Exams, Papers and Presentations! Oh my!

Finals are when you show your professors how much hard work you have put in over the semester, so make sure you study hard, write awesome papers, and present your projects like you never have before! Take a little study break and check out these finals tips from Panhellenic! Happy studying and good luck! YOU CAN DO IT! 

1. Count your way forward. Many students, when starting to think about preparing for finals, look at the dates of their finals, then count their way back. "Biology final on Wednesday? That's two or three studying days needed. I guess I'll start hitting the books on Sunday." A far better idea is to count up from the day the study questions are handed out (or if your prof doesn't bother with such niceties, a week before the exam) to the day the exam will take place. "Seven days? Then I'll divide the course into sevenths and study two weeks' worth of lectures each day."

2. Shed some commitments. You'll find you have a lot easier time studying if you make extra time for it. Put off any unnecessary social obligations or family commitments. And, if you're working, try if at all possible to take 10 days off for final exam period (or at least trim your work schedule). Even a few strategically placed extra hours can make the difference between doing just OK on finals and doing a really great job.

3. "Triage" your study time. Some students think they should spend equal amounts of time preparing for each of their finals. Instead, proportion your study time to how hard the final is likely to be and how well you already know the material.

4. Study with a group only if it makes sense. Many students believe (mistakenly) that a study group always affords an advantage: more brain power plus peer pressure to crack the books. This works well when your study buddies are at least as smart as you. Exam time isn't charity time.

5. Cram with the professor (or TA). One of the best—and at some colleges, most under-used—resources is the review session. Here the professor (or sometimes the TA) will give you a window into the final. He or she might sum up the high points of the course, do sample questions or problems, give study tips, or sometimes just divulge about how he or she was thinking about the topics of the course. In any event, it's the single biggest help in studying for the final.

6. Be sure to develop your answers fully. Many students don't realize that, on essay exams, part of what's being graded is how well you develop and explain your answer, not just how correct it is. Consider explaining your points in more detail so that someone unfamiliar with the answer would know, just from what you say, what the answer is.

Service Week 2013

We are in the midst of Service Week 2013. As you might have noticed, we have buckets to collect change at all of the chapter houses. Please take a moment and put a few coins in there. All money collected will go to Spina Bifida education and prevention. Here is a short post from a DePauw alum who has dedicated her life to this cause...

"As a member of the Board of the Spina Bifida Association of Indiana (SBAIN), I have met many families throughout the state of Indiana who have benefitted from SBAIN.  We are the only Spina Bifida group in Indiana and service a large geographic area.  We have made great strides in reaching those impacted by Spina Bifida, but have much more work to do.

Our board make-up varies from parents or individuals with Spina Bifida to clinicians and professionals who interface with patients with Spina Bifida.  My interest in joining the board stems from my experience working with patients with spina bifida as a physical therapist.  At age 8, we discovered that our daughter has spina bifida occulta.  Her symptoms are limited to back pain without neurological involvement.  We are extremely lucky and recognize our situation could be so different. 

I am a graduate of DePauw University, and enjoy using some of the skills I gained while at DePauw as a board member.  I was co-chair of the Little 500 Steering Committee, my sorority rush chair and was a Botany TA.  I learned at DePauw how as an individual, I can have a large impact especially when working collectively as a team.  These skills are critical to my experiences in workplace.

Now working in health care as a physical therapist, I am involved with patients with spina bifida and their families.   I am learning how the disability can impact something as simple as “sleep overs”. 

Thank you for showing interest is spina bifida.  Please check out our website:  sbain.org  "

Angie Tate-Eugenio, M.S.P.T.

DePauw Class of 1988

You're Invited! Fall 2013 Panhellenic Speaker

About Liz Funk

Author of Supergirls Speak Out

Founder Save Saturday Seminars

Liz Funk explores a troubling dilemma: today's young women have so many options and opportunities. Young women are encouraged to be leaders and to show how smart they are.

Yet so many smart, talented, savvy young women feel as though they have to be constantly productive or constantly improving themselves if they want to be loved. Many young women feel as though they're not good enough when they're in neutral...which keeps them constantly striving to do more. 

With both sympathetic understanding and journalistic attention to detail, Funk has started a vital dialogue about what's troubling today's young women and how they can move past the pressure so they can be happy, healthy, and well balanced leaders.

"Where We Stand"

Please join us for the showing and discussion of "Where We Stand", a film by DePauw alumnae Kaitlin Klose '13. Kaitlin's film addresses the issue of the sexual violence culture on our campus what we, as women, can do to change that. This is a Panhellenic sponsored speaker, and, of course, is free and open to the public. 

Tuesday, October 15 7:30 PM, Meharry Hall

Panhellenic Exec WANTS YOU!

Panhellenic Association at DePauw University of opening up the application process for the Executive Council for the 2014 - 2015 academic year. The Panhellenic Association is looking for applicants who are committed to the mission and values of the National Panhellenic Conference, DePauw's Panhellenic Association and DePauw University. Important application information can be found below, along with the electronic application itself. Please share with all those interested from your chapter!

Positions that are up for elections are: 

• President
• Vice President of Recruitment
• Vice President of Programming
• Vice President of Risk Management
• Director of Communications
• Director of Service and Philanthropy
• Director of Scholarship
• Director of Finance

Important Timeline Information for Applicants: - All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. using the online form attached. - Platforms will occur Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM in CLCD. If you are currently off-campus, you can have a proxy read your application platform on your behalf - Panhellenic organizations will vote on Monday, November 4, 2013 at their individual chapter meetings & results will be shared later that evening. - Newly elected Executive Council members are requested to attend the remaining Fall 2013 Executive and All-Council meetings as part of their transition plan - The formal Executive Council Transition Retreat will take place on the weekend of December 7th and February 8-9, 2014. New board members must attend both weekends.

You must get contact the person in the position you are interested in before you apply for that position. Check out the "Meet your Executive Council" page to learn who hold each position. 

APPLY HERE!

GREEK WEEK 2013

"It's what ties us together"

It's almost that time again! Greek Week is coming up fast and we want to see you out at as many events as possible. Here is the schedule, and remember First Years are welcome at any of the events!

Sunday: 
Kick Off Greek Fair
Bowmen 5-8PM
Monday:
-Greek Pride Day!
Free popsicles from 11-1 in the Academic Quad for those who are wearing their letters.
-"Are you smarter than your professor?"
Trivia game in Meherry Hall 7PM
Tuesday: Marvin's Day!
-Sheet sign contest. Sheet signs must be up before 11 AM. Photo's will be posted on the DePauw Panhellenic page. The photo with the most "likes" by the end of the Step Show on Friday will be the winner!
-Marvin's Eating Contest Relay
Bowmen Park 6PM
Wednesday:
-Greek Olympics
Bowmen 6 PM
Thursday:
-Unity Step Dinner
Location TBA, 5:30 PM
Friday:
-Unity Step Show
5:30, DePauwpolloza in Bowmen Park
Saturday:
-Nickelodeon Day of Play
Lily Aux Gym 10-12 AM

email panhellenic@depauw.edu with and questions!

Final Summer Spotlight: Melanie Studnicka

"Exactly one week after I finished taking my finals I found myself sitting at JFK airport, looking at 40 new faces and ready for a life changing adventure ahead of me. I was finally going on my Birthright! For those of you who do not know, Birthright is an organization that allows Jewish young adults, from ages 18 to 26, to go to Israel for a free ten-day trip. During the ten days, I traveled with my group all over the country. The amount of activities we accomplished and sights we saw was overwhelming. From rafting down the Jordan River, floating in the Dead Sea, sleeping in Bedouin style tents, hiking Masada, riding camels, walking around the city of Tel Aviv and praying at the Western Wall. On the fourth day of our trip, our group was joined with eight new faces. These were our soldiers from the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). At age 18 all Israeli citizens must join the IDF, the army. What this means is that the soldiers who joined our trip, were our age-mostly 19 or 20 years old. One night, I roomed with Mai, who is one of our female solider who serves in Gazi. Her and I began talking and we realized how similar we were. We both were the oldest in our family, had one younger brother, and unsure with what we want to do with our lives. She was even born only ten days before I was. A realization that Mai had is the best way I know how to summarize my trip to Israel. Upon learning that we were only a few days apart in age she turned to me and said “Wow! I could be finishing up my second year of University right now” and I responded with “Yes, and I could be in your unit serving in Gazi.” In that moment we both realized the difference between being Jewish and being an Israeli. The entire culture of the state of Israel makes it a different experience. From living in a land that is holy to many world religions, to being required to go the army at age 18, and (if you are Jewish) living in a country where the majority of the population has the same faith as you. You would think that it would be easy to be Jewish in a land where it is the norm, but yet 40 Americans were able to show eight Israeli’s what Judaism means when your religion is an active choice."

Summer Spotlight: Gen Flynn

"This summer, I traveled to the Lycian region of Turkey along with Kristin Otto, a rising senior at DePauw, and Professor Foss, a classics professor, in order to gain a better understanding of the landscape, history, and peoples of ancient Lycia. The goal of this project was to research the ways in which the peoples of this area utilized the unique topography of the region to build successful settlements and to understand the relationships between the various peoples in this area. To accomplish this, we visited approximately 2-3 archaeological sites daily and focused our attention on a number of features, including the following: use of language(s), burial practices, ancient road and cistern structures, archaeological preservation techniques, and construction techniques. I greatly enjoyed participating in this study because it provided me with a richer understanding of the ancient Mediterranean through the eyes of the ancients. It also allowed me to travel Turkey and explore an unfamiliar culture and religion. This trip helped me to better grasp the methods employed by archaeological researchers and taught me to become more observant to the features of archaeological sites. Overall, this trip proved to be a unique educational experience and greatly improved my understanding of the ancient world."

DPU Panhellenic Receives Honors!

On Monday, the National Panhellenic Conference awarded 33 colleges and universities across the nation for their outstanding work for the Panhellenic community on their campus. NPC has been recognizing student-managed Panhellenic Councils for more than 50 years, and only the top schools are honored with either Achievement or Excellence awards. The Panhellenic Council at DePauw received the Achievement Award.
"NPC received scores of nominations to recognize the outstanding work and achievements of undergraduate sorority women who are working together," said Nicki Meneley, executive director of NPC. "These awards are given to those who are following the exemplary standards set for Panhellenic women."
Schools are graded on a "7/7" system, a point given for each of the 7 core functions of Panhellenic. DePauw recieved a score of 5/7, being recognized in excelling in Recruitment, Panhellenic structure, communication with NPC area advisory, judicial procedures, Panhellenic programming, academics, and Panhellenic community impact and relations!

Summer Spotlight: Erin O'Brien

"After being crowned Miss Indiana South last spring, I had the amazing opportunity to compete at the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant this June in Zionsville! The pageant had five categories: Interview, Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit, Talent, Evening Gown, and Onstage Question. I spent the months leading up to the big pageant practicing and preparing for each of these phases!

I love competing in pageants because I always grow and better myself after every competition—whether I come away with the crown or not. This hobby has helped me become an articulate, well-rounded, and mature young woman. For me, pageantry is about improving myself, and also making a difference in my community. Though I did not win this year, I had the time of my life representing DePauw and Southern Indiana. 

It was so inspiring to meet the 31 other contestants. At the heart of the Miss America Organization is community service, and each contestant has her own personal platform that she promotes. Each contestant was so passionate about her platform. I loved learning about all of their accomplishments, as well as sharing my platform, which involves encouraging young women to explore STEM fields.  At the end of the week, I walked away with 31 new sisters and very fond memories to always cherish."

Summer Spotlight: Emily Vincent

Hanging out with miniature Julina Pigs

"This summer I had the opportunity to participate in an animal care internship at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.  In the mornings I worked in the zoo's commissary, which is the department in charge of creating diets for all the animals in the zoo- no small task! The best part about working in the commissary was getting to go "behind the scenes" at many exhibits during our daily food deliveries. I had the rare chance to see animals such as manatees, rhinos, and cheetahs up close.  Each afternoon I worked in the Children's Zoo with many different species of domesticated barnyard animals, providing me with experience in another area of zoo keeping. I loved my internship because I was able to work closely with exotic animals and learn from experienced zoo keepers about this field. I hope someday to become a veterinarian at a zoo, so this internship provided me with an amazing first step into the profession"

Feeding a manatee

Summer Spotlight: Kreigha Henney

"I am currently writing this blog post from a front row arena seat inside of the current emptiness that is The Sears Centre in Chicago. In a few days, the position where I currently sit will be filled with fans, athletes, photographers, and journalists all gathering for the same sole reason: gymnastics. This summer I have been interning with the events department at USA Gymnastics which is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity that includes traveling to cities like Kansas City, Louisville, Hartford, and my current location of Chicago. My internship includes a wide variety of jobs that ultimately incorporate many aspects of my communications major. From registration to awards to media and live webcasting, I never know for sure what I'll end up assisting with on any given day. The job opportunity actually came through a DePauw Alum, who also happens to be an alum of the Panhellenic Community. If I have learned nothing else from this experience, it is that when taken advantage of, our DePauw network is something to be truly grateful for, and more specifically, our bond through the Panhellenic community. I work with two women who were active in our DePauw Panhellenic community not too many years ago and this experience has made me appreciate the bubble that we too often take for granted. At the end of the day, having something like DePauw in common with these women has made working in a new place not only more comfortable as a work environment, but has genuinely made me feel at home."

Summer Spotlight: Celia Kauth

"This summer, I am working as a marketing/education intern at a Christian school in Danshui, Taiwan. My role is to immerse myself in the school-learn the details, meet the international staff, and gain hands-on experience with the kids! I am then expected to take what I have learned about the school, the culture, and the country and publicize the one-year teaching contracts the school offers to DePauw graduates.

Living in Taiwan has been one of the most difficult, yet rewarding experiences of my life. Acclimating to the profound differences between Taiwanese and American culture has been a gradual process, and I am still combating homesickness. 

Although it has not been an easy few weeks, it has been a rewarding experience. I have been able visit incredible places, leap outside of my comfort zone, and gain a stronger sense of global awareness. The kids I work with make my heart smile, and every day has been full of laughs, grins, and new adventures!"

Summer Spotlight: Grace Lazarz

"I am volunteering in Accra, Ghana with a free arts education program founded by DePauw alum Lisa Sutherland ('13) called Summer Shakespeare.  It provides young adults of the Accra area with theatre skills and the experience of putting on a Shakespeare play free of charge.  I enjoy it, because not only am I experiencing a new culture and place, but I am getting to do what I love most--which is to help teach theatre to young people.  It has helped me grow as a director and given me new insight for when I return home, as I am a director for DePauw's Spring Spectacle of Shakespeare, a volunteer with the Castle Arts program, and work as a theatre camp counselor during the summer." 

Summer Spotlight: Erin Walsworth

 

Solar oven s'mores!

This summer I had the opportunity to work at the Gwinnett Environmental Center (in the Metro Atlanta area) as an educator. My job was to teach kids about the environment, specifically how to respect and better understand nature with an emphasis on living sustainably.

There were similarities throughout the summer in that each camp involved a lot of hiking and outdoor activity, and we also spent time on learning activities and fun experiments. Each week also brought a different group of campers and a different camp focal point.

Cleaning up an "oil spill"

 My favorite was the Young Scientist camp where we taught the kids how to observe nature and perform experiments like little scientists (the four year olds were too cute for words!) 

I got to work specifically with the 4, 5-6, and 7-9 age groups, and had an absolute blast with the kids!

Teaching is never really something that I pictured myself doing, but they were so eager to learn and it was a subject that I really enjoy so it came naturally and was a great experience. I also loved my coworkers! It was a great group of college students and retired grade-school teachers, definitely a unique mix of personalities! 


 

Cheers to four years!

As another year comes to a close here at DePauw, we wanted to reflect on some of the amazing things our Panhellenic seniors have done. Each chapter has nominated one senior to be spotlighted here on our blog, but every single senior Panhellenic woman has changed our community in some way. Here's to you seniors! You will be missed!

Liz Weingartner-Alpha Chi Omega

Alpha Chi Omega’s Exceptional Senior is Elizabeth Weingartner.  Liz is graduating with a degree in Biochemistry.  She also has a minor in German.  She will be attending the University of Maryland in Baltimore and is pursuing a PhD in immunology.  Liz served as the President of Alpha Chi Omega in the past term.  She led the house with much grace, confidence and skill. She played an integral role in bringing the Miss Representation documentary film about women’s misrepresentation in the media to our chapter and organized the viewing of Miss Representation for DePauw as a whole.  Liz recently organized a 30^th anniversary and birthday party for our cook, Anita.  She organized the full event and worked to raise funds to give Anita the gift of a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  Liz is incredibly driven and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.  Alpha Chi Omega and the DePauw community will miss her in the coming years, but is very excited to see what she will do in the future!

Kendall Quisenberry-Alpha Phi

Kendall is an incredible student, athlete, and sister. Despite her busy schedule and numerous commitments, Kendall always takes the time to invest in others' lives. She is someone that people enjoy being around because of her vibrant, genuine personality. She shares her love for life with those around her and she's never too busy to help a sister or friend. She is an English Writing major and an Education Studies minor. In her four years at DePauw, she has traveled to Ghana, Haiti, Nicaragua, France, taught English in Taiwan and learned so much from each experience. She swam for three years and was a conference champion. Kendall is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Mortar Board and Order of Omega honor societies. She would consider receiving a Fulbright her biggest accomplishment in college. Kendall will be moving to Malaysia in January, and when she returns home she plans to go to grad school.  

Brittany Sievers-Delta Gamma

Delta Gamma is nominating Brittany Sievers as our Panhellenic Exceptional Senior. Brittany is a graduating Delta Gamma from Manchester, Indiana. She is majoring in Studio Art, and her work has been featured in several art shows. Many of her clay pieces were recently displayed in the Senior Art Show. In addition, she is on the varsity track team and has placed nationally in discus throwing. Currently, she is ranked 33^rd in the nation. She has been a leader in Delta Gamma, serving as the Director of Recruitment Records. Brittany is enthusiastic and committed, and she has been a wonderful member of her chapter.

Lee Harmon-Kappa Alpha Theta

Kappa Alpha Theta is proud to present Lee Harmon as an Exceptional Senior. Lee is a math major from St. Louis. Her warm personality embodies all of the values that Theta represents. As a leader of Greek InterVarsity, member of Mortar Board, and a star on the Track and Field team Lee has left a lasting impression on this campus. She unwaveringly dedicates herself to her faith, sport and academics. Always working late nights on her schoolwork, Lee is a great study buddy or perfect to lend an ear for a late night chat. Her scholastic hard work has paid off; being awarded the "Distinguished Woman in Math." Lee is supportive to all, and has spread her academic success to others as a Q Center tutor. Through her four years on this campus, Lee has branched out through the campus and enlightened many with her chipper smile and lighthearted charisma. Lee is friends with all, enemy to none, and can always put a smile on anyone's face at anytime.

Emily Eckert-Kappa Kappa Gamma

Kappa Kappa Gamma nominated Emily Eckert as the exceptional Panhellenic senior because she is an extremely kind person and a great role model in our house and on campus. She is always setting a great example for dedication to schoolwork by encouraging others to go to the library with her. She also encourages others to participate in other Greek organization's events on campus. Emily is passionate about Kappa and Panhellenic unity. 

Libby Harmon-Pi Beta Phi

Pi Beta Phi would like to nominate Libby Harmon as our Panhellenic Exceptional Senior. Libby has been not only a good friend to every girl in our house; she is the first person to offer her help to any sister in need. She is a kinesiology sports and exercise science major, turbo kick instructor, and offers her support in any event hosted by, or involving another sister. She actively supports multiple campus activities, always offering her assistance. She will be greatly missed and we are so proud that she is a member of our chapter.