Joanne Hardy Where are you from, and who sponsored you for initiation? I live in Palm Desert, California. I grew up in Illinois but have lived in the desert Southwest for over fifty years. I was sponsored by Joyce Johnson, Julie Hodges, Ann Dew and Pamela Simco.
Judith Boyle Where are you from, and who invited you to join Alpha Phi?
My name is Judith Boyle. I’m originally from the Bay Area in California, but for the last 27 years, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has been my home. My sister, Kate
What was Convention like? I didn’t know what to expect. I was truly in awe of the formality, ritual and loveliness of what is certainly a time- honored ceremony. I appreciated that there was still a reverence for divine recognition incorporated in ceremony. The experience [was] deeply touching, and [I am grateful] for being selected to be part of this society. Did you ever see yourself joining a Greek organization? That I would become a member of a Greek organization is especially meaningful to me. I was married at 18 years old and started college when I was 36. I am a mother of two children. At 40, I began a 20-year teaching career while working toward my master’s degree. Being a wife, a mother, acquiring a fine education and finally becoming a teacher gave me a very satisfying and fulfilling life. I have also written three historical fiction novels since retiring. However, I never considered the possibility of being a member of a sorority. I find being invited to join Alpha Phi a remarkable compliment. What is the greatest benefit of being a member of Alpha Phi? At this point in my life, I think being a member of Alpha Phi is to have a close relationship with the sisters of the [Fraternity]. I have come to know many of the members well because, after becoming a retired teacher, I began covering nonprofit events for the local newspaper. Many friendships developed because of activities Alpha Phi was a part of, such as the awarding of scholarships to promising young senior girls. What advice would you offer other women considering joining Alpha Phi as alumnae? Having been in education and constantly encouraging all young people to broaden their horizons by going to college, I would encourage young girls to join a sorority to give them support as they cope with the sometimes-overwhelming new college experience. It will also give them friends for a lifetime.
Boyle Halfon, sponsored me for initiation.
What was Convention like? Convention was fantastic. It reminded me of many student leadership conferences and teacher conventions that I have attended. The keynote speakers and the various breakout sessions are similar in organization, so that felt familiar. The initiation ritual was beautiful and meaningful. I expected it to be lovely and symbolic, and it was! It was a beautiful ceremony filled with lots of joy and important symbols. Did you ever see yourself joining a Greek organization? It feels great to be part of an organization of women who support other women in their endeavors to grow in their abilities to lead and to be successful, contributing members of society. We didn’t have any fraternities or sororities on my campus in the early '80s when I went to college, so there was no opportunity to join. It feels great joining now, but it would have felt great joining anytime really. I feel like I am at a [point] in my life where I have the time to lend a hand volunteering for Alpha Phi. What made you want to join Alpha Phi at this phase of your life? I have watched Kate from the time she first joined Alpha Phi and witnessed her growth as a leader and a strong woman. I saw the skills she honed in Alpha Phi transfer to her career in the business world. She’s always been a person of service, and Alpha Phi has been so rewarding for her. The friendships she’s made and the leadership skills she has learned have been great to see. I taught student leadership for eight years, and this is so my jam. I am also a newly retired person, and I volunteer back in schools, but I feel like anything that supports young women, their growth and their ability to do good in the world – I’m all for that. What is the greatest benefit of being a member of Alpha Phi? For me, it is the twin benefit of helping young women become better leaders and servers of humanity while being part of a sisterhood of truly amazing women. I’m looking forward to connecting with other sisters and being of service to this organization.
26
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software