Sincerely,
Agnieszka Handzel
Alpha of Illinois President

My name is Amelia Amantea (Ame for short) and I am Vice-President of Alpha for the next two years. I look forward to meeting all of you and working with you. We have a few upcoming events including the October Bake Sale, The Thanksgiving Day Jingle Elf's Parade, and Christmas Caroling at St. Joseph Home. You can reach me via email at aamantea@hotmail.com. Feel free to email me with any questions you have or even just to say hi. I am sending this letter to all of you to introduce myself.

I was the America Reads (now called Literacy) Officer of the Theta Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa last year. I graduated in the Spring of 2001 with an A.A. Degree and am currently a third year undergraduate transfer student at The University of Chicago in Hyde Park, IL. I decided to become an officer of Alpha to continue working with the members of Theta Omega, my second family, and to help others through service.

I urge all of you to stay involved with Alpha and/or Theta Omega. I look forward to an exciting and productive term.

I would like to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Bettina Kaufmann-Daszczuk, and I am the new secretary of Alpha of Illinois for the years 2001 to 2003. In January of 1999, I started my education at Wright College. In fall of 1999, I became a provisional member of Phi Theta Kappa and was formally inducted in December of 1999. Joining Phi Theta Kappa was the best thing I have ever done.

Many good things happened since I became a member including receiving countless letters from Universities who offered me transfer scholarships based on my membership. I was really amazed by that. In May 2001, I graduated from Wright College with my Associate in Arts Degree. Before graduation, I had already picked the school I would transfer to, the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. In August of 2001, I started classes at the University of St. Francis, where I aim for my Bachelor in Science Degree, with a major in Biology. So far, I really like it here. It is like Wright College in regards to size and atmosphere. Class sizes are small, and the student-teacher-interaction is great. Everybody seems to have the same goal – to succeed in what they are doing.

In May of 2001, I was also inducted into Alpha of Illinois, a very special group of people. It is like an extended family. I would encourage everybody who is a Phi Theta Kappa member to become a member of Alpha of Illinois once they graduate. As for myself, I hope to fulfill my duties as secretary to the fullest and in honor of this great organization.Best wishes to all of you.

I would like to extend my deepest thanks for making our organization as strong and lasting as it is. I know that Theta Omegans are very grateful to have a support network. I know that I was grateful when I was an officer and member.

Now the reason that I am writing to you is about that same network and commitment. I would love to see all you at the induction on October 20, 2001 and at future Alpha of Illinois and Theta Omega events. Come see old friends, familiar faces and what a wonderful job they have come to do in such a short time. I am extremely proud to call my home Theta Omega and my second home Alpha of Illinois.

I urge you to go to the Theta Omega web site at www.oocities.org/theta_omega_wright. Here you can get updates, see the chapter calendar and even buy chapter apparel. There is a Alpha of Illinois section. Check it out!!

Additionally, I have been elected to position of Treasurer and will serve a two-year term. I will do my best to honor the traditions set forth from the previous officers and serve our members as well as I can.

My name is Carol Slowik and I am your current 2001-2003 Alpha of Illinois Historian. Even though I have been involved in Alpha only since last year, my experience with the Theta Omega chapter goes back a few years. I served on the Theta Omega executive board first as Recording Secretary and then as Vice-President. I was also nominated to the All-USA Academic Team, and was selected as a member of the All-Illinois Academic Team.

I decided to become an officer of Alpha because by getting involved I amplify my opportunities. I encourage all of you to get involved in whichever activities you can. Even though you have to take the first step to get involved, I strongly believe you should take this opportunity to expand your understanding of what Alpha of Illinois and Theta Omega are all about. If you don't think you'd belong in our family, think again. Alpha is a quarter of a century old, and we have members who range in age from those who have started the chapter to those who just joined us last May. Just as our ages differ so wildly, so does our interest pool.

I encourage you to come out and have fun with us. All it takes is a little bit of your time, but it will surely put a smile on your face and the faces of those we touch.