The Triangle • Spring 2015

The

Triangle Spring 2015

r u O n i g n i w o l l o F s p e t s t o o F ' s r e ound

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from the president

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Let’s Talk Following in our Founders' Footsteps As you can tell, the theme of this issue of The Triangle is “Following in our Founders’ Footsteps.” I have to admit, I have struggled with what to write in this column. There are so many ways to look at this theme, but I have opted to look at this from a historical perspective about the lessons we can learn and apply that keep our sorority experience as relevant today as it was in 1898.

When I think back on what it must have been like for our Founders in 1898, I believe they likely had the following characteristics: 1. COURAGE. Our Founders were indeed very courageous. Think about this if you will. Women did not have access to a college education until 1848, and in 1870, only 0.7 percent of U.S. women attended college! In 1900, this percentage rose to a mere 7.6 percent (source: American Association of University Women). Imagine what it must have felt like to know that you are one of a very privileged few to get a college experience and a degree. History tells us that the women who did attend college loved the experience, but they faced harsh criticism—and perhaps some of the harshest criticism came from the medical field. In 1873, Dr. Edward Clarke, in his medical journal Sex and Education, stated that “a girl could study and learn, but she could not do all this and retain health and a future secure from uninjured health neuralgia, uterine disease, hysteria, and other derangements of the nervous system.”

2. DETERMINED. Despite all the odds stacked against them, our Founders persevered and developed an organization that has stood the test of time. Imagine this—just five days after our founding, on April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain, and what resulted was the Spanish-American War. These were indeed troubled times in the U.S., but our Founders were purposeful and firmly committed to turning what initially was called the S.S.S. Club in 1897 into a full-fledged sorority in 1898. Bound by the ties of friendship and inspired by high principles, these determined women indeed made history.

KAYE SCHENDEL Gamma Phi | National President

3. FIERCE. Again, we look back into history and we learn that our Founders were not considered the typical or traditional college age of 18–22. In fact, all of our Founders were 15–17 years old. And although they had all been reared in dignity, they knew how to persevere despite the great economic hardships of the day. Add to this the fact that higher education for women was greatly debated in the late 1800s. The few women who braved the social stigma of training for teaching and nursing careers did so because of the economic hardships that were facing the South following the War Between the States and because of an enterprising spirit. The very definition of fierce aptly describes our Founders—they were heartfelt and had a powerful intensity about the experience they were creating.

4. PROGRESSIVE. From The Years Remembered of Sigma Sigma Sigma 1898-1953: “Ideas take shape and expand often far beyond the dreams of the dreamer.” This statement still rings true today. I don’t know what our Founders would think if they were standing amongst us today. Would they be surprised that their idea to form a sorority, that started in the left wing of Professional Hall on the second floor near the end of the corridor at the State Normal School of Farmville, Virginia, is still standing strong and proud today? Would they be proud of our accomplishments and of the growth of our organization? I believe they would recognize the qualities within them that helped build this organization are qualities that remain relevant for us today as Sigma women. We too are facing increasing challenges and pressures that often come from external forces. We need to be proud of our organization—that is true. But we also need to be courageous to stand up to the challenges that are facing us, determined that we are doing the right things and living according to our ritual, progressive in meeting the ever-changing demands of a fast-paced society, and fiercely steadfast in our beliefs of what we stand for as Tri Sigma women.

The

Triangle VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1

Features: 14 Leading By Example, Living a Life of Kindness 16 25 Special Years

Our Mission To establish among its members a perpetual bond of friendship, to develop in them strong womanly character, and to impress upon them high standards of conduct.

OurVision

Sigma Sigma Sigma will provide exceptional experiences that will empower women to change the world.

OurValues

Sigma Sigma Sigma reaffirms its long-standing core values of wisdom, power, faith, hope and love.

••• Focus on innovators, history and long-time volunteers.

Our fall 2015 issue will focus on the lifetime of relationships and bonds gained within the sorority.

Editor

Leah McConnell, Lambda

Executive Council 2013-2016

Design/Editing

Innova

Alumnae Editor

Michelle Maskaly, Eta Nu

National President Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi

Features Editor

Amanda Marchegiani, Beta Xi

Copy Editors

Katie Lauer Wadington, Epsilon Xi Megan Kueck, Psi

Sigma Sigma Sigma 225 North Muhlenberg St. Woodstock, VA 22664-1424 p 540.459.4212 // f 540.459.2361 sigma@trisigma.org // www.sigmasigmasigma.org

Departments:

4 Empowered Women 6 Inside Sigma Sigma Sigma 13 Housing 18 Character 21 Our Collegians 29 Our Alumnae 35 Our Leadership 36 Our Foundation

Cover Photos

In this issue "Following in our Founders' Footsteps" -

Collegiate Editor Katie Bevan, Eta Chi

17 Sisters Serve the Homeless at La Puente

National Treasurer Bonnie Rainey, Alpha Sigma National Vice President Natalie Averette, Gamma Beta National Vice President Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi National Vice President Courtney Stone, Alpha Psi National Vice President Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi

Top Right Photo // Gina Mazzaferri (Epsilon Omicron), Lindsay Grindel (Nu), Phylicia Fehlen (Beta Pi), Anna Catherine Lee (Gamma Pi) Bottom Right Photo // Top (Left to Right): Michelle Hektor (Beta Delta), Corbie Latham (Delta Beta) Bottom (Left to Right) Karyn Poznick (Epsilon Xi), Cj Havlik Donovan (Beta Lambda) Left Photo // Emily Lewis Lee posing with the Alpha Upsilon chapter shield at a past convention.

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. © 2015 Sigma Sigma Sigma

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empowered women

Remembering Miss Emily On Wednesday, December 17, 2014, longtime member Emily “Miss Emily” Lewis Lee, Alpha Upsilon, entered Omega Chapter. Miss Emily was a dear friend to many sisters, and her love, enthusiasm and continued passion for Tri Sigma will be greatly missed.

Miss Emily was initiated into Tri Sigma in 1940 as a member of Alpha Upsilon at James Madison University. As a Tri Sigma, she served over 50 years in a variety of regional and national volunteer positions, including National Alumnae Secretary Assistant (1945–50), Alumnae Editor of The Triangle magazine (1945–46), National Social Service Chairman (1946–50), National Anniversary Chairman (1972–73) and National Walton House Board (1986–95).

Miss Emily also served Tri Sigma on Executive Council as National Collegiate Secretary (1950–59) and National Alumnae Secretary (1959–71). Aside from her many years of attending Tri Sigma’s National Conventions, Miss Emily was a six-time National Award winner. Among her many

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awards, she was awarded the Steadfast Alumna Citation,

named a Centennial Woman of Distinction and in 1995 was given Tri Sigma’s highest honor, The Founders Award.

“Miss Emily taught us many lessons in her 74 years as a member of Tri Sigma,” says Jennifer Holtsclaw, Delta Pi alumna and Foundation Board Chairman. “To say that her commitment was steadfast and lifelong would be an understatement.

She taught me and thousands of other women

Miss Emily and

the power of service, philanthropy, leadership and sisterhood. She often spoke the words, ‘To give much is to receive much.’ Her impact on our organization will be felt for many years to come.”

Greta Ertzgard: Sigma in Her Heart By: Whitney Giraud, Alpha Delta • Drexel University “Following in our Founders’

and was our historian and photographer for years. She also

Footsteps" is an excellent goal

worked on Honor Council and made important updates to

for Tri Sigma women to embody

our bylaws. In 2014 alone, she was the Fundraising Chair

each day. This includes living our

and the Pennsylvania State Day Liaison; she participated

values, believing in our ritual and

on Alpha Delta’s Alumnae Committee; she attended and

doing what each individual can to

thrived at Labyrinth Leadership Experience; and she is a

improve and leave a legacy.

national volunteer for the Character Advocacy team (she

Greta Ertzgard is one such woman, and I am honored to call

her my Sister. She was a founding member of the Alpha

continues to plan ahead for our chapter and was an intern at the Officer Academy in Dulles in 2015.

Delta Chapter at Drexel University in Philadelphia when

She has made a positive impact on our chapter and helped

it rechartered less than three years ago. Greta has Sigma

to create our presence here in a big city. She is one of the

in her heart and wants what is best for this organization.

most dedicated women in our Sisterhood and stands up for

She continues to prove this dedication.

our values and her Sisters because she is a strong Tri Sigma

From our beginning, she dove right in to becoming involved with our chapter—she helped plan our Installation Banquet

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attended a national training seminar in November). She

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

woman of character. She is the epitome of a passionate woman following in our Founders' footsteps.

Jennifer Holts

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empowered women

Zeta Alpha Sisters Continue Legacy of Service

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By: Olivia Davis, Zeta Alpha • Bryant University When it comes to the Zeta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma and “Following in our Founders’ Footsteps,” we have plenty of outstanding Sisters who have gone over and above all expectations. Whether it is our alumnae or our current chapter members, our chapter strives to do everything in our power to live by the standards of Tri Sigma and follow the teachings of our Sisters.

Each and every member values what we stand for, and many continue living their lives outside of the chapter with these new morals. Two examples that come to mind are Arielle Katz and Kristin Legier. Both of these incredible women, graduates of the Zeta Alpha Chapter, have continued to make us proud.

Arielle has remained a valuable asset to the chapter, even after graduation, by volunteering her time as Recruitment Advisor since 2011. Her recruitment skills and suggestions have helped our chapter expand, bringing in many Sisters who portray what Tri Sigma stands for. She works hard to make sure that during each recruitment, we bring in only those women who are willing and excited to live by our teachings and who will also add more value to our chapter. This fall, Arielle offered to hold a Recruitment 101 session for anyone who was not 100 percent comfortable with the formal recruitment process. She makes it her mission to ensure that Zeta Alpha’s recruitment events exceed expectations. Arielle is seen as a mentor and a positive influence by each and every Sister, and the chapter could not be more appreciative of what she has done.

Not only does she advise our chapter, but Arielle also lives her life as a Tri Sigma by actively fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She was involved in the St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn event and executive board while she was an active member of the Zeta Alpha Chapter. She took her passion with her after graduation and continues to support the cause by participating in the Warrior Dash, Give Thanks Walk and Toast to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Arielle is also a member of the St. Jude Heroes team for the Walt Disney 10K in 2015. She continues to support the values that Tri Sigma taught her and remains passionate about helping sick children and play therapy, our national philanthropy.

Kristin Legier, Arielle’s roommate, volunteers her time by assisting the Zeta Alpha Chapter with recruitment, as well as contributing to St. Jude Hospital with Arielle. She also participates in the Give Thanks Walk, the Warrior Dash and the Toast to St. Jude. She was the assistant director of St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn during her time at Bryant University, and she continues to support the event.

The Zeta Alpha Chapter sees many of our alumnae continuing their love for philanthropy and Sisterhood outside of the university. Many choose to continue helping our chapter respond to everyday questions, events and problems. They are perfect examples of what it really means to “Follow in our Founders’ Footsteps.”

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inside sigma sigma sigma

Founders Day Message

foresight to decree that Founders Day celebrations were to be standardized. As such, we now band together each spring, as an impressive 109 collegiate and 92 alumnae chapters, to send greetings to Alpha and our National President and to celebrate under a single symbolic program distributed by our national headquarters.

Dearest Sigma Sisters,

Our 2015 Founders Day program, “In the Light,” written by Katie Wadington, Epsilon Xi, will challenge you to examine a verse of our beloved song and what it means to stand in the light of Sigma’s love. To Tri Sigma, love means many things, takes many shapes, feels many ways. Throughout the program, individual Sisters have shared what it means to them. You may find yourself in their words—similar to how you may have found a bit of youself in Isabella, Martha, Sallie, Louise, Elizabeth, Margaret, Lucy or Lelia—and smile over newly found bonds.

Each of our eight Founders had a distinct and wonderful personality. Isabella Merrick sewed fashionable clothes and loved to golf. Martha Trent Featherston (who preferred to go by the name Pat) was a good secret keeper. Sallie Michie was an academic prodigy and an avid traveler. Louise Davis would become homesick and make late-night snacks with her friends. Elizabeth Watkins played pranks with her roommates and advocated for the education of women. Margaret Batten was strong-willed and very close to Miss Coulling, Alpha’s first advisor. Lucy Wright never missed a dance and would let her Sisters borrow her best shoes. Lelia Scott was great at math and a redhead!

Do any of our eight Founders remind you of a special chapter Sister, or maybe even yourself? I relish how our history book teaches us to appreciate their power as individuals but how Founders Day allows us to celebrate what they bravely built, as a group, for generations of women to come.

At the 1907 Convention, 49 delegates representing eight collegiate chapters and one alumnae chapter had the

On behalf of Executive Council, I thank you for your steadfastness in honoring the individuality of empowered women to come together around common values in order to change the world. May you find inspiration from our Founders to celebrate yourself, celebrate your Sisters and celebrate Sigma Sigma Sigma!

Court ney M. St one In our bonds,

Alpha Psi and Fox Valley, IL Alumnae Chapter National Vice President

Step Up for Sigma!

Many Sigmas have already purchased commemorative bricks honoring significant sisters, chapters, family, etc. but you still have an opportunity to participate in this exciting project.

MAY 2ND, 2015

For a limited time only, Sisters will have the unique opportunity to become a permanent feature of our beautiful Walton House and to provide a loving gift to the restoration of our historic heart home. Your donation

of $125 will be remembered through the placement of an engraved brick in our Sisterhood Walk.

Download the brick order form by visiting www.mlw50.com and be a part of Tri Sigma History!

Tri Sigma will celebrate

50 YEARS headquartered in Woodstock, VA!

Bricks are available for sale through June 1, 2015.

inside sigma sigma sigma

Trinkets Fit for Tinseltown: Convention Favors that

Sparkle and Shine By: Liz Johns, Delta Omicron • National Archivist A long-time Convention tradition has been to send

of stylish Sigmas, but they have been cleaned up and

Sigmas off with a small trinket as a memento. These

displayed in the Memorial Room in the Walton House

favors adorn the desks, dressers, nightstands and jewelry

to take us back in time.

armoires of Sigmas around the country.

Come see these and more at the 50th Anniversary

If you have been to a recent Convention, you may have

Celebration in May! Speak with the Archivist and

left with a silver badge box, a desk clock, or a piece of

members of the Archives Committee as you explore the

jewelry. Jewelry and jewelry storage seem to have been

house and celebrate 50 years of Tri Sigma in Woodstock.

among the most frequently distributed Convention favors—if you attended the Minneapolis Convention in 2010, you may be wearing a compass pendant necklace.

Badge boxes have also remained popular throughout Convention history. At a recent Convention, Sigmas received silver jewelry boxes to store and protect their precious badges. Earlier Conventions distributed small,

We invite you to share information about any Convention favors you have collected over the years, and special stories you remember about Conventions past. For questions about the Archives and its collections, or submitting materials to the Archives, contact Liz Johns, National Archivist at archives@trisigma.org.

flat gold boxes lined with red felt, with our crest adorning the lid. And through the years we have seen Convention favors change with the styles of the times. How about a silver seashell ashtray?

What would you have brought home if you had attended the 1908 Convention in Lynchburg, Virginia? Or the 1917 Convention in Edgewater Beach in Chicago? At the 1908 Convention, Bess Bennett Brower Willis, Gamma, was elected our second national president, and Sisters went home with a round pin featuring a smaller version of the indented triangle badge.

Many Sisters pinned these to their coats and sweaters, but we have only one left in our collection. In 1917, women were accessorizing their hats with pins that were not only chic, but also functional. (Women had to pin their hats into their hair to keep them on their heads— we’re not talking about ball caps here!) The Archives still has a few hatpins in the collection, including the triple sigma pin, and the 1917 Edgewater Beach Convention pin. Today, these items are no longer adorning the hats

Top // Badge box from a previous Convention Bottom Left // 1908 Convention Favor Bottom Right // Hat pins from Convention 1917 The Tr i a n g l e |

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inside sigma sigma sigma

A/CAC Recap

Omicron Chapter, representative Gina Mazzaferri;

The weekend of November 21, 2014, Tri Sigma staff

and Membership Recruitment Program Award, Denver

hosted the annual Alumnae/Collegiate Advisory Committee (A/CAC) for 2013 individual award winners and representatives from award winning collegiate and alumnae chapters. Those attending were the following: Mabel Lee Walton Award, Phylicia Fehlen, Beta Pi; Emily Gates Alumnae Achievement Award, Cj Donovan, Beta Lambda and Long Beach Alumnae Chapter; Collegiate Chapter of the Year, Gamma Pi Chapter, representative Anna Catherine Lee; Alumnae Chapter of the Year, Central Florida, representative Corbie Latham; Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency, Membership

Chapter

Development and Educational Programming, and Ritual and Values Programming, Nu Chapter, representative

Excellence in Overall Programming, Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter, representative Karyn Poznick; Alumnae Chapter, representative Michelle Hektor.

The weekend was a celebration of leadership, providing an opportunity to further discover leadership potential as well as give back to the community through service at a local battered women’s shelter. One participant summed it up nicely when saying, “Thank you for a great weekend! I could not imagine a better way to wrap-up my collegiate experience in Tri Sigma. This weekend allowed me to fall even more in love with my beautiful sisterhood. The weekend certainly had me thinking how I can be a better person and how I can better serve/help others.” Tri Sigma looks forward to hosting A/CAC in November 2015!

Lindsay Grindel; Commitment to Excellent, Epsilon

ALUMNAE CHAPTERS 1935 • 80 yrs. - Shreveport, LA 1945 • 70 yrs. - Central Florida, FL 1950 • 65 yrs. - Greater St. Louis, MO 65 yrs. - Phoenix, AZ 1955 • 60 yrs. - Columbia, SC 1960 • 55 yrs. - Tucson Sunshine, AZ 1965 • 50 yrs. - Pinellas County, FL 1970 • 45 yrs. - Kansas City, MO 1990 • 25 yrs. - Inland Empire, CA 1995 • 20 yrs. - Charleston Area, SC 2005 • 10 yrs. - Grand Strand, SC 2010 • 5 yrs. - Central Michigan, MI COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS 1915 • 100 yrs. - Lambda 100 yrs. - Mu 100 yrs. - Nu 1925 • 90 yrs. - Alpha Alpha 90 yrs. - Alpha Beta 90 yrs. - Alpha Gamma

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

ANNIVERSARIES 1930 • 85 yrs. - Alpha Kappa 1935 • 80 yrs. - Alpha Omicron 80 yrs. - Alpha Rho 1945 • 70 yrs. - Beta Beta 70 yrs. - Beta Delta 1960 • 55 yrs. - Gamma Beta 1965 • 50 yrs. - Gamma Xi 1970 • 45 yrs. - Delta Beta 45 yrs. - Delta Delta 1985 • 30 yrs. - Epsilon Delta 30 yrs. - Epsilon Epsilon 1990 • 25 yrs. - Epsilon Pi 25 yrs. - Epsilon Rho 1995 • 20 yrs. - Zeta Tau 20 yrs. - Zeta Upsilon 2000 • 15 yrs. - Eta Kappa 2005 • 10 yrs. - Eta Rho 10 yrs. - Eta Zeta 2010 • 5 yrs. - Theta Alpha

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Y E A R

MEMBERS ALPHA

PI

ALPHA EPSILON

ALPHA OMICRON

Eleanor Folk Canter Emily Lankes Fournier Sarah Goode Gregory Lucy Tucker Held Lillian Agnew Leath Frances Mallory Miller Elizabeth Bernard Saul Elsie Stossel Upchurch Katherine White Wagner Imogen Claytor Withers

Billie Aldridge Bomhoff Freda Teske Grutzmacher Willa Teem Springfeldt Frances Nunemacher Van Blaricum Beuberta Tyler Weldon

Betty Gay Andrews Florence McCreight Gipple Jeanne Allender Moore

Lentese Cotton Adams Sue Brown Bass Martha Parks Glasener Inez Hitt Pyle Wanda Gibson Wimberly

ZETA Margaret Eschner Bacon Marion Pierce Dunning Helen Bolton Lownie GOLDEN VIOLET

Lois Kroening Nichols Jane North Paul

IOTA Dorothea Butz Egan Eleanor Kattner Wilson Rubie Simmons Wilson GOLDEN VIOLET

LAMBDA Barbara Rifenbary DeLozier Jeannette Barnhart Kilpatrick

SIGMA Marjorie Barr Capron Mabel Joan Sweitzer Fedel Marie Havens Kaczmarek Billie Lou Lindsey Sweger

Betty Utter Phares Barbara Leet Ricklefs Genella Pemberton Smith

Lavinia Smith Leonard Ruth Turner Stinnet

TAU

ALPHA THETA

Rachel Prichard Halliburton

Mary Price Campbell Betty Rosenbaum Laningham Viola Cartwright Pierce Roberta Ingles Steele

ALPHA RHO

CHI Marjorie Seeley Dewitt Pauline Jackson Graham

PSI Barbara Lee Binns Betty Bandy Cruise Georgia Pack Dailey Elizabeth Stairs Gelder Virginia Wilson Voelker Maxine Prockter Waugh Merle Lucas Willey Elizabeth Boone Wiseman

Bertha Margaret Ross Betty Anderson Schlanker Christine Limes Simmons

Alpha Wooddell David Dorothy Calfee Davis Beulah McKinney Kingdon Joan Palmer Sellers

NU

ALPHA BETA

ALPHA ZETA

ALPHA IOTA Wanda Martin Putnum GOLDEN VIOLET

Mary Langley Chandler Flora Jernigan Chapman Doris Baker Crews

ALPHA LAMBDA Elaine Neller Davis Marie Koppelman Kulifay Betty Thompson Snyder

ALPHA TAU Betty Smithdeal Bunce Frances Angela Croccia Elinor Kane Macklin Beatrice Slade Shafer

Mary Shuford Dobbie Anne Trotter Feriozi Roberta Jefferson Fisher Margaret Hoffman Gouldman

Helen Chatelain delCorral Margaret Daniel Fitzgerald Dora L. LeBlanc Virginia Gilmore Vocelii

ALPHA GAMMA

ALPHA NU

Maywin Maddy Riggs

Shirley West Davis Genelle Daniel Jensen Ruth Eddleman Keistler Mildred Eason McCabe Betty Pemberton Wechsler

Ruby Pilon Dugan Joyce Corbeille Fleuelling Grace Anderson Morganthall

Annie Long Deavours Gladys Smith Ishee Mary Kinch Laird Catherine Verdel Toole Dulcie Davidge Webster

ALPHA MU

XI OMICRON

ALPHA SIGMA

ALPHA UPSILON

Helen McCarthy Allen Marjorie Jean Long

GOLDEN VIOLET

Marion Kyler Ciccarelli Frances Molitor Williamson

GOLDEN VIOLET

Betty Dix Hewitt Virginia Taggart Jordan

Mildred Hagemeier Curtis

ALPHA PI Randalyn Corle Campbell Eleanor Schell Harnish Jean Kerr Young Helen Burnham Zoner

ALPHA ALPHA MU

GOLDEN VIOLET

GOLDEN VIOLET

Marion Watkins Herget Virginia Winfield Manson Betsy Ross Miers Ann Valentine Pfeiffer GOLDEN VIOLET

Hannah Heath Stith Frances Agnor Traver Florence Atherholt White Virginia Shreckhise Wilson

ALPHA XI Nina Pedersen Gloede Mildred Mattson Lidicker

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inside sigma sigma sigma

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Tri Sigma opens doors to an expanded NHQ Tri Sigma hosted a community open house to celebrate the dedication of the Sorority and our Foundation’s new National Headquarters on Friday, November 21, 2014. There were recognition speeches, light refreshments and building tours for the community and members of Tri Sigma.

In the spring of 1965, Tri Sigma opened its doors at the Mabel Lee Walton National Memorial Headquarters. The Sorority and the Foundation have been operating at this location for the past 50 years. As we have grown and expanded not only our organization, but our staff as well, Tri Sigma leadership agreed to expand our National Headquarters and began renovations in the fall of 2013, after purchasing the property next door.

The new home of Tri Sigma’s National Headquarters opened last July, right next to Walton House at 207 N. Muhlenberg St. in Woodstock, Virginia. The two properties are connected by the Founders Garden, a beautiful walkway honoring Tri Sigma’s eight founders. This building, nearly 7,000 square feet, functions as the central hub of operations for Tri Sigma member services. It is also home to the Tri Sigma Foundation offices. The property includes a reception room to welcome visitors and members alike; a modernday board room where Executive Council and other boards

NPC Update The National Panhellenic Conference was formed and has been meeting since 1902. In 1915, Tri Sigma led in the formation of the Association of Educational Sororities (1915-1947) and in 1952 joined NPC. The leadership of the NPC is by Executive Committee with the two rotated officers and three elected members.

NPC delegations (the delegate, plus three alternate delegates, National President and the Executive Director) meet each year in October to discuss the state of the sorority communities and make decisions for NPC. The NPC Delegates (called the Board of Directors) meet again in late spring to consider other work that deals with the operations of the NPC. There is an NPC staff, based in Indianapolis, IN; ably led by the Executive Director.

Staff positions are aligned with the day-to-day activities of advocacy and the college and alumnae Panhellenics.

Photo: Linda Henderson, Kaye Schendel, Joyce O’Daniel, Laura W. Sweet and Kelly Jo Karnes pose at the NPC Annual Meeting.

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can meet; a 1,000-square-foot training and conference center to help facilitate the education and training of our collegiate and alumnae members; staff amenities such as a break room and conference area; and an expanded mail and distribution area to allow for the efficient flow of communication from Tri Sigma leaders to the membership.

“On the heels of Tri Sigma greats, Jane Kinderman and Santee Dunham, I accepted the position of Executive Director of this wonderful organization in 2006,” says Marcia Cutter, Executive Director of Tri Sigma. “As an Executive Council member for nine years and a volunteer for many more years, it has been my dream (and the dream of countless others) to update our National Headquarters so that we can continue to provide our members with the services and experiences they need to fulfill the vision of our Founders. That day has come.”

Above Photos // 1. Tri Sigma’s new National Headquarters in Woodstock, Virginia. 2. Shovels stick out of the dirt during the Tri Sigma National Headquarters ground breaking ceremony on Nov. 21, 2013. 3. Kaye Schendel, National President, and Marcia Cutter, Executive Director, cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of Tri Sigma’s new National Headquarters building.

The work of the NPC is also accomplished by volunteers. Each sorority has representation to NPC by a NPC Delegate and three alternate delegates. The National Presidents and Executive Directors of each sorority also attend NPC annual meetings and meets on various sorority topics. Delegation members serve on NPC committees and task forces to advise the College and Alumnae Panhellenics, extension, advocacy for the sorority movement and recruitment assistance, such as RFM. There are also other organizations that influence the sorority advancement, such as the Fraternity/Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) which also involves Tri Sigma volunteers with Panhellenic knowledge and experience.

Companion pieces with this note are abbreviated in the NPC October 2014 minutes, the Gallup Poll initiative by NPC (and the Interfraternal Conference), and the work of the Fraternal Governance Coalition. I hope that you will visit npcwomen.org to read with a renewed interest in what NPC does for Tri Sigma!

Members of Tri Sigma’s NPC delegation include Laura W. Sweet, delegate; and Joyce O’Daniel, Linda Henderson and Kelly Jo Karnes, alternate delegates. If you are interested in more detailed information on NPC or the Tri Sigma NPC delegation, please contact a member of the Tri Sigma delegation. Delegation members are appointed in convention years for three-year terms.

Tri Sigma members who are appointed volunteers should have knowledge of the national organization and have significant leadership experience within Tri Sigma, and have significant understanding of the National Panhellenic Conference.

inside sigma sigma sigma

Tri Sigma is offering our members and friends a new way to connect with the Tri Sigma Traveler program. With this program, we are committed to providing Sigmas with the opportunities to come together and experience trips that incorporate the beauty of nature, the inspiration of faraway places and the thrill of adventure. We’ve been establishing among our members a perpetual bond of friendship, and we want to expand on our commitment to provide exceptional experiences that will empower women to change the world.

Tri Sigma Traveler allows Sigmas to experience the world with friends, family and Sisters alike. Use this site to see all of our exclusive trips, find answers to your travel questions, join our Travelers Club, prepare for your adventures and more!

Traveling with your Sisters, spouses, family, and friends will create a lifetime of unforgettable memories! When you're ready, Tri Sigma is here to help you plan a trip that is just right for you. Whether you already have someone with whom you want to travel, or are looking for travel companions and groups, Tri Sigma Traveler will help make it happen. This is a great resource for organizing a Tri Sigma reunion or Sister Getaway, and we would love to assist in making it a reality with Tri Sigma Traveler.

Be sure to join the Tri Sigma Travelers Club at no cost and receive your members-only Tri Sigma Traveler luggage tag.

You’ll be the first to hear about new trips, as well as receive special travel opportunities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR TRAVEL PROGRAM, VISIT WWW.TRISIGMATRAVELER.COM.

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Campaign Donors inside sigma sigma sigma

Heart Home :

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Jody Abdon

Meagan Hebert

Brenda Ray

Natalie Averette

Taylor Heikes

Marie Rees

Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter

Arlene Ball

Michelle Hektor

Catherine Rigby

Maryville Alumnae Chapter

Allison Ball

Linda Henderson

Deborah Riggan

Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter

Su-Lin Banks

Liz Hoffert

Sharon Rockwell

Nashville Alumnae Chapter

Maryellen Baxter

Polly Horne

Ann Rutkowski

North Jersey Alumnae Chapter

Alice Beale

Barbara Houpt

Antoinette Salcedo

Phoenix Alumnae Chapter

Marie Beck

Phyllis Hudson

Sandra Sandel

Piedmont Alumnae Chapter

Marilyn Beiter

Carolyn Hughes

Diana Sarber

Margaret Benthall

Diana Hunn

Lori Schaefer

Sarasota/Manatee Counties Alumnae Chapter

Vicki Bird

Kathleen Hunsaker

Kaye Schendel

Stephanie Blair

Jo Ann Hunt

Ellen Schick

Suzan Bosarge

Wanda Jeter

Kate Schuch

Laura Braddick

Jeanne Johnson

Vera Scott

Jan Brill

Garreline Jurko

Susan Shearer

Mary C. Brown

Katelynn Evans

Amy Skinner

Gail Brown

June Kendall

Emmy Smith

Nancy Butch

Lydia Kennedy

Roberta Smith

Allyson Carr

Julie Kidwell

Abby Snowberger

Karen Cartwright

Danielle Kloap

Sarah Sonnier

Sandra Chamberlin

Theresa Krajnak

Courtney Stone

Tammy Clary

Lois Kurtz

Carol Swango

Melissa Clay

Rayni Lasley

Constance Swank

Linda Clayton

Jacqueline Lewis

Laura W. Sweet

Susan Conner

Susan Liston

Allison Swick-Duttine

Rachel Cooley

Shirley Lloyd

Lillian Taggart

Nancy Copeland

Jane Lockett

Michelle Tantillo

Patsy Cornelius

Cara Luyster

Sandy Thayer

Karen Crawford

Nancy Mancuso

Shannon Thomas

Marcia Cutter

Linda Manley-Kuitu

Sarah Turner

Sheryl Dahm

Ruth Mason

Catherine Ursprung

Kim Davids

Brenda McDannald

Carolyn Wallisch

Bethany Deines

Jill McGlaughlin

Margaret Walters

Sharon Devlin

Shirley McKinley

Janell Weaver

Fay Donaldson

Kara Miller

Shanna Wemhoener

Cj Donovan

Virginia M. Minges

Dorothy Wewe

Margaret Draper

Jennifer Modisette

Cynthia Xenick

Jamie Dresher

Patsy Mooney

Judith Zumwalt

Emily Ellis

Charlotte Moore

Julie and Phylicia Fehlen

Jeanne Moore

Central Florida Alumnae Chapter

Katie Finazzo

Jessica Moran

Inez Fridley

Diane Mysonhimer

Janelle Gibson

Mary Neale

Jackie Goreham

Margaret Neuhauser

Lori Gums

Lori Pettyjohn

Cindy Harms

Lorin Phillips

Lynn Harrington

Jamie Pitts

Susan Harrold

Kimberly (Yvette) Pue

Allene Hazeltine

Bonnie Rainey

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

Alpha Beta Chapter Alpha Chi Chapter Alpha Phi Chapter Alpha Pi Chapter Beta Delta Chapter Beta Epsilon Chapter Beta Pi Chapter Beta Theta Chapter Beta Xi Chapter Delta Omicron Chapter Delta Pi Chapter Epsilon Alpha Chapter Epsilon Chi Chapter Epsilon Epsilon Chapter Epsilon Nu Chapter Epsilon Psi Chapter Epsilon Rho Chapter Eta Kappa Chapter Eta Nu Chapter Eta Phi Chapter Eta Tau Chapter Eta Theta Chapter Eta Xi Chapter Gamma Beta Chapter Gamma Lambda Chapter Gamma Pi Chapter Gamma Xi Chapter Nu Chapter Pi Chapter Theta Epsilon Chapter

Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter

Theta Gamma Chapter

Columbia SC Alumnae Chapter

Zeta Delta Chapter

Dallas Alumnae Chapter

Zeta Kappa Chapter

Daytona Alumnae Chapter

Zeta Theta Chapter

Denver Alumnae Chapter

Zeta Upsilon Chapter

First State Alumnae Chapter

2012 & 2014 Labyrinth Participants

Fox Valley, IL Alumnae Chapter

MJ Insurance Group

Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter

Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation

Zeta Alpha Chapter

Jack Novoselski

housing

Alpha Chapter Housing, Longwood University By: Shelley Heaney, Alpha • Longwood University The Alpha Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma moved into sorority housing in 1966, when Stubbs residence hall opened to house women in the Greek community. With an outdated fire safety system, inadequate storage space for sororities, a lack of central air conditioning and rundown plumbing, Longwood University prepared for renovations to begin in May 2013. The students who planned to move into Stubbs during this time were relocated temporarily to the South Cunningham residence hall. Sisters eagerly awaited the opening of Stubbs in August 2014. Each organization revamped its chapter room. Having new flair like cardscanner access to chapter room doors, motion-sensor lights and remote control fans, the new, modern feel of Stubbs was celebrated throughout the Greek community.

HOUSE FACTS There are 18 Tri Sigma Sisters living in Stubbs, which houses approximately 180 women. Divided among 10 Greek organizations, each hall has three chapter rooms with resident dorms surrounding them. The first floor contains one other chapter room with its corresponding housing. The Sisterhood Room, which has a large kitchen, a lounge, small meeting rooms and laundry facilities, is in the foyer of the resident hall. One large room is being renovated to contain tables, chairs and a timeline of the history of Stubbs. This will be available to book for events and meetings.

Lori Bjorkman is a professional interior designer and a mother to one of the Alpha Chapter’s Sisters. Working side-by-side with housing chairs Allison Burley and Danielle Whitehurst and last year’s housing chair Michelle Salvato, the chapter room was filled with donations from alumnae, friends, family and members in the community.

HOUSE EVENTS Excitement about the newly renovated residence hall led the College Panhellenic Council to organize a reopening event.

On October 18, 2014, alumnae and Sisters of the Greek organizations were invited to campus. After signing in, alumnae were free to walk around the campus and see the changes. Each sorority opened the doors of its chapter room and had events and plans throughout the day. Sigma Sigma Sigma had a wonderful medley of alumnae from various new member classes and graduating years.

A guest to the reopening ceremony shared her memories of being a Sister of the Alpha Chapter. Annie Lee Young Duff graduated in 1960, before Stubbs was built. Although she

never lived in Stubbs, she has fond memories of living in French residence hall, where the sororities were housed prior to Stubbs. When asked about why she valued Tri Sigma, she said, “It was just an important part of my life. Because it was that Sisterhood that you could never destroy. It will never break, no matter where you go.” These close bonds that she has with her Sisters continues today, and she hopes that the currently active Sisters hold up the values of Tri Sigma throughout their own lives.

With the reuniting of new t dence Hall // Stubbs Resi member classes, roommates om Ro Top Photo: er pt o: Alpha Cha and Sisters, the atmosphere Bottom Phot quickly changed from excitement about the fresh chapter room to reminiscing about their college experiences. Conversations were sentimental and heartfelt as the day went on. The Sisters shared stories about living in the hall with stacks of the chapter room’s scrapbooks and photos in hand. Alumnae wandered the halls with nostalgia and memories, and they were reluctant to leave the building at the end of the day.

Natalie Averette, Tri Sigma National Vice President, paid a visit to the Alpha Chapter’s reopening event. After discussing the room, chatting about progress made in the Alpha Chapter, and talking about her experiences with Tri Sigma, she offered this advice to the Sisters: “Appreciate not only the bonds that you develop here, but all the great things that you've learned. Share that wisdom. [We all have] exceptional experiences that empower women to change the world. Do that! Be that person.”

Alpha Chapter members celebrate this new stage in their lives and look forward to the benefits of working hard on the reopening. With these stories and memories held close to their hearts, they are moving ever forward to honor the Sisters’ legacies before them, and to make their own footsteps on the timeline of Alpha Chapter history.

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feature

Leading by Example: Living a Life of Selflessness

M

By: Christa Hoen, Beta Tau • University of Detroit Mercy

Most 18th birthdays are spent counting down the last days

Saturdays, weeknights, and countless hours to plan activities

of high school and looking forward to heading off to a

for Paige and help her raise her ACT score, apply for jobs,

college campus. Many of us at that point never knew the

and learn how to garden, cook, and even keep a blog. The

powerful ways in which we would be affected by Tri Sigma,

mentorship has demonstrated a way to live your character

never knew how our values would shift to five key words and

much further than reading quotes and knowing the pillars

never thought about what being a Sigma would say about

of Character Counts! Casey truly lives what we strive for and

our character. But for Paige*, turning 18 wasn't something

doesn’t attempt to preach or speak about her efforts in any

she was excited about. Paige expected to spend that birthday

way, other than to recruit more mentors. Casey happened

without much of a celebration, as the day simply marked

upon Vista Maria by chance. But what I’ve witnessed with

another year in her young life. She knew she’d be continuing

her involvement has been truly the most heartfelt and honest

on at Vista Maria, a home for young girls and women who

display of impeccable character that I’ve ever seen.

have suffered the effects of abuse, neglect and trauma, even though the birthday marked her official pass into adulthood.

14

To me, character first of all is connected to love and hope.

When you have love for other humans, you act in a way that

Girls like Paige share stories of resilience that many of us have

truly puts others first, above yourself—which can be difficult.

been fortunate not to face. But because of organizations

But through watching Casey’s selflessness, I’ve been able to

like Vista Maria and wonderful people who cheer her on,

hear and see the hope spread throughout Paige. Whether

differences are made daily. My connection to Paige is through

it’s thinking about the possibilities of college, or even having

my boss, Casey, who has become her volunteer mentor.

the desire to study for the ACT, the hope that so many of us

Casey embodies incredible character traits as she gives up

take for granted is illuminated. For Casey, spending Saturday

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

with Paige is the time she looks forward to most every week.

I think it’s part of our journey as sorority women to have our

Hearing about Casey’s experiences always makes me thankful

connections and bonds to one another and our founding

to work with someone who has her heart in the right place.

principles played out before us for years to come; recognizing

It’s through those direct actions of wisdom, power, faith, hope

that our values run far deeper than our four years in school

and love that I see incredible character shining through, which is

or even simply just in our Tri Sigma experiences.

contagious to all of those around her.

These experiences begin to permeate our lives in ways that

Even though Casey went to a university without a Tri Sigma

are difficult to explain even to ourselves, yet it is the pull we

chapter and is not a sorority woman, I couldn’t think of a better

feel towards one another for years to come.

example of our mission statement, which reads “to establish among its members a perpetual bond of friendship, to develop in them strong womanly character, and to impress upon them high standards of conduct.” When I was a new member, this was a hefty statement to understand, and as a former president of my chapter, I remember a new member asking why we stuck to that and what it actually meant. At the time, I rambled off an answer straight out of a manual that I didn’t fully connect to.

It was the right answer, but nonetheless one that I’d read, not experienced—I had not taken the time to digest it myself. But with time, I’ve come to find our mission in all sorts of places.

I find it in the local and national Sisters whom I stay in touch with. I find it at my job and in the city I live in. And I find it in

So while Paige expected her 18th birthday to go on without any pomp and circumstance, she awoke to find Casey and many of the associates from our workplace waiting downstairs with cake, cards, karaoke and water balloons, ready to celebrate her birthday with love and excitement.

Although the moment was filled with tears, they were most certainly happy ones, for there was more love and delight than she ever expected to encounter that day. It is this display of incredible selflessness that reminds me that great character doesn’t look like a highlighted quote or pillars of words to remember. Character counts in everyday actions of love that are easy to act on when you think with your heart.

Casey, who leads with her words, without even knowing they

So get out there, go join a movement; I challenge you to

exist in a sentence together.

affect positive change in another person's life. Whether

The perpetual bond of friendship is one that she shares with Paige, knowing forever how closely they will be tied together and dreaming of days when Paige can join her family for holidays. She exhibits strong womanly character, working through, as she puts it, “the tough stuff” with Paige, yet never pressuring her or getting angry; simply guiding her to be a woman of character as well. Additionally, Casey impresses upon Paige an understanding of what a high standard of conduct is, giving real-life examples and leading by her own actions.

it's raking your neighbor’s leaves, spending the afternoon at a soup kitchen, reading to children or learning how to become a mentor, I want you to take that step. As Sigmas, we continually say, "To receive much, you must give much."

I find those seven words to be the most impactful piece of advice in my daily life. The more effort I put into collegiate activities in Sigma, the more happiness I experienced. It is the same in my relationships and work. I've never once regretted putting extra effort toward anything I've done because I know that I get that much more out of the experience.

As sorority women, we've already been given an incredible

Casey’s actions depict our mission statement in a way I

opportunity to become a part of a Sisterhood and network

hadn’t understood as a collegian. By some sort of fate, I’ve

of women that won't let you fail. So I challenge you to

been able to see a sentence—one that I’ve heard a billion

provide that same love and support to someone who maybe

times through recruitment, retreats, and national events—

hasn’t had it, or realized it existed. Live out our values, not

play out in real life before me. It’s a simple sentence that to

just through articulating why you love Sigma and what you

most is just something we’ve read and know we stand for.

stand for, but by doing.

It was that way for a long time for me as well. It’s taken me a few years removed from the sorority and removed from college to understand and actively try to live it out myself.

* An alternative name was used for the sake of protecting the mentee’s identity.

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feature

25

Special Years

By: Mandy Chocheles, Gamma Eta • Loyola University When I transferred to Loyola University after

and waiting for replies and reports. The

family lives and ultimately serving together

my family’s move from Connecticut, the one

opportunity I had to travel and meet the

on Executive Council. We are both Golden

person I met that summer was a member of

officers and members of other alumnae

Violets now and looking forward to seeing

the Gamma Eta Chapter. I admit that I really

chapters on “official” visits was priceless.

everyone in Chicago in 2016.

didn’t know much about sororities; I had

They are still my friends today.

spent my freshman and sophomore years at a small Catholic girls’ college in Vermont.

But I went through recruitment mainly to make some new friends. Since I was already a junior, I really only had three semesters of collegiate Sigma experience. But I was recognized as “Best Pledge,” and served as Recording Secretary. Obviously, this was better than I ever thought it would be!

Several years later, after marrying, moving away, having our first child and returning to New Orleans, I joined the local alumnae chapter, and that’s where my involvement in, and appreciation of, Tri Sigma really began. I began by being the Triangle Correspondent, then served two years as alumnae chapter president. After my first National Convention in Chicago serving as our chapter’s delegate, I knew that this was an extraordinary organization, and I wanted to be even more involved. I served on the local committee for the 1989 New Orleans Convention, and following that was asked to be a National Alumnae Chairman for Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma.

There were no emails or text messages in those days; there was a lot of typing letters, watching the cost of long-distance calls,

16

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

My final thought to anyone who might be

Serving in a national capacity was

hesitating to volunteer for national service is

sometimes challenging as well. Gathering

this: Tri Sigma has given so much to you, no

at National Officer meetings every few years

matter how long or short a time you have

and then at Conventions always renewed

been in our sorority. Give back your talent

my enthusiasm as we shared ideas and

and time; you will be repaid many, many

suggestions about strengthening alumnae

times over. With professional staff members

participation. Once again, I had a whole

to guide you and a nation of Sisters to love

new family of Sigma Sisters who loved

you, you can’t lose!

serving our national organization as much as I did.

In my roles as Alumnae Director and then in the ultimate service of Executive Council member, I am truly grateful. These were positions I never thought would be available to me. In 2010, when my term on Council was over, I volunteered to be the Alumnae Editor of The Triangle. My love of writing and sharing alumnae news was sort of the perfect circle of service for me since my first job as Triangle correspondent. In 2014, I retired from this position but still remain active with my beloved New Orleans chapter. And my first of 13 Conventions— the one in Chicago—brought a dear Sigma Sister into my life. Barb Stoe Stone, Beta Tau, and I have stayed close through the years, sharing the ups and downs of our

feature

Sisters Serve the Homeless at La Puente By: Sherrie Devlin, Beta Lambda • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee On September 19, 2014, two Sisters and I set out to follow Tri

her deceased husband's

Sigma's tenet to serve others. I met Linda Rood, Beta Xi, and Carol

relatives and was found

Saller, Psi, at the Dallas Alumnae Chapter many years ago. Along

shoeless and bewildered,

with six members of Messiah Lutheran Church from Plano, Texas,

wandering the streets

we went to La Puente, a homeless shelter in Alamosa, Colorado,

with her walker. But

to prepare and serve over 600 meals to the homeless. In addition,

not all guests live at

we made 47 health care kits for the guests of the shelter. The

La Puente. One story

workday started at 7:30 a.m. and we worked until 7 p.m.

of hope was that of a

La Puente is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports itself (92 percent) through donations from churches, businesses, private donations and the Alamosa community of 12,000 residents. All food served at the shelter comes from donations. La Puente houses 40-60 people at any given time. We raised money to purchase the food and items for healthcare kits. There are many people to thank, but we especially want to thank Eta Kappa at Texas Woman's University for donating money for food. Linda and I are truly humbled to serve on the chapter’s Housing Board.

3-year-old boy named Jack whose father brought him every day to eat lunch and dinner until they could get back on their feet. Jack's father was unemployed. But while we were there, we celebrated with

Adhering to Sigma tradition, several of the women also

them because Jack's dad

volunteered at PALS, a Children's Center, and helped watch

got a job. These are the

18 children in an after-school program. This was particularly

stories that brought life

helpful because the two young AmeriCorps women who usually

and purpose to this trip.

volunteered there were in an accident and unable to work.

Our women filled in for them.

The women were so moved by the compassion of La

Xi, ood, Beta a Davis R d n ie" Li rr // e ron "Sh Top Photo r, Psi, Sha lle a ing S k a n m lia Carol O bda, are Beta Lam ng , ri a in p vl re e P D n Photo // m Johannse o tt o er.

B lt e re kits. t the sh health ca g food a in rv se d n a

This is not the first time that Linda and I have teamed up for

Puente and their mission

“Sigma Serves Children.” In 2005, while I was working at the

of service that they are planning to return next year at the same

American Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, Linda came to Kiev with a

time. What a joy this experience was for the women involved.

group to volunteer in orphanages. Together, we helped collect donations of clothing and shoes to give the orphans—and many of the items donated were from our Sigma Sisters. Last fall, it was only natural for us to team up again at La Puente.

At La Puente, the volunteers were so busy that we didn't expect to have time to visit with the guests. We cooked for 50 people at lunch and made an additional 30 bagged lunches. We fed 100 people for supper each day. The volunteers shared many stories between them about residents of the shelter. One young man in his early 20s had terminal cancer and lived at the shelter; and Penny, an elderly woman, was locked out of her house by

"Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater."

Luke 12:48

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character

A Weekend Spent Developing Character On November 14–16, 2014, 22 Tri Sigma Sisters spent the weekend talking about character and enhancing our strategic commitment to Character Education. Once a triennium, we gather new Executive Council members, Foundation Board members, staff members and Character Advocate Team members for a weekend of character development and commitment. Gary Smit, Master Trainer for the Josephson Institute of Ethics, spent the weekend introducing participants to the six pillars of character and leading us through discussions to help us determine our next steps with this initiative. Since 2009, Tri Sigma has emphasized our mission: “To develop strong womanly character.” Most members now know the language of the pillars (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship). Now we need to teach and instill the behaviors that are associated with living the pillars. This is much more than a week of activities or a day of activities. It is about who we are as a sorority and what we want to live and teach to our communities. There are many ways to be a part of our character movement.

Participant Thoughts “I am grateful to have participated in the Character Counts!

Character Development Seminar this past November.

The weekend was filled with several new ideas, outlooks and many new Sigma friends! It was wonderful to be in a group with collegiate and alumnae members, volunteers, and staff.

We all learned from each other’s experiences and grew as a team.

Our seminar was filled with lots of great information mixed with fun! For me, the most important information that I returned home with was that character does count! It’s not just for a week or something that has to be checked off of a list, but it is a way of life! We are all TeRRiFiCC, and that is what makes us women of character.

Character Counts!, for those not familiar with the program, is based on the six value pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. As a collegiate participant in this seminar, a lot of what we discussed was very relevant to the collegiate experience. So often are we, as students, faced with decisions where the easiest or most popular choice does not bring about the best results. It is our responsibility to act with character when making decisions.

A realization I had during this seminar is that a lot of what Sigma does and stands for already aligns with these six pillars— we just don’t connect it with the Character Counts! program.

One of the many things I took out of this weekend is that we need to be intentional with character education. As members of Tri Sigma, it is our duty to be women of character. Remember, character counts.” –STEPHANIE BLAIR, DELTA DELTA

It’s time to go make a difference!” –ANN RUTKOWSKI, EPSILON DELTA

•••

This November, I had the chance to take part in the Character Counts! Character Development Seminar, and it was an eyeopening experience. Tri Sigma has the amazing opportunity to bring character education to our organization, and it is something that we already do.

Look for more information on Sigma Connect or contact Chris Smithhisler, Director of Character Education for Tri Sigma at csmithhisler@trisigma.org.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

Attendees from the 2014 Character Deve lopment Semin pose with poste ar rs of character quotes.

Character Essay Contest "KINDNESS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!"

of Ethics hosted a character essay contest.

NATALINA FOCARELLI ZETA TAU ALPHA, RIDER UNIVERSITY

Applicants were invited to submit 500-word

Natalina is a junior at Rider University, double

essays defending the message, "Kindness can

majoring in elementary education and English

change the world!"

with a double minor in special education and

Sigma Sigma Sigma and The Josephson Institute

middle school. She is a member of the Zeta

Rachel Hess won first place and earned $1,000;

Lambda Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha and also

Natalina Focarelli won second place and earned

The top three winners are:

involved in Kappa Delta Pi, the International

$500; Audrey Gunn won third place and

Honor Society in Education. Outside of school,

earned $250.

she enjoys spending time with family and

Rachel Hess

friends, writing, singing and playing soccer.

RACHEL HESS SIGMA KAPPA, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

AUDREY GUNN KAPPA ALPHA THETA, UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Rachel is a sophomore in the Rutgers University School of Nursing. She has been a member of Sigma Kappa since spring 2014. Rachel holds the

SIGMA KAPPA RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Audrey is a senior at the University of Alabama.

position of RU4Kids Liaison within her chapter,

She is a pre-med psychology major with a

Zeta Phi. As the liaison, she works to form a

chemistry minor. On campus, she serves as

relationship between a family from Embrace Kids

the president of Crimson Kindness, a student

Foundation and her fellow Sisters. In April, Rachel

organization whose goal is to create a

will be participating in Dance Marathon for the

community of kindness by engaging in acts of

first time and cannot wait for this experience. She

kindness on campus and in the surrounding

looks forward to her future in Sigma Kappa, at

community. She also volunteers each week with

Rutgers and eventually as a nurse.

her campus’s autism transition program. After

Natalina Focarelli ZETA TAU ALPHA RIDER UNIVERSITY

graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a psychiatrist.

Audrey Gunn KAPPA ALPHA THETA UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

d

ceives her awar

Rachel Hess re

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character

Winning Essay: Kindness Can Change the World By: Rachel Hess, Sigma Kappa • Rutgers University In a world where citizens are preoccupied with the latest technology and driven by job promotions, it is easy to overlook the simple act of kindness. It is easy to glance at your cell phone, checking for notifications, while at a family dinner. It is easy to bump into someone on the subway and not even say “sorry.”

Distractions and personal motives drive a society built upon kindness to one that is more and more filled with self-absorbed actions. The power of kindness is greatly underestimated in the 21st century. While that glance at your iPhone or the absence of an apology may seem insignificant; they often have a cumulative and profound effect.

A sign above the door of my high school pottery studio read, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Regardless if they are public, everyone has challenges that they face. Beyond the façade of a sophisticated businesswoman may be a woman who recently filed for a divorce. When individuals focus on themselves, it is hard for them to be compassionate toward another person’s battle. Acts of kindness have the ability to positively affect an individual’s attitude, and perhaps even mitigate the struggles of her battle. Who knows, maybe the businesswoman will be inspired to try and save her marriage one last time?

Kindness can change the world because of the chain reaction that often stems from a single act.

When an individual benefits from compassion, whether a smile hor simple “hi,” she is usually affected in a positive way. As a result, she is more likely to spread that optimism. She is more likely to be proactive and say “sorry” or put the phone away. Consideration leads to an additional consciousness of other people’s battles, and an emphasis to “be kind.”

Besides the immediate exchange, a small act of kindness has long-term effects that are often overlooked. When many individuals are kindhearted, they tend to come together as a community and achieve far more. Through a mutual desire, they increase the likelihood that issues can be positively changed.

As members of a group, citizens can provide each other with encouragement and inspiration to make a difference and spread kindness. For example, it is hard to resist touching your phone while socializing because Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are constantly changing by the second. However, if we all had the same mentality and believed that putting down the phone was an act of kindness, it would be a lot easier to do. While it seems so trivial, distractions prevent us from being completely attentive to our family and friends. If we all strived to do something small, as individuals within a community, the chain reaction would continuously be growing. Positive vibes would emanate from homes, work places, cities, and states. A simple mission, to be kind, starts on an individual level, but many compassionate individuals can impact others and change the world for the better.

Exclusive discounts are just the beginning.

Doesn’t it feel great to belong?

You’ve chosen to become involved and stay committed to Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and your vision of empowering women to change the world. That says something about your character.

As a Tri Sigma member, you understand the importance of belonging and in playing an active role in our community. Nationwide shares these values, too, and that’s why our partnership works.

20

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

The revenue generated from this partnership has allowed Nationwide and Tri Sigma to fund key programs such as the Women of Character Initiative and other leadership opportunities.

Call 1-866-633-5747 to learn more about our partnership and to take advantage of your exclusive Tri Sigma discount.

+

Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products Underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance and the Nationwide framemark are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2013 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. AFO-0770AO (10/13)

our collegians

Collegiate News ALPHA – LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY Farmville, VA Tradition is wired deep into sorority life at Longwood University, which is home to the Farmville Four: Kappa Delta, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and Zeta Tau Alpha. One way these organizations honor the history of their founders is through Jumper Day. Each sorority has a jumper that coordinates with their sorority’s colors, and they wear them at certain times during the semester. Events such as CPC or IFC walk, Greek Week events, or bid day prompt Jumper Day. Back when Longwood University was the State Female Normal School, they wore jumpers to their classes. When a woman entered a sorority, the Sisters would dye their white jumpers in the colors of their sororities to show unity. This tradition started as a Farmville Four tradition, but spread quickly as other sororities joined the school.

Jumpers are usually homemade and are all different in their own ways. Some Sisters sew pockets and ribbons to their jumpers to add flare, and the jumpers are usually made from different patterns.

At the end of a Sister’s stay at Longwood, the jumper is usually passed down to a younger Sister. The age of the jumpers is shown through the wear and wash of the fabric. If a Sister doesn't have a jumper, she wears Unity Letters, a black shirt with royal purple and pure white letters.

This jumper tradition is held close to the hearts of Tri Sigma and is carried down to the new Sisters, generation to generation.

Sisters are proud to don their purple jumpers and love showing Sigma pride throughout their day.

MU – TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY Kirksville, MO It’s not every day that a chapter turns 100!

The year 2015 marks Mu’s 100th anniversary from its opening on November 26, 1915. The women of the Mu Chapter at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, have been buzzing with anticipation for their upcoming centennial. The Centennial Committee has been working tirelessly to ensure that this is

Alpha // 4 Fall 201 y a D id B

a celebration to be remembered. The three-day celebration is to take place April 17-19, but is being celebrated all year long.

A centennial is the perfect opportunity to reflect back on Tri Sigma’s foundations as a Sisterhood as well as look onward to the future and strive to pass on the traditions for generations to come. Mu is recognizing this joyous occasion as a way to get back to its roots. By revisiting the ritual and striving to strengthen each other in the values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love, Mu is focused on establishing the understanding within its members that membership is neverending in that it exists as a truly perpetual bond of friendship.

Mu is determined to encourage our Sisters to live in a way that honors our founders and the courage they had in establishing this organization. From volunteering at Harvester’s with alumnae from The Greater Kansas City Chapter to placing first in philanthropy during Truman State University’s 2014 Homecoming Week by raising about $2,500 for the LIFE Ability Center, women of the Mu Chapter have been lending their hearts and their hands to make a difference in the community as well as continuing a passion for social service that has been steadfast throughout the decades.

The women of Mu are excited to celebrate 100 years, but also can’t wait to see what the next 100 years will bring.

OMICRON – EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Ypsilanti, MI The start of the school year is a time of getting back into the swing of things! It’s a time to organize notebooks, find a quiet study place, and reconnect with Sisters. On October 20, 2014, the Omicron Chapter held its 3rd Annual Carrie-oke event. Every year, Omicron gathers donations using sponsorship letters from family, friends and local businesses. Using those donations, they host a karaoke event at a local restaurant just a block away from Eastern Michigan University's campus.

Carrie-oke is inspired by Tri Sigma alumna Carrie Underwood who won “American Idol.” The event has made long-lasting memories for chapter members, as it the first big event for most new members as well as the traditional first day of Big and Little Week. Sisters bond by belting out their favorite songs together and

Omicron // A ph oto used to promote Omicr on's 3rd annual Carrie-oke on So cial Media.

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our collegians eating yummy food. It costs just $3 for one person to sing and $5 for a group of two or more. The event is open to all of the Eastern Michigan University community. Many times, regulars at the restaurant will join in the fun and pay to sing as well.

The event also includes a raffle for baskets that the members of Omicron donate. The raffle baskets include prizes such as Avon products, candles, gift cards and much more. At the close of the event, all baskets are raffled off, and the winner of the Carrie-oke contest is recognized and gets to keep their “crowd money.”

After a person or group performs, they get a paper bag and walk around the audience to get donations from the crowd. The person with the most crowd money gets to keep their money and everyone else’s as well. All the money from the raffle and cost of singing a song goes to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation.

This year Carrie-oke was a huge success, and Omicron was able to raise $1,200 for the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. There are so many fun and creative ways for chapters to start new traditions and give back to something they feel so passionate about.

ALPHA MU – UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE • Lafayette, LA The Alpha Mu Chapter held its Second Annual Chili Cook-Off on October 18. It was a fun-filled day for the whole Lafayette community to come out and enjoy. There were 20 different teams including UL organizations, families and local businesses that competed to win the title of best chili. At the event, there was face painting, washer tosses, Pie-a-Tri, people's choice chili, and the King of Chili Pageant. The event was featured on the local news and radio stations. The Alpha Mu Chapter raised more than $7,000 for philanthropy.

ALPHA RHO – LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA • Lock Haven, PA This spring, the Alpha Rho Chapter has done many things to support the Foundation and show how passionate members are about giving back to the community, and more importantly, the philanthropy. Some key events from the year are the completion of many adopt-a-highways, pumpkin painting, and a duct tape challenge.

To start, the chapter has adopted a highway near the school to clean regularly. It is a great experience, because trash is cleaned up to make the environment more enjoyable and pleasant to look at.

Secondly, Alpha Rho hosted a night in which the chapter bought pumpkins for children who could not afford them and painted them to make their fall season a little more enjoyable.

The Sisters also read books to the children while in costumes to make the night more festive.

The chapter is always eager to do community service and finds it a great way to give back while becoming closer to one another and having a successful time.

ALPHA CHI – MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY Murray, KY The women of the Alpha Chi Chapter at Murray State University welcomed the school year with 32 new members. After a week of formal recruitment, the hard work and dedication paid off as we greeted the new members with open arms outside of Lovett Auditorium.

Not only did active members have a successful recruitment, but there was also an amazing fall Sisterhood planned by junior Taylor Futrell. As a chapter goal, the Sisters spent a beautiful Sunday in September at Bear Creek Camp located just down the road in Benton, Kentucky. The afternoon was full of swimming, canoeing and team-building activities. It was a great balance of bonding with Sisters and growing stronger as a chapter. The Sisterhood gave members a chance to put down the books and cellphones for the afternoon and spend that time becoming closer.

Soon after this Sisterhood event, planning began for Homecoming 2014, “Racers Across America.” After teaming up with Pi Kappa Alpha, the women constructed a float themed around New York City.

The Sisters’ hard work was rewarded as they were named first place in the parade float contest. On October 11, 2014, Alpha Chi celebrated Homecoming at Tent City where current members mingled with many alumnae who stopped by the tent. As always, it was great to see familiar faces and develop new relationships with the wonderful women who share the Tri Sigma bond.

nnual

A At their 2nd Alpha Mu // f Chili Cook-of

Alpha Rho // Jasie First showing her support for children while being duct taped to a wall during a fundraising event.

Beta Delta // Teeter Totter to end Breast Haleigh Roby Cancer! , Sydney Clar k, Hanna York Haley Jarret, , Michelle Pelo quin.

our collegians BETA BETA – MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY Springfield, MO On October 2, 2014, Beta Beta Chapter hosted its first kindergarten dinner to support play therapy. For $5, guests could enjoy childhood favorites including dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and fruit along with a pudding cup for dessert.

Decorations included paper chains. A special touch was covering the tables in paper so guests could color a masterpiece while they ate. The event was a success and raised over $800 for Tri Sigma’s philanthropy. Delta Chi Fraternity won a social with the chapter for having the most members come out and support the cause.

BETA DELTA – SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY Shepherdstown, WV The Beta Delta Chapter participated in Lambda Chi Alpha’s Teeter-Totter event. Chapter members teeter-tottered for 24 hours at the 23rd annual event to help raise money for the local breast cancer awareness foundation, the Cumberland Valley Breast Cancer Alliance. The ladies of Tri Sigma each signed up for at least four hours and helped raise over $2,500. Throughout the week, the Sisters made posters supporting Character Counts! and displayed them at the teeter-totter events.

Character Counts! allows all women of Tri Sigma to celebrate our values. On the posters that the chapter made were definitions and examples of what each of the pillars means and how they can be demonstrated. For trustworthiness, the definition is “the act of deserving trust,” and some examples are being honest, reliable and a good friend. For respect, some examples were treating others how you want to be treated and being judgment free. The rest of the pillars (responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) were also included along with the chapter’s definition and example. The women shared these values with fellow students and helped share ways they could live these values in their organizations.

Following on the note of citizenship, this month Beta Delta also started two community service projects. The first project was a baby drive to collect items to donate to the local NICU. With this drive, boxes were placed around our campus to help

e Hazing Beta Pi // Th nners Prevention ba ade that were m the of r te sis by the ter.

Beta Pi Chap

collect things like blankets, teddy bears, diapers, and other baby toys for children in local hospitals. The philanthropy and community service chairs have decided to put on this event to help local hospitals and the families and children in their care.

The chapter’s next community service project is writing cards to soldiers and veterans. This is an event that the university holds, but all of the ladies in Sigma will support the troops and thank them for all they have done and will continue to do.

BETA PI – UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–STOUT Menomonie, WI In true Sigma fashion, the Sisters of the Beta Pi Chapter proudly promoted Women’s Empowerment during National Hazing Prevention week in September 2014. Through the week, each Sister posted a hazing prevention status on one or all of her social media sites. Beta Pi’s Facebook page proclaimed, “National Hazing Prevention Week begins Monday! Keep checking back to see how we are helping! Sigma has a zerotolerance hazing policy, and we are so happy our organization stands by this!" Midway through the week, the chapter got together for a Sisterhood during which the women made a variety of banners to promote Hazing Prevention Week. This event also featured a short educational session reminding us all of what Sigmas stand for and why our Sisterhood has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing. It was a successful week that inspired the chapter to continue to empower one another

GAMMA LAMBDA – UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–EAU CLAIRE • Eau Claire, WI The women of Gamma Lambda have been working very hard to follow in the founders’ footsteps by completing community service for the challenging breast cancer cause. All of the women baked their own baked goods and held a bake sale in the student center on campus—and we ended up earning $500 for the cause! After this, the chapter also completed a 5-mile walk for the American Cancer Society and raised another $1,000, bringing the total raised to $1,500. The women are so proud and thankful to all of their sponsors that helped raise this money and are so happy that they had the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful event.

Gamma La mbda // Th e women o Gamma La f mbda strike a pose while wearing th eir Sigma St rong swea to support tshirts the Breast Cancer cau se.

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our collegians GAMMA PSI – MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY Morehead, KY “Sigma Serves Children”—this motto has a brand-new meaning for the Gamma Psi Chapter. When junior Felicia Felice heard that her roommate’s 12-year-old cousin had just been diagnosed with Stage III liver cancer with a 10 percent chance of survival, she asked her Sisters in Sigma Sigma Sigma to help. Partnering with the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, a bake sale was held on October 6 to raise money to help cover the costs of medical expenses and make the stay in the hospital more enjoyable. Despite the stormy weather, the bake sale raised nearly $300, and these funds were sent to the family.

The chapter was soon sent back letters of thanks that warmed their hearts and truly made them appreciate Sigma’s motto while also teaching the Sisters that when you help a child in need, you also help the entire family as well.

DELTA THETA – UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT PEMBROKE • Pembroke, NC Members from the Delta Theta Chapter at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke kicked off the fall semester by coming together for a special cause, Suicide Prevention Day, which was September 10. Every chapter member wore yellow ribbons in honor of the special day. The women spread the word about suicide prevention by explaining what the yellow ribbon stands for and by using social media to inspire students around campus to join the movement. One of the chapter members is very invested in this cause. Suicide awareness is very close to her heart; as seen in the photo, chapter member Chandria Boykin holds a sign saying, “I wear YELLOW for my dad. Rest in Peace.”

As a chapter, the Sisters decided to support her and give others the tools and support they need to never give up on life.

DELTA OMICRON – GETTYSBURG COLLEGE Gettysburg, PA To show their support for National Hazing Prevention Week, Sisters of the Delta Omicron Chapter went above and beyond the call of duty. Sisters of Tri Sigma have always been firm in their stand against hazing because the practice conflicts with the sorority’s values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love.

The Sisters of Delta Omicron took their support one step further by publicly raising awareness of the issue of hazing on their

campus through their “Hands Down Against Hazing” campaign.

Every day during the week of September 22–26, Sisters from the Delta Omicron Chapter sat behind a table in their College Union Building (CUB), where a giant poster with the outline of a hand lay sprawled across the surface. Each day, the hand, which started out blank inside, grew fuller and fuller with the signatures of students taking a stand against hazing, until by the end of the week there was hardly any white space left.

Sisters also wore and distributed ribbons in their support against hazing. These ribbons were worn by Tri Sigma Sisters, other students, and faculty alike. Gettysburg College President Janet Morgan Riggs even wore a ribbon all week to express her support.

Delta Omicron Vice President Liz Foster has been an active and engaged member of Tri Sigma since she joined in her sophomore year. Liz spearheaded the events of National Hazing Prevention Week this year, including designing a Facebook cover photo, which all the Sisters adopted for the duration of the week, making the ribbons distributed at the CUB table, and designing the “Hands Down Against Hazing” poster. According to Liz, “One of my favorite things about Tri Sigma is our policy against hazing. When I joined Tri Sigma two years ago, I was told that I would be loved unconditionally and that I would not be hazed. This was the best thing I could hear and experience as a new member and this feeling has stuck with me ever since.

Therefore, when I heard about National Hazing Prevention Week, I knew I wanted to coordinate and plan it because by creating awareness, I hope one day that every new member will experience the same feeling like I did on bid night.”

DELTA PSI – ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY Philadelphia, PA Ask any typical college-aged woman what she does at 8 a.m. on a Sunday, and the responses may range from attending religious services to being snuggled up in bed, not to be disturbed. But on September 28, 2014, ask what the women of the Delta Psi Chapter did, and the answer wouldn't be the same—a reply of “I ran for Robbie,” with a huge smile. Delta Psi Chapter held its “Run for Robbie” 5K at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Gamma Psi // From left to right it is : Samantha Sh ort, Katie Spradlin g, Erika Cox, Lin dsay Clarkson, Mar isa Williams, Ellie Schmeig, Felic ia Felice, Megan Sharpe. In fro nt : Caitlyn Johnso n

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

y King, ft: Delane the top le m ictured o P fr s. d // Picture dison Rick a ta M e , h T in a Bauer, yk lt De ria Bo n, Kendall er, Chand Hanooma in st ry Taylor Barb K : ft . bottom le y Kocurek from the son, Destin rt e b o R Kaitlin

our collegians For months, behind the leadership of our fearless President Alaina Stockhausen, the chapter prepared for this huge event.

From getting a sponsorship from KIND Snacks to planning out the course, the women’s efforts were in full force to create an event that would promote Tri Sigma’s core values of service and Sisterhood. The itinerary for the day included a 5K run with cash prize awards, a 1-mile walk and a full day of access to all that the Philadelphia Zoo offers. Each participant signed up with a donation that covered their activities for the day as well as supported the Robbie Page Memorial Fund. With the help of Sisters both near and far, friends and family, and the outside community, the chapter was able to raise over $10,500 for philanthropy.

The day was a groundbreaking success that helped pave the way for this event to become an annual philanthropy for the chapter. “To receive much, we must give much.” The chapter gave all of their hearts, time and energy for the past few months of planning, and in return received results that exceeded their expectation—an enormous donation and even bigger amounts of fun.

EPSILON DELTA – GANNON UNIVERSITY Erie, PA The Sigma Sisters of Epsilon Delta have been active nationally and locally as of late. The chapter has recently moved into a new house, after living in a previous residence for 30 years.

Although it was a change of only a few blocks and an additional 3,000 square feet, it was a huge change for the chapter and in the lives of the active Sisters. The women who are living currently in the new house are excited to leave their mark and be the very first Sisters to make this change. Members of Epsilon Delta feel that it is bittersweet to move from the old home, where they have built their chapter and created many memories, but they are so excited to build new memories in the new home. These Sisters have come to learn that it doesn’t matter where they are; it’s about being together with their Sisters that makes it a home. Together, the chapter has made this new place their new home and a place to continue years of tradition and success in the Epsilon Delta Chapter.

Delta Omicro n // From le ft to right: M Marianelli, El organ izabeth Fost er, Crystal W Caitlynne G illiamson, oodlett, Paig e Susskind.

EPSILON NU – UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO • Greensboro, NC Epsilon Nu pushed forward this year with a new way to recognize Sisters who put forward their best character—the award is called “Sigma Woman of Character.” To receive a certificate for the award, a Sister must be nominated by another Sister within the chapter. There is a place for the nominating Sister to explain how the nominee exemplifies the principles of Sigma and Character Counts! and how the values of Sigma Sigma Sigma are reflected in her actions.

The award is a way to acknowledge Sisters for simply being the women who uphold the teaching and the oath of Tri Sigma, because sometimes this is hard with busy lives as students, Sisters, and workers. Thus, the women have created a way to give kudos to their Sisters for just being what Tri Sigmas set out to be. So far, there have been three Sisters from Epsilon Nu to receive the honor.

Epsilon Nu hopes to further the reach of Character Counts! on the campus of UNC at Greensboro, and by doing this it helps to remind them that character is always there throughout the year.

EPSILON UPSILON – MARIST COLLEGE Poughkeepsie, NY The Epsilon Upsilon Chapter is thrilled to have developed a relationship with the Play Therapy center at the Poughkeepsie Children’s Home. This October, the chapter partook in the first event with the home by helping them host their Annual Pumpkin Walk. The chapter carved pumpkins for the home and made games for the children to play. At the event the Sisters donned their best Halloween costumes and walked with the children through the pumpkin path and helped run games like a ghost beanbag toss! The women loved having the chance to work with some great kids and become more involved in the national philanthropy and local community.

psilon // Epsilon U ffman, o Lauren H inan, ll Emily Cu eline u and Jacq ng with si Blass po the s pumpkin rved for a c r te p a ch hkeepsie g u o P the Home 's n re Child mpkin u P l Annua Walk.

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our collegians EPSILON PHI – THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON • Wilmington, NC

ZETA UPSILON CHAPTER – FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY • Fitchburg, MA

Two members of the Epsilon Phi Chapter have showed off their innovative skills and their ever-positive attitudes over the past two years by providing various opportunities for our chapter. In fall 2013, Samantha Ruotolo organized and put together our very first philanthropy chair. Ruotolo gathers information about the events taking place on campus by contacting other philanthropy chairs or looking on social media sites for more information. She finds out several details about the event and then announces the information at Sunday chapter where she organizes volunteers to attend the different events. Our goal as a chapter is to attend one of every sorority and fraternity’s events for one calendar year.

Doing this has made the chapter as a whole more organized, and it has also allowed us to stay committed to our chapter’s goals. “It has held members accountable for attending an event, it has shown other sororities/fraternities that we are supporting them, and it has increased our awareness on campus and our philanthropy as well,” Ruotolo says, regarding the different ways our philanthropy chair has benefited our chapter. Since Ruotolo created the philanthropy chair, members have become more motivated, and the turnouts to our events have increased.

The Sisters of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter are always very involved with volunteering on campus. For this year’s Family Weekend during October, two Sisters received a unique opportunity to volunteer by dressing up as Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen.

They took pictures with families during the football game and help decorate ornaments with the younger children. The Sisters are Margaret Antonellis, a junior exercise and sports science major, as Elsa, and Caitlyn Almeida, a senior nursing major, as Anna.

Another consistent and driven member is Gabby Austin. She is the community service chair and has brought multiple and engaging community service projects to our chapter. Austin does a fantastic job of contacting a wide spread of people and staying up to date on volunteer activities around the Wilmington area. She was also able to plan two trips to the Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill and already has dates lined up for next semester. Austin has brought so many opportunities to this chapter and continues to show her dedication to volunteering and community service.

“I think when you volunteer, it’s a bonding experience with your Sisters,” says member Brittany Murdock. “You have funny stories to share, and you have a chance to talk to people that doesn’t involve a big setting. I think it’s important to participate in things that aren’t planned, such as picking up trash. Anything you can do to serve the community is beneficial.”

ETA LAMBDA – MORAVIAN COLLEGE Bethlehem, PA Over the past month, the women at Moravian College, Eta Lambda Chapter, have been working hard within the community. They volunteered with an alumna Sister whose daughter suffers from pediatric cancer by spending a Saturday helping her with her annual 5K race to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The chapter has also volunteered at the Celtic Festival by hosting a face-painting stand for the children of educators in the community to thank them for sending their students to Moravian. Eta Lambda has also worked with the Greater Bethlehem Soccer League by helping with a successful event that shows their appreciation for players and parents.

Eta Lambda set the event up, handed out raffles and food, and cheered on the soccer players. The Sisters love to see how appreciative people are of their service because the community always says it would not have been as successful without Tri Sigma’s support.

ETA NU – RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY Mahwah, NJ The Eta Nu Chapter has been very dedicated in working together. Their Sisterhoods have included: Nice Things (where a Sister stands against a board and her Sisters write nice things about her; she cannot peek until everybody has written something), yoga, speed dating (where they reconnect as a Sisterhood), and murder mystery. October 2014 was very busy for the women. They had their Senior Citizen Prom, which helped raise money for the philanthropy. This is where the

Zeta Upsilon // Margaret A ntonellis and Caity A lmeida of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter at Fi tchburg State Unive rsity.

Also pictured is the University Pr esident Robert Anton ucci and Olaf. a ma Sigm Sigma Sig f e o h T rs e t a b hi // Mem pter volunteering k. n Epsilon P a a B h C d i o h P n Fo Epsilon Wilmingto

our collegians chapter invited seniors from multiple senior homes to come to dance with the Sisters and raise money. The Sisters also celebrated the chapter’s initiation on their campus by playing games, sharing a cake and having fun as Eta Nu members commemorated their roots. Money was raised during a breast cancer walk to remember that volunteering for the community is crucial. The chapter also held the Tri Sigma VMAs, where sororities, fraternities and clubs on campus submit a music video to be shown at the event. The videos are judged and the winners receive prizes. Eta Nu also hosted Ribbons for Robbie, where Sisters make ribbons to sell at school and raise money for philanthropy. Finally, the chapter also donated children’s clothes.

The Sisterhood will keep going with philanthropy and represent Sigma Serves Children by being part of Ramathon in December, where Sisters will dance the night away to fundraise and support Children's Specialized Hospital through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

ETA PHI – PRATT INSTITUTE New York, NY This semester the Eta Phi Chapter has been up to many exciting things! One source of pride stems from the involvement with changing policy. This November, Kaye Schendel, Tri Sigma National President, visited the chapter to have a discussion surrounding the national organization’s policies. One policy in particular was discussed: the policy that allows no discrimination for transgendered members. Kaye and the chapter talked about how Tri Sigma could create a space for these individuals in the sorority, as well as how it will relate to other chapters around the country. As a small, more liberal school in New York City, these Sisters have had a lot of experience with trans rights and keeping open minds about all issues. Eta Phi was so excited to give feedback to Kaye, as well as hear from her how progressive the sorority has been throughout the years. This conversation left the Sisters feeling proud of the organization for taking these important steps for change.

ETA CHI – UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI Columbia, MO This fall, Eta Chi Chapter hosted its fifth-annual Kindergarten Dinner philanthropy event on September 18, 2014. The late night dinner lasted from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and there was a line out the door for the entirety of the event. Tickets were $5 each, and by the end of the night the chapter raised $7,000. This was the most successful dinner yet, and the women are so excited to see how much they can raise during their spring philanthropy, the Men of Mizzou competition.

THETA BETA – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN–FLINT Flint, MI Each year in the fall, the Tri Sigmas at the University of Michigan–Flint prepare for their Sigma Sale, and this year was no different. The Sigma Sale has been around for three years and is the chapter’s most successful event to raise money for the philanthropy. Each Sister decides what she is going to donate to the sale. This year the donations included baked goods, items from Vera Bradley and Bath and Body Works, paintings done by Sister Heidi Hals, a $300 gift card to Discount Tire and many other items. The Sigma Sale took place on October 9, 2014. The chapter invited the other sororities and fraternities on campus as well as friends and family. Bid cards were sold for $1, and at 7 p.m., the bidding began. All the items were auctioned off, and by the end of the night the chapter raised a little over $1,600. The Sigma Sale is a huge hit for the chapter, and it gets better and better each year. Theta Beta raised $600 more than they did last year. It is a great time for everyone and created memories the Sisters will cherish forever.

s n o i t a l u t a r g n Co 5 1 0 2 f o Class

aduation! their lives—gr in e tim ic or hist a celebrating a active in Sigm omen will be ntinue to be w co e d at , and an gi r lle te co om ap our nae ch Sigma w an ks, many of ill find an alum e always a Tri w ar u u yo yo u!

In a few wee e, pe yo s ov ho and ney take ay you m proud of you rever your jour or how far aw he e w liv u st yo be e We are all very re th you ter whe rever. We wish ember, no mat erhood are fo st activities. Rem Si of s nd values and bo the traditions, The Tr i a n g l e |

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our collegians

Welcome to the Sist erhood Case Western Reserve University With the help of staff, volunteers, alumnae members from the Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, and collegiate members from Alpha Pi Chapter at Clarion University and Alpha Beta Chapter at Kent State University, Tri Sigma installed Theta Zeta chapter at Case Western Reserve University last fall.

Tri Sigma officially established the Theta Zeta chapter in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 22, 2014. After weeks of planning, installation began on Friday evening with a pre-initiation meeting that was facilitated by Tri Sigma’s installation team. On Saturday, 57 collegiate members learned new parts of our ritual as they were initiated into the Theta Zeta chapter. Initiation concluded with the initation of the chapter’s honor initiate, Taylor Sweeney. The women celebrated during an installation banquet Saturday night, and the weekend wrapped up with a Ceremonial Business Meeting and ritual study on Sunday.

This event was a success thanks to hard work and dedication of the installation team, including: Tri Sigma’s National Vice President, Courtney Stone, and Tri Sigma’s Assistant Executive Director, Lorin Phillips. The installation team also included consultants, Mariah Fritchen, Jaclyn McLane, Sarah Cummins, Kelli Ourada, and National Officers, Emmy Smith, and Kim Davids. Also assisting with installation were Chapter Advisory Board members, Sue Flowers, Dawn Burngasser, Kristie Cooper,

University of Southern Indiana After several months of learning about Tri Sigma’s Sisterhood, on January 17, 2015, the Delta Eta chapter at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Indiana was installed.

On Saturday, January 17, 61 collegiate members were initiated into the Delta Eta chapter of Tri Sigma. In attendance was Tri Sigma’s National President, Kaye Schendel, who assisted with the installation along with a team of staff, volunteers, and alumnae from the local Evansville area along with the Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae chapter, and members of the Alpha Chi chapter from Murray State University and the Alpha Psi chapter from Eastern Illinois University. The chapter’s honor initiate, Anna Jackon, was last to be initiated, and the newest chapter of

and Grace Steinbrecher; and alumnae to include Cheryl Schinagle Cameron, Jennifer Johnson Wazny, Mary Ellen Halligan Fink, Erin McCafferty, Julie Duersing Hewitt, Cherie Pettit Pandora, as well as members of Alpha Pi and Alpha Beta collegiate chapters.

"The women of the Theta Zeta Chapter worked diligently toward their goals, and I expect great things from them in the future,” said Mariah Fritchen. “They are a diverse group of women and all bring something unique to the chapter at Case Western Reserve University!"

Congratulations New Initiates: Mindy Amornwichet, Megan Bell, Marianne Bonanno, Anna Carr, Michelle Chen, Alyssa Daniels, Lindsay Duddy, Katie Fechner, Melany Ferreira, Da Silva Daliah Greenwald, Sara Gulasey, Brenna Harrington, Frances Harrison, Hope Ho, Christie Hua, Kendra Johnson, Youjoung Kim, Esther Koh, Courtney Koski, Olga Kovalenko, Erika Limon, Lauren Lucente, Eileen McCafferty, Liz Mercer, Gloria Neilson, Laura Nguyen, Linda Nguyen, Carolyn Oatis, Abby Ortenberg, Iris Petschek, Megan Ramirez, Jennifer Rosen, Liz Rossborough, Mariana Sainz, Garcia Galy Sanchez, Maria-Cristina Santiago, Kristina Schultz, Sophia Senderak, Jiji Seo, Brittany Shah, Alison Smith, Francheska Son, Shruthi Srinivas, Iris Tsai, Abigail Whited, Kimberly Youngs, Alysa Zamora, Megan Zangara, Amy Zhang, Sarah Ebert, Jessica Clevenger, Anna He, Queenie Lam, Taylor Sweeney, Olivia Lascari, Sarah Em, Sally Tan, Elaina Lin

Tri Sigma celebrated at an installation banquet on Sunday afternoon.

This weekend was a success thanks to a dedicated installation team, including: Kaye Schendel, National President, and Tri Sigma Consultants, Sarah Cummins and Kelli Ourada. Also assisting was Chapter Advisory Board members Joan Bevers, Yvonne Beavin, Bethney Anthis, Julie Lane, Trent Engbers, Michelle Varney, Kelsey Johnston, and Karla Larmore.

The following alumnae were also in attendance and assisted with the weekend: Joie Montgomery, Kara Rees, Chris Hammock, Ilene Garrett, Lori Keating, Patti Dicks Whitledge, Ann Dicks Cline, Kim Andrew Fickas, Kathi Brinegar Kortz, Kathy Kanowsky, Laura Joest Hodges, Kathy Kolster, Kary Kay Irwin, as well as collegiate members from Alpha Psi and Alpha Chi. "The women of the Delta Eta Chapter have worked diligently towards their goals and I expect great things from them in the

future!” said Sarah Cummins. “They are a wonderful group of women that will bring so much to Tri Sigma and Greek life here at the University of Southern Indiana!"

Congratulations to the New Initiates: Shelby Heck, Megan Hoffman, Alicia Howard, Aeron Hylton, Anna Jackson, Katie Jossa, Olivia Kerr, Laken Lafferty, Leigh Larkin, McKenzie McCormick, Nikki Jo McCrady, Katherine McIntire, Shelby McNeal, Courtney Marshall, Emily Martyn, Chloe Minor, Caitlin Moore, Brittney Nash, Lexi Neel, Olivia O'Brien, Kaitlyn Oldham (Looney), Meagan Patterson, Shelby Price, Sierra Quigg, Hannah Slauter, Karson Stands, Shiloh Stevers, Josie Stotlar, Brooke Sturgell, Brooke Summers, Emma Ulrich, Mary Ulrich, Laura Unfried, Kathryn Volkman, Sarah Wagmeister, Hannah Walker, Kaleigh Wallace, Kelsi Wallace, Derrian Zabel, Laura Zaletel

our alumnae

Friends Forever

THESE LADIES FROM BETA EPSILON HAVE KEPT IN CONTACT SINCE THE EARLY 1960S AND HAVE GOTTEN TOGETHER EVERY YEAR FOR THE LAST 28 YEARS. "THIS YEAR WAS SPECIAL BECAUSE WE ALL TURNED 70."

Congrat s

Back row, from left to right: Donna Buckley Dusen, Marlo Brotman King, Cindy Johnson, Carol Schmidgall Krueger. Front row, from left to right: Pam Drake Willen, Virginia Cale Payton, Carol Hodson London, Eileen Basine O'Grady, Betsy Bordner Cwick, Bonnie Stocker Brotman

ALUMNAE INITIATES INITIATED THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2014

INITIATION DATE

NAME

NYC Alumnae Chapter membersINITIATION CHAPTER pose with their charter.

8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 8/3/14 10/19/14 10/19/14 10/25/14

Dana Thibodaux Robichaux Trisha Oubre Hidalgo Jennie Babin Rodrigue Heidi Caesar King Kristen Rodrigue Grezaffi Erin Buchart Rhonda Arcement Berthelot Mary Schmieder Dieringer Susan Modispacher Smith Mileika Gabriela Miki

Gamma Pi Gamma Pi Gamma Pi Gamma Pi Gamma Pi Gamma Pi Gamma Pi Eta Omicron Iota Alpha Gamma Xi

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our alumnae

Alumnae Chapter News ANCHORAGE ALASKA, AK Christine Marie Belenski Dollerhide (Christy) is an early member of the Eta Zeta Chapter who has upheld the service and philanthropy of the Anchorage Alumni Chapter for the last 13 years. Following our Founders, Christy has led the Anchorage Alumnae Chapter in a variety of philanthropic activities. For the last four years, she has planned and executed volunteer groups for three different charities.

// Anchorage, Alaska te), Rachel tia ini e na um (al Sherry Grenier ut, Grenier, Amber Sto , ott rm De Mc a , Meliss Christy Dollerhide Zeta), Kaela a (Et ert Eis ie gg Ma snjak, Gina Kelley At the annual garage sale, Hartman, Visjna Bo graduates) cu (Eta Zeta / rrent

Christy prices, organizes, advertises and negotiates prices to raise money for the chapter to send to the Foundation. She applies for grant money from local companies to buy decorations for the Children’s Hospital and gifts for the children. She also organizes two days for volunteers to put up and take down holiday decorations. She leads a gift donation drive for the Clare House (a mother and child shelter) and organizes a day for our alumnae and collegiate women to assist the children in selecting and wrapping gifts for their mothers.

In addition, she has been secretary for two terms and treasurer for five terms.

BALTIMORE SUBURBAN SOUTHWEST, MD

Baltimore Suburban Southwest // Stacey O'Connor Taylor (Lambda), Elizabeth Marie Johns (Delta Omicron), Laura Braddick (Epsilon Theta), Jessica Dowches-Wheeler (Zeta Lambda), Hillary Slade Gras (Epsilon Chi), Erin Caitlin Magee (Zeta Chi), Elizabeth Rachael Ricketts (Zeta Psi)

In September, the Baltimore Suburban Southwest Alumnae Chapter partnered with representatives from the Hagerstown Alumnae Chapter, Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter, Alpha Delta Chapter at Drexel University and alumnae from Zeta Psi Chapter at the College of New Jersey at the 10th Annual Race for Our Kids benefiting the Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai in Baltimore.

Some Sisters walked or ran in the 5K race while others dressed up as beloved children’s and cartoon characters to greet families and children along the 1-mile fun run course. Participation in the race was part of the Baltimore Suburban Southwest’s ongoing partnership with the Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital, which has included touring the hospital’s playroom and doing drives for items such as coloring books, DVDs and bandages.

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CHICAGO NORTH SHORE, IL The Chicago North Shore Chapter celebrated Character Counts! week by volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The second annual service project was an amazing experience that helped to prepare food for distribution to those in need.

Chicago North Shore Alumnae volunteered at the Greater Chicago Food Depository to celebrate Character Counts! week.

The group, along with another 20 volunteers helped sort, bag and box over 10,000 pounds of pears from a Michigan farm. GCFD works with 650 pantries, shelters, mobile programs and soup kitchens to distribute over 67 million pounds of food in Cook County, Illinois.

The chapter also visited the Evanston Hospital’s new Resource Library in November. Evanston Hospital received a Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation RPM grant for 2014-2015. The newest addition includes shelving, signage and a collection of educational materials in both English and Spanish. Providing an educational resource for families at Evanston Hospital is continuing along the path our Founders set forth.

DAYTONA BEACH AREA, FL The Daytona Beach Area Alumnae Chapter has the privilege of having three of its members as Golden Violets: Barbara Sorlie Houpt, Ann Hardin Register and the newest Golden Violet, Mary Ann Owens Abell. These women are an inspiration for the younger members as they are a few of the most active women in the chapter. All of these ladies follow in our Founders’ footsteps by opening up their homes to willingly share their experiences.

Every semester, these women, along with the rest of the alumnae chapter, facilitate an education session with the local collegiate chapter that emphasizes the true meaning of a lifelong commitment as a Tri Sigma Sister.

The alumnae chapter met in late October 2014 for a brunch at the Cracked Egg Diner in Daytona Beach Shores. Without question, the chapter’s three Golden Violets were in attendance for a morning of great food, stimulating conversation and perpetual friendship. // each Area Daytona B ed ck ra C e th brunch at Golden Egg Diner. attendance Violets in om and 4th fr , rd 2nd, 3 ly ve ti cu se n the left co Owens Mary Ann ara Sorlie Abell, Barb Ann d n a t, Houp ter. is g Hardin Re

Several Sigmas and an Alpha Gamma Delta celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Alumnae Panhellenic.

our alumnae

INDIANAPOLIS SUBURBAN ALUMNAE CHAPTER, IN The women of the Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter have enjoyed fun, fellowship and philanthropy in a variety of ways. This past summer, the chapter enjoyed a Sisterhood gathering with the Foundation Executive Officers, Executive Council and their Executive Directors. Chapter members learned news about the Walton House renovation and the great work the Foundation is doing.

The chapter has continued to help the Epsilon Omicron Chapter at Illinois State University by collecting money for a gift card so the women could purchase items they needed for their new house.

In October, a group of Sisters traveled to Evansville, Indiana, for the University of Southern Indiana invitation-only party to share their alumnae experience with potential new members as a new Tri Sigma colony was returning to campus. Also in October, the chapter raised $175 through a fundraiser to support the new colony. In January, several Sisters returned to Evansville to help with chapter installation and initiation.

Sigma Sigma Sigma was well represented at the Centennial Celebration of the Indianapolis Alumnae Panhellenic on October 12, 2014. The 100th anniversary was commemorated with a traditional high tea at the historic Indiana Landmarks Center. Ilene Swank Garrett, Kappa, co-chaired the event, and several other Sigmas, including National President Kaye Schendel, Gamma Phi, attended. Sisterhood events have included a “Make It, Bake It, Fake It� auction to raise money for Walton House and a Sisterhood canvas-painting event.

INLAND EMPIRE, CA

s with our Chapter Sister Inland Empire n at Child re ild rs for the ch Conrad Halloween Favo tty Be : ht rig to Help USA Left Harvey u Lo ry ta Pi; Mer Tiefenthaler, Be Janoe, vis Da ea dr An Gamma; Iota; e, bl Shouse, Beta Co s te Jo Ann Es Tau. Zeta Gamma; on ntoyo, Epsil Maria Ortiz Sa ppa Ka lz, Si s ka ren Lu Photo by // Ka

Inland Empire Chapter Sisters met in September at the home of Jo Ann Estes Coble for their annual service project, making Halloween favors to be given to the abused children at the local group home of Child Help, USA. They stuffed toilet tissue tubes with Halloween themed items, wrapped them in tissue paper, and delivered them to children. These gifts delight the children each year and let them know they are cared about.

JERSEY SHORE, NJ In August 2014, the Jersey Shore Alumnae Chapter celebrated 25 years of Sisterhood. Sisters came together to reminisce about the last 25 years and looked through old scrapbooks and photos. They received a gift from the national organization and capped the day off with a lovely meal.

In September, Sisters participated in the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation's annual walkathon in Avon, New Nashville // Elaine R Jersey, in which they walked a sh Turner po mawy ses by a ta in loving memory of their ble at the Step Out to Stop D iabetes W Sister, Laura, their family alk. members, and their friends who are battling or have lost the fight to ovarian cancer. In October, Sisters participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, to support breast cancer research. They also raised money for their local Ronald McDonald House through a jewelry sale.

NASHVILLE, TN Elaine Rashmawy Turner, Alpha Nu and Nashville Alumnae Chapter President, helped the chapter prepare for the Step Out to Stop Diabetes Walk. The Nashville Alumnae Chapter was a sponsor of the event and had its name on the event T-shirts. Members walked and donated to support Elaine, who has lived with diabetes for 28 years.

NEW ORLEANS, LA

the // Members of New Orleans ter ap Ch e na Alum New Orleans g tin ee their first m gathered for e th ed at br le d ce of the year, an Degree le rc Ci e th conferring of . ter members for two chap

The New Orleans Alumnae Chapter is approaching its 69th birthday and plans to continue its tradition of local involvement and national service into its next decade. Under the leadership of new chapter president Susan Connor Massey, Gamma Pi, and her officers, the calendar of activities is varied to allow all members to participate as much as possible.

Chapter member Paige Knauer Vance, Zeta Mu, who works for the local Second Harvest organization, planned a day of service at the facility in January, and has encouraged a continuing donation of food items. Suzanne Blanchard McGlone, Gamma Mu, connected with the head of the Child Life program at Ochsner Hospital to arrange for volunteering possibilities as well as to discuss a Foundation grant. Mandy Meehan Chocheles, Gamma Eta, made it her mission to work toward a $1,000 chapter donation for the Heart Home Campaign. Several smaller fundraising activities started off the process (a food auction and a raffle of the beautiful Foundation scarf), as well as one of the successful garage sales that the chapter has had in the past.

Stuffing dolls for hospitalized children in connection with a local Kiwanis group, a presentation on Ancestry registration, and a group painting activity, as well as the annual Founders Day luncheon and Circle Degree, provided a busy calendar for this dedicated, steadfast group of Tri Sigma alumnae.

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Phoenix Alumnae // Pink Party Day at Phoenix Children’s Hospital They all left with a Shadow Buddy Doll. Participants are L to R: Shadow Buddy Doll Co. owner, along with Liz Hoffert (Wakeman) BXi, Anne Ruiz (Lussky) Iota Alpha, Dinah Jones (Ross) BXi, Sue Dusold (Houk) BK, Maryellen Baxter (Drasler) BK .

our alumnae NORTH JERSEY ALUMNAE CHAPTER, NJ The women of the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter continue to pay it forward. In June, four members took part in the MuckFest MS New Jersey 5K Mud and Fun Run and raised more than $1,700 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter.

In October, the chapter assembled bags of Halloween goodies for children staying at the Jersey Battered Women’s Service, a domestic abuse prevention agency. The families greatly appreciate the bags, since the children are unable to go trick-or-treating.

In December, the group adopted a family for the holidays, and provided much-needed gifts and necessities for a local family in need.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, AR The Northwest Arkansas Alumnae Chapter recently presented a grant check for $2,400 from the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County in Rogers, Arkansas. The Children's Advocacy Center is a place where families and children of abuse and neglect can find support and guidance. With the money that the Northwest Arkansas Alumnae Chapter presented, the center will enhance their therapeutic supplies that help children with the therapy and healing process.

NORTHWEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO, IL The Northwest Suburban Chicago Alumnae Chapter spent a day visiting Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, where the chapter was able to present a check to the head of the child's life department on behalf of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. The grant was ty, ea able to pay for the remaining B ay K o // NW Chicag , the rep from needed sound machines that an ow , Nancy McG elle Tantillo are used in each room. The h ic ,M al it in the hosp Chamberla e n an sound machines are used Je , gleson Megan Fo to help drown out sounds from the hall and create a calming atmosphere. After the tour at the hospital, they were able to have lunch and discuss the book Lean In. They chose this book because of the book club discussions held by the programming team. They had a split view of the book, which led to great discussions. They are looking forward to their upcoming events as well as the work that has begun in planning the 2016 Convention.

PHOENIX, AZ The Phoenix Alumnae Chapter Tri Sigmas are going strong, in part because of the many quality women joining their Sisterhood.

Maryellen Baxter has been a driving force behind encouraging members to introduce us to women they know who display the conduct and character our Founders endorsed. About 25 percent of their members are alumnae initiates, many of whom have stepped into leadership roles.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

Maryellen’s strong belief in Tri Sigma’s value in women’s lives has made her a big advocate of involving others in the organization.

At the 2013 Convention, she presented a membership workshop outlining the chapter’s alumnae education program. In recent years, she has helped lead the chapter in numerous philanthropic endeavors such as working with children at the county hospital, Chandler Christian Community Center and My Sister’s Place, to name a few.

In her 40 years as a member, she has served at the local level as president, vice president, secretary and multiple chairmanships; she has been a chapter advisor for Beta Kappa Chapter at ASU; and she has served as registration chairman for the 2004 Convention in Scottsdale. She has given her time at the national level in the positions of Field Secretary, National Collegiate Chair, Area Director and NPC Collegiate Director, and she currently serves on the Foundation Board.

TULSA, OK The Tulsa Alumnae Chapter is “Following in our Founders’ Footsteps” by reaching out and meeting the immediate needs of their community.

Along with the collegiate Tulsa // Group photo of the Tusla Alumnae women of Alpha Iota, they chapter with their collection of toys during collected toys that will be their November alumnae meeting. donated to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa so that children ages 2–12 who come to the ER on Christmas Day will receive a gift. The collection of toys was held in November and December. They were wrapped and delivered by a group of Sigmas to the hospital for distribution by ER staff.

WISCONSIN FOX VALLEY, WI The Wisconsin Fox Valley Alumnae Chapter has several dedicated Sisters “Following in our Founders’ Footsteps.”

Dede Breese DeWitt, Gamma Lambda, served as the Epsilon Kappa Chapter Advisor for 21 years, giving her time, talent and treasures to uplift the women of Tri Sigma. Amy Jo VanRossum Reed, Epsilon Kappa, served as the Epsilon Kappa Membership/ Education Advisor for 18 years, and Melanie Collins Simon, Zeta Eta, is continuing to serve as the Epsilon Kappa Financial Advisor in her 14th year. These women continue to exemplify the values that Tri Sigma has instilled in collegiate women by modeling the conduct and dedication that the Founders laid as our foundation. They have given guidance, leadership and love that has touched and impacted the lives of countless women.

our alumnae

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Minnesota State Day

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By: Christina Miller, Epsilon Rho • Minnesota State University Mankato The snow held off just long enough in Minnesota for Sisters

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there to hold their first MN State Day in many, many years on November 15, 2014. Both collegiate and alumnae Sisters gathered in Lakeville for a day of self, service and Sisterhood! Sigma Sisters took part in a service project making blankets for children at Gillette’s Children Hospital. They raised over $400 for the Foundation through a silent auction, got some great shots at a fun photo booth and enjoyed listening to the guest speakers, National President Kaye Schendel and Foundation GOLD officer Cindy Harms.

It was a wonderful first event, and plans are already underway for next year's State Day!

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1. National President Kaye Schendel updates attendees on the State of the Sorority // 2. A fun group photo from MN State Day // 3. $425 was raised for the Foundation through a silent auction! // 4. Handmade gifts for sisters to take home with them! // 5. Cindy Harms and Rae Fenske take part in the State Day photo booth!

Sigma Sisters Get away 2015 June 4-7, 2015 • Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO SHOP, DINE, SIGHTSEE, EXPLORE, RELAX AND DO IT ALL WITH SOME SIGMA SISTERS? Join us on the 2015 Sister Get Away, June 5–8 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and find out why more than 350,000 tourists year find their way to this sandy beach. Come spend time with alumnae Sisters from the First State Alumnae Chapter who will provide you with dozens of options for activities in this historic area. Friends and family are also welcome. An easy drive from many locations on the Eastern seaboard, the city of Lewes has a multitude of things to see and do.

Contact DiAnne Gatts, Rho and First State Alumnae Chapter, at digatts@gmail.com for more information.

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2015

Graduates ORDER YOUR CORDS AND STOLES TODAY! www.purpleandpearls.com

our leadership

Officer Academy THE 2015 OFFICER ACADEMY BROUGHT TOGETHER 530 COLLEGIANS, 81 ADVISORS, 71 COACHES, AND 10 INTERNS ACROSS FIVE SITES IN ST. LOUIS, COLUMBIA, DALLAS, CHICAGO, AND DULLES. DURING THIS WEEKEND, CHAPTER LEADERS GAINED VALUABLE SKILLS AND LEARNED ABOUT OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES, THE ACTIONS OF WOMEN OF CHARACTER, AND HOW TO UTILIZE THEIR TOP STRENGTHS. THE T-SHIRT AUCTION, MERCHANDISE SALES AND DONATIONS RAISED OVER $15,000 FOR THE FOUNDATION, SHOWING THE COMMITMENT FROM OUR MEMBERS TO MOVE OUR SISTERHOOD EVER FORWARD. WE THANK EVERYONE WHO WAS PART OF THESE WEEKENDS OF LEARNING AND LEADING ALONGSIDE OUR SISTERS!

Read more about the experiences of our participants:

KELSEY HERNÁNDEZ COLLEGIATE CHAPTER PRESIDENT • ETA ZETA

values is priceless. Her presence is welcoming and embodies everything I think of when I think of Tri Sigma and what we

“My experience was amazing! During my time in St. Louis,

stand for. After this past Officer

I learned about character from a new perspective and how to

Academy, I made a pledge to be

better help the women of my chapter and myself implement

the light to those that need to find

it in our daily lives. My favorite part of Officer Academy was

a way. I loved Officer Academy!

getting to collaborate and learn from my fellow sisters through

I hope that next year, I will be

breakout sessions and group discussions. I'm so thankful to

able to be a coach or come back

have been able to have this experience and now share it with

as an advisor again, not only to

my sisters.”

recommit, but also to find those 'ah-ha' moments that make me

ANA ALFONSO CAB • ZETA EPSILON “It was a pleasant surprise coming back to Officer Academy this past year after coming as an officer (president) in 2011. I was

fall in love with Tri Sigma again.”

JEANMARIE KOMYATHY COACH • GAMMA KAPPA

ecstatic to see Emily Ellis, one of the facilitators from the last

“Serving as an Officer

one, and it really solidified what being a leader is about. The

Academy coach allowed

one word I would use to express this time around is inspiring.

me to reconnect with

Coming back as an advisor was not an easy decision to make,

the commitment I made

but to learn from over 100 years of advising experience was

when joining Tri Sigma.

incredible. One experience that I will never forget is meeting

Working with our collegiate

our National Vice President, Natalie Averette. After our initial

officers to connect with

meeting, I knew that one day, I would love to be the way she

our vision and values was

is. I know I could never be her, but to be able to show those

truly inspiring.”

"Officer Academy is the most amazing experience. The opportunity to meet sisters and coaches from all over the country is simply empowering! I truly appreciate every moment I spent in Chicago learning about how to be a woman of character in my chapter and community."

Ryanne Mallow, Vice President of New Member Education—Epsilon Kappa

Photos // Tri Sigmas at the St. Louis, Columbia and Chicago Officer Academy

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our foundation

The Importance of Chapter Support In the 2013–14 fiscal year, 103 undergraduate chapters donated nearly $160,000 to support the future of Tri Sigma and Robbie Page Memorial grants. Their donations to the Tri Sigma Foundation ranged from $50 to a couple thousand; with each chapter making a gift that was significant and meaningful to them.

Longwood University, Alpha

Shepherd College, Beta Delta

Presbyterian College, Epsilon Pi

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Lambda

Western Illinois University, Beta Epsilon

Minnesota State University Mankato, Epsilon Rho

Truman State University, Mu

University of Pittsburgh, Beta Theta

University of Central Missouri, Nu

Southeast Missouri State University, Beta Xi

Virginia Commonwealth University, Epsilon Sigma

Eastern Michigan University, Omicron

University of Detroit Mercy, Beta Tau

Emporia State University, Pi

University of Wisconsin - Stout, Beta Pi

Pittsburg State University, Chi Marshall University, Psi Concord University, Alpha Alpha Kent State University, Alpha Beta Drexel University, Alpha Delta Northwest Missouri State University, Alpha Epsilon

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Delta Delta Bloomsburg University, Delta Zeta University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Delta Theta Gettysburg College, Delta Omicron Winthrop College, Delta Pi

Marist College, Epsilon Upsilon University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Epsilon Phi Northeastern University, Epsilon Chi Rochester Institute of Technology, Epsilon Psi Stephens College, Eta Alpha Newberry College, Eta Beta University of Alaska - Anchorage, Eta Zeta Gustavus Adolphus, Eta Theta

Barton College, Gamma Xi Nicholls State University, Gamma Pi Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Gamma Rho Morehead State University, Gamma Psi High Point University, Theta Alpha University of Michigan - Flint, Theta Beta McKendree University, Theta Gamma Lindenwood University, Theta Delta Bryant University, Zeta Alpha Southeast Oklahoma State University, Zeta Gamma State University of New York Oneonta, Zeta Delta

Widener University, Delta Upsilon

Texas Woman's University, Eta Kappa

University of Virginia, Delta Chi

Moravian College, Eta Lambda

Florida International University, Zeta Epsilon

Radford University, Alpha Theta

St. Joseph's University, Delta Psi

Winona State University, Zeta Eta

Northeastern State University, Alpha Iota

California State University East Bay, Epsilon Alpha

Ramapo College of New Jersey, Eta Nu

University of SW LA, Alpha Mu

University of Arkansas at Monticello, Epsilon Beta

Sam Houston State University, Eta Omicron

Grand Valley State University, Epsilon Gamma

Metro State College of Denver, Eta Pi

Gannon University, Epsilon Delta

Culver-Stockton College, Eta Sigma

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Epsilon Epsilon

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Eta Tau

East Stroudsburg University, Epsilon Eta

Lynchburg College, Eta Upsilon

Northwestern State University, Alpha Zeta

University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Alpha Xi University of Central Arkansas, Alpha Omicron Clarion University, Alpha Pi Lock Haven University, Alpha Rho James Madison University, Alpha Upsilon Central Michigan University, Alpha Phi

Ursinus College, Eta Xi

University of Missouri, Eta Chi

St. Mary's University, Epsilon Iota

Eastern Illinois University, Alpha Psi

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, Epsilon Kappa

East Carolina University, Gamma Beta

Northern Illinois University, Beta Alpha

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Epsilon Nu

Slippery Rock University, Gamma Zeta

Missouri State University, Beta Beta

Illinois State University, Epsilon Omicron

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire,Gamma Lambda

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

Idaho State University, Zeta Theta Montclair State University, Zeta Kappa Wingate University, Zeta Lambda Virginia Wesleyan College, Zeta Pi Johnson and Wales University, Zeta Rho

t hank you!

Oglethorpe University, Epsilon Theta

Pratt Institute, Eta Phi

St. John’s University, Eta Psi

Murray State University, Alpha Chi

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Elon University, Delta Beta

Saint Leo University, Epsilon Tau

Southeastern Louisiana University, Gamma Mu

Missouri Western State University, Zeta Tau Fitchburg State College, Zeta Upsilon Coastal Carolina University, Zeta Chi The College of New Jersey, Zeta Psi

our foundation

Our Impact By: Jennifer E. Holtsclaw, Delta Pi • Foundation Chairman Each year the Tri Sigma Foundation is able to award scholarships and Robbie Page Memorial grants because of generous Tri Sigma Sisters.

We hope our donors share in our excitement, as this year we were able to award 55 scholarship and RPM grants totaling over $114,000.

These funds allow undergraduate and graduate Sisters to breathe a sigh of relief. They now know that they can afford their books or make their next tuition payment.

For our RPM grant recipients, this means a number of different things.

Our grant to the North Carolina Children’s Hospital means funding part of a clinical fellowship in recreational therapy and child life pediatrics.

This fellowship was established in 1995, and 20 talented individuals have been trained in the field of recreational therapy since that time.

The North Carolina Children’s Hospital was the first in the country to establish a recreational therapy fellowship program, and they continue to be the lead innovators for training young-in-practice professionals.

The Tri Sigma Foundation Robbie Page Recreational Therapy Clinical Fellowship creates opportunities for new therapists in search of critical hands-on experience and guided learning.

or injured child while in the hospital and when transitioning back home.

Our grant to the Denver Children's Hospital South Campus in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, will provide funding for a playroom for children. In 2013, the Foundation, Denver Alumnae Chapter and Eta Pi Chapter at Metropolitan State University of Denver combined efforts for a pilot program to fund a playroom for children in the new Denver Children's Hospital South Campus. Over 15,000 children were estimated to visit this campus in 2014, ensuring the Tri Sigma Activity Room would have a tangible, positive impact on the community.

For our local RPM grants, it means providing funding for iPads, musical instruments, toy models of CT and MRI scanners, and books for a Family Resource Library, just to highlight a few.

Our grant to the Children's Heath of Dallas also provides funding for a Child Life fellowship. This fellowship was established over 25 years ago, with the Tri Sigma Foundation’s support. The Child Life Department at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas was founded by Sally Francis, who received a Tri Sigma Foundation graduate assistantship while attending the University of North Carolina.

All of these grants and scholarships would not be possible without the support of Tri Sigma Sisters like you. Without you, we cannot achieve our goal of addressing three of the most important issues facing our society today: lack of women leaders in top management positions, the escalating cost of education, and an overburdened health system where our children need help to heal.

These Child Life fellowships provide professionals with the opportunity to learn how to help children cope with their medical conditions and the hospital environment, as well as how to provide children with appropriate outlets for expressing feelings and anxieties. These fellows also learn how to offer emotional support for siblings of patients and educate parents on how to promote normal development of their sick

With Founders Day right around the corner, the Board of the Tri Sigma Foundation hopes that you will remember the Tri Sigma Foundation in your celebrations! With only two percent of Tri Sigma’s membership supporting the future of Tri Sigma by donating to the Foundation, you can understand why we’re so grateful for your support.

Shop for official Tri Sigma apparel, supplies and gift items.

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www.purpleandpearls.com

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2015

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Sigma GivingDay In 2013–2014, Tri Sigma offered over 176 hours of critical leadership training through our three national leadership programs: Officer Academy, the Dunham Women of Character Institute and the Labyrinth Leadership Experience. These programs served a total of 821 members (723 collegiate members and 98 alumnae).

On October 10, 2014, the Foundation held its inaugural Giving Day. Because of the impact Tri Sigma has had on her life, SAM! Farrell matched up to $15,000 of donations made on that day.

The result of our Sigma Giving Day was over $30,000 donated by generous Sigma Sisters in 24 hours!

Wondering why you should give to the Tri Sigma Foundation?

Because each year the Tri Sigma Sorority requests over $400,000 to support critical educational programs, and we can only fund

“As the Chief Operating Officer of himagine solutions, which is the largest health information management consulting company in the United States, I credit my leadership style, ability to listen and influence to my early experiences with Tri Sigma Chapter leadership. Tri Sigma gave me the opportunity to learn how to lead. It was an experience that impacted and shaped the direction of my life. As one of the few women in executive leadership, I give to the Tri Sigma Foundation to impact the future women in leadership!”

– SAM!

Farrell

Epsilon Theta and Tampa Bay Area Alumnae Chapter

27 percent of their grant requests. Help us do more!

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