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GoldenGlimpses Spring 2021
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Twin Sisters Follow Different Sigma Paths While most of us still refer to
Scholarship Chair. She won
the women whom we have
Outstanding New Member
known through our affiliation
and Most Outstanding
with Tri Sigma as sisters,
Collegiate Member.
throughout the years, there
After graduating Cum Laude
have been many times when
and being inducted into
siblings have become “sisters
several honor societies,
in Sigma.” Constance Swank
Ilene earned her Masters in
and Ilene Swank Garrett
College Student Personnel
were initiated into the Kappa
from Michigan State
Chapter at Miami University,
University. She served as
Oxford, OH, on the same day May 3, 1970. They are biological twins, but their lives
Assistant Dean of Students Constance Swank, Helen Marie Eggert Snyder and Ilene Swank
have seen different paths since then.
Ilene Swank Garrett, Kappa Chapter
at Hanover College, and Freshman advisor at her
alma mater then went on to work in the areas of professional recruiting. While doing Organization
Although many Tri Sigmas go through recruitment
and Staffing for GE in Louisville, KY, she married
in the fall semester of college, Ilene Swank
her husband, Wayne, in 1988. They have lived in
Garrett attended informal winter recruitment at
Carmel, IN, since they married, except for a year in
Miami University, OH. She was already involved
Paris, France.
in other campus activities and believed sorority
After joining the Greater Cincinnati Alumnae
membership would add another dimension to
Chapter for five years, Ilene became very involved
her college experience. The Tri Sigmas in the
in the Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter and
Kappa Chapter were genuinely interested in
Indianapolis Alumnae Panhellenic after moving to
and supportive of one another as individuals,
Carmel. She has held several leadership positions
and the sorority’s values aligned with hers. She
in both groups and has attended four Tri Sigma
eventually served as the Chapter President and the
Conventions. Ilene shares several of her dearest
friendships have come because of
Constance says that she
her involvement with both groups. A
appreciates the leadership
surprising and memorable moment
opportunities and training
for her was accepting the Triennial
provided to collegiate members
Alumnae Panhellenic Award for her
that empower them to contribute
tireless work as Co-Chair of their
over their lifetimes to their
Centennial Celebration.
professions, communities, and the
Ilene and Wayne have two children.
world. With an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Communication Research from the
David is an alumnus of Phi Delta Theta
University of Iowa, her career path
Fraternity and works in Seattle. Abigail
has led her from mid-level positions
is an alumna of Kappa Alpha Theta
in programs and state and federal
Fraternity and is a Ph.D. candidate in
legislation to senior management
Microbiology at Indiana University in
posts in local, state, national and international
Bloomington, IN. They both have seen firsthand that their mother believes sisterhood is a lifelong
organizations.
experience that can change and evolve to fit
Joining a fraternal organization was nothing new
various life stages.
for Constance and her family. In addition to her
Constance Swank, Kappa Chapter
sister, Ilene, both parents were members of fraternal organizations, her sister,
Constance lives in Tacoma, WA, and
Kathleen
belongs to the Seattle Alumnae Chapter.
Swank, is a
She has also been a member of the
Kappa Kappa
Northern Virginia and Greater Atlanta
Gamma
alumnae chapters and has attended
Fraternity
several conventions. Constance was a
alumna.
speaker at the 2003 Dunham Leadership
Another sister,
Conference. Upon being awarded the
Carolyn Swank
Mabel Lee Walton Award as
Scroggins, is
a collegian, she received a
a member of
gracious personal note from
Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity.
Mabel Lee, Gamma and
Constance has lived in
Omega Chapter, herself after
Iowa, Virginia, Georgia, and
meeting her in Woodstock,
before landing in Tacoma.
VA, in 1971. Like Ilene,
She continues to be active
Constance received the Emily
in her church, volunteers at
Gates Alumnae Achievement
the local food pantry, and
Award. Her national service
the ACT Theater, Seattle’s
includes Chair of the
largest musical theater.
Collegiate Advisory Board and National Public Information Committee, as well
Both Constance and Ilene will now be able to list
as several positions on the Tri Sigma Foundation
being Golden Violets to their record of a lifetime of
Board, including Vice-Chairman.
service to their national sisterhood. 2
From the National President
Golden Violets are beacons of hope and inspiration! Hello Golden Violets! As I sit here out on our deck watching the sunset across the water, the golden glow peeks through the trees. It draws my attention to the beautiful purple blooms and frosted white leaves of the Lamium Orchid Frost growing in our yard…. It’s a welcome sight and offers hope amidst this paralyzing pandemic. Although not a violet, this lovely perennial makes me think of Tri Sigma. It withstands the frigid temperatures and the bleakness of winter and then announces the arrival of spring. It continues to grow lavishly into summer and is a reminder that beauty prevails even through harsh conditions. Perilous times crept in early last year, and we found much of the world at a standstill. As colleges and universities closed their doors, sorority life was found in limbo too. Although challenging on many fronts, the sorority will continue to forge ahead. Our founders’ strength is the importance of our values and the shining examples set by our Golden Violets, providing encouragement and inspiring perseverance in times like these. Indeed, you have seen many trials in your lifetime. Some of you may even remember when polio outbreaks caused responses similar to what we’re experiencing today. But much like perennials, and much like you, our sorority is resilient. It has withstood the test of time for over one hundred twenty-two years, through devastating economic depressions, multiple wars, and previous global health crises. Tri Sigma is discovering new ways to operate and experience the joys of our sisterhood as we continue to make adjustments and acclimate to ever-changing conditions as a result of COVID-19. Virtual programming and virtual recruitment will be a part of regular activity for our newest members and our collegiate sisters. For our alumnae, this is a critical time to stay in touch or reconnect with sisters and continue to support the Sorority. You may be among many who have been financially, physically, or emotionally impacted by this pandemic. If so, I hope you have been able to lean on family and friends, including your Tri Sigma sisters for support. Or perhaps you’ve been able to lend support to your sisters or your community. Either way, I hope you’re taking care of yourself and doing well! Spend time daily, remembering the value of your Tri Sigma experience and encourage others to do the same. You are beacons of hope and inspiration in Tri Sigma, and I thank you for your infinite love and wisdom! Sigma Love,
Natalie Moore Averette, Gamma Beta National President 3
From the Foundation Chair
An Undeniable Force for Good Dear Sisters, As you know, the mission of the Tri Sigma Foundation is to secure and provide enduring resources to support the leadership development, scholarship, and philanthropic initiatives of Sigma Sigma Sigma. I believe when Sigmas band together with a mission and vision, we create an undeniable force for good. So many of you are proud members of the Foundation family. When you give to the Ever True Fund, we support our entire mission, along with essential annual operations. Your loyalty ensures Tri Sigma continues to serve others now and forever. If you have not yet joined our cause, you have the opportunity to expand your Sigma legacy and make a difference. The truth is our mission needs you. I invite you to join our Foundation family because every dollar you invest helps our sisterhood tackle these critical issues: • We need empowered leaders in our community and world that are character-focused, inclusive, and committed to serving others. • We need to provide more scholarship funding to support our members’ academic achievements and to offset the rising cost of higher education. • We need to fund crucial and innovative therapeutic play programs with our health partners to serve our local communities. • We need to fight for the health of all moms and babies as premature birth rates in the U.S. continue to rise. It’s through your generosity, along with sisters around the world, that we stand true to Tri Sigma and the causes that are most meaningful to you. “Ever true to thee, we’ll be.” For Sigma,
JeanMarie Komyathy, Gamma Kappa
P.S. If you’d like to learn more about the Ever True Fund, visit trisigma.org/ever-true-fund.
4
From your Golden Violet Coordinator
Character, Confidence, and Compassion Since the last time I composed a letter to you, our world as we know it has suffered unbelievable challenges. Here in Louisiana, we have survived 17 hurricanes since 2005, the worst being Hurricane Katrina in 2005. With the heartache, isolation, and loss that followed it, those of us living in New Orleans were aware that at least the rest of the world was there to help us. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have challenged ourselves to help ourselves and our loved ones the best we can, but from a distance. We know that every Sigma sister, from those who were newly initiated virtually to our steadfast Golden Violets, who learned a new meaning for the word Zoom, tried to make the best of a frustrating, frightening, and sometimes lonely situation. I have found myself going to the words of the Golden Violet Ceremony many times for inspiration. A quote from the ceremony that gives hope is, “the sturdy though modest violet is known for its perseverance as well as its ability to withstand adversity.” Our Golden Violet sisters have witnessed many difficulties in our lifetimes. We look back, but then we look ahead. We will gather again. We will celebrate another Founders Day. Our sisterhood is 123 years young, and it will persevere. In our bonds,
Mandy Chocheles Gamma Eta Golden Violet Coordinator
Tri Sigma Creed We, the women of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, throughout our lives, strive to steadfastly uphold our vows and cherish our bonds of sisterhood; to become inspired leaders; to support causes greater than ourselves; to seek wisdom and joy; and to live purposeful lives of integrity, faith, empathy, understanding, and love. 5
Golden Glimpses Spotlights Spring 2021 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.
Barbara Berg Richko, Alpha Alpha Barbara Berg Richko joined the
leadership conferences and
Alpha Alpha Chapter at Concord
national officer workshops.
College in Athens, WV, because
For her continued leadership
of the warmth and caring of the
and involvement, Barbara was
members, the chance to serve
recognized as the Alumna
children through the Robbie Page
Triangle Correspondent of the
Memorial (RPM), and the firm stand
Year, Outstanding Alumna of the
the chapter had against hazing.
Region, Alumnae Recognition
Although times have changed since
Award winner, and an Alumnae
Barbara became a Sigma, including
Panhellenic Award winner.
the college now named Concord
Barbara has met several famous
University, these same qualities are
Tri Sigma alumnae. In 1973
what our sisterhood supports to this day.
Barbara was able to visit and stay overnight at
While in the chapter, Barbara was the Athletic
Mabel Lee Walton House. While there, Marie
Chairman and Treasurer. She has remained active
Santee Dunham, Alpha Iota and Omega,
as an alumna, especially as President, Panhellenic
and Jane Kinderman, Alpha Omicron and
Representative, and Triangle Correspondent of
Omega, set up a visit for Barbara to meet
the Nassau-Suffolk Long Island Alumnae Chapter
Mabel Lee Walton, Gamma and Omega. At
over many years. As a national officer for 18
her first alumnae chapter meeting on Long
years, Barbara served as a collegiate chairman.
Island, she met Mary Hastings Holloway Page,
She was a colonization coordinator at Rutgers
learning how the RPM began. Tri Sigma has
University as well as a member of the installation
stayed relevant in Barbara’s life by passing
teams at SUNY Cortland and Hofstra University.
on her experiences learned as a collegiate
She attended seven Conventions and several
and using those same leadership skills in her 6
teaching profession. Her career path led her to
Married for 45 years to her husband, William,
be a mathematics and physical education teacher,
Barbara has a son and daughter and three
along with coaching for more than 32 years. She
grandsons. Her list of community activities is
is still active in sports and has been officiating
a long one. She can add this special Sigma
volleyball for almost 50 years.
recognition to her list of accomplishments for this new recipient of the Golden Violet award.
Dee Ann Myers McConville, Beta Gamma Like many other young women just starting
Dee has fond
college, Dee Ann Myers McConville was
memories of the
somewhat shy and very homesick in the first
one in Philadelphia
semester. She joined the Beta Gamma Chapter
in 1983. She
at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, to make
was in awe of
friends and fill a void left when her biological
the experience:
sister passed away at 18. Dee’s Tri Sigma sisters
representing
helped her get through that difficult time and
her alumnae
became her “real” sisters with a strong sense
chapter as the
of belonging. Her Beta Gamma Chapter sisters
delegate, serving
have remained in close touch with one another
on the hospitality
for more than 50 years.
committee,
After graduating with a two-year Associate’s
meeting National President Mimi Brandt Hiner, Beta Xi and Omega, and getting to know
Degree in Secretarial Science, Dee went on to
Sigmas from all over the country. Dee went on
be an executive secretary for several different
to attend four conventions, making items for
companies. She spent the last 26 years of her
Sigma Shop, and working on a National Long
career working as the IT Director for a local art museum in Indianapolis. Dee and her late
Range Planning Committee.
husband, Scott, moved to Columbus, OH, after
Her Indianapolis Suburban alumnae sisters have
they were first married and lived there for three
been of tremendous support when Dee lost
years, welcoming daughter, Joy. She became
her husband in 2006 and then went through a
very active in the Indianapolis Suburban chapter
breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy in 2012.
after moving back from being a member of the
In addition to volunteering in local community
Columbus Alumnae Chapter. She has served as
projects, Dee travels to Denver to visit with her
President, Vice President, and Secretary, as well
two grandchildren. Dee will proudly wear her
as in several chairmanships.
Golden Violet pin signifying another steadfast
Like many of us who can remember vividly the
sister of Tri Sigma.
first Tri Sigma Convention we ever attended, 7
Nancy Oliver Patterson, Alpha Phi Nancy Oliver Patterson decided that she wanted to join a sorority when she was a freshman at Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mt. Pleasant, MI. She felt a connection to several members of the Alpha Phi Chapter. She was particularly impressed with the pearl ceremony during recruitment. As she says, “little did I know that a decision I made as an 18-year-old girl would have such a positive impact on my life in so many ways.” Nancy and her husband, Gary, a Sigma Chi Fraternity alumnus whom she met in college, moved to several different cities in Michigan, allowing her to join many different alumnae chapters. Her favorite part was meeting women from a variety of collegiate chapters. Nancy has attended several Tri Sigma Conventions, serving as a National Collegiate Chairman in Lafayette, LA, and as the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter delegate in Indianapolis. Nancy recalls singing “In the Light” with Sigmas from all over, taking pride in their past and future connections within the sisterhood. Her career in education included daycare center director, kindergarten and elementary school teacher, and library media specialist in different localities in Michigan. Her community activities include working with the Saginaw Township Community Schools Foundation, which funds grants to improve children’s learning experiences in the school system. Nancy and her husband have two daughters and five grandchildren. The recipient of an Alumna Recognition Award and a Chapter Advisory Board winner for her work with the Epsilon Gamma Chapter at Grand Valley State University, Nancy has continued involvement with her sorority. She has been President and Vice President of the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter. She and a group of Sigmas from CMU have met together for a weekend they call “Spring Fling” for 35 years! Nancy says that the support and encouragement they give one another has been incredible. They can now celebrate her achievement at becoming a Golden Violet.
Mary Webster, Beta Kappa Mary Webster, Beta Kappa at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, is a beautiful example of how quickly our collegiate sorority experiences can fly by, but that we have a whole list of opportunities to keep Tri Sigma in our lives following graduation. While at ASU, she was the Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary simultaneously. She became a member of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter from the summer of 1973 to today. Over the years, Mary has been the President and Vice President and has chaired various committees. Most recently, Mary was instrumental in helping the Phoenix chapter complete a three-year project with the Tri Sigma Foundation. Members raised $12,500, which was matched by the Foundation for a plan to outfit a child life room at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Mercy Gilbert in Gilbert, AZ. Between another $10,000 in grants 8
and special projects in support of the hospital, a total of $40,000 was donated to that facility. Mary is currently serving on the Board of the Tri Sigma Foundation. She has received the Alumna Recognition Award, Outstanding Alumna Award, and Philanthropist of the Month from our national organization. She attended her first Convention in Denver in 1971 and her most recent one in Las Vegas in 2019. Her work and interests have taken her to many places in the world. However, she remembers receiving an invitation to Founders Day when she lived in Korea: it was six months late! Mary has worked with the YMCA, the Girl Scouts, and as Safety Director for an HVAC Company, teaching Construction Safety and Math at a community college, and as a Senior Center Manager with Kinko’s. Her retirement finds her in Phoenix near her family with time to pursue her love of sailing and most sports. She crochets about one afghan a month, loves to read, and finds unique antiques. This philanthropist, traveler, and steadfast Sigma sister will receive her Golden Violet pin from her Phoenix Alumnae Chapter sisters.
Polly Wingfield Horne, Rho Polly Wingfield Horne began her college experience at Florida State University. She knew what her major would be: Government/Political Science. Polly also decided that she needed to fill her days with something other than just classes. Hence, she made plans to participate in sorority recruitment. The Rho Chapter had women who were friendly, smart, and involved on campus. During the following years, Polly served as Recruitment Chairman and Corresponding Secretary. It was a community of what would become lifelong friends. Her career path was not as direct as her sorority choice. Polly worked for the State of Florida as a social worker, dealing with the elderly in nursing homes. She was also involved with child support enforcement, where she met police officers who were part of the work that she was doing. This led to Polly’s decision to pursue a different life path, one in law enforcement. During the next 20 years, she saw every facet of this job, including being a detective. Her involvement in Tri Sigma has always been a constant in Polly’s life as well. She has served as a National Alumnae Coordinator and Extension Coordinator and attended Conventions in Tampa, Nashville, Scottsdale, and Orlando. As a member of several Florida area alumnae chapters, she has served as Secretary for the Tampa Bay Area group and now belongs to the Pinellas County Chapter. Continuing her service to the community, Polly has also been involved with the Child Abuse Council and The Spring, a domestic violence shelter in Tampa. She and her husband, Nelson, live in St. Petersburg. Looking back at her initiation in Tri Sigma 50 years ago, Polly counts that as one of her most memorable sorority moments. She appreciates the friends she has made in different alumnae chapters. Still, she meets her college Sigma roommates annually for vacation. Polly can join another select group of steadfast women who have made Tri Sigma a continuing part of their lives, the Golden Violets. 9
Eligible Golden Violets Elizabeth Johns, Delta Omicron, and Tri Sigma’s National Archivist shares the first Golden Violet Award was presented in 1954 when it was given to Mabel Lee Walton. 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 award; it requires that the member has been loyal and steadfast through the years. Alumnae must be nominated by a chapter or individual member. They must have demonstrated loyalty to the sorority for 50 years or more through active participation in alumna 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. It 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.
Noteworthy
Violets, growing in a garden or in a pot, often appear in clusters of beautiful purple blooms. Several steadfast Sigmas who had belonged to the Chicago SW Suburban Alumnae Chapter, which is now inactive, will be honored with their Golden Violet awards. The sisters who made up this “cluster” of new Golden Violets are: Terri Oldefest Bremner, Alpha Nu
Deborah Stonich McInerney, Alpha Nu Diana Reetz Knagge, Alpha Psi
Susan Slezinger Kluth, Beta Alpha
Susan Hutchinson Martinek, Beta Epsilon Carla Trimarco Scalzo, Beta Epsilon
Many thanks go to the “gardener” who nominated these newest Golden Violets: Nancy Strom McGowan, Kappa, and Chicago Northwest Suburban.
Sisterhood is not a destination, but a journey. 10
Golden Violets received since last edition First Name
Middle/Maiden Name
Last Name
Initiation Chapter
Revelyn
Satterlee
Alpaugh
Pi
Terri
Oldefest
Bremner
Alpha Nu
Lynn
Coco
Cooper-Hinrichs
Alpha Mu
Ilene
Swank
Garrett
Kappa
Polly
Wingfield
Horne
Rho
Diana
Reetz
Knagge
Alpha Psi
Mary
Sawicki
Lovell
Beta Lambda
Susan
Hutchinson
Martinek
Beta Epsilon
Dee Ann
Myers
McConville
Beta Gamma
Debbie
Stonich
McInerney
Alpha Nu
Jeanne
Fogler
Meek
Beta Epsilon
Nancy
Oliver
Patterson
Alpha Phi
Barbara
Berg
Richko
Alpha Alpha
Carla
Trimarco
Scalzo
Beta Epsilon
Karin
Kanit
Schneider
Kappa
Carolyn
Ewan
Schneider
Beta Delta
Joan
Moore
Scott
Gamma Epsilon
Jane
Walsh
Seiboldt
Beta Mu
Claudia
Boggess
Smith
Kappa
Barbara
Walls
Strader
Beta Kappa
Swank
Kappa
Constance Diana
Crowell
Tibbs
Alpha Alpha
Kathleen
DuBois
Wachter
Beta Rho
Webster
Beta Kappa
Yankovich
Beta Rho
Mary Mary
Bowman
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The 2021 Golden Violet Celebration Weekend In the “Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy is famous for saying,
this year’s Golden Violet Celebration plans were
“There’s no place like home!” Tri Sigma proudly
put on pause. It is with much excitement we share
calls the Mabel Lee Walton House our heart home,
the news we will be able to host the weekend. The
and there truly is nothing like visiting this popular
weekend will be altered to meet local, state, and
destination. The Walton House is tucked in Woodstock,
federal COVID guidelines; however, it will still be an
VA, a small town in the foothills of the Shenandoah
important time to catch up with each other, learn
Valley. Over the years, thousands of Sigmas have been
about current sorority initiatives, and tour the city and
able to visit this stately Southern dwelling for a tour, a
local Tri Sigma attractions.
meeting, or even to spend the night.
It is requested Golden Violets interested in attending
In 2012, a tradition began having a special weekend
contact Mandy Chocheles, Golden Violet coordinator,
every three years to celebrate the sisterhood of
sigmom3@aol.com, 504-261-8244, by June 1 to allow
Golden Violets at the Mabel Lee Walton House.
Mandy to work with Sorority staff to plan events
The fourth Golden Violet Celebration Weekend was
accordingly. More information about the event,
to be held this year, Friday, October 22-Sunday,
including official registration, will be emailed directly to
October 24, 2021. With COVID restrictions in place,
all Golden Violets.