A National Philanthropic sorority focusing on art, literature, music and speech & hearing. | | | | |
Dear Sisters,
For people who live in the state of Indiana, May is all about racing, but it also happens to be National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. As Psi Iota Xi members, we are all deeply committed to this cause. We work hard all year to offer funding to specialists in the field of speech language pathology, to emphasize the significance of early intervention, and to share stories about communication obstacles and triumphs.
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It is with great joy that I share at the National Convention in 1938, Mrs. Helen Duncan of the Upsilon Chapter of Psi Iota Xi gave a presentation advocating the sorority's emphasis on speech and hearing. Her speech was based on firsthand information and her collaboration with Dr. Milisen of Indiana University. The proposal was well received, and by a majority vote of the delegates, Speech and Hearing was adopted as a national project.
Psi Iota Xi was the first group in the state of Indiana to recognize the need for speech and hearing therapy in children and to sponsor this effort. Psi Iota Xi was the first organization in the country to actively sponsor a traveling clinic. Over the course of two years, this mobile clinic made visits to every school in Indiana.
As a direct result of assessing students via the mobile clinic, the Indiana State Legislature introduced and enacted legislation requiring speech therapy in the state's public schools. Following the implementation of this program, Indiana University established a residence clinic.
I'm constantly in awe of the fact that one individual can present a single idea to a group of peers, turn it into a realistic dream, and then, with the correct drive and ambition, turn what began as a simple thought into something amazing that positively impacts the lives of countless people. Psi Iota Xi has done this, is doing it now, and will do it in the future. I’m so proud of my sisters!
I hope you enjoy our Speech and Hearing Newsletter this month, and I hope to see you all at National Convention in June.
Loyally,
Mickie Hansen
National President
Upsilon, Greenfield, IN
| | HEAR INDIANA - RELAYINDIANA.COM | | The information below was provided by Hear Indiana. | | Are you Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind or have a Speech Disability and wish to participate in a conference call or webinar? With Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) service, you can read live captions via a web browser on your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device. You have the option of either speaking or typing to communicate with the other attendees. RCC offers real-time captioning through the use of Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) service. It allows individuals with a hearing loss to view text of what’s being said during audio conference calls or virtual meetings. | | |
ASHFoundation Receives Award to Develop Disorders Brochure
Psi Iota Xi, a national philanthropic sorority with over 140 chapters, has awarded the American Speech and Hearing Foundation $12,000 for the development and dissemination of a brochure focusing on the prevention of communication disorders and for the provision of doctoral and post-doctoral research or service awards.
The brochure to which $9,000 of the total award was assigned, will be designated to assist parents in implementing programs to prevent speech and hearing disorders from occurring, to recognize the early signs of communication disorders, and to understand the importance of seeking assistance from a speech-language pathologist or audiologist when they suspect their child may have a communication disorder. The brochure is expected to be off the press in early 1979, and will be distributed to schools, clinics, hospitals, family and social service centers, and physicians’ offices.
An Advisory group composed of Psi Iota Xi, American Speech and Hearing Foundation, and American Speech and Hearing Association representatives met late last month to draft the brochure’s contents and develop a dissemination plan.
A second award of $3,000 was made to American Speech and Hearing Foundation for the Purpose of providing assistance to individuals conducting doctoral or post-doctoral research in speech, language and hearing. These awards, to be made in maximum amounts of $1,000 each, will be presented in 1979, following review by a panel of Psi Iota Xi Sorority, the American Speech and Hearing Foundation, and American Speech and Hearing Association members. Applications forms and criteria are currently being developed.
Loyally,
Karen Isbell
National Philanthropic Chairman 1979
Eta Phi, Terre Haute, IN
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NATIONAL LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Focused on Speech, Hearing, & Communication
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“Art doesn’t only reflect life—it reminds us to live it better. That’s the quiet revolution we must always believe in.” --Actor Alan Rickman
I love chapter visits, and I cannot lie. There is nothing quite like getting out on the road to enjoy some quality time with sisters on their home turf. Since my last newsletter update, I have visited two more chapters—Delta Zeta-Lafayette and Theta Psi—Bethany.
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The sisters of Delta Zeta—my northernmost district chapter-- hosted me at a member’s home in early December, where they had an abundant spread of Christmas cookies, candy, and a few savory treats. (Honestly, I believe calories consumed during official visits should not count—we need a bylaw for that. Agreed?). Their post-meeting social activity was a cookie swap where one member read a story with “right” and “left” included several times and we had to pass our parcel in that direction. We laughed a lot during that portion of the morning!
There was also much discussion around PNP Sharon White’s funeral arrangements and the chapter’s plans to support her family and guests during visitation and service the following week. I had only known Sharon from conventions and council activities but loved her spirit and her sparkle. And I felt that during my time with her Delta Zeta sisters.
In March, thanks to my trusty GPS and Google Maps app, I drove from Brownsburg to Bethany (Illinois) to see our western-most chapter in action. Bethany is a village about 20 miles south of Decatur and 50 miles southwest of Champaign-Urbana. Our Theta Psi sisters meet in the community room of Marrowbone Public Library. They had a light dinner after the business meeting, where they discussed convention business, and I answered questions they had about some of the correspondence. They also discussed getting pins and other items to honor their sisters who have reached milestones in membership (two 50-year members included!)
This chapter also had some poignant moments during the evening. A mother and two of her daughters belong to Theta Psi, and last fall one of the daughters lost her own daughter. The chapter voted to change the name of a scholarship to be in memory of this young woman. It was obvious to me that the entire chapter has rallied around the family in their time of grief.
Being part of these sacred moments with Delta Zeta and Theta Psi was an honor. By the time you read this, I will have visited another chapter outside my district where a former coworker is going to be initiated into our sorority. That’s another story for another time and I can’t wait to share it with you.
See you at convention. Happy Spring!
Missy Cooper
West Central District Officer
Gamma Nu, Brownsburg
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Important Upcoming Deadlines
5/10/25
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PCRs due to District Officers (fees incurred if late)
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Button Award submissions due to District Officers
5/15/25
5/31/25
| | 2025 NATIONAL CONVENTION INFORMATION | | |
Important Convention Hotel Announcement:
The Sheraton Hotel has expanded the number of rooms in our block for the Psi Iota Xi Convention due to great demand. We won't be able to add more rooms to our block once they are taken. Please contact National President Mickie Hansen at mickiehansen@psiiotaxi.org if you have a room reserved that you no longer need and are prepared to release it so another member can reserve it. Please get in touch with Mickie Hansen and let her know if you require a room and would like to be added to a wait list.
Although we are making every effort to keep convention fees as low as possible, please keep in mind that chapters are obligated by national bylaws to send two delegates to the National Convention. Consider making a reservation at a nearby hotel if you are unable to reserve a stay at the Sheraton.
Click here for the Sheraton's online reservation page.
Hotels in the proximity to the Sheraton: The Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis Keystone, Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Keystone, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Keystone, Residence Inn Indianapolis Keystone, Marriott Indianapolis North.
Hotels in Carmel (5-7 miles from the Sheraton, or a 10-11minute drive): Holiday Inn Indiana Carmel, Comfort Inn Indianapolis North, Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel, Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis.
Loyally,
Mickie Hansen
National President
| | NATIONAL COUNCIL - We are Here for 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
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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 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.
| | Alpha Lambda, Zionsville, IN welcomed new member Lori Hockema in April. Welcome Lori! | | Iota Theta, Armstrong, IL, grew by two in April. Welcome new members Trisha Hambleton and Emily Harms! | | Pi, Fort Wayn, IN, celebrated 105 years of dedication to Psi Iota Xi on April 14, 2025. Congratulations ladies on so many years of loyalty and love for Psi Iota Xi! | | The ladies of Alpha Rho, Garrett, IN, working hard behind the scenes preparing goodie bags for their Easter Egg Hunt. | | Beta Tau, Frankfort, IN, celebrated young artists in their community at the annual PIX Art Show. Over 200 works of art were on display at the public library. | | Iota Phi, Clarksburg, IN presented North Decatur Elementary art, music, and library programs with funds to help enrich the lives of students. | | Zeta Tau, Milroy, IN, recently hosted a very successful purse bingo fundraiser. Great job ladies on packing the house and raising funds to support projects in your community. | | Iota Theta, Armstrong, IL, presented the Best of Show award at the Vermillion Valley Conference Art Show. The award was given to the exceptionally talented Sam Willis from Oakwood High School. She also received the Best 2-D Art award as well as numerous other awards. | | Zeta Mu, Jasper, IN, presented Breaking Barriers with the money from their PIX National Literature/Literacy award they received at the 2024 National Convention. Breaking Barriers focuses on adult literacy for English Language Learners in the Jasper/Dubois County area. | | Zeta Mu sisters tried their hand at mandala rock painting at their Spring Fling meeting recently. It was a fun and creative outlet for even the artistically challenged. | | Theta Kappa, Edon, OH, held their annual Easter Egg Hunt in April. Shown are some of the great prizes kids participating had the opportunity to win. | | Alpha Omicron, Vincennes, IN, celebrated the creative and inspiring young artist of Knox County at their annual PIX Middle School Art Show. The imagination and effort teachers and students poured into their work and presentation was truly uplifting. | |
Wylla M. Hunter
June 20, 1925 – March 19, 2025
WC – Eta Lambda, Beech Grove, IN
Click here to view the memorial page.
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Memorial Service Information
If you wish to have your chapter Fallen Petals celebrated during the National Convention Memorial Service you must submit their information to Zeta Xi, Madison prior to the May 15th deadline.
Download the Memorial Service form here.
Donations to the National Memorial Fund and previously submitted Fallen Petals to the National Editor will not be included at the memorial service.
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National Convention 2026
Omega Chapter, Lebanon, IN, will host the 2026 National Convention at the Sheraton - Keystone at the Crossing in Indianapolis, IN, on June 26-28, 2026.
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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.
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National President
Mickie Hansen, Upsilon
National Vice President
Taffy Day, Omega
National Secretary
Sandie Carlson, Theta Kappa
National Treasurer
Mona Knight, Iota Theta
National Project Chair
Terri Resler, Alpha Psi
National Advisor
Rhonda McNall-Crisenbery, Theta Theta
National Conductress
Valerie Helms-Mejia, Alpha
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National Editor
Jane Patton, Alpha Omicron
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
Missy Cooper, Gamma Nu
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). | | |
Contact
National Office
3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 303
Indianapolis, IN 46268
317.471.3512
info@psiiotaxi.org
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