2014
annual REPORT
d r a w r ever fo
president
message from our
national president
k ay e S c h e n d e l Gamma Phi N at i o n a l P r e s i d e n t
This year marks Tri Sigma’s 117th year of a Sisterhood who lives by our core values of wisdom, hope, faith, power, and love. After another proud year serving as your National President, I am honored to present you with our results and successes from 2014. In many respects, this year was an exceptional year for Tri Sigma as we continued to share our commitment to our mission by promoting a perpetual bond of friendship, developing strong women of character and inspiring high standards of ethical conduct. As we achieved new goals and put new challenges into place, it’s important to recognize that we could not have achieved such accomplishments without the help of a passionate group of committed volunteers, professional staff, and devoted members who are eager to become involved and engaged in our Sorority.
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annual report 2014
Each day, we remain
We actively strive to promote a creative, supportive environment for our members and in 2014, we saw the largest amount of collegiate members in Tri Sigma’s history.
committed to our core values
We installed the Theta Zeta chapter at Case Western Reserve University as well
of wisdom, power,
as started Delta Eta’s recolonzation at the University of Southern Indiana.
faith, hope and love.
In 2014, we maintained our commitment to being women of character and we hosted a Character Development Seminar
Council and board members to meet, and a
where members spoke about character and
1,000 sq.ft. training and conference center,
enhanced our strategic commitment to
Tri Sigma remains committed to its stability
Character Education. We also started a new
and growth.
initiative by partnering with the Josephson Institute to host a character essay contest.
Each day, we remain committed to our
Applicants were invited to submit 500 word
core values of wisdom, power, faith, hope
essays defending the message, “Kindness
and love. It’s these values that enable
can change the world.”
us to show others what it means to be a Tri Sigma; what it means to part of an
Another accomplishment for Tri Sigma
organization full of women who can
is the expansion of our National
change the world. I invite you to read and
Headquarters building to provide the
see for yourself what makes Tri Sigma a
Sorority with nearly 7,000 square feet to
truly remarkable sorority.
operate in. This new building serves as the central hub for member services and is home to the Tri Sigma Foundation. With a reception room to welcome visitors, a modern day board room for Executive
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membership Chapter
operations
and Collegiate Membership
7,317
2012
6,540
108
2013
106 + 1 colony at GVSU
2012
110
2014
73
2013
69
2012
average GPA
2013
2014
average chapter size
8,167
Total # of Chapters
Total Membership
2014
2014
3.1
2013
3.1
58
2012
3.0
Accreditation
2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
Accredited
61 (59%)
16 (16%)
31 (30%)
23 (22%)
24 (23%)
5 (5%)
Accredited w/ Honors
33 (32%)
51 (50%)
52 (49%)
49 (46%)
46 (43%)
55 (53%)
10 (9%)
35 (34%)
22 (21%)
34 (32%)
36 (34%)
44 (42%)
Non-Accredited
*Does not include chapters on Non-restrictive probation, recently closed chapters or new colonies. **For the purpose of comparison, we have labeled all groups accredited at pillar 3 or 4 as accredited with honors, and all chapters achieving pillar 2 as accredited.
Hazing Prevention Week Tri Sigma continues to be a Diamond level supporter of HazingPrevention.Org™ and our commitment to hazing prevention. This year we continued our theme of Power With not Power Over but expanded the conversation beyond just hazing to include discussions on bullying and mean girl behaviors. We challenged members to ask different questions...not just “is this hazing” but rather “are we creating an environment of support and encouragement”. Tri Sigma hosted an Instagram contest that challenged its members to create a banner, flyer, or marketing tool to raise awareness and spread the word about hazing prevention. Members were asked to share their piece on Instagram by using the hashtag #SigmasDontHaze14. Tri Sigma won Gold from the International AVA Digital Awards for this effort recognizing creative excellence with the planning, concept, direction, design and production of this social media contest.
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annual report 2014
safe
In 2014, the accreditation program changed from categorizing chapters as accredited vs. accredited with
honors, to a numerical pillar system. Now chapters are categorized as pillar 2, 3 or 4. If a chapter does not
achieve at a minimum pillar 2, the chapter is considered to be non-accredited. With the 2014 Accreditation
changes we are seeing a higher overall percentage of chapters accredited than ever. Many chapters worked
to the minimum standard of pillar 2 to understand the new process in 2014. We expect to see the number of chapters accredited at pillar 3 rise in 2015. We also saw that chapters achieving pillar 4 are truly some of the
highest performing chapters within the organization. In 2014, we had an overall 95% collegiate membership retention and 91% new member retention.
In 2014, Tri Sigma implemented revised procedures for events with alcohol. The SAFE Team attended the
2014 Officer Academies to train over 100 Risk Managers and Advisors on the new processes and procedures. Additionally, Tri Sigma partnered with VeriSky to implement an online event registration process. Since implementation, 127 events have been registered.
SAFE Team members Veronica Atkins, HO
Kara Miller, E Δ
Maryse Biernat, EE
Catherine Ortega, ZE
Hannah Cognetti, A Δ
Michelle Osborn-Hallet, EH
Ellen Elmore, Δ Δ
Janelle Schmidt, EP
Stacey Jaksa, A ϕ
Sara Brooke Toluba, E π
Jessica Lynn Jurgella, Bπ Kyleigh Lindberg, AΓ Kaleen Martinez, ZE
In 2015, the SAFE Team will begin to conduct Triennial Risk Reduction Visits to collegiate chapters. These visits will be paid for in part by a Foundation grant and the National Organization. There is no cost to chapters or members for this educational experience. Each chapter will receive 1 visit during the Triennium where the SAFE Team conducts a full day retreat experience focused on sisterhood and safety. The goal of the program is not to educate on policies but rather focus on information that will help members be more informed, develop effective prevention strategies, understand the impacts of alcohol and how to make better choices about alcohol, and ensure Tri Sigma’s are women of character in all environments. This program was developed out of the Alcohol Use Assessment conducted in 2013. The program strives to decrease the negative impacts undergraduate members were experiencing as a result of alcohol. This may include anything from injuries to impacts on academics to safety in social environments. We look forward to presenting the outcomes of the program following another assessment scheduled to be conducted in 2016.
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extension and
growth N e w C o l l e g i at e C h a p t e r s Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH to provide on-going operational support to assist
Delta Eta*, University of Southern Indiana,
chapters for up to 5 years in the new chapter/colony
Evansville, IN
region. In 2014, we also continued to enhance
*Installed on campus in 2015.
the brand of Tri Sigma’s extension by updating publications and materials provided to campuses
New Alumnae Chapters Grand Strand, Hagerstown, Hampton Roads, Huntington, Northshore Louisiana, Queen City
during presentations and to potential new members during colonizations.
U p c o m i n g C o l o n i z at i o n s Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS (Spring 2015) Old Dominion University, Richmond, VA (Fall 2015) Oakland University, Rochester, MI (Fall 2015) University of Virginia** (Spring 2016)
Extension Tri Sigma continues to provide on-campus livein support for our colonies and newly installed chapters. We have continued to expand the consultant team in the New Chapter/Colony areas
growt h
**Re-establishing on campus.
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annual report 2014
volunteers Alumnae
membership and national volunteers
Total Membership
2014 2013 2012 2011
89,650 89,848 85,025 83,528
Total # of Chapters
96 98 101 95
Average Chapter Size
23.7 25.8 23 25
National Volunteers
554* 627 529 638
CAB
487 521 430 466
NO/Resource
104 106 99 102
* this number includes total people, as opposed to previous years reporting on total positions filled. Note: Housing Corporation and Committee members are not included in the National volunteer total.
Alumnae Highlights 1 Sigma Sigma Sigma just completed a project
with RISE Partnerships to develop a new approach to alumnae engagement. RISE Partnerships and 3
National Organization representatives reviewed factors related to alumnae engagement and designed a new approach that will filter into all alumnae relations across the Sorority. The approach 2
is grounded in reorienting alumnae to Tri Sigma by
Six State Days events were held in Arkansas,
providing experiences that reconnect women through
Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South
the services Tri Sigma provides. In the future,
Carolina and Wisconsin.
Alumnae Services will invest in alumnae by creating opportunities that focus on life transitions and common interests, recognize alumnae achievements and allow for engagement to happen naturally rather than through a specific program or event.
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Character Education and
leadership
Officer Academy 2014 2013 2012 2011
Locations
5 5 5 3
Coaches
87 66 66 43
Interns
10 9 10 7
F o u n d at i o n G r a n t s f o r Programming Efforts: Amount Received
Total Participants 673 569 543 473
2014 2013 2012 $114,600 $92,700 $90,333 (23.6% increase in funding from 2013)
(2.62% increase in funding from 2012)
Dunham Women of Character Institute
2014 2013 2012 2011
Total Participants 128 113 122 125
Highlights: 54% of women who attended the Dunham
Service Immersion Trip The Service Immersion Trips were created as a part of the character initiative, our adopted volunteerism plan and a way to achieve our vision of empowering women to change the world. The concepts of active citizenship and global citizenship are crucial for empowering women to lead change in their communities and across the globe.
Women of Character Institute went on to become officers or chairmen in 2015.
leadership
12 particpants and 4
92% of our chapters participated in CHARACTER COUNTS! Week.
leads went to Jamaica
11 participants and 2 leads went to West Virginia
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annual report 2014
“
Our sisterhood is not four years, i t i s t r u ly f o r l i f e .
”
Officer Academy In 2014, we saw an 18.6% increase in attendance from 2013!
U n d e r g r a d u at e I n t e r f r at e r i t y I n s t i t u t e - UIFI 18 Tri Sigma scholarships were awarded to members to attend the summer UIFI experience. We had a total of 27 Tri Sigma women attend this premier national educational institute over the course of the summer.
The Officer Academy exists to educate our officers and advisors on issues of leadership development and women’s development that will ensure our chapter leaders are prepared to lead our chapters.
Character Development Seminar 22 members of Tri Sigma participated in a weekend Character Development Seminar facilitated by Chris Smithhisler, Michelle Tantillo and Gary Smit, a master trainer from the Josephson Institute of Ethics to further our character education mission and initiative.
Labyrinth 20 Tri Sigma’s embarked on a five day journey exploring our values. “I was very pleasantly surprised that the curriculum naturally led me to some very thought-provoking and directional reflections that I believe will carry me forward to what I want to truly accomplish in my life. I’m still working on putting
P r o g r a m s at R e g i o n a l Conferences Tri Sigma presented on Character Education at AFLV Central and NIC/NPC Academy.
it into words perfectly but I know my next steps will be directed from the wisdom I gathered at Labyrinth!” — A 2013 Labyrinth Participant “I’ve had a number of amazing experiences
CHARACTER ESSAY CONTEST In an effort to share our character message with the panhellenic community, Tri Sigma sponsored a Character Essay Contest in the fall of 2014. Kindness Can Change the World was the topic for 2014. We had 95 submissions and awarded a $1000 scholarship to the first place winner, Rachel Hess, Sigma Kappa.
during my almost 2 decades in Tri Sigma. This truly was the “capstone” experience and will go down as the best Tri Sigma experience I’ve ever had.” — A 2013 Labyrinth Participant
Dunham Women of Character Institute 69 of the 128 went on to become officers/ chairmen in 2015
CC ! W e e k 92% of our collegiate chpaters participated in national CC! week. Our chapters did everything from food drives to notes of kindness to character inspiring quotes shared with the campus community. There were programs presented titled: Ritual Responsibility and Privilege Chain.
• “Our sisterhood is not four years, it is truly
for life.”
• “Live your ritual every single day.” • “Character is a journey that has its ups
and downs and we all need to start on our
journey today.”
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revenue
income
and Expenses
Income 19%
Collegiate Support | 33% Alumnae Support | 4% Insurance | 19% Royalties/Chapter Supplies | 7% Conference | 6% Badges | 12% Investments/Grants/Other | 19%
33% 12%
6%
4% 7%
19%
4%
6%
expenses Member Support/Programs | 48% Walton House | 1% Management/General | 41% Technology | 4% Professional/Investment/Other | 6%
48%
41% 1%
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annual report 2014
NationaL
As stated in the third edition of The Years
Headquarters Expansion
Remembered, “There is a uniqueness and romance in the story of the development of the National Headquarters for Sigma Sigma Sigma.” We are adding to that story as we prepare for the next fifty years of the National Headquarters in
new national headquarters
Woodstock, Virginia. Opening last July, right next to Walton House at 225 N. Muhlenberg St. in Woodstock, Virginia, is now the home of Tri Sigma’s
Mabel lee walton house
National Headquarters. The two properties are connected by the Founders Garden, a beautiful walkway honoring Tri Sigma’s eight founders. This nearly 7,000-square-foot building functions as the central hub of operations for Tri Sigma
area; and an expanded mail and distribution area
member services. It is also home to the Tri
to allow for the efficient flow of communication
Sigma Foundation offices. The property includes
from Tri Sigma leaders to the membership.
a reception room to welcome visitors and members alike; a modern-day board room where
Tri Sigma hosted a Community Open House to
Executive Council and other boards can meet; a
celebrate the dedication of the Sorority and
1,000-square-foot training and conference center
Foundation’s new National Headquarters on
to help facilitate the education and training
Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. There were recognition
of our collegiate and alumnae members; staff
speeches, light refreshments and building tours
amenities such as a break room and conference
for the community and members of Tri Sigma.
O u r H e a r t H o m e C a m pa i g n b e g a n i n D e c e m b e r , 2 0 1 3 , a n d a f t e r o n ly s i x m o n t h s , w e w e r e a l r e a d y a t 6 6 % o f o u r g o a l of $250,000. T h i s o n e - t i m e c a m pa i g n w a s d e s i g n e d t o offer our members and chapters an opportunity t o b e i n v o lv e d i n t h i s e x c i t i n g e x p a n s i o n p r o j e c t o f o u r N a t i o n a l H e a d q u a r t e r s . A lt h o u g h m a n y c h a n g e s a r e h a p p e n i n g a t W a lt o n H o u s e , i t w i l l forever remain our “Heart Home!
headquarters We are excited to unveil our recognition wall at the 50th Anniversary on May 2, 2015, for those members and chapters who have generously participated with Tri Sigma in this historic campaign with gifts of $1,000 or more.
Ribbon cutting at our new national headquarters
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Outreach and
communication Through the use of our magazine and e-newsletters, Tri Sigma continues to communicate with our members and the community by providing updates about the national organization, our chapters, and ways we are working towards our strategic goals.
in 2014, we created: 7 Press Releases 2 Issues of The Triangle 13 Videos 15 Newsletters
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annual report 2014
Tri Sigma Sorority and the Tri Sigma Foundation merged its social media platforms under one
social
united account on October 1, 2014. Both the Sorority and the Foundation share a unified purpose of supporting the future of Tri Sigma and felt it was important to speak with one united voice. This combined effort further strengthens Tri Sigma’s commitment to exhibit purposeful growth in
all areas of membership to provide for the long-term health and stability of the organization.
media
23,736 F a c e b o o k 9,449 t w i t t e r
Likes
followers
out reach
4,549
followers on Pinterest
2,839
f o l l o w e r s o n I n s ta g r a m
3,250
LinkedIn Group Members
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Our
leadership
leadership EXECUTIVE COUNCIL National President Kaye Schutte Schendel, ΓΦ National Treasurer Bonnie Rainey, ΑΣ National Vice President Natalie Moore Averette, ΓΒ National Vice President Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, ΒΞ National Vice President Courtney Stone, ΑΨ National Vice President Allison Swick-Duttine,Ψ
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS STAFF Executive Director Marcia Cutter, BΓ Accountant Pam Tacconi Alumnae Membership Coordinator Toni Dinges Assistant Director of Chapter Education and Leadership Melissa Looney Kolb Assistant Director of Chapter Services Region 1 Caitlin Donlan, ΖΠ Assistant Director of Chapter Services Region 2 Mary Kate Lobough, ΑΨ Assistant Director of Chapter Services Region 3 April Milkovic, ΕΟ Assistant Director of Chapter Services Region 4 Morgan Fishburn Kaplan, ΕΟ Assistant Director of Colony and New Chapter Development Misty Fingar Director of Marketing/Communications Leah McConnell, Λ Assistant Executive Director Lorin Phillips, ΑΥ Collegiate Membership Coordinator Dianna Jett, ΑΥ Director of Alumnae and Volunteer Services Aimee Jensen Boland, ΗΙ Director Character Education Chris Smithhisler, ΙΑ Director of Chapter Services Tiffany Fay, ΑΧ Director of Distribution Theresa Taylor, ΑΥ
Distribution Assistant Kim Guinn, ΑΥ Extension Coordinator Brittany Leigh Parrott, ΕΦ Office Manager Margaret Fields, ΑΥ
Walton House Board Members Pamela Hall Hathaway, ΓΒ Jeanne Johnson, ΑΙ Deborah Jeter Riggan, ΑΥ
Regional Consultants Maura Kearns, ΕΡ Cammie Coker, ΕΖ Danielle Gangas, ΑΨ Erica Doane, Ν Julia Hilkey, ΑΧ Kelli Ourada, ΖΤ Katie Martin, ΓΠ Sarah Cummins, ΖΚ Mariah Fritchen, ΑΞ Jaclyn McLane, EN
College Panhellenic Coordinators Caitlin Dobson, ΑΞ Elizabeth Fisher, ΖΡ Rebecca Nanzer Calkins, ΕΟ Wendy Kirkpatrick, Α Amanda Allee Koback, ΗΠ
CHAPTER SERVICES
Regional Coordinator – Accreditation Christian Lynn Cruce, ΑΧ
ADMINISTRATION Assistant Extension Coordinator Celinda Miranda-LaBella, ΖΕ Extension Team Jamie Dresher, ZK Mandy Herbeck McGuire, ΒΞ Lauren Leif, ∏ Jenna Lyons, HB Anna Todaro, ΕΦ Financial Services Coordinators Cara Whitney Luyster, ΑΒ Sarah Dionne Decker, ΒΓ Anne Strawbridge, ΔΠ Katherine Madison Finazzo, ΑΥ Gina Maurone Nabours, ΑΥ Housing Coordinator Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, ΑΠ Housing Assistants Kirsten Nicholas, ΕΑ Cassidy Carpenter, ΑΟ
Regional Recruitment Coordinatior Kelli “Nikki” Colletti, ΓΜ Regional Specialists- Recruitment Lauren McHugh Berger Sarah King, ΗΡ Amber Lesher, ΗΠ Alexandra Simon, ΑΧ Regional Coordinator – Honor Council Danielle Kloap, ΕΒ Regional Specialists- Honor Council Chelsea Case, Λ Amellia Dusch, ΒΓ Lisa Anne Bussiculo, ZK Kimberly Katz, ΕΚ Amanda Magee, ∏ Regional Coordinator – Informal Recruitment Sheri “Dawn” Prusador, ΑΙ
Meeting Planners Amanda Cuckler, Ψ Michelle Terry Keller, ΑΜ Ritual Coordinator Su-Lin Hammond Banks, ΓΨ Risk Management Coordinator Brenda Sue Christie-Lichtenegger, ΑΙ Walton House Board Chairman Inez N. Fridley, ΓΒ
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Regional Specialists- Accreditation Lauren Clouse, Δ Δ Ashely Fried, ZM Milynda Boeck-Moore, ΒΤ Lori Schaefer, ΒΠ Amy Skinner, ΕΝ
Regional Specialists- Informal Recruitment Ariel Frechtman, ΖΚ Jocelyn Harper, ΑΒ Heather Harris, ΑΙ Joey Jackson, ΘΔ Catherine Palmore, ΖΓ
annual report 2014
Regional Coordinator – Membership Development/Sisterhood Laura Michelle Sweet, ΔΠ Regional Specialists- Membership Development/ Sisterhood Amanda Cardenas, ΔΠ Holly Haase, AM Alyssa Patel, ΔΔ Lori Pettyjohn, ΕΝ Sarah Lively Turner, ΑΑ Stephanie Wade, ΑΦ
ALUMNAE AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Assistant Webmasters Laura Caruso, ΔΟ Mallory Hite, ΗΟ Wendy Marie Howard, ΕΤ Teagan Russell, HX
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA FOUNDATION STAFF
The Triangle Alumnae Editor Michelle Maskaly, EN The Triangle Collegiate Editor Katherine Bevan, HX The Triangle Features Editor Amanda Elizabeth Marchegiani, ΒΞ The Triangle Copy Writers Megan Beth Kueck, Ψ Katie Lauer Wadington, ΕΞ
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinators Kathryn Ashton Carlson, ΖΒ Amber L. Cochran, ΑΟ Monica Wojdyla Cusick, ΕΛ Angela David, ΑΧ Kim Kokko Davids, Ο Lori Travis Schaefer, ΒΠ
Character Education and Leadership
Alumnae Chapter Coordinators Heather Cruz, ΖΨ Linda Manley-Kuitu, ΕΡ Kara Eaton Rees, ΒΓ Jill Iosue Zager, ΑΝ Talia Sturgeon Young, ΑΝ
Program Team Kelsi Wilcox Boyles, ΑΠ Theresa (TC) Crogan Krajnak, EK Jessica Dowches-Wheeler, AY Desiree Paulhamus, ΑΟ Jennifer Pollock, ΕΡ Katie Lauer Wadington, ΕΞ
Golden Violet Coordinator Marilyn McGraw Beiter, ΒΞ Alumnae Initiate Program Assistant Special Alumnae Events Assistant Jacqulyn Paris King, ΑΦ Senior Transition Assistant Michelle Pollard Hektor, ΒΔ
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Merchandise Assistant Ginger Niemann Harper, Χ Archivist Elizabeth Johns, ΔΟ Assistant Archivist Katie Quirin, ΔΟ Webmaster Joy Horkey, ΖΕ
Assessment Coordinator Brenda Osterman Ray, ΑΨ Programs Coordinator Emmy Smith, ΕΠ
Awards Coordinator Suzan Rome Bosarge, ΓΜ Character Education Coordinator Michelle Tantillo, ΕΟ Character Education Lead Advocate Kristen Gay, ΕΦ
Executive Director Meghan Ward-Bopp Director of Philanthropic Programs Nancy Benedict Development Officer- GOLD Program Cynthia Heimann Harms, ΑΕ
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA FOUNDATION BOARD Chairman Jennifer E. Holtsclaw, ΔΠ Vice Chairman Marie Schrag Beck, ΒΥ Secretary Ann DeCecco Rutkowski, ΕΔ Treasurer JeanMarie Komyathy, ΓΚ Members at Large Maryellen Drasler Baxter, ΒΚ Linda J. Clayton, Ο Stephanie Everett, ΕΘ Sam! Mills Farrell, ΕΘ Angela Gose Feldman, ΒΓ Janet Rogers Gonzales, IA Michelle Pollard Hektor, ΒΔ Brenna Spillane Magliulo, ΓΞ Lisa Koeller, ΓΑ Melinda “Mindi” Holland Major, ΒΓ Laura Manthey, ΓΛ Tracy Maurer Sary, ΓΒ
PANHELLENIC National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Laura Ward Sweet, ΑΣ First Alternate Delegate Joyce Newcom O’Daniel, ΑΧ Second Alternate Delegate Linda Henderson, ΔΨ Third Alternate Delegate Kelly Jo Karnes, Π Governmental Relations Coordinator Reatha Cole Cox, ΑΖ
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sigma sigma sigma
address
Sigma Sigma Sigma National Headquarters
225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664 email: sigma@trisigma.org www.sigmasigmasigma.org
This information contained herein is as of December 31, 2014