Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Sigma Alpha has busy three weeks
Megan Cooper, Corner Post Staff

March 17, 2004 - Sigma Alpha, a professional women's agriculture sorority, has been busy these past three weeks. They have been involved in retreats, conferences and symposiums.

On Friday, March 5th, the chapter traveled to Auxvasse, Mo., for two days of planning, sisterhood, food and fun. Member Kristyn Griffith and her parents hosted the event at their home. The theme for the evening was Mexican so the meal included a Mexican casserole, virgin margaritas, and fruits and vegetables for those still trying to squeeze into that old prom dress for formal. During the evening the members set dates for next years events such as rush, activation, symposiums and much more. They also talked about things they liked about the sorority and things they would like to see changed. Setting goals was a huge part of the evening as many new ideas were brought up.

On Saturday, March 6th, the girls awoke early and sleepily to start the upcoming day. Two tours were planned in Mexico, Mo. The first tour was at Sydenstricker Genetics. While there the members learned all about their business, how it got started, and what its outlook for the future looks like. After this tour, they headed down to the Syndenstricker John Deere dealership. There they met Eddy Sydenstricker, owner of the dealership, and learned a lot about parts, maintenance, business, and what they have to do to ensure they stay at number one. The dealership graciously provided doughnuts and soda for the drive back to Columbia.

On Friday, March 12th, 11 members of the Alpha Chi Chapter of Sigma Alpha headed to Maryville, Mo., for the Sigma Alpha regional conference. They were joined by members of other chapters in the sorority's region including: Southwest Missouri State, South Dakota State, Truman State, and Northwest Missouri State. During the weekend, they listened to speakers, went on tours of the Stetson Hat Factory, Glore Psychiatric Museum, and Phoenix Scientific. There was also a Sigma Alpha national contact as well as several alumni there to answer questions and give insight on what life after college would really be like. There was also a silent auction full of Sigma Alpha goodies that would help out the American Cancer Society as well as an idea swap between the chapters.

This Thursday, March 18th, Sigma Alpha will be hosting their first ever Women in Agriculture Symposium. About 100 tickets are sold and they are expecting a great turnout. The speaker for the evening will be Cyndi Young, farm director for the Brownfield Network and international journalist. There will be a catered meal as well as door prizes and a quilt raffle. The sisters have received great support from the community, faculty, and other supporters of Sigma Alpha.

"I am so proud of everything we have accomplished this year. I think this is just a start to the great things this organization will do in the future," Kendra Butcher, Sigma Alpha 2nd Vice President, said.

Editor's Note: Keep watching CAFNR Corner Post for coverage of CAFNR clubs and organizations. If you have something Corner Post readers would like to know about - e-mail Managing Editor Jacob Shellabarger at jwse1e@mizzou.edu.

We'll have a full report from the Sigma Alpha Women in Agriculture Symposium soon.

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