Golden Glimpses • 2023

Dear Golden Violet Sisters,

Greetings from sunny Arizona! It’s hard to imagine another calendar has rolled over, but—here we are in our 125th year. I had the honor and pleasure to celebrate our 125th anniversary in Farmvile and enjoyed seeing many of you!

Since working through many of the challenges brought to us by the pandemic, we have thankfully been met with some blessings. Most of our collegiate members were able to participate in primary recruitment in person this past fall. As many campuses still work to overcome declines in enrollment and recruitment numbers, our new member numbers are stronger than we anticipated. Several chapters are currently in the midst of spring recruitment season, and I am confident their Sigma pride will shine as they bring even more new members into our sisterhood.

It’s important to note, though, that Tri Sigma and other National Panhellenic Council organizations continue to experience declines in sorority membership. As ever-increasing tuition prices become more prohibitive, the cost of sorority membership is often out of reach. It’s more important than ever we show the long-lasting value of being a Sigma and help our chapters be as competitive as possible on their respective campuses.

Your Executive Council, along with our NHQ staff, works diligently to guarantee another 125 years for our organization to thrive and grow despite these challenging times in our history and society. Please be assured our work continues to be data-driven and the decisions we make are focused on ensuring value in the lifelong member experience and financial stability of our organization.

As I reflect on my own Sigma experience, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to grow personally throughout the years. It won’t be long before I can join you as a Golden Violet—and I look forward to that event with great anticipation! I thank you for your steadfast years of membership and the many contributions you bring to our wonderful organization. I applaud those of you who give to our Foundation and invite you to consider a monthly donation if you are not already doing so.

I hope to have the opportunity to meet more of you during this triennium so we can reminisce and enjoy just being together. Thank you again for your enduring loyalty to our sisterhood!

In our bonds—and with great Sigma pride,

Joyce Newcom O’Daniel, Alpha Chi National President

P.S. As a Council, we feel communication is key to transparency. This can be seen in our recent Annual Report and The Path Forward e-newsletter which follows each in-person Executive Council meeting. The Triangle magazine, now published each fall, provides an overview of broader topics relevant to Tri Sigma and the overall sorority community. If you feel you are missing any of these communications, please call NHQ at (540) 459-4212 or email sigma@trisigma.org to verify your contact information.