The Gamma Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi at San Diego State took first place in the 2011 Bordeaux Division of the Self Challenge, offered by Alpha Phi International and Self magazine earlier this month. The competition revolved around a three-month health and wellness program in which sisters of the group focused on encouraging family and friends to participate as well. Gamma received an event sponsored by the magazine for its accomplishment.

The SDSU chapter was the challenge winner in the Bordeaux Division for large schools, but will share the honor with the Gamma Kappa chapter from CSU Long Beach that won first place in the Silver Division.

“To see that we are being recognized for something that we definitely worked very hard for is a reassuring and refreshing way to start the upcoming fall semester,” Long Beach’s Gamma Alpha Chapter President Brittany Rusin said.

The success of SDSU’s Gamma Alpha chapter came through tabling outside the Aztec Recreation Center, discussing the challenge at council meetings and creating a Facebook event for people to learn about the cause. While promoting the Self Challenge, chapter members participated in intramural sports, fitness routines and group exercise classes. According to Rusin, the girls worked very hard in order to promote a healthy lifestyle for this challenge.

The Alpha Phi undergraduates were also invited to join an exclusive panel where they will have the chance to share their personal preferences, passions and views with the magazine that may then be published.

More information about the organization and competition can be found at alphaphi.org.