Meet our Intern, Betsy!

Student Activities is lucky to have a Graduate Intern in our office this year.  Betsy Cronin is a RIC Graduate Student with lots of experience working with college students and programs.  Her primary roles in the office will be to work with our SA Marketing team, aspects of our leadership programs, and the weekly SA Briefs, but she'll also be helping out in other areas including Greek Life.  She's going to join us on our retreat, so we asked her a few questions to get to know her better.


What did you do before coming to RIC?
I was the Manager of Arts Events & Publicity at Wheaton College in Norton, MA.  My job was incredibly demanding but very exciting! I got to meet some phenomenal visual and performing artists.  I will always reassure the time I spent with so many of these folks, particularly Christo and Jeanne Claude, Take 6, Ailey II, and Patrick Dougherty.  I feel very grateful for the experiences.

What do you like best about RIC?
I love that the student body is comprised of student from many diverse backgrounds.  Everyone has something unique to bring to the table!

What made you interested in interning with Student Activities?
In my former career, I had the great pleasure to employ, and also mentor teams of about 10-12 students every year, all of whom assisted me with various aspects of arts administration.  Nurturing these relationships, helping students to succeed, and watching them thrive was an unwritten job description, yet the most important role I served in my 12 years at Wheaton. I came to the conclusion that working directly with students was a most fulfilling vocation!

What are your career goals?
I am here for another couple of years, enrolled in the M.A./M.Ed. in History program full time.  My goal is to become certified to teach middle/high school social studies and history.

What are you looking forward to most with Greek Life?
Meeting you all, first and foremost :) Secondly to observe how you all implement your chapter goals and hone your leadership skills while having fun at the same time! I love the loyalty and commitment aspect of Greek Life.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Write, write, write for school! Actually, I am involved with my own community service in my spare time. I am a member of Elmhurst Clean & Green, an organization that sponsors clean ups, organizes events, and serves as a crime watch for our neighbors.  I am trained as a Girl Scout leader and hope to start a troop this fall.  Additionally, I am an active alumna at Wheaton College! My boyfriend, Don, and I love to hike, bike, and spend time outdoors as much as possible.  We love to visit visual and historic museums...I was an art history major as an undergrad!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
We are going to adopt a Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy in the coming year!! In the meantime our cat, Nola, is enjoying being an "only pet." Until puppy strikes!

Betsy’s office is in SU408.  She can also be reached at sagrad@ric.edu.

The 40th Alpha Sigma Tau National Convention

This post was contributed by the former AST President.

 On June 26, 2014, three representatives from the Epsilon Pi chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau arrived in Atlanta, Georgia for AST's 40th National Convention. The representatives were Alexandra Carter (Vice Preisdent of Community Relations), Stephanie Mastrostefano (Recruitment Advisor), and I (Chapter President). Getting the opportunity to attend National Convention was very exciting for us because this was the first Convention since the Epsilon Pi chapter was installed in the spring of 2013. What made the occasion more exciting was that the three of us are founding members of the chapter.

From the moment we landed in Atlanta, we found ourselves surrounded by AST sisters from all over the country. The confusion on people's faces when upwards of 50 members of AST boarded the train leaving the airport was priceless. It was official; AST was ready to take over the Buckhead district of Atlanta!

We kicked off Convention by attending our first General Session, where we started taking care of sorority business. We started off by electing our new National Council and Nominations committee. We concluded the evening by having a Welcome dinner with sisters, followed by a concert by Rachel Hale, an AST who was an American Idol contestant.

On Friday, we started the day bright and early to tackle some more sorority business in General Sessions II and III.  We had the tasks of making changes to our National bylaws and ritual. I think it's safe to say that those sessions were the most intense of all of Convention. It was great to see that many sisters speak so passionately about the most important parts of our organization. We ended the day by attending the Panhellenic Dinner and Awards Presentation, where Julie Cain Burkhard was the speaker of the evening.  Julie Cain Burkhard is the Executive Director of the Phi Mu Foundation, Past National President of Alpha Chi Omega, and Past Chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference. She spoke of the importance of life's "defining moments" and how she expects that this National Convention was likely to be a defining moment in all of our lives.

Saturday was a day full of educational workshops. The three of us split up to try and attend as many different sessions that we could. We were determined to learn as much as we could to bring back to our chapter. We attended workshops on having fierce conversations, recruitment, running effective committee and chapter meetings, body image and the media, building leadership skills, ritual-based business practices, navigating your college Panhellenic, and conflict resolution. We broke up the day of educational sessions by attending the Recognition Luncheon, where we recognized all the outstanding achievements of our sisters. We closed out the day, and Convention, with our Yellow Rose Banquet. It was here that the Convention Top Tau awards were given out, as well as many other awards.

I left convention with a renewed sense of why I chose to join Greek Life, and more importantly why I joined Alpha Sigma Tau. Julie Cain Burkhard was absolutely right; AST's 40th National Convention is definitely now a defining moment in my life. I am determined to take everything I have learned at Convention to help our chapter become the best it can possibly be. I also would love to become a volunteer for Alpha Sigma Tau and hopefully one day serve on our National Council. Our 41st National Convention will be held in Jacksonville, FL in 2016, where I plan on attending as an alumna member.

Theta Phi Alpha Intstallation Brunch

After a semester's worth of hard work, Theta Phi Alpha celebrated their chartering with an Installation Brunch at Quidnessett Country Club.  Theta Phi staff, family, friends, and sisters from the Suffolk University chapter were in attendance.  Congrats to the Delta Epsilon chapter!

Greeks at the Storgy's

Greek Life was well-represented at SCG's 2014 Storgy Awards last week.  Alpha Sigma Tau won the award for Best Social Event for co-sponsoring RIC-du-Soleil with Programming and the award for Best Cooperative Program for co-sponsoring the Radiothon for the RI Food Bank with WXIN.  Greeks were also nominated in a number of other categories:

Best Fundraiser:
Radiothon - WXIN w/AST (co-sponsor)

Best Public Service:
Radiothon - WXIN w/AST  (co-sponsor)

Best Online Presence:
Alpha Sigma Tau

Most Original Program:
RIC-du-Soleil - Programming w/AST (co-sponsor)

Best Cooperative Program:
RIC-du-Soleil - Programming w/AST (co-sponsor)
Horrorween - Programming w/Zeta Xi Delta, Delta Phi Epsilon, & Alpha Sigma Tau

Best Treasurer:
Angela Bauer - Asian Student Association (also a member of AST)

Best Vice President:
Kayla Campbell - Zeta/Theta Phi Alpha

AST with their awards

2014-2015 Sorority Council

Following Panhellenic Bylaws, our Sorority Council switched all of their executive positions to rotating position for the next year.  This means that over the course of three years, each sorority will have the opportunity to hold each position.  Sorority Council members for the 2014-2015 year are:

President - Briana Poole (AST)
Executive Vice President - Lea Alexandre (Theta Phi)
Vice President of Recruitment - Angela Achorn (DPhiE)
Vice President of Programming and Public Relations - Juliana Lima (AST)
Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Service - Karissa Behan (Theta Phi)
Vice President of Finance - Kelsey Arpin (DPhiE)
Scholarship Chairwoman - Brittany Ferzoco (AST)

Please congratulate them when you see them!

Greek Week Day 4: Dodgeball

Greek Week wrapped up last night with Kappa Delta Phi's Dodgeball Tournament in the Rec Center. Delta Phi Epsilon won this double-elimination event, beating out Theta Phi Alpha.

Theta Phi, however, ended up beating out Alpha Sigma Tau by one point to win Greek Week. Congrats Theta Phi Alpha!

Greek Week Day 3: Greek Olympics and Mrs. & Miss Greek Week

During free period, Delta Phi Epsilon hosted Greek Olympics.  Besides the wind, it was a beautiful day to be outside for an event.  Everyone competed in games like tug-of-war, a water balloon toss, and a relay race which started with participants eating their way through a pie to find the key needed to unlock the handcuffs of the next person in the race. 

At night Theta Phi Alpha hosted Mr. & Miss Greek Week.  This was an exciting event because it was the first time the men were able to compete.  The contestants participated in three rounds.  The first round was a "Letters" round, the second was talent (which featured some really amazing talents), and the final round was formal wear. Mr. Greek Week went to Mat from Kappa, Natasha from DPhiE was crowned Miss Greek Week, and Britnie and Karissa from Theta Phi were the runners up.

 

The rankings are as follows as we go into the final event of the week - Dodgeball:

1. Alpha Sigma Tau - 82 points

2. Theta Phi Alpha - 78 points

3. Delta Phi Epsilon - 70 points

4. Kappa Delta Phi - 47 points

Greek Week Day 2: Lip Sync

Alpha Sigma Tau hosted Lip Sync last night for Greek Week.  Groups choreographed dances (or in Kappa's case, choreographed an air band) to a variety of songs. The big surprise of the night was Alpha Sigma Tau and Theta Phi Alpha tied for first place.  They had a final lip sync battle which resulted in AST as the winner, lip syncing to Ke$ha's "Tik Tok."

Greek Week Day 1: BBQ and Bowling

We kicked off Greek Week with a BBQ on the quad yesterday afternoon.  Many members of our community came out for some free lunch and to enjoy each other's company during the sunny (while very, VERY windy) afternoon.

At night, Theta Phi Alpha organized a bowling trip to East Providence lanes.  It was great to have a sorority organize a social event for the community, and even though they put us in the corner, it was still a good time.  Just to note - we have a surprising number of talented bowlers among us.

Greek Week 2014

Happy Greek Week!  Today marks the beginning of a week of fun, competition, and spirit.  We're starting off the week with a BBQ during the day and a bowling night at East Providence Lanes, which was organization by Theta Phi Alpha.  On Tuesday, Alpha Sigma Tau is hosting Lip Sync.  Wednesday is Delta Phi Epsilon's Greek Olympics during Free Period, and Theta Phi Alpha's Mr. & Mrs. Greek Week at night.  We wrap up the week with Kappa Delta Phi's dodgeball game on Thursday.  Additionally, the Greeks will be volunteering on campus for the Rhode Island Blood Center's blood drive on Monday and Tuesday of the week. 

Each fraternity and sorority will have the opportunity to earn points for each event.  The winner of Greek Week will be determined by the group with the most points and that group will get to display the NEW Greek Week Champions Trophy until the start of Greek Week 2015.

2013-2014 Sorority Council Elections

On Wednesday April 24th, the Sorority Council held elections for their Executive Board positions.  Congratulations to all of the women!

• President - Andrea R. (DPhiE)
• Executive VP - Caitlin M. (DPhiE)
• VP of Recruitment - Felicia F. (AST)
• VP of Programming & PR - Brittnie H. (AST)
• VP of Philanthropy & Community Service - Katie O. (Zeta)
• VP of Finance - Kayla C. (Zeta)
• Sorority Council Reps: Krystal D. (AST), Britnie P. (Zeta), TBD (DPhiE)

Alpha Sigma Tau receives their charter!

The second NPC group on campus received their charter and was installed on RIC's campus Sunday, April 21st, 2013 in front of family, friends, and sisters from all over the country.  Congratulations to the women of Alpha Sigma Tau - Epsilon Pi chapter!!!

Final Night of Greek Week - Candlelight Vigil & Lip Sync sponsored by AST

The final night of Greek Week started with a candlelight vigil in the Quad to keep those in Boston in our prayers and in our hearts.  President Nancy Carriuolo attended along with students and the Dean of Students, Dr. Kane.  

After a very moving moment of silence and singing by the group, everyone headed over for a much lighter moment on campus - Lip Sync.

Delta Phi Epsilon had two groups participate, along with one group each from Zeta Xi Delta, Alpha Sigma Tau, & Kappa Delta Phi.  The event was hosted by AST President Brianna and AST VP of Recruitment Amy.  In the end - Delta Phi Epsilon won the competition!  Thank to you the judges: President of RIC - Nancy Carriuolo, Dean of Student - Dr. Kane, Educational Consultant of AST - Erica, Advisor of AST - Bailey, and Greek Life Advisor - Megan Fox.

Zeta Xi Delta

Delta Phi Epsilon

Alpha Sigma Tau

Kappa Delta Phi

Day #3 of Greek Week - Greek Olympics in the Quad hosted by DPhiE

You couldn't ask for a more beautiful day for Greek Olympics in the Quad!  Members of AST, Zeta, Kappa & DPhiE came out for Capture the Flag, Pyramid Challenge, Relay Races, & more.  Thanks to Cheyanne of DPhiE for putting together a great event. 

Zeta Xi Delta

Alpha Sigma Tau

Delta Phi Epsilon

Kappa Delta Phi w. DPhiE

Greek Week - Day #2: Family Feud hosted by Zeta Xi Delta

Tonight our recognized Greek organizations gathered for Family Feud in Alger.  Questions were asked to 100 RIC Greek Life students through Facebook and the most popular answers were recorded for the game.  DPhiE vs. AST, Kappa vs. Zeta.  In the end, AST & Zeta went in to the lightning round where Zeta pulled out a win by 1 point!  Thanks to everyone who put together this amazing event & for everyone for participating & showing their support.

Alpha Sigma Tau

Delta Phi Epsilon

Kappa Delta Phi

Zeta Xi Delta

Greek Week Begins with Dodgeball

Kappa Delta Phi hosted the first event of Greek Week - dodgeball!  The event was well attended by our Greek Life students as well as many spectators.  Here are some photos from the event:

Alpha Sigma Tau

Delta Phi Epsilon

Zeta Xi Delta

Kappa Delta Phi

Greek Week Shirts are in!

Greek Week shirts have arrived!  Getting excited for warmer weather, fun events, and good times with the Fraternity & Sororities at RIC.  Stop by our events (post below).

Greek Week 2013: April 15th-18th

Stop by the RIC Greek Week events sponsored by the recognized Greek organizations on campus:

• Dodgeball: Mon. 4/15 in Henry Barnard Gym @ 8pm
• sponsored by Kappa Delta Phi
• Family Feud: Tue. 4/16 in Alger 110 @ 8pm 
• sponsored by Zeta Xi Delta
• Greek Olympics: Wed. 4/17 in the Quad @ 12:30pm 
• sponsored by Delta Phi Epsilon
• Lip Sync: Thu. 4/18 in SU Ballroom @ 8pm 
• sponsored by Alpha Sigma Tau

Artistic Confessions - April 27th

Omega Phi Beta Informational

Interested in learning more about Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.?  Attend the Informational on April 4th.  Open to all interested RIC women.

Alpha Sigma Tau holds elections

Alpha Sigma Tau at RIC elected its first executive board!  Congrats to all of the women. 

• President- Brianna P.
• Vice President- Brittnie H.
• Risk Management-Angela B.
• Treasurer- Megan F.
• Panhellenic Delegate- Krystal D.
• New Member Director- Nisa S.
• Recording Secretary- Shannon D.
• Alumnae Director- Stephanie W.
• Recruitment- Amy R.

Men's Basketball Game Saturday & Raffle

Come and show your support for the team 

& for your Greek organization!

Attend the game in your letters and enter to win!!

 

Greek Life Raffle:
Win a custom letter sweatshirt!

 Stop by the sign in table in the Murray Center lobby to enter before tip-off.