Officer Academy 2009 – Duquesne University – Pittsburgh, PA

What do you get when you take the best-selling book Good to Great by Jim Collins, over 300 Alpha Sigma Tau women (and two gentlemen) from across the country, and an outstanding host university and chapter?  It’s quite simple – the 2009 Officer Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

While some had a fun, easy road trip, others learned way more about traveling than they ever wanted to know.  From the intended educational programs to the unintended ones like learning how to rebook cancelled flights due to weather, the members of Alpha Sigma Tau definitely learned what it means to go “From Good to Great.” 

As David Stollman, Co-Founder of CAMPUSPEAK and Assistant Chapter Adviser of the Delta Phi Chapter, remarked to the
advisers who participated on the follow-up training call on July 21st “Officer Academy in Pittsburgh was a great experience.  The National Vice-President and Director of Fraternity Programs put a lot of effort into designing a curriculum and used the book Good to Great as more than just a launching point.  They took pieces of the content and built curriculum pieces around that, so it wasn’t just a theme; it was tied to one of the best business books out there.”   

The event began with registration in Towers at Duquesne University.  After receiving their information for the event, they had the opportunity to shop with two vendors – Get Some Greek (www.getsomegreek.com) and Sarah Hinshaw, National Nominations Coordinator – Non-Advisory, representing Delta Nu.  In the words of the Get Some Greek representative, “We always have a great time at Alpha Sigma Tau events.  These ladies are our best customers.” 

After doing a bit of shopping, the women were able to set up appointments with representatives from Billhighway, Alpha Sigma Tau’s new partner to assist chapters with their finances.  The representatives were available through the event and spent 40 minutes speaking with the advisers about making a successful transition from their current method of handling funds and collecting dues to this outstanding service that will eliminate so many obstacles that chapters and advisers are facing.  “It was a pleasure working with both your collegians and advisers at your Officer Academy.  We look forward to providing a continued, friendly service to them as well as hopefully seeing your women at the 2009-2010 Regional Leadership Workshops,” said Angie Chism and Meghan Doyon.  (www.billhighway.com) 

Friday’s programming kicked off with a “Buy In or Get Out” presentation by David Stollman that had the women laughing at the truths of sororities and fraternities, realizing the importance of holding members accountable to the ideals and standards of Alpha Sigma Tau, and what happens to a chapter if accountability doesn’t occur.  Saturday’s programming began with Kristin Walker, Director of Fraternity Programs, covering the educational programming Alpha Sigma Tau is presenting to its members during the 2009-2010 academic year that fit under the theme of “personal safety.”  The day continued presentations for each chapter position in attendance.  Each group heard from several members of the National Staff as well as Chris Dickey, National Registered Parliamentarian, Nonnie Owens, President and Owner of Etiquette Plus, and David Stollman on a variety of topics.  Advisers, Recruitment Directors, New Member Directors, Bylaws Coordinators, and Membership and Development Coordinators all walked away feeling energized.  Saturday’s evening program was a favorite for attendees, an Etiquette Dinner led by Nonnie Owens, President and Owner of Etiquette Plus.  Wrapping up the event on Sunday, we finished with members hearing from Shauna Stuck, Resident Director at Duquesne University and Chapter Advisor, Chapter Advisor Coordinator, and Chapter Operations Specialist for the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority.  She spoke with the women on how to improve communication with and effectively work with their advisers.  The last presentation involved David Stollman taking the women through an action planning session.  So many times women attend conferences and feel pumped about learning ways to promote positive change, however, a solid plan isn’t established.  Not at the 2009 OA!  David made sure each chapter present walked away with a solid plan with SMART goals. 

Alpha Sigma Tau was pleased to partner with The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh for an outstanding, hands-on community service project.  Instead of members bringing items to donate, the chapters brought markers and construction paper to create a variety of greeting cards for children who call the Institute their home.  Alpha Sigma Tau donated 1,076 cards and several chapters donated their markers and paper for the Institute’s art classes.  “I have never seen so many cards!  You have no idea the impact these will have on our children,” said Amy Haid of The Children’s Institute. (www.amazingkids.org)

The National Council would like to congratulate the ladies of the Delta Beta Chapter who won the scholarship endowed by the National Council through the Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation.  Each chapter who attended the 2009 Officer Academy from beginning to end was entered into a drawing that took place on Sunday at the close of the Academy.  “We are excited to present this gift to our members to help make a positive impact on their educational experience.  These scholarships remain at the core values of our Organization,” said Director of Fraternity Programs, Kristin Walker.

After reflecting on OA, Shelly Marie Redmond, National Vice-President, commented on her favorite parts that included “the excitement of putting faces to the emails, text messages, and Facebook messages as well as giving the farewell ‘toast’ at the close of the event.  I will never forget the 10 seconds Kristin Walker and I ran off the soccer field after taking the group picture during a soccer game - by the way – it’s hard to run in flip flops.”  Kristin Walker agreed that they could not have done with it without the Duquesne University staff, Alicia Raciti, Beta Delta Chapter, and all of the speakers who kept everyone talking about helping their chapters go “From good to Great.”  Simply put, “The icing on the cake was driving away from DU and receiving two text messages on how wonderful it was.  Thank you to everyone for being so receptive.” 

Alpha Sigma Tau looks forward to bringing you an outstanding 2010 Convention in Birmingham, Alabama as we look forward to “Sailing into Excellence.”

Written by: Kristin Walker, Director of Fraternity Programs