Epsilon Xi

Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

Alpha Phi was contacted by Mu Phi Alpha, a local sorority founded by a group of SIU-E coeds who wanted to stress sisterhood and service rather than strictly social interests. These women studied Baird’s Manual and felt that the Alpha Phi creed and ideals most nearly paralleled their own. In November 1971, a group of St. Louis area alumnae visited a chapter meeting of Mu Phi Alpha that called for further investigation, hopefully leading to affiliation. 

The group was formally pledged at the St. Louis Centennial Founders’ Day Luncheon on October 8, 1972, by Delta Chi chapter of William Woods College. The first group of members were initiated by Beta Alpha at the University of Illinois in February 1973. 

Installation weekend was March 2-3, 1974, with festivities beginning with the Installation Banquet on Saturday evening at the Holiday Inn in Edwardsville. Helena Clark Coulthard (Iota-Wisconsin), Director of Chapters--Area Central, was toastmistress. Martha Watkins Mast (Beta Nu-Duke), Vice President Alumnae Organization, gave the banquet address. June Schaub Huebner (Iota-Wisconsin), District Alumnae Chairman, presented the welcoming gifts to the chapter, and Judy Kent Rinne (Gamma-DePauw), District Governor, welcomed the chapter officially into Alpha Phi. Cheryl Thomas Kelso (Gamma Rho-Penn State), Field Secretary, and Susan Ferrara Turmes (Beta Tau-Indiana), Extension Coordinator, aided Judy Kay Schmidt Mead (Delta Gamma-Northern Colorado), Director of Extension, in the Loving Cup Ceremony and other Installation Weekend activities.

The Epsilon Xi women and visiting Alpha Phis attended church services at the SIU-E International Religious Center on Sunday, and the Installation Reception was held in the afternoon in the University Club of the Student Center.