How to Make our Garden Grow
Just like any other garden that needs attention and loving care, we are looking to make our Golden Violet Garden grow. Tri Sigmas, who are fortunate enough to have either an alumnae chapter nearby or a group of sisters who have stayed close over the years, are able to nominate someone meeting the eligibility requirements to receive the Golden Violet designation. The process is simple. The nomination form is found in Sigma Connect under the SigmaPedia Tab, Alumnae Resources. Toni Dinges, Alumnae Membership Coordinator, verifies the financial requirements and is instrumental in arranging for the pin and certificate to be sent for presentation.
There are times this Garden requires a bit of “digging.” Nancy Strom McGowan, Kappa, and
Golden Violet is one of the “gardeners” actively searching for members of the now inactive Chicago
Southwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter. She contacted Toni to help with last known addresses. Nancy then used Google and Facebook, letters and phone calls to reconnect. Some women with whom she spoke were aware of other Tri Sigmas who were eligible for the Golden Violet designation, so she shared the link to the nomination form via email. Success! A growing garden of future Golden Violets is planted.
If you would like to be part of this unique group of gardeners within our most steadfast Sigma sisters, contact Toni at tdinges@trisigma.org or at 540-459-4212. Or contact, Mandy Chocheles, at sigmom3@aol.com. It will be lovely to see a thriving assortment of new Golden Violets in 2020.
Our Founders and Our Heroines
Hello Golden Violet sisters~
It will soon be time to bid farewell to the winter season, and with the departure of chilly temperatures, springtime awaits. The anticipation conjures thoughts of warm breezes, April showers and violets in bloom. As warmer days become increasingly more plentiful and the month of April rolls in, Founders Day always comes to mind too.
Founders Day is a time of reflection... realizing when it all started, where it took place, and remembering the people that brought the sorority to life. Through the years, the values of wisdom, power, faith, hope and love and the principles of our founders have continued to influence the work of the sorority, and our Golden Violets continue to inspire our members. You set the example through your dedicated presence, your longstanding commitment to Tri Sigma and the good deeds that you do.
Not long ago, I attended a March of Dimes event which recognized and celebrated the heroines of Washington in the DC metropolitan area. It was an honor to be there to celebrate with one of the finalists who happens to be one of our very own Sigma sisters. Her video message, shared with a large crowd of people, highlighted her involvement in Tri Sigma, her support of the Foundation, women’s empowerment and the March of Dimes.
Heroines are admired for their courage, good deeds, outstanding achievements, and fine qualities, and it’s gratifying to know there are heroines within our Sisterhood. Golden Violets are like heroines.
Through the decades, you’ve shared your love and have remained devoted to Tri Sigma.
A few days after returning from Washington, DC, I ventured to the movie theater to see It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Once again, I found myself thinking about Tri Sigma...the bonds we share, the experiences we create, the opportunities we have to empower and support each other and the many ways we show kindness.
Much like my philosophy of why I support the Organization and the Foundation, Mr. Fred Rogers shared this sentiment. “Look at us –I’ve just met you, but I’m investing in who you are and who you will be, and I can’t help it.” I express my everlasting gratitude to you, our Golden Violets, for continually investing in Tri Sigma.
In our bonds,
Natalie Moore Averette, Gamma Beta National President
Let’s Stay Connected
Those of you who have read my letters in the Golden Glimpses over the past three years may have noticed mention of my oldest granddaughter, Mallory, several times. When she graduated from high school in 2018, she made the decision to attend LSU. She subsequently joined Pi Beta Phi Sorority and has begun to realize what sisterhood means, even though she has two sisters at home! She is planning on taking a leadership role in her chapter. She also proudly told me that a friend who went to high school with her is a Tri Sigma at another university in Louisiana and was recently elected as Chapter President. In such a short time, these lovely young women are beginning to be involved with their sororities.
I joined the Gamma Eta Chapter at Loyola University, New Orleans, as a junior transfer student. My collegiate experience with Sigma was a short one. I was chosen as Best Pledge and served as Recording Secretary! Now, 55 years later, I can look back at so many extraordinary experiences and friendships that have come my way. As Golden Violet Coordinator, I get to read every nomination form for those women receiving the Golden Violet designation. How special it is to see what has propelled these women, some who were probably not sure of what sorority meant in those early college days, but who have made Tri Sigma part of the fabric of their lives in small ways, or larger ones when possible.
Please encourage any of your alumnae sisters who have not received the Golden Violet designation to send in their “history” with Tri Sigma and always be looking for another generation of young college women to see if they can bring Tri Sigma into their lives as well.
A request: I would love to know how you are currently connected with a collegiate chapter. Is it by attending a Homecoming event? Are you in an advisory position? Would you like to be involved, or in touch, again? Let me know at sigmom3@aol.com.
In our bonds,
Mandy Chocheles
Gamma Eta
Golden Violet Coordinator
Sisterhood is not a destination, but a journey.
Honor Our History And Celebrate Our Future
Destiny Alderin, Epsilon Nu, dreams of one day pursuing a career in training and development because she values building relationships and serving others. However, as a senior, she feels the uncertainty of transitioning from a college student to her future career path. There are hundreds of Sigmas like Destiny seeking opportunities each year through scholarships, leadership, philanthropy, and service that, unfortunately, we are unable to support. You have the power to change this reality – empowering more women for life after college.
While the Foundation has made progress, we still have a lot of work to do. The Foundation currently funds less than 10% of Tri Sigma’s leadership and educational programming needs. Annual programs like Presidents Academy, Recruitment Summit, and Dunham Women of Character Institute directly impact our collegiate chapters and the growth of our sisterhood.
Beyond investing in the future of Tri Sigma, many sisters desire leadership opportunities and educational resources to support their personal and professional development. With your support, you can help us raise more money for our cause and increase our impact. Our Foundation family is built by dedicated leaders and Tri Sigma philanthropists like you.
Join the Foundation on April 20 for our first Giving Day.
As I prepare to honor our history and founders, I will also be celebrating Tri Sigma’s future. I plan to dedicate my gift on April 20 to our youngest sisters across the country who depend upon our support. May they find friendships not only for four years but for a lifetime. May they be empowered to lead and give back to others. And may they always remember “to receive much, you must give much.”
In our bonds,
Bonnie Rainey Chair, Foundation Board of Directors
P.S. Save the date for our Giving Day!
The Steadfast Giving Club recognizes loyal Sigmas who give monthly recurring gifts to support our philanthropy. In less than two years, more than 160 sisters have made the Foundation a philanthropic priority each month. Thank you to the following Golden Violets for leading the way and investing in the future of Tri Sigma!
Marilyn Beiter Beta Xi
Jo Candy Alpha Iota
Mandy Chocheles Gamma Eta
JoAnn Conley Beta Mu
Patricia Foster Gamma Nu
Kathy Jackson Gamma Alpha
Jacque Lewis Beta Gamma First Name Last Name
Bette Lewis Beta Kappa
Suzanne McGlone Gamma Mu
Nancy McGowan Kappa
Phyllis Prange Gamma Alpha
Sandy Sandel Alpha Phi
Ann Seymour Gamma Mu
Helen Shull Beta Gamma
Save time, protect assets and avoid distress with a well-planned estate
When you think about giving to charitable causes, do you think about the legacy you will leave behind? The Foundation believes in providing resources that are beneficial to you and Sigmas of all ages focusing on smart ways to give and financial planning for their family.
Your spring resource is a comprehensive estate planning kit that includes a helpful lesson book and an electronic record book:
• The lesson book will walk you through essential lessons on creating an effective estate plan.
• After completing the lesson book, you can download the record book to begin.
To download your FREE resources today, visit trisigmafoundation.planningyourlegacy.org/personal-estate-planning-kit.
For any assistance or questions about planned giving resources, contact Chris Smithhisler at (317) 373-1347 or csmithhisler@trisigma.org
GoldenGlimpses Spotlights Spring 2020
In each issue of the “Golden Glimpses”, we shine the spotlight on just a few of the many women who are now considered Golden Violets.
Kathy Rayburn Kopperud, Alpha Chi
When most of us made the exciting decision to join Tri Sigma as a collegian, the thought of remaining involved with that campus group 50 years later seemed something we might not consider. Kathy Rayburn Kopperud, who joined the Alpha Chi Chapter at Murray State University as a freshman and served as President and Vice President, has proven that she is an exception to that thought. Kathy has been the Chapter Advisor for her collegiate chapter, working with the young women of Tri Sigma and helping them to learn our values, since 2005. This dedication has been acknowledged by several national and community awards, among them Area Advisor of the Year, Outstanding Greek Advisor at Murray State, and Tri Sigma’s Woman of Distinction. A genuinely memorable Sigma moment for Kathy was when Alpha Chi was named Chapter of the Triennium in 2013.
Kathy’s service to Tri Sigma as a volunteer includes attendance at five Conventions, the 2019 Volunteer Leadership Institute, several Officer Academies, Volunteer Summits and a Dunham Women of Character Institute. She is also a member of the West Kentucky Alumnae Chapter. Each experience has made her realize the value of sisters in her life and the significance of values in guiding her life and decisions.
Kathy and her husband, Bill (a Sigma Chi from Murray State), have two grown children and have co-owned Kopperud Realty since 1987. She is President of the Murray Calloway County Board of Realtors. Not surprisingly, she has also found time to be extremely active in her community. Kathy is the President of a local food pantry and emergency non-profit, and is a member of the Enduring Hope Project to
raise six million dollars to help fund a new Cancer Radiation Treatment Center for a local hospital. She also works with the two local school system Family Resource Centers by donating an average of 1,500 books a year for the last 21 years. Kathy
selects the books for each child based on their interests and reading ability.
Special recognition for this lifelong steadfast Sigma came at the 2019 Convention when she received her Golden Violet at the Laurels Banquet.
Barbara Stichler Bonapfel, Rho
In a large state university such as Florida State, in Tallahassee, FL, finding a group of women with whom you feel the most comfortable was essential to Barbara Stichler Bonapfel. Initiating into the Rho Chapter in 1968, she had found a special place. A Math major, Barbara still made time for her Tri Sigma activities and served as the chapter’s Recording Secretary, Panhellenic Representative and President.
On her Golden Violet nomination form, Barbara shared a memorable Sigma moment. “Upon pledging Rho Chapter in August 1968, I learned that Nelda Frances Crawford was the National President and lived within three miles of my home in Orlando. I spent many afternoons visiting with Nelda over the years. As the first chair of the Collegiate Advisory Board, we had the first meeting in Walton House, where Mabel Lee Walton met with the committee. What an honor! To this day, I have the note that she wrote to me upon my marriage.”
Barbara continued to serve Tri Sigma by working with Collegiate Chapter Extension, as well as being the National Housing Coordinator from 2000-2003 and the National Director of Housing 2003-2010. She has been a Tri Sigma Foundation Committee member and a Chapter Advisory Board
member for the Theta Iota Chapter at Auburn University in Alabama. She attended seven Triennial Conventions and was the Bylaw and Resolution chair for Nashville in 2007.
After teaching school for several years, Barbara began tutoring high school students in Math, which she continued doing for 30 years. She and her husband, Paul, have two grown children and have lived in Atlanta since 1977. Teaching Senior High Sunday School, playing tennis and gardening are some of her favorite things that fill her days now. She remains a member of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, as well.
Barbara received the Steadfast Alumnae Award in 2012. She feels that much of the training for lifetime Sigma service and leadership, in general, she’s received from another very special Tri Sigma, Mary Hastings Holloway Page Lovejoy. Barbara is most deserving of her recognition as a Golden Violet of Tri Sigma.
Debbie Melancon Caliva, Gamma Mu
When you are the first person in your family to attend college, there are many expectations and some doubts as well. Debbie Melancon Caliva belonged to a high school sorority before she enrolled in Southeastern LA University and knew how special those bonds could be. She majored in Elementary Education and joined the Gamma Mu Chapter. As a collegian, Debbie found that Tri Sigma helped her develop so many talents and gifts that she had not realized she had. The feeling of closeness that she developed with her chapter sisters answered any doubts she might have had about how college could change her life.
Following graduation, Debbie’s husband Bruce was in the service, stationed in Texas where she taught various grades throughout her 10 years. Later she worked for 17 years in the family retail business in New Orleans. During that time, she and Bruce had four children. She joined the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter and was Vice President and later President. She remains active in that group, even though she and Bruce have moved to Ponchatoula, north of the city across Lake Pontchartrain.
One of her most memorable moments as a Tri Sigma was seeing her daughter, Cari, initiated into the Gamma Mu Chapter. Mother and daughter attended the Centennial Convention in Tyson’s Corner, VA, in 1998. It meant so much for them to witness that Tri Sigma celebration together. Cari lives in Little Rock, AR, and is involved with other Tri Sigma alumnae there. Debbie is retired now and has time to visit with two of Cari’s children and four other grandchildren who live in Tucson, AZ.
When Debbie received her Golden Violet award with her New Orleans alumnae sisters in April 2019, she recalled what many of us have done on such occasions. Tri Sigma has provided us with wonderful lifelong friends over the years, both collegiate and alumnae sisters, and for Debbie, a Tri Sigma daughter as well!
Nancy Aiken Vail, Gamma Delta
Nancy Aiken Vail attended Adrian College in Adrian, MI, and found that her roommate, her friends in the school choir and the upperclassmen she knew all had the same thing in common: they belonged to Tri Sigma. It made her curious to find out exactly what these women found so intriguing about this group. Over time, she witnessed their strong friendship and sisterhood as well as examples of philanthropy and service. She knew that scholarship was apparent, as this Gamma Delta Chapter always had the highest GPA on campus.
An open bid to join the sorority proved to be an excellent move for both Nancy and her new sisters. She was the Student Government representative for two
years, a song leader and tutor, and the chair of Spring Formal. Some of her most memorable Tri Sigma moments occurred in those college days as she witnessed the Triangle Degree, Spring Sings, and serenades. Her future attendance at multiple Conventions added other special moments for Nancy, notably the Festival of Lights.
Almost immediately after graduation in 1972, Nancy moved and joined the Toledo Alumnae Chapter. Her teaching career included time in high school and magnet schools as well as being Coordinator for the University of Toledo Center for International Studies. She served as Alumnae Chapter President for almost 20 years, during which the chapter won Alumnae Chapter of the Year. She was their Convention Delegate seven times until the chapter closed. Nancy attended Conventions in 2016 and 2019.
Nancy is both a cancer and a stroke survivor. Still, her volunteer activities have been numerous, serving on the Alumni Board of Adrian College and her position as a Girl Scout leader rank among them. She and her husband have been married for 47 years and have four daughters and three grandchildren. Her Tri Sigma friendships have never ended. She looks forward to meeting several times a year with local sisters as well as those from many different states. Now, as a Golden Violet, she continues to epitomize the loving, caring, and sharing she learned 50 years ago.
Susan Slezinger Kluth, Beta Alpha
In the Fall of 1966, Susan Slezinger Kluth began her college career at Northern Illinois University. In addition to planning which classes to take, she decided she wanted to be a part of a group of women who shared like values. She had talents to share in serving others and she wanted to be a leader and a team player. The Beta Alpha Chapter provided all of these ideals. Susan became active right away, learning to budget her time and serving as Panhellenic Delegate.
Fast forward to 1986, Susan had been a member of the Chicago SW Suburban Alumnae Chapter for nine years and was attending her first Triennial Convention, held in Indianapolis. She was impressed with the beauty and formality of it. She loved making items for the Sigma Shop and especially enjoyed the camaraderie of all the sisters. Susan recognized that as a national organization, Tri Sigma provides valuable networking opportunities.
Before the closing of her alumnae chapter, Susan served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. She was an elementary school teacher for 34 years and was busy working with the IL State Board for the Junior Miss Pageant. She was also the first woman to serve as President of her Church Council. Susan has received the Jaycee Woman of the Year Award as well as the AAUW High Esteem Award.
Multiple hobbies keep this steadfast Sigma busy where she lives in Sun City, AZ. Susan will receive her Golden Violet pin and certificate in Spring, 2020.
Eligible Golden Violets
Elizabeth Johns, Delta Omicron and Tri Sigma’s National Archivist, reports in the latest issue of The Triangle that the first Golden Violet designation went to Mabel Lee Walton in 1954. As the first recipient, Mabel Lee was recognized for her 50 years of faithful membership and dedication to the sorority. Liz goes on to report, “but just being a Tri Sigma for 50 years does not automatically earn one this special designation; it requires that the member has been loyal and steadfast through the years. A chapter or individual member may nominate alumnae who have demonstrated loyalty to the sorority for 50 years or more through active participation in Alumnae life, serving the sorority as a volunteer and paying lifetime dues or dues for over 20 years. The award marks a special achievement for women who have held such long-term dedication to Tri Sigma, and often becomes a goal for many Tri Sigma women.” If you know of other members who have been steadfast to Tri Sigma for over 50 years, nominate them, and they, too, could join this select group of women.
First Name Middle/ Maiden Name Last Name Initiation Chapter
Stephanie Diane Bickers Alpha
Barbara Berg Richko Alpha Alpha
Jean Moyer Metzger Alpha Chi
Beverly Peterman Schelling Alpha Epsilon
Nancy Diamond Strother Alpha Kappa
Nancy Allen Whitney Alpha Lambda
Jeanne Wurzlow Domingue Alpha Mu
Nancy Oliver Patterson Alpha Phi
Carol Ann Stevenson Alpha Phi
Nannette Susan Peffley Alpha Rho
Laura Ward Sweet Alpha Sigma
Gloria Luttrell Freye Alpha Upsilon
Vicki Vandegrift Martin Beta Beta
Ruth Darby Dean Beta Delta
Margie Joan Leitch Beta Epsilon
Jeanne Fogler Meek Beta Epsilon
Kathryn Brown Swope Beta Epsilon
Kathleen Jones Fruchey Beta Gamma
Dee Ann Myers McConville Beta Gamma
Sally Skillman Beta Gamma
Catherine Short Stephen Beta Gamma
First Name Middle/ Maiden Name Last Name Initiation Chapter
Theresa Neese Westerfeld Beta Gamma
Sheryl Lynn Smatana Beta Kappa
Barbara Walls Strader Beta Kappa
Mary Rita Webster Beta Kappa
Mary Sawicki Lovell Beta Lambda
Jewell Gaye Underwood Beta Phi
Mary Jo Zimmermann Urbanek Beta Pi
Lois Wiegand Wolff Beta Pi
Rosemary Phillips Burton Delta Alpha
Fraya Pugh Clark Delta Alpha
Ruth Abernethy McCreary Delta Alpha
Paula Moore O'Brien Delta Alpha
Mary Ann Osborne Delta Alpha
Marilyn Wall Phillips Delta Alpha
Kathryn Elizabeth Lawson Delta Beta
Donna Huff Harward Delta Delta
Andree' Michelle Aubert Delta Epsilon
Gail Elizabeth Brinkman Delta Gamma
MaryJean Westling Thorsland Delta Gamma
Julie Fritz Bergman Gamma Delta
Marcia Toms Dunnigan Gamma Delta
First Name
Brenda Lane Schnaidt Gamma Delta
Karen Graham Serilla Gamma Delta
Margaret Mitera Gerner Gamma Epsilon
Sheila Maureen McQuillan Gamma Epsilon
Melanie E. Hocking Gamma Kappa
Margot Estelle Hammond Gamma Mu
Sarah Beach Belinski Gamma Nu
Mary Lane Burns Gamma Nu
Claudia Ann DelZoppo Gamma Nu
Shirley Sylvester Boots Gamma Omicron
Sally Swanson Krier Gamma Phi
Julie Erickson Myhre Gamma Phi
Camille Cancienne Boudreaux Gamma Pi
First Name Middle/ Maiden Name Last Name Initiation Chapter
Joy James Thomas Gamma Psi
Ilene Swank Garrett Kappa
Karin Kanitz Schneider Kappa
Claudia Boggess Smith Kappa
Constance Swank Kappa
Deborah Green Johnson Nu
Vicki Morris Emery Pi
Cynthia Lord Heintzelman Pi
Kathleen McKnight Baird Rho
Margaret Josephine Clark Rho
Kathryn Ann Hamilton Rho
Polly Wingfield Horne Rho
Judith Gentry Johnson Rho
Golden Violets received since last edition
Susan Slezinger Kluth Beta Alpha
Nancy Aiken Vail Gamma Delta
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Golden Glimpses is published twice a year for the Golden Violets of Sigma Sigma Sigma.
Editorial Staff:
Mandy Meehan Chocheles
Aimee Jensen Boland
Toni Ritenour Dinges
Desiree Paulhamus
Design: Laura Manthey Design
Production and Mailing: Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation
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