The Triangle • Spring 2012

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Triangle

Women of Character of Sigma Sigma Sigma

Spring 2012

Tri Sigma:

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Character COUNTS!

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Founders Day Program

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from the president

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Let’s Talk Women of Character

Greetings!

KAYE SCHENDEL Gamma Phi | National President

This issue of The Triangle is all about character. Many of you are aware that Tri Sigma has recently entered into a partnership with the CHARACTER COUNTS! organization. CHARACTER COUNTS! (“CC!”) is the nation’s most widely used character education framework. There are nearly 900 national and regional organizations that have joined the CC! Coalition committed to teaching, enforcing, advocating, and modeling its Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

We are just starting to learn what impact this partnership will have on our organization. I am certain you will continue to hear more about CC! as we get further into the initiative.

In May of 2011, a group of us participated in an intense training session with a CC! facilitator. One of the things the trainer shared with us is the list of each of the six pillars included in this issue of The Triangle.

When I got home from training, I put this list on the bulletin board above my desk and I find myself referring to it often.

These are very simple concepts that in reality can be very difficult to put into practice! Imagine what a different place the world would be if we all followed these pillars of character.

A while back, I found myself putting the pillar of fairness and caring into action for myself. I was at the mall and it was

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2012

busy and parking spots were scarce. It was also winter in Wisconsin and fairly cold.

As I was circling the mall parking lot I spotted an open spot fairly close to one of the doors. I am sure this has happened to you, too – just as you pull up to turn into the spot another car comes careening down the lane and signals to turn into the same spot. I had a choice to make. I could zip in ahead of the other car and say “A-ha! I beat you!” or I could offer up the spot. All this is going on in my head as I quickly surveyed the other woman’s car.

I noticed that she had two car seats in the back with children in them. I also quickly thought about what was the right thing to do. The right thing was to let her take the spot and find another one. Now I have to tell you that I hate cold weather. Anyone who knows me can attest to that. And I also have to tell you that in the past I would have just taken the parking spot and not given it another moment’s thought. But since learning more about the Six Pillars of Character and making a commitment to integrate these into my everyday life, I am making different decisions each and every day.

I challenge each of you to think about these Six Pillars of Character.

You can learn more about them at www.charactercounts.org.

Remember always: CHARACTER COUNTS!

Your Voice Dear Tri Sigma:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and praise the Sisters of the Zeta Psi chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma for their love and compassion for one of their own Sisters and her family.

Last November I had taken my wife to a doctor’s clinic in Dallas, TX for treatment of a serious illness. We left our daughter, Jennifer, home as she was a junior attending The College of New Jersey. We were in Texas for the month of November, away from our daughter. Jennifer was very worried and concerned about her mother’s health.

While there, I received a call through my son, who they had located, indicating that the Sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma were secretly planning to send Jennifer to Texas for a weekend in November. They directly communicated with me to keep this a surprise for Jennifer and my wife.

The Sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma raised money to fly Jennifer to Texas for a family weekend.

When all the arrangements were finalized, the Sisters surprised Jennifer by presenting her with airline tickets at a chapter meeting. The girls had arranged the flights and transportation to and from the airport.

When Jennifer found out she would be traveling to Texas, she contacted me and we secretly made plans to surprise my wife. All of the plans were completed perfectly and Jennifer and I were able to surprise my wife with her visit.

My daughter’s unexpected presence in Dallas had an extremely beneficial effect on my wife’s health and gave us an opportunity to share a family weekend.

The generosity, compassion and love the sorority displayed exhibited all the qualities of Sisterhood that Sigma Sigma Sigma represents. As a family, we will be forever indebted to the Sisters of the Zeta Psi chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma for their efforts in making this trip possible and allowing us to spend time together as a family.

Thanks again to the Sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma for all of their thoughts and efforts to help our family.

Sincerely, Carl Peterson

Dear Tri Sigma: I am very grateful for the many generous donations given to the Struthers Foundation for Educational Excellence in Jamie’s name.

We were able to make a sizable gift to current and future Wildcats ($3,000+). Thank you for helping us to honor my brother.

Due to your donations we have started the James Evanson Memorial Scholarship to be given to a Struthers High School football player of good character. We are hoping to give the first scholarship this spring.

The

Triangle VOLUME 12, NUMBER 1

Features: 11 Women of Character: Collegiate Perspective 12 Women of Character: Alumnae Perspective 14 Character COUNTS! 16 Women of Character: The Gift of Life 17 Women of Character: Stacy Sommer Lambrecht 18 Flirting with Omega Chapter 20 Character COUNTS! Poster

Departments: 4 Inside Sigma Sigma Sigma

The women of Tri Sigma are nothing less than amazing. Through the wonderful donations, phone calls and emails I have seen the character of the women of Tri Sigma and could not be prouder to be a member of this organization.

10 Housing

Thank you again for your love and support.

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Our Alumnae

In our bonds, Jessica Evanson Meyer, Alpha Beta

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Our Foundation

*Note: The Alpha Beta chapter at Kent State University raised funds in honor of Meyer’s brother who was killed in a car accident.

22 Our Collegians

39 Omega Chapter

Editor’s Note:Thank you to Carl and Jessica for sharing the impact Tri Sigma women are having.Your letters illustrate how our chapters are reaching out to help others and demonstrate what it means to be women of character. Again, thank you for sharing!

Design & Editing

Innova Ideas & Services

Executive Council 2010–2013

Editor-at-Large

Hillary Ashton, Zeta Beta

Alumnae Editor

Mandy Chocheles, Gamma Eta

National President Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi

Collegiate Editor Sherri Ballard, Alpha Nu

National Treasurer Bonnie Rainey, Alpha Sigma

Features Editor

Emmy Smith, Epsilon Pi

National Vice President Bethany A. Deines, Beta Kappa

Copy Editors

Katie Lauer Wadington, Epsilon Xi Jocelyn Harper, Alpha Beta

National Vice President Emily Eure Ellis, Gamma Beta

Director of Cori Wallace Marketing & Communications Sigma Sigma Sigma 225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664-1424 p 540.459.4212 | f 540.459.2361 E-mail: sigma@trisigma.org www.sigmasigmasigma.org

National Vice President Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi National Vice President Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi

Changes of names and addresses and death notices should be sent to National Headquarters, 225 North Muhlenberg Street, Woodstock, VA 22664-1424.

Postmaster: Please send notices of undeliverable copies on Form 3579 to Sigma Sigma Sigma, 225 North Muhlenberg Street, Woodstock, VA 22664-1424.

The Triangle of Sigma Sigma Sigma is published two times a year by Sigma Sigma Sigma, 225 North Muhlenberg Street, Woodstock, VA 22664-1424.

Payment of membership dues includes $2 toward the cost of The Triangle subscription.

Articles are invited for publication in this magazine.

Manuscripts should be submitted to the Editor for consideration.

Acceptances are on a contributing basis only and are subject to editorial review. All copies and photos become the property of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Member of National Panhellenic Conference and Fraternity Communications Association. © 2012 Sigma Sigma Sigma

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Lucy Wright (James) Sallie Michie (Bayley) Louise Davis (Hall)

inside sigma sigma sigma

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Martha Featherston

Margaret Batten (Randle) Elizabeth Watkins (Houston) Lelia Scott

Isabella Merrick (Earle)

Dear Sigma Sisters, In the twenty years since I have been a national officer, I have had the honor to meet extraordinary women of character. I had the privilege to know and work with nine of our National Presidents and countless national and local volunteers. I have witnessed exceptional chapter presidents and officers lead their chapters to excellence.

I have watched dedicated alumnae remain faithful to Tri Sigma their entire lives. What I know to be true about every single one of these loyal Sisters is that they share a love for our Sorority and exemplify character in every part of their lives.

I have every belief that if our Founders could reappear today, I would see the same qualities in them that I see in our members now. After all, they set this path in motion. Our values reflect those they believed to be important: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. James Miller Leake wrote our ritual to reflect these characteristics and summarized them so eloquently as a belief in wisdom, power, faith, hope and love.

‘‘

On Founders Day we pay tribute to the eight women who started Tri Sigma. But we also acknowledge every single woman who has worn the Triangle badge and vowed to uphold our core values. Each of us shares a commitment to character. Each of us strives to live our ritual in our daily lives. Each of us is known to be a woman of character.

‘‘

This year’s Founders Day program, written by Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron, touches on the six pillars of character as well as our timeless core values.

At every Founders Day event, you will hear wonderful examples of how Sisters demonstrate character in what they do and say. Take a moment to rejoice in their accomplishments…as well as your own.

On Founders Day we pay tribute to the eight women that started Tri Sigma. But we also acknowledge every single woman who has worn the Triangle badge and vowed to uphold our core values.

On April 20, 2012, we will come together to celebrate our 114th Founders Day. I extend the warmest greetings and well wishes on behalf of the Executive Council and hope you enjoy this very special day!

In our bonds,

Bethany A. Deines, Beta Kappa National Vice President

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Founders Day Program 2012 Our Founders:The Pillars of Our Character

By Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron

We gather today to celebrate our Founders, the strong women who laid the foundation for our Sisterhood. From that foundation, tall pillars now stand: women of character, the women of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Our eight founders taught us how to be women of character. When they came together to form the secret society now known as Sigma Sigma Sigma, they led by example. They came together with the values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love.

It was with these values that they worked to make the world a better place by doing what is right even when it is not easy. They found ways to be charitable. They were loyal, faithful unto death. These women are Sisters we look up to and admire. Our Founders are examples for us in how to lead our lives.

RESPECT

We look not only to our Founders for examples of how to lead lives of character, but also to our chapter members and alumnae. When we look to our Sigma Sisters, we can find many good examples of how to live lives congruent with the Six Pillars of Character that stem from our core values.

FAIRNESS

TRUSTWORTHINESS We swear our loyalty to the Sisterhood at our initiation. We remain honorable by living our life by a set of values brought forth to us by our Founders.

We act courageously when we do what is right even when it is hard to do.

This exemplifies the Sister who is always there for you, ready to listen to you, or to lend you a hand.

We live with dignity. We live by the Golden Rule. We treat our Earth with the future in mind.

This is the Sister who treats others with dignity and protects our Earth.

RESPONSIBILITY We stay true to our obligations.

We live with pride and perseverance.

We take charge of our own life.

The Sister who never goes back on promises and doesn’t wait around but makes things happen on her own is an example of this pillar.

We live lives without prejudice and favoritism. We strive to be openminded and impartial to others no matter the differences that we may have.

This is the Sister who remains impartial in her treatment of others no matter who they might be and is able to see the point of view of others.

CARING We treat our Sisters and all people with compassion. We are empathetic toward others, even when they are different from us. We are considerate of others and our surroundings. We are charitable with are time, talents, and resources.

The caring Sister is one who will show love toward others even when they might be different from her or they don’t show love back to her.

CITIZENSHIP We work toward the greater good through service. We volunteer to help others. We strive to create a better place for all people to live.

The Sister who strives to serve others who are less fortunate or to raise awareness for a good cause is a good citizen.

As Sigma Sisters, we have followed in the footsteps of our Founders. Each of them lived as a woman of character rooted in the values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love. They serve as examples for us today. We honor our founding Sisters and all the women who have come before us by living out our lives guided by our Sigma values and these foundations of character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

We gather on Founders Day to honor and look up to the eight women who laid the foundation of our Sisterhood in Sigma Sigma Sigma. Yet we can also look to our Sisters and friends to see women leading lives of character and helping to make the world a better place.

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National Panhellenic Conference 2011 Annual Meeting

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October 14 – 16, 2011, Austin,TX Jennifer M. Siler, Alpha Delta Pi, Editor of the Adelphean

The National Panhellenic Conference delegation members, executive directors, inter/national presidents, editors, NPC office staff members, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and guests gathered Oct. 14-16 at the Hilton Austin Airport in Austin, TX, for the 2011 Annual Meeting.

Throughout the three-day event, various groups and committees met to discuss the business of the Conference, learn from guest speakers and plan for the future.

“Advancing Sorority Together” was the theme of the annual meeting. In her opening remarks, NPC Chairman Eve Riley, Delta Delta Delta, told attendees, “The Conference is doing very well in our vision, mission, and value statements and in our

organizational effectiveness.” She said sorority women are telling their stories effectively, adding that can be measured by the increased number of women participating in formal recruitment — a figure that is up by 8 percent this year over last. In addition to increased numbers, NPC member organizations are doing a better job of retaining their members.

On Friday evening, Dr. Lori S. White, Sigma Kappa and vice president for student affairs at Southern Methodist University, discussed the future of higher education in the 21st century and the impact of NPC. Saturday morning featured a town hall meeting with presentations by Kyle Niederpruem, Kappa Delta; Erin Nemenoff, Theta Phi Alpha; and Anne Emmerth, Chi Omega.

Nemenoff, chairman of the Measurable Outcomes Committee and a doctoral research fellow with the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, reported on the 2010–11 NPC survey compiled by the committee.

Survey results show organizational, operational and programming information – along with bragging points.

n Delegatio nate; igma NPC S u, 1st Alter i it Tr u K 1 1 y0 le 2 an nate; M er a lt d n A egate; Li son, 3rd t, NPC Del da Hender esident n ee Pr Li Sw al e; n ra at io u n at La Alter hendel, N rette, 2nd r; Kaye Sc Natalie Ave ve Directo ti u ec Ex , tter Marcia Cu

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“The Conference is doing very well in our vision, mission, and value statements and in our organizational effectiveness.”

— NPC Chairman Eve Riley, Delta Delta Delta

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • 26 NPC member groups reported a total of 4,292,824 initiated women.

• 26 NPC member groups reported 3,031 collegiate chapters.

• 22 NPC member groups reported 67 chartered chapters.

• 24 NPC member groups reported that 92,294 of the women pledged were initiated (102,284 total women pledged), for a 90.2 percent initiation/retention rate.

• 12 NPC member groups reported that the average new member GPA for fall 2010 was 3.09.

• 19 NPC member groups reported that 1,063 scholarships were awarded for undergraduate study.

• 16 NPC member groups reported that 30,380 undergraduates are housed in property owned by an NPC member organization.

• NPC member groups’ national philanthropic activities raised $16,659,749.

The Alumnae Awards Luncheon, held Saturday, featured guest speaker Jan Langbein, Chi Omega. Langbein is executive director of Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas and until 2009 held a presidential appointment as a senior policy advisor to the director of the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.

During the closing banquet Saturday night, Pete Smithhisler, president and CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), received the Executive Committee Interfraternal Service Award. Lissa Bradford, Kappa Alpha Theta, received the Executive Committee Distinguished Service Award.

After the new Executive Committee was installed, Jane Sutton, Alpha Xi Delta, NPC chairman for the 2011-2013 biennium, closed the meeting with these words: “We can reflect on the past, but we must realize that the world is moving faster than ever. We must adapt to changing times, but hold fast to the principles that have gotten us this far. When it comes down to it, look to the Sister on your left and your right and ask how they will strengthen your potential.”

THE CONFERENCE PASSED THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THE UNANIMOUS AGREEMENTS (UA): • Sovereign Rights Protection: This UA ensures that all College Panhellenic documents and policies do not infringe on the sovereignty, rights and privileges of the individual NPC member fraternities and the NPC Unanimous Agreements.

• NPC Hazing Policy: This UA added the NPC Resolution on Hazing to the Standards of Ethical Conduct section.

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DATE

Golden Violet Celebration Walton House October 5-7, 2012 All Golden Violets are invited to attend a Legacy Celebration the weekend of Oct. 5-7, 2012, at Walton House in Woodstock, VA. This will be the first time Golden Violets will be honored at our National Headquarters. It will be an opportunity for Golden Violets to convene and celebrate with each other their steadfast membership as Tri Sigmas. The setting at Walton House is most appropriate for this event.

Many Golden Violets have never had the opportunity to visit National Headquarters and the beautiful countryside in the Shenandoah Valley surrounding Woodstock.

The Golden Violets will be allowed to stay at Walton House for only $20. Accommodations may also be made at nearby motels. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served each morning at Walton House. A dinner celebration will be held at a nearby restaurant, where Golden Violets will be able to share stories and memories together.

Golden Violets are encouraged to bring mementos to share or even donate to Walton House. Several stimulating sessions are planned regarding Tri Sigma history, Tri Sigma Today updates, and current programming.

There will also be time for some sightseeing to Mabel Lee Walton’s grave, the New Market Battle Field, the Woodstock Museum, and other areas of interest. Of course, a tour of the Mabel Lee Walton House will be on the agenda.

We need to know how many Golden Violets will be able to attend. RSVP by emailing National Headquarters at jjett@trisigma.org or calling 540-459-4212 before June 1. Financial commitment will need to be made

by Aug. 1 so plans may be finalized.

“We hope to see all you wonderful Golden Violets for a lovely time together,” says Carolyn Wallisch, Iota and Golden Violets Coordinator. T h e T r i a n g l e | 7

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Congrat ulat ions!

CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations to the following chapters who are celebrating anniversaries in 2012.

COLLEGIATE Anniversary 95th

Charter Date 1917

90th

1922

85th 80th 70th

1927 1932 1942

60th

1952

45th

1967

30th

1982

25th

1987

20th

1992

15th

1997

10th

2002

Chapter Omicron Pi Chi Psi Alpha Epsilon Alpha Xi Alpha Phi Alpha Chi Alpha Psi Beta Pi Beta Rho Gamma Pi Gamma Rho Delta Upsilon Delta Chi Epsilon Theta Epsilon Iota Epsilon Kappa Zeta Eta Zeta Theta Zeta Kappa Zeta Chi Zeta Psi Eta Alpha Eta Beta Eta Epsilon Eta Zeta Eta Xi Eta Omicron

Alumnae Anniversary 85th 80th 70th 60th 55th 50th 45th 40th 30th 20th 15th

8 10th

Charter Date 1927 1932 1942 1952 1957 1962 1967

Chapter Maryville, MO Tulsa, OK Emporia, KS Sacramento, CA Twin Cities, MN Chicago North Shore, IL Eastern, NC Charlotte, NC 1972 Nashville, TN Parkersburg-Marietta, WV 1982 Northeast, FL 1992 Piedmont Triad, NC Daytona Beach, FL 1997 Sarasota/Manatee Counties, FL Northshore, T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2012 LA 2002 Greater Pensacola, PA Southwest, FL

2012

Officer Academy

Officer Academy 2012 was a huge success. Officers learned about their strengths, leading strategically, and building skills to have fierce conversations.

Our core values and character took center stage as well as we hosted Academies in Charlotte, Denver, Little Rock, Philadelphia and Chicago. We were able to add a fifth West Coast location this year thanks to the generosity of Heather Mergler Mitchell, Epsilon Xi, who offered the following about the spirit of our chapters out west: “I have always been impressed by their independence and attitude.�

We thank Heather for her commitment to Tri Sigma.

sigma connect

We’re thrilled to see your interest in the brand new, designed for you Recruitment Toolkit!

Program Team Volunteers, RSTs, and staff have been working over the past 4 months to create resources for the recruitment toolkit based on YOUR requests. You can’t have a recruitment process without resources, and we’re thrilled to show off a recruitment toolkit with more than 190 IDEAS that will allow you to access materials whenever, and wherever you want them.

Grab a to-do list, rate, comment and use these resources, and share with your chapter advisory boards! It should help you plan your recruitment using tools, tips, to-do lists and solutions for problems that your chapter faces.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! Email your thoughts on the new Recruitment Toolkit to sigma@trisigma.org.

Your Guide to The Triangle CORRECTION In the Fall 2011 issue, Ana Avila, Epsilon Alpha, was listed with the incorrect chapter affiliation.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Email your letter to the Editor to triangle@trisigma.org, for possible inclusion in the Your Voice section.

Please include your full name and chapter of initiation.

The Triangle reserves the right to publish any letter received. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

GETTING PUBLISHED All Sigmas are encouraged to submit news and stories to The Triangle. All submissions are subject to editing for content, grammar, and space. Submit stories to triangle@trisigma.org and include your chapter name in the subject line. Also be sure to include your first, maiden, and last name. If your submission includes a photo, you can attach it to your email, but please

ensure the file size is at least 1MB, and all subjects portrayed in the photo are identified (first, maiden, last name, and chapter affiliation) in your email.

Because of the volume of articles we receive, we cannot guarantee publication of any submission.

SUBMISSION DEADLINES Fall 2012 Issue Deadline: May 15, 2012 Theme: Sisterhood: Finding Your Balance Finding balance in life is vital if we are to achieve our full potential. Many times, reaching a perfect balance can be challenging. The demands on our time from family, friends, work and Sisterhood require a concerted effort to manage it all and find a place in our lives for the unique richness offered by each. Our Fall 2012 issue of The Triangle will provide stories of inspiration on how our Sisters are striking a perfect balance and getting the most out of life.

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housing

Alpha Xi

Alpha Xi Chapter House University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Whitewater, WI HISTORY

HOUSE EVENTS

The current Alpha Xi house became home to the chapter in 1969. The house was built by a doctor in the 1800s.

Lucy Baker, a professor of the university, sold the house in 1968, and an addition was added. The house’s history is still present through woodwork and the old cream style brick on the exterior.

Each year, the chapter opens its doors to the other sororities on campus during the All-Sorority Round Robin. At this event, each sorority provides a three-course meal and showcases its house. The Alpha Xi Chapter also opens the house to alumnae and families during Homecoming and Founders Day.

HOUSE FACTS

Over the years, the house has been a place where Sisters can come and strengthen their Sisterhood. The house is made to feel welcome to all and provide a space where many Sisters can enjoy their time.

The Alpha Xi Chapter rents the house from DLK Enterprises in Whitewater, WI. The house holds 24 student tenants. There are 13 bedrooms (which hold one, two, or three women per space), eight bathrooms, a chapter room, living room, kitchen, craft room, laundry room, and lounge room. Although it is a large house, the chapter meetings and events are held on campus to accommodate the size of the chapter.

REMODELING AND UPDATES House renovations are completed through the landlord.

In 2010, the basement was refinished to create more of a “home” feel. Women use the kitchen and lounge area to study, hang out, and make meals. In 2011, the sorority purchased a new sign in front of the house.

The biggest accomplishment in the last year was the e formation of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma Alumni Housing Corporation. Previously, the sororityy house was student managed. The Corporation consists sists of five Tri Sigma alumnae members and one Delta Chi alumnus. More alumnae are now actively engaged in n housing. The chapter and Housing Corporation have e started saving money for further renovations and potentially starting a nest egg to purchase the house e in the future.

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“Living in the house for more than three years really enhanced my experience with Alpha Xi,” says Ashley Berg, Alpha Xi House Corporation Secretary. “It allowed me to truly learn what Sisterhood is and how just one house can make a difference. I am glad to be making the house even better through my role on the housing corporation so that more women can have the same opportunity that I had.”

Alpha Xi Chapter will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary at Founders Day on April 21, 2012. For more information on the house or the 80th Celebration, contact Karen Cartwright at sigmatrisigmatrue@yahoo.com.

Women of Character

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Tri Sigma: Women of Character

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Collegiate Perspective on the CHARACTER COUNTS! Initiative

By Christina Lynn Miller, Epsilon Rho

When I applied to attend the Tri Sigma Character Development Seminar in Chicago in summer 2011, I had no idea I would be chosen or that attending would have such a huge impact on me!

As Tri Sigmas, we know we should be living as women of character. I have always prided myself on the values my parents instilled in me from a young age, including faith, family, responsibility, hard work, and compassion, to name a few. But attending the CHARACTER COUNTS! seminar with other collegians, alumnae, Headquarters staff, and Foundation and Executive Council members was an eye-opening opportunity for me to take a personal “values inventory” to see how I really measured up.

Since attending the CHARACTER COUNTS! seminar, I find myself questioning small, everyday decisions that previously I would not have thought twice about.

I was also lucky enough to make my first visit to the Walton House last summer to sit in on the strategic planning session for Tri Sigma’s CHARACTER COUNTS! Initiative. I can tell you that what is in the works is exciting stuff!

I remember seeing a Twitter post recently that read: “Tri Sigma has more guts and passion for change than most groups.” I think it sums up the work that so many Tri Sigmas have been doing in regards to CHARACTER COUNTS! Although I couldn’t tell you who wrote the post, the quote has really stuck with me.

The women I have had the privilege of working with on the CHARACTER COUNTS! Initiative genuinely care about this organization. They are proof that

sorority membership is for life and they are taking responsibility for their membership and working to leave our organization better than they found it.

For me, being a woman of character comes down to values. Something that I’ve come to realize is that every single person has a completely different set of values. Some value staying close to family and friends, some value becoming successful, some value helping others, and some value staying physically fit and taking good care of themselves. All of these are positive things, but not everyone holds the same values to the same level of importance in their lives.

So, I believe that living as a woman of character begins with finding out what your values are and then making a conscious decision to live by these values.

My values include faith, family, empathy, dedication, and hard work. Sigma has taught me to become a better version of myself through incorporating my values into my daily life. Through Sigma, I work hard for things that are important to me, I stand up for what I believe is right, I listen to my Sisters and try to help them solve issues, I involve my family members with my Sigma Sisters, and learn to balance all of the many things that have meaning for me in my life.

For me, a woman of character is someone who recognizes what her values are and lives every day by, in a way that shows everyone what she stands for.

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Women of Tri Sigma: feature

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Women of Character Alumnae Perspective

By Mandy Chocheles, Gamma Eta and Alumnae Editor EDITOR’S NOTE FROM MANDY

When asked to supply some stories of Sigma“Women of Character” for this issue, alumnae answered the call – and mightily so. Comments from Janice Schafer Brill, Beta Gamma, of the Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter rang so true about all of our alumnae that we wanted to begin with her comments. Although they may pertain specifically to her chapter, what she submitted can be echoed about many Sigma groups, and Sigma alumnae in general. Thank you, Jan! The Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter believes there is not just one outstanding Woman of Character among its ranks but that every member is a character-driven woman. Through our work, community involvement, and Sigma dedication, we feel the character of each and every one of us is driven by the experiences of our lives; experiences that have shaped and molded us into who we are today. Our chapter is a patchwork of women who are highly involved with their families, places of worship, communities, and professions. We range in age from our mid-30s to our Golden Violet years. Our fabric of Sisters includes an executive administrative assistant, an editor, a director of technology, professional educators, stay-at-home moms, and retired women. What weaves us together is the common thread of Sigma and everything it stands for. This quilt resembles our chapter: unique individuals stitched together by Sigma to create a beautiful tapestry of love and dedication.

The Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter had a special Sigma as its president for five years, beginning in 2005.

Tina Enzweiler Blenkush, Beta Pi, was instrumental in providing a working relationship with the Simpson Women’s Shelter in Minneapolis. During her tenure, the chapter sponsored a “Birthday Bag” event with the shelter, which provided birthday cake, frosting, candles, balloons, candy and an age-appropriate gift in a birthday bag for every child celebrating a birthday in

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the shelter for a particular month. This was a successful service project for several years, and ultimately won a National Programming Award for the alumnae chapter.

While she served as president, Tina’s home became an alumnae chapter “hang-out.” Local service projects, planning meetings, an Alumnae Initiation, and work parties for other events all seemed to be held there.

In preparation for the 2007 Nashville Convention, alumnae made crafts for Walton House. Tina boxed up all the items and took them to Nashville with her.

There, she spent hours with the Nashville Convention Committee, believing that time spent with them would give the Minneapolis chapter a head start when it was their turn in 2010 to host Convention.

She then immediately agreed to change hats and became Assistant Convention Co-Chair. With her creative mind and versatility with crafts of all kinds, she also had the energy and determination to persuade Sisters to help with whatever needed decorating or make things come together. Outside of Sigma, Tina was a stay-athome mom who was active in the local elementary school Parent/Teacher Organization, school events, and in scouting and sports with her children.

Tina and her husband, Rick, and their two children relocated to Atlanta in 2010. The Twin Cities alumnae will always be proud to call her Sister and look to her as an excellent example of a Woman of Character.

Character The Nashville Alumnae Chapter is extremely proud of Helen Sharrett Shull, Beta Gamma. This Golden Violet exemplifies the word “character.”

As a collegian, she was proud to be a Beta Gamma and served as Rush Chairman. After graduating, she was a charter member of the Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter. Shull has fond memories of their Beta Gamma days, and still keeps in contact with many of her Sisters. She proudly tells friends that those women nurtured her into adulthood.

When she moved to Nashville, Shull became a very active member of the alumnae chapter, serving in many different roles. Giving back to her community is important to her; she is a volunteer for the Monroe Harding Children’s Home and at the Hospital Hospitality House, hand-makes baby quilts for the YMCA Domestic Violence Shelter, and teaches knitting at Fifty Forward Senior Center.

She is an accomplished artist and makes cards for shut-ins. Her artwork has been entered in juried shows. A special painting will soon be hanging in the Eta Chi house at the University of Missouri in Columbia. When Melissa Berman, Eta Chi, was doing an internship in Nashville, she had great difficulty finding short-term housing. Being a true Sigma, Berman contacted the local alumnae chapter, asking if any Sigma could help her. Shull immediately offered to let Berman live in her home. She painted a beautiful picture of violets to honor their friendship. Nashville alumnae are planning a road trip to Missouri in the fall of 2012 to present the painting to Eta Chi when their new sorority house is completed.

Shull is a living reminder that involvement with, and dedication to, Tri Sigma lasts not just a few years on a campus, but for a lifetime.

Jimmy-Ann Manich Smestad, Gamma Eta and New Orleans Alumnae Chapter, is a perfect example of how a Sigma Woman of Character can survive

what life – and its challenges – can bring, and how personal determination and the help of Sigma Sisters can make that life better. Smestad pledged Gamma Eta at Loyola University in New Orleans in 1966, along with several friends from New Orleans who had been together since fifth grade. She enjoyed being the Rush Chairman during that time. After graduation, she taught school in New Orleans and Miami until her son and daughter were born. As New Orleans became the host to the 1984 World’s Fair, she decided to take her love of history, especially of her hometown, to the next level. She took courses that included tourism and became a tour guide in this interesting city. The alumnae chapter depended on her greatly in 1989 as they prepared to host Tri Sigma’s Convention; Smestad was put in charge of the tours that were offered to attendees.

Taking her career to a new level, Smestad became a concierge in 1990 at a hotel in the French Quarter, a busy and demanding position. This was combined with a variety of personal challenges and health issues that that were ultimately diagnosed as multiple sclerosis. She began using a wheelchair in 1995.

She not only continued working, but became a member of an elite group of worldwide concierges, Les Clefs d’Or (The Gold Keys), as well an officer in the local Concierges Organization. She continued doing what she loved, until late August of 2005 and Hurricane Katrina. She lost her home and most of her belongings, as well as her job. With the help of her two grown children, she returned to New Orleans several months later and retired. But she remains in touch with fellow concierges and attends many of the alumnae chapter functions.

Smestad says that Tri Sigma has provided continuity and comfort through the years for her. Actually, she is the one who provides the example for what being a Woman of Character means to her New Orleans alumnae Sisters.

The Tr i a n g l e |

Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa • Orlando, FL • June 21-24, 2013

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Women of

CHARACTER COUNTS!

By Chris Smithhisler, Iota Alpha and Director of Programs

I’ve noticed that as Tri Sigmas we say, “We are women of character.”

So, often, when you ask collegians the follow-up question of, “What does that mean?” there isn’t a clear answer. CHARACTER COUNTS! helps us give language and action to define the word “character” and define for our members what it truly means to be a Woman of Character.

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agenda other than strengthening the moral fiber of the next generation.

The Six Pillars of Character are: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. These pillars and their definitions help us frame character and make well-informed, valuesbased decisions.

In 1992, 992 the Josephson Institute hosted a conclave of 30 of the nation’s top experts in character education and representatives of many of the leading youth serving and educational organizations to formulate a national framework for character education. The result was the Aspen Declaration, a character-development document consisting of six core ethical values defining character.

These are shared ethical values; they are not political or religious in nature. CHARACTER COUNTS! has no

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2012

“The Women of Character Initiative will provide our entire membership with the foundation upon which they can build their lives. We are extremely excited to announce this significant and deliberate partnership with CHARACTER COUNTS! and look forward to what the future holds for the women of Tri Sigma,” says Kaye Schendel, Gamma Phi, National President.

Character has always been important to Tri Sigma.

Now, and in the next few years, you are going to see character take on a whole new emphasis throughout all areas of our organization. Our education and leadership programs, volunteerism, policies and standards will all be framed through the lens of character. Character-based education will be a common thread through all we do.

Why? Because it’s who we are.

Character Michele Pa

ganotti, Et

a Psi and La

ura Ward

, Alpha

llie Glen Darling

tine, Psi and Ca

ut Allison Swick-D Sweet, Alp

ha Sigma

MEET THE ADVOCATE TEAM A 26-woman advocacy team consisting of members of Executive Council, staff, and more than 15 alumnae and collegiate members of Tri Sigma, participated in a three-day Character Development Seminar in May 2011 facilitated by the Josephson Institute. A Lead Advocacy steering committee developed a set of outcomes and objectives. From those conversations, a timeline and a set of priorities were established. The Advocate Team includes (starred women serve as Lead Advocates): Kaye Schendel, Gamma Phi Liz Hoffert, Beta Xi** Bonnie Rainey, Alpha Sigma Emily Ellis, Gamma Beta Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi** Laura Sweet, Alpha Sigma Mary Ellen Baxter, Beta Kappa Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma Lorin Phillips, Alpha Upsilon

Cori Wallace, Delta Gamma Sorority Aimee Jensen, Eta Iota Tiffany Fay, Alpha Chi Kara Miller, Epsilon Delta Shelly Musser, Beta Epsilon Lisa White, Alpha Phi** Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron Callie Darling, Alpha

Michele Paganotti, Eta Psi** Stacey White, Alpha Chi Jennifer Pollock, Epsilon Rho Breana Boyer, Alpha Phi Kristen Gay, Epsilon Phi** Katherine Granger, Beta Xi** Christina Miller, Epsilon Rho** Lauren Moran, Gamma Rho** Chris Smithhisler, Iota Alpha**

RESOURCES: www.CharacterCounts.org Sigma Connect – Women of Character Initiative Release The Tr i a n g l e |

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Women of

The Gift of Life: How a Little Peer Pressure Can Go a Long Way

By Ellen Scheide, Epsilon Pi

If you had asked me three years ago if I would ever think of being on a bone marrow registry, I would have told you “that’s crazy.” I had never donated blood, and I was afraid of having my blood drawn. My Sisters changed that for me. They were passionate about students joining the National Bone Marrow Registry. Out of peer pressure, I joined thinking I would never actually be found as a match. Little did I know…

In November 2010, I was contacted as a potential match.

I still remember where I was – filling out reports for Tri Sigma with my past president. I couldn’t believe it! We called the Sister who had encouraged me to join. I had feelings that I have never had before. This opportunity to help save a life could not be passed up. I followed directions and submitted a medical questionnaire online and waited.

I received my second call in December. I went through blood tests and a long medical questionnaire and hoped that I would be chosen as the best match for this patient.

On January 5, 2011, I received a call at 2:45 p.m. I was the best match for a 59-year-old male with acute myeloid leukemia. I took in a whirlwind of information the next few days. I scheduled my informational meeting only to have to end it early so I could get on the road to Officer Academy in Atlanta. We scheduled to finish it the following week, but it was postponed by a snowstorm in South Carolina (we don’t handle snow well). Through all of those obstacles, we finished the meeting and scheduled appointments for medical exams and more blood tests. Finally, it was time to decide when to donate. While my preparation began four days prior to the donation, my patient had to begin preparing seven days in advance. I decided Jan. 31 in Virginia would be the best

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2012

place for me to donate. After receiving injections for four days, I flew to Virginia. These injections caused my bones to overproduce what they wanted, peripheral blood stem cells, and thus push them into my blood stream.

The donation day was long g but calm. I arrived for my last dose of injections and was hooked d up tto o a machine. This machine iss much like a plasma donation machine, achine, which spins your blood forr what it wants and returns what it doesn’t need. Five and a half hours later, or two and a half movies, I was done. That was it. All I could do was hope that my donation would take ake in my patient’s body.

Since donating I have had two updates on my patient. nt.

All is looking up, and I couldn’t uldn’t be happier. I encourage all of you to join this registry.

The chance to save someone’s life is overwhelming and exhilarating.

Character

C

Stacy Sommer Lambrecht

By Donna Ruth Grogan Herndon, Alpha Chi Courage, faith, and determination were probably not on the mind of Stacy Sommer Lambrecht that 1988 Homecoming Day at Murray State University, Murray, KY. This freshman from Rockford, IL, had a date with the SGA president and was a legacy pledging Sigma Sigma Sigma. Her parents were in town for the weekend festivities. An unplanned trip to the Emergency Room turned that idyllic weekend upside down. On October 14, 1988, she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.

Lambrecht was forced to leave college as she began a battle for her life. Cold, hard statistics gave her less than a 5 percent chance of survival without a transplant of healthy bone marrow.

As she entered the second year of her battle, the Murray State campus mobilized, determined to find a bone marrow match for her. Blood sample processing at that time was expensive but the students were undeterred. The Alpha Chi chapter sponsored a pancake breakfast and Pi Kappa Alpha, her dad’s fraternity, sponsored a softball tournament.

Panhellenic, Interfraternity Council, and other campus groups also raised funds.

“A Sommer Day at MSU” was declared by the MSU Board of Regents for February 28, 1990. The 1991 MSU yearbook, The Shield, detailed the efforts. One quote stated, “Response to Stacy’s illness was astounding…Students flocked by the hundreds to have blood tests taken, hoping to be able to donate bone marrow to Stacy.” More than $20,000 was raised and a total of 400 names were added to the National Bone Marrow Registry. Her story was covered by WPSD-TV, which serves portions of four states. She had captured the heart of a campus and a region.

A match for Lambrecht was never found but lives were saved as matches were made for others. She underwent experimental treatments at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Treatment Center in Seattle and spent 115 days in the hospital undergoing chemo and radiation. By the grace of God, she survived.

Lambrecht’s story once again impacted the MSU campus in the spring of 2011 when Tri Sigma and Pi Kappa Alpha joined efforts for the third time to add more names to the bone marrow registry. In 2005, the groups had worked together for their second drive, when Chris Smith, a Pi Kappa Alpha alumnus, was diagnosed with leukemia. Jackie Taylor Smith, Alpha Chi and Chris’ sister-in-law, helped to coordinate the 2005 drive. Smith lost his battle with leukemia, but Taylor Smith graciously returned to assist with the 2011 drive.

While learning the history of Alpha Chi’s involvement in campus marrow drives from Donna Ruth Grogan Herndon, Alpha Chi and Alumnae Relations Advisor, the collegians found out that Stacy never returned to MSU and was never initiated. It was then that the next chapter of Lambrecht’s Sigma story began to unfold.

Alpha Chi Leah Kirchoff invites Murray State students to participate in the 2011 Bone Marrow Drive.

The chapter invited Lambrecht to become an Alumnae Initiate. e.

In May 2011, Stacy and her mother traveled d to Chicago to meet Alpha Seated: Nancy Gregory Sommer; new initiate Stacy Chi collegian Sommer Lambrecht; Sigma Sisters Donna Ruth Lexi Sosh and Grogan Herndon and Pat Tichenor Emmons, Kathy Rayburn who have been involved with Stacy’s life and illness Kopperud, Alpha since her birth 41 years ago.

Chi Chapter Advisor, who were attending the Dunham Women of Character Institute and CAB/ Volunteer Summit. Almost 23 years after she received her first Arc Degree, Lambrecht donned her original new member pin and ribbons and once again pledged herself to Sigma Sigma Sigma.

She was initiated on July 23, 2011, in the presence of 21 Sisters, including her mother and two of her contemporaries, several of her original pledge class and Alpha Chi members. The Initiation was planned to coincide with a reunion of approximately 40 Alpha Chi members from the 1980s, providing ample opportunity to continue the celebration of her initiation. Lynsey Freeman, Alpha Chi president, commented, “It was truly a humbling experience to act as president during Stacy’s initiation this past summer. She has been through so much and fought so hard to complete her journey to become a Sister.

It was also amazing to connect with the other alumnae present for Stacy’s initiation. It really demonstrated to me that we really are Sisters for life and we can connect, no matter when active.” The celebration continued as Lambrecht joined her mom’s generation of Alpha Chi alumnae at a reunion in Nashville, TN, later in the weekend.

Difficulties in life can make us bitter or better; the choice is ours. When asked to share her feelings, Lambrecht said “I remind myself that there are always people who have been through worse life experiences than I have had. I do know that cancer has made me a stronger and better person. Some wonder ‘Why me?’ I am glad it was me. Other lives were saved by marrow matches that were made. And cancer gave Bryce, my husband, and me a beautiful healthy daughter. Her birth mother was a teenager who made a wise choice to give her up for adoption. I now call Brynn my ‘Cancer Gift.’ Everything in life happens for a reason. We might not find out for years why things happen, but deep in my heart I believe God has a plan for us. Thank you to all my Sigma Sisters, MSU friends and family for all their support and always being there for me.

MSU will always be a part of my life. I am now so happy to be a Sigma Sigma Sigma.”

She has inspired her Sisters and all are privileged to know her through her courage, faith and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity. Thomas Carlyle once said, “Adversity is the diamond dust heaven polishes its jewels with.” Stacy Sommer Lambrecht is a jewel we can now proudly claim as our Sister.

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Flirting with Omega Chapter Sigma Sisters Live it Up

S

Jane Scoville, Beta Gamma

We called for Jet Skis but ended up with a pontoon; more appropriate, I suppose, for seven 65-plus-year-old ladies. After telling the girl at the marina that she will recognize us when she sees us, we hang up, hoping against hope that she will later look up at us and say it: “Oh, you don’t look like old ladies at all.” Which she, of course, does – but does not look as if she means it.

She takes our money and leads us back outside to the waiting pontoon, shuffles through some simple instructions, and turns her back on us. The one most knowledgeable about Lake Wawasee (in Syracuse, IN) steps into the driver’s seat while the rest of us maneuver inside, each reaching back to offer a hand to the next. Settling onto the benches around the perimeter, we smile at each other through the sputtering of the motor. The smells of gas and oil seem ripe with adventure.

Everything seems so still until we lurch into the channel. A sleek red speedboat enters the calm water beside us, and we smile and nod at the young couple inside. But the boat’s owner is soon standing and shouting at us to be careful, don’t hit his boat.

We manage not to, but nonetheless feel as chastised as if we have.

Yet as we enter the open waters of the lake, an expansiveness of possibility surrounds us.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2012

We have come together once again this summer in honor of those years spent together at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, almost 50 years ago as Sisters in Tri Sigma sorority, Beta Gamma chapter (now dormant). We were known on campus as the fun girls, lively and attractive; and I suppose these bi-yearly reunions have something to do with an attempt to step back into what we once were. They have helped us weave our memories and laughter of the past into a backdrop we cement in place with these shared experiences of today. We meet in Indiana, where most of us still have ties, willing to travel from California, North Carolina, Vermont, Arizona, and Chicago.

At first we amuse ourselves by pointing out all the lake homes that sprout Ball State flags. We toot the horn and sometimes wave at those on shore. The sun soon warms us, driving down through what we hope are not old ladies’ hats. Soon we’re sweating, and a couple of us are ready to paddle around in the cooling

At last, we know the value of friendship – and yes, love. And we know that when one of us begins to slip under, the others will be there to offer a helpful hand and the warm embrace of Sisterhood. And what then can be so dark or dangerous? waters. Our driver suggests waiting until we find the sand bar, but Anne and I are insistent. We stop the boat and kill the motor before we lurch our way down the ladder and into the delightful tingle of cold water.

It feels glorious as we kick around awkwardly, bobbing here and there, unsure of what to do next. I keep my eyes focused on the boat and hear them shout that they are heading off to pick up my fellow swimmer.

“Oh no, wait,” I say, “Let me get back in first. I’m done, just wanted to get wet.” And I do my best to splash back and scramble up the ladder. Once I’ve set foot inside, we are hurrying off to Anne, who has somehow let the boat drift far away from her and seems to be flailing in the water. We get close enough to see that something is indeed wrong and shout at her to get on her back and try to breathe slowly.

She manages this, but it is clear she is panicked and gasping.

We realize with disbelief that there are no lifejackets.

But someone finds a pole and extends it to Anne, who grasps hold of it like the lifeline that it is. Somehow we get her up the ladder and into the boat. She says she saw the boat so far away, the other boats too close, and felt the water too deep and too cold; suddenly it was hard to breathe, her heart beating very fast. She is relieved and all right now, but says she needs to lie down on one of the benches. We notice with surprise that her legs are shaking. How could this be Annie, the most calm and relaxed of us all?

Just then my hat blows off, and I yell to turn the boat around; the hat is too new and too expensive to ignore. The boat comes close, but not close enough for anyone to grab it. Knowing that it will soon sink, someone clamors in after it. She retrieves it, puts her feet down, and realizes we have found the sand bar.

We drop anchor, and the others get out to cool off and swim. Anne sits up and I move beside her.

subject. I don’t fully understand what has happened, but do I need to? Her beautiful calm exterior has always belied any possibility of panic. I notice that I am shaking a little also as, not knowing what to say, we chat mindlessly with the others in the water.

Later that night, after dinner and a change into our pajamas, as we sit around the card table, someone mentions that Annie could have died.

This incomprehensible reality fills the room like the elephant everyone refuses to acknowledge. The walls move in; there seems little room to breathe.

How could it happen – and to Anne? On a pontoon boat? On a familiar Indiana lake? Incomprehensible…

And then comes the unwanted realization that perhaps we really are seven old ladies in foolish hats on an old-ladies’ rented boat, bumping along through the waves, smiling foolishly, unaware of the depths of the dark dangers now surrounding us.

Later that night, snuggled into covers on a cot on the screened-in porch, I try to make out shapes in the shadowy darkness. Boats are scraping against piers, light laughter comes from next door, and intermittent engine sounds rumble from far back along the highway. Air moves in gusts that swish through the trees, making everything even more indistinct. Nothing seems set in place. It is apparent there is a darkness all around us, even on bright and sunny days like this one has been. It is just waiting.

But not for today. And we know that, old ladies or not, we are so much more than we have ever been.

At last, we know the value of friendship – and yes, love. And we know that when one of us begins to slip under, the others will be there to offer a helpful hand and the warm embrace of Sisterhood. And what then can be so dark or dangerous?

I ask her how she is, of course, but I don’t know whether to pursue it or divert her attention to another

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A Woman o Is a good person, someone to look up to and admire • Knows the Sets a good example for everyone • Makes the world a

Trust wort hiness INTEGRITY

DO: Stand up for your beliefs • Follow Your Conscience Be honorable and upright • Live by your principles no matter what others say Have the courage to do what is right and to try new things even when it is hard, costly • Build and guard your reputation DON’T: Do anything wrong • Lose heart if you fail or don’t get what you want

HONESTY

DO: Tell the truth and nothing but the truth • Be sincere • Be forthright and candid DON’T: Lie • Cheat • Steal • Be sneaky, tricky, or deceptive

RELIABILITY DO: Keep your promises • Honor your word and commitments • Be dependable • Do what you are supposed to do Return what you borrow • Pay your debts • Be on time LOYALTY

DO: Stand by and protect your family, friends, school and country • Be a good friend • Look out for those who care about you Keep secrets of those who trust you DON’T: Betray a trust • Let your friends hurt themselves • Do anything just so others will like you • Ask a friend to do anything wrong or spread gossip that could hurt others

Respect

GOLDEN RULE

DO: Treat others the way you want to be treated Respect the dignity, privacy and freedom of all individuals Value and honor all people, no matter what they can do for you or to you • Respect others’ property – take good care of property you are allowed to use and don’t take or use property without permission • Respect the autonomy of others – tell them what they should know to make good choices about their own lives DON’T: Use or manipulate others • Abuse, demean or mistreat anyone

TOLERANCE & ACCEPTANCE NONVIOLENCE

DO: Judge others on their character, abilities, and conduct without regard to race, religion, gender, where they live, how they dress or the amount of money they have • Be tolerant, respectful and accepting of those who are different from you Listen to others and try to understand their points of view DO: Resolve disagreements, respond to insults and deal with anger peacefully and without violence DON’T: Use threats or physical force to get what you want or to express anger

COURTESY

DO: Use good manners • Be courteous, polite and civil to everyone DON’T: Use put-downs, insults or ridicule to embarrass or hurt others

To d e v e l o p i n t h e m s t r

of Character…

difference between right and wrong and always tries to do what is right better place • Lives according to the “Six Pillars of Character”

DUTY

Responsibilit y

JUSTICE

DO: Know and do your duty • Acknowledge and meet your legal and moral obligations

ACCOUNTABILITY DO: Accept responsibility for the consequences of your choices, not only for what you do but what you don’t do • Think about consequences on yourself and others before you act • Think long-term • Do what you can do to make things better • Set a good example DON’T: Look the other way when you can make a difference • Make excuses or blame others PURSUE EXCELLENCE

DO: Your best • Persevere • Don’t quit • Be prepared Be diligent • Work hard • Make all you do worthy of pride

SELF-CONTROL

DO: Take charge of your own life • Set realistic goals • Keep a positive outlook • Be prudent and self-disciplined with your health, emotions, time and money • Be rational – act out of reason not anger, revenge or fear • Know the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do • Be self-reliant – manage your life so you are not dependent on others; pay your own way whenever you can

Cit izenship

Fairness

DO: Be fair and just • Treat people equally • Make decisions without favoritism or prejudice • In imposing punishment be sure the consequences for wrongdoing are consistent, certain and proportional (not too harsh or lenient) DON’T: Take more than your fair share • Take advantage of or blame others unfairly

OPENNESS DO: Be open-minded and impartial – consider what people have to say before you decide • Be careful – get the facts, including opposing viewpoints, before making decisions (especially blaming or accusing another)

Caring

CONCERN FOR OTHERS

DO: Be compassionate and empathetic • Be kind, loving, and considerate • Be thankful and express gratitude for what people do for you • Forgive others for their shortcomings DON’T: Be mean, cruel or insensitive

CHARITY

DO: Be charitable and altruistic – give money, time, support, comfort without strings for the sake of making someone else’s life better, not for praise or gratitude • Help people in need

DO YOUR SHARE

DO: Be a good citizen and a good neighbor • Care about and pursue the common good • Be a volunteer – help your school and community be better, cleaner and safer • Protect the environment by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and cleaning up after yourself • Participate in making things better by voicing your opinion, voting, serving on committees, reporting wrongdoing and paying taxes

RESPECT AUTHORITY & THE LAW

DO: Play by the rules • Obey parents, teachers, coaches and others who have been given authority • Observe just laws Honor and respect principles of democracy

ong womanly character

our collegians

Collegiate News

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Collegiate News Collegiate Chapter Reflections PSI – MARSHALL UNIVERSITY HUNTINGTON, WV Marshall University’s Psi Chapter is now at campus capacity with 65 newly initiated members. This fall’s recruitment theme was “Set Sail with Sigma.” Each recruitment event was a separate destination around the globe, including an African safari, a tropical escape to Fiji, a Mexican fiesta, and a trip to Japan. This theme not only helped the chapter recruit 16 new members, the chapter also won best recruitment theme for PHC formal recruitment against the campus’ three other sororities. Psi chapter is off to a great start and is looking forward to the rest of the 2011-2012 school year.

BETA DELTA – SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV While we do a lot together as Sisters, this year we really came together with a Thanksgiving Potluck.

Organization, creativity, and time management were the keys to making this event successful. Held at the home of a Sister, each woman brought a part of our meal. We had near full participation and all the food you could imagine! It was a great way to celebrate our new members coming into the chapter, as they were initiated that week as well, and say goodbye as we were all going on Thanksgiving break that next day.

GAMMA LAMBDA – UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – EAU CLAIRE EAU CLAIRE, WI In November, Gamma Lambda held its first Women’s Street Self-Defense class. The event was open to all UWEC women students, staff, and faculty. In addition to basic self-defense techniques, Curtis Huff from Karate America taught safety tactics for a range of situations. We received support from organizations like the Army National Guard, Vagina Monologues/ V-DAY campaign, MOSA (Men Opposed to Sexual Assault), and the UWEC Feminist club. Not only did the event bring positive publicity to our chapter, it also brought us together as women and Sisters.

GAMMA MU – SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY HAMMOND, LA On Oct. 24, 2011, the Gamma Mu Chapter participated in the Paige Dejean Family Walk/Run. Paige Dejean was a 7-year-old girl who died in her own home after being struck by a stray bullet. Every year, the family holds the event to raise funds for a scholarship for early childhood education. When Meredith LaBorde, chapter secretary, learned about

this event she suggested our chapter participate.

We ended up having the largest support group at the event, and every single one of our women was moved by what the Dejean family had to say about their daughter. This event helped us see that there is more to life than just school, work, and fun. Paige Dejean will never have the chance to grow up, go to college, join a sorority, find a career, get married or have children. Her family will never be able to see her succeed as she journeys through school and life.

Paige Dejean was a bright young girl who had a bright future. The Sisters of Gamma Mu chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma will forever hold this young girl and her family in their hearts. It seems fitting that we do this as her favorite color in the seven years of her short life was purple.

DELTA PI – WINTHROP UNIVERSITY ROCK HILL, SC Being over the campus limit for the fall, we were unable to take any new women. The Chapter took this opportunity to focus on our becoming more unified by focusing on our Sisterhood. Camping trips, movie nights, pumpkin carvings, and relaxed bonding time gave us the opportunity to discover what our character really is and what it means to us. We believe that our character is best described as being truthful, supportive and a little quirky. During spring formal recruitment, our renewed bonds are going to be seen by everyone.

DELTA PSI – ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY PHILADELPHIA, PA This fall, Delta Psi had the honor of being asked to assist with the recruitment efforts for the recolonization of our Alpha Delta Chapter at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Chapter Sisters attended the Open House kick-off for Panhellenic Formal Recruitment in late September.

Approximately 40 Delta Psi Sisters then assisted (along with Sisters from Delta Upsilon Chapter) with the Preference Event for our future colony members on Oct. 29. All the Sisters are very thankful to have had this opportunity to be part of the spreading of our Sisterhood and meet our future Alpha Delta Sisters!

EPSILON BETA – UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO, AR On Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, the women of Epsilon Beta participated in the “Out of The Darkness” walk. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, this is an opportunity to increase awareness of suicide and raise funds to aid in the prevention of suicide.

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our collegians Collegiate members were joined by alumnae on the walk from the Clinton Presidential Library through the Riverfront Park of Little Rock, AR. Our choice to participate was motivated by one of our advisor’s experience with a parental suicide. We were reminded of the impacts of suicide after a member had a friend take his own life. As we listened to the speeches given by those who had been affected and those who had decided to take a stand, we all realized how devastating suicide can be to those left behind. The walk raised $55,000 to help bring suicide awareness programs into schools across the state of Arkansas and to support individuals who had attempted to commit suicide. People who are struggling with this issue feel as though they have no support system. Our relationships with our Sisters should be nurtured to ensure we all have that support. We were all deeply touched by this event and hope to help make a difference on our campus, in our community and the lives of others.

EPSILON THETA – OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY ATLANTA, GA As we recently came together for a ritual workshop, we were unsure what to expect. We assumed they would explain that we have ritual because it makes our sorority unique, and unifies Tri Sigmas all over the country. In our discussion about our ritual, we also addressed our individual styles as leaders, and how our similarities and differences interplay with our Sisters to improve our chapter. Throughout this workshop, we addressed the improvements we want to make for our chapter, as well as improvements we want to make for ourselves. We ended the workshop with a candlelighting.

As each Sister shared and listened, the unity in the room was indescribable. Our ritual workshop showed us that Sisters are here for each other, willing to grow for each other, and really are working to move “ever forward.”

EPSILON KAPPA – UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – OSHKOSH OSHKOSH, WI Faith, Hope, Love, Wisdom, and Power: These are the values of Sigma Sigma Sigma. They are not simply words, but a code of conduct for the women of this sorority.

On Oct. 5, 2011, the women of the Epsilon Kappa chapter, on the UW-Oshkosh campus, took to the streets and marched with other members of the Fox Valley community in the 21st Annual Take Back The Night Rally. The event was to stand up to violence against women and give a voice to those who have been silenced. Held at the Reeve Memorial Union Ballroom law enforcement and service agencies provided information about creating support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The atmosphere of the ballroom shifted as survivors began to share their stories. Hearing the stories of real women, varying in age, was a wake-up call. Our values are something that we hold near and dear to our hearts, but not everyone experiences this security. The realization of this injustice fostered a desire within the women of the Epsilon Kappa chapter to make their voices heard and to fight for

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others. Walking arm in arm and chanting with the rest of the community, Tri Sigma promised to never stand by while another woman or child suffered. It takes the bond of Sisterhood, everlasting determination, and amazing character to speak up when all others remain silent.

EPSILON RHO – MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY – MANKATO MANKATO, MN We normally do a Mocktail Sisterhood each year to learn about safe drinking habits. Partnering with Delta Chi fraternity, we opened the event up to the entire campus with the support of our student senate. The Mocktail party was held at in the student union and attended by more than 80 people.

ZETA LAMBDA – WINGATE UNIVERSITY WINGATE, NC Our chapter made fall treats including assorted muffins, brownies, and cookies to sell and raise funds for the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. Members worked the table during lunch hours for three days, and had people coming back for more of their tasty treats the following days! Many treats were sold for 50 cents each, raising a total of $80 for our philanthropy in just a few hours!

The chapter had a wonderful time baking together and collecting donations for our philanthropy.

ZETA RHO – JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY PROVIDENCE, RI In September of 2011, the Sisters of the Zeta Rho chapter assisted the Provincial division of the Silent Witness Project.

Our support began with set-up for a vigil to bring awareness of domestic violence to the students and citizens of the city.

The day of the program, a group of volunteers walked through the streets of downtown Providence, RI, holding life-size crimson cut outs. These represented a life lost to domestic violence. The walk ended in front of a municipal courthouse, where a list was read of more than 100 people who died as the result of domestic violence in the last 15 years in the city of Providence. Since participating in the Silent Witness Project, the Sisters have started a project to bring awareness about domestic violence to the university.

Epsilon Mu Surrenders Chapter It is with sincere regret that Executive Council voted to suspend the charter of our Epsilon Mu Chapter, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, effective November 1, 2011. The Chapter had been suspended by the University and Tri Sigma for violation of University and Tri Sigma policies. We thank the Epsilon Mu alumnae and advisors who have provided such positive and valuable support.

When and if conditions are appropriate for our return, Sigma Sigma Sigma will actively seek the opportunity to become a productive and viable chapter at Rowan University. All members still attending Rowan in the 2011/2012 academic year have been terminated, depledged or relinquished their memberships.

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Lindenwood University Theta Delta Chapter Installed In fall 2010, Tri Sigma began colonization efforts at Lindenwood University, leading to the Theta Delta chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma being officially installed on Saturday, February 25, 2012.

The celebratory weekend began with a Pre-initiation meeting hosted by Liz Hoffert, National Vice President, Brittany Parrott, Regional Consultant and Megan Moore and Morgan Fishburn, Regional Support Team members. The women then followed with a fun night which included lots of karaoke!

In total, 34 collegiate members and two alumnae members were initiated, concluding with the initiation of Jaime Salsman, honor initiate. The installation benefited greatly from the hard work and dedication of officers Hoffert, Parrott, Fishburn and Moore.

Chapter Advisory Board members Kate Walls, Alicia Christ, Megan Mark, Kortney Miller, Maureen Mohan, Clare Reisel, Leah Richmond, Andrea Swinea, Laura Watson, and Megan Wetzel, as well as collegiate members from the Theta Gamma chapter at McKendree University, also assisted with the installation.

Following the initiation, women shared their accomplishment with family, friends and the university officials who helped them along the way. The newly initiated Theta Delta women each received a special gift, a charter dangle to be worn with their badge, something that they, as individuals, will have for a lifetime. Additionally, the chapter will receive a framed charter.

A temporary charter was presented to Chapter President, Erin Verble by Hoffert. The evening closed with a special reading of the poem “Pearl” written by Veneshaw Hodge.

Theta Delta Initiates ALUMNAE Caitie Arnold Erica Mills COLLEGIATES Staci Bradford Amber Briggs Alexis Cook Courtney Cox Kristy Davis Sydney Dawson Heather Goldstein Callie Henderson

Ana Hernandez Cynthia Hilke Veneshaw Hodge Joey Jackson Kelly Kenny Katherine Kolisch Hannah Lawson Hope Mares Lauren Morris Nicolette Napolitano Amy O’Brien Megan Olshwanger Taylor Robinson

Jaime Salsman Shannon Schultz Stephanie Schwartz Emily Sinn Lauren Smith Kathleen Terbrock Haylee Thompson Kristine Toeniskoetter Erin Verble Vicki Viehman Shahde’ Walker Jackie Williams Caitlyn Wood

OVERHEARD: “This weekend is about to be underway! Can hardly handle how excited I am! We did it Sisters of (soon to be)Theta Delta! SO much Sigma love.”

— Staci Bradford “There are some people that enter your life and impact it more than ever expected. There are a thousand reasons that I love Sigma Sigma Sigma – never underestimate living your values and the bond of Sisterhood. I enter into this Sisterhood trusting each of you fully and loving every one of you. Congratulations Theta Delta! We did it and we did it big! “ — Erin Verble, Theta Delta Chapter President “Sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma, Thank you so much for all your warm wishes these past few weeks.

The installation process was completely life changing.We are all so honored and privileged to be a part of such an amazing organization!

We are ready to jump right in and begin our journey as a chapter – the Theta Delta Chapter at Lindenwood University.”

— Haylee Ann Thompson “Proud to be a Sister in the new #thetadelta chapter of #SIGMASIGMASIGMA!” — @twinkle_bugg The Tr i a n g l e |

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Walking the Walk Many of our chapters – both collegiate and alumnae – have busy and interesting calendars of events that keeps members of all ages involved. One of the most worthwhile activities is participation in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which is held in communities all over the country in the fall. Below are some examples of how our Sisters support one another, not only enjoying special time together, but also raising money and awareness about a cure for breast cancer.

Over Halloween weekend, four alumnae from the Alpha Pi Chapter at Clarion University walked in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in Tampa Bay, FL. The event is a 60-mile walk over three days, with the net proceeds Brittany Garner, Ashley Snyder, benefitting the Komen Gina Spinelli and Kelly Woods Foundation. Brittany Garner, Ashley Snyder, Gina Spinelli, and Kelly Woods walked together in honor of Brittany’s mother, Karen, who passed away two years ago at the age of only 51. Together, these four Sigmas raised more than $9,200 toward the fight against breast cancer.

Members of the Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter participated in the Race for the Cure on October 22 in Little Rock. This Lit event is the thirdev largest race in the la world, with 45,000 w participants, p supporting s women who have fought breast cancer. Elaine Wever Wolff, Alpha Omicron, n; lpha Omicro r Cochran, A be m d A : an president of the p ht Omicron; Left to rig Wolff, Alpha er n ev ro ic W m O ne ai Central Arkansas C El lpha k Arivette, A Erica Kosmac Alumnae Chapter, reports that the alumnae group also participated in the Greater Little Rock Alumnae Panhellenic Association tailgate event, connecting with alumnae representatives from many 26 T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2012 different sororities at this informal gathering.

New Orleans Alumnae Chapter members participated in the local Komen race in October to honor two of its members who are both cancer survivors and sisters: Roxane Elliott, Gamma Mu, and Suzan Rome Bosarge, Gamma Mu. The Sigmas joined several thousand New Orleanians who walked through historic City Parkk and the surrounding neighborhoods, cheered on by pep squads from New Orleans Alumnae chapter local schools and music from bands walk participants along the way. Included in the group was Mallory Panzavecchia, the 11 year-old granddaughter of Mandy Meehan Chocheles, Gamma Eta, and two of Mallory’s friends. The girls, who hopefully will be future Sigmas, enjoyed the event, and appreciated the reason for the Walk.

Nashville, TN alumnae gathered red in support of one ne of their chapterr Sisters, Virginia “Ginny” Rayness Lund, Alpha Delta, in the Komen Race for the Cure.

Lund (pictured Nashville, TN second from alumnae g athered fo r Race for th left) is a breast e Cure. cancer survivor, and d was happy h to have her alumnae Sisters participate in the Walk.

The chapter also raised money for the event.

our alumnae

Significant Sigmas Catching Up to a Couple of Noteworthy Sisters JOAN MILLER FREEMAN

LOUIS FRASER HUTT

In a November issue of the newspaper of Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, there was an amazing story about an alumna of the school and of Tri Sigma. Joan Miller Freeman, Alpha Epsilon, and her husband, Marion, have donated a $50,000 scholarship for incoming freshmen or first-time transfers who express financial need and meet Northwest’s policies for admissions.

The Fall 2006 issue of The Triangle ngle carried an article about Louis Fraser Hutt, Zeta, who was 100 0 years old. She was officially called ed a “Centenarian Sigma,” and shared news about her family, and her active life. Recently, Jacque Devine Lewis, Beta Gamma, and president of the Sarasota r, Manatee (FL) Alumnae Chapter, sent an update on Hutt, who is now 106. She enjoys her cozy apartment in Aston Gardens at the un City Center Courtyards Assisted Living in Sun Center, FL FL. She plays bridge three times a week and enjoys visits from her loyal visitor, Golden Violet Margaret Benthall, Alpha Tau.

The Freemans, who graduated in 1949 and 1950, always dreamed of establishing a scholarship fund.

While attending the university, they were both heavily involved in campus activities, and appreciated their friendships and what Northwest had to offer.

Joan Miller Freeman was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter while she majored in music and physical education. She played in the band and orchestra, as well. Marion Freeman was a physical education and industrial arts major, who played football, ran track, and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. Both belonged to Kappa Delta Pi, and went on to teaching careers.

Since its establishment several years ago, the Adopt-aBearcat fund has helped many students who meet the critical need for financial assistance. The scholarship is a one-time $500 gift in which the university matches a gift of at least $250 given by a sponsor. Last year, there were 173 students who benefited from the fund, strengthening the tie between Northwest and its sponsoring community. For the next 10 years, the university will contribute $5,000 a year to match the $50,000 given by the Freemans, for a total of $100,000 in scholarship funds.

The Freemans remain busy with Northwest and in their neighborhood community. Joan is a volunteer for the Oasis group that assists in teaching elementary students to read and write, while Marion continues to coordinate track competitions for the Clayton, MO, school district.

At age 90, Hutt wrote a book about her life called “Life is for Living,” a philosophy she continues to follow. Born on July 3, 1905, in Buffalo, NY, she attended Buffalo State Teacher College, where she was a member of the Zeta chapter of Tri Sigma in 1923. After graduation, she taught second grade until she married Lester Ralph Hutt. In those days, a teacher could not be married, so she worked as a substitute teacher. They had three children, 12 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.

Hutt attended the 2004 Tri Sigma Convention at Saddlebrook in Wesley Chapel, FL. This Sigma “Centenarian-Plus” says there is no secret to living to be 100. “Just follow what you like to do and make the best of it,” she says. Those words sound like good advice to Sigma alumnae of any age.

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our alumnae

Women of Character Celebrating Alumnae Milestones

50 plus Iota Chapter Reunion Women of Character was a common theme that was mentioned at the 50 plus Reunion of the Iota Chapter in Greeley, CO, on Sept. 24, 2011.

The 13 wonderful Sigma Sigma Sigma Iota Chapter Sisters ers often referred to their treasured friendships made by the women of character of the Iota Chapter during their years at the University of Northern Colorado.

Everyone present told story after story of individual Sigma women of character who had influenced their lives in a very permanent and valued way. The Sisters shared about the caring, the sound virtues, the positive ve role models that were lived out each and every day with one Sister after the other. Each one gave of herself in her own way to become the morally sound and outstanding, accomplished woman that she is today.

The Iota Sigmas had much fun reminiscing their days as sorority Sisters, living in the dorms, and living in the Tri Sigma house. Many fond memories were rediscovered as the Sigma Sisters pored over aged scrapbooks, wilted corsages, 50-year-old dance programs, campus newspaper articles, pinning ceremonies, pictures of Homecoming floats, Song Fest pictures, new pledge scrapbooks and many more collectable items the Sigma Sisters brought.

It was frequently echoed how inspiring each and every Sigma had been to her Sisters.

Women of Character were celebrated by these wonderful Sisters who had traveled far to be together once again after more than 50 years of Sigma Sigma Sigma friendships. Sisters from the classes of 1959, 1960, 1962, and 1963 all came to help the class of 1961 celebrate their official 50-year reunion.

The Sisters had a breakfast, and then lunch together.

All vowed that they would return next fall for the class of ’62 reunion to continue with their lifelong Tri Sigma friendships. All agreed that there is nothing like a Sigma Sister, truly a woman of character, to have as a lifetime friend.

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In attendance were: (front row, left to right) Marge Gray Collier, Dee Lovato McBurney, Sandy Chamberlin, and Carolyn White Wallisch (back row left to right) Linda Hays, Marilyn Deus Anderson, Dorothy Alden Gurtler, Sharon White Roland, Renee Dotson Dilts, Jo Ann Estes Coble, Mary Fran Morris Asmus, Ann Gauthier Gilmore and Joan Matthews Metzger.

Welcome

NEW ALUMNAE CHAPTERS! That makes four new chapters in 2011!

Congratulations to the Central Massachusetts Alumnae Chapter, chartered on Oct. 3, 2011.

Charter members of this chapter are: Deana Myron Stephens, Zeta Upsilon April May Faris, Zeta Upsilon Christine Harrington, Zeta Upsilon Jessica Ann Piedrafite, Zeta Upsilon Jaclyn Marie Paige, Zeta Upsilon Melissa Anne Creamer, Zeta Upsilon Hether LaBerge Shulman, Delta Omicron Susan Heaps, Delta Delta Robin Dietz Blake, Zeta Upsilon Kirsten Kemp Snape, Zeta Upsilon

75 Congratulations to the following 75-year members!

ALPHA Ada Sanford DeJarnette Frances Britton Hayman Alma Butterworth Lewis Selma West Moore Anna Shiflett Reed Louise Crowell Rucker Virginia Irby Smith Martha McCorkle Tennant ZETA Lois Green Klahn Betty Kiesel Knobloch Katherine Kenyon McCourt IOTA Minnabeth Thomas Garrison LAMBDA Dorothy Taggart Coney Beryl Tiffany Dezart Lois Yothers Johnson Elizabeth Javens Lotz Mary Dana Smith MU Louise Werner Harrington Dorothy Williams Pringle NU Lauranel Willson Agee Anna Bateman Wimer XI Cletis Duran Town OMICRON Marjorie Ethel Berndt Nancy Reed Fink Jane Allen Gehring Emily Bibbins Gibbs Olive Carleton Johnson Elizabeth Von Eberstein Martell GOLDEN VIOLET

Charlotte Striffler Seeley Gertrude Ylitalo Uitti Charlotte Payne Williams GOLDEN VIOLET PI Wilma Nienstedt Burleson Helen Lenander Cary Helen Pyle Patterson Helen Hunt Ramey SIGMA Virginia Pleines Dorricott TAU Beatrice Blanche Bartlett GOLDEN VIOLET Mary White Caskey Dorothy Zorn House Margaret Keyes Kearns UPSILON Carolyn Gwinn Davis Lorraine Ross Hudson Eleanor Joan Waner CHI Helen P. Duncan Mildred Gillett Riley Dorothy Louise Silcott Mary Mertz Stauffer GOLDEN VIOLET Cecilia Ensman Waggoner PSI Mary Patteson Danner Beatrice Hardwick Quarles ALPHA ALPHA Anna Murphy Bowers Margaret Bodell Chafin Virginia Compton Chambers Anne Whitlock Dickey Dorothy Tabor Edmunds

Virginia Fisher McComas Grace Smith Warren ALPHA BETA Victoria Florenz Franks Doris Winemiller Hartnell C. Jane Nearpass Turano GOLDEN VIOLET ALPHA GAMMA Helen Frances Beam Louise Locker Halfman Catherine Masters Hobbs GOLDEN VIOLET Tillie Young Jennison Lenore Burris Peterson Margaret Reed Schwein GOLDEN VIOLET Kathryn Harrell Simpson ALPHA DELTA Helen Alsdorf Callahan Louise Schilgen Slama Edna Carpenter Wiggins ALPHA EPSILON Lois Utterback Beal Margaret Stafford Burton Mary Eisenbarger Farris Glenna Smith Frakes Mary Jo McGee Lois McCartney Pearce Doris Hiles Schroeder GOLDEN VIOLET Wilberta Means Smith GOLDEN VIOLET ALPHA ZETA Hilda Anne Hair ALPHA THETA Joyce Burnette Hankla Willie Cruise Feagans Agatha Ethelind Hughes

ALPHA IOTA Evelyn Phillips Twist ALPHA LAMBDA Nancy Mehro Movshin Dorothy Zimmerman Oberman ALPHA MU Jeanne LeBlanc Colomb Melva LeBlanc Lario Alva Broussard LeBlanc GOLDEN VIOLET Feleice Theriot Piazza Margaret Mason Wiersma ALPHA NU Willadene Kniseley Brown Marcedes Linkey Deiligenstein Rose Cummins Ford Barbara Palmer Mayor ALPHA XI LaVernabelle Goelzer Barney Helen Foxen Bessert Jean Henderson Lewis Ruth Zimmerman Plyer Genevieve Thronson Thomton Marthann Walker Weiss Lois Brobst Zingle ALPHA OMICRON Ilah Redman Anderson ALPHA PI Margaret Donohue Allio Alta Cowan Maurer ALPHA RHO Caroline Brown Grieco ALPHA SIGMA Nancy Thompson Breland Rita Jordan Jepsen Irene Vivian Zarko

The Women of Delta Zeta: Celebrating 40 years of Tri Sigma Members of the Delta Zeta Chapter, about 40 alumnae from various years, recently celebrated the chapter’s 40th anniversary on the Bloomsburg University campus. The celebration coincided with the school’s Homecoming festivities. The members worked together on the chapter’s float for the Homecoming parade. After the parade, the chapter hosted a reception for alumnae and guests. Everyone had a great time connecting with old friends, meeting new ones and sharing stories of college life. One special treat was seeing the family lines posted around the basement – many alumnae enjoyed finding where they fell on their family tree and sought out present members of their line.

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Over the years they have faced many milestones and challenges, cried tears of joy and sorrow, shared memories, and forged lifelong friendships. We have lost more than a few of our beloved Sisters much too soon and will always hold a special place in our hearts for them while also looking forward, welcoming new generations to carry our Sisterhood ever forward!

— Gwen Sheets Raifsnider, Delta Zeta

Congrats ALUMNAE INITIATES

CHAPTER NAME Iota Alpha Epsilon Pi Epsilon Theta

INITIATION DATE NAME 11/13/11 Amanda Bennett Lipnack T r i a n g l Ann e | 29 11/20/11 T h eMargaret Morris 11/05/11 Lacey Schexnayder Pyle

our alumnae

Alumnae Chapter News The Oklahoma City Metro Alumnae Chapter met in mid-October at the Betty Price Art Museum to tour the Oklahoma State Capitol. Serving as their tour guide was Leslie Blair, Zeta Beta. Blair currently serves as the Public Information Officer for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

The art gallery was named after Betty Durham Price, Alpha Iota, who served as executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council for more than 20 years. The Oklahoma State Art Collection was renamed in her honor in 2008. Chapter members enjoyed more than 100 works of art that capture the state’s beauty and convey its unique history, from monumental sculptures to magnificent murals and portraits. The art at the Capitol provided a dynamic way to engage and educate members of all ages.

participation in the local Alumnae Panhellenic Association, and a traditional cookie exchange. Local alumnae have successfully reconnected and are sharing ideas about how to move this chapter forward.

Philanthropy has been an important theme of the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter. Cheryl Schinagle Cameron, Kappa, collected food donations for the local county food bank. In keeping with Sigma’s commitment to play therapy, the chapter researched and discussed five different local organizations that serve children. Through the end of this triennium, they decided to support the Cleveland Clinic Therapy South, which provides outpatient play therapy for children and teens. To keep members up to date with these and similar activities of the chapter, Keri Komlos Zipay, Epsilon Delta, who is the chapter’s new webmaster, rolled out a new webpage: https://sites.google.com/site/ clevelandtrisigmaalumnae.

The Southeast Jackson County Alumnae Chapter gathered recently at a Holiday Tea and Cookie Exchange. Food and supplies were donated to The Hope House, a local home for abused families who need immediate help and a safe place to live.

Members of the nearby Nu Chapter, Taylor Hermann and Brook Trost, joined with the alumnae at this event.

Members of the Baltimore Suburban SW Alumnae Chapter gather during one of their many activities this past year.

The Baltimore Suburban SW Alumnae Chapter continues to work toward re-establishing a strong chapter, and members are well on their way! A successful year of events included officer elections, a variety of events, and an alumna initiation. Jodi Ferrell was introduced to the chapter when she became interested in joining Tri Sigma as an alumna. Over the next few months, she learned about the sorority through the Alumnae Initiate program. She was initiated in September. Other events included

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Carole Ruf Gurley, Nu; Susan Sedge Brand, Nu; Lucy Kirby Brewer, Nu; Frankie Wainwright, Kappa; Cathy Angotti Althaus, Nu; Louise Borchers Greenfield Nu; Carol Crank Phillips, Nu; Rhonda Allen Trosen, Mu; Carolyn Granger Austin, Nu; Erika Wolf Crossett, Mu; Vicki Wellman Bird, Nu; Sydney Wittmeyer, Mu; Melinda Dunard Horn, Nu

The Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chapter continued with a great year of programming.

Founders Day 2011, which was shared with the SW Suburban, North Shore and DeKalb alumnae chapters, saw Past National Treasurer Barb Stoe Stone, Beta Tau, receive her Golden Violet. Collegians from the Beta Alpha chapter were also present.

her alumnae Sisters, family and friends. Previously, she has served Sigma as a Recruitment Advisor for the Eta Epsilon Chapter at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL, and was a Regional Support Team member as well. In the future, she would like to open a ministry that empowers girls and women of all ages.

Her website is http://tiffanyprater.theworldrace.org.

In addition to regular programming, the chapter has been very involved with the local Alumnae Panhellenic.

Chapter president Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron, reports that Tri Sigma alumnae have been supplying monthly donations of shampoo, canned food, diaperss and formula for local charities. A fashion show and luncheon fundraiser helped to raise money for other charities, as well as for the Alumnae Panhellenic scholarship p fund. This is a busy group from the Windy City area.

Sarasota/Manatee Counties Alumnae Chapter sent updated information about one of its outstanding ng members who was featured in a Fall 2010 article in The Triangle. Tiffany Prater, Alpha Chi, set out in January 2011 for the World Race, an 11-month mission trip to 11 countries through the organization Adventures in Missions (AIM), based in Gainesville, GA. Prater traveled to the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Thailand, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Laos, and Cambodia. She worked with different ministries in every country, and her work included teaching English, church planting, prayer ministry, preaching and leading worship, and working with an anti-human trafficking organization.

In April 2012, Prater begins a six-month internship with Generation 42 Leadership Academy in Mijas Pueblo, Spain, making short-term mission trips and networking. She has a bachelor of science in dietetics from Murray State University, Murray, KY. When she is back in the U.S., she looks forward to visiting with

Tiffany Prater (center), Alpha Chi, recently completed the World Race, an 11-month mission trip to 11 countries.

Margaret Jean Lubimir (left), Delta Upsilon, rides in a parade after being named Butler County Cinderella Woman.

Jules Heidish, Gamma Rho, president of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter, recently shared a story about a new young member of the chapter. Margaret Jean Lubimir joined Tri Sigma as a member of the Delta Upsilon Chapter at Widener University. She decided to transfer to a school near Pittsburgh, LaRoche College.

Since there was no collegiate chapter of Sigma nearby, Lubimir reached out to the local alumnae group and became a welcome “breath of fresh air.�

Recently Lubimir posted on Facebook that she was entering the Butler County Cinderella Woman Pageant. This national organization promotes youth development and scholarship programs that offer many opportunities for achievement and recognition to deserving children, teens and young adults.

Lubimir won the local competition! Chapter members were very excited and proud of her. She makes appearances, volunteers, and attends community events in her new role. Her talent, which she learned through a recruitment event when she was at the Delta Upsilon Chapter, is making balloon animals. She will be going on to compete at the National Cinderella Woman Pageant in Las Vegas. The Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter is proud of its member, who is a crowned princess!

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our alumnae

Seated, left to right are Catherine O’Connell, Eta Pi; Emily West, Eta Pi and Alicia Burtard, Eta Pi. Standing, left to right are: Jamie Elward, Eta Pi and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter, Briawna Lewis, Eta Pi; Michelle Pollard Hektor, Beta Delta and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter, and Brittany Sobieski, Eta Pi

Eta Pi collegians at Metro State College in Denver are blessed to have many devoted alumnae from the Denver Alumnae Chapter who are always ready to assist, whether it is serving on the chapter’s CAB, helping with recruitment, providing assistance yearround, or enjoying a special social event. A yearly tradition is the Tea Cup party, where attendees bring their own cup and share a story about it. It gives the Denver area Sigmas a wonderful opportunity to dress up at this gathering and even wear a hat!

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Tri Sigmas gather at the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter’s 50th Anniversary luncheon

DON’T BE LEFT OUT OF THE ALUMNAE DIRECTORY! This spring, Tri Sigma will be working with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to create an updated Alumnae Directory.

PCI is a company that creates and publishes alumni directories for educational institutions. The Sigma Sigma Sigma Alumnae Directory, last published in 2007, is for member-to-member use and helps Headquarters maintain its database.

PCI will contact all Tri Sigma alumnae to gather information for the directory. The project officially started December 2011 with an email and postcard request to contact PCI directly. PCI will work on reaching out to those remaining alumnae by phone over the next few months.

Once the directory is complete, members can purchase a printed or electronic copy. The directory can help you search for Sisters or help an alumnae organization contact members. Thank you for your participation and for supporting this important Sorority initiative.

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2012

ALUMNAE REMINDER!

ALUMNAE REMINDER!

The Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter has had a busy couple of months. The chapter held its annual bingo event in August 2011 at Thornwald Nursing Home.

This is always a very popular event with the residents.

It was started more than 10 years ago in honor of

Gladys Lentz, Zeta, a longtime and inspirational member of our alumnae chapter and Golden Violet who had been a resident there for the last few years of her life. The alumnae chapter had a luncheon in September 2011 in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The chapter was so honored to have founding members, Sylvia Havens, Beta Upsilon, and Barbara Scout, Alpha Delta, in attendance. Havens, who has been an active member of our alumnae chapter for 50 years, shared the history of our chapter along with many stories of the earlier years. Also in attendance were other 50-year Sigmas and Golden Violets: Gloria Venett, Alpha Pi; Joyce Shaw, Beta Upsilon and Sara McMillen, Alpha Rho. National Housing Coordinator, Shannon Thomas, Alpha Pi, presented a lovely memento to Chapter President Susan O’Reilly, Delta Upsilon, from the National Organization. The chapter was fortunate and thankful to have so many Sigmas in attendance to share in this special day, especially Sisters from the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter p and Alpha p Pi at Clarion University. y

It Takes a Child Mimi Brandt Hiner, Beta Xi and Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter In her popular book, author Hillary Clinton says, ”It takes a village to raise a child.” In the case of the Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, it took a child to help a hospital of children.

This is being written from my personal perspective.

About a year ago, the Community Resource Group of our school district put out a plea for help for a fifth-grader and her mom. The plea was presented to the members of my church. The child was receiving medical treatments three days a week at Cardinal Glennon Memorial Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Her mom had to drop out of college to ensure the child got to the hospital. Someone older than 18 was required to ride medical transportation and organize volunteers to help with the child. I volunteered to do this, and as it usually happens, the blessings have returned over and over. First, we lined up the volunteers. Most are from my church, but one is an Alpha Delta Pi friend from college.

From the beginning, it was explained that the child’s disease was so rare that she would never be a candidate for transplant.

While going with the child to Glennon, it is evident they have a committed Child Life Department who put the children first. This can extend from play therapy for young children through the teen years. The Child Life Specialists and nurses even go to summer camp, on their own time, to continue to fulfill the medical and therapeutic needs of the children.

It was my blessing to work with the play therapists.

The Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter decided to apply for a small grant from Robbie Page Memorial.

The idea was presented to Child Life, and they were

WE ARE

LISTENING! Sigma Sigma Sigma’s Alumnae Task Force wants to know how you feel about your alumnae experience.

This is your chance to praise what’s going well and identify areas in which Tri Sigma can improve.

We need your help to ensure Tri Sigma’s alumnae life continues to be relevant to all alumnae. Please take some time to complete our alumnae experience survey. www.surveymonkey.com/s/AlumnaeExperience

thrilled. They put together a fantastic request which showed pictures, costs, suppliers, and how they would use the items requested. They requested items across the board from preschool climber and sitters made from foam blocks covered with vinyl to a computer and Nintendo Wii for the preteens and teens.

Although the check was given to Glennon to start using as soon as possible, the official presentation was made in October. The hospital staff shut down one of the playrooms for an hour so alumnae could bring their preschoolers. It was delightful to watch the twins of Rachel Dachroeden VanDernoot, Beta Xi, enjoy the purchases made from the grant. In fact, the 15-month-old twins must have known it was from Tri Sigma as these were the first things the children chose to play.

Glennon is so thrilled with the grant from Tri Sigma.

And the child who was the catalyst? The doctors had her case sent to Rochester, MN, and Paris to see if physicians there could do anything for her. After numerous tests, it was determined that she could be a candidate for transplant and was placed on the list at 4:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon in October.

At the writing of this article, we are all anxiously waiting to hear the news about a transplant.

Thank you to the Tri Sigma Foundation for approving the grant. Thank you, Tri Sigma Sisters for making the grant possible.

JOIN THE

FUN

All alumnae of Mu Chapter (Truman State University, Kirksville, MO) are invited to attend a reunion in Kirksville June 15-17, 2012. For more information, contact Pam Holt at pwholt1@aol.com or Kathy Silvey Turner at kathysilveyturner88@gmail.com.

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our alumnae

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Congrat ulat ions

Sister Earns Prestigious Honor Holtsclaw Named One of Charleston’s “Forty Under 40” Every year the Charleston Regional Business Journal names a select group to become recipients of the “Forty Under 40” award. In 2011, Jennifer Holtsclaw, Delta Pi, was named to this elite group. Recipients are individuals who have excelled in the professional arena and in community involvement, all before turning 40.

As an Organizational Development Specialist at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Holtsclaw is responsible for operationalizing a learning management plan.

This includes the development and facilitation of the program and ongoing training to ensure new and existing employees understand Organizational Excellence concepts, and have the skills and knowledge to implement them.

She has given more than 500 volunteer hours to the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, which owns the tall ship Spirit of South Carolina. She serves on the volunteer crew for the ship and as a chairperson for several programs and events. She also volunteers for the Trident United Way and the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival. She has assisted with Tri Sigma special projects and committee work as well.

As a winner, she was asked to choose someone who has helped her to become the person she is today and she chose Emily Lewis Lee, Alpha Upsilon. They met when Holtclaw was in college at Winthrop University and throughout their 18-year relationship Lee has been a supporter and encourager.

‘‘

In times of disappointment and sadness, she has lifted me up, and at times has even pointed out what I could do better,” Holtsclaw told the journal. “I will always strive to be the kind of woman that Emily is, one that everyone wants to meet, and a woman that everyone is proud to know.

Photo courtesy of Charleston Regional Business Journal.

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Emily Lewis Lee, Alpha Upsilon and Jennifer Holtsclaw, Delta Pi at a photo shoot for the Forty Under 40 award.

Sigma Sisters Getaways 2012

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It’s time to get away again with your Sigma alumnae Sisters. In 2009, we enjoyed the sights, sounds and good food of New Orleans. In 2011, we sailed away to Nassau on the Carnival “Imagination. This year, there are two choices of times and places to join your Sigma Sisters, or friends and family.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

CHARLESTON, SC

The “City by the Bay” is the location for this summer’s Getaway.

The dates are August 10-13, 2012. To make this trip more affordable, plans are being made to gather together in the East Bay area, near Oakland. Our Getaway contact person for this trip is Angie Yang Eaton, Epsilon Alpha and San Francisco/East Bay Alumnae Chapter.

The charming city of Charleston, SC, will be the setting for the next Getaway, November 9-12, 2012. The Hampton Inn, located next to the Visitor’s Center in the heart of downtown, will be the gathering place for Sigmas. Rooms are $149 per night, and the group code is “SSG.” Reservations must be made by September 25 to receive our special rate. Parking at the hotel is extra, but there is a shuttle from the airport.

Shopping, carriage rides, museums, wonderful restaurants and more all are located within walking distance.

The Sheraton Pleasanton Hotel, Pleasanton, CA, will be the starting point. Prices for rooms range from $95 to $131 per night.

The hotel is next door to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), which provides transport directly from the Oakland Airport or across the Bay to San Francisco. There are restaurants and stores at a mall across the street as well. A tour of San Francisco is being planned, as well as a trip to local wineries. What a wonderful way to see one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting cities: with your Sigma Sisters!

More specific information about dates and deadlines will be coming via Sigma communications, including our website and Facebook page. For more information, contact Angie at eaton.angie@gmail.com.

Emmy Smith, Epsilon Pi, is heading up this tempting Getaway.

More information will be available via Sigma communications, or by contacting Emmy at emsmith57@gmail.com.

Both East Coast and West Coast Sigmas now have something special in their “back yard.” It is not too early to make plans to participate in the Sisters Getaways for 2012.

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our foundation

Meet JeanMarie Komyathy: A Pillar of Sigma

J

Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation donors come from many chapters, make their homes throughout the world, cover a wide age range, and last year contributed gifts ranging from $1 to $60,000.

Donors of $1,000 or more are members of the Foundation’s special giving circle, “Pillars of Sigma.”

JeanMarie Komyathy, Gamma Kappa, has a demanding career but still makes time for Tri Sigma volunteer work.

She’s a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and heads its Convention Committee, which is planning for the Foundation’s presence at Convention 2013 in Orlando, FL. Her life as a Sigma began when she joined at Marietta College in Ohio. She then received her B.S. in accounting from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and became an advisor in 1991 when a new chapter was forming at Marist. JeanMarie went on to serve as Collegiate Coordinator, Area Director and Vice President of Membership Development on Executive Council.

In 2011, she became a Foundation Board member.

“Technology makes it possible for me to volunteer, even though my professional commitments entail weekly travel throughout the United States,” JeanMarie says.

She is the Director of Special Actions for the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a federal agency that supervises credit unions. JeanMarie heads a group that works with troubled credit unions. “We physically go into a credit union, help them get better or resolve them,” she says. This means that her team often works in a credit union for several weeks, every hour it is open. “I am assigned to the mid-Atlantic Region and California,” she adds.

She’s been with NCUA since 1995, when she worked for the agency in upstate New York. From there, she moved to Omaha where she received a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the College of St. Mary. She transferred to the Alexandria, VA office of NCUA in 2007.

JeanMarie is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

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JeanMarie does volunteer work in the evenings or on weekends, she says, bringing her expertise to the Foundation’s Finance Committee. “Being away from home actually helps me focus on my Sigma work, because there are no distractions in a far-away hotel room,” she says. “I read every piece of information that’s sent electronically!”

Why did she become a Pillar of Sigma? JeanMarie says her interest began at her first Convention when she saw members going to a breakfast to which she wasn’t invited.

When told that the event was to honor donors of $1,000 or more, JeanMarie resolved to be present at the next one.

“I contribute because I believe in my Tri Sigma connections and the importance of the Foundation’s work funding our excellent leadership programs, offering scholarships, and supporting play therapy/child life programs,” she says.

“Wherever I’ve lived, those Tri Sigma connections have been there for me, and I want to be sure that future generations are able to have the same opportunities that I’ve had.”

She’s excited about her planning for the Foundation at Convention 2013. “I want to connect with members and make them understand how the Foundation impacts lives.

I want them to go home from Convention energized about philanthropy and particularly about the Foundation’s work.”

JeanMarie said to watch for the Foundation’s “Dancing With the Sigmas” at Convention, nvention, as well as a new twist on the traditional aditional Walk.

And particularly, she says,, “the Pillars of Sigma breakfast akfast Interes ted in b eing pa will make you feel like of one rt of the F o royalty! Be sure to be on n u ndatio Conven n’s tion co mmitte the guest list.”

Contac es? t JeanM arie at jmksig ma@ho tmail.c or Nan om cy Ben e d ict in th Founda e tion of fice at nbened ic@trisig ma.org .

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Foundation Briefs Be a Star!

THE FOUNDATION IS SPONSORING A CONTEST Always wanted to produce your own DVD? Taking a course that needs a special project?

The Tri Sigma Foundation is sponsoring a contest to find an original three-to-five minute video that describes the Foundation’s work. This would be shown to both alumnae and collegians.

Entries are due by May 1, 2013 and will be judged by a distinguished panel of professionals. The top three will be shown at Convention 2013 and voted on by members. The winner receives a cash prize, and her presentation will be produced and distributed to chapters.

For details on the contest and information about the Foundation that you can use in creating your entry, contact Nancy Benedict at nbenedic@trisigma.org.

It’s Not Too Early…

Play Therapy at Work k Gabrielle Hukill, left, is the he Foundation’s Robbie Page ge Recreational Therapy Clinical nical Fellow at North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Here,, she works with a baby to help lp her learn to hold and transfer nsfer objects. One of Gabrielle’s e’s jobs is to help this child during g her prolonged hospitalization ation to reach developmental milestones appropriate for her age. Your gifts to o the Foundation’s RPM Ever Forward Fund make e possible the Foundation’ss support of this clinical fellowship.

…TO THINK ABOUT THE FOUNDATION’S ON-LINE AUCTION Tri Sigma’s next convention is June 21-24, 2013 in Orlando, FL. Six weeks before Convention, the Foundation begins its triennial on-line auction, where members and friends throughout the U.S. bid d electronically on 50 different items, with proceeds benefitting the Foundation.

In the past, high bidders enjoyed trips, vacations in members’ homes or vacation retreats, merchandise, gift certificates for restaurants and sporting events, jewelry and more!

Can you help by offering your vacation house, an unused timeshare, merchandise sold by your company, tickets for the hottest team in town, art work or gift cards…to name a few suggestions?

Don’t Forget Tri Sigma’s Founders Day on April 20!

To celebrate Founders Day, make a gift to the Foundation of $1 for every year since your initiation. Send checks, payable to Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation, to 225 N. Muhlenberg St., Woodstock, VA 22664, or make your gift online at www:trisigma.org.

Click on “GIVE” in the upper-right corner of the site’s home page.

If you have item for auction or need more information on about the Foundation’s on-line auction, please contact Nancy Benedict in the Foundation office at nbenedic@trisigma.org.

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omega chapter

Omega Chapter During the period from June 1, 2011 and Nov. 30, 2011 the following Tri Sigmas were reported to have entered Omega Chapter. We offer our sympathy to their friends and families and honor them for their lifetime commitment to Tri Sigma.

ALPHA Marion Worsham Tracy

ALPHA ZETA Melissa Rose Maggio

BETA BETA Bettilou Goza Sullivan

IOTA Alma Sup Dickson Louise Moore Jordan GOLDEN VIOLET

ALPHA IOTA Jimmie Adair Carson Doris Varner Haynes ALPHA KAPPA Patricia Mainella Rote

BETA GAMMA Betty Astbury Baker Patricia Arthur Egler Joan Barshes Evans Sherry Montgomery Snyder

ALPHA MU Pamela Lennox Tynes

BETA DELTA Edith Rice Hawker

ALPHA NU Nannie Spivey Bellah Ellen Brown Gates Helen Ford Logue Helen Coffee Wiley

BETA EPSILON Lou Ann Miller

KAPPA Kay Dittmar Schumacher LAMBDA Dorothea Hyatt McDowell MU Barbara May Stepp GOLDEN VIOLET NU Madlyn Tyler Kilmer Barbara Ruppert Norman PI Mary Jones Evenson SIGMA Carol Dixon Field Louise Roe Whitney UPSILON Harriet Kearns Coleman Marcene Wilson Loomis CHI Katherine Light Breneman Ruth Wilson Rohde GOLDEN VIOLET PSI Patricia Riley Aldridge Julia Peoples Brooks Alice Lutes Lowry Phyllis Jackson Walters ALPHA ALPHA Ann Sentz Shaw ALPHA BETA Esther Carolyn Gee GOLDEN VIOLET ALPHA GAMMA Carolyn Bell Gentzler ALPHA DELTA Dorothy Speacht Schultz ALPHA EPSILON Betty Bakyr Russell Sharon McElwain Smith

ALPHA XI Virginia Vanderburg Jones GOLDEN VIOLET ALPHA RHO Genevive C. Arseniu ALPHA SIGMA Kathryn Hellpenstell Grantham Mary Mulvihill Partridge ALPHA UPSILON Margaret Brooks Burruss Ruth Loraine Harris Barbara Marguerite Palmer Elizabeth Sibert Russell Pauline Walker Shaw Nancy Close Vanture

BETA XI Patsy Bess Meyer BETA UPSILON Joyanna Monti Denis BETA CHI Laura DeVico Harriot GAMMA DELTA Lucille Root Tuttle GAMMA XI Margaret Clark Arrington GAMMA PSI Dana Fraley Maze

ALPHA PHI Harriet Horn Clendenen ALPHA CHI Bonnie Jean Burns Evelyn Lockhart Jones Marilyn Neal Jordan Karen Ponder Turnbo ALPHA PSI Florence Nelson Betka Patty Walker Harrison GOLDEN VIOLET BETA ALPHA Joan Good Erickson Susan Sanoica Kjeldsen Joan Talman Krivacek Barbara Elliott Lindus

Member badges are the property of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. It is the responsibility of every initiated Sigma to see that the badge she wears is protected and never worn by or in the possession of a non-member. Badges of members who have passed to the Omega Chapter may be buried with the member, bequeathed to another Tri Sigma member or returned to the National Headquarters.

A badge should never be sold by any means.

The National Treasurer is the official custodian of Sigma Sigma Sigma badges.

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Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Ames IA Permit No. 307

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 225 N. MUHLENBERG STREET WOODSTOCK, VA 22664 WWW.SIGMASIGMASIGMA.ORG

Tri Sigma St ore www.purpleandpearls.com Shop for official Tri Sigma apparel, supplies and gift items.