A National Philanthropic sorority focusing on art, literature, music, and speech & hearing. | | |
Celebrating May as National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
Every May, Speech and Hearing Month shines a spotlight on the importance of communication health and the organizations dedicated to making a difference. Among the leaders in this field stands Psi Iota Xi with its rich legacy of supporting speech and hearing initiatives for over eight decades.
Since 1938, Psi Iota Xi has been at the forefront of speech pathology and audiology, prioritizing children’s access to essential services and resources. The organization’s groundbreaking $10,000 grant established a traveling speech screening clinic in Indiana, providing life-changing screenings to thousands of students and inspiring statewide legislation for speech correction services in public schools. This early innovation set the stage for a long-term commitment to improving communication health for individuals of all ages.
Psi Iota Xi’s support has extended to universities, clinics, and professional development programs, ensuring future generations of speech and hearing professionals are well-equipped to serve their communities. From funding summer clinics and preschool initiatives to fostering recruitment and continuing education for therapists, Psi Iota Xi’s efforts have made a lasting impact. Notably, their partnership with the American Speech-Language Hearing Foundation (ASHF) produced widely used educational materials like “How Does Your Child Hear and Talk?” and supported vital research through grants and awards.
As we celebrate Speech and Hearing Month this May, Psi Iota Xi proudly encourages everyone to raise awareness about the significance of early detection, accessible treatment, and ongoing research in the fields of speech and hearing. Together, we can help break down barriers to communication and ensure that every voice is heard. Most recently, we have established the “Psi Iota Xi – Hear Indiana Scholarship Endowment” as our Long-Term Project. We are near the end of our commitment of $100,000 to fund this project. Please be a part of our long history of support to this cause by contributing and helping us complete this latest project. Together we can do wonderful things!
Taffy Day
National President
Omega, Lebanon, IN
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PCR (Pre-Convention Reports) Deadline - May 10, 2026
Completed PCRs are due to your District Officer ELECTRONICALLY by MAY 10th. Signature pages must be postmarked by MAY 10th.
Button Award Submission Deadline - May 10, 2026
The deadline for submitting your chapter’s Button Award entry to your District Officer is Mary 10, 2026.
Helicon Article Submission Deadline - May 15, 2026
All chapters are reminded that articles for the Helicon must be submitted to our National Editor, Jane Patton, no later than May 15, 2026. Please email your submissions to janepatton@psiiotaxi.org. To assist you in preparing your article, both an information letter and a sample article were included with the March mailing. Be sure to use these resources to ensure your submission meets the required format and guidelines.
Convention Registration Deadline - May 15, 2026
Convention packets were emailed to chapter presidents in March. Download Convention Packet
Register for Convention online using Zeffy
Address any questions about registration to Carol Hawkins at carolhawkins86@yahoo.com.
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Need Supplies?
The National Council Sales Table will be at the National Convention for you to buy certificates and supplies. Pre-orders need to be received by June 17th.
You may pre-order and pick up at the National Convention by emailing your supply order to info@psiiotaxi.org. If you are paying by check, make it payable to Psi Iota Xi General Fund and bring it with you to National Convention.
Click here for the printable supply order form.
We also offer an online supply page where you can order supplies and pay via Zeffy. Click here to order supplies via Zeffy.
Be sure to specify the year for which you are requesting certificates. Please note that several certificates include signatures from national officers and those positions will transition on Sunday, June 28th.
Sandie Carlson
National Vice President
Theta Kappa, Edon, OH
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National Jeweler Pre-Order Process for 2026 National Convention
As we prepare for National Convention, it is important to begin planning your jewelry needs in advance. To ensure a smooth experience, members are encouraged to pre-order any items they may wish to purchase and arrange for pick-up at the National Jeweler’s table at convention. The National Jeweler will only be at National Convention on Saturday, June 27th.
Please note that the jeweler has recently encountered increased costs, resulting in updated pricing for all merchandise. An updated order form reflecting these changes is now available. Be sure to review the new form before placing your order to ensure you are aware of current prices.
To place an order for Psi Iota Xi merchandise, contact Mary Israel at J. Lewis Small Jewelers. You may reach her by phone at 1-800-354-7356 or via email at misrael@jlewissmall.com. When submitting your order, please specify you would like to pick up your items at National Convention.
Jeweler Order Form
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Established in 2020, our National Long Term Project—the Hear Indiana Psi Iota Xi Scholarship Endowment Fund—has grown thanks to numerous fundraisers, events, and personal donations. As of the 2025 National Convention, we have contributed $77,500 toward our total target of $100,000. After almost a year of support from chapter and individuals, we are currently less than $10,000 from being able to present Hear Indiana with a check at National Convention, successfully completing this project.
Please consider making your donation today and sharing this effort with others who believe in making a difference. Let’s finish strong.
LTP donations can be mailed to our National Project Chair:
Valerie Helms-Mejia, National Project Chair
3905 Vincennes Rd Ste 303
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Or click the donation button below to be directed to Zeffy.
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Taffy Day, National President, presented Valerie Helms-Mejia, National Project Chair, with a $423 donation to the National Long Term Project at the Indiana State Association Meeting.
Taffy's donation was the result of winning the 50/50 raffle at Beta Tau, Frankfort's Ladies Night Out event in April.
Thank you Taffy for contribution to the LTP.
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Important Convention Hotel Announcement
The room block at the Sheraton Hotel is filling quickly. If your chapter has reserved one or more rooms at the Sheraton Hotel that you no longer need and are prepared to release, please contact Taffy Day, National President, taffyday@psiiotaxi.org before cancelling rooms. Please do NOT cancel room reservations without contacting Taffy first.
Taffy will coordinate with the Sheraton Hotel to reassign rooms for chapters still needing to reserve rooms once the block is full.
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Happy Spring!
I want to thank you for welcoming me to National Council. This first year has stretched me in the absolute best ways. It has been a season of learning, growing, and discovering just how deep the heart of Psi Iota Xi truly runs.
Visiting chapters and spending time with members has been one of the greatest joys of this role. Each chapter is beautifully unique, yet united by a shared spirit of service. I have been inspired by your dedication, your creativity, and your unwavering commitment to your communities. I have celebrated your victories, admired your perseverance and been grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn and dream alongside you.
I often think of a cherished Gamma Xi member, Elizabeth Bache. For 62 years she faithfully served, attending meetings until she was 96. She was bold, enthusiastic, and never hesitated to speak her mind. There were times I thought she pushed a little too hard-but now I understand. Her passion was rooted in love with our mission and belief in what we could accomplish together.
Today, I feel her spirit urging me forward. To speak with conviction. To stand proudly for the good we do. To remind us that our work matters deeply.
We serve tirelessly. We uplift others. We change lives. And we should never be shy about sharing that impact.
So, I will continue to say it:
Be loud.
Be proud.
Serve well.
And as we look forward to June Convention, I am excited to share tools that will help each of us succeed and strengthen our chapters. I hope you will join us at Convention-where we will learn, grow and celebrate together.
Pam Karle
West Central District Officer
Gamma Xi, Crawfordsville, IN
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Members of the Indiana State Association convened in Marion on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for their annual meeting. Torri Williams was the keynote speaker. The delegation voted to award the following proposed projects funds:
- Riley Cheer Guild - $1,500
- Because Everyone Deserves to Hear Life's Moments - $1,000
- Indiana Hands and Voices Family Micro-Grant Program - $1,500
- Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, Inc. - $1,500
- Hear Indiana Listening and Spoken Language Camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children - $1,500
- Psi Iota Xi American Sign Language Scholarship at Vincennes University - $1,000
- Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Coalition Center (SWICACC) - $1,000
Chapters who were recipients of the 2025 rotating grant money presented how they used their grant funds.
- Eta Gamma, Valparaiso, used their grant money to purchase communication boards for their community.
- Gamma Xi, Crawfordsville, partnered with their public library to purchase Trail Talks, short stories that line walking paths for families to read while walking.
- Beta Sigma, Austin, purchased resources for local schools including Butterfly Kits and "Where Butterflies Grow" story walk.
Three chapters were recipients of 2026 rotating grant funds. Recipient chapters were:
- Northern Districts: Beta Xi, Crown Point
- South Districts: Eta Alpha, Nashville
- Central Districts: Alpha Phi, Fortville
New officers were installed. Incoming President, Kim Wickizer, addressed the delegation.
Many baskets, purses, cash, and other great prizes were raffled off causing the usual excitement from winners. A big THANK YOU goes to Tori Harrell, PIP, and her chapter Gamma Tau, Marion for hosting the Indiana State meeting two years in a row.
Jane Patton
National Editor
Alpha Omicron, Vincennes, IN
| | Torri Williams, Director of the Marion Scholar House and founder of Radiant Roots Coaching and Consultation, gave the Keynote address at the 2026 Indiana State Association Meeting. | | |
Rotating Grant Recipients
Northern Districts: Beta Xi, Crown Point - Karen Osborne and Katie Tetzloff.
Southern Districts: Eta Alpha, Nashville - Stephanie Dean.
Central Districts: Alpha Phi, Fortville - Crystall Altstadt.
| | Ann Hannon from the Riley Cheer Guild presented how the prop2sed project, sponsored by Zeta Epsilon, Bargersville, will be used. | | Deb Stemle, PNP, presented the proposed Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Coalition Center (SWICACC) project and how funds will be used. | | Indiana State President, Tori Harrell, installed the new offi2ers during the annual meeting. | | 2026-27 Indiana State Association Officers installed at the state meeting. Seated L-R, Tracy Schweizer, Project Chair, Jennifer Stanley, Secretary, Sarah Snowden, Treasurer. Standing L-R, Tori Harrell2 Advisor, Kim Wickizer, President, Cindy Osmon, Vice President. | | |
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing Convention Hotel Information:
- $169 per night per room
- Last day to book at this rate is Friday, May 22, 2026
- Rate includes complimentary self-parking in attached hotel parking garage and complimentary guestroom Wi-Fi
- You can call the Sheraton Indianapolis for reservations: (888) 627-7814
- Ask to make a reservation within the Psi Iota Xi Convention 2026 Group Room Block
Click on the button below to reserve your rooms online:
| | National Council - We are here to assist YOU! | | |
National Council is available to talk with Chapters and members anytime questions or concerns arise. Please don't hesitate to reach out to National Council if they can assist you.
Contact us at: info@psiiotaxi.org
| | | Theta Zeta Fort Recovery OH, welcomed Kendra Thobe into their chapter during their March meeting. | | Gamma Nu, Brownsburg, IN, welcomed another sister at their April meeting. Lisa Trammell we are excited to have you as a Psi Ote! | | |
Have you ever wished you could invite all Psi Ote sisters to your chapter's fundraiser or special event?
If you are planning an event or fundraiser (in person or virtual) and would like to share your invitation with Psi Ote Sisters from other chapters, let us know. The newsletter is great way to reach many sisters and hopefully increase your attendance or sales!
Electronic money transfer apps like Zeffy and Venmo plus virtual platforms like Facebook Live make it possible for even our most distant sisters to participate in another chapter's fundraisers with ease. You can support your sisters across the organization, and you might even get a few ideas for your own chapter!
Advertising in the newsletter is easy, just email JanePatton@PsiIotaXi.org and she will do the rest.
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Alpha Chi, Hagerstown, IN, are honored to share a special tribute to one of their beloved sisters, Debbie Soliday.
A memorial bench now sits outside the Trustee’s Office in town in her honor, made possible by the donations given to our sorority at the time of her passing. It stands as a quiet reminder of Debbie’s kindness, her generous heart, and the joy she brought to those around her.
Debbie had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for—something our sisterhood will always carry with us. It’s our hope that this bench offers a place to pause, reflect, and remember not just her life, but the love she shared so freely.
Debbie, you are deeply missed and forever a part of us.
| | Gamma Xi, Crawfordsville, IN, had a great time volunteering alongside North Montgomery FFA to pack meals for Kids Against Hunger! It was a fun and meaningful evening giving back to their community and spending quality time with sisters. | | Alpha Rho Garrett, IN, sisters spent their literary meeting tonight at Just Random Creative in Garrett. They learned about the business and had the opportunity to create pottery artwork! | | Gamma Nu, Brownstown, IN, held an open house celebration for their 75th anniversary! Members, past and present, were able to reconnect and many memories were shared. | | |
Omega, Lebanon, IN - The Omega Sisters are honored to support the Sugar Creek Art Center in Thorntown, a special place in Boone County, bringing art alive for all ages! The art center is a wonderful place to explore artist studios, enjoy special exhibits, dive into a unique class, and make some special purchases at the awesome gift shop.
Pictured in the check presentation photo are (l to r): Sister Anita Bowen, Sugar Creek Art Center Board President Terri Gavin and National President and Sister Taffy Day.
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2026 Commemorative Convention Charm Sale
Iota Sigma, St. Joseph, IL, are selling charms to commemorate the National Convention. The 7/8-inch stainless-steel charm has full color detail and is perfect for a necklace, bracelet, or pin. Great gift for new officers and members! You can order in advance and pick up at the Indiana State Meeting or National Convention.
2026 Convention Charm Order Form
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Get ready for the Psi Iota Xi National Convention!
The sisters of the Alpha Lambda, Zionsville are excited to offer flower inspired T-shirts. With a nod to this year’s theme, Different Flowers...Same Garden, each shirt features flowers inside the outline of your chosen state.
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National Convention 2027
Theta Kappa, Edon, OH, will host the 2027 National Convention at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, IN.
National Convention 2028
Iota Theta, Armstrong, IL, will host the 2028 National Convention.
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National President
Taffy Day, Omega
National Vice President
Sandie Carlson, Theta Kappa
National Secretary
Terri Resler, Alpha Psi
National Treasurer
Mona Knight, Iota Theta
National Advisor
Mickie Hansen, Upsilon
National Project Chair
Valerie Helms-Mejia, Alpha
National Editor
Jane Patton, Alpha Omicron
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National Conductress
Missy Cooper, Gamma Nu
Northeast District Officer
Lauren Burk, Gamma Sigma
Northwest District Officer
Pam Gunterman, Theta Delta
East Central District Officer
Beth Vipond, Gamma Tau
West Central District Officer
Pam Karle, Gamma Xi
Southeast District Officer
Carol Good, Alpha Theta
Southwest District Officer
Erin Schroering, Iota Lambda
| | If you have any questions about this newsletter, the National Website or have an address/phone/email update please contact your National Editor Jane Patton, janepatton@psiiotaxi.org or 812-881-9064 (call/text). | |
Psi Iota Xi National Office
3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 303
Indianapolis, IN 46268
317.471.3512
info@psiiotaxi.org
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