To show support and awareness of Gerontology
research, several members of the Beta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Kappa attended
the Senior Olympics in Monroe, LA on Friday, August 5, 2011. The event was held
at the University of Louisiana at Monroe gymnasium where chapter members were
able to cheer on the members of the Alpine Guest Care Center. This event
consisted of a large number of guest care centers competing in various events.
Chapter members regularly work with the Alpine Guest Care Center throughout the
year and were able to discuss activities happening in the fall. Chapter members
will participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s to raise money for the
Alzheimer’s Association on October 22, 2011 in Bossier City, LA. To participate
in your local Walk, please visit http://www.alz.org/walk/overview.asp.
Sigma Kappa nationally supports five different
philanthropies, the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Inherit the Earth Campaign,
Gerontology, the Maine Seacoast Mission and Alzheimer’s Research, along with
various other community service projects. Since its inception, the Foundation
has granted more than 1 million dollars in Alzheimer’s disease
research and psychosocial grants to investigators and
practitioners who are on the front lines in the fight against
this debilitating disease. Additionally, the Foundation gives grants
to support the educational and leadership programs of Sigma Kappa Sorority, as
well as scholarships for eligible Sigma Kappa members and alumnae. The
Inherit the Earth Campaign focuses on improving the local environment by
participating in different community projects. Beta Epsilon has adopted
Mississippi Street in Ruston and cleans it once every quarter. Gerontology is
the study of aging and provides the foundation for its Alzheimer’s Disease
philanthropic mission. Additionally, the Maine Seacoast Mission holds a special
place in the hearts of each Sigma Kappa member because Maine is the home of the
founding chapter of Sigma Kappa. The Mission delivers critical services to
people in need, while striving to redress the root causes of those needs. The
Mission serves the islands from mid-coast to southeast Maine, as well as
mainland Hancock and Washington counties. These locations are completely
isolated, and collected resources through the Mission supply the residents with
life necessities year-round. With the help of the 75-foot mission vessel,
Sunbeam V, direct programs and services are provided, including church and
pastoral work, assistance to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food
banks, recycled clothing shops, and ministries in the field. In 1984, Sigma
Kappa responded to an increasingly critical problem facing older Americans by
adding Alzheimer's Disease research and education to its philanthropic
activities and since has made it a priority of its Foundation’s efforts. Research
grants are made each year to universities and other institutions actively
engaged in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.
While these five philanthropies are very
important to Beta Epsilon, chapter members enjoy serving their community
through other philanthropic outlets. To find out more about our many service
efforts, visit us at www.sigmakappa.org.
As Sigma Kappa reaches the start of a new
school year, the executive council and chapter members look forward to an
exciting recruitment. Formal recruitment will take place September 8-11, 2011.
For more information and to register for formal recruitment, visit
http://www.latech.edu/students/panhellenic/.