Alpha Xi Delta Celebrates 128th Founders' Day

Hello Sisters,

Happy 128th Founders’ Day! Oftentimes when we celebrate Founders’ Day and reflect on our Alpha Xi Delta membership we reminisce about what it was like in 1893 to meet in secret, how more women needed a place of support at Lombard and all the history our organization has afforded our Sisterhood. While it’s important to remember and share these stories, I want to turn the focus of this Founders’ Day message to reflect on The Symphony and how we can use its words to enhance our personal lives to live out the values of Alpha Xi Delta in today’s world. The past year has brought its fair share of challenges, joys and sorrows. As I was reflecting on 2020, I kept going back to three words in our Symphony that still ring true today: Courage, Graciousness and Peace.

Courage

Our Founders had the courage to do something new and different. They didn’t shy away from a new opportunity, even when things didn’t go as planned (remember when their Quill badges were late from the jeweler?). They held their heads high, marched into the chapel and blazed a trail that we still travel down today. How can we live out courage today? Courage can be standing up for something you believe in, even when others are trying to tear it down. Or, your courage can come from within to make a necessary change to help you meet success. Think a new job, moving to a new location, a major life event, or more. Sometimes courage presents itself when you ask others for help. This past year has taken a toll on all of us in so many ways, mentally and physically. It’s ok to not be ok, but please make sure you are taking care of yourself and have the courage to ask for help if you need it. Please know you are not alone.

Graciousness

Much like courage, graciousness can be expressed in many ways. When I think about someone who is gracious, I think about our Sisters who share their time and talents with the Fraternity through volunteer roles. Alpha Xi Delta truly would not be the strong organization it is today without the dedication, guidance and talents given by these Sisters. My mind also takes me to present day and how grace can be interjected into our daily lives. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt, allowing mistakes to happen, but growing from those missteps, and doing what is right, but might not always be the easy route. This Founders’ Day, I invite you to join me in spreading a little more grace around.

Peace

Sometimes finding peace is as simple as taking a breath to quiet the noise. Taking a pause before immediately reacting to a situation, not jumping to answer every email once they come in or just taking a break when you need a quick time out can help us all bring peace to our lives. Being mindful of how we treat others and practicing kindness will, in turn, help to create a little bit more positivity around us which can bring inner peace to our lives.

On this 128th Founders’ Day, I ask you to take time to define what the Ritual and Symphony mean to you. Take this day to think about your clear vision of life and how Alpha Xi Delta has enriched your life. Our Sisterhood has the power to impact so much – our communities, campuses, relationships and even the world. The opportunity is here and now to show up with courage, extend grace and work to create peace.

Loyally,

Micaela A. Isler
Alpha Xi Delta National President