Welcome!
 

Dear Alpha Beta Chapter, 

 

It is an incredible honor to serve as your president for the 2025-2026 Academic School Year! When I rushed in the Fall semester of 2022, I had no idea how huge of an impact Epsilon Sigma Alpha would have on my life. Coming out of high school, I was pretty quiet and uninterested in getting involved. However, I stopped by Epsilon Sigma Alpha three times during Festival ISU to learn more about our sorority. I was hesitant at first, but quickly decided to Rush ESA. Eventually, I found out a handful of girls on my floor were also rushing ESA, and I was hooked. Since then, I have made countless friends, hundreds of memories, and I’ve developed skills and interests that will last a lifetime. Both sisterhood and service are two things I hold very dear in my heart. 

 

ESA has taught me the importance of strength and unity over the past few years. Through participating in events like March Madness, trips to Starved Rock, and our Founder’s Day celebration, I have been immersed in the kindness and community each member of our Chapter embodies. My Big taught me all she knew about ESA and passed down her spirit and drive to create an inclusive and welcoming community for actives and potential members alike. I have made it my goal to follow in her footsteps and embody our values, the Ten Pearls, in all I do. 

 

ESA has also given me the gift of serving our philanthropies and the greater Bloomington-Normal area. St. Jude, Easterseals, and Hope for Heroes all hold a special place in my heart, and my most cherished memories during my time at Illinois State University include volunteering and fundraising to give back to those we serve. From our annual St. Jude Run/Walk to Trick or Treating at the local Easterseals facility to Red Dress Gala, I’ve been fortunate enough to personally interact with many of the people we serve through our various projects and initiatives. It’s also an incredible honor to be a part of something bigger than myself when honoring the legacy of our Sister, Tori Lodge, during our annual Tori’s Legacy Gala during the spring semester. 

 

During my second year in ESA, I had the honor and pleasure of serving as our Local Service Chair, formerly known as our Jr. Philanthropy (JPhil) Chair. Through that role, I fell in love with volunteering and developed a passion for supporting the Bloomington-Normal community. During my time as JPhil, we wrote Survivor Love Letters, supported Special Olympics through Polar Plunge, participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days, and worked with many other organizations near Illinois State University’s campus. I learned so much during my time as Jphil, not only about volunteering and ESA, but also about myself and my fellow sisters. 

 

To the incoming Pledge Class, and anyone who wishes to rush ESA in the future, I implore you to dive into the deep end and immerse yourself in all things ESA. I’m a bit biased, but I would definitely say I’ve met some of the coolest people I know through our Chapter. I’ve built a family over the years - I’m always here for them, and I know the members of ESA would do the same for me. Through late night events, painting banners, and serving on event committees I learned so much about our sisterhood and the beautiful souls that make up our Chapter. Those are the moments I will never forget. 

 

Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity - I can’t wait to see all we accomplish this year!

​

Taylor Daker