2009 - Utah State University
Transcription
2009 - Utah State University
T H E T A N U X I EPSILON The monthly newsletter of the Alumni of the Elite Epsilon Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. ! ! January 2009 CURRENT CHAPTER SISTER SPOTLIGHT Yordanos Beyene, also known as Jo or Jo Jo, crossed last spring with her line "Fortunate Destiny". With her unpredictable and charming personality, it is easy to be entertained by her wit. She is friendly to everyone she meets and loves to dress up to look her best. She loves soccer and has the most Theta Nu pride I have seen in years. She is able to take a serious situation and make everyone appreciate the sisterhood created through ONE. Here is some more information about our "Unforeseen Breeze": Major: It was nursing but I am planning on changing it to psychology or social work so right now my major [is] undeclared. Why this field of study: I choose social work because I really like helping people and I like being around people. What do you want to do in your career? I want to work with people; maybe counsel[ing]. Any interesting, special aspirations? I want to go visit Brazil one day. What three words describe you best? Social, happy and athletic " 1 T H E T A N U X I What is your best memory in college so far? Intake process and playing college sports at Yuba college Best memory from Theta Nu? Retreat with the girls; it was a lot of fun. We have lots and lots of memories. What do you love the best about your Theta sisters? They are always there for me and I can talk to them about anything and also whenever we are together we always have fun. Hobbies: Running, soccer and hanging out Favorite movie/food: Movie: Save The Last Dance (I know it's old but still, it's a good movie) Food: I love Chinese and chicken. Type of music: R&B, Reggaeton, Reggae and Gospel Do you have an ultimate goal in life? To get my degree from USU, get out of Utah, have a nice small family. What do you love most about your family? I love the fact that I have a big family. I have three sisters we are all one year apart so we wear each other clothes [and] shoes. We share almost everything and we are best friends. We tell each other everything. Are you a True Aggie? If not, why not? No, lol because I just don't roll like that. I can't just go kiss anybody. I don't got a boy so that is why. Sports fan? Yup, love the Lakers. What do you plan to do for your 21st birthday? Just chill and have fun. Anything you would like to say to alumni? Yes, I just want to say thank you so much for coming out for the MSS reunion. It was nice meeting all of you. Hope we get to see ya'll again, hopefully for the step show. Thanks again and you guys are the best. Any other comments? I just love my Line sisters so, so much and I just want them to know that I am thankful to have them in my life. My big sister she is the best. I can talk to her about anything. Norma I like her but I keep asking myself why lol…jokes I love Norma too. 2" T H E T A N U X I Alumnus Spotlight #7 Cleopatra Martine Celestin What have you been doing since you left USU?! I moved to Salt Lake and have been working for 3 years at !Intermountain Healthcare!as a Operations Coordinator for Patient Access. What are your plans for the next 5 years?! To hopefully!be in our own house,!graduate!with!a Bachelors in Social Work. Both boys being rock stars in elementary school. What is one of your best memories of being at USU in the sorority?! Dang there have been so many, I think my first Sigma Chi derby days(no not because I am a sweetheart), So none of the Sorority houses thought we could be good competition during this. Then the week arrived and !we were one of the top contenders we had the best skit ever and other houses were scrambling to get more points than us mind you we were only 16 deep. It truly let me know that regardless of size, !Theta Nu's could conquer it. !What is some advice you have for current Epsilon sisters?! To cherish the sisterhood you have, It will get you through some of the toughest things in life.!The!women you are with!will make you stronger and!make!you want to reach for the stars. Also!Regardless of how small the chapter is, we always lived by the motto quality not quantity. ! !What is something you would like to say to the Epsilon Alumni?! I truly am amazed!at everything that!you have accomplished and will accomplish in life.!I'm also!amazed that regardless of how long we haven't seen each other we get in that room and it's back!in the swing of things. I am glad we!all get the emails!to keep in touch and also have this newsletter. What is the best way to stay up to date on your life? Do you blog, email, myspace?! Facebook and!MartiniUSU@yahoo.com ANNOUNCEMENTS Add the current chapter to your myspace. Search: thetanuxiepsilon to keep updated on pictures and events going on. Help keep our local website professional by adding your picture to the "Chapter Lines" page. E-mail pictures to sandydurtschi@usu.edu (url to local website: www.usu.edu/thetanuxi) ANNUAL STEP SHOW- April 3, 2009 Newsletter Staff Mandy Donavan- Editor/Writer Susiane Manning- Alumni Spotlight Kanika Eng- Current Chapter Info and Member Spotlight " 3 T H E T A N U X I EPSILON The monthly newsletter of the Alumni of the Elite Epsilon Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. ! ! February 2009 CURRENT CHAPTER SISTER SPOTLIGHT Maricela Abarca, better know as Mari, crossed with her line "Forbidden Moonlight" spring of 2006.! With her last semester here at Utah State, her hard work and dedication has lifted the chapter into new heights.! Although "Pequena Charisma" is the shortest physically of our chapter, her passion, strive, and creativity allows for optimal sisterhood experiences.! Unashamed of her prohibited humor, Mari is distinguishable unique in many senses.! Here is some more information to get to know our current president better: Major: Broadcast Journalism and Spanish Why this field of study: “Cus!I love to gossip...hehe no.. because I am a very visual person, I also think I am creative and pay close attention to detail..” What do you want to do in your career? “Well!I wouldn't mind working for Univision or a big news station, but my goal is to eventually be a video producer and make Mexican soap operas or music videos...” Any interesting, special aspirations?!“I!really want to visit my homestate in Mexico.”! What three words describes you best: “Charismatic, gangster and goofy” What is your best memory in college so far? “So my best memory from college was going back to the Hispanic Youth Symposium. I had attended it when I was a senior in High School and thats where I recieved my " 1 T H E T A N U X I scholarship to come to Utah State. However this time I was participating on the college student panel. It was amazing to be on the other side. And when I gave my speech I was crying but afterwards I recieved a standing ovation... Many people think that if you’re an illegal immigrant you can’t attend college, that is what almost kept me from going to college and I felt that there where many in my same situation that had lost hope. :D it was an amazing experience. Best memory from Theta Nu? “Playing pictionary with Jo Jo... that was the best game I've ever played.” What do you love the best about your Theta sisters? “That they are fun to be around with. Their dedication and hard work. It just makes me proud to know that we do so much with limited resources and best off all that they are sincerely my good friends.! They listen, they give!tough love, and because they are not fake like other girls...I LOVE THEM.” Hobbies: Dancing, dancing, dancing Favorite movie/food: Crash/ Shrimp Soup Type of music: Mexican Do you have an ultimate goal in life? “Visit Mexico, become a citizen” What do you love most about your family? “Jeez.. I love that my parents are humble because they have tought me how to be appreciative and hard working... I especially admire the sacrifice they make to bring me to this country.” Are you a True Aggie? If not, why not? “:)uuuuummmmmm...ummmmmm. I guess I am...but lets not talk about it” Sports fan? “Some guys look good in tight pants...hehe..” What did you do for your 21st birthday? “hmmmmm...quizzed the new line and hung out my buddy!” Anything you would like to say to alumni? “We really need you. We really want to have your participation and support. We need role models! Please be involved.. you have no idea how good it feels to hear from you guys. I want us to feel like what we do matters and that you guys are proud of us!” 2" S E Q U O I A C L U B A LETTER FROM THE CHAPTER January 27, 2009 Dear Alumni: On behalf of the Elite Epsilon chapter, I would love to invite you to the ninth annual step show that will be held on April 3, 2009 at eight o’clock in the Taggart Student Center ball room. Be sure to get there on time or earlier to get a good seat because the show is sure to be a memorable one. In order for this step show to be a success, we need the support of all our fellow sisters. We would also love to see our alumni sisters do their thing on the stage. You are more than welcome to perform. Our theme for this year is "Kickn' it Old School"; what a fun theme! The following day, we are holding our annual banquet. The details are still pending but please save the date for April 4, 2009 if you would like to attend. Thank you for your time and I look forward to your participation in these events. If you should have any questions or concerns please contact me at (435)764-3188 or via email at j.y.b@aggiemail.usu.edu Respectfully yours, Yordanos Beyene (JOJO) SPR 08, Unforeseen Breeze Vice President and Social Chair Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Elite Epsilon Chapter; Utah State University " 3 T H E T A N U X I Alumnus Spotlight #7 Horizon Michelle Menninger Baeza What have you been doing since you left USU? I actually left USU my senior year to attend NAU in Flagstaff, AZ as an interstate exchange student. I met my husband in Flagstaff and after a year of dating we married and moved to Reno, NV where I then worked at UNR. We lived in Reno for 3 years, gave birth to our son there and when he was only 5 weeks old, took him on his first road trip back to Flagstaff so that my husband could finish his schooling. 2 years past and he was offered a job in Phoenix – I chose to stay home with our boy, Elijah Gabriel until he was about 3. We currently live in Sierra Vista, AZ where I decided to go back to work in Admissions and Recruitment. My husband works as a Dept. of Defense contractor and my son, now 3, is in preschool. We purchased our first home and hopefully soon can give Elijah a brother or a sister – so basically, since I left USU, I have been trying to find my groove in life alongside my husband. What are your plans for the next 5 years? Hopefully have a baby, I may or may not return to work and instead continue with my Masters and just enjoy my life. I plan on staying in Sierra Vista unless my husband gets transferred somewhere but either way, I plan on enjoying this journey whether good or bad. What is one of your best memories of being at USU in the sorority? Being online!!!! I still laugh about this - if only you all knew what we got ourselves into! What is some advice you have for current Epsilon sisters? Enjoy your sisters, really get to know your sisters, genuinely love your sisters because in life you only take with you a handful of true friends and I am lucky that my handful, of whom I trust with everything, happen to be sisters. What is something you would like to say to the Epsilon Alumni? Let!s get more involved! I know many of you are involved – but we need more of us to be involved – so my question to you is, how do you balance a family, being out of state, and being involved????? What is the best way to stay up to date on your life? Do you blog, email, myspace? Facebook. (Michelle Menninger Baeza) Newsletter Staff Mandy Donavan- Editor/Writer Susiane Manning- Alumni Spotlight Kanika Eng- Current Chapter Info and Member Spotlight 4" T H E T A N U X I EPSILON The monthly newsletter of the Alumni of the Elite Epsilon Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. ! ! MARCH 2009 CURRENT CHAPTER SISTER SPOTLIGHT Kanika Eng crossed in Spring 2007 with the line name Captivating Sparkle.! Her passion about wanting to make a difference was what brought Theta Nu Xi to her attention as she embarked on the journey to join.! She strives for excellence through hard work and dedication with everything she is involved in.! Kanika’s personality is truly one that captivates your attention as she is a strong willed, enthusiastic, and lovable person.! She has an encouraging persona as she supports all to reach their full potential.! She is known to be quite humorous and speaks her mind.! She is currently one of the strongest leaders amongst our chapter.! -Tiffany Rindlisbacher, Spring 08, Passionate Cometa. !Major: Management and Human Resources Why this field of study: Because I love helping people with reaching their potential but also wanted to be “rich” :) What do you want to do in your career?! I want to work for a big corporation or bank and help a company be more of just a business but a place employees feel comfortable with.! I know we have all had our places where we hated to work and I want to help build a positive atmosphere that helps take the company to higher places. Any interesting, special aspirations? One day when I am old and my kids are grown, I want to go to Cambodia or a third world country and help in any way I can.! I think it’s important to serve the community you came from and I would love to somehow help those people who deserve it most. " 1 T H E T A N U X I What three words describes you best: Moody, “different” most people just call me crazy:), and blunt What is your best memory in college so far? My best memory in college are the ones that I am not ready to share with ya’ll!:) Just kidding I would have to say just being able to kick back with my friends and boyfriend after a long day of studying without having to worry about a lot of responsibilities! Best memory from Theta Nu? OF COURSE!! The step show!! Step mistress right here! What do you love the best about your Theta sisters? I love the fact that I can always come and complain to them.! They are all so different that they will either listen or tell me to shut up and stop complaining.! It’s funny because we are like a family because I know who to go to when I want that kind of support and… who not to tell my secrets too!! Hobbies: Dancing, sleeping, listening to music, making up steps, eating, COOKING, and saving money (it’s my favorite sport!j/k) Favorite movie/food: I LOVE Italian food, but I love deserts too.! My favorite movie is 50 First Dates because I love Adam Sandler and it’s so cute how someone is so in love with you, they are willing to make you fall in love with them EACH AND EVERY DAY! *sigh* Type of music: Old school R&B… some of the new R&B stuff is good but it doesn’t compare to back in the day! Do you have an ultimate goal in life? I think it would be to stop stressin’ the small stuff.! I know sometimes we have to but I have been granted with a pretty positive life.! I have great friends that I know are going to be there and a great family.! So… I guess you can say my goal is to be the biggest optimistic… IN THE WORLD!!! What do you love most about your family? What I love most about my family is that they are MINE. I can’t see myself growing up around different people.! They are so unique that they all have shaped me in different ways… so I love the fact that they are just themselves… I mean that’s all I really need! Are you a True Aggie? If not, why not?! YES.. you don’t really need to know the details!! :) Sports fan? !Kind-of-ish… I watch them but am not a follower!! I can tell you about Making the Band though:) What did you do for your 21st birthday? Hahhah I am going to Vegas this year with my line sister Jordana, her husband, and my boyfriend on April 17! So if you are there.. let me know!! !Anything you would like to say to alumni?! As Sandy’s little sister I was able to meet many of you guys while you were active in the chapter when I was young.! Just by the people you are and how much you love this organization made me want to join and look… seven years later I am here!! I really would love alumni to be as active because I don’t think many of you are!! I would love my sisters to be able have a feel for who YOU are so they can see how our wonderful chapter began and grew.! I know it might seem like a lot, but it can be done!!! Anyways… thank you for inspiring me to be a Theta woman!! It has helped me grow into the person I knew I could become! 2" S E Q U O I A C L U B Wanted Epsilon Alumnus With elections taking place at the end of March, the Epsilon chapter is looking for a new chapter advisor. Currently the sisters’ chapter advisor is HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=588073840" Desiree Downs Bolibaugh from the Almighty Alpha chapter. Although these past two years have been great, Desiree feels as if her experiences with the Epsilon ladies are cut short due to distance. She is currently the advisor for the Alpha chapter and is unable to bond with the Epsilon sisters the way she does with her sorors in North Carolina. She would love to have dinners and scrapbooking parties to emphasize and solidify the chapter adviser relationship but is unable to at such a distance. Desiree expressed her desire to have one of Epsilon’s alumni to become the chapter advisor for the years to come, hopefully starting with this upcoming year. Since Theta Nu Xi’s chapters are ran so differently compared to one another, it would be beneficial for the chapter since Epsilon alumni would know the basics on how day to day business is ran. Even though many alumnus live in the Salt Lake area or further, it would be great to be able to cultivate a bond with an Epsilon sister. Creeping up on the ten year anniversary for the Epsilon chapter here at Utah State, we have made a statement just by sustaining our organization on this campus. Each year, the chapter grows bigger and the challenge to know every sister becomes difficult. Although this gap may be tricky to overcome “…the Theta Woman rises out of a lavender dawn…to proudly bridge the gaps in her world..with her butterfly wings.” –Theta Woman poem. Being a chapter advisor or actively participating with chapter events are simple ways to revitalize that Theta Nu dedication and provides the opportunity to connect with the current sisters. If you are interested in becoming our chapter advisor to help celebrate and solidify the chapter’s future, please go to the Member’s only section at thetanuxi.org to find the chapter advisor application. !"# love! " 3 T H E T A N U X I Alumnus Spotlight #1 Practical Magic Sandy Lim Eng Durtschi What have you been doing since you left USU? After graduation I worked at emerGen, a human genomics company, located in Salt Lake City. After working for a year I went back to graduate school and received my Masters degree in Instructional Technology. I am currently working at Utah State University as an Instructional Designer. During graduate school, I got married to my husband Mike Durtschi. We recently had a baby in September and her name is Olivia Lim Durtschi. What are your plans for the next 5 years? Mike will be graduating in 2010 so we plan on moving and with the move I!ll be able to quit my job and become a mom exclusively. We hope to have more kids too. I haven!t made too many other plans other than I would like to participate in a triathlon and/or a half marathon. What is one of your best memories of being at USU in the sorority? I don!t have just one memory but mostly the great friendships I have made through the sorority. What is some advice you have for current Epsilon sisters? Rushing for the sorority prepares you for being in the sorority. The responsibility and experience you have while in the sorority prepares you for the workplace so even though you may feel overwhelmed it is a great learning experience. What is something you would like to say to the Epsilon Alumni? It is always great to hear how everyone is doing. It would be great if everyone could send an update of themselves every once in awhile. What is the best way to stay up to date on your life? Do you blog, email, myspace? Blog at durtschibaby.blogspot.com Newsletter Staff Mandy Donavan- Editor/Writer Susiane Manning- Alumni Spotlight Kanika Eng- Current Chapter Info and Member Spotlight 4" T H E T A N U X I EPSILON The monthly newsletter of the Alumni of the Elite Epsilon Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. ! ! 5 New Ladies Join the Epsilon Family APRIL 2009 “I would like to introduce Spring 2009 Enchanting Wish! These girls have worked hard through the process to get to where they are now. #1 Maria Tena is engaged to be married and is majoring in nursing and is not afraid to tell you what she thinks. #2 Adriana Rodriquez is majoring in Social Work and loves to draw, scrapbook and dance, she has a very sweet and welcoming nature. #3 Aubree Pope wants to become a teacher and has just been accepted into her program here at USU. #4 Stephanie Dominguez is undeclared in business and is engaged to be married soon. She enjoys curling up with a good book any time of the day. #5 Cassandra Martinez is majoring in Secondary Education mathematics and really loves to spend time with her family and friends! She may be shy but don't mistake her quiet demeanor for weakness. All these girls have proven themselves to be strong Theta Women. They know what they want and there is nothing they won't fight through to get it.” ONE Love, Lei Alexis K - Dean of Intake #4 Tranquil Rain Spring 2008 " 1 T H E T A N U X I ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to TiffanyBrough Wood (Spr 02) and her husband on the birth of their first son, Logan Colby Wood Born March 17, 2009 weighing 6 lbs and 5 oz. 2" S E Q U O I A C L U B Alumnus Spotlight #3 Magic Stitch Spr 2004 Mina Nau What have you been doing since you left USU? Since I have left USU I have been having the time of my LIFE……I returned to Salt Lake City shortly after the death of my Father and Older Brother. My family needed help so I moved back home to help my parents and siblings financially and mentally. I decided to take a break for only one year and then get into grad school. I then became even more active with my church, the Tongan United Methodist Church. I became a Youth Leader, Activities Coordinator, and Sunday School Teacher. I also volunteered my time in helping young polynesian youth members find their way. Mentoring, Inspiring and Motivating them to step out of their shell and seek what they are passionate about in life. Also to make something of themselves and encouraging them never to give up. I also worked at the Airlines for about 2 years and traveled just in the U.S. and of course nothing beats Hawaii although I am Polynesian so that could be the reason why I feel that way. I then realized that wasn!t what I wanted to do anymore so I got a Job with Nordstrom Rack as a Jewelry Specialist. It was more in my field of study; which was Apparel and Textiles with a minor in Fashion Design. Although I was very interested in the Business side of the Industry so I thought it would be a great idea. I also picked up a side job at the bar working the door, checking I.Ds and selling memberships. This was to make extra money and it was pretty much my social life. I shortly decided to return to school and take some classes in Fashion Design and an Italian Language course. My life started to get really hectic and very busy. I continued to help my family, Helped my brother and sister in law with my seven nieces and nephews, work two jobs, school part time, working almost every day at my church with camps, celebrations, big feasts, script writing for plays and musicals, bible study, activites for kids, weddings, funerals, etc…. , very busy but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love kids and I love working with them. Putting a smile on their faces makes my day. Then I realized my break from school was well over one year. I did some research online and applied for an internship in Italy for Fashion Design and Language study. I got accepted and of course it cost a fortune. I wrote a sponsorship letter went out to businesses and asked for support also put together fundraisers to help pay for this experience that I felt would be life changing. This has always been a dream of mine to go to Italy and so I worked hard and never gave up. I ran into numerous obstacles but this was a dream so I had to train myself to be prepared for anything that would get in my way to deter me from getting to Italy. So I continued to pick myself up during the rough times and always thought positive. I was determined and so motivated. Because of my faith to never give up I am now in Italy studying the language and interning with a local designer Patrizia Fusi. This is the best opportunity ever . I couldn!t ask for a better experience. I have learned so much and am still continuing to learn many more not only about the culture , the language and design but about myself. I have picked up the traveling virus and now I want to go everywhere. This experience has given me my life back so now I am ready to return to the USA and work on becoming successful and in the fashion industry. What are your plans for the next 5 years? " 3 T H E T A N U X I In the next five years I plan to get into grad school. I am shooting for my MBA……I also want to continue traveling but for language study and interning in fashion design. I would like to go to Japan, India, and Brazil. I would like to study different styles of fashion and techniques. I would also learn the language because one day I will have my own line and I would like to work with different businesses in different countries. I also want to have a mixture of cultures written all over my line of clothing. What is one of your best memories of being at USU in the sorority? Step Shows………Yes the gathering of all the sisters reuniting showin support and love. And meeting the new lines. It!s the best feeling ever….There is just a lot of happinness going on in the room. What is some advice you have for current Epsilon sisters? NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!......and SMILE even when you don!t want to its good for you…..Life is great…. What is something you would like to say to the Epsilon Alumni? Grazie Mille……..Thank you TONZ for the love the support and for being strong women setting examples for us to believe in ourselves and our dreams. Telling women through your actions, we can be anything we want and do what we want in life because we are phenomenal. Nothing can stop us because its impossible to get us to quit. Although many have gone through the wire you have still managed to get through it and that to me shows you are as Alicia keys sings it SUPERWOMAN!!!!!! What is the best way to stay up to date on your life? Do you blog, email, myspace? Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:mina_nau@yahoo.com" mina_nau@yahoo.com or facebook which is my email. Newsletter Staff Mandy Donavan- Editor/Writer Susiane Manning- Alumni Spotlight Kanika Eng- Current Chapter Info and Member Spotlight 4" EPSILON ALUMNI NEWSLETTER August 2009 New Faculty Advisor brings plenty of experience, sisterhood Welcome Robin Parent as the new faculty advisor A message from the current chapter President In anticipation for the upcoming school year, the current members held a mini retreat to plan out next year’s events, bond with one “I am a 35 year old Theta Women, married with three kids! I love the sun and summer and swimming with my kids. I grew up in Logan attending Logan High. Then I was off for Colorado then Georgia and back to Utah four years later to finish my B.S. in Anthropology. I immediately entered the graduate program in Folklore; where after two years earned my M.S. and began my teaching career at USU in 1999. I met my line sister Lynne, in the fall of 1999 and we became involved with TNX when some of my students, Sharon Pewtress and Michelle Menninger, asked me to be an advisor to their new chapter in the fall of 2000. Lynne and I became members of TNX in the spring of 2001. The rest is history. I’ve been teaching ever since and consider my meeting and teaching of Sharon and Michelle to be one of the most pivotal moments in my life.” robin.parent@usu.edu KANIKA’S KORNER another, and discuss other pressing issues the chapter faces. Consequentially, the retreat accomplished many necessary goals but are certain aspirations the chapter is working on achieving like winning chapter of the year at the 2010 convention. The butterflies reviewed the strategic five year plan Sharon K. Pewtress helped create last summer and although there has been great improvement, discussion of common problems like communication and commitment arose. In effort to make the sorority less business all the time and to resolve the issues discussed, the girls formed a new program called “Sister of the Month”. During calendar planning, each month was appointed a tenant to help gauge who would be crowned “Sister of the Month.” The monthly tenants will also help to guide monthly events. Each office held a workshop to address topics dealing with specific positions. Lei Alexis Kim, Treasurer, gathered ideas for upcoming fundraisers; Yordanos Beyene, Social Chair, taught everyone a new stroll; and Nies Siv Chiv, Education Chair/Vice President, provided papers to encourage better study habits. Fundraising money to help all nine sisters attend convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the year is the chapter’s CALENDAR OF EVENTS current goal. If one sister decides not to attend convention, a percentage raised will help pay for her semester dues. August 17 SISTER TO SISTER PROGRAM KICK OFF August 24 USU CLASSES BEGIN As alumnae, you can help out by donating anything you no longer need to a garage sale scheduled to take place August, 2009 in Logan, Utah. Also, there are other ideas to get alumni involved that are still in the drafting stage. If you have any ideas or would like to donate to our yard sale, please contact Kanika Eng at (435) 232-1390 Or e-mail kanikaeng@yahoo.com. Newsletter 1 we were playing on the snow and freezing outside waiting to go inside for a quiz. ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT EDITH RODRIGUEZ SPRING 2001 #2 WHISPERING ASPEN What have you been doing since you left USU? Since USU I moved to Idaho and returned to Utah right away. I have kept busy this whole time, I have worked for an Interior Design Firm, have worked for Wasatch Property Management for four years and my sisters and I have our own cleaning company. We are working on opening a restaurant in Idaho by July. What are your plans for the next 5 years? I hope to travel, I need to be selfish and take time to have fun. I hope to actually date someone who is worth it (have dated the wrong guys) I hope to be married since my clock is ticking What is some advice you have for current Epsilon sisters? Advice I would give is to make the most out of Theta Nu Xi, to make life fun and enjoy every moment. You only live once so enjoy life to the fullest. What is something you would like to say to the Epsilon Alumni? I would like to say Thank You to all of the sisters who have been so supportive. Thank you to my wonderful line sisters whom I love and appreciate. For having that great bond and for working hard to keep our friendship and that open communication with each other. What is the best way to stay up to date on your life? Do you blog, email, MySpace? You can email me at ekrodriguez@yahoo.com or facebook. What is one of your best memories of being at USU in the sorority? Oh, I had way to many, I remembered when I was online and all of my line sisters were staying at my place and Denise and I would share my twin mattress, Katie and Amanda would share my other twin mattress and everyone else had the floor. I remembered my two in the morning runs to Burger King with my line sisters because we could not sleep and the morning of our crossing when Newsletter 2 SISTER OF THE MONTH "Eterna Ezperanza" our brand nu sister crossed with the 2009 line of Enchanting Wish. This is our first number "5" butterfly Epsilon has had in seven years!! Cassandra Martinez is Epsilon's upcoming Dean of Intake and has much to offer the chapter. She is very humorous and loving to those she cares for. She is very dedicated and honest about her emotions. Read more about one of our nuest Theta woman. Major: Secondary Education Mathematics Why this field of study: I have always wanted to teach and math seems like a good subject to teach. What do you want to do in your career? I want to be able to teach Others...not many people like math, but I feel from that one can help others see that is not the worst subject. Any interesting, special aspirations? Nope What three words describe you best: Lazy, loving, and weird. What is your best memory in college so far? Hmmm...I don't have one just yet. Best memory from Theta Nu? Umm probably the late nights with my line sisters. What do you love the best about your Theta sisters? I love how we are all different...we are all opinionated and it’s amazing that we can disagree on something, but then act like nothing ever happened. Hobbies: Spending time with my familia and reading. Favorite movie/food: Hmmm my favorite movie. I think its a toss up between Rocky 4 and Dirty Dancing oh wait and the Hangover.hahaha.but I have a ton of other favorites...my favorite food would have to be...My mommy's cooking and Chinese Food..Mmm Type of music: I really listen to a ton of different music.I'm not set on just one genre... Do you have an ultimate goal in life? To graduate from college and make my parents proud. What do you love most about your family? I love how close we are. I love that we ALWAYS joke around.its great I wouldn't change anything about them :D Sports fan? Yeah why not. I love me some Cristiano Ronaldo and Peyton Manning :) What do you plan to do for your 21st birthday? Well I got two more years and I plan to go to the bar and then go back to my house and just have a great time with my family. Doesn’t get much better than that! Newsletter 3 Newsletter 4 EPSILON ALUMNI NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2009 Tweets, Blogs, and Profiles, OH MY! Today’s technology helps us stay connected, but you must do you part What an incredible age of technology we live in that allows so much information and so many relationships to be accessed at the push of a button with speed and clarity. Many of the Epsilon Alumni use such methods to update friends, family and sisters on their latest news. If you are one of these tech savvy sisters, take advantage of this connection. Use it to see how sisters are doing or to offer words of support. Keeping our relationships alive depends on our desire and time to make them meaningful. If you don’t dig the tech scene, what methods do you or should you use to stay in touch with your fellow alumni? The national website is filled with awesome info and resources. Be sure you know how to access the Members Only Section, and check the site often to see what wonderful things TNX is doing nationally. CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 21-26 HOMECOMING WEEK AT USU September 26 Homecoming Parade 10 am Homecoming Game 7 KANIKA’S KORNER A message from the current chapter President From September 11-13, four Epsilon sisters traveled to convention to participate in training and reconnecting with other chapters. During convention's ninth annual banquet, the Epsilon sisters were award with the most money donated to philanthropy. As you may know, the step show revenue has been used in the past for donations, but during spring semester 2009 the sisters also organized "Celebrity Server" with Golden Corral. For the event, the ladies sold $12 tickets to revenue $2 per ticket and accepted donations. The chapter had concerns about the event taking place on a Thursday rather than a weekend where more customers travel through. Celebrity Server was a success and one individual donated $100 to help the English Language Center (ELC), our local philanthropy. About $400 was raised and presented to the ELC during our step show in April. From Theta Nu Xi standards report, each individual member had an average of $35 donated per person. This may not seem like a lot, but after intake was over we have a total of 13 girls in the chapter. Reporting our award at chapter meeting, many of the sisters were pleasantly surprised how our hard work was recognized. We received a paper certificate and gorgeous plaque to remind us of our success. We hope the next convention in Los Angeles, California will be as memorable as the one in Philadelphia. Newsletter 1 This survey is to create a weekend where all sisters; alumni, current members, and inactives; can come together to celebrate Epsilon's TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY. Please take the time to fill this out because we are trying to accommodate sisters near and far. Also, your answers are confidential so please feel free to be honest. ONE love! Are you planning on attending the Step Show/Formal Weekend? *It is tentatively scheduled for April 8-9, 2009 Yes No Don't know Explain why you chose your answer in Question 1 *(This is to help us find solutions if sisters need places to stay or don't have the money) What city would be best to have formal? * Logan Salt Lake City Ogden Other Explain your answer in Question 3 State reasons why the location you chose is better *Send responses to Kanika Eng by October 24, 2009. 1 Aubree Pope Major: Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education with an endorsement in ESL Why this field of study: I love children and have always wanted to be a teacher. What do you want to do in your career? I want to teach any grade but preferable K-3 Any interesting, special aspirations? I want to start a family eventually, and maybe become a director of an ESL program in an elementary school What three words describes you best: Loving, Determined, Girly What is your best memory in college so far? Meeting Mikey and Cassie Best memory from Theta Nu? Finally crossing.. What do you love the best about your Theta sisters? That they are always there for me through thick and thin and I know i can count on them no matter what. Hobbies: Dancing, singing, reading, watching movies Favorite movie/food: Way to many to mention Type of music: Pretty much anything, i really like hip hop :D Do you have an ultimate goal in life? My ultimate goal is to get married, and stay married, and have a family!! What do you love most about your family? We always have a good time when we get together “Our Infinite Radiance is very dedicated, driven, and humorous in her own way. Her passion for Theta Nu Xi shows in the amount of work she is willing to put into the chapter.” 2 Elite Epsilon CHAPTER NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2009 Chapter Update~ Currently the chapter is going through mid-terms and concentrating on school. We have a fundraiser for our local philanthropy, the English Language Center, on November 4, 2009 from 48pm at Golden Corral, where tickets were $12. After much hard work and generous tips, the chapter collected $400. All profits will be donated to help this great organization become more established in Cache Valley. From November 3-6, 2009 is Utah State's Greek Week. We had a Greek speaker on Monday, did Stuff-a-Bus on Tuesday, Greek Olympics on Wednesday, and Lip-sync on Thursday. Also, we have started a "Sister-of-the-month" program where the sister who exemplifies the chosen tenet the most will win a prize. September we concentrated on Sisterhood and Adriana Rodriguez, "Amor Celestial" Spring 2009 won the award which was a cute butterfly bracelet. October was Service month where there was a tie between Tiffany Rindlisbacher, "Passionate Cometa", Spring 2008 and Lei Alexis Kim, "Tranquil Rain", Spring 2008. Lei Alexis was awarded with menthol-lip gloss from Bath and Body Works because her service hours were done at the English Language Center, our local philanthropy. These candidates both did 6.5 hours of service this month. Also this past month, several sisters gathered to celebrate our sister Maria Tena’s Baby shower on October 24th. Her expecting due date is January 9th, 2010. 1) Lei Alexis Kim, Tiffany Rindlesbacher 2) Lei Alexis Kim, Cassandra Martinez, Aubree Pope 3) Adriana Sandoval, Roxana Rojo, Kanika Eng 1 Recipe of the Month A big part about enjoying other people’s cultures is sharing food with one another. One of my favorite drinks in the whole wide world is called “Bubble Tea”. This is a traditional Asian smoothie that some of you may already know about and love! I enjoy this drink so much that every time I make a trip down to Salt Lake City I make sure I make a “Boba” also known as “Bubble Tea” stop. I have introduced this drink to many of the current members and they LOVE it… like L….O…V…E it! Many people their first time trying it don’t enjoy the tapioca balls put in at the bottom just because it can sometimes be overwhelming and they texture maybe hard getting used, but here is a recipe I pulled up from the internet I found at http://www.bubbleteasupply.com/index.p hp?page=recipes.html. You can try the powered recipe but I think the fresh fruit is much better (look on this website for the powered recipe). Get creative with the flavors you do if you do happen to try this recipe, I have seen an avocado, mango, and kiwi-strawberry bubble tea. Also, I heard it can be tricky to make the “Boba pearls”- tapioca balls so be warned. If you just want to try “Bubble Tea” without a hassle, please search a local restaurant where you live. I will highly, highly, highly recommend a place where you can get “Boba” for about $4-5 depending on the size and great authentic Vietnamese food. “Gossip Tapioca Pudding” 1629 West 3500 South, Salt Lake City , UT 84119 (801) 886-2868 Enjoy and feel free to send me your reviews on this drink at kanikaeng@yahoo.com and your reviews good or bad maybe included in the next newsletter! ONE love! –Kanika Eng The best tasting fresh fruit drinks include strawberry, watermelon, mango, red bean (adzuki), and papaya. 1 cup fresh fruit 1/2 cup milk 1 Scoop bubble tea sugar syrup 1 cup ice 2 fl. oz. cup of cooked Bubble Tea Tapioca Pearls 1. 2. 3. 4. Put all ingredients except bubble tea tapioca pearls into a blender and blend well. Make sure that the fruits are grinded into the milkshake. Add bubble tea tapioca pearls to a cup, and pour your drink over. Put in your big fat bubble tea straw and enjoy. How to cook Tapioca Pearls for Bubble Tea:1 cup Tapioca Pearls (Bubble Tea Supply of course) 6-8 cups water Approximately 6-10 servings The ratio should be a minimum of 7:1, water to tapioca pearls. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Boil water in a large pot. Add in the tapioca pearls to boiling water. The tapioca pearls should float in the water. Boil Bubble Tea Supply tapioca for 15 minutes with the cover on. Turn the heat off and let Bubble Tea Supply tapioca sit in the water for 15 minutes. Rinse the cooked tapioca pearls in warm water and drain out the water. Cover with bubble tea sugar syrup or brown sugar and serve. Note: This is for those that want to make Bubble Tea at home and don't want to wait an hour. What I do is boil the tapioca pearls for 20 minutes and let it sit for 15 minutes. I rinse the tapioca pearls and then place in a container in the refrigerator. When I get the urge, I boil a cup of water and put some refrigerated tapioca pearls in for about 3-5 minutes. Rinse, cover in sugar syrup and serve. It usually lasts a few days before it gets2 too mushy. Enjoy! *This is not recommended for bubble tea shops. Sisterhood Spotlight Adriana Sandoval Major and why this field of study: I have not yet decided I think all the populations have their negatives and positives, But I think what seems most interesting at this point is children. What do you want to do in your career? My main goal is to make a difference in someone’s life. Any interesting, special aspirations? I love music and believe in the positive effects it has as therapy, in the future I would like to start an organization where kids can learn to play instruments, it would be an after school program to keep kids out of trouble. What three words describes you best: Passionate, Loving, Committed. One of our "Unrest members, Adriana Sandoval is perfectly described by her line name "Amor Celestial". She is a loving, dedicated, and hard working sister where everyone feels comfortable around even when you are at your worst. What is your best memory in college so far? Salsabration it is the Latino Student Unions been event of the year, every year it is very different and it’s exciting to see how much talent there is on this campus, it is always very fun. Best memory from Theta Nu? The Step Show would have to be one of the best memories; it’s amazing how such a small number of sisters can take on such a big event. But every other memory has been just as important it’s hard to pick just one. What do you love the best about your Theta sisters? They are very open and understanding they always find a way to make me smile. Hobbies: Scrapbooking, Drawing, Listening to music, watching movies, and Dancing. Favorite movie/food: My favorite Movie is Man on Fire, and my favorite type of food is Enchiladas. Type of music: I am a neutral type of person I listen to anything and everything. Do you have an ultimate goal in life? I want to set a good example for my brothers and sister, I am the first to go to college and I am taking this first step will motivate them to reach for the stars. What do you love most about your family? We are very united, and when everything else is bad I know that we will always be there for each other. Are you a True Aggie? If not, why not? :) I am not a true aggie!!!!!!!! I have a boyfriend and want to become a true aggie with him we just always happen to be busy on true aggie nights... Anything you would like to say to alumni? I would like to say that I am very glad that they are becoming more involved, and I would like to thank them for always doing everything possible to be at our events and 3 showing their support.