Better Know a Province
Better Know a Province
A 57 part series
Part 1: Phi A Province
Our webmaster, Nicole, caught up with Phi A Province Officer Elke De La Cruz-Griggs to ask her a few questions. Here's whaht she had to say:
Could you start off by telling us which chapters are in your proince?
Delta Delta (Montclair State U.), Theta Kappa (William Paterson U.), Theta Upsilon (NJ City U.), Kappa Alpha (Rowan U.), Eta Rho (U. of Delaware), Northern NJ Alumnae, Central NJ Alumnae, Northern Delaware Alumnae.
What are some neat projects being planned in your province?
There is the Phi A Province Gathering on April 21st and the 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Central NJ Alumnae Chapter on May 12th. I am also really excited about the upcoming college initiations that will be held in late April and May.
Is there anything notable about your province's history?
Our province boundaries were changed a couple years back so we are a little bit of a different "family" now. The change was a positive one!
Do you know any neat facts about the states in your province?
New Jersey is actually the "Garden State," although you would never think so from the view at the Newark Liberty Airport. There is tons of industry here but a lot of tomatoes and cranberries are grown here as well. Delaware is the "First State" and is also the second smallest state. They are also known for chickens - hence the fightin' blue hens!
What one SAI item do you think every member should have?
Each member should have the Chapter Procedures Manual, whether or not they are an officer! While it outlines the "game plan" of a chapter and the duties of the officers, there are also tips on using Parliamentary Procedure planning and promoting your chapter's events. Have you ever seen the "Planning a Sigma Alpha Iota Project Worksheet?" How about the sample press releases?
If there were an SAI superhero, what would her name and superpower be?
Her name would be Harmony and she would bring healing and encouragement to all through the sweet sounds of music.
Do you think SAI membership continues in "life after death"?
Not sure about SAI but the Bible tells us there is music in Heaven!
If you had to choose one founder to be the figurehead for your province, who would you choose and why?
Oooh, tough question. I know she's not a founder, but Executive Director Ruth Sieber Johnson would be my choice. She is a dedicated sister who is full of energy and smiles. Each day she puts 110% of her effort into running the Fraternity. All SAIs need to visit her in Asheville to see what it is that she does. We can all learn from her example!
What is your SAI dream job?
I would like to be NVP Finance someday. (But I'm pretty happy as Province Officer!)
What advice would you give to the next woman to fill your shoes?
Focus on building relationships and bringing the alumnae and college chapters together.