Charter
Alpha Xi Founding Mothers
The Alpha Xi Chapter (Cleveland State University) had its inception in 1976 when Cleveland area Theta Phi Alpha sisters were contacted by Mary Lou Swartz (then Board of Trustees Chair) to start a Cleveland area alumnae group. Bebe Lombardo (Delta) along with Elaine Wilson (Epsilon) and Laura Stephan (Tau) and Linda Soeder were the women who answered Mary Lou's cry for extension. In the Fall of 1977 a Cleveland area alumnal group was activated with 16 dues paying members. Once the alumnal group was established it became time to initiate the groundwork to start an active chapter at Cleveland State University.
The Cleveland State University was contacted via Dean of Student Group Services, Peg Polley and Student Activities Coordinator, Sarina Fleischer. At this time there were two other Pan-Hellenic sororities who had put in bids for CSU colonization. Happily, Theta Phi Alpha was chosen to be the first Pan-Hellenic sorority on campus.
Once the bid was accepted by the University the work began. The Fall of 1977 saw alumnae's planning teas, rush parties, and open houses all seemingly to no avail. Fortunately, the perseverance of these fine women continued until the Spring of 1978 when Maryann Ratusnik (then president of the Golden Heart little sister group), in addition to other prospective rushees, brought a group of interested women with her to join the ranks of Theta Phi Alpha fraternity. This group of Collegiates can be credited with forming the first pledge class at Cleveland State University and thus colonizing the Alpha Xi chapter at this same university. The Fall of 1978 saw our second biggest rush where we pledged the 10 women who could complete the requirement of 20 members for National initiation.
Alpha Xi chapter was initiated on January 9, 1979 at Mather Mansion on the Cleveland State University campus. Those who made it possible for us through hours of hard work, blood, sweat, tears and perseverance are: Sarina Fleischer (honorary member and Student Activities coordinator), Sharon Torak (honorary member), Dean Peg Polley (Student Group Services), Bebe Lombardo, Elaine Wilson, Laura Stephan Minello, Irene Caliendo, and Linda Soeder. We thank these ladies with all of our hearts and we apologize to anyone we may have overlooked.
Founding Mothers
Joanna Alexander
Mary Kaye Bydash
Linda Geca
Joan C. Kuczek
Carmen D. Ortiz
Maryann Ratusnik
Jennie Socha
Marilee Zarbock
Judith Benya
Rebecca L. White
Melanie Aul
Sue M. Baldauf
Pamela J. Eyerdam
Teresa A. Jankovich
Lisa L. Kohout
Karen S. Masciarelli
Mary Terese Matousek
Cathy L. Schellin
Diane Swec
Teresa Tomczyk
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