ABOUT US
ALPHA PHI INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
Alpha Phi International Fraternity was founded at Syracuse University by ten of the first nineteen women to be admitted to the university. The founders of Alpha Phi were women of courageous vision and pioneering hearts, striving to make a difference in the male-dominated world of academia.
These women yearned for a circle of friends who could sympathize with each other's troubles and support each other's ambitions. On September 18, 1872, these ten women initiated themselves into Alpha Phi. Established at 158 collegiate campuses and containing over 200,000 members, Alpha Phi Fraternity is a coast-to-coast sisterhood.
Our core values are Character, Innovation, Sisterhood, and Generosity with an ultimate goal of supporting one another in lifelong achievement.
Founded in 1872 at Syracuse University, we are proud of the legacy that our founders left for us. Alpha Phi was the 4th fraternity founded in the United States, before the word "sorority" even existed.
Our Fraternity's flowers are the Lily of the Valley and Forget-Me-Not. The Ivy Leaf is the official symbol of Alpha Phi and our mascot is the "Phi Bear", named after Ursa Major, our fraternity constellation which is also called the Great Bear.​
Learn more about our organization and its history at www.alphaphi.org!
GAMMA OMICRON CHAPTER (DRAKE)
Alpha Phi has been on Drake's campus for over 50 years! We have 93 active members, and we take pride in our chapter being involved all over campus. We keep very busy, between sisterhood, social, scholarship, and service events. Our calendars are always full of fun things to do with our sisters.
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Our membership hold leadership roles in various organizations on campus, and our members pride themselves on our wide array of studies. From STEM to journalism to theatre to business, our sisters are diving deep into their studies alongside one another.
Above all, the Gamma Omicron chapter is very dedicated to scholarship and service. During the Spring 2018 semester, our chapter's average GPA was 3.36, higher than the Panhellenic, All-Greek and All-Campus averages. We also participated in the philanthropy events of every other chapter on our campus, gave over 1400 hours of service to the community, and raised over $23,000 for the Alpha Phi Foundation.
Living in our chapter house is another benefit to being an Alpha Phi here at Drake. There is room for all of our junior and senior members in our unique house, which sits right in the middle of Greek Street. We enjoy suite-style living, in which each suite includes a living room, study area, bathroom, kitchen and two bedrooms. Our main dining room, living room, kitchen and scholarship room are always open for sisters who live on campus or in the house to study, snack and hang out.
We couldn't ask for a better group of women to call our sisters!
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Sydney Skemp
CHAPTER PRESIDENT
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Major: Advertising & Public Relations
Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Hey everyone! I've introduced myself once but here's a little more about what I'm looking forward to in my position. This year, alongside our outstanding Executive Council, I look forward to creating and upholding a culture within Alpha Phi that continues to give our members a safe and uplifting environment that allows for growth personally, academically, and socially.
Anna Paca
VICE PRESIDENT OF HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Major: Neuroscience & Sociology
Hometown: Dubuque, Ia
With my role as VPHWA, I plan on focusing on three major goals, alongside my other Executive board colleagues and chapter goals. I coordinate and integrate the intersectionality between health and wellness with Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). I also plan on highlighting the resources and personnel that can support and assist with one’s mental and physical well being. Finally, I hope to improve morale within the Chapter by incorporating bonding opportunities that connect members within each pledge class, the Gamma Omicron chapter as a whole, Drake’s FSL, and the engagement with other Alpha Phi chapters.
Mel Sadecki
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
Major: Biology & Math with Human Rights Studies and Data Analytics Minors
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Hi I’m Sydney Sampson. I am a marketing major with an advertising minor from Owatonna, MN. I am super excited to be the VP of Finance and Housing for Drake Alpha Phi because I get to do a lot of the behind the scenes work that helps our chapter succeed financially.
Emily Postlethwait
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING​
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Major: Public Relations & Magazine Media with Graphic Design Minor
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Hey y'all! My name is Emily and I'm so lucky to be serving as the VP of Marketing. Alpha Phi has changed my life in many ways, from the relationships that I have made to the opportunities that I have gotten from networking. This chapter has provided me with a sense of community and belonging. When I'm not in class, you can find me scrolling on Pinterest, working out, or at a local coffee shop sipping on an oat milk latte. I'm passionate about showcasing the women in this chapter and their unique backgrounds and interests. Follow along on Instagram @drakealphaphi as we take 2022 by storm.
Sami Kalman
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
Major: Advertising with a Women and Gender Studies Concentration
Hometown: Shakopee, MN
Hey, hey, I’m Sami Kalman and I cannot wait to show my passion for Alpha phi as the Vice President of Membership Recruitment. Alpha Phi has become my home away from home; there is constant support and empowerment between each individual. Outside of this chapter, many sisters can find me at Smokey Row drinking a vanilla latte and working towards my advertising career and Alpha Phi’s goals. As far as the future, I am excited to bring home more passionate, goal striving, and driven women to Alpha Phi.
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Sara Reitelbach
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBER EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING
Major: Law, Politics, and Society & Political Science with a Leadership Development Minor
Hometown: Newark, DE
Hello! My name is Sara Reitelbach and I am so excited to serve as the Vice President of Member Education and Member Experience for the Gamma Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi! When I’m not studying or working with this amazing Executive Council you can find me exploring Des Moines, hanging out with friends, or working as a Drake University student ambassador! My time in Alpha Phi has given me so many amazing leadership opportunities while also allowing me to create long-lasting friendships! Within my position, I am eager to welcome new members into our chapter and show them our positivity, passion, and connectivity as a chapter. I’m excited to cultivate a strong and connected sisterhood within Alpha Phi that exhibits our values and individuality. This year I am also looking forward to working with such a fun and vibrant department! I am so passionate about this chapter and I am so excited to work alongside such a passionate and hard-working Executive Council!
Kiley Kahler
VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Major: Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership & Public Relations
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Hey hey! My name is Kiley, and I'm excited to see what this year brings me in this role. I have a soft spot for community engagement previously serving as Alpha Phi’s Red Dress Gala Co-Chair and Alumnae Relations Director. Outside of my leadership within Alpha Phi, I can be found coordinating the middle school leadership development program for Launch Leadership and working for the Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRIS). In my free time, I enjoy coffee shop hopping, bible study, watching TV & movies, and traveling with family. I am looking forward to learning along with fellow members about justice and inclusion work, providing educational resources to the chapter, and leaning into the vulnerable conversations with members.
Briahna Amundson
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR​
Major: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology with a Leadership Development Minor
Hometown: Stillwater, MN
Hi!! My name is Briahna Amundson and I am so excited to serve as the Executive Administrator this year! When I’m not working on school or extracurriculars you can find me going on long walks with friends, finding new coffee shops, or in the chick-fil-a drive thru ;)
In my short time in Alpha Phi thus far, I have gained relationships that have encouraged me to take the extra step and reach far toward my goals. I am excited to see the amazing things this executive council is going to accomplish for our chapter this year!
Abbie Whittemore
PANHELLENIC DELEGATE​
Major: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN
Hey! I'm Abbie Whittemore and I am excited to serve as this year’s Panhellenic Delegate! I am a sophomore studying BCMB with hopes to go to Medical School. When I am not in class or busy with Alpha Phi, you can find me working as a Medical Scribe at the Mercy One Emergency Department or doing on campus research. In my free time, I like to go to sporting events, try new restaurants, and spend time with my friends!
Alpha Phi has given me invaluable leadership opportunities while being surrounded by members who challenge and celebrate one another. I hope to continue important communication between the Alpha Phi Executive Council and the Panhellenic Council and increase Phi participation in campus and Panhel events. I am excited for 2022 and all that we can accomplish in our chapter!
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
At the 2014 Alpha Phi International Fraternity Convention, our chapter received #1 Recruiting Chapter and was recognized as an Order of the Lamp chapter. At the 2014 Alpha Phi International Regional Conference, we received awards for Outstanding Target Membership Marketing, Outstanding Performance in Formal Recruitment, Appreciation for Philanthropy Efforts, and Order of The Lamp Qualifier.
At the 2015 Alpha Phi International Fraternity Convention as Chapter of the Year. Along with this great honor, our chapter also received awards such as Outstanding Leadership, #1 Recruiting Chapter, Order of the Lamp, and the Betty Mullins Jones Panhellenic Award. Even our chapter's advisor, Christy Bierma, won the Michaelanean Award for outstanding loyalty and continuous devotion to Alpha Phi.
This past year, Drake University's Gamma Omicron chapter received awards for the Top Fundraising Chapter and Excellence in Philanthropy Alpha Phi convention in the Northern Quadrant.
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At the 2021 FSLelebration where Drake University recognizes chapters for their work throughout the year, the Gamma Omicron chapter received two awards: Oustanding Philanthropy and Outstanding Harm and Risk Reduction Program Award. We are also proud to announce that we were recognized as the Chapter of the Year for the 2020-2021 year. We are so proud of the hard work of the women in our chapter!
