This article is the third preview into each fraternity and sorority on campus; it is meant to reverse the notion that these organizations are all about partying. This preview is also to be of help to students looking for the right fit for them in terms of a Greek organization. The previews will look into beginnings of the national organization, the beginnings at Wittenberg, the executive members, the philanthropy the organization is connected with, annual events that the organization holds for all of campus and finally annual rush events. This week’s Greek organization is Alpha Xi Delta.
Alpha Xi Delta, or AXiD, was founded on April 17, 1893 at Lombard
University in Western Illinois. Famous members of the sorority include: Megan Blake, Jane Henson, Gail Kobe, Jen Schefft, Kim Webster, Chrissie Fit, Verna Kay Gibson and Caren Aebersold. The national sorority holds more than 130 chapters and over 185,000 members in the United States.
After only 11 years as a national organization, the Zeta chapter of AXiD was chartered at Witt. According to Wittenberg’s website, the symbol for the organization is the quill and its colors are dark blue, light blue and gold.
The national philanthropy for Alpha Xi Delta is Autism Speaks. According to their website, the mission is, “promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.”
As of now, the Zeta chapter of AXiD holds 40 members. The acting president is Jessica Dickson, ’19, and the rest of the executive board is filled out with Kathleen Serio, ‘19; Grace Fischer, ’20; Rachel Porello, ’19; Oleysa Tehan, ‘20, and Hayley Woodbridge, ‘19.
Dickson originally joined the organization due to the influence of her big. Her favorite part of AXiD is the opportunities it gives its members, such as summer leadership conferences that are a, “really good networking opportunity.”
On campus, the sorority hosts a few events. In the fall, the sorority has hosted a variety of events; last year, the event was Pizza Palooza where students came together late at night to enjoy pizza with the girls. This fall, a new event, named Mac and Cheese with the Xi’s, is being scheduled. During the spring, the girls host an event called Xi Man, where men from across campus participate in contests including a walk down the runway, trivia and talent. The winning man is awarded the title of Xi Man.
While informal recruitment has ended, spending time with the girls is always a great way to get to know the members of the sorority. One of the ways AXiD encourages this type of interaction is through events they host. One such event from last year was a Galentine’s Day party where girls were urged to spend time and appreciate the friends that they have.
AXiD is a burgeoning sorority; if you would like to join the sorority, be on the lookout for posters advertising events like the Galentine’s Day party.
