Issue 6, Fall 2021
Impact of Emerging Philanthropist Joey Koenig’s Tri Sigma story began with a button stuck in the cupholder of her car. As the Sorority started the process of chartering on her campus, Joey took a button from them in passing, but the idea of joining a sorority was hardly on her mind. The button got stuck in the cupholder of her car, and people began asking if she was a member of Tri Sigma. She repeatedly said no, but this constant reminder in her car piqued her interest enough to get her to attend an information night. At this information night, the focus was philanthropy and the Foundations connection to Sigma Serves Children; Joey was immediately invested. Her father had polio when he was younger, so she felt connected to the mission of “Sigma Serves Children” and especially to the Robbie Page Memorial Fund. As fate would have it, this connection would lead to her becoming a charter member of the Theta Delta Chapter at Lindenwood University. While she had an immediate connection with our philanthropy, Joey had no idea how it would impact her life throughout her collegiate and alumnae years. As a collegian, she served as the Foundation Chair and benefited from attending leadership programs. As an alumna, Joey witnessed the unveiling of the partnership between Tri Sigma and March of Dimes. She said that this partnership brought her full circle, as she was already passionate about March of Dimes and had connections to the organization. Joey says “the triangle” of the Foundation,
which includes leadership programs, scholarship support, and Sigma Serves Children, have all impacted her life. She has seen the mission genuinely come to life. Today, even as a young alumna, Joey impacts the Foundation by giving back. Whether it be through donations or volunteering, she focuses on helping our philanthropy move forward and thrive. She helped start the Foundation’s Collegiate Ambassador Program with the goal of getting collegians more involved and engaged with our philanthropy. Joey says she never had a second thought about getting involved with the Foundation because she knows she has benefited personally from the generosity of her sisters. She believes that it is never too early to start giving back. Joey reminds all collegiate sisters as well as alumnae, “to receive much; you must give much.” She wants you to take a step back and think about how much you have received from your experience as a Tri Sigma. Have you attended a leadership program? Have you grown as a person? Additionally, is there a child in your life whom you love? How can you help serve children? How can you keep the benefits of our philanthropy alive for other women? Upon reflection, there are numerous reasons for you to support our philanthropy. It can be as simple as recognizing a sister you miss by sending them a Violet Tribute - all that matters is your support. No matter who you are, or how much you have to give, you can impact the Foundation and the lives of others.