community with a variety of projects. planning numerous activities for the Blue Ceramic mugs with the greek We are excited about the year and what spring, which includes volunteering with letters Lambda Sigma and “Excellence in we hope to achieve. disabled children at the HSC Pediatric Teaching” all in gold letters are available Center in Washington, D.C. and for $5 each. Contact John Hauser, Casie Kerr volunteering at a home for the elderly. national vice president, to place your Editor/Secretary order. His contact information is listed The Beta Kappa chapter aims to on the last page of this newsletter. N

Page 13 Upcoming Deadlines National NOVEMBER 1, 2009 Address Directory By-Laws ...... Mark Kidd NATIONAL PRESIDENT ADVISORS JANUARY 31, 2010 Jane Price Harmon Mark Shotwell – Scholarships Report on Rituals ...... Neal Edman 126 Seventeenth Street Slippery Rock University Diamond Article ...... Barbara Ross Atlanta, GA 30309 Department of Biology Mid-Year Status Report ...... Ron Wolfe (404) 892-2491 – home Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1326 (678) 772-8094 – cell [email protected] MAY 1, 2010 [email protected] (724) 738-2476 – office Scholarship Application ...... Mark Shotwell Corresponding Chapters: Beta, Iota, (724) 421-8012 – home Alpha Zeta, Alpha Iota, Alpha Mu, (724) 372-3082 – cell JUNE 1, 2010 Alpha Sigma (724) 738-4782 – fax President’s Report ...... Ron Wolfe Corresponding Chapter: Zeta, Eta, Treasurer’s Report, Advisor’s Report, VICE PRESIDENT Omicron, Alpha Gamma , Beta Epsilon, John Hauser Beta Kappa National Dues ($40/member) , Convention Assessment ($300), Scholarship Donation Thiel College (Minimum Donation $50 for Honor Chapter Status) Neal Edman – Rituals Initiate List 58 Eagle St. (word document sent electronically) Greenville, PA 16125 Vice President and Dean of Student (724) 588-2474 – home Affairs All reports and The Diamond article are to be submitted electronically. (724) 456-4066 – cell Westminster College Reports are located on the website. N [email protected] Market Street Corresponding Chapters: Chi, Alpha New Wilmington, PA 16172 Delta, Alpha Pi, Alpha Omega, Beta (724) 946-7110 - office Gamma, Beta Zeta (724) 946-6140 - fax Lambda Sigma [email protected] RECORDING SECRETARY Corresponding Chapters: Alpha, Rho , Chapter Roster Denise Rode Alpha Theta, Alpha Lambda, Alpha Tau Alpha University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA Northern Illinois University Orientation & First Year Experience Mark Kidd – Bylaws Beta Oxford, OH 023 Holmes Student Center George Mason University Epsilon Allegheny College Meadville, PA DeKalb, IL 60115 Associate Dean, University Life Zeta Muskingum College New Concord, OH (815) 753-6781 – office 4400 University Dr., MS 6C9 Eta Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA (815) 751-8256 – cell Fairfax, VA 20122 Iota University of Mississippi University, MS (815) 753-7480 – fax (703) 993-4070 – office Lambda Westminster College New Wilmington, PA [email protected] (703) 867-2706 – cell Omicron Northern Illinois University DeKalb, Il Corresponding Chapters: Tau, Alpha (703) 993-9528 – fax Pi Auburn University Auburn University, AL Epsilon, Beta Iota, Beta Lambda [email protected] Rho Thiel College Greenville, PA Corresponding Chapters: Epsilon, Psi, Tau University of Kansas Lawrence, KS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Alpha Kappa, Beta Eta Chi Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA Ron G. Wolfe Psi University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO 108 Westside Dr. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Omega Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS Richmond, KY 40475 Logan Matthews Alpha Gamma Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA (859) 623-5088 – home 221 Armstrong St. Alpha Delta University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS [email protected] Apt. 3207 Alpha Epsilon Mansfield University Mansfield, PA Corresponding Chapter: Beta Delta Auburn, AL 36830 Alpha Zeta Texas A & M University College Station, TX (256) 653-6711 TREASUER/CONVENTION Alpha Eta Penn State Erie – The Behrend College Erie, PA [email protected] LIAISON Alpha Theta Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA Linda Fuerst Justin Larsen Alpha Iota Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS Lawrence University 364 C Douglas Hall Alpha Kappa Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA Alumni Volunteer Coordinator Northern Illinois University Alpha Lambda D’Youville College Buffalo, NY P.O. Box 599 DeKalb, IL 60115 Alpha Mu Berry College Mt. Berry, GA Appleton, WI 54911 (815) 739-5204 Alpha Pi Lawrence University Appleton, WI [email protected] [email protected] Alpha Sigma Gannon University Erie, PA (920) 832-6853 – office Alpha Tau University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL (920) 731-8937 – home Alpha Phi Ferrum College Ferrum, VA (920) 475-8067 – cell Alpha Psi University of Toledo Toledo, OH (920) 832-6896 – fax Alpha Omega Westfield State College Westfield, MA Corresponding Chapters: Lambda, Pi, Beta Gamma Pikeville College Pikeville, KY Omega, Alpha Eta, Alpha Phi, Alpha Beta Delta Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Psi , Beta Theta Beta Epsilon Washington University St. Louis, MO Beta Zeta Pace University – NYC Campus New York , NY EDITOR Beta Eta Pace University – Pleasantville Pleasantville, NY Barbara Ross Website: Beta Theta Urbana University Urbana, OH 118 College Dr. # 5067 Beta Kappa George Mason University Fairfax, VA Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 http://www.lambdasigma.org Beta Iota Texas A & M University – Kingsville Kingsville, TX (601) 266-4396 - office Distribution Lists: Beta Lambda University of North Carolina – (601) 297-5947 – cell (601) 266-5870 – fax [email protected] Pembroke Pembroke, NC [email protected] [email protected]