“I Believe”!!!!!
Dear Friends,
Well, I assume that by now everyone knows the New Orleans Saints are going to Super Bowl 44! I never imagined that in my lifetime I would be celebrating something so amazing! There have been many articles written about the fact that this is not just about football, it’s about community. As I continue to learn about social networking, working with fraternities and sororities and various other organizations, it’s all about community and connecting with others. In this time technology, it is more important than ever to connect with others to learn skills that truly help you to be a better person, employee, volunteer, friend, family member, and organization member. “I Believe” we all have a responsibility to do what we say we will do and give whatever we are involved with our best! As the next two weeks unfold for the New Orleans Saints, I will join my fellow “Who Dat” Nation people to enjoy living in the moment, and knowing that anything can happen if We Believe!
Peace and love,
Mari Ann
Ready, Set, GEAUX! 2010
Dear friends,
Some of you might be wondering if maybe I don’t know how to spell “Go” correctly! Well, you see, I live in Louisiana – about 50 miles north of New Orleans and in Louisiana, we spell a lot of words with EAUX! I do have to say, 2010 has been amazing already. In Cajun Country at this time of year, usually the Saints have been finished playing for a while and we are in the mist of eating King Cakes and getting ready for Mardi Gras. This year has been pleasantly different. Mardi Gras colors in 2010 are not only purple, green and gold, but also add a little black to those colors as well.
The Saints winning season has brought a new sense of excitement to our city and our state! “We Believe” is something that we have said for years as members of the “Who Dat Nation”, but this year it seems even more real. It has been an amazing time to spend with family and friends and just enjoy a true sense of community.
As we begin this 2010, let’s all focus on the good around us. Let us truly embrace making positive changes in our personal lives, our work, and all that we do! Bring a new sense of excitement to your world! It truly is contagious! I am looking forward to traveling and speaking for CAMPUSPEAK, working with Tri Delta, and working with The Cottages of Baton Rouge.
GOOD LUCK WITH ALL YOU ARE DOING TO BRING GOOD TO THE WORLD AROUND YOU!
Peace and Love,
Mari Ann
Happy Holidays! Get Ready for 2010!
Dear friends,
My dog Brady and I
I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season! I hope that you have lots of time to spend moments that create amazing memories with family and friends! Thank you for being a part of my life’s work and experience! Each one of you has touched me in a special way! 2010 will bring great things to our lives and our World – I can feel it and I have faith! Who knows, maybe the Saints will be in the Super Bowl and that is something to truly help all of us believe that we can do whatever we want in life!
Happy Holidays!
Wishing you much love and peace,
Mari Ann
What I Have Learned This Fall Semester 09
This fall has been a great experience for me! I have had great travels, learned some new skills, and learned a lot about myself! The spring semester will bring about some changes in my life and my work, but I think that I am ready for it! I have learned this year that it really is about the journey and not the destination!
People say to me all the time – I follow you on Facebook and Twitter and you look like you are just loving life! You know, I think I am! I am so thankful to still be alive after my sickness last year that I don’t take a day for granted!
I am thankful for all of the students and professionals that I have had the privilege of working with this past year and to my family and friends who have challenged me and helped me grow into a better person!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Peace and Love,
Mari Ann
Mari Ann & CAMPUSPEAK WEBINAR
Professional Development on a Budget
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University of Central Missouri – Working Hard to “Get It”
Students at University of Central Missouri were open to learning and to share with one another. Having dinner with their Panhellenic Exec, I was able to get a glimpse into the kinds of students who are part of their Fraternity/Sorority community. Like many campuses, Ritual was not something that they had openly discussed. During the program, the students shared very personal stories about times when they and others had lived their Ritual. After the program, we spent some time having very candid discussions about ways to make their values a more active part of their Greek experience. I hope they put what we discussed into action! Thank you to Josh and Annie for making my visit a great one!
Peace & Love,
Mari Ann 
Dr. MAC’s Summer Newsletter
Arkansas State University – Fun Students Who Really Care
Driving to Jonesboro, Arkansas was an adventure. I saw interesting signs and lots of farms and fields. Upon arriving at Arkansas State University, I found a great University with lots of school pride. Everywhere I looked there were red shirts displaying their colors, and ASU logos. I was so impressed with the students who attended my program. A representative from St. Jude’s Hospital was in attendance and complemented the students about raising $25,000 for St. Jude’s! What a great way to live their rituals! We sang and some of the Phi Beta Sigma’s were stepping to Hakunna Matata, the Omegas were hugging and swaying to Lean on Me, and the women and a few men 
were singin Taylor Swift! They shared stories and were very engaged! I am always amazed at their sincerity and honesty! Thank you Arkansas State Greek Community for sharing your story with me!
Peace and Love,
Mari Ann
Fall 09 Tour Begins at University of Illinois
Last week I started the Fall Tour of Ritual of Reality- Panhellenic Says! I was honored to return to the University of Illinois and to have the privilege of speaking to the sorority women on their campus. Christina, my contact and a member of the PHC, was amazing! She made certain that everything was perfect for the program. As usual, I love speaking and sharing my thoughts with students during the program, however, I learn the most when I get to spend time with them in a smaller setting. After the program, I attended dinner with 9 of the PHC executive board members. We had a great dinner and amazing conversation. These women are intelligent, care about their role in the Panhellenic community, and are going to do great things for this world. They reinforced some of what I have learned and I thought I would share it with you:
1. All of these women were junior and seniors still involved with their sororities and the Panhellenic community. The need for seniors to hold office, take little sisters, and be role models/mentors to younger members is the foundation of our sororities – we can’t afford to lose them.
2. Students today, especially these women, are a great example that they are smart and are not shallow and selfish. We have to continue to work with them, challenge them and help them feel that they are needed.
3. As Sanford teaches, when they are challenged and supported, they rise to the occasion. It is our responsibility to continue to encourage, challenge and support our college students today!
I can’t wait to see what my journey holds for me.
Good luck with the beginning for the Fall!
Peace and Love,
Mari Ann
CAMPUSPEAK NEW CATALOG ROCKS!
Sometimes you see yourself as part of something and even you are like, wow, that is me and that is my team! Well, CAMPUSPEAK has a new amazing publication that presents our speakers and programs in a very creative, professional and FUN way! Check it out at www.CAMPUSPEAK.com! They can help you book any of our speakers and services! Hope you are enjoying the very end of summer!
Peace and Love,
Mari Ann
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