Deborah Jeter Riggan

Not every young woman who joins a Tri Sigma chapter during their collegiate years has the opportunity to seemlessly continue to serve in a national capacity—but Deborah Jeter Riggan, Alpha Upsilon, did! She attended her first convention in 1974 as a collegiate delegate and Chapter President.

Following her graduation from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Deborah worked as a Collegiate Field Secretary for NHQ, now known as Chapter Consultant, for the 1975 –76 academic year.

While she professionally worked in sales for the next 6 years, she continued her Sigma service as a Collegiate Chairman, Area Director, and Awards Chairman. As her career shifted to teaching, she served as the Collegiate Financial Advisor for the Delta Chi Chapter until becoming the National Field Representative Director in 1987.

When our Centennial Convention was in its early planning stages, Deborah accepted the role of Vice-Chairman. Can you imagine how difficult it must have been to organize a special event of that size before the days of email and free long distance calling? She has attended seven total conventions and credits them for many friendships that have enriched her life.

She was President of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter from 1998–2002. She continued to volunteer for the Walton House Board through 2022. Deborah has lived in the Richmond area for 45 years. Her interests include genealogy research, gardening and hiking. As a new Golden Violet her steadfast service to Tri Sigma will happily continue.