[SapphireSphinx9]

Here's the email sent out by Alicia M. Scott, that I got today:

Dear Sisters,

Please join me in welcoming the Florida Institute of Technology Colony to our pyramid. Phi Sigma Sigma volunteers and staff conducted the colonization recruitment in Melbourne, Florida from January 18 through January 22, 2005. Two weeks of pre-colonization public relations activities were led by Field Consultant Katie Riegelman and Membership Manager Lisa Wallace. Director of Extension Alicia Scott, Executive Director Michelle Snyder, and Theta Theta Founder (Indiana University – South Bend) Michele Dominiak joined Katie and Lisa on campus for the colonization activities. The team made several presentations to interested campus women, sharing information on Phi Sigma Sigma's core values, activities, programs, and membership responsibilities. The team was honored to be joined by Alpha chapter alumna Rhoda Weinstein, who shared her special Phi Sigma Sigma experiences with potential members. After two days of interviews, 36 bids were extended and Phi Sigma Sigma’s newest colony was formed.

Our newest new members are phenomenal women -- bright, outgoing, and very interested in making a difference on the Florida Tech campus and in the local community. When asked during the interviews what they wanted the campus community to say about Phi Sigma Sigma, their responses included “wow!” “distinguished,” “supportive,” “compassionate,” “ influential,” “positive,” strong,” “inclusive,” “visible,” and “the best thing to happen to FIT.”

Colonization activities culminated in our bid day celebration. More than 30 sisters from Theta Xi (Nova Southeastern University), Delta Kappa (Florida International University), and Zeta Mu (Florida Atlantic University) joined colony members and the team to share their Phi Sig spirit. We also had two alumnae celebrate with us. Rhoda Weinstein (Alpha, Hunter College) and Lynn Henry (Delta Psi, University of West Florida) both shared the positive impact Phi Sigma Sigma has played in their lives. Our special celebration gave our new members the chance to see that our international sisterhood means membership for a lifetime! Special thanks to the Theta Xi chapter for sending eight sisters a day early to assist the colonization team in distributing bids and making welcome banners. Their enthusiasm was contagious and helped the new members feel very special. Theta Xi will serve as the colony’s Sapphire Sister chapter.

The colony has begun the Pathways program and just elected officers. This is an exciting time for Phi Sigma Sigma internationally and at Florida Institute of Technology! A picture from bid day is attached. Messages of welcome can be sent to:

Brittany Hyde, Archon
Phi Sigma Sigma - Florida Institute of Technology Colony
Student Activities Office
150 West University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32901

or via email to floridatech@phisigmasigma.org

Diokete Hupsala!

litp,

Alicia