Alpha Xi Delta told to "simmer down" on Today Show

Alpha Xi Delta adopted a new philanthropy on April 2nd, World Autism Day, and it's been a big deal in the fraternity. A group got up at 5 am to be on the Today Show to promote Autism Speaks. The philanthropy used to be 'Choose Children,' which was rather vague and unfocused. This should give Alpha Xi a clear, direct philanthropy, and it doesn't hurt that this is one of the "hot" causes right now. I have done numerous autism stories in the past few months--my first ones in seven years of reporting.

My only concern is that this does take out the non-financial aspect of volunteering. Most college kids don't have money. They give time, not money. Sure, they can go ask for money, but who likes that? It's hard to donate "time" to autistic children--sometimes special training is required. It will be interesting to see how the fraternity defines and promotes this.

The Minneapolis-St Paul Alumnae who could met up downtown at the Mary Tyler Moore statue on Nicolette between 7th and 8th Streets for a quick picture and lunch. We are planning to participate in the Walk for Autism at Canterbury Downs in September. I am slated to the on the officer board of the alumna chapter and I'm on the advisory board for the Epsilon Alpha chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. It's been a great outlet to meet professional women my age who are all transplants to the Twin Cities. Below, there's a teacher, a student, a genetic counselor, a financial person, a museum curator, and a journalist.